Chapter II: Honor of Men

A/N: I predict that Kitsune and Luffy will make short work of East Blue. They're from the Grand Line and will hold back only to a point, after all. Thank you to all my loyal followers, readers, voters, and reviewers! I will try to keep an updating as soon as possible.

Shell Town

- Coby -

These two pirates were real monsters. One had rubber powers and the other could make fire and transform into a fox! A magical fox! But really odd monsters. Luffy acted so strange; one moment laughing and joking with his brother, the next glaring at Lady Alvida with such intensity. And Kitsune! He can act so calm and joking, making witty commentary and pretending to be a much-burdened older brother with Luffy, but Coby couldn't help but remember the sharpness of his smile and the wild look in his eyes when he confronted those pirates. More than once, Coby questioned why he had agreed to accompany them to Shell Town.

Speaking of which, the island came into view. It was good that Kitsune and Coby knew rudimentary navigation skills. Luffy more than proved disastrous in that skill set. He exclaimed loudly how he was amazed that they actually arrived at their destination. Kitsune threw his hands up in a wordless gesture that said 'he's hopeless!'

The three of them had just settled at a restaurant. Coby discovered another crazy thing about his travelling companions. They had black holes for stomachs! They ate plate after plate. Once Luffy and Kitsune had full bulging bellies apiece, they finished eating.

"So, we part ways here, am I right Coby?" asked Kitsune, who leaned back into his chair, hands clasped behind his head. He looked utterly relaxed.

"Y-yeah. Thank you Luffy and Kitsune for taking me this far."

"Yeah! No problem. Think Zoro-" *Crash!* "-is here?" Coby, Luffy, and Kitsune turned their heads. Their fellow diners had smashed plates and toppled tables at the name of Zoro.

"Mm, looks like it." Kitsune gave the scared townspeople a bemused grin. "I suppose we shouldn't say his name too often, though.

"Uh-huh," whispered Coby, "we shouldn't. He's probably being held at the marine base. I heard on the streets the name of the base commander. He's Captain Morgan."

*Crash! Clatter! SMASH!*

Once more, the diners jumped at the mention of someone's name. Coby couldn't understand why they acted so nervous. Zoro was a famous bounty hunter with a demon's reputation. But, Captain Morgan was a brave marine. Right? Kitsune crooked his head thoughtfully.

"Well, well. I guess Zoro isn't the only tabooed name around here. Something about the good captain must not settle to well with these people."

- Kitsune -

The three of them headed off for the marine base. Coby voiced uneasiness about their destination. Luffy just laughed. Kitsune rolled his eyes at his younger sibling. He agree with Coby, something was not quite right with Shell Town and its base.

"Hey, Luffy?"

"Yeah, Kit?"

"Mind if I catch up later at the marine base? We need more supplies. Coby, make sure the rubber-brain doofus doesn't get in too much trouble, please. Knowing Luffy, he would go and antagonize the good marine captain. And the last thing we need is publicity at this part of our journey."

"Shishishi! 'K. Bring back lots of meat!"

"Sure, sure. Plus, vegetables. And you will eat them, Luffy. Remember to not go picking fights – unless the situation calls for it. Bye!"

Kitsune felt like his ears twitched as Luffy only chortled at him.

Marine Base

Kitsune had just finish packing the last of the supplies and walked over to the marine base. One moment he was calmly approaching the wall where Luffy and Coby were peering over, the next a little girl came sailing over it! Kitsune jumped and caught her in midair. As he touched back down, he scowled in the direction from which she flew. Who in the world would toss a little girl over a wall? Even pirates usually have more honor…well, we do at least. Looking around, he saw Luffy was gone. Kitsune put the girl down and scaled the wall.

"-Aww, come on! Join my pirate crew!"

"No. Why should I join your crew? If I survive one month, then those marines will set me free."

"One month? I would starve to death in a week, I think."

"And that's the difference between you and me. I won't lose this bargain. I'll do whatever it takes to survive. Because I will fulfill my dream."

"Dream? And what dream would that be?" inquired Kitsune, slinking in from the swordsman's blind spot. The man jerked his head to the side. "Well? A dream is not something to be taken lightly. I know that too well – that's why I don't have one yet."

