Destination!

the Sabaody Archipelago

Eventually, the Straw Hats with Hatchan, Keimi, and Pagugg set sail to their new and next destination as suggested by Hatchan: Sabaody Archipelago. There, they would get their ship "coated," which would allow the Thousand Sunny to be able to travel underwater. As a favor to the Straw Hat crew, Hatchan would introduce them to his friend who was an expert coater. Along the way, an unexpected visitation came.

It was Duval and his gang, and they were coming to thank Sanji, of all things. You see, when Sanji had finished off Duval, he had used a series of kicks apart of the "Parage Shot" combination to make the man's face beautiful. Much like he did to Wanze of CP5, but this time the person on the receiving end was grateful. So much so, Duval gave the pirate group his Transponder Snail number.

"If you ever are in need of assistance, we'll happily come to your aid, young Master," Duval told Sanji, before then giving him a wink. Unfortunately, because of the pseudo-plastic surgery, his face contorted in a rather ugly way.

And in seeing this, Sanji - as well as the crew - winced a little with disgust. "Yeah, thanks," Sanji told the man politely. Then adding on, "But hold off on winking for a couple of days until your new face sets in."

"Hmm?" replied Duval confused.

Thus, after that meeting, the Thousand Sunny continued sailing to the Sabaody Archipelago. When they reached it, the whole crew marveled at the sight of the island. Though, one wouldn't call it an island. The Sabaody Archipelago was not an island, but a cluster of massive, mangrove-like trees that stretched high into the sky called "Yarukiman Mangrove." Hatchan explained, in detail, that there were seventy-nine trees that were divided up into six different areas; the lawless area in groves 1 to 29, an amusement park called Sabaody Park occupying groves 30 to 39, and the tourist area taking up groves 40 to 49. There was also the shipping area that worked on groves 50 to 59, a marine base that controlled groves 60 to 69, and finally, the hotel town that took up the remaining groves of 70 to 79. All the areas fascinated the pirate crew, especially the tourist and amusement park areas. Mika and Akio wanted definitely to go to the amusement park as did Keimi. As stated before, Hatchan promised to introduce them to a coater he claimed to be the best. However, there was a catch.

"Whatever you guys do," Hatchan said to the group becoming surprisingly serious, "I want you to promise me that you'll not oppose the World Nobles under any circumstances."

Luffy immediately asked, "The who?"

Hatchan repeated, "The World Nobles." Then, his tone turned grave and foreboding. "They are the nobles that live in the holy land Mariejois that you can often see walking around the archipelago."

Still confused, Luffy further asked, "What's so special about them?"

This time, Robin explained, "They are the descendants of the original kings that had formed the World Government. Thus, they are granted special privileges."

"And even more dangerous," Hatchan took over, adding more gravitas, "if you attack even one, Marine Headquarters will send a fleet of ships and an Admiral to punish the attacker."

The whole pirate group froze in shock. Many of them could remember the first time they met and admiral, Aokiji, and the overwhelming difference in strength between him and them. It nearly scared them just thinking about it. To think that only one noble could call up an admiral with a simple call was outrageous. At least, for the more logical members of the group.

Luffy thus stated in his carefree manner, "Oh, well, as long as they don't do something to piss me off, it'll be fine."

"No!" Hatchan said quickly and even more serious. "Straw Hat! You have to promise me you won't do anything to a World Noble no matter what you see! Promise me!"

"Okay! Okay! Sure," Luffy said feeling uncomfortable with the Fishman's seriousness, "I promise not to do anything to one of those World-guys."

While accepting this, Hatchan quickly turned to the rest of the group. "I want you all to promise me the same." He told the group pressingly.

Though not understanding why they all officially promised the Fishman his one stipulation. Even the likes of Zoro and Sanji, who were often getting into or picking fights. Nevertheless, with all the Straw Hat pirates promising him, Hatchan felt some relief as they began to enter the Sabaody Archipelago. Interestingly, as the sailed closer to the archipelago, both Hatchan and Keimi had dressed up unusually for them. They were entirely covering their fish features, and Hatchan even went further by including his sun tattoo on his forehead. Many of them thought it odd, which became more evident as Hatchan added another stipulation.

"Oh, also. Treat me and Keimi like normal people."

"Why?" asked Chopper.

Apprehensive, Hatchan responded vaguely, "You'll see when we arrive…"

None of the Straw Hats understood why, but they were willing to accept this term as well. Especially when seeing how nervous Keimi was behaving; very unusual for the usually cheerful mermaid. It was odd, but it was apparently something personal.

