The Black Tooths neared the island as Daiko prepared the ship for docking. The Island was relatively large compared to Dira and had two large mountains in the middle, resembling the back of a camel (hence its naming). Surrounding the two mountains was a large town known as Camel Back town. Pretty much your average West Blue town if you ignore the mountains, the towns surrounded the center mountains and there were docks along the perimeter of the island. Various marine outposts could be seen throughout the village, the dark blue colors of those buildings stood as a grim reminder of the influence of the World Government.
Tora reminded his crewmates "Remember guys, there's a rogue pirate here that goes by the name of 'Jack Knife' Boon. When I was a marine, I had him sent to prison, but he managed to escape... somehow. I'm just saying this because he may still have a grudge against me and try to ambush us, so stay on your guard." He said while looking towards the island.
''WHAT? You were a marine?" Semi said jaw dropped.
To which Tora enthusiastically responded "Yeah, so?" making Semi sweatdrop. Who wouldn't be surprised after hearing that someone left the marines and became a pirate? This, however, doesn't seem to be a big deal in Tora's perspective.
"Where did Daiko get this guy from?" she thought, but she didn't bother asking. This one fact made Semi all the more interested in this crew. How did Daiko manage to convince Tora to join up? Is Daiko just lucky or mysteriously charismatic?
Daiko moved the conversation along "Don't sweat it, Tora! All we need to do is pick up some supplies, get those Kuma and Boon guys to join up and leave! But I'll beat someone up if I have to! " Daiko said proudly.
Tora sighed "More or less. Yes Captain, that's what we're here for."
"I'll stay and look after the ship,"Semi added.
Tora snickered right after she said that "HAHAHA! 'Look after the ship'! Yeah right, Cook! You're just scared because there are pirates here! HAHAHA!" he laughed loudly while holding his sides.
Semi's brow lowered as her face turned pink with embarassment "Sh-shut up, Tora! Y-y-you can't blame a girl for worrying about her safety! W-w-what's it to you anyway?!" Tora continued laughing while she responded, further angering her.
"Stop laughing already Tora, just go!" She yelled
Soon enough, Tora's laughter passed into Daiko like a disease, and the Captain joined in on the laughing "ppppffffffffttttt-HAHAHAHA! S-sorry Semi! But's it's actually kind of funny! HAHAAHA!"
The two continued in their simultaneous laughing, both were rolling on the deck of the small boat . *HAHAHAHAHA*
It's should be no surprise to you that Tora's little laughing spree earned him a good whack on the head from a trusty fishing rod. *WHAAACK!*. "AAAaaaAAAaaAAARGH!" he yelled while holding his head. Seconds later, a pink balloon like welt sprouted from out of Tora's orange haired head. Oddly enough, Tora did not turn red with rage after this happened, probably because deep down inside, he knew he deserved it.
"AARGH! Why did you only get me?! Captains laughing too!" He argued
Semi yelled back "Hmm?! I don't know, maybe it's because I don't like YOU!" Tora's punishment caused Daiko to laugh even harder, but this touching moment was interrupted when the three noticed that there was a marine scout walking across the docks, towards their ship. It's not hard to believe, especially considering that Daiko had recently tied the Black Tooth jolly roger on the flag pole, and that they had just arrived on a marine controlled island. The scout was probably comingto identify the boat.
The scout was getting closer, but not within talking range yet.
"What should we do?" Semi whispered
Daiko grinned as he pulled up his sleeve "Just stand back you two! I'll knock this guy into next week!" he 'whispered' loudly.
Tora pulled Daiko back "Settle down, Captain! Stop being an idiot. You two stay here, I'll handle this."
Tora hopped off of the hip and onto the docks, upon noticing Tora's unmistakable ponytail, the marine stood at attention and saluted. The two then began talking to each other after Tora commanded him to stand at ease. The entire time, the marine looked at Tora with a very shocked expression. Daiko and Semi were not able to guess what was so surprising, was it because of Tora's high rank in the marines, or maybe it was just the huge, throbbing, bleeding red welt that was still on Tora's head from his punishment earlier. Was it his gigantic feminine hairstiyle? Or maybe the fact that Tora was sailing on a pretty princess small pink boat that had a pirate flag tied to it. Who knows? After a couple more seconds of talking, the marine scout turned around and headed back to base.
