Rising Tar [Private/Leonidas]

The Kuja Mercenary and Arms Dealer came to the Island for one purpose only. To expand her market base, she spent the past few days meeting with local forges and bars, the best sources to obtain knowledge and to supply her with items to sell. Her dream was to have complete control overs the arms trade and production in the world. She gets close to her goal, but she still had a lot of work to do. She had to spread her influence across all four blues, the Grand Line and The New World. She couldn't do that alone, so much she could find some aid. Since she didn't align with any sole group like pirates or marines, she was free to do business with anyone she pleases. After spending time in Illuisa Kingdom helping the locals getting rid of some local gangs she travel to Kyuka Island in order to see how she could use the Island to her advantage. Kalliope wasn't doing it was the kindness of her heart when she help the locals in Illuisa Kingdom, oh no she simply use the excuse of helping the locals to cover up her true attentions. She was wiping out her competition in the area, she didn't want to compete with other arms dealers and criminals tend to sell arms as one of their primary ways of making beli, she couldn't blame them it was a profitable venture if done right. Kalliope herself a small fortune in her name and she wasn't referring to her annoying bounty.

At the moment, Kalliope was standing inside a shady looking bar, she had a single dart in her hand as she was playing a game of darts with some of the men. She was wearing a large bag over her shoulders that carry her two machine guns, she wasn't foolish enough to wear them out in public, she didn't want to draw attention to herself. Which was funny since she wasn't wearing a shirt which drew attention of men and woman. Kalliope cheered as she tosses a dart the manage to hit the center of the dart board. Throwing darts was child's play to her since she handles firearms on daily basis.  There were some groans from the other plays as Kalliope once again won another round darts and earn some more money for herself. "I'm already draining your wallets dry, you should just quit trying to beat me. You can't beat me at this game" Kalliope would laughed as she sat down on a table near her, counting the beli she earned.

The slight breeze from the constant musky bar door opening and closing brushed the Revolutionary General’s elegant blonde hair smoothly to the side. He tapped his slender fingers against the rigged wooden counter, signaling for another round of shots. His saber, Sori, strapped securely to his right hip, Leonidas shifted his gaze, setting his hazel-nut eyes on a silver-locked woman who had been effortlessly defeating a group of men in a game of darts. A smile spread across his thin lips, thinking to himself.  “Heheh. Wish I could do that. “  The bartender set a shot of pure Vodka on the counter. Leo wrapped his glove-encased fingers around the small glass cup, lifting the brim to his lips so as to allow the alcohol to slip down his throat.

With a triumphant groan, the General downed the shot of Vodka. He now fully turned his attention towards the beautiful silver-locked woman. He pressed his palms flat against the counter, pushing himself to his feet. Despite chugging twenty-three shots of pure Vodka, he had little to no side-effects. He approached the woman with a gallant grin upon his face, one that could stun even the most elegant of princesses. “What is a gorgeous woman like yourself doing in a place like this? “ His amazon-like eyes glanced at the two bags slung over the woman’s shoulders. Due to her militaristic like attire, he could only assume they were weapons of some sort. “ The name is Leonidas, as your service M’lady.”  

Kalliope put down the beli she was counting as she glance at the handsome man, he had a magnificent smile, which left her stunned for a few seconds before she responded back. She was sure she wasn't marine, due to the lack of a marine uniform, but she couldn't be too sure. The man could be an off duty marine. At least he didn't seem to know her which was good, she did her best to stay in the spotlight. "I decided to step inside and get a quick drink before I saw the guys here playing some darts. So I figure I make some quick value by betting that I can beat them in a game of darts. It was hardly worth the effort. These bastards don't carry much on them" She sighed as she looks at the small pile of blue she won. The pile would be hardly enough to purchase a basic weapon. Blowing a few strands of hair away from her face, she would grin as she stood up and stretching her arms. "My name is Kalliope. Kuja businesswoman, always looking for potential customers and partners. The main reason I'm here to expand my business."

Then Kalliope clapped her hands together and examine the man, looking him over like she would one of her prize firearms. "What brings you here Leondias? Are you here for business or pleasure, or maybe a mixture of both"  Kalliope playfully said she adjusted the two bags over her shoulders, she could have worded that statement better. He didn't look like some who use guns often, so she wouldn't try to make a sale to him at least not in public.

Leonidas flashed her a dashing smile before extending his left hand. “Quite the talent you have. I witnessed you make a bullseye nearly every time. Dazzling, cunning, and presumably knows her way around long-ranged artillery. I like that. “  Despite not knowing who she was up front, he thought to himself as he heard the name ‘Kalliope’. Being a Revolutionary General, he does have a firm grasp on the various bounties scattered across the world. One in particular belonged to an infamous female arms dealer who laid waste to a couple of gangs in Illusia Kingdom. If this were the woman, than his search had finally come to an end.

The whole point of traveling this far out into Paradise was to find this woman. Again, being one of the three Revolutionary General’s, he was somewhat responsible for the upkeep of supplies. In this case, he was searching for this particular Arms Dealer in order to get Guns/Slingshots, etc in bulk. The Revolutionary’s were running low, and he figured he’d take it upon himself to acquire a hefty amount. His left eyebrow raised as Kalliope asked him a rather seductive question, though he was more than pleased to give her a proper answer. “Whatever decides to lay itself across my path, I guess. “ With one last glorious grin, he leaned backwards, giving his backside a nice, sparingly crack.  “ A lady such as yourself shouldn’t be subject to drink in a bar like this. How about I take you up to the hotel for a proper beverage? “

Kalliope in return would flashed him a charming smile, extending her right hand, shaking his hand firmly for a few seconds before letting her hand returned to her side. "Flattery will get you everywhere" She did a small bow while giggling for a bit. "Thank you for the kind words. I try my best to stay ahead of the competition. Its a dog eat dog world and only the cunning make it out on top. And being a female is even harder, there people always under estimating you because of my gender, but then again I guess that can work to my advantage as well. Anyway what was I about to say before I ramble off topic."

