Chapter 14
Crocodile was staring down at his last report from the Unluckies. The Straw Hats were alive.
Crocodile crumpled the paper and tossed it away in anger.
A few days ago he couldn't help but feed that growing worry in his gut that Mr. 3 had lied to him. So he had sent the Unluckies to track his progress between Alabasta and the Drum Kingdom.
Sure enough what they discovered was the Straw Hat ship making its way to Alabasta likely with the help of the Eternal Log Pose he had sent his agent.
That was a problem. One that he now had time to counter.
Crocodile looked towards his prison and towards the person it contained.
"It seems your daughter and those Straw Hat pests got another one of my agents to betray me." Crocodile said his tone not betraying his anger.
Inside the cage, Cobra started to laugh causing the chains holding him down to rattle.
"I told you my daughter would outsmart you Crocodile," Cobra said with a smirk.
"I wouldn't be so cocky if I were in your position Cobra. She may have bested some of my agents, but she will be in for a rude surprise when she comes home to see her dear old dad." Crocodile said smiling around his cigar.
"Mr. 2 is doing an admirable job of ruling this country in your stead. In fact, so far even your most trusted advisors seem to suspect nothing. That's what you get for surrounding yourself with fools like them." Crocodile said enjoying the look that came across Cobra's face as he did so.
Cobra looked back out at Crocodile before yelling back, "You won't get away with this Crocodile! My daughter will come back and what you've done here will be revealed to the world!"
"Well, we shall see about that." Crocodile said before turning around and heading back towards his office.
Crocodile had some new orders for his subordinates. The Straw Hats were going to arrive soon, and Baroque Work's would be ready for them.
Crocodile would also have to deal with those Marines that had been seen sniffing around his city. If the World Government got word of his plans before he could enact them he would find himself stripped of his title and imprisoned.
He wasn't sure why they were here, but the fact that they were was troubling.
Life was starting to go back to normal for the Straw Hats. With the previous night's revelation, all of the crew had needed time to think about what had been said.
Some of the crew got over it quite easily. Sanji and Zoro had taken everything in stride it seemed. When they had learned that they had failed before, the two realized that they would just have to be stronger this time. These two redoubled their efforts into their training as well as their haki exercises.
These two were among the strongest on their crew right behind their captain. But they knew how far behind they truly were from their captain as it stood right now. As far as they were concerned they had to close that gap as fast as possible.
They would be of no use to their crew if Luffy was the one who always had to step up to be their protector.
Usopp and Kaya also found themselves reluctant to leave each other's side. They had both been hit pretty hard with Luffy's speech the night before. The idea that Usopp had died while Kaya would be waiting for him on the other side of the world. Not knowing that he was dead until she received the morning newspaper that would detail the heroic victory of the Marines over the dreaded Straw Hats.
Kaya would never get to hear what adventures Usopp had been on. Would never get to see the boy she had grown up with, transform into the brave warrior of the sea he would one day become.
When Kaya wasn't with Usopp she threw herself wholeheartedly into her training with Chopper. With his help, she had been learning the limits of her powers. Without Chopper she probably wouldn't have even begun to figure out her powers.
Usopp was more intent than ever on creating new and powerful ammo for his slingshot. He needed to come up with more strategy and variety with his weapons. The idea being that with a tool for every job he could help ensure that Kaya and his crew would never suffer a defeat like Luffy had described.
Nojiko had been training her devil fruit to the best of her ability. Luffy had admitted to her privately that the reason he knew so much about the Gum-Gum Fruit was that it once had been his. She was surprised to hear it, but it made sense why he knew so much about it then.
He had explained to her some techniques that he had come up with in his time that she would have to train hard for before she could replicate. Gear Second was a method of speeding up her body that she was hoping to accomplish first.
Luffy had talked her through the idea, but she would have to get more used to her new rubber body before Nojiko would be able to effectively use it. However, Luffy was confident she would one day be able to use the technique he had, and Luffy would help Nojiko get even better from there.
Nojiko would have to after all. Not only did she have Nami to look after, but now she had a crew of nakama to help protect as well. They were all family and Nojiko wouldn't let them be taken away if she had anything to do about it.
Nami was busy charting their current course. She had attempted to draw some sea charts but found her thoughts being drawn back to the conversation from the previous night.
She had only known a fraction of what had occurred she realized. The tragedy that Luffy had laid out was somehow even worse than she had imagined. Sometimes her captain seemed larger than life. Like no one could ever bring him down. After all, he defeated enemies that she could never have hoped to fight herself.
When Nami had sailed under Arlong he had been an insurmountable monster that with one wrong move could wipe her whole village out if he wanted. She had never stood a chance against the fishman. Luffy had come along and brought her up out of that life. He had defeated Arlong with an ease that astounded everyone. Not only that, but he had continued to meet each challenge that came his way with the ease he had in the first fight Nami had witnessed with him.
So to see Luffy as everyone had seen last night was quite a shock to the image she had built of him. It didn't make him any less in Nami's eyes but she began to realize just where she herself stood. Luffy had defeated people that Nami in her wildest dreams couldn't hope to defeat.
Yet there were monsters out there that could bring even her captain down. So what chance did she have on this journey? Nami didn't have the crazy strong powers that most of the crew seemed to have. Was she destined to just be a navigator who would always stand out of harm's way while her nakama put their life on the line for her sake?
That wasn't the life she wanted. Navigator would always be her role on this ship, but she didn't want to be just the helpless damsel who would always need her crew to protect her. But she only had a bo-staff to protect herself with. What use was that against people with enough strength to break it like a toothpick? Against people who's entire body could create explosions.