Tora came back to the ship "Well that takes care of that problem."
"Wait, what did you tell him?" The pink-haired cook asked.
"I told him that I'm holding you two custody for piracy. Seems I'm not recognized as a pirate yet. The marines here will leaves us alone." He said.
"Tora! You're a genius! Now we won't have to deal with marines! " Daiko cheerfully yelled
"Don't get too comfortable, Captain. It's only a matter of time before they catch on. This won't work forever." Tora sighed and looked at Semi"Anyway, Cook. We'll be going now, we can't afford to spend too much time here. Captain and I will be back soon."
Semi nodded "Okay then, you two be careful!"
And so Daiko and Tora leave the ship and enter the town ahead of them. They sifted through the streets of people and made sure to avoid as much marine contact as possible. Daiko scanned the streets for any conspicuous swordsmen but saw none. They walked around the stores and bought numerous supplies that they did not already get from Dira. After stocking up on food, maintenance supplies etc. Both of them now each were holding two large crates of supplies and began heading back to the ship to leave.
Tora nodded after double checking the supplies they had "Alright, Captain. We're all set, let's head back. Thankfully we were able to make it without getting cau-"
Daiko stood in front of Tora's path and interrupted him "W-wait Tora, we can't go back now! We haven't even met those two guys you were talking about before! I want them in my crew!".
Tora was bothered by Daiko's ignorance "Tch! Those two are way more trouble than they're worth, especially Boon, trust me! All Jekkos are!" Tora said.
"Jekko? What?" Daiko asked Tora, who took a long drawn-out sigh.
"The Jekko Pirates were a large West Blue pirate crew that sailed the Grand Line. One day, they were returning from the Grand Line and decided to land here. Because of the Government's extreme aggression towards pirates in this age, the marines took notice of their occupation of this island and had a huge battle with them here, known as the Camel Back War. The Jekkos lost and their captain, Lamar Jekko, was killed. The only survivors are two people: 'Bare Foot' Kuma and 'Jack Knife' Boon. Boon consistently causes mayhem all over the island for vengeance. And the marines here are stupid and weak to stop him. Kuma is trouble too." Tora explained. "They are pirates that only serve under the flag of their lost Captain!"
Daiko didn't care "I still don't care! We can atleast ask! And besides, I'm the captain, I- WAIT! What the?" Daiko was interrupted when Tora vanished using his Rokushiki. He looked left and right, but he was nowhere to be found.
Daiko then turned around to see Tora blocking an attack from a very large man, Boon. Tora pressed his fists against both sides of Boon's arm blade to protect Daiko, who fell back in shock.
"Gahaha! 'Orange Bison'! So you remember me? I was hoping you'd come back. I still haven't paid you back for imprisoning me!" Boon said, pressing his blade harder on Tora, causing him to stagger.
Tora grinned and managed to push Boon back, causing him to slide away "Hm. I had heard you escaped, Boon but I didn't think we'd meet again this fast. The marines stationed here are getting more and more useless it seems. Wheres your ex-shipmate?"
Boon smiled as his arm returned to normal."Funny that you ask! I just got finished killing him! Gahaha!"
Tora's eyes widened in shock. "What!?Theres no way he couldve killed him! Kuma is one of the strongest in the West Blue! Has he really gotten that strong?" Tora thought to himself.
Boon's fingers turned into steel blades "That FOOL Kuma was getting on my very last nerve so I butchered him! I'll kill you too! and that stupid looking kid next to you with those ridiculous sandals! Slice and Dice!" Boon charged Tora whilst slashing his arms around.
Tora quickly rose his guard "Cub's Dodge!" Tora braced himself and skillfully dodged the rapid slashes and cuts from Boon. On the sidelines, Daiko slowly rose to his feet.
"Hey big guy! Don't you dare forget about me! Iron Fist!" Daiko's forearm turned into gleaming iron as he ran up to boon and punched him in the face. The force of his attack sent Boon rolling into a nearby building.
He cracked his knuckles "So that's Boon, huh Tora?" Daiko turned his arm back to normal, "I definitely don't want him on my crew! Attacking me from behind like that!" Daiko laughed but then his face wrinkled with anger. "YOU COWAAAARD! NO HONOR!"
