Hello!
I'm sorry for the slight delay but there's the next chapter!
Man, now I understand why so many reaction stories get dropped off. Only one episode down and I'm already paranoid about making everyone OOC.
But that's okay! I like challenges!
Disclaimer: One Piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda and Toei Animation.
All eyes were trained on the screen, taking in cloudless blue sky and seagulls. The scene then shifted to show huge whirlpool and a ship, passing it by. A strange déjà vu like feeling enveloped pink-haired teen, Coby. The setting seemed oddly…familiar.
-A pair of random sailors: "Whoa…"-
The wooden barrel that hit the ship with a small thump was all the confirmation he needed at that point. This was the day he met Luffy…
And indeed, as the camera focused on the barrel, white bold letters appeared and were read by what unmistakably sounded like Luffy's voice:
"I'm Luffy! The Man Who's Gonna be King of the Pirates!"
At that exact moment it became clear to everyone, who will be the main focus of the series. The Strawhats leaned forward, eager to see their captain's introduction, Ace following their suit. Coby, on the other hand, tried to become as unnoticeable as possible by sinking deeper in his seat.
"No worries! A whirlpool of that size poses no problem to this ship!"
"Nami!" Shouted in surprise Ussop, after seeing the navigator on the screen, staring out the window. "What were you doing on that ship?"
Nami furrowed her brows in thought before answering.
"I think that ship was supposed to be raided by pirates that day so I was there to steal their treasure."
This caused a few people to sweatdrop and make mental notes to keep their valuables where they can see it.
"Nami-swan!" Gushed Sanji at the sight of Nami in a long white dress before his expression darkened in jealousy at what came next.
"Miss. May I have this dance?"
The audience sees a sailor, throwing rope with a grappling hook to fish the barrel out of the sea.
"Alright..."
Unfortunately, his aim was off.
"Not again… Batter out!"
"What're you doing? You suck!"
Finally, they manage to get a hold of barrel and lift it onto the ship.
"This thing's heavy!"
"Must be filled with booze, then!"
This causes a few chuckles among spectators.
"Oh, I don't think that's the case." Grinned one of Whitebeard's men, Thatch.
"Imagine the surprise on their faces." Agreed his crewmate Izo, sporting similar expression.
"It's all ours now!"
"W-What's with that ship?!"
"I-It's so-so… girly! And I mean no offense to girls!"
There was not a single person in the room who didn't seemed to be disturbed by what could have easily been called The Dollhouse: Pirate Ship Edition.
"Disgraceful," Muttered Boa Hancock, her lips curling in disgust.
"Ship off the starboard stern! There's a pirate flag on its mast! It's a pirate ship! Enemy raid! Enemy raid!"
"Captain! Pirates!"
"What?! Everyone, stay calm! Stay calm! Follow instructions in a calm manner!"
"Like that's gonna happen." Snorted Zoro as he looked at panicking passengers.
"You don't even look surprised." Commented Usopp as they watched Nami flatten herself against the wall to avoid getting caught in a stampede.
"Of course not. I was working for Arlong at the time, remember? This was nothing new." Answer the navigator and one cloaked figure shifted in the seat at the name mentioned. Jimbei, on the other hand, showed no visible reaction.
"Fire!"
Her voice alone was enough to make Coby tremble as the memories of two years spent on that ship came rushing in. A blond sitting by his side, Helmeppo, looked at him in concern but did nothing else.
"Coby!"
He could feel Garp's eyes burning a hole in the side of his head but chose to ignore it. Soon enough his superior will see everything for himself.
"Y-Yes, ma'am?!"
More eyes turned to look at him, for confirmation more than anything, but it was enough to increase Coby's anxiety.
"Who's the most beautiful of all on these seas?"
"Certainly not you, bitch." Muttered Nocturnal just as Coby on screen answered:
"T-This ship's captain, Alvida-sama, of course!"
"Well done!"
However, based on reactions of the audience, it seemed that Nocturnal's statement was closer to the truth than Coby's. Not even Sanji could find it in himself to call her beautiful. And he wasn't known for being particularly picky who to perv over.
"Wait," Called out Zoro, gathering attention from almost every person in the room. "The name sounds familiar. I think we met her. But where?"
A moment passed before his question was answered. Surprisingly enough, it came from blue haired swordswoman.
"Alvida was one of the pirates we tried to capture in Loguetown."
"T-Thank you!"
"Alvida-sama. This is our first prey in a while."