There was no way she could train with a wooden stick to the point she could overcome those challenges so what chance did she really have on this journey?
Maybe she would have to talk to Luffy. What had she done before to get stronger? Nami knew that there was no way she would have been the type to hide behind her friends the entire journey so what had she done to at least stand on her own?
Nami didn't think it was likely that she would ever get close to Luffy's strength, but surely there was a way to shorten the huge gap that existed between them.
For now, she had asked Usopp for help in building a weapon of her own. If she wanted to be of use saving Vivi's country she would need every tool she could get her hands on.
Nami only hoped that it would be done before they could get to the island.
Vivi was coming to terms with the fate that seemed to be hanging over her people. As it was now they were threatened by a pirate who was sanctioned by the World Government.
In the future, her island would be completely wiped out by the World Government. Why was it that the demise of innocent people seemed to be either directly or indirectly caused by the governing body that should be protecting innocents?
Vivi had thought that the World Government was a force for good, but she was beginning to have second thoughts. Luffy had revealed that the World Government could be used as a puppet to suit the needs of the Celestial Dragon's, a group she had only heard rumors of their oppressive nature.
Vivi was aware that they held influence over the government and had heard that they dealt in human trafficking. But maybe they were even worse than she had realized. If they held such sway over the way the world was run then what right did the World Government have to pass judgment on pirates like the Straw Hats?
When she had first met the Straw Hats she had judged them like she had all other pirates. They were scum just like any other pirate in her eyes. She had seen many in her time as a spy within Baroque Works. She had been surrounded by pirates who were of the worst sort in that organization.
With the knowledge that the leader of the organization that intended to bring down her country was, in fact, an infamous pirate himself came as no surprise to her.
Vivi would come to realize though that not all pirates were that way. There were those like the Straw Hats that only wanted to follow their dreams, and to help others to find their own. They were willing to help those who couldn't help themselves and to lay their life on the line to no benefit of their own.
By comparison, the Celestial Dragon's were scum of the lowest caliber, and they were the ones who were upheld as higher than justice. They stood above everyone else as if they were gods. People were tools to further their own goals and nothing more. When something threatened their standing they would bring down the wrath of the World Government on them.
What right did people like that to judge the Straw Hats? If they were willing to wipe out a nation of innocents to keep their standing then why should anyone be forced to bow to such a group?
If she went on to be the leader of her people would she just be a small cog in the machine that perpetuated such atrocities? What did that mean for her future and her people's future?
Would she be expected to stay silent when the Celestial Dragon's and by extension the World Government decided that the Straw Hats needed to be exterminated? Vivi couldn't risk her people being killed for that, but she would never be willing to allow such injustice to occur either.
If Vivi stayed silent as the Straw Hats were hunted down then she would be just as guilty as Celestial Dragon's in anything that resulted. And what about any country that had the courage to stand up for the Straw Hats in her place? They would surely be used as an example just as her own people would.
What could she do about it though? Vivi couldn't stay silent nor could she let her people die for what she believed in. She could accept the cost if it was only her life on the line, but it was her people that would suffer more.
How could she stand up for what was right without condemning the people of Alabasta?
Alvida was doing better than she had thought she would be with the news that she had been killed once before. In her previous life, she had sailed with Buggy the Clown and gone so far as to be in an alliance with him. There was no way that what she had then compared to what she had now.
She hadn't sailed with Buggy long, but she knew what he was like. He was ultimately a coward. Buggy wouldn't put his life on the line for the sake of his crew. His crew was to be used to further his own goals. They weren't nakama so it was fine if they were used for such a purpose. That was something that she herself had once been guilty of.
Luffy was different in every way imaginable. He would never use his nakama for his own selfish purposes. If anything he would let himself be used if it meant helping someone he considered nakama. Luffy would be the first one to lay his life on the line for their sake. He also had the ability to make others want to do the same she realized.
Alvida smiled as she thought about the path she now followed. Even if it would one day end in her giving her life, she knew that if it was for the sake of her nakama then she could live with that sacrifice.
Compared to her life with Buggy, dying for this crew would be an honor.
Chopper had gone through a very emotionally exhausting couple of days. It had first begun when Wapol had returned to the island. He had imprisoned both himself and his mentor when he had taken back his castle. Not only that but he had been forced to fight for the amusement of Drums unwelcome king.
Then when he was almost sure that he would be dying by the hands of that very king a human had come out of nowhere and saved his life. It had been almost unimaginable for Chopper to think that another human could ever see him as something other than a monster.
Up until that point, there had only been two humans in his life that had treated him as a person. Unless you counted when Dalton had saved his life, but he hadn't known the man's name when he had.
Now as he stood on this ship he had gone from no nakama to an entire group of people that wanted to be his nakama. To be a pirate had been something he had only dreamed off in his wildest fantasies.
To be a pirate was to never give up. Chopper had felt like the Straw Hat pirates embodied that desire and their captain most of all.
Now he knew the terrible secret that their captain had now. He had met them all and sailed with most of them once before. In the end, though they had all died to save their captain.
Chopper was very concerned for obvious reasons when he had learned this. It seemed like it was impossible for time travel to even be real. But he wanted to believe and with the support of the other Straw Hats realized that Luffy must have been telling the truth.
Chopper was starting to realize just how right he had been when he thought that this crew embodied the never give up spirit. To know that their path could very likely mean their end and to continue on unflinching.
They would all achieve their dreams or they would die trying. That was what it meant to be a pirate after all.
There was one person, in particular, that was torn on what to do. Robin had been trained from a young age that she couldn't trust people. People were to be used when it could benefit her and discarded when they were no longer useful.
If Robin hadn't learned that lesson she would have been the one used and abandoned that was just how it worked in this world. Or so she thought.
