This was tough, but I managed to hang in there. Remember that this is AU so the arrangement of events will differ.
Yes, Sanji does appear. (Cheers) and a little Mihawk (who doesn't love a Shichibukai) plus foreshadowing. (Woah, that's a bit more than I can handle. I'm going to sit down)
For those of you interested, there's a little bit of information regarding the ship they're currently using.
Zoro stared at it. He was being mocked, he was sure of it.
"Oi" he snapped "I never agreed to this"
Tenzou glanced up from his writing "I really don't know what you're bitching about Zoro. I have to do all of the paperwork for operations."
Zoro bared his teeth "Then what the hell is this crap?" He waved towards an intimidating pile of documents heaped upon the opposite desk.
"Those're what the Commodore is supposed to do but I'll end up doing and bullying him into signing because headquarters won't accept the latest instalment in their bureaucratic nightmare without the signature of the commanding officer." Tenzou sighed before pushing his chair back from the chair and moving towards a cupboard unit set into the wall.
"This is your drawer here" he indicated a rectangular drawer with a paper nameplate upon it. "I'll give you any paperwork that you need to do and you store it here."
Zoro scowled "I thought that I didn't have to do any of that shit"
"You don't really. All you have to do is sign your contract which I'll explain to you now and a copy of the report for any missions you go on. It's just really so you can back us up on what we report to headquarters"
"And what do you report?"
"Why whatever we think they need to know." Tenzou gave him cunning smile "But what were you so ticked off about"
Zoro folded his arms over his chest "Luffy said…"
Tenzou scowled and Zoro gripped his swords
"That bastard."
"Irresponsible Commodore, pawning off his paperwork on me is bad enough"
"I'll kill him"
"I'll help"
Shortly the sounds of a rubbermans pain echoed around the ship.
-break-
Luffy rubbed his head "Owwww. That really hurt"
"Well don't try to get someone else to do your work idiot" Zoro grumbled. "Where are we heading anyway?"
"Um, we were asked to swing by a harbour town and make sure everything's okay there"
Luffy flopped over the prow and mulled over the waves. "Ne, Zoro. How far are you willing to go to achieve your dream?"
Zoro glanced at the younger boy out of the corner of his eye and let his breath out in a whoosh. Luffy had a pensive look on his face and looked almost…..sad?
"If I die then I simply wasn't good enough to go the distance"
The rubber teen grinned. "That's the best ne? If you're not willing to give it your all then it really isn't what you want most in the world, is it?"
Zoro laughed.
-break-
On the Cu fharraige, there were two different groups. There was the thirty or so sea men who operated the ship and provided general support and there was the elite.
Zoro had been recruited into the latter.
At present, there was only three due to deaths and retirements. What this meant was that the 'elites' took care of missions and investigation while the rest of the crew were back-up. Apart from that they were all part of the same crew. They ate, drank and celebrated together. Their bond was strong and they all shared the same ideal of justice. They didn't follow the government or the Marine hierarchy. They followed their beloved Boss who protected them with his life as nakama.
Admiral Aokiji wryly remarked that they were more like a pirate crew sometimes.
-break-
Tenzou was twitchy.
He had spent a good part of the day catching up on all of the paperwork. Well, when he said that he meant 'all of the paperwork that Luffy didn't do' but that wasn't why he was antsy.
He hated clowns.
He wasn't afraid of them he just thought they were unfunny, annoying and stupid looking. He took all of his irritation at Luffy and focused it on something even more stupid, which was clowns.
And now there was a ship moored on this island that was decorated like a friggin' circus tent
'Must not scuttle circus tent. I'm the responsible one. What would happen if I started acting like Commodore Luffy?'
Speak of the Devil...
"Wa-oh! That's so cool" hollered Luffy sparkles dancing in his eyes "The circus is in town! Let's go Let's Go guys!"
Tenzou casually punched his commanding officer silently thanking Vice-Admiral Garp for teaching him that technique.
