Bootleg Protagonist Chapter 2 -

Authors Note: I want to thank those who have started reading this fic for your attention and appreciation.

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece or any of Oda's characters or settings I use.

My eyes snapped open as consciousness returned to me. Everything was considerably darker then when I fell asleep and I could only assume it was night now. As I start moving to get up my small limbs flail a bit. For a moment I feel panicked but as I regain my bearings and memory from the grogginess of sleep I begin to calm down. Sadly, this process once again halts as my last conscious thoughts return to me.

The face of my guardian. My new name.

My thoughts simply cease for a bit as my mind works to comprehend what this all means. One Piece world is real. Marines, Yonko, Warlords, Devil Fruits, and Haki all exist. I'm in a world far more dangerous than my previous. And I am the person who will run into the most danger.

… Fuck.

I just sort of stared into the emptiness for a while, contemplating the how and why. As I did I took notice of some things. For one, the quality of my senses had jumped again and I could now see the marine flag proudly hung on the wall. It was kind of hard to see since it was darker now but the light pouring off the moon in the window allowed me to make it out. As to why my senses improved enough to see it I don't know. Maybe I was out for a long time or newborn senses grew exponentially. Either way I could now make out the symbol of one of the most tyrannical governments in fiction, standing as a reminder of my new predicament. Well, that wasn't entirely accurate, since the world government had its own symbol, but the marines supported them which was just as bad in my eyes.

Among the other things my senses picked up was loud snoring. Working to angle my head a bit I could see a bed behind a desk, with a large figure lying in it. Garp.

At this distance I could barely make out his face and the excessively large snot bubble hanging above it. He looked younger than in the show/manga. The top of his hair was black and the sides were the only grey I could see. He looked to be in his 50's. He probably was, considering that original Luffy was 19 in the up to date manga.

I put my head back down and begin to think.

Let's examine this calmly. I'll start with the information I have. If I remember correctly, I heard the word east earlier which probably means we're in the east blue or heading there. This was more than likely because as soon as I was born my parents, more specifically Dragon, handed me off to my Grandfather to be raised safely away from the revolution. How we got to this point and why anyone agreed to it I don't know, but I also don't know how relations between Garp and Dragon were anyway. Regardless we were probably heading to Foosha where I would be raised.

Now that I think about it wasn't Luffy supposed to be born in Foosha? I can't remember if it was actually stated anywhere but it probably was. Did something happen to my birth because of my reincarnation? Or did something happen to my birth that caused reincarnation? Maybe some sort of weird Devil Fruit user? Did it have to do with Luffy's- I mean my mother?

I mentally slap myself for getting off track. Regardless I was born and I'm probably on the same life track as original Luffy. But did I want to be? Did anyone really? Sure he went on an adventure of a lifetime with friends he could count on but he also endured so much. I can't count the number of times he almost died, and he had already shortened his life with second gear and Ivankov's miracle treatment. He lost people. He faced the world's strongest powers on a regular basis and sometimes only made it through sheer dumb luck. Does anyone want to live a life that risky? I'm not sure I could handle that.

Maybe I could try living a normal life? Nothing said I couldn't. Maybe Garp would be disappointed but it's not like I couldn't be successful. My advantage of 18 years of life still stood, regardless of the world I'm in. It's still feasible I could live comfortably.

But then I thought about what Luffy meant to this world. What would happen without him. Alabasta would collapse under civil war. Skypiea would be destroyed by Enel. Moria would continue stealing lives. Fishman island would fall under the tyranny of Hody Jones. Caesar Clown would kill children. Doflamingo would work Dressrosa to death. But after that I began to think about how Luffy affected the people in his life. He hadn't just saved lives, he had saved happiness. Where would the Straw Hats be without him? A few would be fine but most would live out their lives in the dark without the light of hope. Some would die. Without Luffy, the world was a darker place.

I knew all this and more. If I willingly stood by and let that continue when I had knowledge that could save the world, and what's more the potential to do so, I would be worse than all those villains combined.