The 'Pirate Hunter' only glared at the smirking man.

"My dream is to one day be the world's greatest swordsman." Roronoa Zoro gave a devilish smile. He turned to Luffy. "Do me a favor. Give me the rice ball. Every last piece."

Kitsune watched silently as Luffy picked up the muddied rice ball pieces and fed them to Roronoa. The guy ate every last bit as he promised. Then he told them to give his thanks to the little girl.

- Luffy -

Luffy was mad. Rika told them how Zoro saved her from that stupid-looking guy and his pet wolf. Then that Helmeppo-guy went and bragged about making Zoro an example. He was going to go back on his word and kill Zoro tomorrow! Luffy didn't regret punching that jerk, not one bit. Kitsune and Coby barely could hold him back.

The Helmo-guy went on and talking about a lot of dumb stuff – Luffy didn't care and didn't really listen to all the boring stuff the guy said. He scoffed when he heard the part about the guy telling his father, though.

"A true father let's his sons fight their own battles," noted Kit with one of his not-smiles. "He doesn't let them hide in his shadow because some day they may not have that option anymore."

"Like Pops," remarked Luffy. "Our dad is really strong, but we don't use his name to solve our problems."

Now, back at the marine base, Luffy ran through the halls, marines in pursuit and the sissy jerk from earlier guiding him. Kitsune promised to keep an eye on Zoro for him while the young captain barreled through the base.

"Sword, sword, where is that sword?" Against the wall stood three of them. "Hey, Helmet-guy! Which is one is Zoro's?" But the jerk had passed out, mouth frothing.

Umm…? Which one to take. Oh well. "Shishishi! I guess I'll just take all of them."

- Kitsune -

While Coby sawed through the ropes, Kitsune focused his attention on the marine base. He could sense a lot of movement with his Observation haki. Luffy's energy stood out and was somewhere on the upper floors. Kitsune shook his head. Typical Luffy. Just rocketed ahead, telling Kitsune to wait for him, and then he went and probably broke that statue earlier. An image flashed in his mind's eye. Metallic blurs, a spurt of blood. Kitsune had his dagger in one hand and his kodachi drawn in his left. He spun protectively over Coby, deflecting the hail of bullets.

Kitsune didn't react when he felt marines spilling out from the direction behind him. Not yet. His instincts were never wrong. A hail of bullets sung with their fatal scream.

- Roronoa Zoro -

These pirates were unbelievable. The younger, skinny one – Luffy – had stubbornly refused to listen to him! He had balls, the pirate hunter could give him that.

Something about the other one also stood out. He didn't give his name, just stood there most of the time. But he watched. Those silver-blue eyes were sharp and aware of everything despite the relaxed posture and manner of their owner. Not to mention, the guy was a fellow swordsman. He had a kodachi peeking under that coat of his, strapped to his back. Even his movement telegraphed the grace of a fighter, a well-trained one. It didn't make much sense for someone whose aura practically screamed danger would submit to someone weaker. So, the other guy must be something to have the shorter, albeit more dangerous, man deferring to him as captain.

The pink-haired kid had just finish telling him about how the marine brat was going to betray Zoro when the pirate – Kitsune, the kid named him – suddenly spun around and took position by the two of them. It took only seconds. Only a moment more and a bunch of marines were shooting at them. If the kid had been a bit slower- Zoro shook off his thoughts and watched Kitsune deflect the bullets. He tipped his head in respect to the swordsman's skill. Then a volley of gunfire came from the other side. Coby's eyes widened further.

A red blur got between Kitsune and the marine reinforcements. Zoro widened his eyes. The young captain from earlier took the gun fire, but the bullets just stretched his skin out before scattering in all directions.

"You couldn't arrive earlier?" chided Kitsune who sheathed his dagger and threw out a hand. Fire raced and sent several marines stumbling back in fear.

The kid pouted at the shorter man. "Aww, Kit. There were a ton of doors. Couldn't find his katana anywhere for a while until I ran into this guy," whined Luffy, "and then I couldn't figure out which sword was Zoro's."

