As a quick reference, italics are the memories that are being observed, while regular text is the observations made by the crew. Lengthwise, I expect all chapters to be fairly long, so updates might be intermittent and take a while as I'll need to refer constantly to the manga/anime as well to make sure the dialogue and actions are as close as possible. Incidentally, there will be a few extra scenes that I've added of my own accord to flesh this story out a bit, but there won't be many of them; just small bits here and there. I hope you forgive my grammatical and spelling errors; I do plan on reviewing each chapter multiple times to whittle these down as much as possible.
-o-
"Is that Luffy?!" Nami exclaimed as she observed the tiny young boy walking down the dirt lane with a broad smile on his face. Even now, it seemed as thought Luffy's attitude and outlook on life were unchanged: face everything with a smile.
"He's so tiny!" Chopper said delightfully as he compared heights with the young Luffy - no younger than six, no older than eight.
"An adorable child, it seems," Robin said, smiling gently at him.
"He doesn't have his hat yet, it seems. He probably hasn't met Shanks," Zoro observed, noticing his treasure decidedly not with him.
"I wonder why it's starting here?" Nami asked.
"Let's see where this goes," Zoro said as he walked alongside Luffy. Curiosity overtook him and tried to put his hand on his head - and immediately, it went through. This earned him a slap from Nami.
"What're you doing?!" Nami asked hotly.
"I just wanted to see what would happen!" Zoro explained. She rolled her eyes - yet did the same thing, earning a deadpan from Zoro.
"Looks like we'll just go through anyone that we meet," Robin observed as she made the same motion.
-o-
Young Luffy wandered down the dirt road, a broad smile on his face. As he was walking, he saw some children playing kickball. He approached them happily.
"Hey, guys! Need another player?" Luffy asked with a grin.
This earned him a glare from the others, all of whom kept on playing without giving Luffy any wordy acknowledgment. Luffy kept his smile for a little while longer, but it eventually dropped and he continued walking.
-o-
"That was cold," Usopp said as they saw Luffy sulking off.
"Children can be cruel," Robin said, speaking from experience.
"Yeah, but why did they treat him like that? Luffy's a nice guy," Chopper observed. No one answered his question - they didn't know.
-o-
As Luffy continued walking, he suddenly hit the ground. One of the children aimed a ball directly for the back of his head and purposely plowed it into him - hard.
Luffy heard the other children laughing. However, he paid them no attention and simply continued walking. The adults around him, however, glared at the child that sent the ball at him.
"We'll be telling your parents about this," one of the older gentlemen yelled at the child - whose eyes went wide in terror at the thought.
Meanwhile, Luffy entered Partys Bar.
-o-
"Those pricks…," Sanji growled. He knew that little kids were heartless, soulless, evil things - but that was just uncalled for.
"I don't know why, but I always imagined Luffy having a lot of friends as a kid," Nami said, uneasy at the treatment of her former captain. She wanted to slap the kid that hit him silly - and indeed attempted to do so - but was unable to.
"He is very charismatic now, but perhaps it was something he adopted in his life?" Brook added
"No, I don't think so. He seems to be somewhat outgoing now - after all, he approached those kids. It seems as though they have a personal problem with him," Robin said.
"Isn't he a bit too young to be headed into a bar?" Zoro inquired. The others followed him as he went through the wall and entered.
-o-
"Hi there, Luffy," greeted a green haired young lady in her late teens. She's wearing an orange vest over a black shirt, black slacks, and a patterned orange bandana around her hair. She smiled warmly at Luffy as he entered, but grew worried as she noticed his red face and the dirt on his shirt.
"Hi Makino," Luffy said as he perked up and smiled warmly at the bartender.
"What happened?!" Makino exclaimed as she rushed over and hugged Luffy and began to gently swat off the dirt on him.
-o-
Sanji, as expected, had hearts in his eyes.
"Makino! My, my, what a beauty! I didn't know that such a display of perfection was so prominent in Luffy's mind! Thank you, Luffy, for remembering her!" Sanji exclaimed. His comrades rolled their eyes at him as they observed Makino.
"I wonder who she is?" Usopp asked, also moved by her beauty.
"Maybe his sister or something?" Chopper wondered.
"I don't think so; Luffy only ever mentioned Ace as his brother," Robin countered.
"She seems to know him, at least," Zoro said.
-o-
"Nothing, I just fell down," Luffy said as Makino walked him over to a stool, which he climbed. She prepared some cake for him, which he happily began to eat.
"Luffy," Makino said warningly.
"It's true! I just fell!" Luffy said.
"Those children have been bullying you again, haven't they? Do you want me to talk to them?" Makino asked, worried.
"No! It's ok! I'm just waiting here for Grandpa," Luffy said, slight fear entering his voice. Makino looked at him and sighed.
"Alright. If you ever want me to talk to them, though, just ask, okay?" she told him, giving him a bright smile. Luffy smiled and nodded.
"Thanks for the cake, Makino! You're the best!" Luffy said, declaring it for the world to hear. Makino couldn't help but giggle at his exuberant behavior.
-o-
"She seems really nice!" Chopper said happily as he climbed up the bar - which he was able to do, to his surprise. Robin noted that they could probably interact with some of the inanimate objects around them - just not the people.
"She seems like a mother or sister to him," Nami said, also smiling at how kindly Makino treated Luffy - a far cry from how the other kids did.
"As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!" Sanji declared happily, hearts still in his eyes.
"She does seem especially kind. I would like to meet her someday. Perhaps she would consider showing me her panties?" Brook wondered - earning a hard slap from Nami.
"IF YOU EVER ASK HER THAT, I'LL KILL YOU A SECOND TIME!" Nami comically yelled at him, causing Usopp and Chopper to hug each other and declare her scary.
-o-
The doors to the bar opened after another ten minutes and in walked a face that everyone recognized - Monkey D. Garp. Decked out in a white undershirt and a black overcoat and slacks, Garp sat down next to Luffy.
"Don't spoil him, Makino!" Garp told the bartender.
"Someone has to!" Makino retorted. Garp opened his mouth as to speak, but decided against it when he saw the glint of disappointment in Makino's eyes.
-o-
Usopp, Chopper, and Franky watched the scene with their mouths wide open.
"Did you hear her sass Garp?!" Usopp asked, feeling as though he had been struck by lightning.
"This chicks got balls!" Franky added. He had seen Garp's formidability first hand - he knew he was a tough old bastard.
"She even left the old man speechless," Zoro added with a snicker as he noticed how Garp didn't have a reply to that.
"Quite impressive," Robin noted, smiling.
"I'm quite lost. Who is this man?" Brook asked.
"Right, you weren't there on Water-7. The old man is Monkey D. Garp, Luffy's grandfather and a Marine Vice Admiral. He's quite the legend, actually - he's one of the few holdouts from the era of Gol D. Roger, the last King of the Pirates. Garp apparently came close to catching him several times - the only man to do so, from what I've heard. They call him Garp the Fist. Extremely powerful - he could have been an Admiral, or even Fleet Admiral by now, but he's refused the promotions countless times. He's as strong without a Devil Fruit than most people are with one," Robin informed Brook, who nodded as he was caught up with the situation.
-o-
As Garp sat down next to him, Luffy went wide eyed and stared at Makino. She smiled warmly at him and sighed.
"Garp. Please don't put him through that insane training regiment again," Makino said. Garp got up and picked Luffy up by his shirt, dangling him in the air.
"Don't worry, Makino! We're not going to do anything insane today - that comes later! I'm going to make a good ol' Marine out of Luffy, aren't I?" Garp excitedly asked Luffy. Luffy simply stared at Makino.
"Don't worry, Luffy. I'll have some cake ready for you when you're back, alright?" Makino asked. At that, Luffy brightened up and nodded. He finally turned to Garp and nodded. Garp set him down and they both exited Partys Bar and began walking the dirt road uphill, towards a forest.
-o-
"What did Makino mean by 'insane training regiment'?" Chopper wondered as he walked alongside the crew, Garp, and Luffy.
"I'm not sure," Zoro said. He was just as curious as Chopper was to see what Garp had in store for Luffy.
"I don't know why, guys, but I feel sort of terrified for what's about to happen to Luffy," Usopp added.
"Yeah, me too," Franky added.
"Third," Brook said, raising his hand - although he had no idea what to expect.
"Whatever it is, we know Luffy survives - otherwise, he wouldn't have made it to where we are now," Robin said calmly.
As they continued walking, they finally came upon a clearing. They noticed a wooden bridge that crossed over a ravine. Everyone except for Brook and Zoro felt a sudden twang in their stomach.
"Don't tell me," Nami deadpanned.
"No way," Sanji agreed.
"What?" Zoro asked.
"You'll see," Robin said with a worried sigh.
-o-
"Why do I have to train so much, grandpa?" Luffy asked.
"I'm going to train you to become a strong Marine, just like your grandfather!" Garp proudly stated.
"But I don't want to be a Marine!" Luffy whined.
"I'm going to make a Marine out of you yet, kiddo!" Garp said as he picked Luffy up and raised him in the sky. Luffy couldn't help but let out a squeal of delight as he went flying in the air.
-o-
"Awww, that's too cute," Nami cooed as she smiled warmly at Luffy. Why couldn't he have stayed a child and adorable?
"It is," Robin added with a smile.
In the background, Sanji was bemoaning the attention child Luffy was getting from Robin and Nami.
-o-
"Welp. I'll see you later kiddo. I'm going to be gone for a week, which is probably how long it'll take you to find your way back to civilization," Garp said cheerfully.
"What?" Luffy deadpanned as he stared at his grandfather.
"Down you go!" Garp said as he let Luffy fall into the ravine. Luffy screamed - a mix of adorable and absolute terror - as he plummeted down. He heard Garps voice call from above.
"I'VE NO IDEA HOW LONG THAT FALL IS, SO YOU SHOULD HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO SAVE YOURSELF! DON'T TELL MAKINO, OR ELSE SHE'LL CUT OFF MY RICE CRACKERS!" Garp yelled. He began whistling to himself and walked away.
-o-
The Straw Hats looked on in the shock at what just happened.
"Did he… just… throw Luffy into a bottomless pit…?" Brook asked, unsure of what he had just seen - trying to believe it.
"Yeah…," was all Franky could say.
"GARP, ARE YOU INSANE?!" Nami yelled as she went to punch the old man. The punch went straight through him. It did nothing to lessen the anger that Nami felt.
"I can't believe he did that," Usopp meekly got out.
"OH NO! LUFFY!" Chopper comically yelled as he positioned himself over the ravine. Luffy's cries of terror could still be heard.
"That's… child abuse, right?" Sanji said as he lit a cigarette.
"It has to be. I knew Garp was insane, but this is… over the top," Zoro added as he looked over the ravine as well.
"At least we know that the captain survives," Robin added, although she couldn't suppress that worried feeling that she also felt. She expected Garp to be a harsh teacher, but this seemed to cross the line.
"Should we… I don't know, should we follow?" Zoro asked.
At that, the memory suddenly went dark.
"What's going on?" Sanji asked. As he finished his question, they saw a bloody and bruised Luffy panting as he climbed out of the edge of the ravine they were perched on.
"Luffy!" Chopper cried out as he went to hug his captain, but was unable to. He scolded himself for forgetting that, yet continued to examine Luffy's injuries.
"It appears as though that was a memory transition. It seems as though we won't be watching every little detail about what Luffy did, although we'll see a fair bit nonetheless," Robin noted.
"His injuries are surprisingly moderate. Mostly just surface cuts and bruises and a dislocated left shoulder which he put back in place. I'm shocked," Chopper declared.
"So what you're saying is that even when he was a kid, Luffy was a tough bastard?" Sanji noted.
"That seems to be the case. Although, he's still a kid. Something tells me his grandpa did more than just throw him into a ravine.
As if on cue, however, Garp showed up yet again - wearing the same clothes.
-o-
"Good job, kiddo!" Garp said, giving Luffy a thumbs up. Luffy smiled in response and gave Garp a thumbs up.
"Now, it's time for your second lesson," Garp said as he carried Luffy in his arms into the jungle.
"What's next?" Luffy asked, tired.
"You'll see," Garp replied, grinning. Luffy nodded and dozed off for a minute until Garp woke him up.
"I'm going to be gone for a few days, which should be more than enough to get out of the jungle!" Garp stated.
"WHAT? I JUST GOT OUT OF THE RAVINE!" Luffy exclaimed.
"A Marine must be prepared for anything!" Garp exclaimed. He retracted Luffy like a football threw him in a perfect spiral. Luffy's shrieks of terror pierced the jungle, no doubt waking up some creatures. Back with Garp, he clapped his hands together and walked off, whistling.