Now she wasn't so sure she thought as Robin looked at the people she sailed with now.
Normally Robin would keep her distance with people like these. She was never one who was part of the group. That was why she had crafted the persona of the mysterious and deadly assassin. One whose presence could incite fear in lesser people.
Deep down she wanted to trust Luffy. Robin liked to think that he had proven himself to be an honest and noble pirate. This feeling was overshadowed by her own dark thoughts, the ones that said no one could be trusted. That she could never deserve people like that, and it was all a ruse that she was currently falling for.
That was the part of Robin that screamed at her to run and get away as fast as possible. Robin knew that she could manage it if she truly set her mind to it, but she wondered if she would have the strength it took to leave the Straw Hats behind forever.
Robin was beginning to doubt that she would have the resolve to truly escape them so far they could never find her. Because despite all the thoughts that said that she would never deserve this and that it was all a deception, there was a small voice that said she was worth it. Robin wanted to have nakama like this so despite what she thought, she also felt the desire to surrender self completely to the Straw Hats as well.
Nakama had been a foreign concept to her, but it seemed that she finally had something with this group. Why did it have to be overshadowed by all this doubt she wondered to herself.
Robin noticed suddenly that Luffy was looking at her carefully from nearby. When he met her gaze he began to make his way over to her.
"Let's talk," Luffy said as he stopped in front of her.
Robin looked up at him as she studied her captain. It seemed he had seen the inner turmoil she was struggling with and wanted to help. So Robin nodded and when Luffy gestured for her to follow him, she did so.
Soon the two of them were alone below deck. Luffy leaned against the wall and looked at her expectantly.
It seemed he wanted her to voice her concerns before he would talk.
"I want to believe you," Robin began "It's just that what you say happened seems impossible."
Luffy nodded at that, "I know that it is hard to believe. So how can I help you start to trust me?"
Robin thought about that for a while. Neither of them said anything at this time and Luffy was content to wait for her answer.
"I want to you to tell me how I joined your crew the last time. Why I sailed with you in the first place." Robin said finally. What had brought them together in the past? That was what she wanted to know.
Luffy looked at her and said, "Alright. So the first time we met…"
Luffy started to explain how their adventure had begun. Unlike this time where she had joined after meeting the Straw Hats, she had left them to go back to Crocodile the first time.
Luffy talked about how their time together in Alabasta affected her and how Robin had actually saved his life. In the end, Robin had joined the crew after she said that she had nothing to live for, and since Luffy had saved her life he would have to take responsibility.
He talked of their adventures that had eventually led to the confrontation with EP9 at Water 7. How Robin had left them in an attempt to save the rest of the Straw Hats from facing the wrath of the World Government because of her.
Luffy had declared war on the World Government for her instead, despite her intention to spare them from that.
Then came all the adventures that followed. Their eventual separation and their reunion as well, and the end of his story with their final battle with the Marines.
Robin listened carefuly as she sat down absorbing the story that he was telling her. He had gone into detail on things that there was no reasonable explanation for his knowledge besides the fact that he had heard it from her mouth once before.
The fact that he knew the fate of Ohara and her dream to uncover the history written on the Poneglyph's. Those were all things that few knew. Fewer still that were even alive. Certainly not something a pirate who a few months ago had just started his journey in the East Blue.
"So it's all true…" Robin said in amazement as Luffy finished his story.
Luffy nodded his head, "Yes it is. However, this time the ending will be much better for us. I promise you that."
Robin looked him in the eye as he said that. She saw the resolve that shone fiercely from his gaze. She knew if there was anyone in this world that could save them from such a fate, that it was going to be this man before her.
Robin smiled the first genuine smile she had in a long time. "I know Captain. Together I think we will all work hard to protect our nakama."
Luffy smiled back at that. He knew his crew was strong, but he had been surprised to see the resolve they had displayed since he had revealed his past. He supposed he shouldn't have doubted them. After all, this was the best crew in the entire world and he held the honor of being their captain.
Finally, the Straw Hats could finally see the destination they had set out for from Drum Island.
The desert island of Alabasta was finally on their horizon.
This caused a lot of excitement amongst the crew. It seemed like this next island was going to have a lot in store for all of them. Luffy realized that there was probably some things he should run by everyone first though.
On their journey here they had never encountered Bon Clay or Mr. 2 as he went by in Baroque Works. So while they weren't currently in danger of him transforming into one of them they couldn't overlook the danger of it.
Not only that but as long as nothing had changed with Ace he should be seeing his brother again for the first time in many years. That was also something he should talk with his crew about now that they knew his previous fate.
Everyone was already on deck so getting their attention was easy.
"Alright everyone, listen up!" Luffy said looking around at his nakama who looked in their direction.
"One thing we should all be concerned about is Mr. 2 and his ability to transform into anyone he touches," Luffy said to everyone. "Now he hasn't gotten any of our faces yet, but it's better to be safe than sorry."
Luffy ran them through the idea they had before. They all drew X's on their arms and then covered them with a strip of cloth.
"This way if we ever have any doubts if one of us has been replaced we can just ask to see what's under the cloth. He won't know to replicate that if he hasn't seen it." Luffy explained to the others. The plan had seemed to work last time so no need to change it.
"The second thing is," and at this, he smiled which caused his crew to look at him oddly, "my brother should be here."
The Straw Hats realized the reason for his smile now.
"How long has it been since you saw him last?" Nami asked.
"Well, it has been about three years now since I've seen him in either time," Luffy said thinking about his brother.
"Luffy if you don't mind me asking, what are you going to do about your brother? Is there anything you can do here that will prevent his execution?" Robin asked. She knew Luffy wouldn't let his brother go to his death when he could avoid it.