"Nate" He shouted "Bounty book"
The bounty book was a folder of all of the most up to date bounties which one of the crewmen was responsible for keeping updated. It wasn't strictly necessary but was convenient to have for reference purposes.
Zoro walked up yawning and scratching. He gave the book an interested look.
"What's that?"
"This is our bounty book. Nate is in charge of keeping it updated. It possesses all of the current and active bounties. This is the East Blue version; we have others that are region-specific." Tenzou flipped through the book before finding a particular poster and showing it to the green haired swordsman.
Zoro examined the picture "Buggy the Clown. 15'000'000 Beli."
Tenzou shrugged. "He's a minor pirate but since he's here we really should check on the locals. What do you think Commodore?"
"Um, Captain Tenzou" ventured Nate "I'm, afraid he's gone"
Once again, Commodore Luffy had pulled a disappearing act on his Captain.
-break-
Luffy strolled down the street. He could have sworn that he heard a scream of rage that sounded like his Captain but figured it was just his imagination.
The streets were deserted. Where was everyone? Luffy sulked mildly. If everyone was gone then there were no restaurants and then no foooooooooooood!
He stopped and tilted his head to the side. There was some kind of ruckus going on somewhere, he supposed that could be fun or it could be Tenzou coming to make him do more paperwork. There was smoke and shrapnel flying off in another direction. Hey, a dog.
A dog sat in front of a burned out building.
Smoke spiralled upwards and the foundations still smouldered. Luffy stared. The fire had just died down; the heat was rippling across the clearing caressing his face with a clammy touch. It was a miracle really that it hadn't spread to the surrounding structures. The dog just sat in front of the ruin mournfully.
An older man came out from the side of a nearby building and stood in front of the ashes.
"Chou-Chou", he muttered "It's not your fault. He definitely wouldn't be angry. You gave it your all and even went up against a lion. He would be very proud of how hard you worked to protect your treasure"
The dog drooped and sniffed at the ashes.
"Ne, Ossan."
The man looked at Luffy in surprise who had squatted down and was engaged in a staring contest with the pooch.
"Did you just arrive here? Better you leave before you're spotted. This Island has become part of the territory of Buggy the Clown. The only reason I've even come back here is to feed Chou-Chou"
Luffy continued staring at the dog who decided he had enough of the monkey-faced boy and bit his face. After flailing around and scuffling with the dog for a few minutes he continued "So why is he here if you're all hiding somewhere else?"
The man sighed puffing on his pipe "Orange town was built by people who had lost their original homes to pirates. Chou-Chou's owner built this store and ran it with Chou-Chou for years. My friend went into hospital a few months ago and he moved on to the next world." He blew out a stream of smoke "Chou-Chou is a smart dog. He knows that his friend is dead but he continued to guard their home because it was a precious treasure to him. Those damn pirates take everything from us!"
"This hat is a precious treasure to me. It was given to me by someone I greatly admired and looked up to"
"This gun, it's my favourite. It was a gift from my wife when she saw me set off to sea"
"This picture of my father"
"This violin my teacher gave me"
"This island where my family is buried."
"The people in this town."
"I need Wadou. It is my treasure"
"This Compass belonged to my grandfather"
"This boat is my home"
"This is my precious treasure."
Luffy stood up and tugged on the waistband of his shorts. "Buggy the Clown right?"
"Yes, that's the damn pirate that's terrorising our home. His crewman Mohji the Animal Tamer did this with his lion."
Luffy waded into the ashes and examined the remains. He pulled out a sole unburned box and placed it in front of Chou-Chou. "I'm sorry. This is all that's left of your treasure. You fought with all that you had didn't you? So there's no need for any regrets" He grinned "I'll find those guys and kick their asses!"
"Sounds like a plan"
Zoro strolled up behind Luffy "I say we find Buggy and all of his friends"
Tenzou stopped just long enough to give Luffy a glare with the force of an arctic wind to remind him that there will be consequences for running off without giving orders or letting anyone know. "Buggy has been throwing a tantrum about something or other by wrecking the town. We better put an end to this nonsense before there's nothing left."