Snapping her fingers as she remember. "Ah. So you go with the flow? Nice. I think I take you up on your offer for that drink just as long as you don't mind me bring my bags. It been awhile since I enjoy drinking in a proper setting, the bars are cheap which is nice. The crowd is trash and annoying at times especially when they try to get you drunk." Kalliope place a hand on her forehead and sigh, as remember a few encounter she had with those types of people, it didn't ended well for them."Though, sometimes I can find some decent company like you. Or in this case you found me." With a small wink, she would began to  walk away from the bar and look over to her shoulder to wait for Leonidas to follow, she was walking at a casual pace, looking around the busy city. That name, it was ringing some bells in her head, she could swore she heard or saw that name before, but from where, many she heard one of clients speak of it or maybe she saw on it poster of something, anyway she would continue to think about it.

Damn, that was a cute smile. Leonidas couldn’t help but blush at her warm, welcoming grin. He opened his mouth in order to speak, holding his arm out to escort her, before the bar door slammed open. A rather ragged-looking man stepped in, sweat dripping from his face, staining his clothes. His hands were smudged in a strange black gelatinous like substance. “Huff… Puff… Huff…. Everyone… Tar has built up around the edge of the island… Pack your things..! We gotta leave right now before he gets here! “  Leonidas churned in his seat, taking in the looks of absolute fear and horror on the pub’s inhabitants. He decided this was the best time to speak up, considering the situation. “ Who is ‘he’...?”  “You haven’t heard of him before…? They call him… The ‘Gunk Soldier’.

Leo’s eyebrow raised in curiousity. Gunk Soldier? The name didn’t sound familiar. Maybe that’s because he spent most of his time in the New World, and not in the Paradise half, or the Blues, for that matter. He leaned in closer to Kalliope, trying to whisper lightly in her right ear.  “Gunk Soldier? Ever heard of him…?”  He placed his left hand firmly on the pommel of his Saber. If things got ugly, he’d have to get Kalliope down, and fight. Although… she seemed to be the type of girl who could handle herself, he didn’t wanna take any chances. This was the first girl he had talked to in months, possibly even a year, that didn’t work with him. And work relationships never really worked out.

To put it lightly, he did not want to spoil this girls time or business on the island. “It’ll be alright. Whoever this guy is, I’ll make sure he doesn’t mess any of your business up m’lady.”

Kalliope attention turns towards the slammed door, causing her to not catching the blush that appear on her company face. Kalliope look at rugged man curiously, at first she he was mine worker or work at some job that involve getting dirty, that was until she took a closer look at the man, he was cover in strange dark material, it was gross.. She shook her head, as the man start to talk about the "Gunk Soldier." Kalliope almost wanted to laugh at the ramblings , but she held her tongue it seem like this man was serious about this Gunk "Soldier.' She haven't heard of anyone like that in black market, mmm.

"No. I never heard of this character before, but with a name like Gunk Soldier her can't be too dangerous. Then again, names can be misleading. Still I guess we should watch our backs." Kalliope whispered back, she frowned at the news. This could pose problems for her. It the man was willing to leave the Island, no telling how many people would follow suit. Kalliope nodded her agreement and the chuckle a bit. "Thank you for the concern, but don't worry, I can handle myself and when comes to my businesses. I wouldn't let anyone or anything ruined it, not without a fight at least." She would remove one of her bags from her shoulders as she pull out one of her machine guns, her grin got even bigger. As she held it with one hand. "Nice blade as for me, I prefer guns. This here is the K2-30 Light Machine Gun, one of my go to weapons. If anyone wants to mess with me. I fill them with lead." Kalliope winked at Leonidas, before focusing back on the other guy. "Is there anything else you can tell us about him, or about the stuff that is covering your hands?"

Leonidas released his grip on his rapier. He smiled, watching Kalliope attempt to hold back a chuckle. “You’re right. Names can be rather deceiving. “ He stepped towards the man who revealed this new ‘Gunk Soldier’s apparent arrival. His eyes focused on Kalliope’s gun for a split for a moment, his tan ears perking a tad as she wholeheartedly explained what her firearm was. Leo appreciated it. Kalliope talked about her weapon as if it were her own child. Her words were full of passion and excitement, that he couldn’t help but smile. “This beauty really is something else. “

He waited patiently for the rugged man to catch his breath and retail more information on the rising threat. “The Gunk Soldier… Rorick Beugelsteine. They call him the ‘Gunk Soldier’ because he ate some cursed fruit that allows him to control tar..! All he does is fill the waters with tar, raids islands.. and leaves them covered in a black mess.. “ The man paused, struggling to hold back tears. A slight shiver ran down his spine. “No one has ever been able to touch him… He.. H-H-... He even took down a Vice Admiral.. V-Vice Admiral Toikiji.. “ Leo’s amazon eyes widened with shock, forcing his left hand to re-grip his saber’s hilt. To be able to take down a Vice Admiral and not even receive a single blow was quite the accomplishment. How had he not have heard of this? If this ‘Gunk Soldier’ actually defeated a Vice Admiral, it should be public news around the world. But.. it wasn’t. Could the World Government had covered it up in fear of rallying the public? Or could this just be another rumor?