"I don't know yet. I know that I will run into the man who captures Ace before he will, but I don't want to risk that I'm wrong either." Luffy said thinking.
"I guess we will just have to see what happens. I will try and convince him to sail with us, but I doubt I will be able to without revealing what I know."
"Well, I'm sure you will figure something out Luffy," Vivi said.
"You're right. Besides, right now we have to worry about your country. We can figure out Ace later." Luffy said looking back to his crew and Vivi.
"Well Vivi, what do you want to do first? I vote we go and kick Crocodile's ass, but I'm going to guess you want to talk to the Rebel's right?"
Vivi thought about that and was wondering what would be the best course of action, "Maybe we should split up. Whoever Luffy feels should go to Crocodile's casino can go with him, and the rest can help me talk sense into the rebels."
"Right now we have two main goals. One is to keep the rebels from attacking. The second will be to expose and stop Crocodile from enacting his plans for this country." Vivi explained to her nakama.
"If we can keep the fighting from starting until Crocodile's deception is revealed, we can avoid as much innocent bloodshed as possible," Vivi said. "Luffy you probably know the best way for us to split up though."
Luffy thought about that for a minute. He remembered that last time a lot of the 'rebels' had actually been members of Baroque Works. Then again he didn't know what had changed because of Robin's betrayal and any other little thing he had done that could change Crocodiles response.
When it came down to it compared to how much danger Vivi would be in, Luffy's mission would be easy. 'Kick Crocodiles ass, been there done that.'
"I think it would be best if Vivi is escorted by most of you. As it is, her mission is the most crucial part. Crocodile will have a lot of forces focused on making sure that fight happens. So if and when he figures out we are all still alive he is going to send anyone he needs to stop you." Luffy said laying out his plan.
"Also a lot of the rebels are probably going to actually be made up of Baroque Work's members as well. So if any of them recognize you, they will try and stop you as well. So I think if Robin and I head to his casino then we should be able to handle things there while the rest of you focus on keeping the fighting from happening."
"Are you sure about that Luffy? Just the two of you? If your going to face Crocodile and his cronies shouldn't you have more backup then that?" Zoro asked confused.
Robin spoke up "No Luffy actually might have a point. Crocodile has never shown his face to any of the Baroque members other than myself. Although he will likely choose Mr. 1 as my replacement so it should be at most only the two of them." Robin explained.
"The rest of Baroque Works will be spread throughout Alabasta following their boss' orders."
Vivi nodded at that. It made a lot of sense actually since Crocodile's identity was a closely guarded secret. It wouldn't make sense for any of his members to be at the place directly connected with his public identity.
"Crocodile isn't going to have anyone I can't handle by his side so I am more concerned making sure you're safe to follow through on your part," Luffy said smiling at Vivi. "Kicking Crocodile's ass is the easy part of this plan in my opinion. You have the hard part making sure your people remain safe."
Vivi's eyes watered up at that. "You're right. Thank you so much, everyone. If it wasn't for all of you I never would have made it this far."
The rest of the crew smiled at that and Luffy said, "Don't worry about that Vivi, were your nakama now so there is nothing we wouldn't do to help you and your country!"
The other Straw Hats cheered at that. Vivi smiled back at her nakama. Whoever would have guessed that the small pirate ship that had met her all those weeks ago would have such a large effect on her life.
They Straw Hats first order of business was to get supplies and disguises. They needed to be able to fit in with the locals if they wanted to get by any Baroque Works members.
Luffy had told them about how they had first met his brother in Nanohana so they had made the decision to head there first. Since the new Rebel hideout was also located in the nearest town that would help Vivi's quest as well.
Vivi had been surprised that they had moved their base, but Luffy explained that Yuba was now more of a ghost town than a city. Vivi had been extremely distressed to hear that but Luffy had reminded her that it wouldn't be that way for long.
"So do you think your brother is still in this town?" Sanji asked.
"Maybe. Last time he waited in this town because he was in the area hunting Blackbeard and hoped to run into me." Luffy explained, "If he isn't here then I don't know where I'll find him."
"Well no point worrying about if you can't when we don't know for sure he isn't here. Where did you find him last time?" Nami asked.
"Well," Luffy thought about his last time coming here. "I found him at some restaurant. I feel like it was named after a bean or something…"
"Oh yeah!" Luffy exclaimed as he remembered something else that had happened at the restaurant. "Smoker is likely here as well."
"Smoker?" Vivi asked. "Is this an ally or an enemy?"
"He's a Marine Captain we ran into on the East Blue," Zoro explained. "Do you mean to tell me that he followed us all the way out here?"
If Smoker was here then Zoro wondered if that girl would be here as well.
"Yup. He pretty much never forgives us for slipping by him. He constantly follows after us. Though he has helped us on a few occasions." Luffy laughed.
'Great…' most of the crew thought. Just what they needed a Marine watchdog following their every move.
"Anything else we should know about before we get there?" Nami asked annoyed. Honestly, their captain could do a little better with forwarning them since he was from the future.
"Not that I can think of. We can't count on a lot of events happening since who knows what has changed with Crocodile's organization and timetable because of what's happened." Luffy explained. "That's why I want most of you to travel together. I know all of you will be able to handle whatever Crocodile throws at you."
Soon they found themselves putting down anchor as they landed. The crew got out and gathered on the mainland.
Vivi pulled aside Karoo before handing him a letter. "I need you to deliver this to father Karoo. It is very important he gets this info, and your the one I can trust to get it to him fast. Can you do it Karoo?" Vivi asked although she knew her loyal friend would do it.
