Author's note : Welcome to the first chapter of my first piece of fan fiction, "The Covenant"

The setting is an alternate earth set somewhere around the middle of the 21st century, but not a futuristic one... it'll get explained further on

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Rain was falling on the streets outside the bar, as two men sat down and ordered their drinks. Both were rubbing their hands from the cold outside. It was early november, but the weather had been unusually

frigid. The older of the two, a red-haired man, sporting a trio of scars over his left eye took his glass of scotch and took a short sip, before turning to his younger companion. He carefully studied his

features, the wild and unkempt black hair, and equally black eyes, the scar under his left eye, his developed physique now concealed by a coat. He didn't fail to notice that he didn't carry any weapons.

Confident as ever.

"It's been a while Shanks" the boy started, before taking a sip from his glass of rum, looking at his friend and mentor with a smile.

"Aye Luffy" Shanks replied with a grin. It had been two years since he last saw the boy, and he had grown quite a bit. He had always viewed the boy as his own flesh and blood, even if they weren't related in

any way. He was proud of the kid. "Two years. I hear you've been doing well"

Luffy merely grinned before taking finishing off the glass and calling for another.

"Aa. So, why did you call me, Shanks? I doubt it was for the small talk and the drinks" Luffy grinned even wider.

"Whaaat? Can't an old man have fun from time to time?" Shanks grinned as widely as his friend "Sheesh, kids these days"

"Fine, let's get to down business" he sighed "I've got something interesting for ya"

Shanks drew a small envelope from his coat and threw it to Luffy.

"What's inside?" Luffy asked, his curiosity piqued. Shanks got up from the table, leaving enough cash to pay the drinks and started going for the door.

"It's a picture of what I've recently 'acquired'" he said, with a smile as he outed the last word "I'm throwing a party at my place tonight. Drop in if you're still interested"

Waiting a few seconds, Luffy finished his drink, and left the bar, tucking the envelope into his coat. He laughed silently. Shanks would always be Shanks... he could never deal with work without a boatload

of booze and a party going around. Nodding to the bartender, Luffy slowly walked out into the street, enjoying the rain as it felt on his face.

He decided to get back to the rented apartment before taking a look at the newest 'offer'. Shanks was a smuggler, and a damn good one, but aside from the usual goods, he'd get some rather interesting pieces

from time to time. The last time he called him like this he ended up with a small fortune in gold... which he mostly spent on a new boat and parties with his crew. But afterwards they parted ways... if this

lead was to nearly as good, he might be able to get them all together again. Time passed quickly as he reminisced about their past adventure, and he soon found himself at the dockside complex where he had an

apartment. Not paying much attention to the locals, he waved his hand to the lady that ran the place before going there.

Luffy hung his coat to dry before finally opening the envelope. He took the small picture, and his eyes went wide as he realized what he was looking at.

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A few hours later, both Luffy and Shanks were nearly drunk as they went into the office.

"So, what do you think about that little picture I left ya?" Shanks asked, dropping onto a chair with relief.

"I"m not sure I even want to know how you got your hands on it." Luffy stopped for a second, his drunkenness quickly fading, as a serious frown formed on his face

"Gol D Roger's journal" he continued "and inside the leads to where he left his treasure"

Shanks quietly nodded

"So what do you want in return?"

Luffy carefully studied Shanks' face as he uttered those words. He remembered the stories that his former mentor told him of that treasure, and how he wanted to find it. But he was also a rather practical

man. He saw no greed in the man's eyes, only a sense of longing.

"I want you to..." Shanks stopped for a moment, lowering his head "I want you to find out if it's realy there" he sighed as Luffy stood speechless "As much as I want to go out there and find it myself, I'm

getting to old for this" he absently pointed to his missing arm, and Luffy felt a small sting as he remembered how Shanks lost it saving his hide five years ago.

He couldn't help but smile.

"I'll do it." he said solemnly "I'll bring back proof, and if it's there" he grinned "I'll come back to draw your ass to it"

Shanks blinked as he heard what Luffy said.

"Whahahahahaha" he couldn't help himself from laughing "Crazy as ever kid." he said, clutching his stomach "Take it, and good luck!"

He tossed Luffy a small briefcase. Inside was the precious book, a small green leatherbound tome, bearing Roger's symbol.

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From the top of a nearby building, an hooded girl watched the two talk. A short laugh was the only thing heard as she saw Luffy opened the briefcase to confirm its contents. This would be an easy mark, she

thought as she dropped to the street bellow and waited for him to come out. Her gamble was about to pay off big time.

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Back at the apartment, Luffy was lying on his bed, considering what to do next. He had already contacted his entire crew and called them to gather in Water-7. He would have to call her as well, but that could

wait until tomorrow. He took one last look as the briefcase lying safely next to him before closing his eyes. He sighed silently as a few minutes passed, he was to excited to sleep. And he could faintly feel someone getting into the apartment through the balcony door

And cut. That's the end of the short introduction chapter. Not much here, but I should be posting the first real chapter by tomorrow. Reviews and comments are always welcome as is constructive criticism.