A/N: I'm back and on time. Didn't think I was going to make it but here it is. Enjoy.

Deviln Dracule: The first part of this chapter was written in honor of the PM discussion we had about last chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. Duh.


The sweet, sweet, smell of food permeated and clung to the air around the two ships. Any and all activity had come to a virtual halt. It was hard to think when your mouth wouldn't stop drooling, much less get any training done. So the men on Luffy's and Smoker's ship sat and let the aroma bring them to the edges of euphoria. Dear lord when it was finally time to eat…

Only one person seemed not to notice or care about the meal being prepared. Maybe all those cigars had clotted his nasal cavity with soot and he could no longer experience such pleasures. Maybe his focus on work was so iron clad that nothing could shake it. Whatever it was, it prevented the cuisine from distracting his current thoughts. No matter how disheartened his men would be, they would be forced to face facts that it was time to go home. The base and public peace came before anything else. He didn't expect anyone to be happy about it.

Barely anyone gave the captain attention as he walked on deck. Even the three civilians that received treatment hadn't noticed him, caught up in conversation. To focused on their stomachs or suddenly over-appreciated sense of smell. The only one who acknowledged him was Tashigi, who seemed a little out of breath, flushed in the face, but triumphant in spirit. Did her glasses always have that small crack?

"General Smoker, I take it we're about to leave?"

Smoker raised a brow, but otherwise kept his face neutral. "And how would you know that?"

"Well we were actually supposed to leave yesterday before those drifting civilians were spotted by Captain Luffy. Plus you'd most likely not come out of your office otherwise. Let me guess, ran out of cigars?"

Smoker's eyes narrowed a bit at the little hint of mirth in Tashigi's last comment. Luffy's crew must have corrupted her usual professionalism, guessed the man. Thank God he didn't witness the sadist phase she went through in the past week.

"Actually there has been a civil uprising in Lougue Town. No details yet, but we have to return back as soon as possible."

The girl didn't seem upset, but did let out a rather disappointed sigh. "Duty calls I guess. But can we not stay and eat whatever that cook is making?"

"Nope."

Tashigi pouted but easily complied. "Okay then. I'll round up the men."

She reached and hand to the sword at her hip and drew it slowly, rasping the metal against its covering. By the time it was out of its covering, all of Smoker's marines were lined up at attention, ready to jump at a moment's notice. The Navy Captain wasn't even surprised at this point anymore.

"What is your command mistress?!"

Each marine seemed a little nervous, some looking to the heavens and giving a silent prayer to Enru. The display brought a small smile to the lieutenant face, her "training" seemingly paying off. Hopefully Smoker didn't notice that mistress part though. He did. Simply didn't care enough acknowledge it.

"We are leaving for base in 5 minutes. Get to your stations immediately and prepare to leave!"

Their reaction was reflexive in movement. No collisions, even though at the speed of their running it should have been expected. It would probably only be three minutes before the ship was ready to a move on. This increase in activity did not go unnoticed by Luffy and his crew members however, nor did Usopp, Merry, and Kaya not take notice. Merry gently left Usopp's side and walked to Smoker and Tashigi.

"Um, may I ask what is going on?"

"We're leaving for Lougetown. A civil uprising has occurred in my absences and I must return."

Merry seemed a bit taken off guard but quickly regained composer, years of being a butler had trained him to expect the unexpected. It also taught him to see between the lines. Seriously who knew being a butler would prepare you for so much though?

"I take it we will not be able to accompany you," asked Merry even though it came out like a statement. Smoker signed.

"You would be right. I can't knowingly take civilians into what could be a dangerous situation. Staying with Captain Luffy would be much safer for you. From what I know, Usopp no longer needs morphine and everyone else is recovering easily. You should be fine to shadow Luffy's group until the rebellion is over. Until then, this is goodbye."

The butler nodded and walked back over to the two teens to tell them the troubling news. Smoker didn't worry for the small group. Luffy hadn't said his purge rank when he introduced himself, but it was most likely near the top spots. Every pirate and marine in the East Blue combined probably couldn't defeat him. That was the strength of the Purgers.

"You guys leaving?"

Coming out of thought, he looked down at the short teenager who held such tremendous power. Reminded him of some else he knew to be honest. Their smiles seemed to match. "Yes. There is a civil uprising in Lougetown and I must put an end to it."