-o-
The Straw Hats were even more surprised as they saw Garp pitch their baby captain deep into the jungle.
"He… threw him into the jungle," Usopp said meekly.
"It's official. Garp is insane," Franky said.
"WHEN WE GET BACK, I'M GOING TO THROW HIM INTO A RAVINE AND SEE HOW HE LIKES IT!" Nami hotly stated, her anger for the old man growing. He was supposed to be his guardian - what kind of guardian treated their kid like that?
"Huh. No wonder Luffy never became a Marine," Zoro added. He was shocked by the treatment that Garp gave his grandson, but he couldn't help but snicker slightly at Luffy's training regiment. This earned him a slap from Nami.
"YOU THINK IT'S FUNNY?!" she yelled at him.
"Not 'ha-ha' funny, but come on - we know Luffy makes it out alive. I just find it sort of entertaining that we see why attacks just roll off of Luffy now. Garp really put him through the ringer," Zoro said, massaging his scalp.
"It is an interesting regiment. I am surprised how… hard Garp is on Luffy, but I suppose we do have him to thank for Luffy's endurance. I must say that it's not a surprise that Luffy became a pirate. I wouldn't want to spend much time with Garp from what I've seen," Robin said. She felt bad for the pain Luffy obviously went through with his training, and was more than a little miffed at how hands-off Garp was.
"Yeah, but come on! Luffy's six or seven. He should be enjoying himself as a kid, not fighting off God-knows-what in ravines and forests!" Usopp said, completely terrified for his captain.
The memory went dark again; they saw Garp sitting on a tree stump, wearing a red Hawaiian shirt and black shorts - watching as Luffy was fighting monkeys.
"Looks like Garp still has Luffy training," Sanji observed, blowing some smoke at Garp. He knew a bit about how hard a guardian could be, especially after being under Zeff's tutelage for a long time. But Garp seemed to be going way too far.
'Damn monkeys,' Zoro thought, closing his eye and grimacing as he thought about the baboons he fought during his two-year training session with Hawkeye Mihawk.
-o-
"Ouch!" Luffy yelled as he had as ass handed to him by the monkeys. They were shooting around on the ground and trees, not letting Luffy get in even a single hit. The monkeys all sported huge grins as they pummeled Luffy to the point of exhaustion. Garp sat on a tree stump, simply observing his grandson.
"You bastards!" Luffy yelled as another monkey kicked him from behind. The kick sent him flying forward to Garps feet.
"Grandpa! Why do you want me to fight with these guys?" Luffy asked, massaging his head. At that, a monkey screeched and got Luffy's attention. With a grin, it began punching the air in front of it with astonishing power and speed.
"That's your training!" Garp said, leaning forward a bit.
"My training? It just makes me hungry! Besides, I don't wanna get hit anymore!" Luffy retorted.
-o-
"Always thinking about his stomach," Nami said with a sigh, hands on her hips as she shook her head. Her captain had a one track mind if she ever saw one. The crew simply smiled at Luffy's declaration.
-o-
Three monkeys began punching the air around them getting Luffy's attention for a moment before Garp began speaking again.
"Don't be such a baby! You have to become the strongest Marine soldier!" Garp stated.
"But I don't want to be a Marine soldier! It looks boring, grandpa. I want to be a pirate!" Luffy stated. Garp closed his eyes and nodded. Luffy had a slight look of hope in his eyes, wondering if his grandfather finally saw things his way.
"NO!" Garp said as he punched Luffy in the face - not too hard, but not softly either.
"Ouch! Nothing hurts more than grandpas Fist of Love!" Luffy stated as he massaged his nose, tears coming down.
-o-
"If Garp was my grandfather, I wouldn't want to follow him in any profession," Sanji said as he tapped off the ashes of his cigarette.
"Yeah, I'd want to stay as far away from him as I possibly could," Usopp added, sighing as he closed his eyes.
"Why doesn't Luffy use his powers?" Chopper wondered.
"I don't think he's gotten them yet," Robin answered.
"But look, he brought Luffy some balloons! Maybe he's going to reward him for his training?" Chopper added as he pointed at the balloons that were off to the side.
Nami and Robin exchanged glances and shook their heads, knowing what they were about to see.
-o-
"Grandpa, are those balloons for me?!" Luffy asked excitedly as Garp led him to them, his training session with the monkeys finished.
"That's right, kiddo. Here, so they won't get away," Garp said as he tied the balloons around Luffy's stomach. Luffy was too excited to see where this was going as Garp held him in his arms.
"Now… up you go!" Garp said, grinning as he let Luffy go. Luffy was ten feet in the air before his look of excitement was replaced by a look of absolute terror and he began screaming to be let on the ground.
"GRANDPAAAAAAA!" Luffy shouted.
"DON'T WORRY, LUFFY! THE BALLOONS WILL POP BEFORE YOU EXIT THE ATMOSPHERE. IT MIGHT GET A LITTLE HARD TO BREATHE UP THERE, BUT YOU CAN DO IT. ANYWAYS, I GOT CALLED OUT ON A MISSION AND I'M LEAVING IN THE MORNING. I'LL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR, KIDDO! REMEMBER, GRANDPA LOVES YOU!" Garp shouted up, over Luffy's terrified screams. He began to whistle as he sauntered away.
-o-
"OH MY GOD!" Nami shouted as her hands flew over her mouth. Luffy was ascending higher and higher and was soon a speck against the sky. This cinched it for her - she would have to give Garp an ass kicking for treating his grandson in such a horrible manner. She knew that Luffy would survive the ordeal, but that didn't do anything to lessen her worries about her captain. No doubt the psychological trauma would stick with him for a while.
"CAPTAIN!" Chopper yelled, his eyes bulging comically at the sight of young Luffy ascending to heaven.
"No wonder he's so afraid of Garp," Robin added, only mildly surprised that Garp did this.
"I think everyone is," Usopp added fearfully as he a put his goggles on and searched for Luffy in the sky.
"You see him, mosshead?" Sanji asked Zoro casually.
"Yeah. You, love cook?" Zoro replied.
"Yup. Well, at least we know he doesn't go splat," Sanji said. This earned him a vicious slap upside the head from Nami. He faceplanted but had hearts in his eyes.
"Oh, Nami sweet! Even when you hit me, you're perfect!" he replied as he got up.
"DON'T BE SO CASUAL ABOUT THIS!" Nami yelled.
"Did I hear right - Garp is going to be gone for a YEAR? He's leaving Luffy alone at home for a YEAR?!" Franky asked, focusing on what Garp said.
"That's what I heard. But it doesn't look like Luffy lives with anyone else. I don't even think we've seen his home yet," Brook added.
"Wait… don't tell me… Luffy is going to be living alone for a YEAR? He's a KID!" Nami raged, making Brook, Chopper, and Usopp retreat in fear.
"I don't think Garp would be that cruel," Zoro said. He locked eyes with Robin, Nami, and Sanji who all sighed. The hell was he talking about? Of course he would!
"I hope Luffy has someone to help take care of him. He's just a kid. He can't live by himself for a year without help, regardless of how strong he is," Nami said as she wrapped her arms around herself. She found herself being extremely worried about her captains well-being - surprising considering she knew how well Luffy could take care of himself now.
The memory went dark and they found themselves back in Makino's bar. Luffy was wearing new and fresh clothes and walked in; his bruises and cuts were still visible. Makino rushed over in worry and brought him to the back of the bar to fix him up.
"Wow, she's a doctor too!" Chopper said excitedly.
"She does seem to know some first aid. Considering the kind of teacher Garp is, I suppose that's a good thing," Franky observed.
"Something tells me she learned first aid specifically to help Luffy after his training sessions," Robin added.
"Oh, Makino! Does your intelligence ever end?!" Sanji exclaimed, professing his love for her yet again.
-o-
"Thanks, Makino," Luffy said, cheerful as always as Makino dressed his cuts and applied some band-aids here and there.
"Anytime, Luffy. This means your training is over for a bit?" Makino asked, smiling at him.
"Yup! Grandpa's going away for a year," Luffy said. His face fell a bit at that while a look of shock replaced the smile on Makino.
"Luffy - what do you mean?" Makino asked, stopping for a moment and making Luffy look at her.
"Grandpa said that the Marine's called him away on something, so he's gonna be gone for a year," Luffy said.
"He's leaving you alone - by yourself - for a year?" Makino asked, worried. Luffy smiled weakly and nodded.
"I'm a big boy, Makino! I can take care of myself!" Luffy declared. Makino sighed - she knew Luffy and knew that this meant that he would be living alone. She would have some choice words for Garp when he got back.
"You know you're always welcome to stay with me for as long as you want, Luffy," Makino said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Luffy smiled and hugged her; he liked Makino.
-o-
"Awww, she's so sweet!" Nami squealed in delight.
"I'm just happy that Luffy had someone to take care of him as a child," Robin said, smiling at Makino's memory. She reminded her a bit of Jaguar D. Saul, her caretaker for a while. She was kind and caring to Luffy, helping him when he needed it and offering to him as much as she could. She was obviously an important mother or sister figure in Luffy's life - which explained why she was as prominent as Garp in his memories.
"Luffy seems to spend quite a bit of time with Makino," Brook observed, voicing Robin's thoughts.
"Yeah. She's as important as Garp it seems," Usopp added.
"Such patience in such an angel, to deal with our dumbass captain," Sanji stated, spinning in place with hearts in his eyes.
-o-
Luffy was silently enjoying his cake in the bar as night had fallen outside.
"Hey, Makino? Why doesn't grandpa like to spend time with me?" Luffy asked, looking down at his cake.
-o-
Nami's heart went out to her captain; she could see how sad he looked. It was obvious that even with Garp's training, Luffy loved his grandpa very much.
"Oh man! That's so sad!" Frankly said as he and Brook began to comically cry for their captain.
"Garp does seem to leave Luffy by himself often," Robin said.
"I'm sure he loves him… in his own sick, twisted way," Zoro said, although he couldn't deny that he felt sorry for his captain.
-o-
Makino gave Luffy a warm smile as she leaned across the bar.
"Luffy, don't get Garp wrong. Your grandpa loves you very, very much. He just shows it differently from other people because he's not very good at expressing himself," Makino said.
"What does that mean?" Luffy asked, looking at her and tilting her head.
"It means that he loves you, but he doesn't know how to show it. He's strong, but still an idiot," Makino said with a sigh. Luffy thought about her answer for a bit.
"Grandpa wants me to become a Marine," Luffy said.
"Do you want to be a Marine?" Makino asked.
"NO! I'm gonna be a pirate!" Luffy declared as he jumped on his seat and put his hands on his hips. Makino giggled at his declaration as an old man injected himself into the conversation.
"Don't talk that nonsense, Luffy!" the old man said.
"Oh hello, Mayor Woop Slap," Makino said with a smile as she looked at the old man. Woo Slap wore oval glasses and had a prominent mustache and beard. He wore an orange shirt and black slacks, topped off with a candy cane cap.
"Hello, Makino. Now Luffy, listen to your grandfather. Being a Marine is a great career choice! They protect the people from pirates!" Woop Slap said.
"But I already decided I'm gonna be a pirate, mayor!" Luffy declared. Makino continued to giggle.
"Why do you want to be a pirate?!" Woop Slap asked.
"Because then I don't have to train with grandpa anymore! I'll be free!" Luffy said happily.
"But as a Marine, you can be a hero!" Woop Slap said.
"I don't want to be a hero!" Luffy stated.
"Why not?!" Woop Slap exclaimed, horrified.
"Because heroes have to share their meat! I want all the meat for myself!" Luffy stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. That was the last straw for Makino, who doubled over in laughter. Even Woop Slap couldn't help but smile at Luffy's innocence.
"Listen, Luffy. Pirates are bad, bad men. They hurt people," Woop Slap said as he paid for his drink and left. Luffy thought on that for a bit before he turned to Makino.
"Is that true, Makino? Are all pirates bad people?" Luffy asked. His voice shook slightly as if he couldn't comprehend being a bad person.
"It's true that a lot of pirates are bad people, Luffy," Makino said.
"Does that mean I'm a bad person for wanting to be a pirate?" Luffy asked.
"Luffy, you are the sweetest child I've ever met. I don't think you have a bad bone in your body. A person is bad, Luffy - not an entire people. I'm sure there are nice pirates as well," Makino said as she ruffled his hair. This brightened Luffy up considerably.
"I've decided! I'm going to be a good pirate, Makino!" Luffy declared. Makino simply smiled warmly at Luffy. With one more hug, Luffy went off.
