beenjammin: Oh, I'm not insulted. I didn't say I like the title, remember? It was just about the best thing I could think of. Not something I'm proud to admit. I'm totally open to suggestions. Elemental Swordsman doesn't sound so bad so I'll consider it. Thanks for the idea.
It didn't take Miguel long to find the sword shop but he soon found out that he missed Zoro shortly. Apparently, the owner's encounter with his friend had left him in awe, for a reason he was quick to explain.
''A cursed sword?''
Ippon-Matsu nodded ''It was insane! He actually just threw the sword in the air and held up his arm, the thing actually actually missed it. I swear, nothing could shake that guy, he just took it all in stride! Now that was a true swordsman!''
Miguel could understand his amazement. He had heard of the cursed blades, they were all said to be too wild and so very few swordsman would actually rely on them. ''...I guess Zoro would be the one to pull something like that off. It really is a lucky break, not even counting finding one of the swords.''
''You got that right.'' Ippon-Matsu glanced at the young man's sheathed sword. ''You sure seem to know your stuff. Would you be interested in another sword?''
''Ah, sorry but no, you've got quite a selection but I think I'm good.'' He left the shop soon afterwards, wondering about his next course of action.
Miguel stopped in his tracks as he heard the sounds of a scuffle from somewhere nearby. He quickly found a little boy and girl being surrounded by four thugs, with one just having kicked the boy down.
Said thug also held up a leather pouch ''If it means so much to you then you shouldn't drop it.''
''S-shut up, you jerk! You're just a bunch of bullies!'' The boy managed, cringing in pain. ''Give it back!''
''Looks like you still haven't learned your lesson, brat. That suits me just fine. Here's a freebie lesson: respect your betters!'' He made to punch the boy, only to stop as he felt something grab his arm. ''Eh?''
The thug's eyes widened when he saw Miguel holding his arm firmly ''The hell do you want?''
''Looks like we got a hero wannabe here, fellas.'' Another of the thugs said.
Miguel looked unfazed even as they closed in on him ''Try picking on someone your own size.''
''Oh, like you?'' The thug retorted before making to punch him. Miguel stepped sideways, tripping the thug he had stopped earlier before kicking his attacker in the gut and knocking him out. This angered the rest of them into attacking as well but Miguel quickly took them down too.
''No, definitely not like me.''
The wizard stopped to pick up the pouch before turning to the kids ''Hey, you two all right?''
The two, who seemed rather stunned by the turnout managed to find their voices enough to answer. Miguel smiled and gave the pouch to the girl, who held it tightly ''Um...thank you...''
''That was cool!'' The boy exclaimed.
Miguel looked amused ''Well, I'm glad things turned out okay. From what you've said, I'm guessing they've been around for a while?''
''Yeah, they're just a bunch of jerks who like to mess with people. Now they just pull this stuff off when they get away with it.''
At Miguel's curious expression, the girl began to explain ''It's because of Captain Smoker...''
Sanji held up his new find with a grin, having just won the prize of the cooking contest. Normally, he would hate the idea but the incentive was so good. It was something he'd never thought he'd come across.
A Blue Elephant tuna, one caught in the best time so it would make for a wonderful dish. He was already looking forward to cooking it.
It was as he was checking the area to see if any of the crew was around that he noticed Miguel making his way through the other side of the street, though he was quick to approach Sanji once he saw him.
''You seem happy, what's up?''
''Let's just say I really lucked out. You're all in for a nice surprise.'' Sanji returned.
''Heeh, oh you want some help with that?'' Miguel asked.
''Nah, I'm good. Though I think Nami-san could use a hand, she's in one of those shops nearby.''
''Right.'' Miguel paused. ''Say, did you see Luffy and Zoro?''
''Nope but this is a big place...though now that you mention it, what're those two up to?''
After his earlier sudden dash, it had taken some endeavoring but Luffy had finally made it to the execution platform. He paused to look around before launching himself to the top and reveling in the moment. The teen had been raring to come ever since he first heard of this place and now he finally had. He was finally able to imagine what it felt like for Gold Roger when he was on top and even before his death. The time where he uttered the words that would usher the Grand Age of Pirates. Luffy grinned, loving every bit of this.
Unfortunately, he didn't get to enjoy this for much longer as a marine spotted him and snapped at him to get down. Which he did, albeit grudgingly as he decided to go find his friends. But that was when someone approached him...
''I found you at last, Monkey D. Luffy.'' She smiled.
People were stopping all they were doing and staring at her in awe, she was truly beautiful with her thick wavy looks, lithe and graceful body along with a bewitching smile.