Before the citizen could continue talking, a woman snatched at his back, pulling him out of the doorway. She stuck her head inside of the bar, and screamed: “He’s coming! He’s coming! RUN!” A slight smile spread across Leonidas’ lips. He began heading for the door, his thumbs laced through his belt loops. “Sorry to cut this elegant treat short m’lady, but it seems as if we have a new visitor. Do not fret, one day, I’ll buy you that drink. “

Kalliope glance at the Leondias's blade once more and thought about her stockpile, maybe she did have something she could sell him or give him, depending on her mood. "Of course it had to be a devil fruit user. They are rumored to be powerful, never fought a devil fruit user myself, but I know basics of them." Kalliope sounded frustrated as she spoke, but mentally she saw this as a beli making moment, with Leonidas help she was sure they could defeated the Gunk Soldier and depending on the type of devil fruit, she could sell it on the black market possibly. So far from the man descriptions, it sound like this foe had a paramecia devil fruit at best. She could easily found a customer for it, maybe. At the moment the demand for devil fruits has been rather low. Kalliope was concern about, this this guy defeating a Vice Admiral if it was true. "Defeating a Vice Admiral is no easy achievement. So Mr. Beugelsteine is at least Vice Admiral strength if not stronger. The Kuja blood in me is boiling for combat. It shall be a pleasure in defeating him."

And she was cut short as woman appearing and warning everyone that he was on his way. Kalliope chuckled, that save them time for searching for him. "I really hate the timing of this, I was looking forward to that drink. Everyone get out of here and run. Leonidas and I will handle him." She thought about revealing her second machine gun for a few seconds before deciding that she save it for later. After the both of them step through the doorway. They were soon followed by mob of people flowing out of the bar and running away from the soon to be battlefield.  Kalliope didn't want to have to worry about friendly fire or their enemy trying to use the defenseless citizens as hostages.

As the crowd flooded from the bar, Leonidas stretched his right arm outwards in order to loop around Kalliope’s, so as to not get separated. He looked downwards at her, allowing his brilliant smile to shine like the moon once again. “You continue to surprise me, m’lady. But please, be on your toes. He sounds as if he has a Paramecia or Logia type of Devil Fruit. Let’s hope it is the former, unless you can use Haki. “  The Revolutionary General showed, probably for the first time in a long time, a look of concern. It wasn’t often that he had to watch out for an opponent, seeing as he defeated most in one strike. Sadly, this wasn’t going to be the case. This was going to be a battle.

Arriving at the docks near the north end of the island, the duo would more than likely notice the large build up of the disgusting, putrid tar around the rim of the island. The nasty semi-liquid oozed through the cracks that lie within the path. A huddle of fiendish buccaneers grouped themselves in a large scuffle, right before a massive black pirate ship. Leo stepped forward, grinning towards the group. “Uhm… Excuse me, Excuse me! Would you all happen to know where the infamous ‘Gunk Soldier’ is? “  The puny pugilists snarled and gnarled their ragged teeth, nudging one another with their elbows. The crowd began bisecting straight down the middle, presumably for a higher-ranking figure. They say speak of the devil, and he shall appear. In this case, it happened to be true.. The Gunk Soldier had arrived.




The man had slicked back silver hair that reeked of nasty tar. His entire body seemed to be tattooed, or painted, or.. ‘tar’ed in an otherworldly tribal images. His red and black coat sliced open near his right shoulder, allowing for most of his torso to be visible. The most distinguishing feature was his large, crimson three-bladed scythe. The end of the behemoth weapon seemed to be attached to a long metal, recoiling pole that slithered up his left arm’s sleeve.  “Oi choichoichoichoichoichoichoi! What do vee have heezaaahhh? A pretty voman and a rambunctious man? Oi choichoichoichoichoichoi!”  Leo bent at the knee in order to whisper towards Kalliope.  “Did you happen to understand a single word he just said m’lady?”  He indeed was hard to comprehend. He had a very prominent German Accent.

The Gunk Soldier’s eyes narrowed on Kalliope, then snaked their way down to her bulbous breasts. His nose broke out in an uncontrollable stream of blood.  “Zos are zee most beautivul breasts I ‘ave ever seen! “  With that single statement, he charged the silver-locked sniper. Leo’s arms and Saber shined over with a slick black-like substance, indicating that he had imbued them with Busoshoku Haki. He easily intercepted the attack with his trusted sword. The Gunk Soldier was no push-over. He was able to recover from his lust for boobs in order to clash his large three-bladed scythe with the Revolutionary General’s saber.

Sparks emitted from the initial impact, flying outwards into the air. The ground cracked from the immense pressure of these two monstrous beings colliding.  “M’lady, be on your toes! “  “Oi choichoichoichoi! Quite chivalrous aren’t vee? I vill shut you down and claim my brreeeaasstss! “

"The only words I understood was pretty and man. Hoho. Well the only language he needs to understand is the universal language of pain." Kalliope whispered back as she size up her opponent. Oh boy, did he had an odd look to him, that devil must have alter his body or he was really into paint, she didn't knew which option he was. Before she could retort by the nosebleed their tar-colored fiend was having, he deiced to go after her first, the speed at which he move at was phenomenon. Kalliope was preparing to move backwards when she heard the clashing of metal. Her company manage to intercept the blow. As their weapons collides, the very ground shake as the two titans clash. Despite being powerful in her own right, she knew that these two were a cut above her. Not that it cause her any alarm. "Sorry my breasts are only of the few things that aren't for sale, but you can try! Leonidas defend my honor while I deal with the small fry." Kalliope winked at the strange talking pirate and her handsome company.. She move towards the Gunk's Soldier right as she leapt backwards and pointed her machine gun at the Gunk Soldier, unleashing a quick burst of five rounds towards his left shoulder. The sound of bullets leaving the chamber could be easy heard. Kalliope wasn't skill enough with Armament Haki to cover her bullets in it, so she didn't want to waste too much ammo. So as she land on the ground around 3 meters backs, she watch to see what impact her bullets had.

Kalliope was on her back, facing upwards as she heard some chatter coming from the lesser pirates. It seem like watching their leader in combat has embolden them to take up arms as they try to assist their captain, but soon they saw one of their comrades brought down in hail of bullets, as Kalliope start up her LMG once again, the exposed pirates would soon scramble for cover as the heavy and constant thumping sound coming from her firearm, signal to everyone that it was in fully automatic mode. The few of the scattering fodder that did had rifle would return fire as they shot at the Arms Dealer. A few shots pass dangerous close to Kalliope's face as she quickly roll across the ground and position herself behind two barrel. It was better than nothing. Since the docks didn't provide much of it.