Cowering away from the world was not an option. My first father had been a doctor and he taught me that failing to contribute to the world when you had the ability to do so was a failure as a human being.

The world and more was counting on Luffy, which meant they were counting on me. Furthermore nothing said I needed to do this the way original Luffy did it. I had knowledge of the future and my inherited foes. If I played my cards right and used everything I had to offer I could not only did what Luffy did. I could do better. That is not a slight at Luffy mind you. I know he was a better person than I will ever be. But I had advantages that would allow me to change everything. There would be obstacles and challenges along the way, I'm sure. After all everything goes according to plan until it doesn't, but I was going to do everything in my power to fix everything I could.

That night a newborn D. made a promise they would never forget.

I WILL change things for the better.

For the rest of that night my well rested mind reviewed as much One Piece knowledge as I could. I didn't know much about the brain or how my now undeveloped mind contained 18 years of knowledge but I was betting that I wouldn't remember everything for long. Memories faded, and I needed mine to last another 17 years+. I was lucky that I had reviewed One Piece in preparation for Fanfic writing before my demise because now I needed to memorize it all.

For hours on end I reviewed every arc of One Piece over and over trying to remember key plot points and characters. Whenever I forgot something I stayed and brainstormed until I could remind myself what I was missing. It was my hope by reviewing this every day I would start remembering this knowledge the same way we start to remember language when we are young. It was always easier to teach something when you're younger and my hope was that I could teach myself One Piece so it was always in the back of my mind. I would probably be repeating this process of review for years.

I knew I going to miss things regardless, Oda loved relying on small details and quiet mentions, but I was going to do my best regardless.

I don't know how many hours passed that night as I forced myself to stay awake and review but around the time I was on my 4th check of Marineford I noticed the sun coming up through the window.

I heard a pop and quickly made the connection that Garp's(or should I call him Gramps?) snot bubble broke.

I looked in Garp's direction and with the new light I was able to see that he had not only slept fully clothed but on top of his covers as well. Either way he was getting up now and I could hear him muttering something under his breath. The fact that I can pick that up means my hearing is now better as well.

His eyes widened and he glanced in my direction before bearing a relieved smile.

"Hey Luffy."

Yep, hearing's better.

"When you passed out yesterday I was real worried. Took ya to doc but their mystery machine said you were fine. But I was still so worried I seem to have stayed up without changing clothes. Bwahahaha!"

I didn't really know what he found so funny about that, but I guess I was glad he was in good spirits. I still didn't really get why people talk to babies. But I suppose I was a hypocrite because I talked with my sister when she was an infant.

I was brought out of my thoughts as Garp calmed his laughter and started talking again. This time it was with a somber tone and face.

"We should be arriving today. That means I won't be seeing you for a while... " He sighed as he glanced up at the marine flag on the wall. "I don't really know what I was expecting. It was like this when I had Dragon too. I wonder if he'da turned out better if I'd spent more time with 'im." But then a smile returned to his face and the shadows created by the sun behind him made him look sinister. "I'll do better this time. Whenever I get the chance I'll smack some sense into yah with the Fist of Love." He raised said loving fist above his head when he said it. His somber face and tone returned though as he looked down. He slowly got up and walked towards the crib and only stopped when he was looking down at me. He sighed before he started again: "I really do hope you don't become a criminal. I don't want to lose any more family."

He then turned and walked to the cabin door and left me alone with my thoughts.

I didn't like the marines. I really didn't. Sure they served the people and protected them from the chaos. I'll even admit that most pirates deserve what they get from the marines. But after seeing what the World Government does and allows I couldn't support them, not even a little. That isn't to say I operate on absolutes. There are decent and different marines within the navy and I'm glad to count my Grandfather among them. But I couldn't support the system as a whole.

I like my new grandfather, I really do. I liked him in the anime and respected him for his will. Furthermore he was rivals with Roger which made him basically an equal to Whitebeard. And he had accomplished all this without amplification or devil fruit. He was a monument to the human spirit of growth and improvement. I could see why he was called Hero.