"That's right! Alright! Start pounding the ship!"
A few spectators winced every time the barrel hit a step on the way down to storeroom.
"Men! Show them the terror of Iron Club Alvida, the woman pirate!"
"Her face alone is enough to spread terror among passengers, there's no need for her henchmen." Snorted Franky, causing a few chuckles from those who heard him.
"Coby! What're you doing?!"
"I-I'm not good at this sort of thing…"
"Hmm?! Are you tryin' to give me backtalk?!"
"P-Please, anything but the club!"
"Then get yer ass in gear!"
Suddenly Navy Admirals have found themselves wondering how that wimpy kid became a marine with his ties to the pirates.
"Well," one of the cloaked individuals whispered dryly. "If they ever run out of cannon balls, they can always launch her. Deals about the same amount of damage."
"She's too heavy." Came the answer from his cloaked friend.
"Touché."
"We won't take yer lives, but we will take all yer valuables!"
"Anyone who tries to fight back'll wind up at the bottom of the ocean!"
"I don't know. Sleeping with the fishies sounds more preferable than being anywhere near her."
No one was sure who said that. Most likely the red haired captain.
"Hello… There's no one in here, right? What a relief… That's a rather large barrel…"
It was strange for Strawhats to see Nami in action before she joined their crew.
"Who're you?! Never seen you before!"
Almost all males present let out a pained hiss when they saw Nami kick the pirate in the family jewels.
"Hey, coward! Are you hidin' out in a place like this again?!"
"Busted."
"N-No! I thought I'd haul this big barrel of alcohol over…"
"We'll lighten it for ya!"
"Hoe, don't do it."
"I was just feeling thirsty!"
"Oh my god."
"You can't! Alvida-sama will kill us if she finds out!"
"Then you just need to keep yer mouth shut! Right, Coby?"
"Y-Yes! You're right!"
"Man, you really were a wimp back at the day."
Coby chose not to answer.
"Thing's pretty heavy!"
"Almost as if there's a person inside." Benn remarked sarcastically, causing those closest to him snicker.
"Can't wait!"
"Hold yer horses! I'll bust it right open!"
"Wait for it… Wait for it… I told you so!" Shouted Ace as Luffy broke his way out of the barrel, nailing one of the pirates as he did so.
"I slept great! Huh? Who're you guys?"
"Typical Luffy." A few Strawhats turned to look at their captain only to see him staring intently at the screen. They supposed seeing himself on the screen was surreal.
"No, who are you?!"
"That guy's gonna catch cold if he sleeps there, y'know."
"He can't be serious." Trafalgar Law said disbelievingly.
"You did that!"
"Are you toyin' with us even when you know we're pirates?!"
"Man, I'm hungry! You got any food?"
"Well, at least Luffy has his priorities straight." Commented Nocturnal as those barely familiar with Straw Hat's antics sweatdropped.
"Listen when people are talking! You damn kid! Die!"
"These sabers must have been cheap if he could break it with bare hands." Observed Hawk-Eyes impassively.
"What's the big idea?"
"W-Who are you?!"
"Me? I'm Monkey D. Luffy. Nice to meetcha!"
Garp couldn't help but wonder if his grandson's reaction (or lack of) could have been a result of the hellish training he put the kid through all those years ago.
Other Admirals simply wondered if all pirate crews from East Blue were so weak.
"What the… What just happened?"
"What's with them?"
"R-Run, hurry! If they come back with their friends, you'll be killed!"
"But man, I sure am hungry!"
"How can you be so carefree?! There are still lots more of them up on deck!"
"It's not like those pirates put up a fight, yoi. They didn't look like threat." Marco said off-handedly, making all pirates nod in agreement.
"C'mon! This way! H-H-Hey! Not this way!"
"Give up," Sanji said, taking a drag of his cigarette. "Once Luffy smells food, there's no stopping him."
"Meat..." Sighed Luffy with a drool almost dropping down his chin, proving the cook's words.
"Food! Food! Food! Yes! Food!"
"Actually, they might not find us in here!"
"Which should I choose? This box? Ooh, jackpot! These look great!"
"M-My name is Coby. You're Luffy-san, right?"
"Are you sure the two of you are not related?" Thatch asked Ace, as they saw on-screen Luffy devour apples.
"That was incredible just now! How did you do that?!"
"These things are great!"
"It's strange to see Luffy eat fruits so voluntarily." Said Robin softly and her crewmates could only agree.
