S.R: This author's note was not typed up at the same time as the actual story. To be honest they never are. These notes are only written just before I go to post the chapter. I just wanted to let everyone know that. Why? I'm not sure.
Anyway, for all the people that dislike the "Maa" I want to say this. Until the end of the chapter where the scene I have it planned for, it will show up just like the last few chapters. After this one is over it will be cut back like I said. For those that complain about that, please keep in mind that in the author's note I only said it would be cut back, not cut out.
Now let's move onto the story.
Two days after sailing out from Cocoyasi village Luffy and the others found themselves forming routines. Nami had taken to spending the majority of the day outside sitting at a table by her fledgling tangerine trees, working on her maps. Zoro would either be working out by lifting massive weights, or napping after drinking a two sometimes three barrels worth of booze. Usopp, had taken to tinkering with anything and everything he had gotten his hands on. Mostly because he was trying to engineer some special bullets for his guns so that he could be non-lethal with something besides his slingshot. Luffy however, had taken to sitting on the figurehead of the ship, staring out over the sea.
"Oi, Luffy! I just remembered, we haven't made our flag yet have we?"
"Maa, that's right Usopp! Thanks for reminding me. I was thinking about basing it off my tattoo."
"But without the Whitebeard mustache? I mean if you keep it people might think we're part of his crew or something."
"Yeah… Maa, I've got no talent with painting could you handle that Usopp? Oh, and I want it on the sail too!"
"Sure!"
After that conversation it took Usopp all of five minutes to paint their flag. While he was doing that Luffy woke Zoro up, and asked Nami to come down and have the crew approve of their new flag. Using the solid black cloth that Nami made sure to grab when they resupplied, Usopp had painted a cartoonish looking skull with crossbones. Sitting on top of the skulls crown, was a depiction of Luffy's straw hat. Thanks to knowing the story behind the hat, both Nami and Zoro easily approved of it being part of their flag.
Before they went back to what they were doing Nami had a thought. Turning to Usopp she voiced her idea.
"Hey Usopp… Have we tested the canons to make sure they work? It would suck if something was wrong with them and we didn't know until too late."
"Oh, you're right! I had forgotten to actually fire them when I was checking them over."
Quickly moving about Usopp gathered everything he needed to test fire the cannons. The first three were fired and everything was right with them. When he fired the last of the four cannons on the ship there was a rocky outcropping that he decided to aim at. Upon hitting said outcropping his sensitive eyes widened just a bit. Right above the spot he had hit, there was a body being tossed into the air with the debris.
"Shit! I wasn't really focused on aiming. I think I might have hit someone!"
"Maa, I'll go check it out!"
With that Luffy slung himself over the side of the ship, rapidly taking his hybrid form and flying over to the outcropping.
As he landed Luffy casually dodged a sword being swung at him repeatedly. Taking stock of the situation, he noticed that the man attacking him seemed angry his partner was hurt, and just lashed out at him since he came from the ship that had done it.
"Maa, calm down! We didn't mean to hurt him. Usopp had to check our cannons and make sure they fired properly. Maa, So as an apology for hurting him I'll do the basic first aid for him and make sure he doesn't die."
Stopping mid swing, the man dropped his sword and began thanking Luffy profusely for trying to fix their mistake. Since he had spent a lot of time with Marco outside of his regular lessons Luffy had picked up enough medical knowledge to suffice for the situation. Sadly he didn't have the talent or complete knowledge to be a doctor, so he wasn't sure if it'd be enough.
Once Luffy explained what was going on he and the man that attacked him, carried the wounded man to the Going Merry. Around half an hour later they were watching over the now patched up man and chatting somewhat amiably.
"Oh, before I forget. I'm Johnny and my partner there is Yosaku. We're bounty hunters."
"Maa, I'm Luffy. The green haired guy over there napping is Zoro, the girl sitting at the table up there by the tangerine trees is Nami and the one who accidentally hit you is Usopp."
At this point Johnny was studying the ship, having accepted Luffy's offer to be taken to the floating restaurant Baratie so as to find a proper doctor for his partner. But after looking up at the top of the mast he finally noticed the flag.