Not that Luffy noticed any of it, he was just confused. ''Who are you?''
''You forgot about me? Such a shame...'' The woman purred. ''...well, I couldn't forget about you. Not about the man who punched me like no other had...''
Luffy blinked, not noticing the observers glare at him for the perceived slight ''What're you talking about? I never even saw you before!''
''I'm Alvida. Everyone, who is the most beautiful woman in the sea?'' She smirked when many voices cried out that it was her. ''That's right. I do love strong men and I have you in my sights, Luffy, soon you'll be all mine.''
''What? No way!'' Luffy recoiled, clearly the only one completely immune to her charms. ''Who are you?''
''Weren't you listening? I just said it, Alvida!''
''Alvida?'' Luffy frowned, thinking that it couldn't be. He did remember the woman but this one did not look the slightest like her...
Not that he had much time to think as something hard and fast impacted the ground before, raising a cloud of dust and debris. Oddly enough, the debris seemed to literally slide away from Alvida, who seemed unfazed as she looked up to a hooded figure standing nearby.
''That was dangerous, you know.''
''Apologies but I knew no harm would come to you with that smooth skin, Lady Alvida.'' The figure returned.
Luffy blinked ''Why're you calling her Alvida?''
The woman's eye twitched ''How dense can you be? I am Alvida!''
''But you don't look anything like her!''
''Ah, that.'' Alvida hummed in understanding. ''I suppose I can understand some confusion, I did change a little due to eating the Slip Slip fruit after all. It makes sure that all attacks slide away from me. Sadly, it didn't really do much for my incredible looks besides taking my freckles away.''
''Uh...'' Luffy cocked his head, but he had a feeling that pointing out the truth was a huge waste of time. ''...sure, let's go with that.''
''At any rate, the two of us joined together to find you.'' Alvida informed. The hooded figure tossed his cloak back and revealed himself to be none other than Buggy the Clown.
He laughed ''Surprise, Straw hat bastard! Now it's time for the real star, me!'' He grinned as people began to panic and run at the sight of him. ''I've come to take revenge on you!''
''Hey, it's you...'' Luffy blinked. ''...Buffoon.''
Buggy spluttered, repeating the name in outrage ''You've got some nerve! IT'S BUGGY, YOU BASTARD AND YOU'RE GONNA GET IT!'' He looked at the scattering crowd. ''All of you stay there or I'll kill you!'' Buggy's crew began coming out some alleys and other hidden areas, all holding out guns. ''I just love me a captive audience so you'll all watch as I exact my revenge and prove my strength!''
''Oh no wait, it was Buggy, right?'' Luffy tried.
''YOU JUST REALIZED THAT?!''
Before Luffy quite knew it, he was shoved onto the platform with a big block on him...
At the same time...
Usopp, who happened to hear of what was going on in the plaza from people nearby, hurried to find his friends. While he hadn't been able to hear the name of Buggy's target, he was already aware that Luffy had defeated him before and so he couldn't shake this really bad feeling about the whole thing. He hoped that they were done with restocking because the sooner they were out of there the better in his book.
He soon caught up to the crew near the harbor, only to be dismayed to find that their captain hadn't returned. ''Where's Luffy?''
''Hell if I know, I've got a bad feeling about this...'' Zoro grimaced, in moments said feeling would be very much well founded.
''Guys!'' Sanji ran over. ''I just got around to asking some of the people. Buggy found Luffy somehow and now he's executing him!''
''WHAT?!''
Buggy laughed heartily as he enjoyed his triumph of the moment ''For the crime of pissing me off, the pirate Monkey D. Luffy shall be executed here and now!''
''What?! Stop joking around!'' The teen cried only to be ignored.
Buggy continued to laugh, enjoying hearing his crew's cheers as people watched on in shock ''Give it up! I flashily declare the that this pubic execution will begin!''
The rest of the Straw hat crew were already on the move. Since Nami had predicted a storm on the way, their group split up. Nami and Usopp would see to the Merry Go and get everything ready to leave while Zoro, Miguel and Sanji were to help Luffy.
Things were getting more complicated since they had to make sure to keep an eye out for the marines, who were also preparing to storm the plaza. While they didn't have any reason to warrant negative attention, them being here would raise too many questions and they couldn't afford such distractions.
It was just as they made it to their destination that Miguel stopped, making his fellow crew mates look at him.
''Oi, what's wrong?'' Zoro followed his line of sight, seeing that he was concentrated on a number of figures rushing towards the harbor with weapons at the ready. ''Those guys...''