Karoo saluted to her and with a quick "Caw!" he took off running.
Most of the Straw Hats were surprised to see just how fast the bird could run considering none of them had seen him in action thus far.
The Straw Hats then set off for the nearest town wearing gray cloaks to conceal their appearances.
If they didn't want to look like criminals though they would have to find clothes in town that concealed them better. Especially since almost all of them were wanted pirates.
"So Luffy, what do you think you're going to say to your brother?" Nami asked curiously. After all the last time Luffy had seen him would have been his death, so this was going to be an emotional reunion for her captain.
"I don't really know. I think I'll have to get him to help us with Crocodile. Maybe I will tell him I've heard some rumors of Blackbeard to get him to help or something." Luffy said.
"So do you think you'll try and get him to join us?" Usopp asked.
"Well I would love it if Ace joined my crew, but I doubt he would at this point. Right now he is apart of the Whitebeard pirates so I doubt he'd leave them." Luffy explained.
The Straw Hat crew were now entering the outskirts of the city so they stopped talking about their plans as they set about finding some better disguises. Eventually, they found a large clothing store and three of the girls went in to find some suitable clothing for everyone.
They didn't want to attract too much attention by bringing everyone into the shop. It was also brought up that Sanji shouldn't be allowed to pick out the clothes for the girls much to his annoyance. So it was decided that Alvida, Nami and Nojiko would be the ones to pick out clothes while the rest waited outside.
Soon enough the girls came back out with their purchases. The three had already changed and waited for the others to do so. Robin, Vivi, and Kaya headed back inside to change while the men just found a broken down building to do so.
Luffy found it odd that he seemed to have different clothes than the rest of them. The rest of the men had been given full outfits with a heavy shawl that concealed most of their features. The outfit he had received though had been baggy silky pants that went down to his shins and shoes to match. That was what the other men had received, but they also had silky vests as well.
Luffy had also gotten an open cloak that had a hood in order to cover up his face. No shirt through which he found odd. Alvida had given him a weird smile though when she handed him the clothes so maybe she had lost it and just didn't want to say anything?
When the rest of them grouped up he brought this up with Alvida.
"Why does everyone else have a shirt except me?" Luffy asked displaying his outfit.
Alvida took a moment to think about an answer while some of other girl's looked at Luffy in surprise, Well, you see…" Alvida began as she noticed Nami glaring at her.
"Well Captain you normally wear a vest so if we had given you one as well then people might have made the connection. Right, Alvida?" Robin said with a smirk.
Alvida grinned, "Right exactly so Robin!" she nodded back at her captain.
"Oh! That makes a lot of sense." Luffy said nodding back. That was a good point. No shirt would probably make him harder to recognize. His crew was always thinking ahead on stuff like that. He was lucky to have them.
Alvida just smiled as Robin chuckled lightly. It seemed Alvida had an ally now when it came to her selecting Luffy's state of dress, or undress in this case.
Nami glared between the two. It seemed that she would have to keep an eye on both of them now to protect her Luf-Captain! Nami was a little embarrassed at the slip up even if it was just a thought.
Shaking her head Nami got more to the matter on hand. "Alright what should we do from here Luffy? Should we look for your brother for a while before we split up and leave the city?"
Luffy thought about that for a second before saying, "First let's find that bean restaurant I mentioned. If he's there then we won't need to look for him, but if he isn't how about we split up into small groups and look for him. If we don't find him by noon we meet back up at the restaurant and then we leave town. As much as I want to see him again I can't say for sure if he is even here so we won't stick around for longer than that."
Luffy looked around at his crew to see what they thought, "That sound like a good plan to everyone?"
Everyone nodded their heads as they looked at their nakama. It seemed they were in agreement. So the group left the abandoned building and started to look for the restaurant.
"Do you know of a restaurant near here called bean-something?" Luffy asked some civilians he passed.
"Bean-something?" The guy responded before realizing what the man likely meant, "Do you mean the Spicy-Bean? It's two streets over and up aways. You can't miss it, and it'll be on the right."
Luffy thanked the man and the crew headed in the way the man had sent them and soon came across the domed restaurant.
Walking in Luffy noticed some people look up from their meals before ignoring them again. Looking around he didn't see his brother anywhere unfortunately so he headed back outside.
"No luck." He said to his crew who then split up into pairs ready to look around the city. Chopper being the odd one out joined Luffy and Robbin.
"So my brother wears an orange hat that has two symbols on it shaped like a smiling and a frowning face. Not only that but he has a big tattoo on his back of the Whitebeards insignia and one on his arm that spells ACE with an S that is crossed out between the A and C." Luffy told everyone so they would know who to look for.
"Also if he asks if we got the message about him waiting here just say that we did. Last time he told someone that he would be waiting at Alabasta so he shouldn't find it too surprising if we are looking for him."
Luffy headed out with Robin and Chopper as the rest went their own ways. Hopefully, they would find him before noon provided he was actually still here. If Ace never arrived in Alabasta he could only hope that he wouldn't go after Blackbeard before they ran into each other again.
Nami and Alvida had been paired up and were currently helping search the city. Nami was still annoyed at what Alvida had done with Luffy's shirt. She knew she had picked out one for him, but Alvida must have done something with it. Alvida better not have thrown it away and waisted some of her hard earned money. That was worse than just messing with Luffy in her opinion.
"Are you mad at me Nami?" Alvida asked noticing how quiet the Straw Hat navigator had been.
Nami looked at her for a second before beginning to look for Ace again. "What did you do with that shirt I bought for Luffy?"
"Oh, I snuck it into my pack. Don't worry I didn't throw it away if that's what you're worried about." Alvida said laughing.