Luffy scratched his head and nodded. "Yea, Shan- I mean a good friend once told me he had a consensual uprising too. Said it was urgent and ran out the bar with Makino."

"Right…wait wh-"

"We're ready to leave on your word Captain Smoker," shouted a marine in salute.

"Thank you. Tas…where is she?"

Luffy didn't seem to be paying attention at all, but he lazily pointed in the direction of his ship. Smoker turned to see his lieutenant on Luffy's ship yelling at a certain green haired man. He didn't even look interested or aware. Instead, it was Chars behind doing all the responding.

"Oh, it will feel so good when I wipe that bored look off your face. When you're shocked, laying on the ground, bleeding as I point my blade at your neck."

"Ha! Everyone knows Zoro-senpai doesn't bleed. That includes Firmen-senpai, Luffy-senpai, and Jackson-chan," was Chars' rebuttal.

"Why am I the only one who isn't a senpai," asked Jackson, who promptly went ignored.

Tashigi walked right up on Zoro and stared him straight in the eye. "I will defeat you when we meet again."

For the first time, Zoro actually responded himself. Any challenge should be respected. "I can't wait Lieutenant Glasses."

There was a silence where the only thing that could be heard was the sound of wind blowing. Zoro and Tashigi mere inches away, eyes staring into one others soul. No one knew who closed the gap, but in the next moment, their lips are connected in a passionate kiss.

"…"

They break away and continue to stare at each other as if what just happened didn't just happen. The only difference is that Tashigi's face is redder than Luffy's flames. After another two seconds, she turns around and briskly walks back to her ship, head down, and face glowing. Maybe she thought everyone would drop it. Ah, no such luck.

"…OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Chars, who seems to be going into cardiac arrest, beings wildly jumping up and down around Zoro before getting on his hands and knees and begins to bow down in respect. The other marines act in a similar manner, shouting "oohs" and "aahs" around the ship. Lax is convulsing on the floor while Andrew has shoved his skull through the wood of the deck from bowing down so quickly. Firmen is just crying. Just uncontrollably crying in the corner with Jackson acting as his rock. Tashigi has just effectively broken Luffy's crew.

Merry and Kaya look on in confusion at the scene. It's not like they knew if there was any previous relationship or not. Turing to Usopp however, they saw he was staring directly at Zoro, tears streaming from each eye. His manliness radar having been activated, even without knowing the context.

"He's a true hero."

"Usopp what are talking about," asked Kaya, deeply muddled. Usopp simply shut his eyes and looked away, fist clenched in emotion.

"You wouldn't understand. It's not something that can even be explained. All I know is that I'm honored to be in that man's presence." Secretly Merry felt the same way, but he had to pretend to be proper right now for master Kaya.

Luffy, who hadn't caught on to any of this and was just genuinely confused, turned to other the captain beside him. "So guess this is goodbye for now. See you later, ya?" He raised a hand in friendship, which Smoker shook firmly.

"Of course."

Luffy went over to Usopp and proceeded to help him across the plank that connected the two ships, as he was still a bit weak on his feet. Merry and Kaya appreciated the help and followed over with him. Everyone belonging to Luffy's group was now on the right ship, and the plank is drawn in.

"Okay, time to go. Finally," breathed Smoker, honestly feeling a little trepidation at returning. But he kept that to himself. The engine of the Navy roars to life and the vessel slowly moves away in the direction of Lougetown. Once at a good speed, the main mast is let down to give the motor a break and the ship slowly disappears over the horizon. Everyone is a little sad to see the crew leave. They had basically become crewmates in the short time together, most knowing Smoker's ship as well as their own by this point.

Luffy smirked and looked at his crew. "A tearful goodbye between friends. Don't worry, it only makes seeing one other again all the sweeter. Right Zoro?"

Everyone turned to the swordsman, who hadn't moved from his spot or changed facial expressions for the duration of this sudden farewell. Arms crossed, eyes focused on the distance, face rigid in form.

"Yes."

Luffy – not seeing anything odd about that – smiled and continued. "See. And plus I know what will lift your spirits." Luffy turned on his heel and pointed to the door that led to the lower levels. Everyone else turned that way only to find nothing but air.

"Wait for it…"

10 seconds…20 seconds...50 seconds…minute and 10 seconds…oh come on…

Around the 90th second Sanji popped his head out the door wearing a "kiss the cook" apron over his blue button-down, an appetizing aroma following him. "Oi, foods done."