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1st K2-30 Light Machine Gun Ammo Tracker: 65/75 Rounds Remaining
2nd K2-30 Light Machine Gun Ammo Tracker: 75/75 Rounds Remaining.

As the two titanic weapons specialists clashed, Leo took the time to note Kalliope’s position. He really didn’t think she was that fast. She was able to move back from The Gunk Soldier’s attack, ready her weapon, readily dodge, unleash fire onto him, and land safely. Could she get any better? That was something Leo would love to stick around and find out about, but alas. The Gunk Soldier’s strength was another thing he didn’t expect. Though he rivaled his own, The Revolutionary General proving to win the physical bout, The Tar-Logia wielding foe was strong in his own right.

Kalliope’s bullets passed through Rorick’s body like flies, though it did help by distracting him. He turned his entire head, looking towards the Arms Dealer. “I am so glad zuu dezided to pay attenztionaeee to mee! Oi choichoichoichoichoichoichoi! “ Leo smiled, holding his right finger out. “Shigan!”  The force from Leo’s finger pistol was enough to blow the Tar-man backwards. His body morphed into the black substance, spreading across the shockwave. Sadly for the brightly-hair duo, Rorick was skilled enough to catch himself on a wall, unleashing a small, yet loud fit of rage. “DO NUT HIT ZMEE VEN I AM TALKING TO ZE SWEET CHEEKS! “

With a short burst, The german-themed captain rocketed through the air towards Leo, prominently swinging his massive, now Aramament Haki-coated scythe towards the Revolutionary General. The two tyrant’s weapons clashed once again, only this time, Leo’s blade wound up caught between two of the scythe’s blades. With a triumphant roar, Rorick twisted his weapon, literally snapping the saber in half. Leonidas couldn’t believe his eyes. That was his baby. The sword that earned him his epithet. The sword that brought him to the top.

The amount of anger swelling up within the Revolutionary General was unfathomable, though he knew to protect the island and Kalliope, he was to control it. His right Haki-enhanced palm shot through the smoke, grabbing ahold of the Gunk Soldier’s face. With his own primal howl, he pivoted his waist, slamming the notorious villain face first into the gigantic stone wall behind them. This obviously wasn’t his go-to choice of combat. He prefered swords, and frankly, that’s what he was best at.

The putrid semi-liquidy substance known as tar seeped through the cracks, sploshing over Leo’s boots. He readied himself, bringing his bulky-cuffed fists up to guard. Before he could react, a rocket of black tar blasted into the air above. Observing more would lead them to find out Rorick was at the end of that tar jet. He was fleeing to the top of the island’s magnificent landmark, the Kyuka Hotel. The Revolutionary General sighed, turning to see Kalliope wiping the floor with the nasty pugilists.  “Is there anything she can’t do..?”  He thought to himself. He waited for her to finish destroying the goons before speaking up. “ As much as I would like to chase him down.. we can’t. It would be a long and strenuous fight if I went in bare-handed. We need to scout out a sword-shop, or something of the swords before hand…”

She frown as her bullets harmlessly passed through  Rorick's body, one word pop up in her mind, logia. Her bullets were pretty much ineffective versus his body, she didn't have any sea stone bullets at the moment. She shook head, as piece of the barrel cover broke.  Using the barrels as a stable platform, she would rested her Machine gun on them, help her increasing her accuracy with the weapon slightly, they overwhelming firepower of her light machine gun gave her in edge in suppressing and mowing down her targets, but at the cost of reduced accuracy and being poor choice for stealth combat. As her K2-30 was using up bullets like a fat man eating hotdogs, she torn through the poor fools, covering, as they fall one by one, her machine gun cutting right through their ranks. It was like cutting a knife with hot butter. They were numbers were decreasing as felt her gun start to heat up slightly. It wasn't anything to worry about now, she still could use it for awhile before it overheats. "Eat lead, you bastard. This will teach you to mess around with my business!" She shouted out as she quickly turn her gun on a retreating pirate, he didn't made it far, as Kalliope aim for his legs, causing the man to tumble down onto the ground, crying out in pain. The crying was cut short, as Kalliope ruthlessly pepper the down man with more bullets until his movements cease. With the last of the grunts taken careful, she check her remaining ammunition. "Still good. When she heard Leonidas needed a new sword, she had smirk. Follow me, I know a place. Just inform your buddies about the place if you find a sword to your liking. Spread the word about my business." As she was talking she would stand and began sprinting towards the direction of the Kyuka Hotel. The place were she wanted to take him, was ahead of the hotel. She was sure that that Leonidas could keep up with her.

It wouldn't take them long to reach the lower district of the town. It clearly the shady part of town, Kalliope would them through some alleyways until the reach what look like an Armory. "Fire and Brimstone, Beli and gold. This is the Arms Dealer. " The Door would open up, revealing a man from an ancient and forgotten race." He even tower over Leonidas standing at least 8 feet tall.

Its Kane from Kane's Armory:

"Who the boytoy?" Kane asked as she he stepside to let the two of them enter his armory. It was fill with rare and exotic weaponry, it was clear that he was a master forger. Kalliope chuckle as she shook her head. "This is Leonidas, we hunting down some logia and he needs a replacement melee weapon. Got anything for him." Kalliope was sitting down on a crate. "Depends, What do you want?" Kane set down his massive hammer, as he point towards rack of swords behind him.

