A/N: I'm back, everyone! Don't forget to vote for who you want to join the Straw Hat crew and for when you want Screaver to master the second stage (Sharingan) of his Hoshigan powers. Feel free to put your choices (and suggestions) on the forum topic itself instead of the poll (which is on the forum or my profile page, respecitvely) or by PM. Here are the current standings for both:

Crew Members:

Vivi: 2

Nojiko/Gin/CP9 (all members): 1

Alvida: 0

Laboon (as a pet): 0

Ms. Valentine: 0

Mr. 5: 0

Miss Golden Week: 0

Mr. 2/Bentham: 0

Bellamy: 0

Wiper: 0

The Franky Family: 0

Perona: 0

Hatchan: 0

Emporio Ivankov and Inazuma: 0

Mastery of Hoshigan's 2nd Stage:

Warship Arc: 8

Little Garden Arc: 4

Whiskey Peak: 1

Drum Island/Alabasta Arc: 0

An Older Brother

After the drama with Johnny and Yosaku, we began our journey to the Baratie. I pulled Luffy and Zoro aside while the other three crew members awed the two bounty hunters with their training agendas. I crossed my arms before addressing Zoro first. "What is your opinion of those two in ways of combat ability?" The swordsman raised an eyebrow at the random question before closing his eyes in thought.

"While they both use dadao blades, they each have different styles," he explained, opening his eyes to look at his former partners. "Johnny focuses on hit-and-run tactics while Yosaku hacks away with his slightly superior strength." I nodded, expecting as much. "During our time together, I tried to get them different swords that would apply to their specific strengths. However, I can't teach them, and they don't have any knowledge how to wield them. So, they stuck to their dadao." I hummed before glancing at the two. I didn't have any knowledge of kenjutsu, and Michael only had info on techniques, not form.

"They don't look like swordsmen," Luffy stated bluntly, making Zoro and I whip our heads to look at him curiously. He pointed at Johnny. "Since he is fast and agile, we would probably be more suited to the ninja weapons that Screaver uses." He moves his finger to point to Yosaku. "However, his strength takes away the need for a weapon. He would be a good hand-to-hand fighter." I nodded along before grinning at Luffy.

"Well, then, here's my plan, Captain. We should offer them a place on our ship and training." That statement was loud enough that it caught the attention of everyone on the ship. I turned to Johnny and Yosaku with a grin. "Think about it. You guys are always having to go for low bounties because you aren't strong enough for the big ones. I can train both of you in the basics to the point where you can make your own fighting styles." I gave them both once-overs before grimacing. "You need a change in wardrobe, though." Everyone nodded vigorously, but Johnny was still looking at me in shock.

"You don't even know us, big bro… why would you offer us training and a place on your ship?" he questioned, getting an agreeing nod from Yosaku and curious looks from the crew. I sighed and ripped off my shirt, getting squawks of indignation from Usopp and the females, who were also sporting blushes. However, their initial reaction quickly disappeared when their eyes landed on the various scars that littered my body.

"When I was younger, I was beat up a lot because I had different likes and opinions than those around me," I explained. "And so, I began to train so that I would never lose a one-on-one fight ever again. I continued to get stronger, gaining new powers and abilities as I continued." I put my shirt back on, pinning the two amazed swordsmen with a stern gaze. "So, I want to offer you the same option. I can give you the same training regimen the others are one, which will prepare you when you choose which direction you want to take in relation to your fighting style." The two men began to cry, launching themselves at me in a hug. I just accepted my fate, hugging them back.

"Thanks, big bro!" they sobbed in unison. "We will train until we can't move!" I smiled softly, patting their backs like a couple of big babies…which they basically were. Zoro smiled widely while the other four laughed at our interactions. I pulled back, staring at the two before nodding to Kaya, Nami, and Usopp to continue their training. They walked farther away while Zoro returned to his spot to do weight training.

"Johnny, you come with me," I commanded, causing the shade-wearing ravenette to follow after me like a dog. We went down to the rudder and I placed weights around the rudder before turning to a curious Johnny. "Since you and Johnny are the only ones who know the route to the Baratie, you two will be switching off on as helmsman and navigator." I propped the door open and motioned for Yosaku to join us, which he quickly did. I jabbed my finger into his chest, making him wince. "You will be starting off with speed training, running to and fro from the front of the ship to help Johnny here navigate." I then jabbed finger into an expectant Johnny. "You will start with strength training, which consists of moving the weighted rudder to steer the ship. Every 15 minutes, you two will switch. How many hours out is the Baratie?" Johnny raised up two fingers, causing me to nod in satisfaction. "Then, get to it! Ask Nami for any navigation questions." They saluted and proceeded to leap to their tasks, leading us towards our chef.

0000000000000

I gaped at the sight before my eyes. While the Baratie was shown in the anime, seeing it in real life was awe-inspiring. The three-story ship with a fish head as a front piece was painted a sea-green with yellow trim and red-tile roofs. It was a very unique sight, and I liked it. That's when I saw the incoming Marine ship and I sighed. I turned to Luffy, who had also noticed the military ship.

"Can I blow her up, captain?" I requested, getting a shake of the head. So, I amended my request. "How about if they attack us first?" He shrugged at that, making me smirk evilly. The captain of the ship came to the rail with a blone woman on his arm. His pink hair was well-groomed, and a long scar marred the right side of his face. His pinstripe suit crinkled as he pointed at our Jolly Roger, causing me to tense.

"Is that your flag? If so, I assume you are pirates then," he declared, looking at Luffy expectantly as the the captain stepped forward, Usopp quickly joining him by his side.

