To Become One with the Rising Tide
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that is from a monetized source, this is a not for profit exercise in fun and pursuit of happiness.
Summary: Ah, shit. I'm in the body of Monkey D. Garp and I've just introduced Luffy to Ace. What am I going to do? Troll Sengoku and the Gorosei? Make Ace and Luffy become Marines and slap Akainu like a bitch? I'm sure I can think of something...
You know that thing that Rick Riordan likes to do with Greek and Roman deity names, y'know, like switch them out over and over again. Thought I would try that with names my character remembers, and have him remember both for some people. Is it cognitive dissonance? Only time will tell.
Chapter 2-March through the East
This evening would be the last. The last free day before the events of canon began. From here on out, it would be a non-stop mission, and while we would get rest... It was probable that we would need to be active and vigilant 24-7 to make sure we succeeded in not only our goals, but in protecting the people we loved and had come to love... What a night.
The stars were out in full force, the ocean of blue reflecting massive amounts of light from the distant starry ways. It was nights like this I had enjoyed back in my first life, and I reminisced as I gazed out into the infinite.
The reconnoitre mission had gone well. The world had been abuzz for nearly a year and a half, talking of massive strange ships out at sea, made entirely of metal, that were only sighted in the Ocean Blue and never near any civilization. A significant buzzing had erupted between Marineford, the World Government, and the Yonkou, as each power tried to find out who was launching these monsters. The populace made their own theories as well, and most had ascribed it to some eccentric noble testing a ship using the massive amounts treasure at their own disposal.
Of course, this had allowed him to move about a bit more freely on any operations that involved territories not directly controlled by detachments of troops from the three aforementioned powers.
"Couldn't sleep eh, Luffy?" I said quietly, as my grandson sidled up beside me, and laid down in one of the lounge chairs. Luffy nodded.
"Sabo is snoring, and Ace grinds his teeth sometimes. So I wanted to come out and see if I could relax. I'm glad you were here Grandpa." The teen-turning-man raised his hands over his head, and clasped them together as he rested his head back. [For those of you who thought I had forgot Sabo, I did not. This is a self-insert, and by having Garp there, Sabo was able to escape the noble permanently without faking his death to Luffy and Ace. Oh, and I most certainly did not threaten the noble in his sleep and told him to stay the heck away from my grandson. Nope, I dindu nuffin.]
"Luffy... I want you to remember, that no matter what happens on our journey from here on out, I love you grandson. It has been a genuine pleasure of mine to have made a good decision regarding raising and training you. I was too... Far too dedicated, blindly at that, to a cause which had long ago fallen to corruption... Luffy, I want you to forgive an old man for not being there during your first years." I looked over at him, with tears in my eyes. The tears were due to my joy at having been able to raise a good kid, and not from the sadness of what Garp had done.
The nearly seven and a half foot kid looked up at me with a serious expression, reading my face, before breaking out in a wide grin. "Gramps, I am thankful for everything you have done for us! I couldn't believe it when you began to train us full time, and I didn't know if what you were talkin' about was real... But when we rescued those kids the first time, that was when I knew the world was as bad of a place as you said." Luffy looked down with sadness, remembering the savagery of the Cipher Pol in attacking them, and the apathy of the scientists. It was a tough thing to try and bear for such a bright and sunny soul.
"I had to do it. I needed you to take the life you have chosen, that of being free, as serious as others who are in power would. Otherwise, both of you, maybe more, would be dead. I cannot abide by that, and I knew I had to show my family the same earnest loyalty that I had shown my career. It was hard to make that choice, as I have many friends in the Marines who are indeed good, and others like Sengoku who need my guidance even if he is my superior. But... For the future of the worlds children, I am willing to fight long, to fight hard, and to never stop fighting until the worlds system is once more based upon respecting the sanctity of life and the rights we have been given by virtue of our free will and creation by God. If the divine created man, then no man can be divine, and thus no man can take away rights granted by our creation from the divine. I mean to make sure that we gain this for all the worlds people, so they have such freedoms." My impassioned monologue had Luffy paying attention the whole way throughout, listening to my every word. Eventually he nodded.
"Right. All kids should be able to be free. It shouldn't be against the law to be happy, if you aren't hurting anyone. Too bad by thinking that, we are pretty much Revolutionaries, right Grandpa?" Luffy grinned, and stared at me, as I began laughing heartily. If he thought I would object at being compared to Dragon, he was only looking at the glass half full with his statement. What I heard was "I am Me, I am Free", "Fuck the Police" and "The Government are Dick-bags".
"Dragon's brand are a little different from us, but yes, according to the Gorosei, Tenryuubito, and World Government, we would definitely be branded as such. Soon, it will happen anyway." Luffy looked a little surprised at my exclamation, but looked interested at what I was alluding to.
"Does this mean you are finally going to tell us what the name of our organization is grandpa?" He grinned in apprehension[wow he grins a lot], and I snorted.
"Soon Luffy, soon." I looked over at my grinning goofball of a grandson. "I will give you a hint. It will be an organization which will oppose not only the corrupt, but defend the liberties of the people. This organization's structure is how I convinced many of the people we will be picking up to join our operation..." Luffy nodded.
We fell into silence, and soon, both of us were asleep. It was time to leave Foosha Village. However, unlike many other stories, this island would never be unprotected again. Some of the more stealthily trained individuals in "The Organization", I had assigned to a secret bunker here. One equipped with a hydroponics facility, self-sustaining water and food sources, and a place they could ensure protective operations for Foosha Village were performed from.
It was just me and Luffy waving good bye to the good people the next morning. Most of them were out and about for the event, as we had a good reputation for doing hard work for the villagers when it was needed. Mayor Woop Slap[how anyone says that name with a straight face I have no clue, sounds like a war cry that Jackie Chan used in Drunken Master...] was actually giving us a solemn good speech in his sendoff.
"Despite your intentions to be unruly on these seas, I have seen your willingness to aid anyone in need over these years. Despite my wariness, I still wish you good fortune, and that you shall find what you are desperately looking for, out in the Oceans. Take care of yourself, Luffy, and you as well Garp-san." Woop Slap bowed slightly in respect, and Luffy stood up in the boat we were in.