But I was going to disappoint him. I couldn't...no that's wrong… I wouldn't become a marine. I'd kill myself before I served a government that allowed slavery. And I knew that on the path I selected I was destined to become an outlaw. Maybe I could avoid it for a while. After all original Luffy never did something seriously illegal before he saved Robin from CP9. Even his fight with Captain Morgan could be overlooked considering the corruption of said captain. But in the end my goals and ideals clashed with the navy so I was destined to clash with my grandfather.

It felt wrong.

I barely knew him but I could see in his eyes how much he cared for me. It reminded me of my old family and the idea of betraying something like that hurt. Even if it was for a good cause.

I think I'll call him Gramps. It something he likes and I ought to make him happy while I can. Since I know that I'm gonna leave him in the future I'll do right by him while I can. As long as I am able I will make sure he knows we're family and that matters.

Before I can think on it more I feel the boat lurch beneath my crib. I look out the back window and notice a dock stretching behind the ship.

We have arrived.

The door opens and Gramps walks in.

"Well Luffy...it's time"

The trip off the boat is the most activity I've seen or felt in a while. Gramps is holding me with his right arm and his massive hand is easily enough to carry me. I see marines standing at attention and marching behind him as he makes his way onto the docks and into Foosha village. He waves with his left hand and greets everyone who calls him.

Crowds wait for the marine hero as he smiles and practically shouts to the world that he has a grandson. Finally he takes a pause to great a particular stickler of a mayor.

Gramps smiles as he greets him."Mayor Woop Slap! Good to see you!"

The somewhat younger looking mayor smiles in return. "If it isn't the pride and joy of the village! I'm glad to have you back. Who's the tyke?"

I can feel Gramps beaming as replies, "This is my grandson!"

I watch as Woop Slap smiles at that before suddenly frowning. "Just make sure he doesn't turn out like that son of yours. I don't want this village to get a bad name."

Gramps tenses a little at that but manages to keep his composure. "I'll see to it that he won't. But try to stop people from mentioning him. I don't want Luffy to know till he's older."

Woop Slap nods in affirmation. "I'll do what I can." He walks off with that final exclamation.

Gramps sighs and sags a little before collecting himself and walking towards a house shaped building with large sign labeled "Partys Bar".

He walks through the door with a big smile and calls out, "Hey Makino!"

I hear a pleasant female voice call out from within the building. "If it isn't Vice Admiral Garp!"

I turn my head to see Makino, who I can only assume will be my caretaker until I'm transferred to Dadan. Or at least that's what I think before I see her. She's a lot younger than in the beginning of the manga. I'd say in the mid teens. Nowhere near old enough to raise a kid much less run a bar. My brain is running in circles and I wonder if it's just because of a difference in culture between worlds. Afterall One Piece world is set to be in somewhat older times. But that brings up other questions. My biggest question is how Gramps and her knew each other.

She's walking over to Gramps and notices me. "I'm guessing this is your grandson?"

Gramps is taken aback. "How did you know?"

She raises her eyebrow. "What other kind of kid would you be carrying?"

Gramps furles his eyebrows together and I can tell he's thinking about something before answering, "You have a point."

At this point Makino is smiling down at me and offers me her finger. I don't really know how to react or behave like a baby so I just do what first comes to mind and grab it in my tiny hand.

She somehow manages to smile even more and then looks to Gramps.

"While I'm flattered you would come to me to show me your grandson is there anything else you need?"

Garp frowns a little and Makino gives him a questioning look. He sighs before using his left hand to gesture to the chairs around the bar. Makino nods and sits at a table. Gramps sits opposite her and begins talking.

"I want you to raise him."

Makinos eyes widen a bit. I barely prevent mine from widening to. I mean come on! She's a teenager running a bar and a 50 year old Vice Admiral is asking her to take care of kids. Who wouldn't be asking questions? She sighs and takes a somewhat restrained tone. "I'm glad you trust me enough to ask me to do this but why can't you?"