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1st K2-30 Light Machine Gun Ammo Tracker: 30/75 Rounds Remaining
2nd K2-30 Light Machine Gun Ammo Tracker: 75/75 Rounds Remaining

Leonidas glanced over at Kalliope. Despite just having his beloved weapon snapped in two, he couldn’t help but smile, seeing her dispatch the entire group of buccaneers. “I wonder if it’s necessary for me to keep complimenting her. “ He stopped when the silver-locked sniper mentioned of a place where he could acquire a new sword. “How kind of you m’lady.”  That being said, The Arms Dealer took off. Damn, she was freaking quick. It took his best efforts to be able to keep up with her. “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.. Geppo! “  Leo jumped into the air, seemingly pressing his feet against the free space above in order to ‘fly’. He looked down upon her, thinking rather deeply to himself. “She looks quite beautiful when she is running…”

Kalliope led the duo to a shady back alley. The Revolutionary General lowered himself to the ground in order to enter the confined space. “You really know your way around, huh? “ With a quick sudden movements, a hidden door swung open in the middle of the alleyway. The slight backwash of orange and red flickering upon the walls inside indicated that a fire was brewing in the confines. A gigantic, burly demon-like figure answered them. Apparently the two knew each other, which was a score for Leo. The supposed arms dealer-demon wielded a large hammer. Leonidas sized it up, wondering how in the hell someone could lug that around with them.. then again, this was an 8 foot tall man. The two bright-haired individuals entered the boiling room. Racks upon racks of various weapons lined the walls. Swords, axes, maces, machine guns, hammers, rocket launchers, all shapes and sizes decorated the scorched walls.



As much as Leonidas would’ve loved to stick around and browse, he had to get moving. One sword in particular caught his eye, a massive, thick, single edges blade mounted on the wall in a back corner. It was encased in a gold-traced glass case, seemingly all high-and-mighty. The sword was absolutely huge. It must’ve been as tall as Kane himself, if not bigger.  “I’ll take this one.”  Leonidas rang out with a pleasant tone. Kane smiled, lugging his husky frame over to the case. “That’ll be 600 million Beli.”  Leo’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull. 600 million Beli? Was he freaking insane? This damn thinger better be made of diamonds if he was to buy the damn thing. “The edge of the blade is coated in a thick layer of Karoseki. The blade itself is made of a special metal from the other side of the world. It’s nearly as strong as Karoseki itself. There are four diamonds encrusted on the bulky hilt. “ Ok.. so it was kind of made of diamonds.. but the price was ridiculous.  “I didn’t really uh… bring that much. “

"When your in the business as long as I have been. You tend to get around and discover certain places." Kalliope responded as she search her pockets for something, she figure something like this might happen. Kane's equipment was superior to Sally's equipment in quality, but in when came to prices, Sally was cheaper than Kane was unless her giving out discounts and sadly for Leonidas he wasn't going to lower the price for him.  "That a pretty blade you choose, not much of swordswoman myself, but even I can appreciate the a finely craft blade." Kalliope whistle a bit as she heard about the price and lightly chuckle, she wasn't sure if Leonidas could afford it at the moment. It was good thing he was with Kalliope. Kane smile quickly faded as he sighed heavily as he look towards Kalliope, wondering why she would bring a poor person into his shop, he wasn't generous. "600,000 Beli is the price. I don't care if you're chasing down some troublemaker, that isn't my problem nor my concern. If you can't afford it choose something in your price range or get out of my shop. I don't run a business not a charity." The demonic forger said without any hint of regret or second thought. He was friendly at times, but when comes to selling, he doesn't negotiate.

"Don't worry big guy. I got him cover. Just put it on my tab. You know I'm always good for it and I never miss a payment." Kalliope grinned at her partner. Kane rub his chin and nodded. "Fine. Only because your a loyal customer and you are good for business. You must be some special?" His smile return took one of his most rarest of blades and handled it to Leonidas. "Nah, he just owns me a flavor in the future." Kalliope then stood up and walk towards the door. "Thank you, Kane. We discussed business later when I return from this unexpected mission. Leo! Lets defeat the loser." The massive demon simply nodded, not wanting to said much in front of a stranger. Kalliope walk out of the store and lead them out of alleyways, and return on the main streets, but it seem like The Gunk Soldier was trying to slow them down, as the street was cover in a thick and sticky black substance.

Leonidas’ amazon-like eyes stayed glued to the massive weapon. Something drew him towards it. Was it fate? Destiny? Or just coincidence that he found it? That he even found Kalliope? Who knows. He barely averted his gaze to Kalliope when she commented on the craftsmanship of the blade.  “I agree. It’s one of the most beautiful blades I’ve ever seen. “ When Kane and Kalliope began conversing, he figured it rude to just stare at the sword all day. Leo heard Kane’s rather stern statement about the price, and frankly, he couldn’t blame him. You had to be unrelenting to run a shop, especially one with as fine as merchandise as this. If he gave everyone a discount, then he probably would make little to no money. As Leo began drifting off to thought about how he felt about Kane’s declaration, Kalliope spoke up. His blazing eyes lit up when she offered to pay for the sword. Even though he wanted to explode with elation, he also felt guilty. She was paying a shit ton of money just to get him a sword. He opened his mouth to begin retorting her offer, only to shut it, rethinking his decision.

With the personality he’s observed of Kalliope over the past couple of hours that they have been together, she probably would not have taken no for an answer. And more than likely would’ve shot his ears off until he accepted. When Kane shot him the semi-compliment, he just flashed the demon-forger an awkward grin, returning to the sword. Kane retrieved a rather large, intricate key from some place that Leo didn’t take the time to notice, and unlocked the case. “It’s all yours. Better be lucky she’s coverin’ you. “  Leo nodded his silver-blondish mopped head, gripping the handle of the gigantic sword. He lifted it off the wall with surprising ease, running the Karoseki-coated edge underneath his eyes. “It’s magnificent. “  He wasn’t done there, he wanted to look around more. I mean, damn. Kane had other amazing equipment as well, much to Leo’s pleasure. Though, before he could even get a glance at the other weapons, Kalliope gripped the back of his collar and dragged him out of the shop.  “Eek!”