"DON'T YOU WORRY OLD MAN MAYOR, WE WILL MAKE YOU PROUD, AND WE'LL BE SURE NOT TO EMBARASS OUR HUMBLE HOME TOWN! YOU TAKE CARE AND DON'T HAVE A HEART ATTACK NOW!" Luffy's cheeky reply left the mayor spluttering, but there was a small grin on his mouth. I nodded in respect to the man, as he did the same to me.
"Luffy, be sure to eat enough vegetables and fruit with your meals, do NOT just eat meat young MAN!" Makino roared good-naturedly at the knucklehead, as he sheepishly rubbed his head.
"DON'T WORRY MAKINO-CHAN, I KNOW I WON'T STAY STRONG IF I DON'T EAT MY FRUITS AND VEGGIES. YOU TAKE CARE NOW!" The slightly blushing teenager awkwardly looked away from his first crush, even as I waved at her.
"GOOD LUCK LUFFY!"
"TAKE CARE GARP-SAN!"
"BRING US BACK SOME RARE FOOD WHEN YOU VISIT!"
The rest of the towns people came out and began yelling their own goodbyes. Luffy and I at this point were both yelling goodbye and waving at all the people.
First stop, Alvida's ship and Coby.
I wasn't going to stuff mine and my grandsons huge frames into a barrel and take a trek down a whirlpool though, so I decided to track Alvida's ship before launch with my spies. She was two islands over currently, to the west, and did not plan on leaving for a few days. It took us two days to arrive, and just as we finished securing ourselves to the side of her ship, the crew began to come back from a raid.
We made our way into the area where Koby had found Luffy originally. Only a few moments now. And in walked the blighter.
He looked up. And up. And up. Finally staring us in the eyes. Then, he began to stammer and point at us, shaking like a leaf.
"W-wh-who ar-are yo-you guys!? Wh-why are y-you on Alvid-Alvida's ship?" Luffy laughed lightly, leaning forward to peer at the nervous kid.
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy! And I'm gonna become the King of Pirates!" Coby was shaken from his stupor by the firm declaration from his fellow teen. He began mumbling to himself, shaking his head, saying no nono nonononono over and over again.
"What are you yammering about there youngling?" I spoke for the first time, and he looked at me.
"He'd... He'd have to be insanely powerful to become the Pirate King! And this is only the East Blue! He'd need power, money, SHIPS, and CREWS! How can you possibly make such a declaration without such resources!?" Koby was very clearly disbelieving of any possibilities of Luffy becoming the King, even with his tall stature. Luffy laughed, before clonking the nervous little lamb over the head.
"The Pirate King, Gol. D. Roger, he started with the vest on his back, a straw hat, a sword at his hip, his best friend, and a sack over his shoulder. Knowing that, I cannot do anything but think about surpassing that man! To be as free as he was, to have my own dominion where no one can cause pain and misery, that is my goal in seizing the One Piece and the title of King of All the Ocean Blue's." Luffy declared boldly as he stood up, the door behind Coby banging open.
"WHOSE GOING TO BECOME THE KING OF PIRATES?!" An enraged voice called out from outside the room. I snorted, before grabbing Luffy and Koby, and throwing them out on the deck. Luffy skidded into a heroic pose[Superman, Truth, Justice, Rah rah rah], grinning his huge smile at his enemy, while Coby tumbled into a heap besides him. "That would be ME!" Luffy declared, thumbing his chest, and staring at Alvida expectantly.
"Koby... This LOUT has challenged my authority by EXISTING on my SHIP! Dispose of him immediately!" Alvida demanded, levelling her mace at Luffy's face, sweat dripping from her brow. Coby mumbled something, and she turned her glare upon the short kid.
"What was that you little rat?!" This time, Koby also got nudged by Luffy's foot, pushing him to make his decision. Koby shakily got to his feet, before clearing his throat and pointing at Alvida.
"ALVIDA IS A FAT UGLY BIG NOSED FRECKLED HAG, AND I'M GOING TO JOIN THE MARINES TO ARREST PEOPLE LIKE YOU!" Hmm, he certainly wanted to get his point across.
And whoa, did it ever.
Every pirate, including Alvida, was staring at Koby slackjawed. They couldn't believe such a runt could have said that at all. I began to laugh, and everyone stared at me.
...
...
...
...
"WHAT THE HELL IS "GARP THE FIST" DOING HERE?!"
Everyone began to panic, and in the confusion, Luffy stepped forward and decked Alvida. She lifted off and zoomed over the horizon, just like in the manga... I nodded at Luffy, and he wrapped the entire crew in his rubberized arm, as I took Coby aside.
"I have a proposition for you Koby." He looked at me with suspicion.
"I want to become a Marine, I don't want to be a pirate y'know..." The kid said slowly. I shook my head.
"I hate to stomp on your dream kid. But, by now, you must recognize who I am?" Coby nodded, and I continued. "Good, then think about this. What would it take for the Hero of the Marines, Garp the Fist, to tell a young and ambitious kid to NOT join the marines?!" I finished harshly, before looking deep into the kids eyes. Koby looked apprehensively at me, not sure what to make of my question, and slowly began to look thoughtful.
"Well... It would have to be shocking enough that it crossed several lines for you..." As he talked, I nodded, sighing quietly in memory.
"Children, Coby. The World Government experiments on, and enslaves children. They care not for the collateral they incur. So, I decided that the government needed to be opposed. And, if it was to be opposed, and our fight to be based upon ideals, I would make sure that even in the beginning those I would replace the corruption with... Were charged with the protection and ensuring of the people's liberty and sovereignty." The kid looked more and more interested as my speech went on, and he began to nod alongside my words.
"Well, I understand your reasons for deciding to abandon your post, as I would never agree to anyone doing anything like what you are talking about to anyone younger or even older than me. Nobody deserves to be experimented on by the government that's supposed to be keeping us safe. I had hoped joining the Marines that I would be able to stop the corruption... But, if such an individual as yourself has even abandoned their cause... It makes me more interested in what you have planned, and your own ethos..." He trailed off, looking at me with expectation.
"All in good time." I smiled down at Koby. "I will tell you of our codes, training, but you will have to wait until we are ready to enter Loguetown to learn our name. Not even my grandsons know it,so be patient." And our conversation was off! As we began to sail to the next island, Captain Morgan's base, I kept an eye out for the cruise ship Alvida was supposed to raid... Just in case Nami was pulling a job there, just like OTL-canon, as she would be a welcome addition earlier on.