"Is this a pirate ship?"
"No, it's a passenger ship that's being raided by Alvida-sama."
"Well, it doesn't matter. Do you know if there are any boats onboard?"
"I-I think so…"
"My ship got swallowed by this giant whirlpool…"
"You mean that whirlpool?! No one could survive that!"
All who knew Luffy snorted at that. It takes more than just some whirlpool to kill that rubberman.
"Boy, was that a real surprise! Are you one of those pirates, too?
"It was at that fateful day… That day, I got in a boat on the outskirts of town to go fishing but it turned out the boat was actually headed for a pirate ship."
"How do you make a mistake like that?!" Exclaimed Haruta in disbelief as Garp shook his head. No wonder the boy became instant friends with his grandson.
"It's been two years since… In exchange for my life, I've been forced to be a chore boy."
"Man, you're dumb and stupid!"
"You're the one to talk, rubber brain."
"You're brutally honest…"
"If you don't like it, then run away!"
"I-I can't! No way! No way! Just the thought of Alvida-sama finding me frightens me and makes me weak in the knees—"
"Oh, you're a wimp, too? Man, I hate you!"
"Says the crybaby." Teased Ace causing his baby brother to pout childishly.
"I'm not the crybaby!"
"Hey, now! Quit dawdling! Haul it all off before the navy gets here! Anyone caught dawdling gets a taste of my iron club!"
"What a haul!"
"Seems like a pretty rich ship!"
"Hey! You'll get the club if she catches you slackin' off!"
"Oh, whoops!"
"Yeah, one hit from that and you're a goner!"
"Alvida-sama! It's bad!"
"What is it? You're annoying me!"
"A b-b-barrel! M-M-Monster!"
"Huh?! Who're you calling a monster?!"
"N-No… Some weird guy popped out of the barrel… He might be… a bounty hunter…"
"What?!"
"Merry!" Shouted Strawhats as the intermission came up. Usopp, Franky and Chopper even had little tears in their eyes.
"What?" Asked Brook, not understanding the reason behind such reaction.
"Going Merry. It's the ship we had before Sunny." Explained Sanji with a fond smile on his face.
"Unfortunately, we had so say goodbye to Merry in Water 7. It could no longer carry us." Continued Nami with a soft, watery smile.
"Oh."
"Yeah… That's right… If only I had the courage to drift the ocean in a barrel… There's actually something I want to do, too… Umm… What compelled you to set out onto the sea, Luffy-san?"
"I'm gonna be the King of Pirates!"
Whitebeard stared at the young boy, eyes fixated on a worn straw hat that once belonged to his rival. From the stories that Ace had told him about the kid, Whitebeard knew that Luffy had decided on his dream years ago and that his determination to achieve it never wavered, not even once.
And right then, seeing that wide toothy smile, full of confidence and conviction, Whitebeard knew. The kid will become the King of the Pirates.
"K-K-King of the Pirates?"
"Yep."
"Are you serious?!"
"Yeah."
"Wait, you're a pirate, Luffy-san?!"
"Yep."
"What about your crew?!"
"Don't got one. I'm just about to look for one."
It was clear that their conversation caused Coby to short-circuit.
"K-K-King of the Pirates is the title given to the person who obtains everything in this world! That means seeking the great treasure of wealth, fame, and power – the One Piece!"
"Yup!"
"Yup?! Pirates all over the world are after that treasure!"
"Me too!"
"No way! No way, no way, no way! Absolutely no way! There's no way you can stand at the apex of this Great Pirate Era! No way! No way!"
"Oh, finally. It was getting tiring."
"Why did you hit me?"
"Just because."
"But it's all right. I'm used to it now…"
"It's not about whether I can or not. I'm gonna do it because I want to. I've decided to be the King of the Pirates, so if I die fighting for that, that's fine with me!"
This declaration brought a new kind of silence among spectators. Shanks was looking at the kid and a straw hat that became the symbol of their promise, small smile tugging at his lips.
Shichibukai observed on-screen Luffy in contemplative silence. Within months, the Devil Fruit user had shaken pirate world. It was clear to them, that given a few years the kid's influence will only grow. They couldn't wait to see how far he'll go.
The Admirals, on the other hand, looked apprehensive. Every passing minute seemed to prove even further that the Straw Hat needs to be stopped before he gained even more momentum.