Nami didn't say anything and decided to let the matter slide. Since she hadn't wasted the money it hadn't been too bad. After all seeing Luffy in just the shorts and cloak had been nice. Not that she would ever admit that out loud.
Alvida, however, had noticed an orange hat sticking out in the crowd ahead of them. "Nami do you think that could be Ace?" she said pointing out the hat.
Nami looked over and while they couldn't see the rest of the person yet figured it was likely. Not many people in Alabasta wore cowboy hat's let alone orange ones.
Soon they found themselves standing in front of a man who was looking over some cooking food on one of the food stands. Drool was starting to come from his mouth as he took in the smells.
'This has to be him.' both Nami and Alvida thought amused at how much the man currently resembled their own captain when food was in the room.
Sure enough, he had the tattoo and clothing that Luffy had described as well.
"Ace?" Nami called out tentatively as the man jerked out of his daydream and turn around to the woman who had called his name.
Two women, he realized as both were looking at him. "Yes?" he said confused at how these two had known his name.
"We've been looking for you. We're with your brother Luffy." Alvida said to the man in front of them.
At the name of his brother Ace's expression turned into a smile. "Luffy? Wait you're with my brother? As in your both dating him?!" He yelled in surprise.
His little brother must have grown up a lot more than he had imagined if he was dating women like the ones in front of him.
"That's not what she meant!" Nami shouted in surprise and at the same time, Alvida said.
"Here's hoping!" while crossing her fingers with a smile.
"We are a part of his crew! Not his girlfriends." Nami said explaining while glaring at Alvida.
'Honestly just what kind of an idiot was Luffy's brother to think I'd share him…' she thought not quite realizing exactly what she had admitted to herself.
"Oh, that makes a lot more sense." Ace said shaking his head. Honestly the idea that Luffy could get a steady girlfriend let alone two before he had was ridiculous. Though then he remembered at what the woman with the mace had said and realized that maybe his brother was closer than he thought.
"You must have gotten my message then," Ace said and the two women nodded their heads to confirm his suspicion.
"So where is my kid brother than?" Ace said happily. It had been years since he had seen him, but he had tried to keep up with his brother's progress as Luffy's bounty had continued to increase steadily.
Right now he was pretty sure it had hit a hundred million berries which was quite impressive for someone who had only just made it to the Grand Line.
"Just follow us. It's almost noon and we've already got a meeting place in mind. It's a restaurant named Spicy Bean." Nami explained as she began walking in the direction of the restaurant. The other two followed after her.
"So tell me about my brother and his crew." Ace said as he walked with the two women. He was curious as to just how strong his brother had gotten since he left.
"Right now we have about ten members. Though we have been sailing with an eleventh, she is just a temporary Straw Hat." Nami explained.
"By the way my name is Alvida and she is Nami our navigator." Alvida introduced themselves to Ace.
"Nice to meet you two, and my full name is Portgas D. Ace incase Luffy didn't tell you." Ace introduced himself.
"So how strong would you say your crew is overall. Who's the toughest?" Ace asked interested in who made up his brothers crew.
"Well excluding Luffy it would probably be between Robin, Zoro, Sanji and maybe Alvida here," Nami said though she was loathed to admit that to the woman's face.
Alvida grinned as she noticed the sour expression that had shown on her nakama's face as Nami had said her name.
"Don't sell yourself short Nami. Just because your not the strongest doesn't mean you aren't one of the most important. I find it hard to believe Luffy would have made it to the Grand Line if it wasn't for your navigational skills." Alvida said. She figured if the woman was going to admit she was strong Alvida could at least throw a bone her way.
Nami looked at Alvida in surprise. She hadn't expected her to actually speak up for her in such a way.
"Well, that is true. I am not sure Luffy could even read a map if he wanted to…" Nami said smiling at Alvida.
Ace laughed at that. Now that sounded like the brother he knew.
"Well, I am glad to hear my brother seems to have a good crew if the two of you are any judge of character." Ace said to the two. Thinking more about Luffy he was glad to see that he seemed to be the pirate captain he had always wanted to be.
Ace had given that up when he had joined Whitebeard. Not that he had any regrets on that, but it was good to see his brother achieving his dream.
Soon enough they found themselves standing in front of the restaurant again. Though they were the first ones to arrive.
Sitting down at one of the tables the three resolved to wait for the rest of their nakama.
Elsewhere Luffy and Robin were walking down one of the streets in town looking for Ace. Chopper having nearlly succumb to the heat was riding on Luffy's shoulders as he used his ice powers to keep them cool.
"So Robin do you think Crocodile will change much of his plan now that you are no longer working for him?" Luffy asked as they walked.
Robin thought about this for a while. "I don't doubt it will cause some change just so I can't possibly disrupt plans I am already aware of. I am unsure what that means for the overall plan though. If he thinks or knows we are alive he may put off his plans in order to deal with us first."
Robin then looked at Luffy and shrugged, "Though he could also put his plan in motion ahead of schedule to keep us from getting involved. Although since no one in this town seems to be panicked no war has broken out yet at least."
"Since Crocodile no longer has a way of translating the poneglyph what do you think he will do now? Is there another way he could translate them?" Luffy asked.
"There is no one alive I am aware of who can translate them besides myself. So either Crocodile will think that the King has the knowledge he needs or he will have to find some other way to find it." Robin said.
Luffy nodded as he thought about that. So it seemed that Crocodile still had a reason to enact his plan to take control of the country. Although without the ability to read the poneglyph itself his grand plan was doomed to fail.
Crocodile was smart and devious though. There was no way the man would let his plan fall apart now if he could help it.