"I will give you a chance to explain this to me Garp-sama[where in the hell did that come from]." The kid bowed slightly in respect, and sat down besides the ships wheel I was currently manning. Over the time it took to get to the base of the corrupt Marine, Captain Morgan, I had several ethics and philosophical discussions with Coby on inalienable nature of rights vs the uncompromising nature of unfeeling justice, especially once it was used to only serve one class and oppress another. Koby got the hang of debating with me, eventually, and played a good devil's advocate.
Within a few hours, we were there, and despite all accomplished already today, it was only one or two hours after midday. That meant I could run through the whole Zoro thing before we hit the sack in the tavern tonight.
Good.
I didn't want to waste anymore time than necessary with Morgan. Helmeppo, he I could turn into a capable warrior after some strict training, but Morgan wanted a little girls head chopped off because she had scuffled with Helmeppo[which was only of course about his image, and not his son], and was thus totally irredeemable.
I'm just gonna punch him over the horizon, and not worry too much.
Disembarking, I flicked a look at the marines manning the docks. They only seemed interesting in noting that only a few people came off the ship. Guess they were expecting Alvida's crew... Slowly but surely they walked up to us, one carrying a clip board.
"Excuse me, good civilians, but this ship is registered as having been plundered by "Iron Mace" Alvida... How came it into your possession?" The Quartermaster asked casually, as the other marines looked quizzically at the ship itself, and back at our small group.
"Oh, she's on a trip, and will see you next fall." The Marine's face grew surprised, and stared at me for a few moments, then went white.
Hoh, it seems he recognized me.
I raised a hand.
"No need to panic, Marine. Don't overreact, I am here to help." The pale Marine Lieutenant nodded rapidly, trying to form words... "I know about the way that Morgan is running this base, and I'm here to put a stop to it, alright?" I placed a hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye. The man nodded, and calmed down. I looked at the quartermaster, and held a finger to my lips.
"Boys, begin to gather some intel. Koby, follow Luffy, he will tell you what to do." Luffy looked over at me.
"And what are you gonna be doing Gramps?" He said, began stretching his fingers into various key shapes, hardening them, then resetting the forms. I smirked.
"I'm gonna take a walk by the execution grounds." Luffy nodded, and we both set on our ways. I strode at a leisurely pace, and observed the towns street leading to the grounds in front of the Base's tower. Poverty was rampant here. Misery, strong. Everyone was struggling to make ends meet.
All because of that bastard.
"Captain Morgan is going to raise taxes again, from what I heard."
"Surely not, we can barely make the ones he has already imposed!"
"None of us can survive another hike, it will take all of our business's away and close any hope we have!"
"Oh, why won't someone from Marineford or the Government come deal with this maniac?"
These were just a few of the lines I heard espoused as I walked towards the tower. My resolve hardened
"Mustnotgrindtopaste. Mustnotgrindtopaste. Mustnotgrindtopaste." This mantra began to repeat in my head, as a smouldering anger built in my chest. I was really going to let him have it... But I had to be patient, because Zolo needed to meet Luffy first and meet him as his Captain[in this case, Commander], as that would begin their relationship the right way. He already knew me, as I had been training him, but he needed that interaction with Luffy. Plus, I just wanted to see if despite the changes I made so far, how much this scene had changed from the manga.
Soon, I stood before the wall, slightly peering over... Man, I felt like Ted from Next Door, from Home Improvement... Now, all I needed to do was wait for Luffy-
"You there! What are you doing looking into my daddy's base!" Of course, it seemed that just wasn't going to happen. I turned my eyes slightly, and spied a skinny, thin, foppish looking blonde, over-exaggerating a finger pointed at me. I began to ignore him, as he strode in my direction, dragging his Marine protective detail with him.
Staring at Zolo, I began to wonder how long it would take until Luffy got here. Helmeppo was now sidling up beside me, and I was desperately trying to mute him out.
"Who do you think you are! Ignoring me like that, you giant commoner? You think just because you're big that you don't need to listen to me? My daddy is the commander of this base, and everyone listens to me or I tell daddy and he drops an axe on them! Listen here, you ignorant lout, stop IGNORI-URK" The little brat continued to whine his way into a rant, and started to yell at me, until in one blinding moment I seized the jerkass puny scrub by his neck and lifted him up to my height. Without even looking at him, I addressed the blustering and reddening Helmeppo.
"Listen here and listen good kid. Nothing is worse in this world than someone who has to get someone else to do their work. If you think you are in control right now because your dads powerful, consider this, does he listen to your suggestions, or is he the one who controls you? The only way you can control things, is controlling yourself kid. If you continue what you're doing, someday you will walk by an alleyway, and catch a spear in the side of the head!" I set him down roughly, and he stumbled around in a stupor, before wandering off muttering underneath his breath.
Something about idiot-old man, stupid giant idiot, damn grampa... Wow, he must be delusional to think I was his grandfather- I stopped there for a second, and then thought about Axe-Hand Morgan. While I knew more about him from the manga than the anime, and had never seen the colour of his hair, I didn't think that it was far from the truth that Morgan could've been Garp's bastard son. They both had similar hair, and even though Garp was a lot larger, Axe-Hand Morgan was not small. Whatever, I shook my head at the kids grumbling, shooed the marines away and turned back to observing Zoro. I was watching his back from my vantage point, as I knew Luffy would eventually get the one spying his front.
There he was. A strawhat peeked over the wall on the other side, and just as Luffy looked over... The little girl with the rice balls hopped over the divide and ran to Zolo to give him some food. Now, I knew for a fact that Zoro was just using this for training, as I had made him strong enough to flatten a corrupt punk like Morgan, but it was nice to see a child such as this one doing something nice for the supposed heartless Demon-Swordsman. Scenes like this can warm a heart.
And since I had already dealt with that schmuck Helmeppo, this scene was lot more tender this time, and both the girl and Zolo had been reduced to tears of happiness in each others company. Luffy gave them more than a few minutes, before he hopped into the compound, and told Zoro that he would get his swords for him, and they would help free the town.
"I may only be a Commander of a Division right now, Zolo, but my goal is to be the King of Pirates. From what I have heard about you, your desire is to be the greatest swordsman on the planet?" Luffy sat in front of the two, and placed his grinning chin and shadowed face upon a raised fist and his knee. Zoro looked at him in astoundment, before smiling.