A cheer went out over the men, all in desperate need of nutrients. Though Sanji would not have anyone eating at any table he prepared without proper manners. "I don't want to see any of you eating until everyone is seated, understand?"

They all nodded, not eager to test this man's patience, milling through the door in a calm single file line. One of the most import rules on the sea was do not anger your cook, and it was a rule they all knew. Luffy had asked Firmen and Jackson to help Usopp, Merry, and Kaya find their way to the mess hall before him and Zoro walked through the doorway past Sanji.

"Nice apron cook," teased Zoro good-naturedly. Sanji was quick on the retort.

"I don't want to hear that from you moss head."

This was starting to become a reoccurring tradition quickly. The friendly insults had started the second time Zoro visited Sanji in the hospital and made an off-handed comment about the cook's eyebrows. It had only spiraled from there. However, neither was ever malicious about it or truly annoyed.

Sanji was about to head back as well before he noticed Luffy had stopped dead and was simply staring at him. And he had a very concerning look in his eyes.

"Um, Luffy? Are you okay?"

"Kiss…the cook?"

Luffy looked him dead in the face and began leaning upward, his lips becoming dangerously close, much to Sanji's destress. "Wait! Wait! WAIT-"

Luffy and Sanji were the last ones to make it into the mess hall. One smiling. One not.

"Ooooh, you should have said that you were wearing it ironically. Makino use to wear a similar apron and I would always kiss her on the cheek when she made food. I thought it was just common courtesy or something. Shishishishi."

Sanji, who desperately needed a cigarette or the sight of women, weakly trudged beside his captain. He wished he could find any humor in this situation. Of course Tashigi-chan had to leave right before this happened as well. Shitty luck.

The mess hall was filled with testosterone driven, hungry, restless men. So it was a surprise to Sanji that they – while being loud – were relatively well behaved, patiently waited to be served. The cook and Luffy went to the kitchen to bring out the plates, the captain helping without even being asked. There was seven large tables that could seat up to seven people comfortably. With only 38 people present, however (excluding Sanji), some seats went unused.

Luffy and Sanji worked fast and placed a plate, bowl, and side plate at each table. The main dish on the plate was some sort of meat and potato combination that had no right look or smell as fancy as it did. The meat could be cut with a spoon it was so tender, an assortment of spices and finely chopped veggies added richness to the flavor, and the potatoes seemed to be made of clouds instead of anything found this close to earth. The bowl held the true masterpiece of this meal, though. It held a beautiful Consommé soup, clear without any hint of cloudiness. Its rich stock, and explosive flavor would be enough to bring men to tears. And it did. The marines were actually crying salty tears of joy. Finally, on the side plate was three rice balls. Rice balls that had more flavor than most entrees.

Needless to say, everyone was satisfied to the nth degree. Even Zoro grunted his approval, the highest praise you could ever get from him when it came to food.

Luffy – after helping to serve – walked over to the table Zoro, Firmen, Usopp, Kaya, and Merry were sitting at. He plopped down between Usopp and Firmen and promptly began eating. A moment later the raven haired teen felt his taste buds orgasm and nearly fainted at the sensation of glorious flavor exciting his entire being. He wasn't alone either.

Usopp upon lifting the bowl to his lips and taking a swig forgot what pain was. Just vanished from his memory. There was only euphoria now.

Kaya, who was seated between Usopp and Merry, had always been fed with a silver spoon and given the greatest money could buy. More so when it came to what she ate, considering how weak she always was. But now she had clarity. All that "fine" cuisine had been gutter trash unfit for even swine to feast on. Calling this food was an insult. It was heaven in three courses. It was…God's gift to the righteous.

If anyone looked at Merry right now they would notice he clearly wasn't on Earth anymore. Angels had taken his spirit to Cloud 9 for an ethereal massage in holy spirit. You've been working too hard Merry. You deserve this. Let me and the angels relieve your stress.

"Yes enteral goddess," whispered Merry in a hushed, earnest tone. No one at the table questioned it.

Firmen glanced at Merry as if he understood completely before turning back to Luffy. "So Captain, where we headed after this?"

It took all the willpower on Earth for Luffy to put down his fork and answer the question. "Well I talked it over with Sanji, and he said it would be okay to swing by Arlong Park before going after Don Krieg. So that's what we will do. It's only a day away."

Firmen nodded. "It shouldn't take long. Oh, I've been meaning to tell you, we need a new navigator."

