Author's note: Oh my god, the end is near! I thought I was only kidding about that, but Jesus Christ, it's almost the end. Just 2/3 chapters left
...you'll understand why soon enough.
Once again, I would like to make note that the previous and this chapter is dedicated to the always wonderful SurrealMime (dA Only) for Beta reading these chapters. Stay awesome my friend.
So, let's get this show on the road!
Read, Review, Enjoy!
Last time on One Piece: Straw Hat Family,
"Welcome to Little East Blue!"
After battling a large beetle, the guardian of the island, the Straw Hats arrived to be greeted by a village full of people from the East Blue. Due to their fame, the Straw Hats, especially those hailing from the East Blue, were greeted with admiration and joy. At least, from most of the islanders…
"'Why?'" Yoko repeated. She suddenly became slightly flustered and tried explaining again. "Come on, don't you realize I'm trying to rescue you from the pirates."
"Why?" Akio asked confused. He stood back up along with Mika.
A young girl named Yoko, a daughter of a Marine that had fallen in the line of duty protecting this island, had tried to rescue Mika and Akio only to realize they were a part of the crew themselves.
"Pirates are pirates, no matter who they are." Yoko stated stubbornly.
"But," Yoko added quickly, "maybe a pirate kid is…redeemable."
Now, trouble has arrived for the village as the Amigo Pirates search for Boss, the giant mutant beetle that's protecting the island.
"Alright, everyone," Colt spoke towards the crowd with his guns raised, "I'm only gonna ask one more time: hand over the grande beetle or have your whole stinkin' island burned to the ground!"
Will the Amigo pirates find Boss and take him back to their boss? Will Little East Blue be destroyed? What will the Straw Hat pirates be able to defeat this enemy? What will the children do?
Find out…now!
Children of the East Blue
Peaceful Does Not Mean Weak
"Ow! Stupid net!" Luffy shouted out in pain as he struggled in his net. If it were rope, the young man would be able to easily break out; however, this net was made of iron. Not just iron, but spiked iron making it entirely painful for him attempting to break free.
Not far from where he hung, some of his crew had already defeated a number of Amigo crew members. Zoro and Brook both had their swords out; in Zoro's case, just two of his swords were out. Franky had removed the skin-like cover off his right fist revealing its true metal nature and durability. Though he did not have something flashy to showcase, Sanji stood among the rest of the fighters calmly and coolly; even lighting a cigarette in confidence. Together, these men completely overwhelmed the regular Amigo Pirates crew members that had been sent out, and that was roughly half their crew. Now, the Amigo Pirates had only half their crew strength, but both of their leaders were up and ready to fight. The Straw Hats would have to be cautious in this battle from now on though, especially after seeing the ability the captain of the Amigo Pirates had.
"I ate the Net-Net Fruit," announced suavely Captain Largo as he demonstrated with his hands a gooey substance that formed his nets, "I can create almost any kind of net I need and by eating certain materials I can make them stronger as well."
Zoro immediately grunted, showing his annoyance. "This guy is going to be annoying."
Sanji replied mockingly, "If you're tried already, you can join the others in the back."
"Only tired of having weak opponents." Zoro answered, smirking with anticipation.
Franky looked ever determined. "No net is gonna stop me!" He shouted with vigor, "I've been feelin' super this week!"
"Do no worry, Mr. Luffy." Brook shouted out to his captain. "We will have you done in mere moments."
Immediately, Colt, the vice-captain of the Amigo pirates, stepped forward with his guns pointing out. "Don't try to take another step!" He shouted, "We may want the grande beetle but we're not afraid to, how you say, 'break of few eggs' beforehand."
Further behind the group of men, the entire village and nearly the rest of the Straw Hats watched on. Though they had been winning earlier, with the appearance of the enemy's captain's Devil Fruit powers the battle had shifted. The Little East Blue villagers were becoming fearful and scared while the Straw Hats were now worried for their crewmates.