Jumping to his feet he yelled at Luffy.
"You're pirates?"
"Maa, yup. I'm the captain, and Zoro is the first mate while Nami is our navigator and Usopp is our sharpshooter."
"I should be attacking you for any possible bounties you have… But you saved my partner, and are being so kind to us by letting us travel with you for a bit. Besides We'd been hearing rumors that a man with eyes like a hawk would be showing up at the Baratie sometime, and I want to find out about that guy."
"Shishishishishishishishi, even if you attacked you'd lose. Zoro, Usopp and I were trained by the Whitebeard crew."
"Haahaahaahaahaahaa, you're a funny guy Luffy. There's now way some lowly pirates from the East Blue would have been anywhere near the Whitebeard crew."
Luffy not wanting to be mocked just unbuttoned his red shirt, and let it fall to the deck. Turning he proudly showcased his tattoo. When Johnny saw it he went pale and cried out that Luffy had a mark tying him to Whitebeard. Nami having overheard, was curious not knowing that he had a tattoo. Moving from her table she looked down at Luffy's tattoo.
At first she admired it, but then she realized he had taken his shirt off and she could see the well toned muscles that he had developed. She could also see the sweat glistening on his body, and blood ran to her face as she blushed at the sight. Luckily Usopp gave a cry that pulled her attention away from Luffy before she started to day dream.
"We're almost to the Baratie now!"
With Usopp's call the ships inhabitants began to become excited. Johnny Started pacing, wondering about the rumor he and Yosaku had heard. Zoro despite having been napping was awake enough to hear Johnny's words and knew who it was, so as he stood and stretched there was a wicked grin on his face. Luffy had moved to Nami's side and whispered something into her ear before vanishing into the men's room. Following his lead Nami moved to her room as well.
Usopp having seen the blush on Nami's face decided the reason was that Luffy had asked her to wear something nice so the two of them could have a date. So he told Zoro and the two of them dropped the anchor. Once they had finished tying the ship down, the two followed Johnny who was carrying Yosaku off the ship.
Since they were going to be here a while due to Luffy and Nami, Zoro and Usopp decided to get something to eat as well. Just after sitting down they had a special guest join them. That guest being none other than Zeff, the owner of the restaurant and the one who had taught Sanji.
"So it's time for the eggplant to officially join you..."
"We aren't going to leave right away. Luffy managed to convince our navigator to be his girlfriend, so the two of them are getting ready for a lunch date."
"Then we'll have to make sure they have a good time when they come i-"
Before Zeff could finish speaking, the door burst open. Dragging himself through the door was a man wearing a gray jumpsuit. He was wounded, one leg twisted sideways, one hand using the wall to support him, and a sizable gash on his chest making him leave a trail of blood. Rather than call for help he just begged for food. He and his crew had run afoul of someone they couldn't beat. Their ships were barely treading water, and by this point they were all starving.
Luckily for the man he was heard by Sanji who was cooking. Despite, the complaints from all the other chefs he gave the man food. As he turned around he noticed Usopp and Zoro. He gave them a nod, before calling to them and Zeff that he had a feeling a large amount of food was going to be needed so he was going back to the kitchen to help out. The trio had similar feelings to Sanji, but they decided to leave it to him.
"Hey, you wouldn't happen to have taught curly eyebrows anything about Haki would you?"
"Of course. I knew you brats would have trained with it since you were with Marco and the rest of the Whitebeard Pirates."
"That's good. One thing Luffy wants with this crew is for every member to be able to hold their own."
"I won't say the eggplant is on your level yet, but he's close."
"Well, if it comes to it I could always kick his ass as training."
Just as Zoro finished speaking the door to the restaurant opened once more. This time it was Luffy and Nami walking in together. Usopp and Zoro were both shocked to see Luffy without his signature hat, but after doing a double take noticed it sitting on Nami's head.
"That money hungry witch better understand just how much he trusts her..."