Tora laughed a little " What did I tell you captain?" he got into his fighting stance and faced the (now damaged) building. Out of it walked an enraged Boon, who again turned his arm into a large blade and ran towards Daiko.
Boon rubbed his jaw "That's the first time a punch has ever hurt me... how the hell?" he then looked at Daiko and scowled "HOW DARE YOU HIT ME KID! I GUESS I'LL KILL YOU FIRST! VIPER SLASH!"
"OH YEAH YA BIG BASTARD? COME GET SOME!"Daiko smiled and held his fist up towards a charging Boon "Iron... SHIELD!" Daiko's hand turned into a large circular iron shield which he used to block Boon's attack, causing a loud metallic clanging sound.
"Iron Fist!"Daiko then countered Boon with another powerful iron punch to the face with his free hand. Sending him back into another building as Tora watched, surprised.
Daiko laughed and patted his hands together "Well that should be it! That's what happens when you mock my mom's special sandals!"
Tora sighed and sat down, crossing his legs. "I wouldn't be so sure, Daiko, Boon said that he killed Kuma. Theres no way it would be that easy to take him down." Tora said as Daiko turned towards him in shock.
"WHAT? He killed the swordsman guy? NO! Now how is he gonna join my cr-" Boon appeared out of nowhere from behind and cut Daiko by his side with his arm blade. The force of the blade caused blood to spatter outward.
Tora stood up "CAPTAIN! You idiot! Learn how to watch your back Dammit! MIGRATION!" Tora vanished as Boon tossed a bleeding Daiko aside.
"Gahaha! I knew it! You morons are nothing but talk!" Boon stood waiting for Tora's next move."Tora... I don't know why you're hanging out with this kid but you're going to suffer a similar fate as him! I hate you marines with a burning passion!"
*POP!* Tora suddenly appeared next to Boon and attempted a spinning kick, "Well then it my please you to know, I'm not a marine anymore! Orange Roundhouse!" Boon caught Tora's kick, slashed him across the chest, and punched him in the face.
Sending him into a nearby food stall." Argh! Damn! I've really gotten weaker over the years!"
"GAHAHA! NO ONE CAN DEFEAT ME! LONG LIVE CAPTAIN JEKKO!" Boon yelled over-confidently as both Daiko and Tora lie on the ground in defeat." CAPTAIN, YOUR SPIRIT LIVES ON WITHIN ME!"
Daiko slowly got to his feet "Leave my first mate alone, asshole! You aren't gonna kill him!"
Boon scowled and prepared to finish off Daiko "You still aren't dead yet you iron-headed brat? You probably think you're tough because of your Devil Fruit so heres a quick science lesson for ya kid, steel is stronger than iron! Now allow me to put you out of your misery! Viper slash!" Boon lifted his arm in an attempt to finish Daiko off, but was interrupted by Tora "Bull Speed!" the former-marine headbutted Boon in the chest, causing him to slide back a little.
Tora landed on his feet and held his forehead as it began to bleed, making Boon laugh. Tora thought "Dammit, his entire body is made up of steel, that wasn't my best idea."
Boon continued laughing, unfazed by Tora's attack "Gaha! You definitely aren't as strong as you used to be, Scytherius Tora!"
Tora gritted his teeth "Shut the hell up! You're right, I've gotten weaker over time since I haven't been seeing much action. But I assure you, I'm going be strong, a thousand times more than you! Oh yeah, and STOP CALLING ME THAT!"
Tora prepared to charge, he repeatedly slid his foot on the ground, like a bull preparing to charge a matador "Orange Herd!" he ran to Boon and threw a very intense barrage of punches towards him. Each punch caused the ground to shake a little. Tora repeatedly punched but Boon simply stood still and withstood the entire attack "Weak! You're pathetic, get out of my sight!" Boon pulled his foot back and kicked Tora, knocking him into another building.
"Iron Chain Fist!" Daiko slowly got to his feet and sent his chained attack towards Boon, who simply caught Daiko's arm and used it as a handle to hurl Daiko high into the air and slam him onto the ground.
Daiko retracted his arm as he slowly got to his feet again "Dammit! Ergh! That was fun... but it hurt!" Daiko's movement caused his previous wounds to open even further, causing him to stumble on his knees.