Gramps flinches a little at her tone before continuing. "You know why I can't. I love my family and I love this kid, but my job is to make others safe. I can't sacrifice others safety for a selfish desire like family."

Makino must have more spunk than when she gets older because she simply eyes him again as she replies. "Is that what Fleet Admiral Kong tells you to say."

Gramps becomes firmer in his stance and words. "It's what I believe."

I had to admit that hurt a little. Especially hearing it as an infant. I could understand the sentiment though. Afterall I'd be doing something similar by becoming a criminal in the future.

Makino's tone and expression grow softer and she pauses for a little before speaking again. "I guess… I can understand where you're coming from, even If I don't agree. But I have to ask, why me?"

Gramps seems to squirm a little as he becomes uncomfortable. "Kid, your Mom was a good friend of mine for years. When I needed someone to listen to me she was always at this bar waiting. When I had problems, she could always help me, even if I just needed someone to talk to. And, well, she raised you right. You know how to listen too. Even now that she's gone you didn't wait to take up the bar and her position as town negotiator. Without you or your mom I'm not sure this town would be left standing between me and Dragon."

He pauses to let Makino think and she simply gestures for him to keep going.

"I think that...Luffy is going to need someone like you. He won't see me often and won't have his parents there for him. I can tell he's going to want someone to talk to. Someone to listen. Other folks in this town are nice but my family is weird. They don't have the patience to handle listening or dealing with us. You do. Please...please look after my grandson."

I think this is the first time I have seen THE Vice Admiral Garp beg.

She opens up her arms and holds them in front of herself. Gramps gingerly, and I can tell somewhat reluctantly, hands me to her. She smiles down at me and asks, "What's his name?"

Gramps finally smiles again. "Luffy, Monkey D. Luffy."

He stands up and leans over me and I see tears in his eyes.

"This is goodbye for now Luffy. I'll visit whenever I can. I promise."

He gives me one last grin before he turns to walk out the door. Right before he leaves he turns to Makino.

"Thank you, Makino"

Makino sends him a light smile as she replies, "No problem Garp."

And just like that my guardian leaves me to start my new life.

Life became a bit more constant after that. Every day Makino would take care of me the best she could while also running a bar. I didn't mind that I didn't get much attention. I used the time I had to continue memorizing One Piece while also preparing plans for the future. There were some things I was really looking forward to trying/doing and there were other things I couldn't seem to figure out. For example, I couldn't really think of what to do about Sabo. As far as I knew the revolutionary army needed him so if I saved him early they might collapse. But since I was planning on saving Ace he might not remember us. That and many other dilemmas plagued me as I took time to prepare for the future.

But besides my future scheming I had a pretty normal childhood. Makino took care of me the best she could and "taught" me how to read, write, walk, draw, and speak. It was kind of hard to gauge how much to fake but she seemed pleased enough with my progress so I kept it up best I could. My first word ended up being Makino to repay her kindness and loving care. I didn't have problems faking learning how to walk though. It was real trouble getting used to my size and legs but I managed it faster than most children so I won't complain.

Regardless, life with Makino was nice. She never once neglected me and I could tell from the way she started behaving she saw me as a little brother. I knew that because I had been an older sibling in the past and knew how I was back then. She was really kind and caring despite the fact that Gramps had basically dumped me on her while she was still developing her life. When I came up with fake problems with reading or questions about what she was doing, she always answered with enthusiasm and amusement. It was a fun life even if it was partially fake. I could tell she really cared for me and that's what mattered.

The rest of the town was also kind and caring. They were amused by the antics I came up with like drawing on walls and telling strange stories. They would tell tales to others about me and talked to me like friends. When I asked questions about the world or their jobs they were willing to tell me even if they teased me for being so curious. But what really mattered to me was how they treated Makino. They knew she was young for running a bar and gave her patience and room for mistakes. They loved it when she listened to them and gave them advice on their problems. Bit by bit this village felt like home and the people in it felt like family. Even Mayor Woop Slap, who berated me whenever he found out about something I did that wasn't proper, managed to find amusement in my stories.