Zoro growled out, Usopp nodding to his words. Zeff was confused however. So they explained that Luffy's straw hat is the symbol of his promise with Shanks to become a great pirate, one who would become the Pirate King and to return it at that time. The only time either one of them have seen him without it, was back when he killed Arlong, and that was only because he wanted to show Nami he cared, that he trusted her to protect his precious treasure.
While the duo on their date weren't sitting with Zoro and Usopp, they were sitting close enough to overhear their conversation.
"I knew this hat was special to you but for it to be that special… Are you sure I can wear this Luffy?"
"Maa, it's fine Nami. I trust you. Besides it looks better on you."
Nami blushed at his words. While she knew that there were many that would consider her good looking, she wasn't sure if she believed that Luffy's hat looked better on her. As she glanced at Luffy she imagined it sitting on top of his dark hair. She studied his outfit of choice for this date. He had actually switched from his flip-flops to a pair of shoes. He was wearing a pair of black denim pants, and a red button up shirt with the top button undone and the sleeves rolled up. His usual red vest was replaced with gray, and closed instead of open. Hanging on his shoulders was a black coat with golden trim, buttons, and tassels.
As she studied him, Luffy studied her. Nami was wearing a deep red, almost wine colored shirt that dipped low, showing off just a little bit of her cleavage. Her black pleated skirt going down to just past her knees. Around her left wrist was the golden bracelet. To Luffy, Nami wearing his hat completed her look.
It wasn't until someone placed their food in front of them that the two realized they'd just been staring at each other. Laughing it off the two began to eat.
Around that time Zoro and Usopp had deigned to return to the ship. Usopp and his sharp eyes noticing the extremely torn up ship just barely floating as it approached the Baratie. They realized something was going to happen and decided to move the ship to a safer distance. Once that was done Zoro not really caring about anything else found a spot on the deck to lay down and take a nap. Usopp however ran inside and told the cooks about the approaching remains of a massive ship.
Sanji's feeling that a large amount of food would be needed was spot on. Even with the other cooks complaining and trying to hold him back Sanji cooked for the emaciated and starving men on the ship. He had just finished passing the food out when Luffy and Nami left the Baratie, Zeff walking along side them with a bag.
The look on Zeff's face told him that the old man had packed his clothes into the bag. It wasn't until he looked closer and saw another bag slung over the peg legged mans back that was shaped like a box, that he knew that everything important to him had been packed. Taking the two bags from his adoptive father figure Sanji began to say his goodbyes.
Luffy and Nami returned to the Going Merry to give Sanji a minute, only to find Usopp stomping some marines in a fight. Several of the marines were severely injured, and two of bodies on the ground weren't even breathing.
"Maa, Usopp! Quit playing around."
Just as Luffy called out that order Usopp's last opponent, the pink haired man roughly falling to the ground yet still unconscious.
"Sorry Luffy, these marines attacked the ship. Zoro's still napping so I had to handle it. Those two captains on the ground over there were much weaker than I was expecting. I think I might have killed them on accident."
"Maa, accidents happen Usopp. But we need to be ready to leave once Sanji finishes his goodbyes."
As he spoke Luffy began to clean the deck of the marines. The two dead being placed respectfully on the deck of the biggest of the three marine ships that had approached the Going Merry while he and Nami were having their lunch date. He helped the injured marines off the ship as well. It wasn't until he had set the pink haired man who identified himself as Lieutenant Fullbody down that Sanji had approached the Merry. He threw his bags to Usopp before calling out to Luffy.
"Hey captain, that Krieg guy pissed me off, threatening the Baratie. Mind if I use him as a punching bag for a bit?"
"Maa, I say go for it Sanji. It'll let me see what you're capable off. But let me handle the riffraff for ya."
Turning towards the splintered ship that the pirates under Don Krieg were using Luffy unleashed a small blast of Conquerors Haki. Because he wanted to see how Sanji fights, Luffy made sure the wave of Haki was the weakest he could make it. The only men still standing were Krieg himself, and two others who Krieg called Pearl and Gin.