"Your ambition... It's possibly greater than mine. To be the greatest swordsman, I will have to be able to outdo anything that any other sword user on this planet can do... But you, you aspire to be the greatest, strongest, worthiest Pirate of them all... I have to say, your wish resonates with mine... What is your name?" The tied up bounty hunter looked at Luffy expectantly.
"Shishishishishishi, my name... Is MONKEY D. LUFFFFFFFFFFFY! AND I'MMMMM GONNA BE THE KING OF PIRATES!" Luffy stood up with gusto, and roared out his reply.
"Hahahahaha, I see now! Only the greatest swordsman, may serve with the pirate king, I ACCEPT YOUR OFFER!" With a grin, Zolo tore loose from his bindings, reaching out and clasping the hand of my grandson. Good. The bond had been made, and now these two would grow to be this generations Whitebeard N' Roger. While Ace did great on a team with Luffy, as they were brothers, Zoro and Luffy had a natural resonance to them that I couldn't describe. They fought together rarely in canon, but when they did it was amazing from what I remember.
Huh, that was an Epic Handshake. While not quite Arnold Schwarzenegger "Best handshake Ever" level, it was still a very macho moment.
I headed inside, now carrying Helmeppo over my shoulder as he had passed out from the excitement against the wall at some point, working my way to the kids room. Luffy and Zolo would be heading up the tower to beat the crap out of Morgan, and most likely would take the fight back to the ground... Probably in a rather violent way. So, I should probably get some of Helmeppo's belongings and head on out. Koby needed a good training partner, and now he would have one right off of the bat.
The tower rumbled, as I made my way outside of it, Helmeppo over one shoulder and duffle bag underneath the other arm. I looked up the walls as I exited the tower, and witnessed Luffy and Zoro falling down it's length while exchanging blows with Morgan. While Morgan was hitting them, he was having far less effect in his blows than what Luffy and Zolo inflicted on him. I quickly jumped over the wall, as great chunks of concrete smashed down around the courtyard.
WHAM
Luffy and Zoro piledrived the idiot into the ground, so it didn't matter anyway, but that was the end of Captain Axe-Hand Morgan's idiocy...
The townspeople gathered to celebrate afterwards, and even though some glowered at Helmeppo, they accepted my explanation that he was going to turn over a new leaf and start trying to defend the weak. Luffy and Zolo soaked up all the attention, while both Coby and the local Marines hounded me. I left the crowds to deal with Zoro and Luffy, and brought the Marines and Koby to a quieter section of the tavern, that no one was occupying.
"Alright. Ask your questions." They began to fire away.
"Why did you leave the Marines Garp-sama?"
"What are you doing siding with people like Roronoa Zolo?"
And on and on. Eventually I got them up to speed to much the same level that Coby knew. Then we began to explore the idea of them possibly defecting/joining another organization. At first, they outright refused, despite having such a corrupt captain in charge of them. However, he got them to come around, giving them his own stories on corruption in the marines and why he had made these choices in deciding to deal with problems he had witnessed once and for all. Slowly but surely, they acclimated to my idea. Especially when I laid out the training programs and the organizations intent to not misuse it's soldiers as cannon fodder, they were impressed.
By the end of the night, I finished outlining the description of my organization's functions, it's roles, it's supports, and it's systems of training. The lads came to the conclusion that I had a pretty good plan, and that indeed the situation called for action of some kind, otherwise the world would continue sliding into absolute slavery and take the last few steps into 1,000 years of darkness...
Over the next week, while we planned our trip to Usopp's and Kaya's village, I trained and assessed the Marines, Koby and Helmeppo's level of ability and the fortresses defence capabilities. Troops from "The Organization" arrived, and began to bolster the staff, while also having undercover suits and intelligence suits permeate the locale.
My first operational public base, carved from the Marines and World Government's flesh. That, was a great pleasure.
Eventually, we began to move out, the former Marines staying a training with my people and forming a new protective entity in Morgan's old town. By the time any marines got there, they would be far stronger than any asset that Marineford would want to risk for a little while given that I'm gonna be stirring a ruckus up, with the Bismarck.
Speaking of which. Time to introduce the newer crew to their ship.
"Alright boys, I know this will come as a surprise to you, but do not freak out when you see the ship we will be travelling on. It's a personal invention of mine, one of many, which will assure our superiority." I told the two, as I held their shoulders and pointed their heads in the direction of the harbour.
"Behold... The Bismarck."
Then she rode into view.
Gleaming steel behemoth. Floating fortress proudly displaying masses of cannon. Titan of the Ocean. As the 800 metre long ship came close enough for us to board with our torpedo boat, Helmeppo, Zoro, and Coby's faces had gone very slack at the sight of the massive ship, and were looking on in awe as they boarded. I gave them a tour, introduced them to the running crew, defence detachment, and showed them to the mess. After a quick meal, they spent a few minutes drinking some rum and vodka, before going to sleep.
Kaya's village was in sight, after a few days of sailing.
The boys marvelled at the time we made between islands. I explained as best as I could, that the ship used a form of artificial lightning, and turned blades that pushed water at it's rear to generate thrust for the massive construct. That satisfied them well enough, but I knew there were going to be more pointed questions in the future. I would of course teach the new ones as well as I had the others.
Now, we had arrived and of course Usopp was there,waiting for our landing party.
"HALT! I AM THE LEGENDARY CAPTAIN USOPP! I RULE THIS VILLAGE! BEHIND ME STAND 10 MILLION MEN READY TO ATTACK! GIVE UP PIRATES, OR BE DESTROYED!" The eccentric sniper roared out in challenge at our shore party.
Luffy and Zolo laughed at the challenge, and began running at the blustering sniper.
"GWOOOAAAHHH!" The long-nosed sharpshooter exclaimed, as he began fumbling for some projectiles and his super-slingshot, stumbling backwards. Usopp was unprepared for the actions of the two, and could wet his pants if they jumped him... So I intervened.[His slingshot, rather than the simple one he started with, was a large U-Joint with a handhold welded to the centre, and a super-heavy duty elastic tied across it. Y'know, the ones you've seen in videos with that short german dude who put ballbearings through skulls on Zombies Go Boom?]
"Luffy, Zoro, that is enough!" My gravelly voice cut across the shore, immediately putting a stop to the two's mischief. Usopp steadied his legs, then caught site of me.