-o-
"At least someone in that village supports his dream of becoming a pirate," Nami said, smiling with her eyes closed; she had to remember to ask Luffy to bring them to his village. She would love a chance to get to know some of the people that helped raise him - especially Makino.
"She's awesome!" Chopper exclaimed, stars in his eyes as he walked next to Luffy who had his chest puffed out and was walking with a confident demeanor.
"I'm curious, though. He's saying pirate - not King of the Pirates. I wonder where that transition takes place," Robin wondered aloud.
"I'm not sure about that myself," Zoro said, also curious. He never imagined a Luffy that just wanted to be a pirate; he always knew the Luffy that wanted to be the King.
"You know, I wonder where Ace is," Sanji said, looking around.
"It's probable that they haven't met yet. Ace is his step brother, so he might come in later," Robin said.
"You're so smart, Robin," Sanji said as he comically floated alongside her, hearts in his eyes. Robin simply smiled as she focused her attention on Luffy. She never thought she'd see her captain in his younger days.
Finally, they entered a cottage that was located atop a small hill with nothing around it. This was obviously where Luffy lived.
-o-
Luffy entered the small cottage where he lived with his grandfather. As he entered, he felt the cold aura of the home try to ensnare him. However, he waved it off and went to bed with a smile on his face.
-o-
As the others entered, the also felt the cold and dreary aura of the home ensnare them. They looked around uncomfortably at how empty Luffy's residence was. There were a few pictures here and there, but the faces in them seem to be blacked out.
"Why can't we see the pictures?" Usopp asked.
"I'm not sure, but it's possible that Luffy repressed what's in them - or he simply never took the time to look at them," Chopper said as he walked around.
"This place… is depressing," Brook said. His abandoned ship seemed to be livelier than Luffy's home.
Nami was just as uncomfortable. She remembered the time that she spent with Bell-mère and Nojiko, her adoptive mother and sister. Their home was always warm and happy, as opposed to how Luffy's home felt. There weren't any paintings or the like hung on the wall - it was simply an empty shell.
"He lives here all alone," she whispered as she watched Luffy's prone and resting form.
"It's really dusty," Robin observed as she looked around the home. It obviously hadn't been cleaned in a while.
"I don't expect Luffy to clean, and I doubt that Garp is ever around enough to clean. Makino probably comes around once in a while, if I had to guess," Zoro said.
"I feel so sad for Luffy. It really looks like his grandpa is his guardian, but he's barely around," Chopper said as he sat on the edge of the bed.
The others were simply quiet. Soon, the memory started to change yet again. They found themselves in Makino's bar.
"At least we get to see that vision again," Sanji exclaimed happily.
-o-
Luffy was sitting on a stool at Partys Bar and kicked the air with his legs. Suddenly, the door burst open and Mayor Woop Slap entered. He was chalk white and breathless.
"Mayor? What's wrong?" Makino asked worriedly as she took Luffy in her arms. Luffy seemed to be curious as well.
"P-p-pirates! Pirates are here!" Woop Slap said.
"Alright! Pirates!" Luffy exclaimed as he tried to jump out of Makino's arms. However, she kept a grip on him. She sat him at the bar and looked at him gently, but sternly.
"I know you're excited, Luffy. But let's see if they're the good or bad kind first, okay? Promise me you'll stay here," Makino said as she held her pinky out for him. Luffy looked as though he was about to argue, but Makino presented him with some meat - which promptly saw him shake it. He went to the bar and began to happily dig in. Not long after, he fell into a nap.
-o-
"So he finally hears that pirates have come to his hometown… and she sways him with meat. If nothing else, at least we know we can convince him to do anything with food," Sanji said with a sigh.
"I wonder who these pirates are?" Usopp said.
"I have a clue," Zoro said, smirking. There was one pirate that Luffy respected above all others - the one that gave Luffy his dream.
"Who are they?" Robin asked, curious.
"We should see in a bit," Zoro said as they memory changed yet again - signifying that Luffy had woken up.
"Is it me, or did it get louder?" Usopp asked.
"I think the pirates have taken over the bar," Nami said as she looked around.
"Wow. These guys?" Franky asked, obviously unimpressed with the pirates that were laying around, passed out with their drinks in front of them.
The crew zeroed in on Luffy, who quietly rose up to the bar and approached a particular pirate that was resting his head on it.
-o-
"Are they the pirates, Makino?" Luffy asked in awe as he approached the one closest to him. The man had tannish skin and his red hair fell around his head. He had three scars that ran above and below his left eye, as well as a small goatee. He wore a familiar straw hat.
-o-
"HEY! THAT'S LUFFY'S HAT!" Chopper exclaimed, his hooves flying to his mouth.
"This must be where he got it from! I can't wait to see this!" Usopp said excitedly.
"That man… that's Red-Haired Shanks," Robin said, observing him.
"He's one of the Four Emperors?" Sanji asked, obviously not impressed at the sight.
"This memory is from more than a decade ago. It's likely he wasn't one of the Four Emperors yet," Robin explained.
"This should be interesting," Zoro noted. He always wanted to see the man that had such an influence on Luffy - undoubtedly the most influence.
-o-
"Yup. The Red Hair Pirates, from the Grand Line," Makino said as she looked at Shanks. She was blushing slightly, although Luffy didn't notice.
He gently poked Shanks' face. Shanks stirred a bit but didn't wake up.
"They don't look so tough," Luffy said.
"Don't poke him, Luffy," Makino said, although she giggled slightly. Luffy set his eyes on the straw hat and began to reach for it. As soon as he touched it, though, Shanks' hand grabbed his wrist. Luffy was terrified, but couldn't speak.
"What do you think you're doing, kid?" Shanks growled as he raised his head and looked at Luffy. Finally, Luffy screamed in terror as he wrested his arm from Shanks' hand. This got the attention of the other pirates in the bar, who turned to him. Makino looked worried, hoping Luffy hadn't angered them. Luffy composed himself quickly, however, and put his hands up.
"You want a piece of me, old man?!" Luffy asked.
There was a moment of pause.
The entire bar broke into laughter.
-o-
"Still as eager to fight as ever," Nami sighed as she shook her head. Robin simply giggled at how ready Luffy was to pick a fight with someone he just met.
"Now this I'd like to see. Red-Haired Shanks vs. Monkey D. Luffy," Franky said as he howled in laughter.
Zoro and Sanji snickered at their captains fighting stance. Shanks was at least three or four times his height, not to mention a legendary pirate - yet in front of him, ready to fight, was a six or seven-year-old boy who didn't have his Devil Fruit powers. Even then, he evidently didn't care about how strong his foes were - he'd fight them nonetheless.
-o-
"You sure you're ready for this, boss? This doesn't look like a kid you wanna mess with," said Lucky Roo. He sported a wide, toothy grin and wore a green and white striped bandana and shirt, a blue sash around his waist, and khaki shorts. In his hand was a large chunk of meat that he held by the bone.
"Easy, captain. It's a kid," said Benn Beckman, Shanks's first mate. The tallest member of the crew, Beckman was an imposing figure. In his hand, he held a long rifle that he often used as a club. He was chewing on a branch as his long hair was tied in a ponytail that went down his back. He wore a black shirt and black slacks and observed Luffy closely.
The situation caught the eye of another of the crew as well, who looked up from his drink. He was tan and wearing a blue shirt and black slacks. His blond hair fell around his head, almost to his shoulders. Around his head, he wore a bandana that read "Yasopp". At his side rested a pistol and a flintlock, his trusty weapons.
-o-
"Dad?!" Usopp exclaimed as he rushed over to the man.
"Wow! That's your dad?!" Chopper exclaimed. The other crew members came over as well, eager to see what Usopp's father looked like.
"You never mentioned that your father was part of Shanks's crew!" Franky said.
"It never came up. Wow, I haven't seen him in forever," Usopp said, mouth slightly open as he observed his father - who broke into a grin as he looked at Luffy confronting Shanks.
"He looks super cool, Usopp!" Chopper said, stars in his eyes.
"Well of course. Look who his son is," Usopp proudly stated.
Nami rolled her eyes but was happy for Usopp that he got to see him. She remembered the story that Daddy the Father had told her and Usopp on Loguetown two years ago about his encounter with Yasopp. She looked interestedly at the man as well - widely regarded as the best sniper.
-o-
As Shanks finally came to his senses, he grinned as well.
"Is this your kid brother, Makino?" Shanks asked.
"I wish. This is Luffy. I look after him when his grandfather is out working," Makino said as she ruffled Luffy's hair fondly.
"Who are you, old man?" Luffy asked.
-o-
"Well, his manners haven't changed since he was a child," Nami sighed as Brook and Franky held on to each other for support, both trying not to collapse from laughter. There was something hilarious in the rudeness of their captain.
"He does get straight to the point," Robin said fondly as she observed her captain question Shanks.
"If this was any other pirate, they'd have killed Luffy by now," Zoro said.
"Zoro! Don't say stuff like that!" Chopper yelled.
"Relax, Chopper. I said if it was any other pirate," Zoro stated.
"Ah, our captain. What a figure," Brook said as he finally calmed down, although he was hunched over from laughing so hard.
-o-
"I'm not old!" Shanks loudly retorted.
"Everyone's old to him, captain," Yasopp said as he laughed from his chair. The rest of the pirates joined in on the laughter. Makino smiled as she went back to work, keeping a close eye on Luffy.
"Gonna answer me?!" Luffy yelled at Shanks who couldn't help but break into a smile as well.
-o-
"Oh God. This is amazing," Franky said as he continued to laugh. The rest of the crew broke into giggles and laughter as well. This was the Luffy they knew and loved.
-o-
"I'm a pirate, kid. The name is Shanks. That's Benn Beckmann, that's Yasopp, that's Lucky Roo," Shanks said as he pointed to some of his cremates who nodded and smiled at Luffy.
"Wow, you ARE pirates! That's so cool!" Luffy said as he sat down and dropped his fighting stance.
-o-
"And just like our Luffy, it's easy to break his concentration. Just one moment ago, he's getting ready to fight, and now he's ready to make friends," Usopp said.
"It's one of his best traits, I think," Robin said, smiling. She had to admit that this was a characteristic that was so far unique to Luffy - at least to this drastic a degree. One minute he could be fighting to the death with someone, and the next he could be their best friend. His charisma was second to none from what she had seen so far - one couldn't help but like him. She found him under his spell since their first encounter when he broke the Eternal Pose she had given them. It was this particular trait that allowed Luffy to let her join the Straw Hats so easily. Most other pirates would've had her killed or refused her outright; but not Luffy. He accepted her without hesitation.
-o-
"That's right," Shanks said as he took a sip of his drink.
"My names Monkey D. Luffy! Sorry for trying to take your hat, Shanks," Luffy said with a grin.
"It's alright, kid. This hat is special to me. It's my treasure. That's why I reacted how I did," Shanks said as he put his hat on.
"Your treasure?" Luffy asked.
"Yup. Anyways, should you really be here? In a bar, with pirates, at night?" Shanks asked.
"Where else am I gonna go? Grandpa's out, and I always spend time with Makino!" Luffy said. Makino smiled at him and ruffled his hair again.
"What about your parents? I'm sure they're worried," Shanks said.
"Don't have any. Just me and grandpa, when he's here," Luffy said. The other pirates looked on in surprise a bit - as did Shanks as he looked intently at Luffy. He exchanged glances with Makino, whose smile fell a bit.
"What's your grandpa doing?" Shanks asked curiously as he took another sip.
"He's a marine. He's gonna be away for a year," Luffy said.
-o-
"That idiot. You don't just tell pirates that a Marine hero is going to be away for a year!" Nami said, shaking her head at her captain.
"Well, that's Luffy. Honest as ever," Zoro said with a sigh.
"Also another endearing trait," Robin said, smiling.
-o-
"A marine?!" Lucky Roo exclaimed as meat went flying from his mouth.
"A year?!" Yasopp exclaimed. Shanks calmly finished his drink before turning to Luffy.
"You said your names Monkey D. Luffy, right kid?" Shanks asked.
"Yup!" Luffy answered brightly.
"Any relation to Monkey D. Garp?" Shanks asked.
"That's my grandpa!" Luffy responded.
"GARP IS YOUR GRANDFATHER?!" Yasopp exclaimed.
"GARP IS THE FATHER OF YOUR FATHER?!" Lucky Roo exclaimed.
"SOME WOMAN SLEPT WITH GARP?!" Shanks asked as he comically lost his demeanor and joined his crew in the shock.
Only Benn Beckman looked on intently, not showing any signs of surprise.