Luffy couldn't help but worry what that might mean for them this time around. Drum Island had already shown him just how much things could change without him even stepping foot on the island.
So just what could change this time?
Luffy was broken out of his musing though when Robin noticed the time. "Luffy it's time we should head back to the restaurant. Hopefully one of the other groups found your brother."
Luffy nodded at that and the three headed back towards the restaurant.
Luffy couldn't help but worry that his brother might not be here. This had been the last place he had seen him before he had been arrested, and if he wasn't here now then he worried what that might mean for the future.
Luffy was surprised to feel a soft hand grip his shoulder as he looked over to see Robin looking at him in concern.
"There is no point worrying now Captain. I am sure it will turn out all right. After all one of the other's could have found him already and are just waiting for us to get back." Robin said trying to comfort Luffy.
Luffy smiled at her and said, "You're right Robin. I am sure it will be fine."
Robin smiled back and let go of his shoulder. It wasn't long before the three were standing in front of the restaurant.
As they walked into the restaurant they looked around at all their crew who were waiting for them.
Luffy locked eyes with the one he was looking for and his face broke out in a large grin.
"Ace. It's been awhile." Luffy said as he looked at his older brother.
Ace smiled back and looked at his brother. His smile dropped however as he noticed the large scar that crossed his chest.
"Luffy what the hell happened to you?"
The Straw Hats looked on in apprehension at Ace's question. It seemed he had most certainly noticed the difference with his brother.
Alvida couldn't help but feel a little guilty that she was part of the reason Ace had noticed the scar seeing as she had hidden Luffy's shirt from him.
Luffy suddenly realizing it might have been a better idea to cover his scar scratched his head trying to thinking of a good answer.
"Well, it's nothing to worry about really. I got this a few years ago in a fight, but who cares about that it's good to see you Ace!" Luffy exclaimed trying to change the subject.
Ace shrugged and smiled back at his brother. "It's been too long lil bro, but maybe I can't call you that anymore. You are almost as tall as me now!" Ace laughed as he noticed that his brother only stood a centimeter or two shorter than him now.
"Yeah guess I hit a growth spurt while you were gone Ace. It has been three years after all..." Luffy said hoping that Ace wouldn't notice that he might look a little older than he should be.
As far as Ace knew Luffy should be nineteen right now, but in actuality, Luffy and Ace were about the same age now give or take a few months.
"Yeah must be…" Ace said looking over his brother.
"Anyway, it's good to see you Luffy. I've met a lot of your crew here and it seems like you've got yourself a good group here. I'm proud of you. It seems you've grown quite strong in my absence. Though I doubt you could take me on." Ace said smirking carefully.
At this, most of Luffy's crew snickered causing Ace to look around. "Oh come on now just because he's your captain doesn't mean he can take on his big brother. I've never once lost to Luffy, and I sure wouldn't now."
Ace lit a fire with one of his fingers and said, "I've eaten the Flame-Flame fruit! I bet you can't even touch me!" Ace said confidently with a smirk.
Luffy gave a snicker of his own before infusing his finger with armament haki and flicking his brother in the forehead causing his brother to yelp in surprise.
"Well well, brother it seems you are full of surprises. Where exactly did you learn to use haki?" Ace said rubbing his forehead.
"Eh, I've picked a few things up in our travels," Luffy said smiling.
"Fair enough. Say how about the two of us spar if you think you're so confident in your abilities?" Ace said looking at his brother.
Luffy shook his head and said, "Sorry Ace, but right now we have more important things to do. You ever hear of a man named Crocodile?"
"The Warlord?" Ace asked curiously. "I know he's set up shop here, but other than that I don't know much about him. Why?"
"Well, it looks like he's running an organization that is trying to drive this country into a revolution," Luffy said before nodding in Vivi's direction.
"She is this countries princess and we decided to help her out. I'm going to go fight the guy while most of my crew tries to stop the revolution from happening."
"Well, that does sound like quite an adventure. I'd help you out but unfortunately, right now I am on the hunt for a different man." Ace said.
"Oh yeah? Who are you looking for?" Luffy asked although he already knew the answer.
"Well, I'm looking for a man named Blackbeard. I figured though since you were coming through this part of the Grand Line I'd stick around to say hello.'" Ace explained.
"I heard about Blackbeard…" Luffy began explaining as he thought of the best way to put his plan. "I hear that guy's been looking for me actually. Something about trying to turn in my bounty so he can become a Warlord himself." Luffy said.
"Really? Blackbeard is after you ya say?" Ace said thinking about that.
"Yeah, I think I remember something about his whereabouts…" Luffy said pretending to think about his location.
"Wait really? You have to tell me where he is then!" Ace said excitedly.
"Nope!" Luffy said smirking.
"What?! Come on Luffy be serious here!" Ace said exasperated. Sometime's his brother could be awfully childish. It seems that was something he had yet to grow out of.
"I'll make you a deal. If you help us save this country then I'll help you take down Blackbeard. Deal?" Luffy said holding out his hand.
Ace considered it for a while before shaking his head and saying, "Look Luffy I don't have time to stick around here. If you know where he just tell me."
"Sorry, Ace. I've been hearing about Blackbeard for awhile and I want to fight him myself. So you can either come with us or you can try and find him on your own." Luffy said crossing his arms over his chest.
Ace thought some more about his deal. If it was true that Blackbeard was after his brother then that meant Luffy might run into him first even if he went off and looked for him now. Blackbeard with his new devil fruit would be way too strong for Luffy's crew to take on. That could be a death sentence for them.
Ace sighed as he made up his mind. "Alright, Luffy you win. You better not be yanking my chain though. If I find out that you dragged me along just to hang out more I am going to be pissed." Ace said looking at his brother seriously.