He turned to the old man "By the way Ojisan, who are you?"
"I am the Mayor here. My name is Boodle. You kids should just get out of here. Buggy is a devil. We can rebuild our homes but we can't replace lives."
Zoro smiled sinisterly "So, they're strong huh?"
"We'll just have to find out now" Tenzou smiled pleasantly.
"Doesn't matter. We're going to kick their asses anyway." Luffy punched a fist into his palm "Let's go!"
The three young men strolled off in towards the presumed location of Buggy.
Boodle yelled "Don't throw your lives away! You don't have a chance"
"Actually," Zoro called over his shoulder "this is what we do."
"He's right." Tenzou interjected "We're part of the Special Ops"
Luffy paused and looked back "Ossan. No-one has the right to destroy another person's treasure. These guys, it's not because they're pirates but because they're assholes!"
The young Commodore ran his hand through his hair "I'm a Marine but Pirates saved my life."
Boodle gaped as they tromped off "Special Ops?"
-break-
Buggy the Clown was irate.
The thief had gotten away. How dare someone steal from a pirate of his calibre? He'd find them and teach them a flashy lesson. That was his map of the Grand Line. (Even though he'd flashily stolen it from the desk of the navigator on the Oro Jackson.)
He casually strangled the goon who'd been misfortunate enough as to bring him the news. The snapped the mans neck and his hand flew back to re-attach itself to his arm. His Bara-Bara no mi powers were most useful for things like this he believed.
The people of this town knew their place though. They'd taken to the hills as soon as he'd arrived. Even flashily destroying a good section of this town with his patented 'Buggy Balls' hadn't cheered him up. 'It must have been one of the townspeople' he reasoned 'We've clearly left them alone for too long. Tomorrow we'll go and teach them a flashy lesson'.
He paused in his thought when three teens arrived on the roof. None of them looked particularly impressive; the shortest one with black hair looked specifically useless.
"Hey, we're here to kick your ass"
"Ah, alright then" he replied "Eh? Wait a minute! What am I saying? I'll kick your asses"
"Don't trouble yourself Captain. I'll deal with these upstarts."
A lion growled.
"I, Mohji the Animal Tamer shall deal with these brats"
Luffy stared "What's with that stupid hat?"
"Stupid hat? This is my hair you moron!"
Zoro wrinkled his nose "That's your hair? It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen"
Tenzou nodded tilting his head to one side "Those ears are pretty stupid looking y'know."
Luffy glared "Oi! Stupid looking Cat man. Are you the one that burned down the store and attacked Chou-Chou?"
Mohji sneered "So what if I did?"
Zoro had seen Luffy in action before. The days that they had been sailing together he had gotten to hear about the other things that they could do. When he was hitting Morgan, it was akin to beating up a bully picking on your little brother. This was surprising in a different manner. Luffy wasn't playing about with these pirates. He moved faster than Zoro could follow and Mohji, along with his lion Richie, was sent flying with what looked like a set of broken jaws. It really was one thing to hear about something and another to see it in action.
'He's still holding back' Zoro observed 'I guess what he said is really true.'
"I've fought all sorts of strong guys when I was still in training Zoro. I got my ass kicked by some real monsters"
At this Luffy pouted, sticking out his lower lip
"That sucked big time. But I've gotten way stronger by fighting these kinds of guys. Training's awesome and all but fighting tough guys…"
Luffy grinned infectiously while Tenzou smiled indulgently over his tea "That's what'll make you the best!"
Zoro and Tenzou quickly leapt into the crowd and dealt with them efficiently. The small fry weren't worth their interest. Buggy gaped as Luffy turned to him.
"Just a question. Do you know Shanks?"
"SHANKS? That bastard ruined my life!" Buggy began to rant about his one-time crewmate.
"Pfft. Whatever. I don't care."
"THEN WHY DID YOU ASK?"
Luffy picked his nose and ignored him waiting for his nakama to finish.
"No-one has the right to destroy the treasure of another person. That shop was Chou-Chou's treasure and this town is the Ossan's treasure. That's reason enough to kick your ass red-nose!"