Luffy along with Zoro raised an eyebrow. "Have we not had one all this time," asked Zoro, a bit worried and perplexed. Firmen waved his hand as if to dismiss the thought.

"Oh course we have one…or did I guess. The guy was an idiot though, so Jackson took over for the time being."

"So when we went to find Zoro…?"

"Yep. That was all me and Jackson."

Luffy scratched under his straw hat, thinking about this new information. "Was the other guy really that bad at navigating?"

Firmen flashbacked to a few weeks ago.

Hey mate, do you not know where north is? We should be heading the other way.

OH! I thought it said WEAST!

...

Patrick, who let you be navigator?

"Yea, he was a right idiot. Great drinking buddy though."

"Okay then," conceded Luffy. Guess he would add that to the mental checklist of things he needed to acquire. Eh, don't sweat the small stuff.

Usopp – who had come out of his trance just in time to hear the exchange – turned to Luffy. "W-wait. You're going after Arlong. 20,000,000 berry Arlong?"

Luffy was glad to see Usopp was contributing to this conversation. "That's the plan. You want in on this? If the story you told us is true, you're quite the fighter. I doubt some of my men could take on a whole pirate crew."

The liar shook his head. "I had the home court advantage. Not to mention three days' notice of the attack."

Luffy was quick to counter that argument. "But that at least means you are good at making plans. If I had three days to prepare for attack, I'd most likely just try to come up with a new attack. You understand how to use the environment to win. Hold on, what weapon did you use?"

"A-A slingshot. I use special ammunition to make up for the lack of draw strength," bumbled out Usopp, feeling a little timid because he now had the attention of Zoro, Firmen, Jackson, and Luffy. "I guess I can show you guys later if you want."

Jackson nodded. "Aiming with a slingshot is significantly harder than a gun. The effect of wind direction and air friction must be taken into account more so. Usopp, do you think you'd be able to teach a few things to some of our riflemen? They just don't seem to understand aiming."

Usopp nodded dumbly before he could fully process the question. To think these warriors could learn anything from him was baffling. But at least he could be helpful and somewhat repay their kindness to him, Kaya, and Merry.

Jackson almost continued, but made the mistake of taking another bite of onigiri, causing his spirit to be whisked away to piquancy afterlife, where all good flavors go to simmer in lasting bliss. Firmen soon followed. Zoro resisted at first…but even he could not deny its taste. Luffy's defenses fell before they could even be built. Finally Usopp began eating again as well, and all thought of conversation died at the table.


Grand Line. Unknown Island


A slender fishman ran down the hallway as fast as he could towards the door at the end of this foyer. In hand is a single East Blue newspaper, a thing that usually wouldn't be of interest to anyone outside the sea. However, this very organization ran off knowledge. Knowledge is power after all. And the Revolutionaries needed all the power available.

Hatch damn near kicked the door to Sabo's office off the hinges. The Chief of Staff barely even noticed the intruding, currently up to his ears in paperwork and battle plans he would have to run by Dragon and Arc. Hell, it had been months since he actually had to fight. Though that was probably for the best.

"This better be good Hatch," muttered Sabo, not looking up. The fishman slams the paper down for dramatic effect, knocking over a pile of important documents in the process. Dang it. Those were alphabetized.

"Now this really better be good."

The blond looks down at the daily news and his eyes widened briefly. "The purge has started in the East Blue? Already?" He takes the paper in his hands and begins to flip through pages. Sadly only the first page mentions the attack on Don Krieg. 50 ships gone in smoke within an instant. That doesn't exactly add up. Sabo opens one of the drawers in his little wooden desk and takes out a list of the top 20 Purgers in the Navy registry, complete with little notes he has taken over the years. Getting the information they did have had been a task in itself.

Inigo Diabolus (No known devil fruit) (Fleet Admiral's personal guard) (can disrupt Haki) (great sense of honor) (swordsman)

Team 7 (Taju Taju no Mi) (strong electrical attacks) (tactical) (Mink/Wando tribe)

"Kill-a-man" Jaro (No known devil fruit) (near instant speed) (should not be engaged) (fishman)

Haruko Haruhara (No known devil fruit) (extremely unpredictable) (human?)

This just doesn't seem to add up. No one in the top twenty seems to have a fire based devil fruit. I'll definitely have to talk more to Dragon and Arc about this.