The cloaked ones chose to keep on watching before making any conclusions. They missed the fiery light of pride that momentarily flashed in their leader's eyes.
"Now, then! My belly's full—guess I'll go get me a boat! I wonder if they'll give me one if I ask. Hopefully they're generous."
"Doubt it, Lu."
"It doesn't hurt to ask."
"I never once thought about it… Do you suppose I can do it, too? If I'm prepared to die for it?"
"Do what?"
"Do you think… even I could join the navy?"
"Navy?"
"Yes! Catching bad guys is my dream! It's been my dream ever since I was little! Do you think I can do it?!"
"You picked the wrong place, kiddo." Commented Thatch, earning a few scrowls from the Admirals.
"How should I know?"
"No! I'll do it! If I'm gonna be a chore boy for the rest of my life, then I'll break out of here and catch even Alvida-sama—no, Alvida!"
"You're gonna team up with him to catch who?! Huh, Coby?!"
Ace growled a bit when he saw saber blades missing his brother by inches and shook his head at Luffy's unperturbed expression.
"You don't seem to be Zoro, the pirate hunter."
Said person tilted his head a bit, surprised. Is that how his captain heard about him?
Others, too, glanced at the swordsman. Is this how Straw Hat's first mate joined the crew?
"Zoro?"
"Coby! Who's the most beautiful of all on these seas?!"
"O-Of course that would be—"
"Who's this big chunky lady?"
Immediately, everyone burst into laughter. Even Admirals smirked at the kid's bluntness.
"Only you, Luffy. Only you."
"Oh, come on! Someone had to say that! The woman was delusional!"
"Chunky?"
"Not good…"
"You runt!"
"Let's go!"
"Why, you…"
"Whoops!"
"Looks like you have gotten better over the years." Stated Ace, grinning at his little brother as they watch a very one-sided fight. Luffy looked taken aback by the compliment before grinning back.
"It's not fair to attack from behind!"
"They're pirates, Luffy, they don't fight fair." Deadpanned Shanks.
"It's not fair to attack all at once!"
"You're planning something." Zoro glanced at his captain.
"Of course."
"Just kidding! Gomu Gomu no Rocket!"
"What?!"
"L-Luffy-san… What are you?"
"Me? I'm a rubber person!"
"A rubber person? You can't be serious!"
"Oh, but he is."
"You've eaten a Devil's Fruit, haven't you?"
"Yeah! The Gum-Gum Fruit!"
"I see! I'd heard the rumors, but I guess they really do exist!"
"Why does she sound so surprised?" Chopper asked, turning at Robin.
"Because East Blue is considered to be the weakest of four seas. Seeing a Devil Fruit user there is so rare that the Fruits soon became regarded as a myth."
"You also seem pretty skilled. You a bounty hunter?"
"I'm a pirate!"
"A pirate?! Hah! All by yourself?!"
"It's just me right now, but I'll find some more sooner or later! Yeah… Ten crewmen sounds good to me!"
"Nami-swan! You are so beautiful when you steal from pirates!"
"Can it, Mr. Nosebleed."
"What did you say?!"
"Ah, so you're a pirate too, huh?! Then that means you and I are enemies, huh?"
"Enough!" Interrupted Nami, bonking the two of them in the head.
"L-Luffy-san! Let's get out of here!"
Garp let out a sigh. Looks like despite his protégé's declaration earlier, he was not ready to back his words. Well, at least he managed to take the first step. Better than nothing, he supposed.
"Why?"
"You saw how powerful her club is! In these waters, she's the most—"
"I've decided to be the King of the Pirates, so if I die fighting for that, that's fine with me!"
As on-screen Coby remembered Luffy's words, Helmeppo couldn't help but groan. So that was the reason behind his friend's annoying persistence to stay in the navy!
"I'm the most what?!"
"T-T-The most ugly, cragged old hag ever!"
"That must have felt rewarding." Stated Benn, impressed with the kid's guts as the on-screen Luffy Laughed loudly.
"It did," Confirmed Coby, glad that no one seemed to judge him on the cowardly disposition he used to have. "It felt good to finally stand up to her. After two years I got some pay-off."
"What did you say?!"
"I… I'm going to join the navy! And then I'm gonna beat up pirates!"
"Do you even know what you're saying?!"
"I do! I'm gonna do what I want to do! I'm gonna… I'm gonna join the navy and catch your lousy ass!"
