First match!

[blockspenguins]

[[The boy showing up on the screen looked...well. Crestfallen to say the least. He pulled his orange headband down a little before finally addressing the screen.]]

I...I'm sorry everyone. [[What's this kid apologizing for?]] We failed. We let the aliens win... [[It was clearly hard to admit, he was visibly trembling.]]

I...there's no excuse. I wasn't strong enough. I'm sorry. [[His fists finally pounded on the console. He was so frustrated, so disappointed in himself. After a moment he sighed, relaxing as best he could. His hands slipped from the console, and he put on a smile.]]

So...who all is here? Mom? Any of my team? How about any other soccer players? Please ah...speak up! I want to know who was saved...

Comments

[gomu_ningen]

Ahh.. H-How do I find all of that stuff? I don't need anything to defend myself 'cept my fists!

[His eyes. My God. They're beaming with an excitement not unlike a dog looking up to a person sitting at a dinner table.]

[true_noir]

If that's the case, just find something you can light on fire and pour it in a bottle. Light the match to the rag and toss. Then, rely on your fists when others come to ... give their opinions.

[gomu_ningen]

So.. Soccer is just fighting other people because you've got balls?

[true_noir]

Well, being a soccer fan tends to mean fighting because your team lost...

And because you have balls. Europeans took the game very seriously.

...so did the South Americans if I recall correctly. I was always surprised that the Americans bothered, really. They're much tamer in their violence.

[gomu_ningen]

[So confused right now. Luffy's brain isn't really picturing this as Endou had also been describing.]

If I'm not a "fan" then what do I get to do?

[true_noir]

You can play. It's quite athletic. Lots of kicking the ball around and trying to get it into the other team's net. Very challenging, since they're trying to stop you, and you can't use your hands.

Good exercise.

[gomu_ningen]

I.. I can't use my hands?! DO THEY CUT THEM OFF?!

[true_noir]

No, it's just against the rules so there's a penalty kick...

...

I like you. You've got a delightful knack for going exactly where I want in a conversation.

[gomu_ningen]

Huh? Oh, sure. I'm not really good with directions so I guess that's good to know! Shishishi~!

[true_noir]

Trust me. This sort of direction is the type someone with your ... gifts is practically born for.

[Which is a polite way of saying you sound manipulatable to cause mischief.]

[gomu_ningen]

Gifts? Yeah, I've got plenty of those! I was born to be great! Shishishi~!

[Luffy merely laughs his innocent and foolish self into a large grin, recollecting upon his feats and circumstances.]

[true_noir]

That you were. You are going to do well in this place. I just know it. I don't think we've met yet.

Chloe.

[gomu_ningen]

Monkey D. Luffy.. I'm the man who's going to become the King of the Pirates.

[true_noir]

Do be careful if you say that in Barbossa's hearing. He might take offense. hehe.

[gomu_ningen]

Barbossa? Who's he? Is he a pirate, too?

[true_noir]

A safe assumption, given the context. Quite a colorful character actually. Very memorable if you encounter him.

[gomu_ningen]

Is he a strong pirate?! I wonder if he's trying to find the One Piece, too. Hmm.. I bet he's not where I'm from, though. Lame~!

[true_noir]

He is probably not. I am quite certain of it... though he does go on about a fellow named Jack a great deal.

I would know nothing of this One Piece, though.

[gomu_ningen]

That's lame.. But I guess it isn't surprising that people haven't heard of it before.

Where are you from, Chloe?

[true_noir]

Originally? One of many earths that one can find amongst the tales of the various prisoners here.

More recently? A very ... twisted little island that was not unlike the tower. It liked to capture the unwary in its grasp.

[gomu_ningen]

. . . .

[Looks like the pilot light went out again.]

From the Grand Line. Got it.

[true_noir]

If that's how you'd like to deal with it, we can call it that, yes. The island's name was Atia. Lovely beaches...

[gomu_ningen]

Beaches, huh?

So what are you good at, Chloe? Like.. What are you?

[true_noir]

Killing people. You could say that it was the one thing I was every very well trained at, though ... there are several other things leading up to the ending of a life I needed to know.

...and the island demanded a few things change, though not the core.

[gomu_ningen]

[He simply nods his head, taking in her words as they flew in one ear and out the other.]

You sound a lot like Robin. An assassin, huh? I guess I could use one of those in the Tower.