"What kind of humans are you?"

"The very best," answered Kitsune in false solemnity.

"One who's gonna become the pirate king," stated Luffy.

Luffy turned to the still-tied up swordsman.

"Which one is yours? I couldn't figure that out, so I took all three of them."

"They're all mine. I use three swords."

"Resisting the marines? THAT WILL MAKE ALL OF YOU OUTLAWS IF YOU DON'T DIE HERE!"

"Like we weren't already," muttered Kitsune as bent over to check on the comatose Coby.

Zoro came to a decision. "Are you guys the sons of the devil? Never mind. I won't simply die here…I'd rather take up that offer of yours. I'll become a pirate under your flag."

"Yay, I finally get a swordsman!" His captain threw up his arms in excitement. To the side, Kitsune dragged a hand down his face in exasperation.

"Hurry up and get these ropes off me!"

Zoro could hear the marines muttering in fear. Captain Morgan was one of the few unaffected by Luffy's odd abilities. He said something about devil fruit before ordering his men to attack.

"As you wish, swordsman." A white blade gleamed.

- Kitsune -

No sooner he parted the ropes binding the swordsman while Luffy tossed him his swords, than Roronoa display his own skill. The man blocked several blades.

"Move, and you'll die. Listen up, you two. I told you guys that I'll become a pirate. After today, I will be a criminal no matter what. But, I still have my own dream. I will become the world's greatest swordsman! Mercenary, pirate, bounty hunter, it doesn't really matter what the world will call me so long as I hold that title. Interfere in my dream, and I'll cut you down as repayment!"

Kitsune gave the swordsman a genuine smile. Not bad. Not New World worthy – yet. Maybe the guy can one day take on Uncle Hawk. Maybe. "World's greatest swordsman? I think you have an interesting dream. A crazy one, but Luffy's is even more ridiculous, after all. Either way, a dream is a dream."

"Shishishi! The number one swordsman in the world? Great! Nothing less for the crew of the pirate king!"

"Well said."

"That was actually quite well-spoken."

"Wait, why didn't you free him earlier? Sword and daggers aside, you have freaking fire powers!" shouted the much putout Coby. Kitsune only gave a close-eyed smile.

"Shahehehe, I guess I could have. Didn't feel like it. Or maybe not. Maybe I had other motives to wait on freeing Roronoa."

Then an annoyingly, brash voice interrupted them.

"What are you guys standing around for? Finish them off!"

Kitsune's smile turned vicious. Nodding his head in Luffy's direction, more flames alighted his upturned right palm. Luffy grinned.

"Zoro! DUCK!"

"Foxfire Blaze!"

"Gum-Gum Whip!"

Kitsune let loose a trail of fire that circled around them and pulsed outward. Luffy's stretched foot followed. The combination of fire and rubber strength sent the marines flying or fleeing. Kitsune grinned with a hint of something else behind his eyes.

"What in the world are you?"

"I'm a rubber man!" replied Luffy.

Kitsune spared Zoro a cheeky grin and answered, "And I am a kitsune. That goes by the name Kitsune, coincidentally. Ate a fruit and now I can transform and use all sorts of abilities."

"These guys are monsters!"

"They're too strong!"

"Whoever said that," growled Captain Morgan, "Get a gun and kill yourself. That's an order." Kitsune narrowed his eyes.

"I don't need useless and weak soldiers."

Luffy charged. Kitsune stood beside the swordsman and watched. Luffy didn't need him to teach scum like him a lesson. Luffy dodged swing after swing of that great big axe.

"People without status do not have the right to question or oppose me! You are nothing! I AM THE GREAT MARINE LIEUTNENANT 'AXE-HAND' MORGAN!"

Luffy only grinned wider. "I am Luffy. Nice to meet ya." He kicked out with both feet, scoring a hit in Morgan's face.

"Aargh. You-YOU LITTLE BASTARD! GO TO HELL!" The next swing missed as Luffy only sidestepped to the left. He twisted his arm and punched.