"This is good information Hatch. Sorry for being a bit snippy with you earlier."

The fishman smiled and leaned on the wall. "It's fine Sabo. Tensions are very high right now for everyone. More so for you and the other leaders," says Hatch, turning to leave. "I do wish you'd go talk to Koala though. She's becoming a bit worried for your health."

And then he was gone, leaving a frustrated and somewhat guilty Sabo. Dragon's right-hand man looked at his desk, nearly unintelligible under the mountain of paperwork and charts.

It could wait. Right now Sabo needed a small break and a chance to chat up a dear friend. He walked out his office and nearly gagged on the fresh, non-stale outside his office. Walking down the familiar hallways was almost therapeutic, but after eating and sleeping in that damn office chair, any activity involving movement and a change of scenery was a blessing. It was also nice to wave at friendly faces he hadn't seen for weeks. Sure were a lot of new recruits now a days.

A tired yawn forced its way out as Sabo rounded the next corner, reminding him to pick up another cup of coffee on the way back. By this point Sabo's bloodstream was more caffeine than actual blood platelets. Arc always says that man power doesn't win wars, coffee does.

That reminded Sabo of the time he first met Napoleon Arc. Even under the circumstances, he had been calm as always. The man was the king of a large kingdom in the Grand Line called Waterloo, though he didn't have a royal bone in his body.

It had all started when the World Government decided that the kingdom of Waterloo had more power than should be allowed and went about annihilating it. Printed in the paper some bull about how they had actually been guarding an Ohara scholar refugee and sent a Buster Call worth of ships led by 5 vice admirals and 7 elite Purgers. Dragon had got word of the attack and sent word to the royal family there to flee. They refused, claiming they would stand their ground to the end. Hoping to find a new ally in this kingdom, Dragon sent Sabo, Bartholomew, three other commanders, and thirty ships to Waterloo. Upon arriving, they found that the battle had already been raging for two days. And amazingly it was deadlocked.

Two elite Purgers had been killed with three heavily wounded. Only one vice admiral remained alive. A half of the marine footmen (remind you each common man had 6 powers and weak Haki) were dead or out of action. On the other side, Arc had started with 15,000 men and had 9,000 remaining. He himself was responsible for ending the Purgers and hadn't left the front line since the beginning. He was a massive imposing figure on the battlefield, standing at 7 foot 5 inches (226.06 cm). His blade, Salut, was like streaks of lightning ripping through the sky and heavens. It had actually been Sabo's honor to fight next to him.

The blonde's thought gets interrupted when he reaches Koala's office room. All of a sudden he's nervous, despite there being no real reason. Sure he might get a scolding about working too hard again, but nothing to truly fret over. No. The disappoint in his friend's eyes, the slight hurt that is reflected at him as if she thinks he doesn't value her. That is what strikes fear into Sabo more than any number of Government dogs could.

He curtly knocks twice and waits. Some creaking is heard from the other room and soft footsteps head toward the door. It swings open to reveal a small, disheveled, short, orange haired girl.

"Listen Hatch I-"

She's cut off when Sabo wraps his arms around her in a tight, almost desperate hug. Sabo notices the quickening of Koala's heart but passes it off as a result of surprise instead of anything deeper. Sabo is denser than most harem protagonist.

Before she can speak, the Chief of Staff is whispering into her ear. "I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. I know work is no excuse considering we're in the same building, but things have been tense. Forgive me?"

Koala chokes on her words. If anything is spoken now it will only come out as an unintelligible mess. It takes but a minute to force the tears back, swallow the knot in her throat, and lock her legs into place before they buckle. Come on girl, you're a warrior! Act like it. Now, finally in control once again, she responds.

"I'll accept your apology…"

"Thank y-"

"IF you refill my coffee mug."

And as if by magic, the embrace is over and an oversized mug with "Koala Bears R Life" painted on the ceramic is placed in Sabo's hand. When he looks up with a confused expression, she gives an angry pout.

"What? You think you're the only one with mountains of paperwork?"

"I guess n-"

"You know how I take it. Please, and thank you." She pats him on the cheek affectionately and retreats back into her office, closing the door behind her.

Sabo looks down at the mug dumbly, barely able to process what even happened. Huh, this is the mug I got her. A smile makes its way onto his face before the young warrior begins the perilous trek to the cafeteria. Why is there not a coffee machine on the top levels? Budget cuts. The common enemy of marine and Revolutionary alike.