When the two arrived at the streets, they discovered it caked and flowing with the gunky black tar. The Gunk Soldier was really making sure they did not get to him. Why? What purpose did he even have at the hotel? It wasn’t anything special, nor did it carry any significant riches that anyone knew about. Could it be that? Could there be a hidden, priceless jewel somewhere within the confines of the hotel and or tree? They had to figure it out, soon. Stopping The Gunk Soldier was number one on Leo’s list, and probably Kalliope’s as well. Leo wrapped his slender fingers around his massive sword’s handle, pulling it off the sheath on his back. “Time to try this beauty out. I will handle the tar m’lady.” That being said, The Revolutionary General launched himself into the air, swinging his enormous sword’s blade across his body. The sheer force from him rotating the finely cut metal blade caused a compressed wave of blue air to shoot out, driving the tar backup hill. His attempt worked, at least momentarily, clearing the path directly in front of them. Despite his humble and courageous endeavor to cease tar flow, it began slowly but surely tumbling back down the street, towards the duo. “M’lady.. it seems as if we’re going to have to make our own way up…”

Kalliope shook her head as she dragged him out of the store, as much as wanted to look around hey have a pirate to stop, they could always come back later, if he wanted to buy more things than. That wouldn't hurt her, it just me he will be in more debt to her. "Don't forget you owe me 600 million for that sword of yours. I hope you got a good paying job! Or something. You be in debt for awhile." She hummed as she took a few steps back to give her partner some room. "Please don't break it, it be expensive to repair and that a lot coming from someone like me." Kalliope look a bit worry, she was sure that sword was unbreakable, but she couldn't be too sure, she have to do a lot of selling this month to make up form the 600 million she spent today, she might have to go to club and dance. She quietly groaned as she watch raw display of power, watching the blue airwave push back the tar, it seem to have work...but only for few moments. "Well if we can't get through it, I guess we just have to find another way to get to him". Kalliope then look behind her and grinned as she though of an idea.

Kalliope held her left hand up and point towards her "If we can't use the streets, then we can use the buildings and jump from rooftop to rooftop until we get here. Hopefully I can still agile like in my younger days. Just need to find a way to get up there. You think you can get us up one of these buildings. If not we always just climb up one." Kaliope muttered, she in her thirties not that old, but people these days anything over twenty one is consider ancient.

The Revolutionary General flashed his dazzling grin, holding his 600 million Beli sword out. It was a jewel. Probably one of the most expensive swords in the world. The blade of air he was able to produce with it was phenomenal. If he had actually thrown all of his force into it, the blade would’ve probably sliced the street open. Luckily, he didn’t. He was here to stop The Gunk Soldier, not tear up the city even more. His eyes shifted over to Kalliope as she stated that he owed her. “Don’t worry m’lady, a General always pays his debts, and then some. “ He scanned the rooftops of Kyuka’s city. They seemed to provide a surefire way to the top. “Here, climb onto my back, I will get us to the top. “

Hopefully she did, as he would jump into the air, pressing his feet against the air. “Geppo!”  The Rokushiki training provided by the Revolutionaries actually came in handy. Despite not being a fan of close-quarters combat, certain Rokushiki skills proved to be more than enough help in situations like this. Ascending at a fast rate, they’d be near the hotel in no time.  As they were in the air, a large stream of tar burst into the air from the middle of the hotel. Exploding through the windows of the building, it would seem like it wouldn’t take much longer to sink this island. “It seems as if he is trying to corrupt the tree with tar. What could he be trying so hard to get at? “ Was it something Leo could use to benefit the Revolutionaries? Or possibly use to pay Kalliope back with? Whatever it was, Rorick fought tooth and nail, one hundred percent going out of his way to obtain it. In the hands of a man like this, it couldn’t be good. Especially since he is trying to sink this innocent island in the process. Curiosity hit Leo like a charging Rhino. He wanted, no he HAD to know what The Gunk Soldier was after. But at the same time, he had to protect, and worry about how to pay Kalliope back. Though with this catastrophic event on their hands, the least of their worries had to be about money.

The Arms Dealer nodded at his words"I don't weigh a lot!" Kalliope quickly pointed out as she climbed on the Leonidas's back, she didn't knew why she said that, it was a force of habit she learned from watching other non-Kuja females. Wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her legs against his sides, she made sure had a secure grip, but her shot off into the air. Kalliope let out a small shout after Leondias used Geppo to leaped or walk into the air, she wasn't a student of Rokushiki and didn't understand how most of works. She wasn't a melee fighter so, Rokushiki wasn't a skill she plan to use. As they got closer to the hotel, Kalliope shook her head as she saw the tar was flooding the streets and stream of tar shooting out from the center of the motel.

"Not sure why he wants the tree for, I don't think that tree holds anything special expect that I know of or has any special abilities." Kalliope narrowed her eyes as she examine the tar flowing out of the motel. Trying to see if she can pin-point their target as she was searching for me, she widen her eyes and shout out. "Look out, incoming tar!" It would seem like the Gunk Soldier was aware of their approach, as around twenty shuriken shaped tar projectiles shoot out from the large stream of tar. The tar shurikens weren't extremely fast due to nature of the substance, but a hit from one of them would like it would hurt. Kalliope would have attempt to shoot them down, but she cling to Leonidas at the moment, she didn't want to fall from this height.

“You really don’t weigh a lot, do you?” Leonidas smiled, gripping her thighs tighter as he ascended into the air. His heart sank as he saw the black gunk flowing through the streets below. He had never meant for this to happen. He had to stop this. There were innocent people down there, innocent children. This only added fuel to the fire boiling within his stomach. While he was spaced out, he had heard Kalliope shout incoming tar. Despite being zoned out for the majority of the time, he was able to counter the Tar Shurikens. “Hold on. Soru!” In a flash, Leonidas appeared on the large trees unfathomably stable leaves, giving them perfect access to the oozing hotel. For Kalliope, being on Leo’s back, it would’ve felt as if she was blasted with a very quick, powerful wave of wind. Due to his grip on her legs, she wouldn’t have flown off.