"Luffy!" shouted Usopp and Chopper, the most worried of the bunch. Usopp was currently carrying an old lady on his back, one who grew up in his home village.
Robin, the calmest of the group, simply stared at the pirates; analyzing them. What they had said earlier had peaked her curiosity and concern. "Why would they want the giant beetle?" She questioned.
"Hurry up, guys!" Nami shouted, safely far behind the battle. "Kick their asses already!"
Eve further back from everyone else, the three kids Yoko, Akio, and Mika were watching with bated breath the scene before them. Having heard the explosion caused by these new pirates, they had quickly arrived on the scene, unnoticed by anyone, to find that these pirates wanted Boss, the giant beetle. Even more troubling, more so for Mika than Akio though still worried too, was that Luffy was already incapacitated.
"Daddy!" Mika shouted hysterical and about to run out.
Luckily, Akio quickly caught her. "Don't go out there!" He told the girl protectively. "You can't do anything for Captain Luffy now. Let Mr. Roronoa and the others handle this."
"But…!" Mika said wanting to retort but could not. The expression Akio was directing at her, one of fear and worry, showed that she would most likely be in danger going out there. She then stopped attempting to run out.
"Look, see!" Akio said grinning confidently as he pointed to their crewmates about to fight. "They're already on this! Those guys won't know what hit them."
Unfortunately, the comment was truer for the Straw Hats than the Amigo pirates. Zoro and Brook were to attack, believing they would have the upper hand against the Net-man with their sword skills. This proved to be true for a moment, but Largo soon turned the tables on them with his "Mucho Sticky Net". Though they were able to slice through some of the substance, it soon began sticking to their swords and eventually their whole body. In no time, they were entangled in a sticky net and unable to break it. This came as a shock to both Akio and Mika.
"W-Well," the boy said nervously despite trying to keep up the bravado, "at least Mr. Sanji and Mr. Franky can…"
Before he could finish, Sanji and Franky had already jumped in to attempt to finish the fight. They proved to be in "hot water" themselves as Largo, after downing actual boiling water and comically reacting to it typically, fired a "Million Boiling Net" at the two. Both easily enough dispelled the water by various means; Sanji with his kicks and Franky with his Weapons Left – but it proved to have weaken them a little. Even Franky, whose cyborg body conducted the heat quicker and was overheating him. This gave Largo the opportunity he needed to capture them; this time, using his "Iron Net" to entrap both of them together in a cage and making them immobile by shrinking it to the tightest it could be. They were captured, just like Luffy and the others. And like Luffy, they were strung up on the tree to showcase Largo's power. Everyone was shocked.
This included the kids, and Akio himself was starting to look a little silly with his mouth agape. After witnessing everything, the young boy just threw his hands up into the air. "I'm done!" He proclaimed and turned around exasperated.
"Akio!" Mika shouted at the boy mad.
"Damn pirates." The young pirate girl looked over at Yoko, who was filled with anger and hate towards the pirates. "If they think they're gonna get Boss…" she then picked up a thick branch laying on the ground nearby and held it like she did with a bokken "then they'll have to get through me!"
Hearing this, Akio immediately turned around looking concerned. "Wait!" He called out. It fell on deaf ears unfortunately as Yoko took off towards the enemy pirates. The boy instantly freaked out, "Wait! Wait! Wait!" He then gave chase after her.
Seeing this, Mika tilted her head curiously. "Akio?" She said confused about to step forward.
Akio quickly stopped. "Stop!" He shouted towards Mika, also holding his hand out. "You stay here!"
"What!" Mika shouted in disbelief.
The boy didn't say anything more. Akio just gave the girl a stern look, trying to show how serious this was. It seemed to work as the girl didn't move, but pouted angrily at him. He then took off after Yoko hoping to stop her before doing something reckless.
Though her friends, at least one of them, were gone, she still commented angrily. "I wanna help too, ya know." She looked away from scene defiantly trying to appear uninterested. Then, as she looked at the forest, she quickly remembered something important.
