Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece or any of its characters.
When I wrote this, I was mostly thinking about Luffy and Zoro. However, when I thought about it, this could also apply to a few others. Such as Gol D. Roger and Silvers Rayleigh. And Shanks and Benn Beckman. Or Killer and Eustass Kid. Or Trafalgar Law and Bepo. Even Ace and Whitebeard, though Ace isn't a first mate. No matter who, there are those who are undeniably and unquestionably dedicated and devoted to their captains. We call them "first mates".
For My Captain
You may wonder what kind of occupation I have. Some say a monster. Others say an underling. My nakama a pirate. But I am first and foremost a first mate.
Funny, really, that a person like me became a first mate, a follower to another. Most people would automatically disagree that I, an uncontrollable, beast, would willingly chose to trail obediently and willingly after this supposed not-so-bright captain. But they are wrong. I do willingly chose to do as I did. It is something I have not and will not regret.
Though, sometimes, I wonder at my own foolishness. Why do I follow such a captain as this one? He is a mystery, a puzzle, a wild card. Something no one was not meant to control, to set boundaries, to lay the rules down before his feet. One moment, he is laughing, carefree and jolly. The next, a raging, terrifying force to be reckoned with. Which makes me question how is it possible that this near-invincible brute of a natural disaster can be incredibly dense and clueless to his surroundings? But then again, I cannot call him completely idiotic, as he has shown impossible insight and intelligence on certain subjects and situations, ones that even we, his crew, have overlooked and missed. Hmph. Why do I follow this guy again?
We met at the most unusual circumstances. We couldn't be any more different, him and I. So opposing, just like the dark moon and glaring sun and just as distant and far apart from one another. Yet, here we are, as captain and first mate. We've came a long way since the beginning. We've faced and defeated many enemies, have won and lost battles, gained and lost comrades, seen and traveled to places, lived and died a few times. We had changed much and yet, remained virtually the same.
It was throughout our journey that I have discovered that I would do anything and everything for my captain. I would save those who he commanded me to, even our enemies, to my chagrin. I would stand still on his request, allowing others to punch, kick, spit and pummel me, although I am - we are - both strong enough to pummel them. I would walk through Heaven and Hell (or you can refer to them as Skypiea and Enies Lobby) for him. I would be there if he needed to talk or not even say a word at all. I would be the silent, always present shadow following him, defending him, fighting for him, whether he realized it or not. I would be the first mate if he needed me to be.
He is my captain.
And I would gladly die and live for him.