-o-
"Apparently Garp is so insane, even legendary pirates are surprised by him," Franky said with a chuckle.
"Well, it's to be expected. Rayleigh mentioned that Shanks was on Rogers crew. It stands to reason he had some run-ins with Garp," Robin said.
"Yeah, but you have to be a special kind of man to make a pirate react like that," Sanji said.
"Garp is about as special as they come," Zoro said, shaking his head.
"… Can't argue with that," Usopp added lamely. He still had the odd nightmare about the ball and chain.
-o-
"What's wrong?" Luffy asked innocently. The pirates looked at each other before they sat back down. Shanks collected himself before talking to Luffy.
"Nothing. Just surprised. I had a few run-ins with the old man when I was younger," Shanks said with a grin.
"Grandpa wants me to be a Marine. But I want to be a pirate!" Luffy declared as he stood up on the bar. The pirates burst into laughter again, with Shanks joining in.
"Why do you wanna be a pirate, kid?" Shanks asked, grinning.
"Pirates are free and have fun! Marines are BORING!" Luffy explained as if it was the simplest thing ever.
"Can't argue with that. A pirates life for me!" Shanks yelled to his crew.
"A pirates life for me!" the responded.
-o-
"They certainly are a lively bunch," Nami said, smiling.
"Just like us!" Chopper said.
"A pirates life for me!" Usopp shouted with hand raised.
"A pirates life for me!" the rest of the crew agreed happily, even Robin.
-o-
"What kind of pirates are you?" Luffy asked.
"What do you mean?" Shanks asked.
"I mean are you the good or bad? Mayor says all pirates are bad, but Makino said that people are bad. So if some people are good, and they're pirates, they're good pirates!" Luffy exclaimed. Shanks and Makino exchanged a smile before Shanks spoke to Luffy again.
"A lot of pirates are bad, Luffy. But Makino is right. It depends on the person. For example, a lot pirates see their crew as people to use. These guys aren't just my crew - they're my family. We're pirates because we love the sea and we love adventure, not because we want to hurt people - that's what brings us together. A lot of pirates do what they do for gold or riches. We do what we do because we love it. We're not good or bad; we just are and we have fun being us," Shanks explained kindly. Luffy hung on to each word that Shanks said with awe inscribed on his face. His crew raised their glasses in agreement, with Beckman joining in on the fun as well - he couldn't have explained it any better if he tried.
-o-
"That was beautiful!" Franky cried out as tears welled in his eyes. Shanks had captured what it meant to be a Straw Hat Pirate perfectly.
"Truly a wonderful man! I can't wait to see him with my own eyes - IF I HAD ANY! YOHOHOHOHO!" Brook cried out, as he joined Franky in waterworks. He knew exactly where Shanks was coming from. After all, adventure, fun, and the bonds between his crew were the reasons he set out in the first place. This was a man that he respected. He reminded him of his own captain, Yorki. Brook was happy to know that there were at least some pirates in the world that understood what it meant to be free and adventurous on the open seas.
"That was well put. I now see where Luffy got his pirate philosophy from," Robin said. She could now see why Luffy looked up to Shanks as a role model. They were strikingly similar in some respects - both were kind and gentle hearted and both viewed piracy as something to be enjoyed with a crew that was like a family. Neither was interested in conquering lands or finding riches.
"I see a lot of Shanks in Luffy," Nami said, smiling at the warm scene as it unfolded in front of her. Zoro already knew the important influence Shanks had on Luffy, yet he couldn't help but smile. This was the man that imbued in Luffy an unshakeable desire to become the King of Pirates.
"I suppose we owe Shanks a thank you. If it wasn't for him, Luffy might've turned out a different kind of pirate," Usopp said, still looking on in awe.
"Shanks is so cool!" Chopper said, stars in his eyes. Sanji's stance on Shanks softened. His respect for the mans philosophy went up.
"He really is," Nami agreed, with the rest of the crew nodding in agreement. They were all eager to come across him now.
-o-
After Shanks finished, Luffy gave him a large grin.
"Then it's decided! I'm gonna be joining your crew, Shanks!" Luffy declared.
-o-
"Well that was quick," Nami said with a smile.
"Is anyone else getting déjà vu? This is how quickly he asked some of us to join, isn't it?" Zoro asked.
"Well, he was fairly quick to accept me as a member," Robin said with a smile.
"He barely even met Brook before he asked him," Sanji said as he pointed to the skeleton.
"If Shanks was as accepting as Luffy, we all might've been on a very different path, it seems," Robin added - shuddering imperceptibly as she thought about where her life would be now had she not joined the Straw Hats.
-o-
"What?!" Shanks asked, surprised. Yasopp and Lucky Roo were holding back their laughter as Benn Beckman moved forward a bit.
"What? I said I'm gonna be joining you!" Luffy said.
-o-
"Of course. Luffy doesn't even ask! He tells Shanks he's joining and expects him to agree to it," Nami said, shaking her head but smiling.
"That's our captain," Franky said with a grin.
"The best captain!" Chopper exclaimed. At that, everyone looked at each other and grinned. Chopper was right - there was no other person that they would follow. Luffy was it for them.
-o-
"No way, kid. You're ten years to young to be joining us," Shanks said with a grin.
"NO I'M NOT! I'M GROWN UP! I CAN SURVIVE IN A RAVINE AND IN A JUNGLE AND IN THE AIR! I CAN SURVIVE ANYWHERE!" Luffy declared. Shanks looked at Makino in curiosity. She sighed as she began explaining to the crew.
"Garp has been training Luffy to be a Marine. As part of his training, Garp threw him in a ravine, into the jungle, and tied balloons that carried him into the air to build his stamina and endurance," Makino said sadly.
This caught the crew by surprise.
"Is Garp insane?!" Shanks asked, slightly angry, his mouth agape.
"We already know he is, captain," Beckman said, also surprised at how much Garp put Luffy through. Shanks turned back to Luffy.
"Still to young, Luffy," Shanks said, although he looked at Luffy with a keener interest.
"But I can take care of myself!" Luffy hotly declared. Shanks just grinned and shook his head.
"Luffy, it's getting late. You should go get some sleep, alright?" Makino said sweetly.
"But Makino…," Luffy said as his eyes darted to the parts.
"Don't worry, kid. We'll be here for a while," Shanks said. Luffy perked up at that and nodded. He jumped down from the bar and started to head out.
"See you later, Shanks!" he cried happily. Shanks couldn't help but chuckle at his energy.
-o-
"That was precious," Nami said.
"It appears as though we'll soon see how Luffy got started on his journey. I'm interested in seeing how he got his hat. It's an integral part of his character," Robin said.
"I'm happy we get to learn more about Shanks. He's awesome!" Chopper said, stars still in his eyes as he reeled from how cool Shanks was.
The memory began to fade and they found themselves outside Partys Bar. Luffy was standing close to Yasopp, who had his pistol prime and was looking straight ahead.
-o-
One of the pirates threw an apple into the air, a good hundred yards from where Yasopp and Luffy were standing. With a grin, Yasopp shot the apple. If one blinked, they would've missed the motion and wouldn't have noticed anything until the sound of the shot reached their ears.
"Woah! Good shot!" Luffy said excitedly.
"Eh. That's nothing. I can shoot an ant between the eyes from across town," Yasopp said with a grin.
They both went inside the bar and Yasopp got a drink, which he proceeded to down. A little rosy around the cheeks, he slung his arm around Luffy and grinned.
"You know something, Luffy? I got… a little kid named Usopp! He's just about your age!" Yasopp said, slurring a bit.
"You told me about him already! A hundred times!" Luffy said as he comically pushed Yasopp away.
"A hundred? Well, to bad! I'm telling you again!" Yasopp said excitedly as he put the empty mug over Luffy's head and hopped atop a table.
"It broke my heart to leave! But I had to go… You see Luffy, when the pirate flag beckons, you must heed its calllllll!" Yasopp cried excitedly, raising his hands in the air like a champion.
"YEAH!" his friends responded, all in agreement.
"Wooo-oooo!" Yasopp exclaimed. He took a seat next to Luffy and began to regale him with his stories.
"My kid… Usopp! He got his moms nose, and his dads good looks! I tell you, Luffy… that kid is gonna be a hell of a shot one day! It's in his blood after all!" Yasopp said excitedly.
-o-
Usopp grinned wide at these words. His father was right - he was a hell of a shot. Hell, he thought he could give his old man a run for his money right now.
"Wow, Usopp! Your dad is so cool! Did you see how he shot that apple?!" Chopper asked, stars in his eyes.
"Well, he is the father of proud warrior Usopp!" Usopp declared happily. The others held back and smiled as they saw Usopps excitement at seeing his father.
"Happy to see your dad?" Nami asked after a pause, smiling.
"You bet! God… it's been so long," Usopp said as he wiped away a tear.
After a few moments, the memory changed again.
-o-
Shanks and Luffy were sitting on a boardwalk, fishing rods in their hands. Shanks seemed to be at an easy peace; Luffy, however, was getting restless.
"Stupid fish! Come on!" he yelled at the water. Shanks let out a loud laugh at that.
"Luffy, they're not gonna come because you yell at them," he said with a grin. Luffy grumbled and nodded before trying to regain his patience.
-o-
"Luffy fishing? No chance in hell," Usopp lamented. Luffy was far to restless to take up a hobby that required saintlike levels of patience.
"Yeah, not sure what Shanks was thinking here," Sanji observed.
"He's probably opening Luffy up to new experiences," Robin offered as she observed the scene with a smile.
-o-
"Hey, Shanks?" Luffy suddenly piped up.
"What's up, Luffy?" Shanks replied.
"Do you enjoy being a pirate?" Luffy asked.
"It's the best thing I can think of, Luffy. Out there, on the open sea with my friends. We're like family out there. Adventures, meeting new people, seeing new places… I can't think of anything better," Shanks said with a smile.
-o-
"A true pirate!" Brook said happily. He was glad to see that there were still some pirates who remembered what the world used to be like, before the Great Pirate Era. Pirates were seen as adventurers rather than bloodthirsty mongrels. It was a time he truly missed, although he wouldn't give anything to have it back; no, he enjoyed sailing with Luffy and the others far to much to even give credence to the thought.
"What a cool guy," Chopper said, stars in his eyes. The others looked on with a smile as well; their philosophies were in line with Shanks's.
-o-
"WELL THEN WHY WON'T YOU TAKE ME?!" Luffy whined loudly. Shanks chuckled at that, knowing this was where the question would lead.
"You're way to young, Luffy. Maybe in ten years," Shanks said with a grin. Luffy grumbled at that, not understanding Shanks's train of thought.
"Hey, Luffy?" Shanks said after a long pause.
"Yeah?" Luffy replied.
"Your grandpa - does he leave home like this often?" Shanks asked.
"Yeah, a lot. I don't think he's ever been gone away this long, though," Luffy said, racking his brain.
"So what do you do in that time?" Shanks asked.
"Training! Grandpa always tests me when I get back, so I try to train a lot. And then I spend a lot of time at Makino's. She makes the best food," Luffy said, mouth watering. Shanks chuckled at that, but he seemed to be lost in thought.
-o-
"I wonder what he's thinking?" Nami asked.
"Likely about how absent of a grandfather Garp is. Shanks seemed the most shocked when Luffy mentioned he'd be gone for a year," Robin said.
-o-
"I'm sure your grandfather just wants the best for you," Shanks said, finally coming to.
"Grandpa wants me to be a marine! But I don't want to be a marine! I'd have to follow orders all day and do what they tell me to do and train even more. I want to have fun! I'm gonna be a pirate!" Luffy exclaimed happily, his hands shooting into the air.
"A pirates life isn't all fun and games, Luffy. It's hard; most pirates probably give up, burn out, or die in the first few years," Shanks said.
"I don't care. I don't ever give up Shanks. And if I die, I die," Luffy declared, his eyes suddenly focused on the water. Shanks opened his mouth to speak but closed it quickly as he looked on at Luffy with an intense stare. Luffy held the rod tightly, a grin on his face as something finally took the bit. As he wrestled with it with an intense gaze, Shanks smiled and turned to his own rod.
-o-
"That's quite the outlook for someone so young. Even now, he doesn't seem concerned with the concept of death. Intriguing," Robin said as she also focused intensely on Luffy.
"Looks like the gears are turning in Shank's head as well," Brook added, looking at Shanks. The others looked at him as well; there was something in his smile that gave the impression that he wasn't letting on as much as he knew.
"I wonder what he's thinking?" Nami wondered aloud.
"Rayleigh mentioned that Shanks noted similarities between Roger and Luffy. I believe that might be it. It seems as though he's seeing a bit of his old captain in Luffy," Robin offered.