"Yeah!" shouted Luffy exuberantly. "We just got it made today!" He motioned to a puffed-up Usopp. "Usopp, our sniper, drew it! He's really good at a lot of stuff!" The long-nosed sharpshooter laughed boisterously at the praise, making Kaya and Nami giggle while Zoro and I gained sweat drops. "Hey, can you let us to that restaurant? I haven't had good food in a long time." A storm cloud formed over Kaya's head at Luffy's comment.

"I thought I was a good cook…" moaned the wispy girl despondently, causing Nami and Usopp to rush over in worry and attempt to console her. I kept my attention on Fullbody, his lip turned up in a sneer before he scoffed and began to walk away.

"Sergeant, destroy that ship!" he ordered his subordinate, getting a salute and immediate action in response. Luffy nodded to me as they began to load and light their cannons. I activated the first stage of the Hoshigan and stuck out my arm, transforming it into a golden, diamond-studded bazooka. Whenever I gained another level of mastery, the weaponry changed. I had quickly reached the highest level of the bazooka, due to my constant use of it. Not only did the appearance change, but the power and modifications did as well. For example, I now had access to a charge shot, rapid-fire mode, elemental shots, and my favorite… a laser sight.

"Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals! Giga Buster!" I cried as a ball of energy as large as me instantly gathered around the nozzle of the gun. It returned inside before blasting out, all in a single millisecond. The soldiers manning the Marine battleship quickly sought the safe embrace of the ocean as their boat was completely and utterly obliterated by my energy blast. The only thing that wasn't turned to dust was the crow's nest, which flew into the top of the Baratie. I gulped before straightening my back and walking forward.

"Screaver!" shouted Nami, grabbing my arm. "What are you doing?! The cooks could kill you if you go in there!" I smiled at her before slowly removing her hand from my arm.

"Worried about me, Nami?" I teased, causing the girl to blush and sputter as I continued towards the front of the ship. "I am a man, meaning that I have to own up to my actions, whether they have good or bad consequences." All the men on the ship nodded and grunted in agreement as I leapt onto the water and ran towards the Baratie. When I reached the deck, I was met by two shell-shocked cooks. They were soon followed by a peg-legged man with a braided moustache and a deep frown plastered on his face. I knelt down and planted my forehead on the ground.

"I am very sorry, good sir," I apologized in my submissive position. "I should have been more careful with my attacks. I will pay whatever damage is necessary." The chef hummed at my offer before smacking me in the head with his tall hat.

"My name is Zeff, head chef and owner of the Baratie," in a raspy, aged voice. He raised my head with his peg leg, allowing me to see his toothy smile. "You are pretty respectful, brat, and it takes a lot of courage to own up to one's actions, especially in cases like these." The head chef began to stroke his huge mustache before pointing inside. "You will be our chore boy and waiter for two weeks before you can leave." I gulped before nodding in agreement. The chef waved me inside and led me to the kitchen, ignoring the shocked looks on his chefs' faces. He swung open the door, gaining the attention of a huge man with Popeye arms.

"Head chef, who is this?" asked the man in a throaty voice, gaining the attention of most of the other chefs. However, Zeff looked around before his eyes landed on the man that I had come to find. Sanji stood over a frying pan, his cigarette smoke melding with the steam coming form the cooking utensil. His eyes swiveled to me and Zeff as he turned off the stove. The head chef patted me on the shoulder.

"This is our new waiter, Sanji. He accidentally caught our ship in the crossfire of his attack that destroyed a Marine warship, so he will be helping you with the waiter duties for the the next two weeks," introduced Zeff, turning to me expectantly. "His name is…" I sighed before turning to face my new co-workers.

"The name's Screaver D. Bartel, and I hope that the majority of you will leave me alone, with the exception of Popeye and Sanji over there," I specified, motioning towards the two that were mentioned, causing the rest to bristle and the other two to chuckle in amusement. I looked to Zeff, who was now smirking. "Do I need to wear something specific?" He nodded and motioned for me to follow Sanji, who had begun to make his way towards the back of the kitchen, where there was a spiral staircase leading upstairs. I sped up to follow him as he showed me to a closet with a bunch of suits in my size.

"Here you go, kid," he stated, making me scowl at him. He quickly put his hands up placatingly. "Sorry…Screaver. Put on a dress shirt and a pair of pants. You can put the jacket on if you want, but you don't need to. Then, come to the kitchen for a long tie or bow tie. Your choice." He quickly vacated the room so that I could change. I quickly changed into the proper attire, marveling at how comfortable it was. I put on the suit jacket and combed my hair back, making myself look quite handsome. Michael wolf-whistle from inside my head, making me roll my eyes and smile. I made my way downstairs, getting a bunch of whispering as I walked towards a very impressed Sanji. "You clean up pretty well. You should keep the look, or at least a variant of it." He handed me a dark red tie before beginning to walk away.

"Wait, Sanji!" I yelled, stopping him in his tracks. I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "I've… never worn anything besides a clip-on tie before. Could you show me how you tie a knot?" He chuckled and shook his head as he walked back towards me. As he showed me how to tie Windsor knot, a massive smile was on my face, matching his own. 'Is this what having an older brother feels like?'

Let me explain Screaver's relationship with Sanji before you leave a scathing remark. In the original, Screaver was always at odds with Sanji and Zoro. I feel that having Screaver side with Sanji will produce some unique situations. The same kind of sibling relationship will be done with a few other crew members. It will also make Sanji's infatuation with Nami pretty funny in the future. And yes, this will affect Screaver's future outfits. He will be given a new outfit at the beginning of each arc (at least). Don't forget to vote and feel free to leave suggestions on the forum, in a review, or through a PM, whether it be for the polls or for the plot. Until next time!

~Sir Zesto