The people of Foosha came to care for me and I came to care for them. I was glad that I was still worthy of love despite not being the same Luffy. I wasn't dumb and I learned fast but still could give people reason to be amused by me. That really gave me the belief that I would be able to pull this off.

But what I really appreciated were the visits from Gramps. He would stop by, maybe for a week, every few months or so. He would always smile upon seeing me and played with me when he could. He bought the both of us literal tons of meat whenever he could and I think that's where Luffy originally got his love for the stuff. He would tell me legitimately interesting stories from his time as Marine and I didn't have to fake my interest in his fights with Roger.

I wasn't sure if he was exaggerating or not when he said he threw a mountain at Whitebeard.

I loved his stories and I loved him. In return I used stories from my old universe as fake stories to tell him, like bits of Animes and Greek myths. For a while he pretended to pay attention but if it took to long he fell asleep. I didn't get upset with him, I knew that's just how he was. I told him how I wanted to be like him one day and he was super proud. It wasn't even a lie. I wanted to be as strong and willful as he was even if it wasn't for the same cause. He really came to become my grandfather and some of my only family.

As time passed and I became older I started quizzing myself daily on my One Piece knowledge. If I couldn't remember in a minute I added a minute waiting period of staring at my food before I ate it. This was because I had inherited original Luffy's love for food and metabolism. I had yet to find an upper limit to how much I could eat. It was actual torture to wait for my food with it front of me but it served as motivation to remember. By the time I was 4 I was pretty sure I could rival One Piece experts and theory makers with my knowledge. Or at least I hoped so.

It was also around this time I began to feel like I could finally start showing off some advanced learning without raising questions about my knowledge. I began to ask for more complex books than the ones I was given and faked a somewhat faster speed of learning with manners and reading. Makino was proud of course and began to get me books from the Goa kingdom library whenever she could afford to make the trip. This actually surprised me considering the distance and it made me care for her even more.

I began to specifically show interest in current events and history so I could gain more knowledge about the world in general. This way I'll be even more prepared. Of course as soon as I started reading said history books it became pretty clear that the stuff given to kids was just propaganda and I would have to wait before I could get my hands on real material. I kept up the image of interest though so I could steadily get there.

Another major part of my life became physical training. I knew had nothing to worry about in the health department because kids could become really strong in this universe without permanent damage. For example Zoro and Big Mom. I wasn't worried about the damage it could cause me physically. My theory was confirmed when adults and the villages doctor didn't warn me or stop me with words of muscle degeneration. My guess is that the biology of people in this universe is different and is what allows the baseline durability of people to be superhuman.

This meant I could start preparing for my days at sea now. Whenever people asked why I was doing pushups and running every morning I would simply tell them I wanted to be like Gramps. For the other parts of my training I began to review what I remembered from karate. While I had almost became a black belt in my previous life I barely remembered anything because I had quit 5 years before my death. I could only practice the basic moves over and over. But to quote Bruce Lee "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

My life began to match a simple schedule: future scheming, reading, learning with makino, interacting with villagers, physical training, sleep. And also 5 - 7 meals a day … What?! I'm a growing boy!

However it was around my 5th birthday that things really began to change. I had finally decided on a rough outline on a plan for my life and my dream. I also figured out how to word it correctly without upsetting Gramps and also gaining his approval. It had taken work and a lot of scheming but I knew what to say.

As for the actual day itself it went pretty well. Gramps came to celebrate with me and gave me a present of a shard of pirate sword he shattered with his fist. Makino baked me a cake and nearly half the town came to the party. Just being there, among my new family, it inspired me. To be better than I was. To risk my life for my dreams like original Luffy did. To be strong even when I was afraid. Just having these people to care for me made me strong. I wasn't sure if it was blood of D. in my veins or simple human will but every day I spent in this world I became more and more determined to make a difference.