"Not dead yet." Morgan had fallen hard onto the ground, Luffy crouched over him. Luffy's eyes had that dark cast. "Great marine, huh? You ruined Coby's dreams. Even Grandpa is a hundred times a better a marine than you." Luffy drew his arm back for another punch when Helmeppo decided to take the coward's way. He held a gun to Coby's head.

"WAIT!" Luffy hit Morgan anyways. "Wait, you idiot. If you move, I'll shoot him! I really will!"

Kitsune let a small smile grow on his face when Coby announced that he didn't want to be a burden and that he wasn't afraid to die.

At the moment Luffy let loose his Gum-Gum Pistol, several things happened at once. 'Axe-hand' Morgan loomed behind Luffy. Kitsune let a little of his aura loose on Helmeppo, momentarily stunning the stupid son of Morgan long enough to drop his gun. Luffy knocked him out the moment he regain coherency. And Zoro struck, taking out Morgan. "Leave it to me, Captain."

The marines looked stun. Whispers of Captain Morgan's defeat ran through them. Coby looked scared again, but Luffy and Kitsune held a relaxed posture.

"What, do you guys still want to arrest us?" said Zoro. Suddenly the marines cheered.

Turns out that Axe-hand Morgan had a long history of bullying his subordinates and subjugating the island under his brutal tyranny. The marines all hated the guy, but none had the strength or courage to fight back. Zoro fell over at one point, but a good meal after nine days of starving was just the treatment.

- KASL -

"How can you two eat so much?"

Rika's mother offered to let the pirates eat for free. The two skinny pirates took that to heart and were on their fifth helping. Frankly, this was a bit much for the swordsman. Coby shared a sympathetic look with the swordsman he once so feared to even speak of.

"Yeah, should have seen them earlier," he laughed. He turned to their hosts. "I'm sorry. I ate quite a bit as well."

"No worries. Eat plenty. You guys saved the town."

"Captain," asked Zoro, putting his fork down, "where to next?"

"The Grand Line," simply stated Luffy.

"Luffy! You're saying crazy things! How can only three men navigate the pirates' graveyard?"

"Pssh, I travelled the Grand Line and the four Blues by myself quite fine. Had to jump quite a few ships, but it's not impossible. All you need is a strong crew or a bit common sense. On second thought, stick with the first one when you have a living danger magnet."

"True. If we're aiming for One Piece, we need to head off in that direction, anyways."

"Now you two speaking nonsense!"

The fox shapeshifter couldn't help but snicker into his napkin at Coby's expression.

"Ugh! Can't I…Can't I worry about you guys? I mean, even if we're parting here, and we may not know each other all that long but-"

"Shishishi! But we are friends, aren't we?"

"And friends are entitled to worry about each other," added Kitsune.

Coby looked utterly flabbergasted.

"Yep! We may not be together, but we'll always be friends."

Kitsune stared at his younger brother. "That may be the wisest thing I've ever heard from you, Luffy."

"Yeah. You guys taught me to believe in my dream." Coby blushed slightly.

"And that's why we need to head for the Grand Line," pointed out Luffy. Zoro and Kitsune nodded their agreement.

"No one would take us seriously if we don't brave those seas. Don't worry," interjected Kitsune at Coby pinched expression, "Luffy and I lived in the most dangerous part of the Grand Line for a good part of our lives."

"Yeah, and first of all," Zoro poked Coby with the hilt of his sword, "you may want to worry about yourself."

"Huh?"

"Chore boy you might have been, but you were still a pirate, a small pirate, but a pirate nonetheless. Those marines find out, and they'll never let you join."

Coby gawked at Zoro. A moment later and the door opened to reveal a horde of marines.

"Excuse me," said the new marine base captain, "did you fellows say you were...pirates?"

"Yeah. Just found my second crewmate. We're officially a pirate crew," answered Luffy with his usual oblivious attitude.

"Even though you pirates saved the town, as marines we cannot tolerate your presence any longer. Leave, immediately. You'll be sure that we report what happened to Headquarters."

Luffy, Zoro, and Kitsune thanked Rika's mother for the meal and made to leave when the marine called out to Coby.

"Hey, aren't you with them."