Buggy snapped "WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT MY NOSE?"
"It's really big and red like a tomato."
"Is that real? I thought it was part of his costume."
Buggy snarled and pulled out a fistful of daggers.
"Captain, do not trouble yourself with these children. Let I, Cabaji the Acrobat deal with them" The man had half his head partially shaved and perched upon a unicycle "Lately, I feel as if I have been allowing my skills to rust."
"Definitely got a circus theme going on here" Tenzou murmured "I really hate circuses"
"Maa, that's because you're no fun Tenzou" Luffy taunted.
They both looked at Zoro and nodded. He smirked and stepped forward.
"You know," Tenzou spoke conversationally "you're the much better swordsman"
Zoro snarled from his position on the mat. "If that's so, why did you whoop my ass?"
"Because I've faced far tougher opponents that could crush this entire crew easily and have additional training in martial arts that gives me an edge"
Luffy snickered from the side of the room "You'll get reaaaallllly strong guys to fight now Zoro. You're our nakama so we'll support your dream."
Tenzou nodded in agreement as he sheathed his sword "You're more skilled than me in that area definitely and your potential far outstrips mine. We'll teach you that skill too. It's good to know whether you decide to use it or not."
Luffy bounced up "I'm next! I'm next! And Zoro, we decided something. All swordsmen are yours 'kay? We'll let you challenge yourself against all of them we go up against"
Zoro smirked "Well, I can't call myself the greatest in the world if I can't beat every person who decides to wield a blade"
Cabaji cycled forward and lunged at Luffy only to be blocked by Zoro.
"If it's swords, I'm all for it".
"Three swords. 'Pirate hunter' Roronoa Zoro. I am honoured"
"I never called myself that."
They clashed, swords flying. Cabaji seemed to use a lot of tricks, throwing up dust and aiming for anything that looked like an injury. He got up close and spat fire at the green-haired fighter.
"Feh, Ace does that way better" Luffy remarked while Tenzo nodded in agreement.
Zoro scowled "This is it? This is the extent of your power? I will show you the difference in level between the two of us."
Zoro took up a Santoryu stance.
Cabajis expression darkened at the insult. "Then I'll just stop playing around with you then bounty hunter. Take a taste of the best trick I have!"
He flung out fistfuls of spinning tops "Acrobat Technique: One Hundred Tops Typhoon". Cabaji then took to the buildings "Acrobat Technique: Wall Riding"
Zoro demolished the tops with the barest of movements and watched as Cabaji soared through the air and shouted out his technique "Direct Stab!"
Buggy launched a hand at Zoro intending to hold him in place so Cabaji could finish him off. He grinned. With the death of 'Pirate Hunter' Roronoa attributed to him, his bounty would probably go up exponentially. Too bad Luffy decided to break his hand instead of letting him interfere.
Buggy screamed in agony feeling the tendons tear and his bones crush.
"Don't interfere" Luffy snapped "This is a duel between two swordsmen. You stay out of it. Don't interfere with Zoro's fight."
Zoro grinned.
He dodged Cabaji as he hit the ground and kicked his unicycle out from underneath him.
"I'm tired of this." He growled "Fighting an opponent with such miserable skills"
Cabaji picked himself up and charged directly at him. If he had really been any kind of true swordsman he would have noticed the stance and aura of Zoro indicated a powerful and extremely dangerous attack.
"Oni-giri!"
Zoro pulled off his headscarf and glowered at the now still pirate. 'I need a stronger opponent. To reach higher, to claim that title. But at least…" He smirked inwardly
"I'm gonna see it happen" Luffy yelled "You're going to be the greatest swordsman and I'll see you get there."
Tenzou laughed "I've got to admit. It would be pretty awesome to know the successor to that throne"
Luffy grinned and waved his tankard "We're behind you the whole way Zoro! Give it all you've got and we'll support your dream!"
'Now, I have nakama who believe in my dream.'
-break-
Buggy winced.