"I know, I know don't worry about it," Luffy said placantingly. "I wouldn't lie to you about this. I know Blackbeard is a bad guy. I heard about how he betrayed your crew, and I can understand why you want to go after him."
Ace looked at his brother and finally smiled again, "Alright Luffy I believe you. Sorry to get so serious about all this, but I've been looking for him for a long time now. So if you say you know where he is then I will help you all out."
Ace looked around at the other Straw Hats before saying, "So what's the plan here then? How are we going to take down Crocodile?"
Vivi stepped forward and began to lay out their plan. "Luffy and Robin will be heading to fight Crocodile while the rest of us will be heading to the Rebel's base."
"As far as we know the rebels are currently holed up in Katorea the town closest to here. Hopefully, we can convince the Koza and the rebel's to hold off their attack while Luffy defeats Crocodile." Vivi said.
Ace nodded at that, "Well do you want me to come with you Luffy or would you rather I help look after your crew?"
"How about you come with me Ace. Gives us some time to catch up," Luffy said with a smile.
"Alright then well," Ace began to say before he was interrupted by the sounds of a crowd forming outside. Before they had any time to wonder what was going on a man burst into the restaurant.
"The Royal Army," the man began while breathing hard. "They're moving towards Katorea!"
Vivi looked alarmed as the rest of the Straw Hat's looked around at one another.
"How could my father order something like that?" Vivi said to herself in disbelief. She refused to believe that her father would order an attack on their own people so what was his plan?
Luffy thought about it for a moment before realizing what might have happened. "Mr. 2 might have replaced your father."
Vivi had a look of realization come over her as she stood up. "Then we have no time to lose," she said as she looked towards the others.
"Robin, Ace come with me. The rest of you help Vivi. We will meet you at the Katorea or the capitol if we don't find you there." Luffy gave his orders as everyone got to their feet.
They all moved for the door ready for whatever happened next.
The war for Alabasta's future had begun.
On a Marine ship on the Grand Line…
"What's the deal here Sengoku? Why was I ordered to head to some desert island in Paradise? Some rookie starting trouble?" Garp yelled into his transponder snail.
"Don't give me that! You can thank your grandson for your detour." Sengoku yelled back.
"Eh? Luffy what's he got up to now?" Garp asked.
"Captain Smoker has been sending in reports of his activity, but they went silent a few days ago. He was onto something big, and HQ is worried we might have a large scandal on our hands if we don't get a handle on this situation." Sengoku began to explain.
"What's this got to do with Luffy?" Garp asked. Last he had heard the World Government had adopted a wait and see approach when it came to Luffy. So what had happened to change that.
"Well, Smoker intercepted a call that came in from the criminal organization known as Baroque Work's. It operates mainly in Paradise, but has been known to recruit members from all ,four seas." Sengoku continued.
"This call was between a high ranking member of that organization and it's leader. In it the agent in question claimed to have killed the Straw Hats and captured the princess of Alabasta."
At this Garp grew concerned for obvious reasons, but before he could interject Sengoku put his mind at ease.
"Now we have since determined that was a lie. Smoker managed to capture the agent named Galdino or Mr. 3 as he is known in the organization. It seems the Straw Hats defeated him and he was forced into supplying his boss without that falsified report." Sengoku finished.
"Well alright then so why have I been sent out here then? Why not send the local marine's to investigate instead of me?" Garp asked.
"I was getting to that. In Smoker's investigation, it was uncovered that the leader of this organization is none other than the Warlord Crocodile. It seems that for whatever reason Crocodile is fueling the local rebellion in order to get himself on the throne."
"Really now? That won't look good for the World Government if everyone learned a government-sanctioned pirate was attempting a coup on one of its members." Garp said beginning to see why he would be sent out here.
"Exactly. Now it seems that the Straw Hats have somehow gotten involved in this. We aren't sure how, but as it is the Straw Hats have been aiding the princess return to her island. Their exact motives are unclear, but as it is they have put themselves in the warpath with Crocodile."
Sengoku never liked the Warlord's much but they were a necessary evil sometimes. When it came down to it they were a useful deterrent against rookie pirates.
Crocodile going rogue only served to deepen his dislike of the Warlords. If this situation wasn't handled carefully then a lot of people could lose faith in the World Government. If that happened it would only serve to increase support for the Revolutionary Army. That was something that could not happen.
Which is why he had come up with a plan to minimize any possible consequences that should come from Crocodile's defection.
"Now last we heard from Smoker he was planning on infiltrating Crocodile's base of operations. Since then we have received no reports so it assumed he has either been captured or killed."
"So what are my orders then?" Garp asked.
"Your orders are to head to Alabasta and put an end to Crocodile's plan, and rescue Captain Smoker should he be alive. If this means aiding the Straw Hats then that is what you will have to do."
"Aiding the Straw Hats? It may be my grandson's crew, but are you sure that is wise?" Garp asked confused. Not that he would have attacked his grandson, but it was a surprise to be ordered to aid pirates.
"Yes, that's right," Sengoku said before explaining his reasoning.
Garp's eyes widened in realization. Luffy wasn't going to like this he laughed to himself.
As the call ended Garp stepped out on deck and began to bark orders at his crew. He smiled as he thought about Luffy. It seems like it was going to be time for a family reunion.
His grandson was going to have a lot to explain when he got his hands on him.
Authors Note
Hope you all enjoyed the latest chapter.
I am happy to report that this story is now over 1,000 followers and just under that for favorites. So I just wanted to thank you all for your support it means a lot. It's crazy to think that just a month ago it was a little over half that.
See you all next week.