''What's up?'' Sanji inquired.
It was Miguel who answered ''We've seen some of them before. They're part of Buggy's crew, it's a little too much of a coincidence that they'd be heading to the harbor now, don't you think?''
''Yeah...'' The cook grit his teeth, guessing that they were likely hoping to deal with them.
''You guys go on, I can head them off. Those numbers aren't looking good, Usopp and Nami might need help.'' Miguel stated.
''Right.''
''Leave it to us.'' Zoro added and the three took off.
''I guess this is it for the man I've had my eye on.'' Alvida sighed while Buggy and his crew were clearly pleased at the turn out.
And Luffy? Well, he couldn't look more deadpan if he tried. ''I'm sorry...please forgive me...'' He droned.
''AS IF!'' Buggy retorted.
''You'll be the lesson for everyone to see what the price is for defying us.'' Cabaji said smugly.
''That's right.'' His captain concurred. ''Now, you want to say a few last words for our audience? '' Luffy merely scowled. ''Suit yourself, you're going to die flashily anyway!''
That was when the rubber teen pulled something no one would have seen coming.
''LISTEN! I'M THE MAN WHO WILL BECOME KING OF THE PIRATES!''
The statement caused a resounding shock through the audience as it carried quite a weight, especially here of all places. Not only did Luffy seem not to fear death but his determination was still going strong...
Buggy merely snorted ''Well then...''
''STOP THE EXECUTION!'' That was when Zoro and Sanji made their entrance.
Luffy perked up ''GUYS! You came to save me!''
''You made it Zoro? But you're just too late!'' Buggy taunted.
If Zoro heard him, he made no show of it ''Luffy, you idiot! I warned you against fooling around before.''
''You starting a sideshow, or that just how you usually look? How sad.'' Sanji smirked. ''This ends right now, Buggy!''
Usopp and Nami were busy fighting off the Buggy pirates closing in on their ship. While the latter bashed any who came close with her staff and dodging some counterattacks, Usopp sniped at anyone in his range.
Things weren't looking good though, as the numbers were very much against them and they were gaining ground.
Usopp knocked down one attacker with a Lead Star before noticing Richie jumping over some of the pirates and landing very close to the Merry. Mohji and a few others took advantage of this to keep pressing on ''You stay away from there!''
Mohji opened his mouth, likely to taunt him from the sneer on his face, when the Merry was suddenly surrounded by a sphere of wind, leaving them to recoil in shock. The man's eyes widened when Miguel flew down to block their path ''Y-You!''
The wizard glared back ''So there really were more of you, I should have known...''
Nami and Usopp perked up ''Miguel!''
He gave them a small smile ''I thought you could use a hand.''
''W-wait, the way he's...'' One of the pirates said. ''...you think the others...''
''If you're counting on reinforcements then forget it.'' Miguel cut in, leveling his wind sword at them, confirming the speaker's suspicions.
Mohji cringed, still remembering their last confrontation, had he already beaten their other crewmates? ''Well, it doesn't matter!'' He decided. ''Get them!''
The pirates charged on command and Miguel knocked down three of them with a Flicker Strike. Seeing a couple of more pirates try to shoot at him, he merely raised his sword and it released a flurry of gales that sent them both into the water. Nami grinned and proceeded to trip a pirate nearby before knocking him out with her staff while Usopp aimed another projectile at Mohji, who jumped back but was cut down by Miguel a second later.
''You're not laying a single finger on our ship!'' Usopp cried.
With his new swords at hand, Zoro was fighting better than ever. Despite this being the first time he really put them to use, he felt that Kitetsu III and Yubashiri were perfect for him. He quickly cut a charging figure down with Wado Ichimonji before holding up his new blades to block a pirate using an ax before skillfully throwing the weapon away and cutting its user down.
Sanji slammed his foot onto a pirate's back before doing a handstand and launching two spinning kicks that sent two others pirates fling. He quickly flipped back up and ran to the platform with Zoro.
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, their enemies were determined to block their path.
Buggy cackled and raised his sword ''There's nothing any of you can do!''
Luffy closed his eyes for a moment before looking up ''ZORO! SANJI!'' He could see how the two were still fighting for his sake and he already picked from Buggy's bragging that the others were also facing enemies. ''MIGUEL! USOPP! NAMI!''
''SORRY!'' He went on, smiling. ''BUT...I'M DEAD.''
''IDIOT!'' Zoro cried.
''DON'T SAY THAT!'' Sanji exclaimed.