That damn brat had completely crushed his hand. Just what the hell was he?
The black haired runt looked completely bored and the brown haired was making a notation in a little notebook. Roronoa strolled back towards them as casual as you please.
He was Buggy the Clown Damnit! He had a bounty of 15 million Beli! "You must think you're pretty great having defeated my sub-ordinates but you have yet to face me! I'll crush you all flashily"
He was somewhat disappointed to receive a set of flat unimpressed looks.
Tenzou continued writing in his notebook.
"You do realise that the only reason we delayed was to let Zoro test your swordsman." He commented mildly "I'm actually sorry you didn't really get a challenge Zoro."
"Hmph", Zoro grunted "We'll just have to look for a better challenge on the Grand Line."
"Well, barring any emergencies, we'll head to Loguetown before the end of the week."
"STOP IGNORING ME YOU JACKASSES!" Buggy screamed "BARA BARA NO…"
Luffy was suddenly in front of him "You're no fun. It's not even worth playing with you small-timer" Buggy barely had time to widen his eyes before he was hit with an uppercut that would have broken the neck of an ordinary human. Luffy kicked him away and was rewarded with a double team punch to his head by his comrades.
"Ow, what was that for guys?" he whined while rubbing the top of his head.
Zoro decided to hit him again "Do you ever think about what you're doing, Commodore?"
"Eh? What do you mean?" Luffy protested before freezing feeling the icy chill of an arctic wind creeping up his spine and turned to see Tenzou smiling frostily in a manner that Aokiji would approve of.
"Ah, Commodore it seems that you forget your own strength again. We can't very well take Buggy the Clown into custody when you belt him far enough to make the Shichibukai 'Tyrant' Kuma proud and in several segmented parts no less."
Luffy scratched his head and looked skyward in the direction he had kicked Buggy. Sure enough, parts of the clown could be seen disappearing over the horizon. Luffy thought it didn't really matter though as he was gone but he had a terrifying feeling that the others didn't agree.
Zoro sighed and adjusted his swords "You're not going to do this every time, are you Luffy?"
Tenzou's eyes took on a demonic look "Commodore Monkey D. Luffy Sir. I look forward to reading the report you're going to write for headquarters regarding this mess."
Back on the Cu fharraige the crewmen heard a familiar wail of horror. Shrugging, they realised that the Commodore must have crossed the Captain and returned to their chores.
-break-
Boodle was thrilled that Buggy had been defeated. The damage to the town was outrageous but, he reasoned, they could rebuild.
The young men simply said that they were in Marine employ before arresting the remaining Pirates. Their crew dismantled the cannons and called in a team from the closest Marine headquarters to deal with the Pirate ship.
The kid, Luffy he said his name was, dragged Boodle to a storehouse and proudly presented a heap of treasure to him stating that it belonged to Buggy and that they could use it to rebuild the town. He was astounded and worried about the legalities of it all but the polite brown haired youth had explained that it was theirs by right as they had 'defeated' Buggy. He checked it over and gave Boodle an estimated value and pointed out a couple of pieces that they had better sell through auction on another island. They left just as the townspeople returned not wanting to wait for thanks and Boodle waved them off at the port. The people were amazed but gratified. Who knew that the Marines had such wonderful agents at their command?
The agents in question were making full speed towards a well known eatery. The Swordsman was snoozing on the upper deck. The Commodore was whining as he laboured over a report and the Captain sat across from him with a cup of tea dreaming about a good meal from the kitchens of 'Red Leg' Zeff.
-break-
The Baratie was a floating restaurant owned and run by the former Pirate 'Red Leg' Zeff.
The Chefs had a reputation for violence and did not take too kindly to those who would 'dine 'n' dash', insult their cooking or try to rob them. (This was one of the many reasons that one Portgas D. Ace had been banned from this establishment.) They were 'fighting chefs' and proud of their skill.
It was an extremely popular restaurant despite the rampant violence; indeed many patrons came initially in hopes of seeing it and decided to stay for the fabulous food regardless. It was also the favourite restaurant of the leaders of the Special Ops unit; Commodore Monkey D. Luffy and Captain Tenzou but that wasn't why they wanted Sanji to join their operation.