"Ooo!" Mika said in realization, which made her grin happily. "I have an idea!"
"Ah, how disappointing." Back at the battle, Captain Largo made a comment as he looked up at his captures. They were all still struggling and unable to escape as he wanted them to be. He smiled and then further commented, "To think that men of your high bounties would be so easy to capture."
This made Luffy mad. "Just wait 'til I get out here, you lame Poncho man." He stated frustrated as he still could not break from the net. He even hurt himself again. "Ow!"
Largo smirked. "That won't happen, me amigo. My nets-"
"C-Captain!" A shout interrupted Largo making him glance back at his men. To his mild surprise, he saw that all his men including Colt had sprouted upon their bodies many feminine hands and arms. They were freaking out.
"Qué*?" Largo said bewildered. Then immediately, those appendages appeared on himself as well. He was initially confused, but he remained calm and looked out to the crowd of villagers. A quick glance over the crowd and he saw one of the Straw Hat members, Nico Robin, making a gesture with her own arms. He instantly put two and two together.
*What?
"You will release Luffy and the others and leave." Robin commanded coldly.
This made Largo chuckle. "Oh, sweet beautiful senora…" He said calmly with a cunning grin. Before she could act, he began using his own powers first.
"Ah!" All the Straw Hats captured suddenly let out a curt cry. Their nets were beginning to constrict on them. As the netting tighten on all of them, Luffy's was probably the worst with the spikes beginning to stab into his rubber skin.
Everyone immediately caught notice of this. "Luffy!" shouted Nami worried.
"Guys!" shouted Usopp fearful.
Largo spoke in suave yet evil tone, "I'm afraid you're in no position to negotiate, Senora Nico Robin. Remove those arms off my compadres and I will not strangle your crewmates to death."
Not wanting to see her crewmates cruelly strangled, Robin quickly undone her ability upon the Amigo pirates. She felt greatly disappointed that she had been outsmarted by little insight. She understood now that they would need another plan to get their crewmates free and defeat the Amigo Pirates.
Largo grinned and then released eased up on constricting the men he had captured.
"Oh man, thanks for the save, Bro." Colt said as he walked up next to Largo grinning. He then raised his guns towards the crowd and began barking out orders. "Okay, you guys have one more chance to turn over the gigante beetle before we lay waste to your whole stinkin' island!"
Then, as an added measure, Colt began firing his Gatling guns at the ground. The dirt and explosion frightened the crowd and made them step back a bit. The luchador then commented, "You East Blue losers are nothing but peace-loving weaklings, do yourself a favor and hand it over already. We may even leave you with some of your stuff intact if you hurry."
No one responded. The entire village had their head's lowered in shame. It was a bitter thing to hear, even if they had heard it numerous times. The words spoken this time felt even worst now with their protector on the line. They could do nothing against these pirates.
Regrettably, Mayor Fabre spoke up. "Maybe…"
"No way!" Then, came a shout that interrupted the mayor and snapped the whole village out of their funk. It was Yoko, and she ran right in front of the crowd holding her weapon in hand to defend them. She then announced determinedly, "You won't hurt the villagers! And you won't take Boss!"
"Yoko!" Fabre called out in worry. He wasn't the only one as all the villagers watched on fearful for the little Marine girl.
Colt frowned with annoyance. "Little girl, we need that beetle to move up in the pirate world. We ain't leaving until we have that beetle, and we'll destroy the whole island to find him."
"Then you'll have to go through me first!" Yoko declared bravely.
"Heh." Colt laughed before aiming his arm-fitted gun at the girl. "Easy enough."
"Yoko!" screamed out the mayor of Little East Blue.
Before he could fire, Colt was suddenly hit with a rock to his face. It luckily didn't cause him to fire, but the move had certainly taken his mind of the girl. "Who threw that?!" He shouted angrily. His answer came in the form of another rock, but this time he saw it coming. He easily swatted the rock away and then looked at the thrower.