"GARP-OYAJI! It's YOU!" Usopp began running towards me, with a grin on his face, and tears in his eye. I held out my arms, as he crashed into me.
"Yes my boy. I'm glad to see your doing a good and vigilant job by trying to protect your village! Although, you need to work a little on the embellishments..." I ruffled his hair, with a slight sweat-drop of my own. Ten million was a bit much of a count. Even Alabasta doesn't have that many citizens. Usopp blushed lightly, before looking up at me.
"Are you here to stay this time oyaji? Kaya's much better now, and she has begun taking long walks in the garden. That Klahadore is still an absolute jerk however..." The bandana'd menace finished with a pout. I chuckled again.
"It is actually time for you to leave my boy. We are here to pick you and Kaya up. It's now time to head to the Grand Line." I smiled as the grin on his face went from sunflower to megawatt, and he nearly shook with excitement. He clenched his hands, and looked ready to scream
I remember I used to get excited about things this much too.
"AWESOME! Wait until I tell Miss Kaya, she will love this. Will we be taking the Going Merry?" My thoughts screeched to a halt...
Oh shit.
How was I going to explain to him that we already had a ship? Without making it sound like the Going Merry was a completely inferior model... Damnit.
"Not exactly my boy. Y'see, we had already gotten some of our own ships built, and we've designed them for long term missions to be able to oppose any type of opposition. The Merry, well I don't want to put an artwork like her up against something like a Buster Call ship. I appreciate yours and Miss Kaya's initiative with this Usopp, but I wouldn't condemn such a well-made ship to death by making it sail with us..." Usopp frowned, and looked up at me with a serious expression. For a minute, he was unreadable, pressing me with his searching eyes. Then, he cocked his head.
"Oyaji, why is your ship able to handle the journey better?" He crinkled his eyes in his best "detective" face he had tried to use on me before, and I grinned. I then leaned down, pointed his head out to see and bid him to fish his looking glass out of his pocket. After sighting him in, I stood up and waited for him to find the Bismarck, then when he did, I answered his question. "Because my ships are made of metal, my boy."
"Whoa." He had caught sight of the big metal beastie. I left him to drink in it's lines, and structure. The weaponeer in him would be asking a lot of internal questions, pouring over it's visuals, oblivious to anything around him. "Alright boys, we will make camp here. Zolo, you head to Miss Kaya's place and announce our presence to her. If Klahadore gets in your way, ignore him, sidestep him, and only speak to Kaya. Do not engage him in any way, and absolutely do not react to anything he says to bait you." With my careful instructions delegated, we all set about our duties.
I began setting up a barbecue pit, and began pulling utensils and cooking items from my rucksack. Some smoked meat, cabbage, potato's, peppers, carrots, and tomato's would do for a good solid meal. Zoro set down the keg he was carrying, before jogging off towards the town. I opened it's sealed tap with a pop, pouring out fresh juice for when everyone sat down. And once everyone had finished and arrived, we sat down to eat.
"Zolo tells me that you want us to uproot and join your crew Garp-oyaji. Is this true?" Kaya asked in her smooth voice. I raised an eyebrow. She continued. "Are you sure now is the time to begin the plans you had talked with me about?" Kaya wasn't challenging my views, but she was advising caution because of the people who were going to get caught up in this... All of this. I nodded.
"Indeed, I have thought long and hard about the time to begin. With the way I have set up our journey however, we will maintain focus upon our ship while the operations proceed apace in the background. By the time the Marines, Gorosei, and the World Government know what we are doing, I will have the East Blue secure. Then, they will have to chase us through the Grand Line, where they won't be able to mob us with ships because of the geomagnetic distortions present there." Kaya and the others paid close attention to my expose, and were nodding with my words by the end of my spiel.
The lady of the room closed her eyes, and sat back to think. She was silent for more than a few minutes, as everyone made light banter. Finally she opened her eyes, and looked into mine. "Alright. I believe in you, and I agree to come with the Strawhats on this journey. Usopp will have to answer for himself though"-"I AM READY TO GO OUT TO SEA!" Kaya spoke her answer, and Usopp quickly followed with his declaration.
Well, it seemed that the only thing I would need to deal with would be Kuro and his crew now.
Was that battle so important to the Straw Hats, that it needed to happen exactly as it happened in canon? Probably not, considering it was only Nami, Zoro and Luffy while Usopp still technically lived on the island at the time. I mean, what, he was only really mentioned once Luffy's bounty had been posted in the East Blue, and the Strawhats had passed through Loguetown... Eh, maybe I could bounce his transition to my strategist along with... Persuasion.
I left the newly increased Strawhats within the tavern, and headed towards Kaya's mansion.
~Miss Kaya's Estate~
The large house was silent, for the most part, as the servants were at home and Miss Kaya was out. One sound could be heard though. A slight snickering coming from a lone individual, as he stared out the window. Slicked back black hair, round framed glasses, a somewhat elvish complexion and dressed in highly fashionable cultured clothes. Kuro of the Thousand Plans allowed himself a moment of jolliness, as he contemplated his soon-to-be-complete magnum opus. If he played this right, his family could become royalty in these lands, and the dratted World Government would never even know.
Lacing his fingers behind his back, he began to muse on how he would build the already sizable fortune of Kaya's family, into one that could establish control over these lands. Subtly of course, can't have the plebeians knowing whats going on.
A noise behind him brought the devious Pirate Captain back to the present. A glimmer escaping his glasses[like in most anime, lol cartoon-physics], he palmed his cat blades, spinning around to slice whoever had snuck up on him to ribbons.
CLANG
Except an absolutely massive forearm blocked his strike.
Wait, he had no armour on. Kuro's brow furrowed.
"Impossible." Rang through his head. Springing to the side, he put some distance between himself and the newcomer.
"Who and WHAT are you?! No one could've stopped my blades with just their bare skin!" The excited pirate sneered at the tall individual. Kuro's eyes were slowly drawn to the mans face.
"Im-Impossible! You're supposed to be dead!" The once steel-spined Kuro of the Thousand Plans was now reduced to a gibbering mass of terror in my presence. Well, Garp the Fist was known for brutally beating up pirates with just his knuckle-bombs, so it's understandable. I smirked at his fear, not really enjoying it, but letting him terrify himself. Most cowards died a thousand deaths before they faced the end, an old proverb had told me in my past life, and it was a useful tactic against people like Kuro.
