The Rear-Admiral had finally touched down on Sabaody Archipelago after completing a relatively uneventful tour of duty that had taken him out to Paradise with his fleet for the last six months or so. Now, after reporting back to Headquarters and having done the proper fleet handover to his replacement, Shinji was more than pleased to accept the significantly cushy role of reinforcing the law in this mangrove island. It was only be a temporary assignment until he was activated again to patrol the waters of the Grand Line, but Shinji would take whatever break he could get.
Besides, it was not bad to be land-bound for a while...at least until he started to get restless again with the need to sail the seas...
The lanky blond was lazily moseying through one of the less populated sectors, seeking to visit a small record store which he last remembered should be around here somewhere - the shops in Saboady were always moving around quiet mysteriously - when he first caught sight of that petite woman, her back turned to him.
His sauntering steps slowed, the white military coat with the absolute ‘seigi’ insignia rippling over his back at the change of pace. He stared.
...Not at her, no. But at the blade secured at her side. Was it...
Yes. It was. Sode no Shirayuki.
That katana, he knew once upon a time. A relic believed to have been lost...many years ago. Together with a friend who had gone as well, all too soon. It was unmistakable, one of the most beautiful blades in the world, forged on an island that no longer existed.
Shinji could not ignore this mystery even if he wanted to.
“ ...S’cuse me. ” he tapped on the petite woman’s shoulder, patiently seeking her attention. “ That sword of yers, where did ya- ”
His drawling query died on his tongue when the woman turned, and his gaze met her distinct features. Cognac eyes widened imperceptibly in surprise - he had just seen a ghost, today.