Just as Buggy lowered his sword, a bolt of lightning came crashing down and connected with the blade. Everyone could only stare in shock as the platform slowly shook and fell apart as a result.
And if that weren't enough to stun everyone, Luffy merely jumped on the broken platform and grabbed his floating hat, not even glancing at the unconscious and injured Buggy. The storm had finally sailed in and rain began to pour heavily.
''Hey, I'm alive, that's nice!''
As one would say, seeing is believing. Many of those present may not have believed what was going on here were they not seeing it for themselves. Some couldn't help but wonder how Luffy brushed all this off so easily. Didn't anything faze him?
Some among the observers could only wonder, just why would he smile at that moment?
''That was...divine intervention...'' Sanji managed at last.
''Yeah, right.'' Zoro scoffed. ''Anyway, let's get out of here...''
But they were still not done, as the marines had taken note of the situation and charged into the square from different directions to over the whole area. Things went crazy pretty quick and they were soon fighting with Buggy's crew.
''Luffy, we have to leave. Nami-san warned us about a storm that could put the ship at risk, let's go!'' Sanji exclaimd.
''Right!'' With that said, they ran on just as a marine called for their capture, signaling others to attack them. But the three attacked in tandem, mowing down anyone in their way.
In their own attempts to escape, Buggy and Alvida had the bad luck of encountering the head of the marines in the area, Captain Smoker. The former tried to blast him with a bomb but the man merely flew through it despite the explosion it caused, to their shock.
''White Out!'' His hands released clouds of gray smoke that flew at them and trapped many of the pirates in the way.
Buggy cursed and continued to try and run but Smoker created more smoke to block their path before he had his men close in and create a trap that held them back.
''I'll take care of Straw Hat.'' He declared.
The three Straw Hats kept going on, having trouble because of the storm. As they ran down a wide street, they found their path blocked by a group of marines led by a female officer with a sword.
Sanji perked up ''Who is she?''
She glared at Zoro ''So you really are a pirate now...I won't let you get away, you liar!''
''What?! What did you do?'' Sanji demanded.
''Oh please, it's her own fault. I never even bothered to lie.''
''Then why is she so angry?! Don't you know anything? Women have to be treated with the utmost respect!''
''Shut it!''
The woman, Sergeant Major Tashigi, drew her sword ''I'll be taking Wado Ichimonji, you won't leave without it.''
''Feel free to try.'' Zoro retorted, bracing himself for battle. She growled and dashed to cut him down but he stopped her attack and they clashed once more.
''Didn't you just hear me? You can't fight her!'' Sanji cried.
''This has nothing to do with you, I want to settle this myself!'' Tashigi snapped.
''You heard her. Go.'' Zoro said shortly. Luffy nodded and took off, Sanji soon followed suit but not before warning Zoro about hurting Tashigi.
Not all was well though as they were soon found by Smoker, who raised more smoke to obstruct their path. ''You're not getting any further, Straw Hat.'' He waved a hand and the smoke suddenly trapped them.
''Don't bother.'' He told the two struggling pirates. ''I ate the Smoke Smoke fruit, which lets me turn my body to smoke whenever I want.''
Sanji cursed and tried to kick the man, only to be shocked when his kick went through Smoker's chest. The man didn't so much as flinch as he proceeded to punch Sanji before throwing him down.
''Sanji!''
''You don't have time to worry about others.'' Smoker warned. ''White Blow!''
In seconds, he had Luffy pinned down to the ground. ''I suppose that's that, we're through.''
A moment later, he had to jump back to dodge a rising wave of water that was big enough to obstruct his view. ''What?!''
Luffy's eyes widened when he saw Miguel fly in and strike Smoker's jutte with his water sword, throwing the captain for a loop as the blade released a burst of water that almost made him drop the weapon.
He grunted ''So you had more comrades in the wait, huh? Let's take care of this then.''
Smoker proceeded to attack again but Miguel blocked his strike and the two clashed again and again before getting into a deadlock. The latter however, hadn't noticed the smoke spreading around him till it was almost too late and it trapped him.
Luffy looked alarmed ''Miguel!''
''It's brave of you to come after him but also foolish.'' Smoker remarked. ''White...''
He didn't get to finish as a hand grabbed his jutte, making the marine stare up at a hooded figure near him. Unlike the Straw Hats, Smoker stood close enough to get a look at the new arrival's face but that was just why he was stunned. It didn't take him long to figure out who he was staring at.
''You?!'' He exclaimed. ''The government's still after you head, why would you come here?''