Thus, the group kept sailing. Once reaching the archipelago, they continued navigating through the vast spaces in between each mangrove tree. Despite how close together these giant mangrove trees grew, it was easy for any ship to sail into and in between the trees. Having looked at the numbers conveniently placed upon the mangrove trees, the Thousand Sunny had entered into the district in the forties range; otherwise known as the tourist area. They didn't travel in too far before they eventually anchored by one of the mangrove trees within the Sabaody area. Once so, the Straw Hats split into two groups. A majority of them would go ashore to explore and also see Hatchan's coating friend. The remaining Straw Hat pirates – Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, Franky, and Biri – would remain on the Sunny for protection and repairs. Except, Zoro didn't stay long, which concerned his group.

"Zoro!" shouted Usopp in shock. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Yeah, Swords Bro!" called out Franky, also concerned. "With your lousy sense of direction, will never find you in this super huge place."

Agitated at first, Zoro shouted back, "Shut up!" Then, calming down surprisingly fast, Zoro motioned towards the trunk of the mangrove.

"Hachi explained that all the groves are numbered, only a real bonehead could get lost with that kind of logic."

Both Usopp and Franky were instantly stunned by Zoro's logic. "Yeah, good point." They both said surprised, hitting the palm of one of their hands with a closed fist showing their agreement with the man's logic.

Though logically that may sound, one should never underestimate a "bonehead." For you see, as he continued on his walk to nowhere in particular, Zoro glanced up at the mangrove tree trunk to see which number they had docked. Now, any regular human with even a little common sense may have double-checked what they had seen in the first place. But not Zoro; as he looked up, and as big bubble floated partly in his view, the man saw only a number one on the tree trunk. Thus, feeling satisfied with the information he had received, the swordsman continued his walk. Not knowing however that as the bubble floated further upwards that the actual number on the mangrove was forty-one.

Nice going, Bonehead.

"Whoa!" gasped Mika and Akio amazed.

Meanwhile, the other group was making their way further into the archipelago. And already, there was something to marvel out. While it was clear to see even from sailing, it was now that they could see them in person. That thing was bubbles; large and small bubbles forming off the grass-blanketed ground and float up to the tree-covered sky. It was simply miraculous. Already, the likes of Luffy, Chopper, and Brook joined the kids as they observed and played with the bubbles.

Hatchan soon explained to the group of this strange yet very much natural phenomenon that occurred on this island. He revealed that the mangrove trees that grew here produced a particular resin that makes up the bubbles. This unique resin allowed the bubbles to be immensely durable. From the ground, the tree themselves produce through photosynthesis the air that inflated the bubbles that formed. As a natural occurrence in the Sabaody Archipelago, the natives often used these bubbles for some means of transportation to carry supplies to even acting as buildings and rooms. The resin itself is also used in coating ships to allow safe underwater passage. Though while the bubbles could exist underwater for near indefinite time, the bubbles outside can only exist in the archipelago's unique environment. It meant that one could not merely keep a bubble and take it traveling outside the area, which was a typical scam for some sellers.

Nevertheless, many – if not the whole group – wanted one. Luckily, being an insider, Hatchan knew where to rent the proper vehicles. In no time at all, the entire group was riding in bubble carts or as they are now correctly identified as "Bon Chari." These vehicles came in a variety of forms like as a single cart or a party cart, which they had both of and then some.

"Having fun, Mika-chan?" asked Brook, looking up.

Just above the party cart, connected by a rope, was a bubble balloon with Mika inside. For safety reasons and age, Mika was not allowed to drive a vehicle of her own yet. Regardless, she still wanted to be in a bubble, so they were able to work something out. Thus, she was now floating above her family in a balloon bubble; giggling thrillingly. She accordingly responded back to her uncle with "Yeah!"

Akio, on the other hand, stuck with just riding along with the others. He was enjoying his ride as much though.

The whole group enjoyed there all the way into town. It was bustling and lively with many people out and about. Many of them also in Bon Charis. Not only locals but many pirate-looking people. As their guide, Hatchan explained that many pirates wandered about freely on the island along with bounty hunters and marines. As such, he warned them to be cautious and draw too much attention to themselves. Of course, they had no intention to cause any ruckus.

As they passed near a shopping mall, Nami and Robin decided to check it out. Being the caring mother that she is, Nami also wanted to bring Mika along. The same went for Akio, if only because he needed more clothes as Mika did. Unfortunately, Mika wanted none of that.

"But shopping is boring~" Mika whined from inside the bubble balloon. "I wanna to go to the amusement park."

"Honestly, Miss. Monkey," Akio said frankly, "I rather go to the amusement park too."

While shocked that Akio too had denied her, Nami nevertheless relented to the kids' choice. So, the group split. Nami and Robin took their own personal Bon Chari with them to the shopping mall, and the others continued to follow Hatchan to the coater in one party and one single Bon Charis. Luffy's group had their fun though. There were many stands and stores outside the shopping mall as well.