Just a contributing factor.
-break-
Luffy bounced around the deck in high spirits. He swung from the rigging, leapt on the carved head of a wolfhound and did a boisterous dance with several of the crewmen. (Who were used to this sort of thing and didn't really mind at all, joining in with gusto.)
Zoro opened one eye to see the rubber human bouncing all over the deck. He sighed, realising that he wasn't going to get any sleep, and hoisted himself up from his position against the railing. He padded across the deck and entered the main office.
The office was a large room equipped with several desks and cabinets for paperwork, navigation and reading the paper with a cup of tea. Tenzou was deeply involved in the last activity with his feet resting up on the desk. Zoro closed the door sharply to get his attention and moved towards the desk.
"What's got Luffy so hyper?"
"I believe that he is particularly excited about returning to the Baratie. This will be our last visit before we head out to the Grand Line so he's going to make the most of it."
Zoro snickered "Is it some kind of restaurant then?"
"Why, yes it is. How on earth did you deduce that?" Tenzo drawled and grinned "Seriously though, there's a chef there we want to recruit but he's refused so far."
Zoro snorted "A chef? There's gotta be more going on here than you're telling me."
Tenzo chose to rustle the pages of his paper and smiled pleasantly which Zoro took to mean 'you'll see soon enough.'
-break-
Luffy had been so irritating that by the time they were nearing the last known location of the Baratie the crew was busy contemplating the mutinous decision to tie a rope around his ankle and let him trail in the water for the rest of the journey.
Well, to be fair, it had been Tenzo's idea and Zoro may have given many significant looks that said that he wasn't adverse to the notion. Either way, it was with great relief that they approached their destination.
Luffy swung round and addressed the crew "Right guys, we're going to eat. You all stay here."
They responded with a simultaneous "SELFISH BASTARD!" and Zoro had to admire the unity required to pull off such an elegantly choreographed move.
Tenzo sighed in a put upon manner "We'll stay for a while so everyone can sample some of the wonderful cooking. When we return to the ship we'll let you go. Rua," He turned to the red-haired marine "do tell Tajiyo-kun that we'll attempt to get a chef to join us from here but not to hold his breath as they are infamously stubborn."
The crew began to make preparations for dropping the anchor but a panicked shout from the crows nest alerted them to a minor problem. As in, there was a figurative obstacle between Commodore Luffy and his dinner.
Woe betide whatever it was.
-break-
Sanji had spent the better part of his life cooking with Zeff. He hadn't been ten when the ship had been attacked and they had been stranded on that god forsaken rock.
When he had seen what the old man had done to his leg he gave up on everything right there. How could he think about All Blue when Zeff had sacrificed his leg for a worthless brat like himself. He didn't have the will to leave the Baratie until he felt his debt was paid and, more importantly, that the shitty old man would really be okay. (Sure, he was as tough as old boots but it didn't mean that he would be alright.)
So Sanji stayed on the Baratie. They only thing he truly regretted (and he'd die before admitting it) was the loss of the old log book he'd kept back on the first ship. He'd had as long as he'd been learning to cook which was about all he could remember. It was worn and faded, filled with a mish mash of writings. It seemed like it had been used partially as a diary and partially as a copy of research notes. It talked about an unusual area of the seas that seemed to possess crossing currents. The creatures, the weather, the traits. Everything but the location.
Sanji knew that All Blue existed.
He had once possessed some of the only proof outside of the sea itself. But it had been irretrievably lost when the ship sank. He didn't mind really, he'd have to find it by himself anyway but it was nice to have proof so he could convince someone to believe in his dream too.
-break-
"Sanji! Meshi!"
Sanji stared in amazement at his friend Luffy before turning his gaze upon Tenzou whose face was stuck on its most frequent setting (which was, 'my superior officer is a flaming imbecile and I am at least ten years too old to be babysitting him'). They had some stupid looking Marimo tagging along and some gut instinct told Sanji that this man was an incredibly annoying bastard (Oh yeah, he was strong too.)
