It was almost funny how Ikkaku, completely by accident, always seemed to find the assassin when she was at what was likely her kindest, taking care of stray cats in the shadows where no one could see her. She hadn’t even been looking for Isabelle - she’d simply been looking for a potential back entrance to a building she knew Law would be having a meeting in the next day. Some black market broker that her captain planned on squeezing some intel out of while he sold his morbid wares. Depending on how the meeting went, though, he could be leaving with more organs than he’d had going in. Easy enough, so long as they couldn’t escape or call in backup.
But at the moment, her attention was fully on Isabelle. She didn’t approach; she knew the assassin’s well-trained senses would pick up her footsteps or feel her gaze on the back of her head. She wouldn’t survive for long in her line of business if she wasn’t aware of her surroundings at all times.
“I mean, we pirates aren’t exactly known for our manners,” Ikkaku joked, stepping deeper into the alleyway. Crouching down, she held out her hand for the cat to sniff, smiling when it cautiously inspected her fingers before giving them a tentative lick. “And if you thought I was that rude you would have sliced my head off before I could even blink.” There was no question Isabelle could take her down. She’d thankfully never been the other woman’s target but she’d heard enough whispers of her reputation that Ikkaku was pretty sure weren’t all exaggerated.
Standing up, she regarded her thoughtfully. “I actually didn’t, but now that you mention it,” she said, rubbing her chin, “I actually could use a favor. You’re decent at tracking, right? Well, I saw some old city plans for this area and it looks like there are some underground tunnels a potential ambush could come up from into some of these buildings. Was wondering if maybe you could help me find them so I could booby-trap them. Law’s got a meeting tomorrow and he’d rather not have unexpected guests pop up when he’s getting the info he needs.”
The interaction between the cat and Ikkaku got nothing more than a sideways glance. Though, in her head, Isabelle cursed the critter for so easily abandoning her when a new, more interesting individual came around. But that's how cats were, she supposed. Manipulative little rats. Yet, she adored them all the same.
At Ikkaku's question, she made a non-committal sound in the back of her throat, pale gaze lifting to the mouth of the alleyway where the other woman entered from. She watched idly as strangers passed this way and that, seeming none the wiser to any potential threats that lingered in the shadows. Threats like herself.
❝ Sewage, mainly. ❞ Isabelle confirmed, having already scoped out the area in a 5 mile radius the day prior. It was the kind of place you'd find the lowest of low pieces of shit who'd do anything for a hundred beri coin. The exact people it sounded like Ikkaku was trying to snuff out. ❝ Maybe the odd illegal smuggle or two depending on who you ask.❞
When the cat grew bored of their company, it sauntered on its way, and that was Isabelle's cue to continue on as well. With a jerk of her head, signalling Ikkaku to follow, she twisted on the heel of her boot and headed toward the north exit of the alley.
❝ I helped you once before, you know nothing comes for free, especially when an infamous pirate's involved. What's in it for me beyond maybe a thank you? ❞
Isabelle cocked her head, though didn't look in Ikkaku's direction. Really, at this point in time, there was only one thing she was interested in, but she wasn't about to tell her that. The less people who knew about her ties, the better.
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