"You just don't know when to quit kid, do ya?"Boon smiled and walked towards Daiko to finish him but was cross blocked by two katana that seemed to come out of nowhere. It was Kuma, who appeared once again from the shadows. Daiko fell to his knees clutching his wound while it bled.
"What the hell? You? I thought I killed you!" Boon frowned while looking at the young blue-haired swordsman.
"HA! Trust me Boon, it'll take alot more than a couple cuts to kill me. Ha! I got a bigger chance of dyin' from smoking!" Kuma laughed as Boon jumped back in recoil. "So yer' even pickin' on kids now, man?! That's just sad dude!"
Kuma then sheathed his swords and turned around to Daiko. "Hey kid, you alright?" Kuma spoke, all while obnoxiously poking Daiko's head repeatedly with one of his sheathed katana. Daiko was still holding his wound and not paying Kuma much attention.
*tap**tap**tap**tap**tap**tap**tap**tap**tap**tap*"Sorry about Boon, he's really having a hard time gettin' over the past. Damn, yer' bleedin alot. Are you gonna be alright, dude?"*tap**tap**tap**tap* "Hey! Kid with silver hair! you alright? HEY MAN, YA GOOD?!" Kuma asked impatiently
"Hey! Will you stop poking me? Yeah I'm fine! And thanks but I don't need your help, whoever you are." Daiko stood up, ready to fight. Kuma patted him on the shoulder and looked Daiko in the eye.
"Nah man, I'll handle this. Consider it my act of compensation for allowing this fool to wreak havoc for so long." he laughed "It's fun watching you fight with that power of yours. But I can't let this guy kill ya." Kuma pulled out his swords again and faced Boon.
"Hey wait, you! I didn't agree! That guy ambushed me from behind! TWICE! I wanna take him out myself!" Kuma ignored Daiko, much to Daiko's displeasure.
"You done talking to that stupid kid, Kuma? " Boon turned both arms into steel blades. "If you ignore me again, I'll impale you on the spot!"
Kuma laughed "Ooooo, I'm scared! I'm tremblin' in my boots over here, man!" he said sarcastically,"Hahahaha! Just kiddin' I don't wear boots!" he then yawned "Yup, I'm just about done. You know Boon, I knew it was a horrible idea to bust you out of prison, you're completely hopeless. Hungry Tiger!" Kuma sprinted, leaped into the air clashed blades with Boon, who pushed him back with ease.
"GAHAHA! 'Hungry tiger'? Is that the best name you could come up with! Gahaha?". Boon laughed hysterically.
After being pushed back by Boon, Kuma did a ninja-like triple backflip and landed it perfectly with his blades at hand and a cigarette at mouth "Hey screw you, man! A good friend taught me that move! And besides, it's better than 'Viper Slash', 'the hell does that mean?" Kuma threw one of his katana toward Boon, who blocked it again with ease.
Kuma smiled "Smelly Wolf!" he stealthily cut through Boon, who was preoccupied by the thrown katana. Kuma's speed was absolutely remarkable, after he had thrown the blade, he dashed fast enough to cut Boon before the thrown weapon could reach him. Boon began to bleed out from his chest "GAHH! CHEAP TRICKS?! DAMMIT! YOU WILL DIE TODAY KUMA! How the hell did he cut me? I'm made of steel!" Boon clutched his chest as Kuma's thrown sword jabbed into the ground.
"Haha! Just face it Boon, you can't beat me! Yer' not even a real swordsman!" Kuma pointed one katana as a completely enraged Boon charged for him. "Heavy viper slash!" Kuma rolled to his right to avoid an extremely powerful slash from Boon, which caused a large crack on the ground. Boon's arm became stuck in the scar. Kuma laughed as he skittered behind an occupied Boon to pick up his other sword. Boon's eyes widened " Aaargh! Damnit! Can't move! Stuck!"
Kuma began to laugh even more "You really are an idiot Boon. Don't worry, I'll wait for ya to get yer' arm outta there." Kuma pulled out another cigarette, lit it with a match, and blew out a puff of smoke. Boon finally managed to remove his arm from the ground and looked at Kuma with deep hatred. "You think this is a game? I'll kill you RIGHT NOW!" Boon charged.