"Akio!" shouted Nami fearful.
Of course, having gone after the girl, Akio was too late to stop her from running out into the view of the bad pirates. Seeing that she was going to risk her life, he had to act fast. He had spied a rock or two and used them, but now he was out of ammunition. Now, he and Yoko were out in the open and currently prime targets for this man.
Angry and unamused, Colt turned one of his guns on the boy. "So, you wanna die too?" He asked rhetorically.
"Ha!" Akio laughed out loud, much to the surprise of everyone. "Kill me, and you'll never find the beetle."
"Huh?" replied Colt in surprise, and Yoko in confusion looking back at the boy.
The Little East Blue citizens began looking at each other also confused. They were sure that only Yoko had any kind of bond with Boss. At the same time, the remaining Straw Hats were also befuddled by what their cabin boy was saying.
"What is Akio doing?" Chopper asked confused.
While he looked a little confused, Usopp was actually grinning proudly. "He's spinning a lie."
"Yeah, that beetle obeys my every command." Akio said with grin, hiding the lie. "With a single whistle I can summon here to attack all of you and you wouldn't be able to put a scratch on him."
"Really?" Colt questioned suspiciously.
Akio puffed up chest with overconfidence. "And if you kill me, he'll fly away and you'll never find him again."
"Ooo." Usopp said wincing with dread.
"What?" Chopper asked still confused.
"He goofed up the lie." Usopp said grimly.
As Usopp predicted, Colt had immediately caught on to the loophole. "But he won't if we kill anyone else." He said grinning evilly before aiming his gun at the crowd.
Instantly, Akio paled. "Oops." He said audibly.
"Nice going." Yoko said mad towards the boy.
"Okay, boy!" Colt said keeping his guns aimed at the crowd. "You better summon that beetle before I…" The man stopped as he caught his brother walking by him. Holding off for a moment, Colt looks at his brother confused.
"Um, Bro?" He asked, "What are you doing?"
Largo stopped and then raised his hands up to his ears, cupping them almost. He had a faint smile as he answered his brother, "I'm listening to the sound the cicadas singing their song in the summer breeze. They sound marvelous."
Confused, Colt actually took a moment to listen. He did in fact hear an insect noise, but it was odd. "That's not the sound of cicadas, Bro." He said knowledgably.
"Oh." Largo said surprised. "Then, what is that sound?"
The sound of buzzing soon began to fill the air and everyone began to notice it. Though the bad pirates didn't know what it was, everyone else did. It was a noise they all had heard. Then, in a brown blur, the two kids suddenly disappeared from everyone's sight, astonishing them.
"What?!" shouted Colt enraged.
"Yahoo!" A yell of enjoyment rang out that soon took everyone's attention to the sky. Flying high up was Boss with Mika riding on him and the other two hanging onto his tusks for dear life.
"Mika?" said Nami astounded.
"Yeah!" shouted Usopp energized and excited. "Go Mika!"
"That's so cool!" Chopper exclaimed with amazement.
Robin simply chuckled amused. She hadn't expected on Mika appearing with Boss.
Upon seeing Boss, the villagers immediately began cheering joyfully. "Thank goodness." Fabre commented relieved amongst the crowd.
"Bro!" Colt shouted in amazement. "That's the beetle we've been looking for!"
Largo blinked with surprise. "I thought we were looking for a stag beetle?" He commented absentmindedly.
Colt looked at his brother in disbelief. "No! It was just a regular beetle!" He shouted.
With Boss still up in the air, Mika helped the other two kids onto the beetle. Both of them looked shocked as neither of them had expected a save like that. Not to say they weren't grateful for it. They soon took their seat on Boss' tusks and were now riding comfortably.
"Boss!" Yoko shouted out in astonishment. The bug gave out a happy roar as he looked at his friend, still safe and unharmed. Still, the girl was surprised to see the protector of their island here.
"What are you doing? You still haven't recovered from that fight earlier."