"Well Kuro, the real question you should be asking yourself, is if I am supposed to be dead then what am I doing here talking to you?" I narrowed my eyes in his direction, while keeping my face neutral. Kuro sweated visibly.
"Th-that is a good question. Why indeed, then, are you menacing me right now Garp-sama." Oh this one was goood, trying to give the presentable attitude of a cultured pirate, but it wasn't going to work. I know that people were able to trust Kuro for as long as they didn't turn their back towards him, because those that did always ended up with his "cat's claws" embedded in their backs.
"Kuro, I know you would soon as call me "Lord", as you would stick those oversized turkey cutters in my back. SO LISTEN UP! And listen good... Because I am only going to say this once. Join me as a freelance contractor, alongside your crew, or I will bury you in an unmarked grave on this island." Kuro's eyes widened, before his head fell forward.
"B-bu-but! I want to retire... I am so tired of being chased! And the only way you can retire and be free, is to posses money and land! Surely you can see the genius of my plan!" His eyes began to widen, enraged at the possibility I was wrenching his destiny from him.
"Kuro, you thought farther ahead than most, and I applaud you for that." That set him for a loop, he was a little confused as to why I was praising him, when I had just threatened to bury him and his followers in unmarked graves. Well, with Kuro, conversations were battles and Psychological Operations was the primary dialectic they operated through. "While you are being a little selfish, I understand the need and want to be free these days, I also understand that loyalty and family should go hand in hand with that. It is easy to be free and alone. There are many that do so... But to be free, and raise a family, is hard in this world. Marines, Pirates, Nobles, Cipher Pol and all the rest make it very difficult to have anything nice and be left alone." Kuro nodded slightly at what I was saying. Maybe I could convince him to come 'round and be a little nicer.
I had guessed that his persona, like many in this world, were all formed through some traumatizing experiences and had developed their cynicism, abilities and tendencies to kill as reflexes to protect themselves from the oppression of the World Government. So, if I could needle into their fear, and turn it to hope, I may be able to recruit some of the villains. While some villains were more psychopathic and even downright Malthusian[That little brat Kidd was a great example, massacring people because they didn't believe he could be the Pirate King, what a little punk!] in reasoning and rhetoric, it was apparent that a lot of the villains here were on their path because of the oppression they faced.
A long shot for sure, but most of the people I had that would interact with any recruits would outclass them for a long time... At least until some way down the Grand Line.
"So, what are you saying Garp? I should join you and become a subordinate in what you are doing, without even knowing your plans, structure and such? How naive do you think I really am?" Kuro narrowed one eye while raising the eyebrow of the other, and cocked his head. I shook my own, and smirked in amusement.
"Don't be trying to put words in my mouth, you silver-tongued monkeys ass. I said that I am prepared to offer you an observer position in my Organization, but I will not let you go and keep on weaving a web around this isle much less the East Blue itself. Tell me what you think, in three days... Oh and do be a good captain to your subordinates and tell them of my offer." I turned and began to leave, even as Kuro put away his claws.
"3 days... I agree to your terms Garp-sama." Without a word, we both left the room, and went our separate ways. For now.
As it turned out, that Usopp was far more popular in town and to the townspeople, than the canon timeline. Which happened to be my fault, because despite the fact that he still over-exaggerated, he happened to have become a great storyteller for the children and adults alike. Every night he would be in town, telling them something new about some noble cause in a far off land, or a great quest against all odds, or vast sea battles between powerful nations in time gone by. Everyone knew they were just stories, but really appreciated the flavour and spin he put on them, as he was able to make most of his stories relevant to their everyday lives./
When I returned, I found the crew sitting around an Usopp that was regaling a significant crowd.
"-and within that one moment, destiny acted. Between those two tiny creatures, did the fate of the lands rest. As Gollum wrenched the Ring of Power from Frodo, the little Hobbit let go, sending both the Ring and the faithless scum with it. As the Ring hit the surface of the lava, one thought it would almost resist the lava of the mountain. Gollum was instantly fried and dead, disappearing beneath the reddish-gold surface. The Ring sat there for a few scant moments... Then, with a bright light shining from it's intricately carved inscription, it melted into a puddle of gold. The Dark Lord's power, was now broken." The people started clapping and cheering, loving his oration, and praising his story-telling skills. Kids were asking him all sorts of questions, about the Fellowship, about Aragorn and so on.
"You are such a wonderful young man Usopp-kun!"
"Outstanding story my boy!"
"Usopp, Usopp, Usopp, please tell us more about Rohan and the Rohirrim!"
"No, I wanna hear about the Rangers of the North!"
Usopp was taking it graciously, and hadn't even begun boasting yet. I guess he had developed better connections with the village this time, and didn't need to fill his time with fanciful lies to get attention, but rather has been telling fanciful that people have begun to appreciate. Good, good.
"Thanks very much Mr. Sung. Oh, you are too kind Mrs. Vega! Thanks very much Runo and Tuck, I'm glad you liked the story about Middle-Earth." Kindly, he met each of their statements, questions and praise. Hmm. It seemed like this version of Usopp was a little more humble. Which was good, in my point of view, because he didn't take things seriously enough and could've gotten killed half a dozen times by more ruthless opponents.
An older gentleman sat down besides me. Must be the mayor.
"So... You are the one who took Usopp under your wing..." He peered curiously at me. I raised an eyebrow
"Yes, yes I am." The old man remained pensive, not sure on how to respond, before giving a reply.
"How did... How did you turn him around? From a liar and son of a pirate... To a great hunter and orator!" A second brow joined my first one, in surprise this time. Usopp was a hunter?
"Hunter? When did he accomplish that? I've only taught him storytelling." The mayor furrowed his brow.
"Usopp has been hunting for our town, for nearly 3 years now... He always brings back a boar, deer, wolf or bear that he runs into when he is out in the wild. Sometimes he disappears there for more than two weeks..." Oh, now that was interesting. I guess giving him a library of books, with both stories and practical skills, had resulted in him trying to enact some of the excursions his hero's had gone on. Good thing I had included several books on survival, trapping, smoking, preserving, and such. I looked over at Usopp, who met my gaze within a moment. I looked questioningly at him, giving the gimlet eye, and he nodded. We would visit his home tomorrow then.