Eventually the party died down and the villagers left for their homes. Soon enough it was just me, Gramps, and Makino in the Partys Bar. I could tell Makino was planning on sending me to bed soon so I decided to make my statement now.

"Hey Gramps, Makino."

They stopped mid conversation and looked at me questioningly. Gramps spoke first.

"What is it Luffy?"

I took a deep breath then said smiling, "I think I decided on a dream!"

This time Makino responded and smiled at me. "What is it Lu-"

Gramps quickly cut her off and got close to me with a wide grin on his face "Is my grandson going to finally take after his Gramps and become a marine!? Oh I knew this day would come! I bet it was all the stories! I knew I had done right this time! I knew it. I-"

He had gripped me with both hands at this point and was holding me high and beaming at me. But he dropped me with his mouth wide open as I interrupted him with the next sentence.

"I want to find the One Piece!"

I was glad I managed to catch myself on my feet after he dropped me. It meant I could still see his dumbfounded expression. Makino wasn't nearly as shocked as he was but did have surprised expression on her face. She probably knew I wanted to do something crazy, just wasn't expecting that particular goal.

As I looked back from Makino to gramps I felt awe-inspiring, mountain crushing, and deep seated fear enter my bones from the clenched teeth and furrowed eyebrows on my red-line punching Grandpa's face.

"Did I...just hear...my grandson…say that he wanted to be the next King of the Pirates?"

It took every inch of will I had not to run. I was very nearly sure he was now using Conqueror's Haki or some family based derivative designed to make me want to piss my pants in terror. The sheer fury in Garp the Fist's face would make sea kings faint. I could already see his fist beginning to rise above his head to deliver a powerful Fist of Love. Even the unflappable Makino seemed to be eyeing him with fear. But I gathered my wits and prepared my expert, well thought out, eloquent, and single syllable argument.

"No."

Time seemed to pause. The world took a breath as Gramps processed. And then it did a double take as Gramps simply tilted his head and gave me a confused look.

"Eh?"

I took another breath and continued forward this time with simple smile on my face.

"I didn't say I want to be King of the Pirates. I said I wanted to find the One Piece."

Somewhat more confused angry expression returned to his face.

"THEY'RE THE SAME THING BRAT!"

"Is it illegal to look for the One Piece?" I replied.

Gramps raised his hand to say something but paused mid motion before a simple frown formed on his face. Makino began to giggle and said, "He's got you there Garp." He promptly sent her a stare that could wither trees but she simply giggled more. He growled as he turned back to be and began to rant.

"Everyone who's looking for the One Piece is a pirate!" he said. He lifted his hand up to my face and began to count down his fingers as he belted out names to me. "Linlin, Kaido, Ro-" "Marines" I belted out happily. He nods his head and puts down a finger and repeats, "Marines, and - " he quickly pauses and promptly stares at his hand like its betrayed him. I quickly say, "The marines are looking for the One Piece too right?" He simply pauses for a moment before sitting back down in his chair. "I mean, I suppose you're right. We are looking for the One Piece." For a moment he stops before his eyes widen. "That operation is highly classified! How did you learn that?!" I simply stare at him this time. He slowly gains realization in his eyes and uses his hand to cover them. "Drat. Forget I said anything." I didn't. He sighs and slowly uncovers his eyes. "I... you're right though. It isn't illegal to look for the One Piece. I guess no one normal has figured they were capable." Trying to get on his side I smile happily as I give him some more bait. "I'd be the first non pirate to have it!" At this Gramps smiles again. "I suppose that's true too." He smiled a bit more and rubbed his chin, clearly envisioning something. "Y'know what Luffy. I support your dream!" he gives me grandfatherly smile and a thumbs up. "I support your dream too Luffy!" Makino said with a smile. "YES!" I scream with very real enthusiasm. I had managed to get Gramps on my side for now. Support from a mentor and vice admiral is always a good thing!

I promptly realize how tired I am and fall asleep on the spot. The last image in my mind being my Guardians smiling faces.