The hooded figure grinned ''The world is still waiting for our answer. It won't all end here.''
Sanji looked as confused as his friends felt but he was quick to remember their predicament ''Guys, come on, we've gotta keep moving!'' Luffy and Miguel nodded before following him, missing the man glancing back with a satisfied grin.
''Why would you help them?!'' Smoker demanded.
''I believe it would be a shame to let you cut off their journey so soon.'' The man remarked calmly.
''Do you really expect me to believe that's all?'' His eyes narrowed. ''Dragon?''The man's grin returned but he remained quiet.
A huge green wind came from the sky and sent everyone in the streets flying, with them all trying to hang on somehow, with even the Merry go beginning to float away from the shore.
Sanji balanced himself ''What was that?''
''Good question...'' He blinked and saw Zoro come out of a nearby alley ''...never mind though, there's the ship.''
He was right, strangely enough, that wind had blown them to where they just needed to go. Bewildered as they were, they knew they had to go and so Miguel helped them all fly to the Merry.
''You made it!'' Nami exclaimed.
''All right!'' Usopp cheered.
Luffy grinned ''It's time! Let's go to the Grand Line!''
Little did they know that the strange wind had also helped Buggy and his crew, allowing them to escape safely. The Chop Chop man was still determined to after Luffy and so he decided to go after him. Also Smoker and Tashigi had agreed to leave the town and go after the Straw Hat pirates with both groups knowing that their targets would be in the Grand Line.
''We're getting close.'' Nami informed the crew, showing them the chart she stole from Buggy while Sanji manned the wheel. The storm had cleared a little while ago, making things easier. ''I know it sounds crazy but remember what Miguel told us, we can reach the other side through one of Reverse Mountain's canals.''
''So it's a mystery mountain!'' Luffy exclaimed.
She slapped the side of his head ''No, it isn't. We've been through this!''
''Let's say we try going around the mountain, wouldn't it work?'' Zoro asked Miguel, who shook his head.
''It's too dangerous, for one thing if we're not careful, we'll end up in the Calm Belt.''
Usopp gulped ''I forgot about that...but can we really go up the canals? It sounds nuts!''
''There's a reason getting to the Grand Line is considered hard. Remember what I said before? You can't apply common sense much in the Grand Line, things are completely different there.''
''There it is!'' Sanji exclaimed, leaving everyone to stare at the tall mountain. ''Nami-san, directions?''
''Go straight ahead.'' She replied readily. ''Hold the rudder steady and we'll be able to reach one of the canals.'' She gestured at the ten gates they were approaching. ''We have to make out way through the gates just right or we'll crash!''
With the current as strong as it was, the Merry was pulled up but it soon began drifting left. Sanji tried to steer the ship but it was rather hard in this situation. Miguel requipped his wind sword and aimed a burst of wind carefully so that the ship began to adjust before repeating the process a couple of more times, bringing them back on course.
''All right!'' Nami smiled.
''We made it!'' Luffy cheered.
''All right...'' Sanji walked over, holding a barrel. ''...let's have a little ceremony, to mark the occasion.''
''Great idea!'' Usopp grinned.
The cook placed his foot on the barrel as he spoke ''I'm going to find the All Blue!''
The rest began to follow suit, Zoro then said ''I'll become the World's Greatest Swordsman!''
''I'll draw a map of the world!'' Nami declared.
Miguel went next ''I'll complete the Phantom Quest!''
''I'll become the King of Pirates!'' Luffy grinned.
''I'll...become a brave warrior of the sea!'' Usopp finished reaffirming their dreams together.
''We'll do it all for sure!'' Luffy added happily and they cheered in agreement.
Miguel smiled to himself. He never could've imagined what would come of this journey a few months ago but he was all the more glad for this turnout. He was looking forward to traveling with this crew who were proving to be fine friends and he would do everything in his power to support them.
The Straw Hats felt like they had truly made a milestone and the true start of their journey was just ahead.
And let's stop here.
What do you think? I hope this was good. I wanted to get this done sooner but I've been swamped in college lately so I finally got around to actually working on my stories again. So we finally finish the East Blue Saga and get to the Grand Line, I'm looking forward to working on it, I've got a bunch of plans in store already.
I know I skipped some parts but like I may have mentioned, I don't feel like repeating events that were just the same in canon except for certain parts that feel more central to the plot. I chose the part with Buggy's revenge because it's important and it has consequences later on, I mean that's effectively why Bartolomeo became Luffy's fan, right?
Anyway, thanks for reading so far and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!