Twenty-first Chapter:
Battle is coming closer and closer every day. Shanks is staying at Villa El Baltigo to prepare for the battle while Luffy and the others prepare in their own way. Sabo was appointed to research the government's past. He wanted to do it himself and Koala is his partner. They've been trying to get information about the Government for two years now. Sometimes, in the evening, he calls Luffy by phone. Luffy is always happy when Sabo calls him and he tells him tons of stories for hours until the batteries of the phones are empty. There are also days when Luffy falls asleep meanwhile because he's too tired to stay awake after a long day of training.
Meanwhile, Robin is getting closer to Teach's hiding spot. Nami and Koala are helping her tracking him down. Everyone in the Rebel Army has his or her own mission to fulfill until the day the battle is finally happening. Sabo is still trying to make sure Luffy doesn't get involved this time even though he knows it's pointless. Shanks can't stop Luffy either and it would make Luffy only feel bad that he couldn't do anything if they prevented him from interfering. Sabo goes along with it as long as he can stay with Luffy that day. Shanks promises Sabo that he'll make sure nothing happens to Luffy.
This mission is only a small part of Dragon's plan to take down the Government. If they manage to take out Teach instead of the Government then that would make the Government look bad in the citizens' eyes. That's Dragon's main goal for now and everything is going according plan. Everyone in the Army is willing to help Dragon after they found out the truth about the Government years ago. There are all sorts of people in the Army. Like orphans, transsexual people, people with different nationalities, people with parents who were sentenced to death and many more. They all gather here every day to reach that one goal. Everyone wants to change this country into a country where the citizens have equal rights.
All the commanders from all over the country are here and even the people who work undercover brought a lot new information for the Army. The people who are going to carry out the mission have been decided too and the supplies needed are taken care of. The only thing that needs to be done is the location where the mission is going to take place. Everything depends on that last piece of information they need for the battle. They also need to know it beforehand because they need to get to know what kind of place it is and if it's suitable for their plan. Robin, Nami and Koala are working day and night to get that last piece of information.
A few days before the battle they finally find the place where Teach is hiding. He's hiding in the countryside in the East. It's an empty space which could lead to a disadvantage for the Army. Dragon hoped for the hiding spot to be in the city so the army could hide in different spots but there are no high buildings in the countryside. There is only one building and that's the house where Teach currently is.
It's been almost two weeks since Luffy started his training. He is currently in the park and he just finished the last training session. Luffy takes a bottle of water out of his bag and drinks it empty. He's really hungry and now that the training is finished he can finally eat whatever he wants again. He can't wait until he's home and eat Sanji's food. He's exited and packs his stuff in a hurry. He runs to the nearest bus station and takes the first one home.
Once he arrives he immediately goes to the bar and Makino greets him with a big smile.
''Welcome home Luffy! Today was your last training session right? We already prepared some delicious meals for you!''
Luffy takes a seat. ''It smells so good!'' His stomach is growling and he can't wait any longer. Sanji gives him a dish with a huge piece of meat and smashed potatoes with meat juice on it. Luffy eats and eats and can't get enough of it. He missed these dishes made by Sanji so much. All Rayleigh let him eat were vegetables, bread and he even had to drink raw eggs. It seems raw eggs are good for the muscles, but Luffy didn't like that. Sanji's food is the best after all! Makino pours in some sake for him and he drinks it in one go.
After he finished eating the pan empty Nami walks in. She looks tired and stressed. She takes Luffy's cup of sake he was about to drink and drinks it empty herself.
''Oi! Why are you drinking my sake Nami?''
Nami looks up with an annoyed face and says: '' Hahh? Do you mind?''
''Not really..'' He better stay quiet or else she'll punch him again. Seriously, where does she get that strength from? If she wasn't so scared then she could've become very famous in a fighting sport. He forgets what he thought just now and remembers the battle: ''Did you find the hide out?'' He turns the bottle of sake upside down but it's completely empty.
''Oh yeah.. You don't know anything, do you? You've been only paying attention to the training. Well, we've found the place and Dragon re-arranged the plan. We're leaving in two days time.''
''Where is it then?'' He reaches out to the case made of glass to take another bottle but Sanji hits Luffy's hand with a spoon.
''He's hiding in the countryside in the East. There is a small city nearby. It takes a few hours to get there by car.''
''Yosh! Let's go tomorrow morning!'' Both Nami and Sanji look surprised.
''What are you saying you idiot? The plan is to leave in two days! Or didn't you hear what Nami-swan said?!''
''That's why I want to leave tomorrow.''
''You can't be serious now! After all the time and stress we've been through? Why can't you follow the plan?''
''I have nothing to do with the Revolutionary Army! Besides, I can't wait any longer. I want to go now.''
''So stubborn, tsk.'' He lights up a cigarette and starts doing the dishes.
Nami sighs deeply and puts her head on her hand. He's tiring her out even more. ''Well.. We could've expected that from you.''
After a while Zoro and Usopp walk in. They take a seat next to Luffy and order a drink.
''Luffy, Franky is coming too. He just messaged us. B-But.. Are you want to do this? I might have I-can't-go-near-enemies-syndrom you know..'' It's clear to everyone that Usopp is just being scared as always. They also know that Usopp will always join them in the end and fight just as hard.
''Great! Everyone has to be here tomorrow morning. We're leaving earlier.'' Usopp wants to go against Luffy but Nami shakes her head as if she's saying: ''It's hopeless.''
The next morning everyone is gathered before Makino's bar. Franky is driving and brought a minivan with him. Luffy wants to open the door to the front seat but he finds Robin already sitting there.
''Robin? You're coming too?''
''Hey Luffy! Yes, it was an order from Dragon-san. He had to change the plan again and wanted me to go with you in case I have to stop you guys before anything goes wrong. You don't like to follow other people's plans after all.''
''The plan changed again? This is the third time! See what you did Luffy?!'' Nami is annoyed and immediately takes a seat in the back to check out the new plan.
''Sabo's squad will follow us later and join the battle. Are you ok with that Luffy?'' Robin passes Nami the papers and laptop where everything is explained.
''As long as I get to fight Teach alone!''
''Hay hay.'' She smiles politely.
''And.. I want to sit in front.'' He looks serious and Robin giggles. She steps out of the minivan and takes a seat next to Nami in the back. Sanji and Zoro refuse to sit next to each so both take a seat behind Luffy and Franky, next to the windows. Usopp is sitting inbetween them and looks really nervous now.
Franky starts the car and drives to the East. Luffy is very excited and nervous at the same time because the battle is finally starting.