Mika was the one to respond. "I told him what was happening," she said with a big grin, "and he said he wasn't going to let you protect the island on your own."
Yoko looked at the girl astounded. Akio on the other hand looked at the younger confused. "How did he say that?" He asked.
"I don't know, he just did." Mika stated with casual shrug.
"Who cares." Yoko said before she looked back down towards the ground. Seeing that the pirates had yet to do anything, she knew they had to act fast. She quickly looked to Boss and spoke, "Boss, can you fight?"
Boss gave out an invigorated roar; showing he could still fight.
"Then let's fight!" Yoko proclaimed, holding her weapon up in the air.
"Yeah!" Mika shouted enthusiastic.
"Wait!" Akio tried saying before it was too late. "Hold oooooooooon!"
Akio screamed as the giant beetle dipped down and hurdled towards ground with the kids holding on tightly; Akio more so. Before reaching the ground, Boss pulled up and now charged straight at the bad pirates. Having watched them, Largo and Colt were immediately prepared for it. Colt quickly moved out of the way while his brother firmly stood his ground. Using his "Mucho Sticky Net" technique again, Largo attempted to capture the beetle in one go by making it as large as possible. Fearlessly, Boss flew straight on and began to glow a hot-red. As the sticky net nearly began to cover him, the beetle let out his hot energy in the form of fire that burned right through the netting. Shocked, Largo then quickly jumped aside dodging the bug's charge. At the same time, Mika made a mocking expression towards the man before leaving his view. This of course immediately angered the pirate captain. Furthermore, Boss continued his charge right into the other Amigo pirate crewmembers, laying waste to them quickly. The beetle then took to the sky again.
"Yahoo!" cheered out Mika excitedly.
Yoko grinned as she too looked back at the damage that Boss had caused. She felt like they could still protect the island. "Good work!" She told Boss while patting his head proudly. "Now, let's swoop back down and attack again!"
Curious, Akio looked back towards the pirates. He specifically took noticed of the net quickly burning up thanks to Boss' attack. Instantly, he had a thought. "I wonder if…"
BOOM! Suddenly, Boss was hit and an explosion shook the bug and his riders. All the kids screamed out in terror as they had not expected an attack. The attack came from Colt, who had taken a chance while the big was distracted. His firepower was most impressive as it greatly affected Boss who now began hurdling back down to the ground uncontrollably. All the kids were hanging on for dear life as they neared the ground. Thankfully, Boss was not completely out yet. Before they could crash, through his determination, he was able to lift himself up enough to lessen the crash for the kids. He smashed and crashed and skidded across the ground until finally stopping between the Amigo Pirates and the crowd; his head facing towards the giant tree. The crash had also pulled up a lot of dust and smoke that covered much of Boss' body and thus no one could see if the kids were all right.
"Mika! Akio!" shouted the Straw Hats in horror.
"Yoko! Boss!" shouted the citizens of Little East Blue also scared.
Colt smirked with accomplishment. "Heh. That wasn't so hard." He commented overconfidently.
"Rawr!" From up in the tree, Luffy let out a loud growl and gave a fierce gaze down at the Amigo pirates, specifically Colt and Largo. As he struggled again to break the net, he shouted, "Once I get out of this stupid net, I'm going to kick your ass!"
"Try all you want, Idiota." Largo said smirking arrogantly. "You won't ever be able to break through it.
"Hey, Bro." Colt called out as he approached the bug. "Let's net this bug and get moving already."
"Right." The older brother said as he began to walk up to the beetle.
Meanwhile, everyone behind Boss was trying to spy the children, but none of them could find them. "Where are they?" Nami whispered worriedly.
"I don't know." Usopp said as he pulled down one of his scopes. "I can't see them anywhere on…Wait!"
"Huh?" said the group hopeful.
Meanwhile, as Largo approached the bug on the other side, he began forming his netting with his hands about to catch the beetle within it. Before doing so though, he stopped as he saw three small figures within the smoke. "Oooh?" He said questioningly.