"Luffy," he exhaled "You're not really reading the situation here are you?"
The rubber man blinked and tilted his head to the side.
The Baratie was in chaos. Customers were huddled in the back while the infamous chefs battled haggard looking pirates. Tenzou casually made several hand signals which the crew back on the Cu Fharraige quickly moved the ship round to the far side from the weathered galleon. The Chefs defended themselves extremely well, there was really no need to intervene. Tenzou made his way over to greet an older looking chef while Zoro idly contemplated hijacking a table and quart of booze for entertainment.
Luffy gasped and whirled upon a particularly ill looking man wearing a bandana. "You bastard! You don't like Sanji's cooking? Burn in hell!"
Sanji kicked Luffy with a finesse that spoke of familiarity. "Idiot marine, that is not the problem here."
The blonde puffed out a stream of smoke before indicating towards the galleon. "That's the flagship of Don Krieg. He's trying to commandeer the Baratie and return to the Grand Line."
Luffy blinked and folded his arms. "So what you're saying is…" his brow furrowed in concentration "That Krieg guy is trying to stop you from cooking! I'll kill him!"
Sanji leaned back slightly and raised his visible eyebrow significantly at the other men.
Zoro, Tenzou, and Zeff all waved dismissively as if to say 'It's Luffy, we know you know better.'
"Bounty: 17 Million Beli. Quite a force in the East Blue but judging from the state of things," Tenzou glanced enquiringly at Zeff "The Grand Line chewed them up and spat them out?"
'Red-Leg' Zeff nodded gravely. Luffy continued his rant on the evils of people against meat. Zoro sighed in a long-suffering manner eerily reminiscent of Tenzou and drummed his fingers lovingly on his swords "So, are we going to take him out?"
"But of course, just look how excited the Commodore is." Tenzou smiled pleasantly. "Are you coming too Sanji?"
"Tch." He lit a new cigarette and took a drag "This was our fight first, you're just butting in."
"Sanji!" Luffy yelled "Where's that guy? Show me so I can kick his damned ass already."
The young chef raised his hand and pointed at the ship whereupon it promptly split into two causing everyone to look at him askance.
"Sugoi" Luffy shivered "That's why you never use your hands right? 'Cause you can't control your power." Pausing briefly only to apply the 'we only hurt you for grievous acts of stupidity' technique to the young Commodore they rushed back outside to see the cause of the destruction.
Screams of panic echoed from the pirates on the wreckage and the group peered into the shadows.
Zoro stiffened and gripped his swords. Luffy gaped and even the usually cool and composed Tenzou bore an expression of dreadful horror. Sanji stared at the strange boat emerging from the wreckage.
"Who is that?" he muttered.
"Shichibukai." Replied Luffy unusually grave.
Sanji blinked in astonishment. "Out here? Which one is it?"
Zeff interjected "That's Juraquille 'Hawk-Eyes' Mihawk"
Zoro immediately took off, leaping on pieces of debris making his way closer to the other swordsman.
"Is he going to fight him? Is he crazy?"
"Yeah, he is. But you gotta be a little bit crazy to chase after your dream." Luffy replied.
Tenzou gripped the railing "Too soon Dammit. Too Soon! Zoro's not ready for a challenge like this."
Sanji glanced at the brown haired man "Don't you have faith in your comrades Tenzou? This is a little unlike you."
"It's not like that Sanji." Luffy spoke while keeping his focus on his green haired friend "Zoro is strong and he will become the strongest but it's far too soon. He's not ready to face Hawk-eyes but his pride will make him do it."
The chef puffed on his cigarette and watched the two swordsmen clash.
It was brutal and brief.
There never was any contest.
Zoro was completely and utterly outclassed.
'That Marimo never had a chance against someone like that. A monster that surpasses monsters.'
His eyes widened as the bloodied man spread his arms and prepared to face the strike head on.