With a sigh Sanji vanished from sight, before appearing next to the one named Pearl and round house kicked him in the head. Pearl was sent overboard and skipped across the water a couple times before finally coming to a stop. Turning Sanji began to attack the guy named Gin. At first Gin just defended himself and tried to get Sanji to stand down. Apologizing for basically spiting in Sanji's face after he had saved them from starving, but when Sanji didn't back down he got serious.
Ducking under the Tonfa's that Gin was using Sanji decided play time was over and uped the anti, taking Gin down with a kick to the side followed swiftly by a kick to the neck. Once Gin was down Sanji turned to Krieg, but had to jump back. As he did the remains of the massive galleon sized ship that was to be their battle ground were ripped in half by a massive blade of wind.
Sanji having sense the man that did it scowled. Thanks to Haki he was able to get a general sense of the mans power and he knew that he wouldn't win. Luffy, Usopp and Zoro who had woken up when he sensed the man, also had that feeling. But Zoro took one look at the man and gave a blood thirsty grin.
As the galleon ship split apart even more than it had been before a small boat with a coffin shape appeared. It's sword guard shaped mast causing the ship to have a striking a very eerie appearance.
Launching himself towards the small ship that had appeared behind the sinking galleon ship, Zoro Landed with a thud. Unwrapping his signature bandanna from his arm he tied it over his head. Drawing his Yubashiri he pointed it towards the new comer.
"Dracule Mihawk. I set out to sea to grow stronger and surpass you..."
"If you have any competence then you'd know the difference between us without the need to cross blades."
"I know that I can't win this… But I need to see for myself just how far I have to go. Besides, you seem bored, and I'm pretty sure a fight with me would be more entertaining that the gnat over there."
As he spoke Zoro showcased his conviction to the older man. He also pointed over his shoulder at Don Krieg when he spoke of the gnat. Mihawk, having sensed Zoro's power was impressed that someone that strong could be found in the East Blue. He also had a feeling that there was more to the green haired swordsman that was challenging him.
With a graceful movement Mihawk stood up and pulled the massive sword from his back. Pointing it towards Zoro he acknowledged the challenge. For a moment the two stood completely still and glared at each other. The next, Zoro had suddenly shifted positions to be right next to the older pirate, Yubashiri clashing against Mihawk's blade.
Smirking Zoro drew a second sword, Yubashiri being held in his right hand and the second blade Sandai Kitetsu in his left. Jumping back Zoro swiped both blades diagonally at Mihawk. Both of his swords were deflected with just a slight twist of the wrist.
Zoro's grin grew even wider as he upped the pace of his attacks, Mihawk keeping up easily. Usopp and Luffy having seen Zoro's training with Vista and Thatch, weren't giving much thought to the battle yet. Every other person that was watching the two clash had looks of pure awe on their faces.
"How can anyone be that strong?"
"Maa, Nami there are a lot of people in the Grand Line that are capable of fighting at this level."
"Yeah. Zoro hasn't even gotten serious yet."
As Usopp Said that Mihawk forced their friend back. The two dueling swordsmen both knowing that it was time to step things up a notch. Zoro drew his final sword the Wado Ichimonji and placed it in his mouth. Mihawk saw this and raised an eyebrow. This time when Zoro moved it was with his signature
attack.
"Three Sword Style: Charming Demon of The Sleepless Night – Ogre Cutter!"
Mihawk moved to block the attack, only to change his mind and deflect it at the last moment. At this Level Zeff, Usopp, and Luffy were the only ones that had keen enough eyes to figure out why. Mihawk had started to block, but at the last possible moment Zoro coated his blades in Armament Haki and the increased power would've blown through his guard since Mihawk wasn't prepared for it.
However Zoro took advantage of the deflection and spun on his heels fast enough to bring all three blades against the back side of Mihawk's massive sword, forcing it out of place. With the small opening he made Zoro rolled his wrists so the katana blades faced towards Mihawk once more. With a reverse spin he managed to leave two small gashes on Mihawk's chest.
Having known it wasn't going to be enough to cause a serious wound Mihawk let Zoro attack him. While Zoro did so Mihawk fixed his grip on his blade and with an ungodly fast move pierced Zoro's side. But Zoro didn't retreat. Pressing forward and continuing to attack.