"…"

Coby looked down at his feet. /"We'll always be friends!"/

"I-I'm not with them!"

"Hey you! Is he telling the truth?"

Luffy stopped.

"I know what this guy used to do. He worked for two years for this really fat and ugly lady. Her name was Alvida, and-"

"SHUT UP!"

Coby looked at his fist in shock. He just punched Luffy. Luffy got up with a grin plastered to his face.

"Take this!" Luffy snapped his fist. "And this and this and-" Zoro grabbed Luffy's shirt, pulling him away. Shock crossed his face for a moment before he hid it behind his usual scowl. Kitsune cocked his head, eyes intent. During their stay on the island, he had not once let his bangs fall out of place due to years of practice. Best explain later. None of the marines can see it, at least, and Zoro knows how to school his expression a lot better than rubber-for-brains.

"You went a bit overboard, Captain," said Zoro.

"Enough!" yelled the marine. "Clearly, he is not your friend. Leave the town immediately!"

The Harbor

"Good acting, brother," complimented Kitsune tilting his beret slightly forward.

"Yeah. This way the marines will accept him even though he was a pirate," remarked Zoro.

"I want Coby to go and fulfil his dream. He needs to be able to act independent of his history."

"Time to go, Captain. Who knows what will happen next?"

"Wait!" screamed a familiar voice. Coby came huffing. He saluted them. "Thank you very much for…everything. I'll never forget you for the rest of my life!"

"A marine saluting pirates?" commented Zoro with a smile.

"A rare sight," grinned Kitsune.

"Shishishi, good luck, Coby. We'll meet again someday!"

The pirates waved farewell to their friend. Suddenly a group of marine lined the docks.

"Group salute!"

The pirates shoved off, heading for the Grand Line. More townspeople came to cheer and wave farewell. Kitsune laughed as his sharp ears caught the new base commander's punishment of half rations for a week for saluting pirates.

East Blue

"…"

"Anything you would like to ask, Zoro?"

"…That mark on Luffy's back…"

Kitsune gave a dramatic sigh before shaking his bangs, letting his family's mark come in to view.

"Mark of Whitebeard, right? I can see you already knew what it signifies. Luffy and I used be a part of the family."

"Yeah. Pops and Marco and everyone took me and my brothers in after a bunch of slavers caught us!"

"Slavers?"

Kitsune leaned against the ship's railings. "Hmm. Bad childhood experience. But, it was worth getting a family that loves us unconditionally and will always have our backs, even from afar."

Zoro sat with legs crossed. "When you said 'brothers' earlier…"

"Yep. I've been Luffy's brother since we were young. Shared a cup of sake to seal a bond as close as that of blood. And this was before we met Pops and everyone."

"Hmm." Zoro looked at his two companions with an unreadable expression. "The sons of Whitebeard? Well, that explains your strength and weirdness."

"Shahehehe! You have yet to see Luffy and mine true power. But, Marco kind of nailed it into us to keep low profiles for a while, especially in the Blues. Can't have a fleet on our backs quite yet, you see. At least not until we return to the Grand Line. Paradise should be okay."

"Paradise?"

"First half of the Grand Line. You'll see why later. We'll probably have to come up with a training schedule of some sorts, too. The Grand Line is not for the weak of body or heart."

"…"

"Any more questions?"

"Yeah. Why does Luffy always act, well, like himself? You certainly act better, and you're younger-"

"Just because I am only a little over five feet, does NOT make me younger than Luffy. I am actually 21 years old or so. My birthday in another half a year. Any short remarks will be met with the appropriate level of pain and misery. Understand?"

The swordsman wisely nodded.

"Good. Hey, Luffy! Why don't we tell Zoro some stories about our time in the Grand Line?"

"Shishishi! Yeah! And you can tell me all about what you did since you last visited the Moby Dick."

For the remainder of the day, Kitsune and Luffy wove tales of adventure, family, and nakama. Their swordsman listened intently, asking questions and explanation here and there, especially when Kitsune mentioned haki or when Luffy noted their experience with Hawk-Eyes Mihawk, the one who helped train Kitsune in the way of the sword.