"I wonder if Roger was as insane as Luffy?" Sanji asked with a sigh. The others thought on that before the memory suddenly began to change again.
"WOW! Is this the Red Force?" Usopp asked excitedly as they found themselves on Shanks's ship.
"Na. This ship is way to small to be the Red Force. Probably what they had before," Franky said as he observed it.
"There's Luffy," Robin said, pointing to younger Luffy who was standing atop the masthead of Shanks's ship, knife in hand.
"What's that idiot doing?" Sanji asked.
-o-
Luffy bared his teeth as he stood atop a crate, wearing a white shirt labeled "Anchor" along with a picture of an anchor, blue shorts, and sandals. In his knife, he held a knife. The rest of the Red Hair Pirates laughed as they saw the sight.
"I'm not joking this time, Shanks! I've had enough! I'll prove to you all that I'm tough!"
"Ha ha! Go for it! Let's see what you'll do!" Shanks cried out with a grin on his face, curious as to what Luffy was going to do now.
"Luffy's gonna do something funny again, guys. Watch this," an unnamed crew member said.
Suddenly, however, Luffy stuck the knife under his left eye, shocking everyone.
-o-
"WHAT'RE YOU DOING, LUFFY?!" Chopper exclaimed in terror. The rest of the crew was just as stricken, except for Zoro and Robin.
"I see. So that's how he got that scar," Robin stated.
"He stabbed himself with a knife!" Nami shrieked in terror.
"THAT IDIOT!" Sanji said, recoiling slightly.
-o-
"WHAT?!" the pirates screamed at the same time. Obviously, none of them expected this show of idiocy.
"OWWWW!" Luffy yelled.
"You IDIOT! What the hell are you doing?!" Shanks yelled, as terrified as the rest of his crew at what Luffy did.
"It hurts!" Luffy yelled.
-o-
"… How did I end up calling him my captain?" Sanji lamented as he brought a hand to his head. Really, how did he end up following Luffy? If he lacked any more brain cells, he might as well be dead.
"I… have no clue," Usopp answered meekly.
"Well… that… was interesting," Brook unsurely stated.
"That IDIOT!" Nami stated, repeating Sanji's sentiment from before.
"I thought it was hilarious," Zoro stated blankly as Robin giggled a bit.
The memory changed and they were back in Partys Bar.
-o-
"Let's drink and celebrate! To Luffy's insanity, and our greatness!" A pirate yelled. The rest off the crew agreed with the statement and raised their glasses.
"More sake!" another pirate yelled. Makino smiled and brought out some more.
"It didn't hurt one bit," Luffy said, tears in his eyes.
"Liar! Don't do anything that stupid again!" Shanks yelled comically, although he was laughing a bit as well.
"I'm not afraid of pain, Shanks! Come on, take me with you!" Luffy said.
-o-
"It appears that Luffy did that because he wanted to show Shanks he can handle pain, hoping he would take him out to sea," Robin said.
"Man, I could go for some sake," Zoro said, ignoring Robin's comment as he focused on the drink.
-o-
"Luffy, you have been trained by your grandpa, but I had to fish you out of the water yesterday. You can't swim! Not being able to swim is a pirates greatest weakness!" Shanks said with a laugh.
"I just won't fall in the water, then!" Luffy hotly declared.
-o-
"Luffy couldn't swim before eating a Devil Fruit?" Robin asked in surprise.
"That is shocking. Considering how much of the world is water, kids learn to swim right alongside walking and talking," Nami said.
"At least it's not something he had to give up when he ate his Devil Fruit," Zoro said.
"I don't know if I could give that up," Franky said. He loved swimming way to much to not be able to do it again.
"Likewise," Sanji said. He loved the water - and the girls that came with it - to much to give up swimming.
"Reindeers can't swim, so it doesn't bother me," Chopper piped.
"And I can run on water, so it's not a problem for me," Brook said.
"How about you, Robin?" Nami asked.
"I enjoyed swimming before eating my Devil Fruit. But it's been so long, I can't say for sure one way or the other. However, my powers have come in useful far more than my ability to swim could have so far, so there's no love lost, I suppose," Robin said.
"Don't worry, Robin dear! I'll be here to save you if you ever fall in the water!" Sanji said with hearts in his eyes.
"Why thank you," Robin said, flashing him a sweet smile. This was enough to make Sanji pass out in a daze.
"SANJI!" Chopper exclaimed as he went to help his friend.
"Pathetic," Zoro sighed.
-o-
"Besides, I can fight as well! My punches are like pistols!" Luffy said as he punched the air in front of him.
"Pistol? Really?" Shanks asked in a bored and sarcastic manner.
"WHAT KIND OF TONE IS THAT?!" Luffy yelled. Nearby, Makino giggled. She had never seen Luffy as happy as he had been around Shanks. The man was obviously a good influence on him.
"You seem unhappy, Luffy!" yelled one of the crew members. He locked arms with another, who did so with another, and so on a few more times.
"Be happy to face anything!" another pirate yelled out.
"Yeah! A pirate's life is great!" Lucky Roo said.
"The is sea wide and deep; you go to any island and seek… ADVENTURE!" another pirate said.
"Nothing is greater than freedom!" the last pirate ended on a singsong note.
Luffy, for his part, stared at the pirates as if they were the coolest things he had ever seen.
"Don't convince him even more, guys," Shanks sighed with a spoon in his mouth.
"It's the truth, right?" Lucky Roo asked a crew member.
"Right!" the man replied.
"Hey, captain. Why do you take him with us one time? It's not a big deal!" one of the members asked.
"Yeah, I agree," another cremate said.
"Yeah!" Luffy agreed.
"Well, next time one of you stay off and let him take your place," shanks said, his back turned but smiling.
"We've said enough! Let's party!" Lucky Roo said.
"Some friends you are," Luffy deadpanned.
"Like I said before, Luffy. You're to young. Wait another ten years, and then I'll reconsider taking you out to sea with me," Shanks said, grinning.
"Damn it, Shanks! I'm not a kid anymore!" Luffy yelled.
"Don't be so angry, Luffy. Here, have some juice," Shanks said, sliding him a glass.
"Oh wow, thanks Shanks!" Luffy happily said, taking the juice in his hands and tilting it back.
"HA! I don't know one pirate that drinks juice!" Shanks cried in laughter, tears in his eyes. Makino joined in on the laughter, unable to stop herself.
"WHAT A DIRTY TRICK!" Luffy cried out.
-o-
"These guys know how to have a good time," Franky said with a grin. He, Brook, and Usopp locked arms as they began to sing along to the pirates.
"I drink juice all the time. What's wrong with that?" Chopper asked Robin innocently.
"It's an adult thing," Robin said as she smiled warmly at him.
-o-
"Hmph! I even cut myself and he won't agree!" Luffy said as he walked over to Benn with his juice.
"Luffy," Benn said, getting his attention.
"You should try to understand what the captain is feeling," Benn continued, lighting a long cigarette.
"Understand Shank's feelings?" Luffy asked, curious.
"Yeah. Shanks is our leader, after all. He knows that being a pirate is fun and interesting. But, he also know's that a pirates life is hard and dangerous. It's not all fun and games. He's not teasing you about becoming a pirate on purpose. It's not easy to survive on the seas," Benn said kindly.
-o-
"Obviously the smartest member of the crew," Nami said.
"That's Benn Beckman, first mate of the Red Hair Pirates," Zoro said.
"So he's a badass?" Franky asked.
"That's what I've heard. He's supposed to be really smart and powerful. I heard that he stopped Kizaru from attacking Luffy at Marineford when they escaped," Zoro said.
At that, everyones heart fell.
"Marineford…," Robin said uneasily.
"Do you think… that we'll see it all?" Nami asked nervously. She knew what happened there - she had less than zero desire to see the events unfold before her eyes. She wasn't sure if she would be able to take it. Luffy had been there for her and the others when they needed him most; yet the one time he needed help, they were no where to be found.
"I don't know," Zoro stated. He felt uncomfortable about seeing that. Hawkeye had told him that Luffy saw Ace die. He wondered if that meant they would see it as well?
"Guys… I don't feel so good about this anymore," Usopp said, his voice rising a few octaves.
"There's no going back now," Robin firmly stated. They chose their path - they'd have to stick to it now.
"But…," Usopp began but stopped as Robin looked at him. He knew there was no turning back - they'd have to man up and watch what happened.
-o-
"Do you understand now?" Benn asked.
"I don't understand! Shanks just doesn't take me seriously!" Luffy said as he looked at Shanks and pointed.
"Can't swim!" Shanks yelled happily.
"SEE?!" Luffy asked Beckman, who sighed but smiled.
"You seem to be in a good mood as always, captain," Makino said with a warm smile.
"You know it, Makino. Making fun of Luffy is my favorite thing to do," Shanks said with a laugh.
"See how happy he is, Benn?" Luffy lamented, still pointing at Shanks.
"Luffy, want some cake?" Makino asked as she brought out another barrel for the pirates.
"Thanks Makino! I'll pay you back for everything with my treasure!" Luffy said happily as he approached the counter.
"What treasure? Are you lying again?" Shanks asked teasingly.
"NO! I'm definitely gonna be a pirate, Shanks. And I'm gonna pay Makino with the treasure that I find!" Luffy said as he held a fork and knife in his hands.
"Haha! I'll be waiting, Luffy!" Makino said with a light hearted laugh as Luffy excitedly waited for his food.
-o-
"Hey Nami, you should set aside some of our gold for Makino. Taking care of Luffy for all those years… I think she deserves it," Usopp said with a sigh.
"Yeah, I will. I just shudder to think what the tab would be. Remember, Luffy can eat an entire villages three month supply of food," Nami said.
"When did this happen?" Robin asked surprised.
"We were on Whiskey Peak with a bunch of Baroque Works agents. He ate literally all the food they had," Nami said. Robin giggled at the sight of Luffy inhaling everything. She wasn't to surprised, however; Luffy stored food like a camel stored water.
"Luffy isn't the kind of man to break promises. Watch him already have some treasure set aside with which he'll pay Makino when he sees her again," Zoro said. He was almost sure of it.
-o-
"Hey, Shanks?" Luffy asked.
"Yeah?" Shanks asked.
"How much longer are you guys gonna stay?"
"Well, it's already been close to a year since we used the town as our base. We'll set sail a few more times, then we'll leave and north," Shanks said.
"A few more times," Luffy said as he slowed his eating. Makino gave him a said smile as she exchanged glances with Shanks. Over the past year, Luffy had become extremely close with Shanks and his crew. In fact, by this point, Shanks was like a father or brother figure to Luffy.
-o-
The crew noticed Luffy's change in demeanor.
"Wow, they stayed there a year?" Usopp asked.
"It does seem to be rather long. Most pirates stick around for a few weeks or months before moving," Sanji said.
"I thinks Shanks enjoyed having Luffy around, which led him to stay there a while longer. They seem to have a father-son or older brother-younger brother type of relationship," Robin observed.
"It's so cute," Nami cooed.
"Well, we all know how important Shanks is to Luffy. It makes sense that he stayed a while," Zoro added.
"I'm kind of surprised he didn't take him along," Franky said.
"Like he mentioned, being a pirate isn't all fun and adventure. Remember, Luffy is seven or eight right now. He's to young to be a full fledged pirate," Robin said.
-o-
"I'll learn to swim before you leave," Luffy mumbled.
"Good luck," Shanks said with a grin.
Suddenly, one of the doors burst open, with one side flying off the hinge. Everyone except Shanks turned to look at the new arrivals.
-o-
"Who're these clowns?" Zoro asked, eyes narrowed.
"Trouble, it seems," Robin replied, eyes narrowing as well.
-o-
"Excuse me!" said a tall man wearing white robes with a black overcoat as he walked in.
"Ha… so these are pirates, huh? It's the first time I've seen any. They look pretty dumb to me," the man said in a menacing voice. The Red Hairs simply observed but none of them made a comment.
-o-
"Yeah, well you look pretty dumb yourself!" Usopp replied haughtily, standing in front of the man.
"He can't hear you, but I can't say I disagree," Sanji said.
-o-
Luffy started at the new arrival, who approached the bar.
"I'm Higuma, and we're bandits," the leader states. his dark hair fell around his face as he lazily observed the patrons of the bar before turning to Makino.
"We're not here to cause trouble. We just want to buy 10 barrels of sake," he said to Makino.
"I'm sorry, but we're all out of sake," Makino replied, slightly nervous.
"Is that so? I see these men enjoying their drinks. Is that water in their cups?" Higuma asked.