"Tell me… Why don't you step back?"
"I can't. Taking a step back, means turning my back on every promise I've made. Retreating even one step would be equal to me giving up on my dream."
"You're very strong willed. That determination will serve you well. What's your name?"
"I am Roronoa Zoro."
"You've got a strong heart, and you've stood your ground against the worlds strongest blade. But it's time this battle draws to an end."
"Three Sword Style: Secret Technique- Three Thousand Worlds!"
With a cry Zoro unleashed his strongest attack. Mihawk, coated his blade in Haki and met it head on. A massive plume of water was kicked up around the two preventing anyone from seeing the result for a few minutes. But when it cleared, Zoro was standing with all three swords sheathed and arms out facing Mihawk.
"a scar on the back is a swordsman's greatest shame."
"Well said. Roronoa Zoro. I will remember your name and await you at the top. Become stronger still young Zoro. Travel the world and meet me again!"
His response stated Mihawk brought his sword down in a diagonal slash across Zoro's chest. Despite knowing he was only heavily injured and not killed by the blow, Luffy was enraged and lunged for Mihawk. Taking his full Thunderbird Form Luffy struck with a ferocious speed. Mihawk barely held him off, as Luffy returned to human form and landed a punch dead on the swordsman's nose.
"I didn't kill him."
"Maa, I know but he's my first mate and one of my best friends. Of course I'm gonna attack the guy who hurt him."
"He dreams to be the greatest swordsman. It'll be a long hard road. But what of his captain?"
"Me? I Monkey D. Luffy, plan to be Pirate King!"
"Your dream will be infinitely harder to achieve than his. But you both have the drive to do it. We will meet again Monkey D. Luffy."
With that Mihawk returned to his boat. Not giving a backward glance Mihawk left. Luffy quickly moved to Zoro's side. Before he could treat the man Zoro raised a sheathed blade.
"Luffy… I'm Sorry. I failed… But from this moment on… I. Will. Not. Lose. Never again will I let someone beat me. Not until I'm the strongest. That okay Pirate King?"
"Maa, of course it is Zoro. Now shut up and let me treat those wounds… Maa, Sanji hurry up and deal with that Krieg guy. We need to get going."
With that Luffy gently lifted his friend and brought him back to the Going Merry to treat his wounds. The one marine that was still conscious from the end of Usopp's battle, Lieutenant Fullbody was quite curious about the pirates he had found.
"Just who the hell are you people?" he muttered. Not noticing that Usopp was standing close enough to the edge of the ship to hear him.
"Us? We're the Straw Hat Pirates. Our captain is Monkey D. Luffy, the man who as a twelve year old killed Arlong the Saw. He recently kicked Both Alvida and Buggy The clowns asses-" Usopp started to ramble, informing Fullbody of just how many feats this crew was responsible for, even mentioning that their chef was the one that was going to defeat Don Krieg.
Sanji, shaking himself out of his stupor from watching Zoro battle Mihawk quickly moved to Krieg's side. Hooking a foot around Krieg's neck he pulled the man down to the ground. The force actually causing the older man to bounce off the ground. Because he was told to end the fight quickly he unleashed one of his stronger attacks.
"Anti-Manner Kick Course!"
With his other leg, Sanji kicked straight up the toes of his foot pushing into the center of Krieg's chest and forcing him to go sailing through the air. Luffy and Usopp both winced when they saw that kick since Sanji's leg didn't stop moving until both of his legs made an 180 degree line. After a moment, Krieg's body came crashing back down bursting through the remaining planks of the ship they were battling on. After a momment there was a thud, caused by a few of Krieg's weapons hitting the deck. With a sigh Sanji turned to join his crew, though he did grab some of the weapons from Krieg just in case Usopp could do something with them.
After a while Luffy and the others managed to leave the Baratie and set sail towards Louge Town to resupply before heading to the Grand Line. Usopp had taken the weapons that Sanji had collected from Krieg and was tinkering with them to make a new staff for Nami since she had broken her staff in training with Luffy the day after they left the Baratie.