As Leo approached the hotel, a shadow zipped into the air, landing on the ground before them. The impact from this newcomer caused smoke and debris from the solid tree leaves to spiral around, allowing the figure to give off a very massive silhouette. “Another beast? “  From the smoke, a large, beastial figure approached the duo. Within seconds, Leo was able to deduce exactly what it was, as Kalliope probably would have as well.




“Gaaaagagagagagaga! Welcome pheasants! “ With a sinister, toothy grin, the Armadillo-like figure shot his revolvers wildly into the air above, dancing frantically. He had a thick, raspy southern accent. “Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang! Yeeehaawww! “  Leonidas was taken aback if anything. This had to be some type of Zoan Devil Fruit user. Though it wasn’t unlikely in the world that it could be some type of anthropomorphic animal who acquired enough sentience to speak common tongue.  “Who might you be? Working with the Gunk Soldier perhaps..? “  The Revolutionary General brought forth a more subtle approach, deciding that provoking this monster would end in him shooting them out. Despite knowing Kalliope could whip his ass in a second, he preferred it not end in a shootout, due to him being in the middle.  “The name be Toothpick, Gagaaaaaggaga! Best sniper around the Grand Line! I ain’t lettin’ you lot pass through here, ya diigg? Yeeee haawwww! “  In the blink of an eye, the Armadillo unleashed a barrage of bullets upon the duo. Leo gripped his gigantic sword’s hilt, swinging the blade downward in order to send a compressed blade of blue air towards the bullets. Toothpick shot with unparalleled marksmanship despite it looking as if he fired like a mad man. Had it not been for Leo’s blade of air detering the bullets path, they would’ve landed right between the bright-haired duo’s eyes. “M’lady… I think you may have found some competition..”

Once they were on solid ground  and the barrage of bullets were over, Kalliope after getting her bearing would release her grip and step get down from the General's back. She never travel like that before.  "Leonidas, go on ahead without me. Who knows how close Rorick is getting to his goal, plus you just get in the away. When I start shooting, I can get carry away." There were plenty of attacks she had up her arsenal, but she couldn't them if Leonidas was around, he could get caught in the crossfire. If he wasn't indebt to her, she mostly likely wouldn't have shown concern. As she saw the massive silhouette, she deiced I was to dual wield her machine guns. Amazingly she still had her other bag and drop it to the ground. "The heat you packing is quite small my fellow gun lover. Lets see how your guns withstand these girls. Dual light machine guns versus your dual revolvers. My guns are bigger!" Kalliope walk in front of Leondias with a huge smirk.

Toothpick didn't even seem phase by her comment. He just laugh it off as he twirl his revolvers. He decided to come up a witty counter, if only he were fighting a guy."Gagagagaggagag! Lassie, your just wielding large guns to compensate for your small tits, Draw! Gagagagaggaga" And in an instant both shooters held up their firearms, aiming at each other, pulling their triggers at the exact same time, both of them unleashed a storm of lead, the sounds of their bullets ricocheting and colliding against each other fill the airwaves, as the ground became liter with spent ammunition. It seem like both Toothpick and Kalliope have temporarily forgotten about the sword wielding man as they began their duel, giving Leonidas the perfect chance to slip by, if he haven't already.  

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1st K2-30 Light Machine Gun Ammo Tracker: 25/75 Rounds Remaining
2nd K2-30 Light Machine Gun Ammo Tracker: 60/75 Rounds Remaining

Leonidas gazed towards Kalliope, obviously concerned for her safety. As much confidence as he had in her, he didn’t want to leave her alone to fight. But, it seemed like he had no choice. She had already begun unveiling her trademark machine guns. “Alright M’lady… You stay safe. Soru!” With a final handsome smile, he used Soru to quickly travel behind Toothpick. He wrapped both of his slender hands around his sword’s handle, rushing towards the Hotel. “She’ll be alright. I hope she’ll be alright, at least… That armadillo fellow can shoot like no tomorrow. I guess I”ll just have to put my faith in her. Please be safe m’lady.”

The Revolutionary General slammed his foot against the hotel doors. It was completely deserted. tar littered the floor, the desks were completely smashed, the ceiling lights hanging on by threads. It seemed as if a gigantic tar tornado went through here. At the far end of the hall, a massive hole was smashed into the ground. When Leonidas approached it, he brought his amazon-like eyes over the hole, peering deep within. The hole appeared to be several hundred feet deep. “Oi choichoichoichoi… So zuu finally came ahhh? I vas expecting zuu to come hezah… hopevully vith zee big breasted voman.. but alas.. eet eez only zuu. Oi choichoichoichoi…” Leonidas shifted in his spot, turning around to face the maniacle Rorick Beugalsteine. The man they’ve been searching for this entire time. “Oooo, Oi choichoichoichoi! I see zuu haz zey new zword?! Do zuu zink zat vill help zuu?! Oi choichoichoichoi! “

“Why are you destroying this island? What is down this hole that you want so badly? “ The Revolutionary General questioned the sinister villain, circling around the Hotel so that his back was not directly facing the hole. Rorick brandished his enormous three-bladed scythe, grinning to show his blood-stained teeth. “Immortality.” With that one word said, Rorick charged. He seemed to use some type of technique similar to that of Soru, because his body disappeared in a flash. Luckily, Leonidas was able to intercept the Gunk Soldier’s attack, clashing their titanic weapons together. The clash produced earth shatter effects, sending a shockwave into the air above them, completely blowing off the top of the Hotel.  “Soru!”   “Taicho!”  Both monstrous beings faded from existence, re-appearing above the area they were just stationed at. Their respective weapons slammed against each other in a flurry of strikes. Sparks flew throughout the Hotel, every single impact of their weapons creating a miniature shockwave that shook the entire tree the Hotel was based on.