"It's sake, but it's the last of it," Makino replied.
"My apologies, gentlemen. It seems as though we've finished all the sake here. Sorry about that. If you don't mind, you can have the last bottle. It hasn't even been opened yet," Shanks said happily, offering Higuma the bottle.
-o-
"What a swell guy!" Franky exclaimed.
"If this was Luffy, he'd probably have punched the guy out by now," Nami sighed.
"We might see that yet," Sanji said.
-o-
Higuma gave Shanks a dirty look before he punched the glass, spraying Shanks with shards and sake.
-o-
"WHAT A PRICK!" Nami exclaimed angrily.
"That's was completely uncalled for!" Brook said.
"I hope Shanks beats the crap out of this guy!" Franky said angrily.
"Come on, Shanks!" Usopp said.
"Let's go, Shanks!" Chopper agreed.
-o-
"Who do you think I am? Don't take me so lightly. One bottle is not enough. See this?" Higuma asked as he held up a wanted poster. It was his face, with a bounty of eight million beri underneath it.
"My head is worth eight million beri. I'm one of the most wanted fugitives here. I've killed 56 people before you, you cocky bastard," Higuma said.
-o-
"Wow, eight million, huh?" Nami remarked sarcastically.
"Luffy could send this guy flying with a punch," Sanji said.
"I wonder what Shanks is gonna do?" Zoro asked.
-o-
"Now that you know who I am, don't mess with us again. After all, pirates and bandits don't mingle well," Higuma said.
"Now the floor is all wet. Sorry about that, Makino. Got a rag?" Shanks asked as he knelt down to pick up the glass, ignoring Higuma.
"Don't wor-," Makino began but stopped as Higuma pulled out a sword and swept the counter with it, breaking the glasses atop it. Shanks lost his balance and fell back against the counter, his straw hat covering his eyes.
-o-
"That's no way to treat a lady!" Sanji yelled as he kicked through Higuma's incorporeal figure. He kept trying to do so, knowing it wouldn't work.
"I hope Shanks beats these pricks down!" Nami yelled, also angry at how they were treating Makino.
-o-
"It seems as though you enjoy cleaning. At least now you can enjoy it more. Let's go, men. A place with no sake is a place that isn't worth our time," Higuma said. A moment later, the bandits left.
"Are you alright captain?" Makino asked as she rushed to Shanks, worried.
"Not a problem in the world, Makino," Shanks said. The bar was quiet for a moment before it erupted.
"HA! You look pretty silly down there!" Lucky Rook exclaimed happily.
"He fixed you up pretty good, captain!" Yasopp added with a hearty laugh.
Shanks joined in as well, laughing as though nothing had happened.
"HAHAHA!" he exclaimed happily as he flicked some glass off his hat.
-o-
Except for Zoro, Brook, and Robin, the other Straw Hats looked baffled.
"He just let him walk all over him!" Usopp hotly declared.
"He didn't even punch the guy!" Chopper said.
"He didn't do anything!" Nami said.
"It wasn't worth it," Zoro said, smiling at Shanks. So this is where Luffy learned not react when his honor was insulted.
"What do you mean! The guy roughed him up and he didn't react!" Usopp said.
"Shanks is indeed a brave man. A weaker willed person would've reacted in a much more angry way. It's a little spilt drink. Nothing to fret over," Brook said. His respect for Shanks swelled up even further - he handled the situation like a man should.
"Not every little incident requires violence," Robin said.
"But that guy was violent!" Nami said.
"Nami, does this remind you of something?" Zoro asked.
"What do you mean?" Nami asked, looking at him quizzically.
"Jaya, remember?" Zoro asked. Nami looked at him curiously for a moment longer before her lips parted in understanding.
"When that Bellamy guy pummeled you and Luffy!" she said.
"Yeah. Luffy told me not to react, no matter what. I'm sure Shanks could've killed this guy in a second. But what would that have proved?" Zoro asked.
"But Bellamy was pounding on you guys!" Nami retorted.
"Luffy or I could've taken him out easily enough. Besides, he could barely break skin," Zoro said. Nami rolled her eyes, still not believing him.
"But shouldn't he protect his pride?!" Usopp asked.
"It'd be a waste of time and effort in this case. Not every little slight deserves a violent reaction," Brook replied.
"Very well said, Brook," Robin said.
-o-
"Why are you laughing?! That was disgraceful! Why didn't you fight him?! So what if they have more people?! Who laughs after getting picked on like that? you're not a man! you're barely a pirate!" Luffy screamed. He seemed to be taking it worst of all.
Shanks was blank for a second, before he smiled.
"Look, Luffy, I know how you feel. But it's just a bottle of sake. There's nothing to get worked up about," Shanks said as he began to help Makino clean up.
"Whatever," Luffy said. Suddenly, his eyes fell on a chest that was open. In it was a purple fruit with a swirl pattern and stem.
-o-
"Luffy took that worse than Shanks," Franky noted.
"He's still a kid. Obviously, he picked up from Shanks that he doesn't need to fight everyone or everything," Zoro said.
"What're you talking about? Luffy fights literally everyone and everything!" Usopp said.
"Not really. He fought Crocodile because he threatened Vivi and Alabasta; he fought Eneru because he threatened Skypiea and it's people and after he had hurt Zoro, Wyper, and I; he fought Moria because he took so many peoples shadows. If you look at most - perhaps all - of Luffy's opponents, he fought them because they hurt people close to him," Robin said.
As everyone ingested that information, they suddenly became intrigued by something that Luffy was eating in anger.
"Wait… is that…," Robin asked, approaching the fruit.
"No way…," Zoro said, his eye wide.
-o-
"You shouldn't eat when you're angry, Luffy," Shanks said with a smile. Suddenly, a look of horror crossed his face.
"WAIT! What're you eating?!" Shanks asked. Luffy swallowed the bite of the fruit in his mouth before he looked worriedly at Shanks.
"NO! You didn't! Don't tell me you ate the fruit that was inside that chest?!" Shanks exclaimed. The rest of his crew looked on in surprise and horror as well, except Beckman who was stoic as ever.
"Y-y-yeah," Luffy said nervously. Shanks took Luffy by his ankles and dangled him upside down, vigorously shaking him.
"Spit it out! Right now! Every single bit!" Shanks yelled.
"What're you doing! Why're you shaking me!" Luffy exclaimed in fright.
Suddenly, Luffy's legs extended - like rubber. He fell flat on his face and hung there for a moment.
-o-
"NO WAY! ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT HE ATE THE GUM GUM FRUIT ON ACCIDENT?!" Sanji exclaimed.
"That appears to be the case," Robin said, giggling.
"I randomly ate my Devil Fruit as well," Chopper said, raising a hoof.
"So… it was literally a random coincidence… that Luffy ate his Devil Fruit," Nami said weakly.
"Mine was random as well," Robin said. Nami looked at her in surprise.
"It's true. It was in a chest that I found while I was at a tutors in Ohara. He had it laying around and I was extremely hungry, so I ate it. Imagine his surprise and shock when he found out," Robin said with a smile.
"What about you, Brook?" Usopp asked.
"I was diving with my crew when I found the fruit, although we were unsure what kind it was. All we knew was that Devil Fruits granted the eater abilities - at the cost of their ability to swim. Since I found it, I was given the choice to eat it. It was quite shocking when at first it didn't do anything. Although, I suppose it all turned out for the best," Brook said as he brought a finger to his chin and thought about the event.
"At least someone on our crew made an informed decision," Franky said with chuckle.
-o-
After a moment, Luffy's came came back up. His face red, Luffy looked on in fear.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Luffy, you just ate the Gum Gum Fruit! It's part of a group called the Devil Fruits. Eating any of them takes away your ability to swim for the rest of your life! But, the one you ate also turns your body to rubber!" Shanks said.
Luffy was silent for a moment.
"NO WAY! IT CAN'T!" he screamed at the top of his lungs.
"YOU DUMBASS!" Shanks yelled, just as loud.
-o-
"That's Luffy in one word," Nami sighed, but smiled. Luffy's Gum Gum powers had saved them on countless occasions. She was truly happy that he had them.
"I'm sorry, but that's just hilarious. At least he wasn't able to swim before eating it, so it's not like he lost anything," Franky said as he wiped away a tear of laughter.
The memory changed again. Luffy was in the bar with Makino, entertaining her with how his face could now contort.
"Well, at least Luffy seems to be having a good time," Nami said.
"Nothing keeps his spirits down," Robin added.
-o-
Makino was giggling at how Luffy could use his powers now. Finally, she gave him some milk which he began to drink happily.
"They've been gone a while now," Luffy said, his demeanor changing.
"Do you feel lonely, Luffy?" Makino asked.
"No! I haven't forgiven them for not beating up those bandits yet! I overestimated Shanks. I thought he was cool… what a disappointment," Luffy said as he slumped down on the bar.
"Really? I think that people who can laugh it off after getting picked on are really brave," Makino said.
"That's because you don't understand! There are times when a man should fight back!" Luffy dramatically stated.
"If you say so, Luffy," Makino said with a smile.
The doors suddenly opened. Higuma and his bandits walked in to the bar again.
-o-
"These losers again," Zoro said. His eye narrowed yet again, as did Sanji's. Shanks wasn't here now.
-o-
"Well, looks like the pirates aren't here today," Higuma said as he took a seat. The other bandits snickered as they followed course. He turned his sight to Makino.
"Well, what're you waiting for?! We're customers! Bring us some sake - now!" He yelled.
-o-
"That's no way to speak to a lady!" Sanji snarled as he kicked Higuma in the face again.
"What. An. Asshole," Nami stated. The rest of the crew muttered in agreement, wondering where this would go.
-o-
As Makino brought them their drinks, Luffy felt his anger rising.
"Those pirates… I always knew they were weak," Higuma stated.
"You showed that guy good, boss," one of his cronies said.
"If I see his mug again, I'm gonna make him 57," Higuma said.
"SHUT UP!" Luffy suddenly roared at them. The bandits looked at him and saw him seething in anger as he stood on the bar.
-o-
"This… might not turn out well," Brook lamely stated.
"Of course he picks a fight with them when Shanks isn't around," Nami said.
"I don't get it. He was just saying how disappointed he was in Shanks a moment ago," Chopper said.
"Shanks is still his friend, so it's alright for him to say stuff like that. But, if a stranger says it? That's going to make him angry. They don't have the same relationship with Shanks that Luffy does," Zoro said.
-o-
"What did you say, brat?" Higuma asked.
"I SAID SHUT UP! DON'T TALK ABOUT SHANKS LIKE THAT! SHANKS IS A MILLION TIMES THE MAN YOU ARE, YOU STINKING BANDIT!" Luffy roared.
"Luffy!" Makino whispered, trying to calm him down.
At that, Higuma walked over to Luffy and grabbed him by the neck.
"Please, he didn't mean that!" Makino said, trying to get Luffy back. Higuma pushed her off, sending her into a post.
"MAKINO! DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER, SCUMBAG!" Luffy said as he punched Higuma.
-o-
"THAT'S NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY, YOU ASSHOLE," Sanji roared as his leg erupted in fire and began rapidly kicking Higuma.
"That won't do anything," Zoro sighed, although he flicked his sword up as well.
"LET HIM GO!" Chopper yelled as he tried to kick Higuma in the leg, hoping that it would connect.
"What man treats a child like that, and still calls themselves a man?" Brook asked hotly.
The scene changed and they were outside.
-o-
"What an interesting body. Seems like kicking or punching you won't hurt you," Higuma said as he stomped Luffy.
"DAMN IT! Apologize to Shanks and Makino right now, you bastard!" Luffy said as he tried to punch Higuma.
"A rubberman, huh? Who would've thought that the rumors were true?" Higuma wondered as he pulled Luffy's cheek and stretched it, throwing him into the ground and back several feet.
"Damn it! You'll be sorry for this!" Luffy said as he angrily looked at Higuma.
"Maybe I'll see you. Could probably fetch a pretty penny," Higuma said with a vicious grin.
-o-
"What a creep," Nami said as she shuddered. Robin put an arm around her.
"STOP HITTING HIM!" Chopper cried out as he continued trying to kick Higuma.
"This guy is scum," Zoro said. He had a sword drawn, although he knew he couldn't do anything with it.
-o-
Luffy picked up a stick near him and ran at Higuma ready to bash him.
"What a tough little brat," Higuma said as he kicked Luffy hard in the face, sending him backwards.