He had managed to repaint the metal from Krieg's special spear, which was re-purposed into Nami's new weapon. Somehow he had managed to build in a few special modifications that would allow Nami to manipulate the climate around her.
It didn't take Nami long to find out all the little tricks that Usopp had given the new staff, which she had dubbed the Clima-Tact. It's a very special staff that splits into three pieces to store. Each piece has a button on it and when they are put together in a certain order they do different things. Like if she were to place the piece with a white button as the top section, the one that when swung vertically would end up closest to the enemy, her staff would create a bubble of cold air. The one with the orange button, generates a bubble of heat, and the one with a yellow button creates a ball of electrified air which upon finding made Nami really happy. Usopp had managed to craft them in such a way so as that they didn't even have to be placed into a staff shape.
Her favorite attack that she had created was to create lots of cold bubbles and then using the heat balls she 'sucks up' the moisture in the air. Eventually after doing this enough it creates a cloud, which she then uses a thunder ball to electrify the cloud and cause a massive thunderbolt to strike, which she had named Thunderbolt Tempo.
A Week Later
The crew hadn't yet made it to Louge Town yet. Nami was at her normal table by the tangerine tree's which were close to being able to bear fruit. Zoro was taking a nap. Usopp was up in the crows nest. Sanji was in the kitchen. As for Luffy, instead of being at his normal seat on the figure head of the ship he was sitting across the table from Nami. It was a comfortable silence for the crew, as Sanji brought Nami a drink. Since he officially joined the crew he was constantly trying to win her affection, and it was starting to get annoying to both her and Luffy.
"Maa, Nami if you don't want the drink Sanji made can I have it?"
before Nami could even respond Sanji attempted to kick Luffy, but thanks to his superior speed Luffy was able to dodge it no problem.
"Shut up you shitty captain."
"Maa, Sanji what's your problem?"
"Luffy you're so damn annoying!"
"Maa, how so?"
As he asked the cook how he was annoying Luffy jumped over another kick.
"What's with the 'maa' crap?"
"Maa, I don't know what you mean?"
"That right there!"
Ducking under another kick Luffy tried to figure out what Sanji meant. At this point the noise had woken Zoro up and drawn Usopp's attention.
"Maa, oh well. Hey Sanji I'm getting hungry is it close to time to eat?"
"Dammit Luffy stay still so I can kick your ass!"
The moment Sanji finished speaking he found a sword blade pressed against his body and a pistol pointed at his head. Usopp and Zoro both growled darkly, but they paled in comparison to Nami. Standing up she moved to stand in front of the blonde and slapped him.
"What the hell Sanji?" - Nami
"The shitty captain is annoying me."
"Curly Eyebrows, I'm only going to say this once… You do not attack our captain. Unless you are training with him there is no viable reason to strike him. The next time you try this I will end you."
"That's if you get to him first Zoro. Luffy was the first person to become my friend. I'm not going to let someone attack him like that."
With their piece said both Zoro and Usopp backed off. Nami standing between him and Luffy gave them another reason to move. They knew he wouldn't try anything with his 'Nami-swan', despite the fact it was clearly one sided. Sanji for his part took their words to heart, especially since he knew that in a one on one fight he stood no chance if they were serious. Zoro was far stronger and had a longer reach, and Usopp wasn't going to fight him up close and personal like he preferred to fight.
With a sigh, Sanji turned to return to the kitchen to start making lunch. But Nami wouldn't let him be and followed, to find out if it was actually Luffy annoying him or if he was just taking his jealousy out on to be honest Sanji spoke.
"Haven't you noticed how most of the time when he starts speaking he says 'Maa'?"
"I have, but no one else is bothered by it, so I just ignore it."
"They've probably gotten used to it after spending years with him… But to me it's extraordinarily annoying. It's also slightly rude to the people he talks to."
"If that's all it is, then I'll talk to him about it. I don't know about getting him to stop entirely, but if we give him time and try to help him with it Luffy will stop using it as much as he does."