The gunslingers dueling could match the raw power of their the combatants fighting above them, but that didn't make their battle any less exciting, the shockwaves that were rocking the hotel, didn't effect them.. "Yee-Haw, do you feel that? The power of my boss can't be stop, that pretty boy of yours can't stop him. Roll Out!"  The animal like man cried out as leaped into the air, once Toothpick reached the peak of his jump her curl himself into a ball, as thick layer of Haki Armament coated his entire. And like a cannonball, Toothpick flung himself at the Kuja Arms dealer, Kalliope would fire some bullets at the toothpick, but the combination of his hard shell and the Haki coating made her shots ineffective as they bounce off their shell. "No effect!' With a bit of shock in her voice as she flip backwards to nearly avoid being flatten, the ground buckle under the impact as high pitch laughter of Toothpick feel her ears. "Rebound! Point Black Shoot!" And suddenly his body seem to disappeared from sight.

The anthropomorphic animal excitedly cheered as his body appeared  sudden appeared in front of Kalliope, the quick burst of movement caught her off guard as the Haki infused shell slam into her midsection, causing her to be propel backwards.  As the Kuja was push backward, toothpick would uncurl himself as he fire another wave of bullets at Kalliope, still having his armament haki active. "Soul Scope!" Activating her own Haki, Kalliope manage to evade the incoming bullets as they hit an object behind her, filling it with holes.  Rolling behind some cover, she took a deep breath rubbing her gut. "Speedy bastard, I gave him that." Kalliope try to look around her cover, but quickly pull her head back, as Toothpick shoot at her.

The two warriors held their respective weapons tightly, sizing each other up. It was apparent that Rorick was not cut out for a fight lasting this long, as his stamina began betraying him. “Zuu are more poverful zen I zought… But can zuu take zees much pover? “ Rorick held his large scythe above his head, the three blades radiating with a red energy.  “Zwweee Bladed Demon Slice! “ The Gunk Soldier slashed his scythe downwards, sending a massive red blade of pure energy towards Leonidas. The attack literally cut straight through the flooring of the Hotel, even surging outside, slicing through the tree’s thick leaves. Leo managed to avoid the attack, appearing in front of Rorick. His left foot coated in Armament Haki, the Revolutionary General delivered a kick like no other to the Tar-Logia wielding foe, sending him spiralling down the gigantic hole that he created before their battle.

Leo wiped his forehead, peering down into the black abyss. “Well, I guess he wasn’t that powerful. “ As the blonde-locked General turned towards the exit of the Hotel, the tree’s entire foundation rumbled with an intense shockwave. The hole that Rorick was pushed into bubbled and boiled with scorching hot, black tar. “I seem to have spoken too soon…. “  Gigantic, dripping black hands shot up from the pool of tar. A large, demonic looking figure rose from the boiling abyss, resembling Rorick. “Zuu zink zuu can defeat me vith vone kick! Impozzible! I am zee Gunk Zoldier! Ruler of zeh Paradise! “ Four massive fists of pure tar blasted out from the pool, aimed right for Leonidas. With unparalleled movement, Leonidas was able to push himself off the ground, bouncing off the Hotel walls in order to avoid the Gunk Soldier’s attacks. He switched his enormous blade into a reverse grip-like position, imbuing the entire blade with Armament Haki. “Whatever it is, I can’t risk you obtaining it. On a side note, M’lady is counting on me to win so I can buy her a lovely drink. Farewell, Gunk Soldier. Soru! “

In one quick flash, Leonidas vanished, reappearing behind Rorick. He stabbed his sword into the Hotel wall for support, holding himself in place. Shifting his amazon gaze towards Rorick, it was obvious his attack hit it’s mark. Rorick stood in his normal form on the Hotel floor, his mouth gaping like a black hole. After a few seconds, his torso, waist up, split in half. A ring of blood spewed from his wound, his limp, lifeless body slumping to the floor. “Rest In Pieces, fiend.”

"You know I thought you would give me a better shootout than this. I should have that a woman can't hold their versus a man! Now get out of that cover and taste defeat you gal. Gagagagagaga" Toothpick laughed as he continue to fire off wave after wave of bullets, but then he stop his southern laughter and kick his feet into the air, as he ran out of ammunition, the empty sound of his revolvers was a dead give away of it . He mumbled a bit as he dig into a pouch that was attached around his waist. The pouch was fill with . During the moment of silence, Kalliope took advantage of that as she leaped from behind cover and returned the flavor, as she fire off only one of machine at the anhro country man. Toothpick manage to a one of revolvers fully loaded before he had to curl up in ball and roll across the ground to avoid the onslaught bullets, Kalliope grunted as the shell of Toothpick just made her bullets harmless. "Strike out!, you can't this gurl.!" Toothpick swiftly change directions as he came straight at Kalliope.

Sadly for him, unlike last time she already had a plan for this type of attack. Kalliope would coat her legs and boot, in armament Haki, as she dropped on of her firearm and start to balance herself on one hand and began to rotate quickly picking up speed. " Magu Kata: Death Metal Dance." As toothpick came within close range, their two attacks clash. Both of them stop as they try to overpower each other, After several seconds, Toothpick was sent into the air as Kalliope was push backwards. The force of the clash, causing Kalliope to stop spinning and force Toothpick to uncurl himself, revealing his soft underbelly to Kalliope. "Game Over!" She quickly unloading on the falling Toothpick, her bullets, shredding through his belly and head. And with that the enemy was no more, as his lifeless body hit the ground. K

Kalliope would get up and walk over towards the anthro and pry his revolvers out of his grasp. She examine them and shrug. "I think I keep these for now"

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Skill used

Spoiler:

1st K2-30 Light Machine Gun Ammo Tracker: 0/75 Rounds Remaining
2nd K2-30 Light Machine Gun Ammo Tracker: 40/75 Rounds Remaining