-o-
At this point, Nami had her Clima-Tact ready, Franky had a cannon primed, Chopper was in Horn Point, Usopp had his slingshot drawn, Brook had his canesword out, Robin had her hands crossed over her chest, Zoro had his sword out, and Sanji had his leg covered in fire. They all knew that they couldn't do anything to the memory, but reality be damned - they wouldn't just stand around and watch this scumbag treat their captain like this.
"If only I could hit him…," Nami snarled.
-o-
"We were having a good time drinking and talking… did we say something to anger you?" Higuma asked.
"Yeah, you did! Apologize right now! Move your foot, bastard!" Luffy yelled.
"Please, let the child go!" Woop Slap said as he appeared. Makino had gone to fetch him.
"I don't know what Luffy did, but I'm willing to pay!" Woop Slap added as he bowed to the bandit.
"Mayor!" Luffy cried out.
"The elders know the proper way to deal with any situation. But I'm afraid it's to late. This little brat really pissed me off. When someone as weak as him insults me, it makes me very, very angry," Higuma said vilely.
"It's your fault, you… you… wild baboon!" Luffy said.
"I'm not going to sell you. I'll kill you instead," Higuma said, pulling out his sword.
"Luffy!" Makino shrieked in horror.
"Please, let him go!" Woop Slap pleaded as Higuma pointed the sword at Luffy.
-o-
"I swear, if this guy is still alive, I'm going to turn the Sunny around, find him, and kill him myself!" Nami yelled.
"SECONDED!" Usopp yelled.
"THIRDED!" Chopper agreed.
"What a villain. To kill a defenseless child, all over an insult!" Brook snarled.
-o-
"I was wondering why no one welcomed us at the port," came Shanks voice from behind Makino.
-o-
"Yay! Shanks is here! He'll deal with this guy!" Chopper said happily.
-o-
"Captain!" Makino said, relieved to see him.
"You're the bandits from the other day, aren't you?" Shanks asked pleasantly. Higuma and his crew just looked at him.
"What's wrong, Luffy? I thought your punches were as strong as pistols?" Shanks asked with a laugh.
"… Shut up!" Luffy deadpanned.
-o-
"Now isn't the best time to crack jokes," Nami sighed.
-o-
"Still here, pirate? Going to clean the whole town? I suggest you leave right now. Get any closer, and I'll have your head as well," Higuma stated. Shanks gave him a smile as he walked closer. A bandit broke from the group and approached Shanks, his pistol against Shanks temple.
"You deaf? He told you not to get any closer," the bandit said with an evil smile. The other bandits joined in the laughter.
-o-
"This can't be good!" Chopper said fearfully. The others looked on intently, no one smiling this time.
-o-
Shanks just smiled as he looked sideways at the bandit.
"Would you risk your life?" Shanks asked quietly.
"Huh?" the bandit asked.
"Now that you've drawn your pistol, are you willing to use it?" Shanks asked.
"What the hell are you talking about?" the bandit asked, uneasy.
"I'm saying that guns aren't for threats, they're for action," Shanks said as he looked at the bandit and pointed at his pistol.
-o-
Zoro looked at Nami who returned the look and grinned. The both looked at Usopp, whose mouth was open.
"He wasn't kidding. He really did get that from Shanks!" Usopp said.
"What're you talking about?" Sanji asked.
"When Luffy, Zoro, and I first met Usopp, he threatened us with a slingshot. Luffy gave him that 'guns are for action' line and it scared Usopp so much, he fell down," Nami said with a giggle as she thought about that time.
"Really bro? That's all it took?" Franky asked teasingly.
"Hey, hey, hey…," Usopp said, but didn't have anything else to add. The rest of the group laughed a bit at his expense.
Their eyes suddenly snapped back to the events unfolding, however, as a loud gunshot rang through the air. They expected the worst, but were surprised at what transpired. Lucky Roo broke from he group and had shot the bandit square through the temple. Blood and brain matter erupted from the bandits head as he fell dead on the ground, blood pooling around his head - his mouth open in shock, his eyes vacant as life left them.
"That guy's fast. I didn't even see him!" Zoro said, shocked. Sanji looked on in surprise as well.
-o-
Lucky Roo was standing at the foot of the bandits dead body, calmly eating his meat as his gun smoked from the shot. Shanks stood there, stoic. The world had gone quiet as every looked on in shock - the bandits, Makino, Woop Slap, and Luffy.
"You! You're a dead man!" one of the bandits cried out.
"These guys fight dirty!" another said.
"Dirty?" Yasopp asked, hands crossed over his chest.
"Who did you think you were dealing with? We never claimed to be saints or anything," Beckman added, a frown on his face as he looked at the pirates.
"You fellas are staring down a crew of pirates," Shanks said sardonically, his hat shadowing his eyes.
-o-
"THEY'RE SO COOL!" Chopper exclaimed, stars in his eyes.
"Not gonna lie, those were some badass lines. I'm 90% certain they rehearsed that," Franky said as he tilted his sunglasses to his forehead. He had to see what was going to happen in it's full glory.
"That was sweet," Sanji said. Zoro simply looked on with a grin.
"That's my old man!" Usopp said proudly.
-o-
"We just want the boy, not you!" one of the bandits exclaimed.
"Listen up, bandits. Whether I'm sprayed with alcohol or doused with food. Hell, even if I'm spit on, most of the time I'll just laugh it off and forget about it. But if you hurt a friend of mine, you'll pay for it regardless of your reason," Shanks snarled.
-o-
Usopp and Chopper hugged each other in fright at Shanks's words.
"Wow. Shanks is pretty scary when he's angry," Nami said, shivering slightly. She noticed Robin smiling.
"What's so funny, Robin?" Nami asked curiously.
"What Shanks just said. Doesn't it remind you of someone?" Robin asked the crew. They all broke into a smile before they responded.
"Luffy," they said in perfect unison.
"Exactly. It seems as though Shanks's influence on Luffy goes further than any of us thought. One can insult Luffy as much as they wish - he does well at laughing it off. But as soon as you insult a friend of his, or hurt them, Luffy gets extremely angry and will fight for his friend with everything he has - just like Shanks, in this case," Robin said with a fond smile as she remembered what Luffy did for her.
"That's our captain," Usopp said happily.
"The best captain!" Chopper squealed in delight again. The crew let out a resounding "aye".
"I suppose it's a good thing that Crocodile or Lucci or Moria failed at defeating Luffy for more than one reason," Robin suddenly observed.
"What do you mean?" Nami asked curiously.
"Red-Haired Shanks is an extremely powerful pirate. From the information I gathered, he's the one who stopped the war at Marineford two years ago - without even having to fight. Fleet Admiral Sengoku reportedly agreed to his terms for ending the battle. On his way there, he supposedly clashed with another Emperor, Kaido. However, he arrived there unscathed. Seeing how close he and Luffy were, as well as what he just said, I get the feeling that had word reached him that Luffy was killed - by anybody we've faced so far - Shanks would've replied in kind," Robin said, a slight shiver going through her. If Crocodile had killed Luffy in the crypt or any of the times before that, and if Shanks had learned of this, Alabasta would've been under siege by an extremely powerful pirate - one that she doubted even Crocodile could face and get away with it.
The others pondered that as they memory changed.
-o-
"We're gonna pay, huh? Lousy pirates. Kill them all, men!" Higuma roared. They began to rush the Red Hairs.
"I'll take care of this. Shouldn't be a problem," Benn Beckman stated as he strode forward. One bandit reached him before the others. Beckman took his cigarette out of his mouth and burned it on the forehead of the bandit, who screamed in pain at the heat.
As the others caught up, he held his rifle by the barrel and swung it a few times at them. They connected - hard and vicious, causing a few audible and sickening cracks crunches as they broke the skulls of a few of the bandits. With an epic flourish in his hand, he pointed the rifle at Higuma, his finger on the trigger - and at the same time, lit up another cigarette which he calmly smoked.
"Don't overestimate yourselves, bandits. If you really wanted to fight us, looks like a battleship or something bigger would've been more useful," Beckman stated.
"Wow," was all Luffy could say.
-o-
"THAT WAS AWESOME!" Chopper and Usopp exclaimed, stars in their eyes as they observed the coolness of Benn Beckman.
"I know those guys were weak… but that was epic," Franky said with a grin.
"I agree. Definitely don't want to mess with Beckman," Nami said.
Zoro sized Beckman up and smiled. He had no doubt that they would encounter Shanks and his crew in battle in the New World. He found his opponent - Beckman was obviously one of the strongest in Shanks's crew.
"Doubt a battleship would so much as make these guys break a sweat," Sanji said as he lit up another cigarette, also smiling at the events that transpired.
-o-
This shook up Higuma, who looked on in horror.
"Hold on, please! It was the kid who attacked us!" Higuma pleaded.
"I thought you were a wanted man?" Shanks asked with a sardonic smile. Higuma looked on in sheer terror, before suddenly throwing something on the ground - a smokescreen.
With that, the memory faded - although, the Straw Hats heard a bit of what Shanks said.
"LUFFY?! OH NO! I LET THAT GUY TAKE HIM! WHAT'RE WE GONNA DO?!" Shanks screamed as he looked around in comical terror.
"Boss, calm down! Quit freaking out! We'll find him in no time!" Lucky Roo said, trying to calm Shanks down.
"Heh. What a guy," Beckman said as he grinned at his captains terror.
-o-
"WE'RE FLOATING ON WATER!" Chopper squealed in terror as he looked below. Usopp clung to him, hoping he wouldn't fall in.
"Man, this is messed up," Franky said, trying to touch the water to no avail.
"Look, there's that bandit with Luffy," Zoro said, pointing. They walked to the bandit, who held Luffy by his collar and looked as though he was about to drop him.
"Oh no! Luffy can't swim!" Nami yelled in terror.
"CAPTAIN!" Chopper shouted in terror, with the others looking intently at the scene as it played out.
-o-
"Ha ha ha! Look's like we got away. Who would've thought that a bandit would escape by boat?" Higuma said as he and Luffy sailed out to sea on a small gondola like boat.
"I only needed you as a hostage. You know, I've killed 56 people before you for messing with me. You'll be 57," Higuma said.
"Go to hell, bastard!" Luffy said as he continued trying to swing at Higuma.
"You first," Higuma said as he threw Luffy into the water. Immediately, Luffy began to flail around.
-o-
"Oh no! This is horrible! Luffy could barely swim before. He has no chance now!" Nami shrieked, her hands clasped over her mouth.
"Come on… we know SOMEONE saves him. Where are they!" Sanji said, fear for his captain in his heart.
"CAPTAIN!" Chopper continued to cry as he went into Horn Point. He wanted to save Luffy, but knew he couldn't - which made it all the worse.
"This is kind of sick to watch," Usopp said grimly as he closed his eyes.
"What's that?" Robin suddenly said. Everyone looked down with wide eyes as they saw a large shadow moving underneath the water.
-o-
Higuma was busy laughing and didn't notice the shadow that went underneath his boat. His look of glee turned into one of primal shock and horror as the surface of the water broke and a large eel like sea king rose out from the depths. With glaring red eyes and slitlike black pupils, teeth as big as a child and as sharp as a sword, and a long snout - the brown monster looked at Higuma for a second.
"We…where did it come from…?!" Higuma asked in horror. He wasn't able to say anything else as the sea king opened its jaw wide and snapped it on the boat. It splintered and feel apart at the sides. Higuma was swallowed whole by the beast - with nothing, not even a drop of blood, left behind at the scene.
"Somebody help me!" Luffy cried out. The sea turned to him and reared to strike.
-o-
"Oh God," Nami whispered, close to tears now. The sea king ate Higuma like it was nothing; if something wasn't done soon, Luffy would follow.
Suddenly, they all saw a blur of red hair.
-o-
The sea king struck. Blood spattered out.
-o-
"LUFFY!" Usopp, Chopper and Franky shrieked. The cigarette fell from Sanji's mouth as he, Zoro, Robin, Nami, and Brook watched the scene intently.
"Shanks! SHANKS SAVED HIM! THANK GOD!" Chopper cried out as he finally saw the man.
-o-
"Shanks!" Luffy cried. He buried his head into Shanks's chest and began to cry.
The sea king focused it's red glare on Shanks. It was shocked, however, when it saw that Shanks was glaring back - in an even more terrifying manner. There was fury in each line of Shanks's face as he whispered two words to the beast.
"Get lost," Shanks said viciously.
There was a moment as the world around them stilled. The eyes of the beast began to falter. A moment later, the sea king turned tail and sway away.
-o-
"What just happened?" Franky asked, baffled.
"That was the Conqueror's Spirit - or Conqueror's Haki. Extremely rare - only one in a million people are born with it, and most will never know. Even getting control of it takes a long time," Robin said as she observed Shanks eyes. There was something almost primal in them as he spoke to the sea king.