"Bubble Candy!" shouted out one vendor loudly. "Your choice of flavor! Bubble Candy!"

Immediately, all the Straw Hats were on the vendor. "Gimme some!" They all shouted excitedly.

Bubble candy, a specialty of the island. As the resin from the mangrove was nontoxic, one could eat one safely. Adding flavors though made it taste delicious. Of course, each one of the Straw Hats got a flavor of their own; Luffy – strawberry, Chopper – cherry, Brook – watermelon, Mika – orange, and Akio – blueberry. Each one got a bottle of their flavor of choice. It was as simple as blowing a few bubbles to receive a few pieces of delicious fruit-flavored candy. The Straw Hats began blowing their flavor bubbles until surrounded by every flavor. They each proceeded to snack on whatever flavor was nearest. Everyone in the group enjoyed the cavalcade of flavored bubbles that floated around.

That is until something interrupted them.

"Someone! Give me a saw or an ax!"

An anguished voice called out over the crowd catching everyone's attention. Entering the town, roughed and ragged, a pirate-looking fellow – Devil Dias – staggered his way through. He looked like he had been through hell and hadn't slept for days. As the people saw him, instantly they began backing away. Even as the man continued asking desperately for help.

"Please! Someone help me!" said Devil Dais pleadingly as he clutched a collar on his collar. "I need to get this collar off!"

Seeing him, Luffy asked out, "What's up with that guy?"

Looking at the man frustrated, Hatchan spoke to Luffy, "Don't get involved!"

Both kids looked at the Fishman surprised. "Huh?"

"He's probably a pirate that got captured and made into a slave."

"A slave?" Mika questioned confused. "What's dat?"

Brook explained, "A slave, Mika-chan, is someone who is bought like items and forced to obey the will of a master."

To this, Mika frowned. "That doesn't sound nice."

"It's not indeed." Brook agreed before pityingly looking at the pirate stumbling in the street.

Akio then asked, "I thought there weren't slaves anymore?"

Frowning angrily, Hatchan told the boy and the group, "Not if you're a Celestial Dragon."

"Please! Someone!" shouted Devil Dias again, desperately.

Swallowing his pent-up emotions, Hatchan suggested to the group, "Let's keep on moving." He then tried to drive the others away from the man.

"Please! Anyone!" The man continued shouting. "I have a wife and kid! I want to see them again!"

Immediately, Luffy stopped his Bon Chari. The man's plea caught the young father's attention, and he was not going to let a family lose a member. As his friend's Bon Chari stopped, he stepped out of his own and begun walking towards the man.

"No! Straw Hat!" shouted Hatchan fearful. He then stepped off the party wagon Bon Chari and rushed after him.

Meanwhile, the man kept shouting to a frightened crowd. "Please! I'll give up being a pirate! Just someone please help me!"

As Luffy stepped through the crowd, he was about to speak. "Hey-" But before he could, Hatchan tackled him to the ground.

"Don't do it, Straw Hat!" Hatchan warned desperately. "There's nothing you can do for him!"

Angry, Luffy replied back, "Get off me!"

Concerned, the others soon rushed up behind them. Including Mika, now out of her bubble. Chopper was the first ask with surprise to the Fishman, "What are you doing?!"

"Please!" Hatchan shouted pleadingly. "The situation, its-"

Then, a sudden tick echoed throughout the area. It alone made everyone silent the moment it sounded off. Even Devil Dias went quiet despite his desperation. No sooner after came the tock, and the rhythmic tick-tock began from the slave's collar.

"No, no!" shouted Devil Dias frantic.

A scream from a young woman came, and the whole crowd seemed to jump back further from the man. Every one of them looked scared.

"What's happening?" ask Akio confused.

Mika wanted to ask the same, but before she could, her eyes began to glow a bright red. Suddenly, there came a wave of voices that started echoing in her mind. She let out a yelp that had immediately caught the attention of the group. She began holding her head by her ears as she tried fruitlessly to deafen the voices to no avail. The voices in her head completely blocked out all outside sounds, even from those closest to her. She then began also sensing emotions; fear, anger, frustration, and terror that occurred mixing until it all frightened the little girl. Then, a single voice filled with desperation and hopelessness spoke the loudest of all within her mind.

'I Don't Want To Die…!'

Immediately, Mika recognized it as belonging to the man by the similarity in the voices. She became greatly frightened. "Daddy!" Mika cried out.

Before Luffy could do anything, there came an explosion; BOOM! Everyone looked back towards where the man had stood. There Devil Dias stood; wholly charred and smoldering.

At the same time, the glowing red-eyed Mika had seen the explosion but had not flinched. On the other hand, she had felt a sudden sense of relief as all the voices at once had been silenced. There was, however, still one voice still echoing in her mind. And slowly fading away.