East Blue


If Usopp was being completely honest, he didn't want train with the other guys after lunch. It wasn't like they were forcing him or anything. In fact, they only asked to be taught aiming techniques. Plus the sniper was nearly positive he should be taking it easy right now, what with the head injury and just general muscle overuse. Yes, there was no reason to be attempting to lift weights or spar (defiantly not spar), or even move really.

But those reasons went out the window when he noticed Kaya blush from seeing the shirtless marines train.

So that leads us to now. With Usopp attempting to lift a 150-pound dumbbell without looking like an idiot. Quite the feat considering he'd been trying for 2 minutes and is already pouring buckets of sweat, dehydrated, and gasping for air. Stopping while you're ahead had always been one of Usopp's favorite "23 Quotes to Live By," but it's hard to quit when Kaya is clearly staring at you from the sidelines. Eventually, Luffy comes to the rescue.

"Hey Usopp! Uh…the guys need more sniper training or something. Could you come help us out?"

Usopp nearly cries tears of joy at Luffy's out. I'll never forget this Captain Luffy. He lets go of the dumbbell and makes his way over to the captain.

"Yes! I was just working the old pecs out, but I'm available!"

Kaya giggles at the scene. Secretly, she knows that was just so Usopp could just save face. But that thought makes her even happier. One, because it seems Luffy and Usopp are becoming friends and two, because it means that Usopp actually wants to save face. He's becoming his old self again.

Meanwhile, the beloved liar is being introduced to his trainees

"Okay, this is Narry, Oakley, Pierce, and Ethan. I've instructed them to follow your every command and whim. All I ask in return is that you teach them how to shoot an ant between the eyes from one mile away."

"Okay. Wait wh-"

"Thanks Usopp." And then Luffy was gone.

Taking a quick breath, Usopp turned and looked at the four men who were by all standards stronger than him. Narry had light blue eyes, dark green hair, and soft features. Oakley was the largest of the four, sandy blond hair that stuck up at odd ends, a thick beard, brown eyes, and tough features. Pierce look a little owlish, had sharp features, black hair, canary yellow eyes, and a longer than average nose. Ethan was short and stocky, had dark gray hair, nervous hazel eyes, and soft features.

"Okay men," said Usopp using his deepest voice possible. Hearing Kaya giggle in the background wasn't helping. "This will be the most grueling training you will ever go through. By the time I'm done you will know when to run, when to jump, and when to get the fuck out of Dodge. The key to shooting accurately is being afraid because you know if you miss you will be dead. This is coward training, and it begins now."

- In the kitchen -

"Thanks for helping out with the dishes Merry," said Sanji, arms deep in soapy water beside the butler. Merry waved the thought away.

"No, no. It really is my pleasure. It would be criminal of me not help out. Think of it as thanks. Plus I'm used to this kind of work anyway."

Sanji nodded and resumed washing, rinsing, and drying in silence. "Didn't you mention you were a butler or something for that girl I saw?"

"Yes, but her parents have been dead for a while. Me and Kla…Kuro were her caretakers for many years until now."

Silence.

"Hey, are you still worried about that demented butler/pirate finding you guys? Because there really is nothing to be concerned about now that you are with us. The Captain already seems to have taken a liking to the two, so I doubt anything can happen without going through him."

You know what Sanji, I think someone can only lose everything once.

Why is that Luffy?

Because the next time, you'll die trying not to lose again…

"Yea, I know you're in good hands. Even if the guy is a little dense."

Merry smiled. "Yes, I'm very grateful to Luffy, in more ways than one. I…I can see the life returning to Usopp and Kaya again. Quicker than it would have otherwise if we had not met. In a way, I'm very glad Captain Smoker was forced to leave without us."

"And because of my cooking right?"

"That may also have played a major part," muttered Merry quietly, drawing a chuckle from Sanji.


Cocoyashi Village


Afternoon was drawing to a close.

Nami had spent the day toiling in the tangerine orchard, enjoying the shade, sweet fruit, and relaxing breeze. If she should fail tomorrow, then it may be the last time she will ever see this place. In a way, her fate is tied with this orchard. If she perishes no one else will be able to tend to the fragile trees and they will slowly wilt into nothing. An interesting thought.