"Well then... I am glad I have inspired him to not only make sure he isn't a burden on the village, but to share if he has extra. I am glad I taught him so well." The mayor nodded, a smile slowly forming on his face.
"Indeed you have. And we are all the richer for it. So, I must thank you Garp of the Legendary Fist, for raising such a good man. For now, Usopp will become a man, and sail the seas with you. Make sure you protect him out there, monsters frequent the waters these days..." With that, the old man got up, and I bemusedly watched him walk away. Kaya now sidled up to join me.
"Garp-san, are you alright?" She asked, as she set down a glass of wine for herself, and passed me a tankard. I sipped it lightly, enjoying the ale, and nodded.
"I am better than I have been in a long time Miss Kaya. Slowly, my grandchildren are bringing a large family together that can protect each other, and make sure no one else can hurt them. I am just now, finding myself pleasantly surprised, that they are all doing a little better than I expected and finding ways to surprise me even at this point. Usopp being able to survive in the wild, and already taking his own steps to become a great warrior, brings pride to my heart. It means I have done well in instructing my charges to take the initiative, and that they know how to rely on their own sound judgment." Kaya smiled, closed her eyes in thought, and nodded.
"Indeed, you should be proud. Despite his time telling lies as a younger child, he really has come far. No one in town can tell a half-decent story compared to him, his furs, skins, and food are all well-received around the way, and no one would refuse him aid if he asked. He is a valued part of the settlement. Is he ready to leave all that, however?" I looked over at her, seeing that she had a serious look on her face, and looked across the room at Usopp.
"He may be readier than I know, if he has come this far... I think, given what you have told me about his hunting trips, he has been preparing for the sea for a long time. It may even excite him as well, given that he will have other companions there to share the journey, rather than be alone in the wild." She smiled at that, looking over at Usopp as well.
"Indeed. Do you think it will be as fantastic and as dangerous as everyone else says?" I snorted.
"My dear, when I was a Marine, I lived on the Grand Line, right at the area where the Line transitions into the New World. The Grand Line's legends and stories, if anything, downplay everything that happens and can happen in that part of the world. I've seen things so incredible, happen in such rapid succession, that no one else would even say they existed at all because their world cannot comprehend the reality of mine." Kaya looked a little surprised, and worried, at that declaration.
"Don't worry, I won't let anything that can take advantage of you, even get close. It is my responsibility to protect those precious to me and my family, and as the strongest, I need to be able to smack around those who are intent on doing as such." Kaya looked worried, but then set her face neutrally and nodded.
"I can accept that. As long as you try your hardest Garp-san, I will always enjoy being with your family." Kaya sat back, with a small smile on my face as I looked over at her bemusedly.
"Being with? Kaya, you are a precious person to Usopp, you are already apart of the family! Don't separate yourself, you belong on the seas with him and the rest of us!" Kaya looked up in astonishment. I guess the rich can be lonely. This will make her life a lot better then...
"Th-T-thank You Garp-san! You really mean it?" She asked sheepishly, as she looked nervously at Usopp.
"Of course, dear Ms. Kaya! Just because you are not physically as strong as some of us, does not diminish what you can do. Usopp has told me that you are quite the doctor and have learned extensively about anatomy and bodily processes. That makes you skilled in your own way! And don't worry, I will find a way to ensure that you are strong enough to protect yourself." Kaya blushed at my praise, glancing away in embarrassment, holding her cheeks within her hands.
"You really think so?" I nodded seriously.
"Miss Kaya, the most effective fighters on this planet do not rely on power. For the longest time, it wasn't my power that made others wary of me, it was the fact that I really don't have any weaknesses[besides seawater these days], and I could levy my overwhelming strength in a nature surgical enough to bring them down. My Meteor Fist, was literally just me throwing a cannonball as hard as I could at body parts which were more necessary to bodily function than others around them. Like, neck, the kidneys, intestines, pelvis and such." I wrung my hands as I talked, immersed in Garp's memories of physical combat and only using sheer strength to win battles against Whitebeard, Gol D. Roger, Shakky[is that the dude with half a ships wheel stuck in his head?], and others. Kaya nodded. I held up my hand, and it glowed a deep jade.
"And now... I'm stronger than I have ever been. I may be weak to sea water, but the power I possess and how I can apply it, are a greater sum total than the ability I used to have." I let go of the Gamma radiations, and looked at her. "Do you believe in my ability to protect my family?"
Kaya still looked a little uncertain. I smiled.
"I know it takes a lot of Faith to do such a thing. Oftentimes, we have no faith in others abilities to protect, and little to no trust in them as well. However Faith is a good thing to develop. Why?" She looked curiously up at me. "Because it relies entirely on your own belief. Unlike Disease, Faith is a Choice. Is ye Choose to be Faithful to a Ruinous Power, ye shall never be able to claim the protection of Disease and therefore be bereft of the compassion of humanity. If you develop your faith and base it on being a good person to others, then your faith will be rewarded by others having faith in your good acts. Faith doesn't have to be completely about God's, Worship, Church's, Saints, Angels and Devils... It can be much more than that, and is something that I think is intrinsic to the human identity." My philosophical expose left Kaya speechless and looking appreciative at my deep introspection into Faith and it's natural inclusiveness in human nature.
"That is... That is an interesting point of view on the subject Garp-san... Is that why you hate pirates so much?" Snorting again, this time in disdain, I looked over at her.
"Well, it's not pirates I hate, and not marines... It's the people who choose to not only make a choice to serve only their selfish functions, but those who choose to not even be neutral to others so they can abuse them for their own gain. Narcissism, Greed and others are what I look at as Ruinous Powers... Due to the fact that they do not contribute to the advancement of human civilization, only segregation through the conflict they generate..." Intrigued, she drank up what I was saying, hanging on to my words. I guess she was one of those types who actually listened to the elderly...
"With that being sad, enough of this dreary talk, let us join in the larger conversations and take part in the merriment. While we will have each other on the voyage, it will not be often that our crew will be part of such a large get together! Shoo, shoo." I motioned away the younger woman, and waited until she left. This large party was going to be very enjoyable, and I was going to revel in the next three days.
It all went by so fast, the amount of merriment shared was excessive but warranted, and all people from all the town over came to join in the 3 day long festivities. People were billeted, story times rolled throughout the day, the food, jolliness and beer flowed well. Soon, though, it was nearly time to meet Kuro. I got a four hour nap in before the meeting time, and once I got up and made sure no one was paying attention to me, I headed out.
