"Avast ye scurvy dogs! We come for ye treasure!"
Luffy stared blankly as the captain of the enemy pirates stepped forward, unsure of what to make of this new opponent. The heavy set man stood before him, one leg supported by a wooden peg, a hook on the opposite hand, an eyepatch over an eye, a strangely feathered bird perched on his shoulder squawking its fool head off, and a great black beard partially covering a gaudy red overcoat.
Hoping maybe to make better sense of this new puzzle, he cocked his head to one side, looking at the bizarre picture before him at another angle.
"Oi, Zoro. What is that?"
Zoro turned his head to glance over the banister he was sleeping against, taking in the strange image of a pirate.
"I think he's a pirate. You want me to take care of him?"
"No… but isn't it mean to pick on really weak pirates?"
"Arrr, watch yer filthy tongue before I cut it from yer mouth boy! I be Black-eyed Pete and youse will surrender yer riches to me and me crew here!" The 'pirate' waved his cutlass in what he felt was a threatening manner.
Luffy and Zoro just stared, unimpressed and uncertain how to proceed.
"I guess go easy on them. Wake me if you need anything."
"Ah."
"Now ye asked for it! Fire at will, boys!"
With a thunderous clap, the cannons fired at the Going Merry, most missing widely, but one clipping the railing close to Zoro's head. The swordsman uncurled from the floor, pissed that his nap was ruined and that such an idiot had dared take a shot at him. A hand shot out, however, stopping the swordsman before he could finish drawing Yubashira.
The two shared a nod before Luffy wound up one arm with a dark grin.
"Gomu gomu no…"
Hundreds of arms shot forward, connecting with the enemies ship, cracking numerous holes in the hull and utterly terrifying its crew.
"Gatling Gun!"
With a final shout, the ship exploded apart, wooden planks and men flying in all directions. The Going Merry sailed onward, unconcerned, her crew paying no mind to the debris and carnage as it passed.
Satisfied, Luffy leaned over Zoro, checking him over.
"You okay?"
"M'fine. How about I reward you for your bravery, hmm?" Zoro smirked knowingly.
Luffy grinned playfully, "Arrr, a pirate's life for me."
fin