Tai: "Hi guys! Look, I'm sorry I didn't post this chapter on Christmas like I originally planned. But, it was Christmas! I had to spend time with family and friends. Anyway, lets continue the story. Disclaimer-Bot, if you would please."
Disclaimer: Taiski does not own One Piece. Taiski is not Eiichiro Oda. Taiski does own the Ocs in this fanfiction story. As well as the story's plot.
One Piece: The Forest Man Arc.
Chapter 3: Legend of the Forest Man
Howard's answer caught Luffy's attention. "What's that?" the rubber man asked. "The Forest Man is this island's guardian spirit," Ella explained, "for thousands of years, he has prevented tragedies from be falling the people on this island." This Forest Man seemed like a superhero. At least, that's what Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy thought.
"The people of this town," Howard said, "are very superstitious. We have never needed to rely on the World Government. The forest and ocean supply us with our food, the weather is never violent to us. And pirates have never landed on the shores." The mature members of the crew were suspicious. Usopp, out of his 'superhero fan-boy' high, asked a really good question. "But, if this Forest Man is the island's guardian," he asked, "then why are the people afraid of him?"
Howard had a troubled look on his face. "About ten years ago, the town had a 'riot' of sorts." "Why?" Nami asked. Howard continued. "A strange creature wandered into the town. It walked like a man, but had the appearance of a wild animal." The weaker-of-heart members gulped. "No one knows how exactly," Howard continued, "but the result had the poor creature injured and fleeing a mob of angry townsfolk."
"The little thing managed to escape into the forest," Ella said, "but the town was given a new problem." The crew asked what that problem was, and Ella answered. "Many of the older folk, who had better knowledge of the Forest Man's legend, saw that the creature…" "Matched the Forest Man in appearance." Chopper finished for Ella. Ella smacked Chopper in the head with an old kendo training sword. "Young man!" she scolded, "weren't you ever taught it's rude to interrupt?"
"Sorry ma'am." Chopper whimpered. "Any who," Ella said, "That is correct. The town is afraid that we've managed to anger the guardian." "If that happened," Howard said, "he might not protect us anymore." The Straw hats felt sorry for the townsfolk. But Luffy stood. "You know where this guy lives?"
Howard looked shocked. "Do you truly plan on fighting the Forest Man?" "Of course!" Luffy replied, "This guy can't just stop protecting the island." "Luffy's right," Sanji said, "The people didn't know who they were chasing. They're sorry for what they did." Howard stared at the group of children. They were so spirited. It made him reminisce the past. "If you want to see the Forest Man," He said, "You'll have to go up the mountain side. His home is said to be a large tree at the top of it. Be careful, there are many dangerous animals in the forest."
Luffy, Sanji, and Robin began to walk up a dirt path leading to the forest. "Wait, Robin," Nami asked, "Why are you going?" Robin turned to the younger girl. "Meeting a spirit sounds like fun." she said simply. Nami decided it was best to let the trained assassin go along the rubber headed captain and love-sick cook. She, Usopp, and Chopper decided it was much safer to stay with the Birch's. Meanwhile, in the forest brush, a set of inhuman eyes followed the three Straw hats walking up the dirt path.
Tai: "Thank you for all your patience, support, and attention guys."
Aka: "Yeah. It means a lot to us."
Tai: "Originally, I was going to have Luffy go off on his own, Usopp and Chopper try to retrieve him but end up running into scary things. Nami and Robin were, at first, stay at the Birch's house and Sanji was going to go into town. But, all of that didn't flow that well and it was too much to keep track of.'
Aka: "Which is why T-man decided to rewrite the plot."
Tai: "Correct, Aka. I'm no longer on hiatus with this story. But I'm still working on the new plot. So, it might take longer to update."
Aka: "Don't worry. He's not giving up on this story."
Tai: "Also, I have a poll on my profile. It's for which story you think I should write next. There are three options. All of their summaries are on my profile. The poll ends January 5th. Please vote."
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