I made my way to our designated meeting point, expecting that the man was going to try an ambush, but still hopeful that I could save some of them. Using my Devil-Fruit, I extended my senses to the background radiation of the forest. 38 signatures. Wow, his crew really had taken some hits, I remember that there was supposed be something like a couple hundred pirates in Kuro's crew. Maybe something had hunted them to this point... Or maybe he was just a douchebag.
We'll see.
"Come out, Kuro of the Thousand Plans, I know you and your crew are here... Time to make your choice." I crossed my arms, and waited for him to appear. With a moments pause, he slithered from the blackness, his glasses shining in the light of a crescent moon, the grin on his face a very near vintage caricature of what one would term cheshire.
"Garp the Fist... You've given me quite the ultimatum..." Walking into full view, Kuro displayed his cat's claws openly, and set his curled up fists upon his hip. His crew walked out until they were only half in the shadows, letting Kuro take front and centre.
"It is not like I have a choice Kuro... You are far too wily and ambitious to leave alone. If I lose my campaign, you will cause havoc for the government, but will ultimately die. If I am successful and you get away, I am left to expect attacks from you in the future because your greed is far too strong. So, you see my conundrum..." Kuro nodded, even as his jaw flexed in silent anger. He had to keep it tamped down though, Garp the Fist was legendary, strong beyond measure. Some had said that he even took an axe to the face while sleeping, and had not even been hurt[an homage to the canon interaction between Morgan and Garp. Here, it is just a story, albeit believable]. Kuro couldn't afford to underestimate him, even if it meant giving up a part of who he was.
"It doesn't mean I like it. What could you possibly offer me, for my persona to allow these changes, how do I know this isn't your way of directly... Indenturing me to your service, so to say... I may be ambitious, but I despise slavery Garp." Kuro's eyes hardened, as he made his query to me. I looked at him approvingly, as I had hoped he would ask a question like that.
Having given him enough of an understanding that I wouldn't shed a tear to kill him and his crew, his mind, that big analytical brain of his had turned to analyzing why I had offered him a chance to live. Now I would answer it. Some people just needed a little validation, after all.
"Because I think that one, you have potential, and two, you can all be good men. Yes, you steal and are responsible for killing more than a few people, but from what I've tracked on your group... It was more for wealth. Which means, if I can give you the true wealth you desire, you can develop and evolve in a far better environment. Your strategic mind is excellent Kuro, your First Mate's Hypnotism is incredible as it is a completely self-developed skill. The Nyan Bro's are a little too theatrical, but have great wells of untapped power. Your crew overall is quite hardy for a place like the East Blue." The pirates looked at each other in surprise.
"Really?"
"You mean that Garp-sama?"
"Wow, I never knew I could be a good man..."
"No way, Captain Kuro is the fastest!"
And so forth.
"I do mean it. I am the most real motherfucker you shits will ever meet." I grimaced widely at the nervous pirates, and they shuffled uneasily. "That being said, yes, you do have potential. Yes, you can have the good life, be free, and enjoy happiness as all people should. You would make a fine addition to my second division. All of you have the hallmarks of becoming a well-organized Assassination Platoon. My Second Division is made for just such individuals." Kuro raised an eyebrow.
"Limitations?" I smirked, knowing where this was going. The idea had been established as sound, now we were haggling over price[and when in the bloody hell had I become Captain Jack Sparrow?].
"No collateral, or civilian damage, unless they are collaborators. Even then, I prefer exposure and humiliation to give the locals justice." Kuro stilled, then looked over his troops.
"Accommodations, and Pay?" Raising a hand to my chin, crossing my arms and closing my eyes I put on the appearance of being deep in thought.
"Until the campaign ends, we will have fully stocked ships and redoubt's in various islands across first the East Blue, then more. When we conclude the campaign, I am looking at putting loyal soldiers embedded back into the population in order to both reward them and ensure that the civilians see you are not there to protect my regime, but protect them from more who would take advantage of the chaos. Minimum 38 acres, house of your design, local food source to sustain your family." Nodding, Kuro closed his eyes, contemplating my offer. Then he turned around. Looking at each of his men, he assessed them one by one.
"Well men. Is it worth it to throw in with this fossil, in order to be truly rich and free? Or should we choose to mount one final action in defence of some of our less than savoury ways?" He raised his hands, holding them up and open, looking to each for their reply. A lot of the Black Cat Pirates were deep in thought, or trying to digest the conversation I and Kuro had been having, who knows.
"Well, Captain, I think we have had our fill... No reason to try and debauch when both the World Government and other forces are bearing down on you. Besides... I've heard if you are a good enough person, a woman may notice you naturally. I think it may be high time we give that a try..." Django spoke up for the crew, looking around as they nodded slowly, the Nyan Bro's first then the rest. Slowly, Kuro turned around, before smiling lightly.
"Well, Garp-oyaji-saaaaaama, it appears you've won! I pledge the Black Cat pirates to your Organization, if you will have us." He dropped to his knees, and so did the res-wait what had he just said? That little brat! He called me "Lord Old Man"[if my animespeak was correct in remembering such a thing].
"You cheeky little scrub... Well, the balls in my court now. I guess it's now time to inform you, that as the first to join the Second Division, you are all the inaugural platoon... The first to be organized in your division. Welcome to The Organization, Black Cat Platoon of the Second Division, and welcome, Commander Kuro of the Black Cats."
That couldn't have gone better
~Chapter End~
Author Note: Well, there is the second one. I hope this is up to people's high expectations they hold for One Piece fictions, even if it's a self-insert. I'm trying to make sure I do good dialogue scenes, as most One Piece stories are very heavy with them. Me, I am partial to the massive fights that One Piece can construct. That moment when Whitebeard threw the Ocean at Marineford, and Aokiji froze tidal waves, and others like it, were just so epic. However, I know people want to see the personality of both my Garp, and the improvements that the others have gained with the changes.
Thanks to the last chapters reviewer, who pointed out quite correctly, that I had used the name for Enel The Lightning Gods fruit[Goro Goro no Mi], and not the true Fire fruit, which is Mera Mera no Mi. I have since corrected and edited the previous chapter.
Kindly drop a review. Flames will be used to feed the Eternal Fires of Surt.