'I… just let me buy some souvenirs…' said the voice, recognized now to Mika to be belonging to the man that had exploded and falling. 'I don't…be a pirate no more… just want to see…family again…'

Finally, the man collapsed on to the ground; unconscious.

Instantly, Mika began shedding tears. She had been both confused and frightened by all that she had just experienced in this short span of time. Worst of all, she was saddened by the last thing the voice had said.

As Luffy saw this, he immediately embraced his child, who desperately hugged back. Though Luffy did not know of what had occurred with his daughter, he understood well enough that she needed comfort and safety. Something he knew he could provide.

"I'm here, Mika," he told her caringly.

Akio had been similar in mindset to Mika; only more confused. "That…!" He tried to say before becoming speechless.

Luffy then spoke to the octopus Fishman angrily and confused, "What's going on, Hatch-"

"Hurry!" Hatchan exclaimed, interrupting his friend. He then continued, "Get on your knees!"

While confused, the group did so. Soon, the noticed the whole crowd doing the same thing for some reason. Then, the cause soon appeared. First, there came a skinny dog wearing a bubble helmet that walked up to the unconscious man and peed on him indignantly. The Straw Hats were shocked at the sight, even Mika who had looked out too.

"Come now, Saru. Let's not be vulgar…"

A new female voice attracted the attention of everyone in the area, but none but the Straw Hats dare look at who was coming. From the same direction that Devil Dias had arrived from, a group appeared with every person kneeling before them as they walked. At the head of the group was the woman who spoke, dressed regally and wearing a bubble helmet much like the dog. Her hair was styled up in a unique though simple fashion: her long hair curled and stood up atop her head. Matching her in both style and hair was an older man wearing sunglasses. Perhaps her father. On their left was an armored guard while on their right, with the chain held on by the distinguished man, was a great beast of a man with a permanent scowl on his face. He was utterly terrifying and looked to be strong; and yet, he willingly obeyed the man at the end of his chain. Low and behold, these two finely dressed people were the Celestial Dragons, also commonly referred to as the World Nobles. And these two, in particular, were Saint Roswald and Saint Shalulia.

"Alas, Father," spoke Shalulia in a pompous manner, "it would seem another of your collection has been ruined."

Roswald, the father, gave out a haughty scoff. "Did you forget to administer the tranquilizer again?" He questioned.

"Of course not," Shalulia stated indignantly, "but it has little effect on fools."

Watching the group enter the scene, Luffy observed with an angry frown, "Is that them? Those Celestial guys."

"Yeah," Hatchan nodded, looking fearful yet angry, "that's them."

As she approached the unconscious pirate, Shalulia spoke, "Looks like you'll have to buy another one."

"Dammit child," spoke Roswald annoyed, "you're ruining my pirate captain collection one after another."

Shalulia scoffed. "He was weak anyway," she stated as she continued her approach to the unconscious man. Once she was next to him, she began angrily kicking the man.

"I detest the weak," Shalulia stated annoyed.

Luffy glared at the scene as did many of his group with Camie and Pappug keeping their eyes closed. Everyone, including the crowd, was sickened by the display, but no one did anything. The crowd kept their heads down pitying the poor man. Of course, Luffy wanted to immediately step up and give these people a piece of his mind (but mostly fist) only to stay his temper since his daughter was still very much vulnerable.

Then, after a few moments of kicking, Shalulia stopped. Her tantrum seemed to be over; except, she then pulled out a gun and pointed it at the man. "Completely useless." She commented annoyed.

Mika let out a soft, frightened noise.

Hearing this, Luffy attempted to speak out, but Hatchan intervened instantly. "No, don't!" he said urgently and quietly.

"But Mika...!" Luffy stated enraged.

It was too late. The World Noble pulled the trigger and unloaded several bullets into the defenseless and unconscious man. By either looking away or closing their eyes, the crowd did absolutely nothing to stop what was happening. Of course, because of their promise with Hatchan, the Straw Hats too could only bare with the rest of the people. Unfortunately, they had another problem; the kids' reactions.

Like everyone else, Mika and Akio had also watched the scene. Only for the first few shots before both turned away in shock. Neither one had ever seen something so cruel. It was horrifying. Mika had begun to cry again, and even Akio was holding back some tears thought trying to be strong.

Immediately, Hatchan moved to be in front of the kids blocking any view from Celestial Dragons. On instinct, Luffy did the same with the other Straw Hat adults following. No matter what, they would protect the kids.

But how far can your protection go so close to the New World, Straw Hat Pirates?

TO BE

CONTINUED...

Auther's note: Oh my, what are the Straw Hats gonna do after that?