"That… was… amazing," Chopper said in awe, captivated by how Shanks's handled the situation.
"Luffy has that as well, doesn't he?" Usopp asked.
"Yeah. It's how he took out those 50,000 fishmen back on Fishman Island. But wow. If Luffy could do that with two years of training, Shanks could've probably taken out all 100,000 of them," Nami said in awe.
"But where did that blood come from?" Brook asked. The eight carefully began to observe the scene. Their jaws collectively fell.
"No way…," Usopp said meekly.
-o-
"Luffy, I owe you a great debt. Thank you for sticking up for us back at the bar. Makino told me everything," Shanks said with a kind smile as he held on to Luffy, making sure he wouldn't sink.
Luffy sniffled in response, tears falling hard.
"Come on, Luffy. Men don't cry," Shanks said good naturally.
"But Shanks… YOUR ARM! YOUR ARM!" Luffy cried loudly. The Straw Hats noticed the left arm of Shanks was missing - with blood pouring out of it with no end in sight. Shanks, surprisingly, continued to smile as he ruffled Luffy's hair with his free hand.
"Luffy, it's just an arm. I've got another one. I'm just glad that you're alright," Shanks said kindly, smiling. This did nothing to dissuade Luffy of his self anger, though. He continued to cry as Shanks swam them back to shore.
-o-
"So that's how it happened. That's how he lost his arm," Robin said quietly.
"That Shanks! WHAT A GUY! He lost his arm and he waved it off like nothing!" Franky cried, tears of respect welling up in his eyes.
'I'm proud of you dad. You chose a great man to follow,' Usopp thought as he smiled. His pride for his father went up monumentally (if it was possible) as he saw Shanks's sacrifice for Luffy. Most people could barely stand a small cut or bump or bruise; Shanks hardly paid attention to a lost arm.
'So that's what happened. Just like Zeff saved me… Shanks saved Luffy,' Sanji thought as he surveyed the scene. His respect for Shanks also went up and he felt as though he now understood Luffy a bit better; as well as vice versa. When he first recruited him, Sanji knew that Luffy was one of a kind. But after seeing Shanks's sacrifice, he knew that Luffy could relate to him when he told him the story of how Zeff lost his leg. It turned out that Luffy understood Sanji's indebtedness to Zeff better than he let on. Not only did Zeff and Shanks save Sanji and Luffy, they also gave them something to live for - something to dream about.
"That's amazing… but I wonder what Luffy's feeling?" Nami asked breathlessly as her sight turned to her young captain. She knelt down a bit and looked at him in worry; she saw the tears flowing in a way that they fell very few times before. She looked at Shanks's stump of an arm and her mind flashed to Bell-mère. She had scarified herself for Nami and Nojiko. She felt another string of connection to Luffy - she could tell now that he understood what she had gone through.
"Mostly guilt, I think. Shanks did give up an arm for him, after all. Although, I must admit that he's taking it quite well - to the point he doesn't even notice that it's gone. It appears though his love and care for Luffy go very deep. Not many would give limb or life for someone they considered a friend," Robin observed. She couldn't help but smile at the shining figure that Luffy had found in Shanks. Luffy's willingness to stick for other people was no doubt reinforced by what happened here. She would have to remember to thank Shanks profusely for saving the life of her captain - and in doing so, saving the life of untold numbers in the world.
"That one event… changed all of our lives," Brook said softly. Everyone turned to him in - some in curiosity, some in surprise.
"What do you mean, Brook?" Chopper asked.
"Think about it. If Luffy had died here, how many of our lives would be different right now? I know that I would likely still be on my old ship, sailing around Thriller Bark - hoping for the day that I got my shadow back. Princess Shirahoshi might have been killed by now and Fishman Island would be under the thumb of that horrible man," Brook observed. He focused his intense gaze on Shanks, conveying his thanks to the memory. He took his hat off and crossed it over his chest, closing his eyes and bowing to the arm Shanks lost and the deed he did.
Everyone thought about that for a moment.
'I'd have died on that post,' Zoro thought, flashing back to when he first met Luffy.
'Kaya would've been killed by that nutcase and I'd still be in Syrup Village, if they didn't get me as well,' Usopp thought, smiling at how events turned out.
'I'd still be on the Baratie. Not bad, but nowhere near as fun as this,' Sanji thought as he drew a long puff and closed his eyes.
'I'd still be under Arlong,' Nami thought with a shudder.
'Wapol would've taken back Drum Island,' Chopper fretted.
'Crocodile would've killed me and taken control of Alabasta,' Robin thought, knowing that if Luffy hadn't saved her, there was no way she would've escape Crocodile - especially considering what happened in the crypt.
'CP9 would've gotten to me,' Franky thought.
Each of them was silent as they reflected on what could've happened had Shanks not been there. The immense gratitude for the now-Emperor could be felt as it radiated off of the Straw Hats. Slowly, they all broke into a smile and thanked Shanks in their own way.
"Can't wait until we go up against them," Zoro said with a large grin.
"For once, I agree with you," Sanji said, smiling.
"For his sacrifice, we will give him a battle worth remembering," Brook agreed.
The memory changed and they were all on the harbor. Shanks and crew appeared to be packing up and Luffy was there with a smile on his face.
"Looks like Shanks is leaving," Nami said sadly as she looked at Luffy.
-o-
"You're really leaving this time?" Luffy asked.
"Yup. We've stayed here long enough. It's about time we move on. Gonna miss us?" Shanks asked with a grin.
"Yeah… but I won't beg you take me along. I'm just gonna become a pirate myself," Luffy said, smiling wide.
"Heh. I wouldn't take you even if you begged me. You don't have with it takes to become a pirate," Shanks said teasingly. That got Luff riled up. A comical anger set upon him.
"YES I DO! ONE DAY, I'LL FIND MYSELF A CREW, EVEN STRONGER THAN YOURS! THEN I'LL FIND THE ONE PIECE! I'M NOT JUST GONNA BE A PIRATE. I'M GOING TO BE KING OF THE PIRATES!" Luffy roared in excitement - so loud, that the entire town heard the declaration. Makino, who was waving Shanks off, smiled at Luffy's excitement. The other pirates grinned as well. Yasopp, Lucky Roo, and Benn stopped what they were doing and looked at Shanks, who smiled wide at Luffy.
"Oh, so you wanna be better than us, huh? Well then…," Shanks said. Slowly, he took off his treasured straw hat. He looked at Luffy with pride in his eyes.
"In that case, this hat is my gift to you," Shanks said as he leaned down slightly and put the hat on Luffy's head. At that, Luffy started to tear up - he knew what the hat meant to Shanks.
"This is my favorite hat, you know. It's my treasure - it means more to me than anything else in the world. This hat is our promise, Luffy. When you become a great pirate, I want you to return that hat to me in good condition," Shanks said as he walked away. Luffy grabbed the brim of the hat and pulled it down further, tears falling as a waterfall.
As the Red Hair Pirates sailed away, Shanks and Luffy's eyes connected - and there was an unspoken conversation that was so deafening, the rest of the world fell silent to them.
The Straw Hats heard just a bit more as the memory slowly began to fade.
"That kids gonna be big, captain," they heard the voice of Benn Beckman say to Shanks. They could tell he was smiling.
"I know. He reminds me of myself when I was his age," Shanks said.
-o-
The Straw Hats watched the event transpire in a respectful silence - each of them excited to see how it all went down. They all knew that above any treasure, any ship, any power - Luffy treated his straw hat with the utmost respect, hardly ever letting anyone else touch it. They now came to know the exact weight of the significance the hat held for him.
"So that's how it happened. Luffy told Shanks he'd surpass him and be King of the Pirates, and Shanks gave him his hat as a promise for Luffy to fulfill," Robin said, smiling.
Brook, Chopper, Usopp, and Franky were crying in each others arms.
"THAT… WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!" Brook howled, crying as much as Luffy was.
"A TRUE PROMISE BETWEEN MEN. THAT'S THE GREATEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN, YOU GUYS!" Franky yelled, wiping his nose.
"SO AWESOME!" Chopper cried out.
"WE GOTTA MAKE THAT PROMISE COME TRUE, EVERYONE!" Usopp declared. The others smiled and nodded at that.
"We can't let our captain down," Nami said with a grin.
"Sounds like fun," Sanji said, smiling wide as well.
Zoro already knew what the hat meant to Luffy, but to see it all happen before his eyes - that was something else. The moment the hat passed on, it was as if Shanks passed off the proverbial torch to Luffy - as if signaling in his generation of pirates. He knew that the Straw Hat Pirates and the Red Hair Pirates would clash one day in a titanic battle that would send shockwaves throughout the world; one of the Four Emperor's vs. the group that had already caused tsunamis in the world. That day would decide whether Luffy lived up to his promise or not. Zoro resolved to begin training extra hard from this point on - he absolutely refused to let his captain down.
"That was so adorable," Nami said happily as she put her hands to her cheeks and thought of the interaction between Shanks and Luffy. Their relationship was so fun and jolly, yet it was the basis for what Luffy wanted to do - it was the inflection that changed the course of Luffy's future - the one thing that made Luffy set out from home and meet her on a small island as they dealt with a red nosed buffoon.
Suddenly, the voice of the entity that putting them through all this began to speak.
"I see you all are enjoying the memories of your captain. This particular memory, it seems, is the basis of the man that he desires to become. Be warned that while you will see his dreams and aspirations, you will see his pain as well. In fact, you will now feel some of it. You all seem to be highly skilled in your own right; pit your skills against a man from your captains past. Higuma, the bandit," the entity said.
Then, as they stood in the pitch black recess of Luffy's subconscious, a form began to appear before them. It was black and slimy, much like the physical embodiment of the entity that had ensured Luffy. It quickly built on itself and rose high. It began to take form - the form of Higuma the bandit, to their surprise. The bandit stood as tall as he was in Luffy's memory and looked at them with an eyebrow raised and a grin.
"I've killed 56 people, you know. How about I make it 64?" he said evilly as he drew his sword.
Zoro and Sanji launched forward with astonishing speed - the rest just hung back. With a Haki imbued sword, and a Haki imbued leg - they clashed with Higuma with surprising ferocity - intent on making the man feel the pain of their captain.
The battle was over before it even began as Zoro slashed him viciously across the chest and Sanji kicked him across the head. Higuma fell back, still smiling. His body suddenly burst as the the black slime flew into the air - where it simply disappeared.
"WHAT WAS THAT?!" Usopp exclaimed in fright.
"It appeared to be a physical manifestation of Higuma, the bandit," Robin observed.
"I GOT THAT! BUT WHY?!" Usopp cried out, hoping for an answer.
"The old man must have told you that there would be a physical taxation on you as well. You will feel the pain of your captain - physically, emotionally. Perhaps you may come to learn more of your own pain, should you succeed in your endeavor to save your captain. I have more in store for you, friends of Monkey D. Luffy," the voice whispered.
"THAT'S OK! YOU CAN KEEP ALL THAT STUFF!" Usopp cried out. The voice didn't respond this time and the crew looked at each other.
"Stay on your toes, everyone. We don't know when he might send one of those things at us," Zoro said as he looked around.
"It's interesting. For a powerful entity, it seems a bit… fair," Robin observed. The power the entity wielded made her hair stand on end, but thus far it seemed to be fairly impartial.
"WHAT?!" Usopp and Chopper cried out.
"What do you mean?" Sanji asked as he lit another cigarette.
"In the beginning, it said it would give us a fair chance to save Luffy - while it would have a fair chance to consume him. It also said that Luffy wouldn't be in any pain, which Caspian confirmed. I might be wrong, but it doesn't seem to be inherently evil, although it might be to soon to tell," Robin said.
"IT'S GONNA EAT LUFFY! THAT IS EVIL!" Chopper cried out.
Suddenly, the voice spoke again.
"Evil is in the eyes of the beholder, doctor. I do not view myself as good. Nor do I view myself as evil. I simply am. As far as I can tell, you all came to this island of your own accord - my home. That makes you the trespassers here, does it not? I did not entice you to come here. Do not be so quick to pass judgement on others; I've shown you enough respect to give you a chance to succeed instead of devouring you all. I simply find that to be courteous," the voice said.
"WE JUST WANT OUR CAPTAIN BACK!" Chopper cried out.
"Relieve him of his pain, and you may get him back. Fail to do so, and you will all be mine," the entity stated.
"Enough talk! Show us what's next!" Zoro snarled. The entity didn't reply but obliged. There was a bright light and Luffy was back in the jungle with Garp - this time, his trademark straw hat around his neck.