She supposed Nojiko could take care of them…if it wasn't for the fact Nojiko would be helping her to kill Arlong a well. Nami really should have expected her sister to include herself once she was told the plan. It wasn't like her sister didn't want to personally see the life drain from Arlong's eyes like everyone else in this miserable hole did.

The plan was simple. The next time she got called, the fishmen would "check" her to see if there were any weapons on her. Tragically, they would "miss" the knife (Hatchi personally sharpened it) taped to her back. Once inside, she would be forced to strip for that monster (it always happened). This was the hard part, however. Nami needed to make sure Arlong didn't see her back without making it appear as if she didn't want him to see her back. After getting close enough to Arlong, she would put both her hands behind her back, as if about to let down her hair. Then finally, release the knife without being detected, get in throat slashing range, and attack. While still in shock, Nojiko, who has been behind the door will come in and shoot Arlong point blank in the back of the head.

If all goes well, they should be free of him by mid-day tomorrow. If all goes well.


A/N: It seems a lot is happening. Smoker and Tashigi have finally departed. Do not worry, we will be keeping up with their adventures. Their comic relief is too good to lose! Usopp, Kaya, and Merry are settling in well. Usopp even seems like he will have a devout following soon. Oh, if any of you got the hidden joke with the name introduction, then tell me in the review. The first appearance of Sabo and Koala happened, yay! They will be important soon, so don't think I threw that in just for funzies.

And did Sabo mention an Ohara scholar…

Next Chapter: Revenge is a Dish Best Served with Citrus

Okay, doing something a little different. I usually decide to answer questions I see in the comments at the beginning of the chapter, but now I will doing "Ask Senpai Luffy" installments every few chapters or whenever there is an overload of questions. Let us begin.


Omake: Senpai Luffy! #1


A short man with dark black hair strolled into the classroom. He wore a solid black jacket, pants, and nearly reflective shoes they were so shiny. His dress shirt was a deep red, contrasting nicely with his yellow tie. The only thing hindering the professional look was the fact this young man was wearing a worn straw hat and had only one eye. His goofy grin didn't help much either. You know what, this guy was just a mess.

"Hello class," announced Luffy, setting down a suitcase on his desk. He waited for a hello in response. And waited. And waited.

"Guys, this is when you're supposed to say "Hello Senpai Luffy!" in unison," whispered Luffy, already confused. "Did you forget your lines?"

The class decided to tell Luffy exactly what they thought about that.

"Oi, Oi. Who died and made you Senpai?"

"I'm pretty sure we're all older than you."

"Bet he doesn't even know what Senpai means."

"This is bull-"

"OK! That's enough! Geez, no need to hurt my feelings or anything." Luffy pops open the suitcase and takes out a single paper. Then he takes out a pair of glasses and puts them on. Despite having one eye.

"Let's see here. S3rp3nte asked about the whole Buster Call thing going to Dawn Island. It is going to be awhile until the full backstory chapter happens, so I'll give so info. The Buster Call was indeed unauthorized, but was it a mistake? Ace was the Pirate Kings son. And if the wrong man found out…"

Firmen raises his hand. "Luffy-Senpai, I think you're giving away too much. We should move on."

Luffy nods. "I think you may be right. Got to have those big reveals and what not. Next question comes from Chrisfragger. What is up with the random civil uprising? Um, if we're being honest here, Smoker leaving was necessary for a couple of reasons, so that's the main reason it happened. But also, think about the newspaper published the same day as the uprising. Hint. Hint. Maybe Purgers aren't just a blight to pirates?"

"They're better than Revolutionaries," grumbles out Smoker in the back of the class.

"Smoker, who let you in here? Why are you…know what? Doesn't matter. Everyone is welcomed to learn from Senpai Luffy. Last question. A few people have asked for this one. How are the Supernovas holding up? Um, better than you'd expect actually. I will say that most of them are still pirates. Most."

Everyone looks around. "So are we done here," ask Usopp near the front beside Kaya, "because I really have to use the bathroom?"

"Not until Zoro gets back with the hall pass."

"He's been gone for hours! How long could it take to go two doors down and take a left?! Where is he?"


Raftel


Zoro looked around the strange island, nearly certain this couldn't be the bathroom. Weird markings and animals. Not to mention enormous plants that towered towards the heavens. Yep, not the bathroom. Just more mountains of gold and devil fruits he has no use for.

"Where in the hell is this?"


A/N: Of course, the answer was there the whole time. Just ask Zoro to specifically not find Raftel and that's what will happen.