"Woohoo! You tell her kiddo!" Shanks cheered him on loudly along with his crewmates and Strawhats. Even Whitebeard pirates joined in, which caused Coby to blush bright pink in embarrassment.
"You damn pipsqueak!"
"No regrets! No regrets! I said it! I fought! For my dream!"
"Well said!"
"Those spikes must be pretty blunt if they didn't even scratch him, yoi." Commented Marco to which Thatch simply nodded.
"No kidding."
"That doesn't work!"
"What?!"
"'Cause I'm rubber! Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"
"The sky is so blue…"
A few winced as they saw Alvida land on a floating pirate with quite the splash.
"Hey!"
"Yes?!"
"Yes?!"
"Give Coby a small boat! He's gonna join the navy! Keep your mouths shut and let him go!"
"R-Right!"
"R-Right!"
"Luffy-san!"
"That's how our captain is. If you fight for your dream, he will fight for it too." Zoro said, closing his eyes and giving a small smile, making the rest of the crew nod in agreement.
"It's the navy!"
"Oh, perfect timing! You should go see 'em! But I'm a pirate! I'm outta here!"
"Get serious! I can't just join the navy like this! I'll be captured instead."
"The kid is not wrong. If he approached marines like that, he would get arrested." For the first time Aokiji said something.
"You idiot!" Sanji grabbed his captain by the collar in anger as they saw Luffy falling from the ship in a small boat, barely missing Nami. "You could have hurt Nami-san!"
"Sorry!"
"Is there something you're not telling me, little brother?" Ace grinned at his brother wolfishly, as they saw Luffy and Nami staring at each other on screen, young woman in shock and the captain bearing a wide smile on his face. The scene looked slightly romantic, as if showing love at first sight.
"What?"
"Oh course not!" Answered the cook, angry at the very idea. "Nami-san would never fall for that shitty rubber brain!"
"I think they would look good together." Thatch teased good-naturedly, always happy to join to some harmless fun and fist bumped Ace. Nami, on the other hand, looked both horrified and embarrassed by the implications.
"Over my dead body!" Scream the swirly browed blond, looking close to spitting fire as his captain continued to watch the banter happily oblivious to the topic and all amused looks directed at them.
"Seems like a lively bunch."
"Looks like we managed to get away…"
"Whew, that was fun!"
"Of course it was."
"Umm, Luffy-san. If you're heading for the One Piece, that means you're going to the Grand Line, right?"
"Yeah."
"That place is also referred to as a pirate graveyard, you know."
"Yeah. That's why I need a strong crew."
That caused the Strawhats to blush bashfully. After all, Luffy recruited them, not anyone else!
"What about that pirate hunter guy? What's he like?"
"You mean Zoro?"
Said man leaned forward, interested in hearing what Coby will say about him. Unbeknowst to him, Hawk Eye did the same.
"I heard he's being held prisoner at a navy base."
"Aw, he's a weakling?"
"Got that right."
"Shut it you Ero Cook!"
"Nothing of the sort! He's as terrifying as a demon!"
"What are you talking about, Coby? He's as harmless as a de-clawed kitten!" Exclaimed Nocturnal making Zoro growl under his breath and Sanji snicker triumphantly.
"Why are you asking about him?"
"Thought I might have him join my crew if he's a good guy!"
Now that surprised Strawhat Pirates. All of them were asked to join randomly, after meeting Luffy under various circumstances. It was strange to learn that their captain actively sought Zoro out, rather than just meeting him by chance.
"You're being reckless again!"
"C'mon, he might be a good guy!"
"He's been caught because he's a bad guy! No! No way, no way, no way! Absolutely no— Why did you hit me?"
"Because your panicking got old." Came Sengoku's voice, making poor boy jump in surprise.
"Just because!"
"Is that..?"
Everyone focused on the screen as the scene changed to reveal what looked like a field and a figure, tied to a wooden cross. Chopper tensed slightly at the sight of familiar dark green bandana, this time stained with blood. They could see the heat in the air as a man lifted his head, glaring darkly at the camera.
The screen then promptly turned black with red 'To be continued' written on it.
Spectators leaned back in their seats and exchanged looks, more than half of them showing anticipation for what's next to come. Based on that little teaser they got at the end, one thing was clear - the next episode is going to be interesting.
Tell me what you think! Should I add more interruptions? Less? Stop entirely?
I'm really nervous about this story. Give me your opinion so that I could improve!
Thank you for your reviews! Feel free to leave more! :D
See you after weekend. Ja ne!