Tenzou had one foot on the rail teetering on the edge. Luffy was similarly twitchy ready to jump but they held themselves back.
"You should come with us Sanji! We're travelling all over the place, it's your best chance to look for All Blue. We'll support you one hundred percent!"
Tenzou sipped his tea calmly and nodded in agreement. "You're our friend Sanji. Come with us or not, we won't stand in the way of your dream."
'That is that guys dream. That's why they're holding themselves back when all they want to do is fight alongside him.'
They watched in horror as Zoro toppled backwards and heard the parting words of the Shichibukai. Everything seemed to have frozen momentarily and sound was blurred. Luffy shouted to Tenzou because 'he can actually go in the water.' who was already diving into the sea with strong strokes desperately trying to reach Roronoa in time.
There was a tumult of noise and chaos as it seemed like the moment passed and the battles resumed.
-break-
Zeff stood still, a pillar of calm in the chaos.
Right now, they were too concerned with the fate of their friend, the threat to their restaurant and the fear of that dangerous man but he was calm and could see it clearly.
Mihawk had left that boy alive.
Whether Roronoa Zoro would ever be in any state to appreciate it was yet to be seen but Zeff could easily tell him.
He was acknowledged by the strongest swordsman in the world.
It wasn't 'You're too weak for my notice.' But 'You have potential. Realise it and show me your best.'
The people that could catch his attention were few in this world.
Zeff was sure that he had witnessed the birth of a true monster but only time would tell if he survived to realise it.
Story Notes:
Cu Fharraige: (Koo Far-egg-a) The ship that the Special Ops use. Very literally translated the words mean 'Hound Sea' so the ship would be 'Hound of the Sea'. The ship was commissioned by Garp as a gift.
It can carry about fifty people comfortably. There are three bunk rooms. An extra large one where all of the regular crew sleep and a slightly smaller one for the 'elites', which is somewhat closer to the bridge. The third is rarely used, intended for guests and/or female crew members.
The pantry and kitchen are fitted with specially constructed locks to defend against Luffy and any members of his family that might visit. They're regularly replaced. On longer voyages a guard is posted on them out of necessity.
The 'office' contains all of the paperwork, maps and navigational equipment as well as a couple of Den-Den Mushi.
They also have a Dojo with re-enforced structure. They obtained weights for Zoro at his request and they're mostly stored here too.
The prow is carved with a wolfhound and is nothing like Garps'.
They have a couple of locker rooms where everyone stores their stuff and uniforms as well as a brig enforced with Kairouseki. For that reason, Luffy is banned from that area of the ship.
The ship is known for being rather fast. It's excellent for pursuit and escape. (Especially when Garp decides that he wants to visit. Then it's really put through its paces.)
A/N: Remember the crew is comprised of ordinary marines. They are well trained and capable but not particularly powerful. They're best suited to manning the cannons in a fight. The only significant thing about them is that they were handpicked for their good service record and loyalty to either Tenzou or Luffy. All crewmen have worked with them previously.
Okay, what makes the difference in this AU really is time.
They get there too early, they get there too late. That's really going to have an effect.
Nami was there but she didn't run into Luffy who was wandering up a different street from the others. Since her chances of survival weren't any good she took 'her' boat and quickly left the island passing the others who didn't think anything of it.
Mohji just ended up in that part of town and attacked Chou-Chou because he was there before burning down the shop. Mayor Boodle was there and hid behind another building and came out from there just as Luffy turned up.
Luffy has visited the Baratie before and made 'friends' with Sanji which will be covered next chapter.
Luffy did meet Shanks but didn't get his straw hat. Things went slightly differently as Luffy had some different experiences and had a different life. Yais! Moar flashbacks ufufufufufufufufu.
Yeah, I did leave it at a chaotic spot but pffft whatever. I decided to cut and move onto a new chapter. You all know what happens, we'll pick up there next time promise.
Next will be Krieg, flashback to how Luffy met Sanji, and then off to Kuro, Kaya and Merry!.
After that we're off to CoCoyashi island to visit Arlong Park.