"Ow-ow-ow-ow!" One of the figures stood up. The smoke and dust began to settle revealing the speaker to be Mika. She looked okay, more or less, with only having a few scratches and her clothes dirtied. After brushing some dust off herself, she looked back at Boss.
"Are you okay?" She asked worried.
Though he looked to be unconscious, Boss stirred upon hearing Mika's voice. He opened his eye and looked back at Mika. He gave out a low roar sounding concerned for the little girl.
Immediately, a flash of faint red glowed in Mika's eyes. "I'm alright." She replied back with a grin; revealing a missing tooth. Then, she heard someone approaching them, and she quickly turned to see Largo standing before her. Acting fast, she stood up and stretched her arms up attempting to protect the bug.
"Oh, niña*." He told her frowning pityingly. "It's over. The beetle is ours."
*girl
"No!" Mika shouted defiantly.
No longer attempting to reason with the girl, Largo prepared his net and cast it out towards the beetle and the girl. Mika stood her ground as she saw the net stretch out towards her and Boss. She was determined to fight back. Before the netting could capture them though, Yoko and Akio suddenly jumped in front of the net and were caught themselves. They both then fell to the ground unable to properly land themselves.
"Qué?" Largo said confused.
"Yoko! Akio!" Mika shouted out surprised and worried.
"Run, Mika!" shouted Akio quickly, struggling within the net.
"Get out of here!" Yoko shouted as well.
"Enough." Largo said annoyed and angry. He walked over to the kids he captured and he gave them (mostly Akio) a hard kick venting his anger.
"No!" Mika shouted in distress.
"Akio!" shouted the Straw Hat men worried. Unfortunately, they were still stuck in their nets and could not break them.
"Yoko!" Fabre shouted as he watched the same scene from afar. Though she looked okay, the old man's blood began to boil with anger. He clutched his cane hard as he finally had enough. "I will not stand for this any longer."
Hearing him, this surprised the crowd, Straw Hats included. "Huh?"
Having seen the attack on his friend, Boss gave out a mad roar and attempted to move to attack the man. He was only able to get himself to stand before falling back down. His injuries were still too much.
"Boss!" Yoko shouted in worry, wincing slighting in pain.
"Now then…" Largo said before extending his hand out behind himself. Instantly, he began forming a cage of metal and growing it to a large size; one big enough to fit the beetle in. Once it was finished, he then addressed the beetle, "Now, Escarabajo*, if you would please step into your cage we'll be on our way."
*Beetle
"No way!" shouted Mika as she tried protecting Boss again.
"Man, this niñita* sure is stubborn." Colt commented with a mocking grin.
*little girl
The Amigo Captain nodded in agreement. "Let us be done with this task." He stated as prepared to capture the beetle. Before he could approach the bug, he quickly noticed something thrown at him and dodged it. He then looked curiously at the object thrown.
"Un bastón*?"
*walking stick/cane
"Enough!" Largo, and his crew, looked over to see an old man (Mayor Fabre) standing away from the crowd of civilians. With anger etched on his wrinkly face, he shouted at them, "I will not allow you to take Boss away!"
"Mayor!" Yoko shouted fearful
"Well," Colt said smirking cruelly, "I knew people of the East Blue were weak, but I didn't think they were stupid too!"
Mayor Fabre, though shaking nervously, was undeterred. "Yes, we may always turn tail when danger approaches," he stated to the men unashamed, "but I'll be damned that if when one of our own who has been fighting for us for so long is in danger that we don't step up to defend them!"
"Mayor…" Yoko said touched by the old man's courageous speech.
"Old guy…" Luffy said impressed.
Unfortunately, none of the Amigo pirates felt the same admiration. They quickly mocked the old man believing him to unintelligent. Despite their jeers, Fabre remained standing looking ready to put up a fight. Largo and Colt were then about to take Boss when suddenly another civilian, holding a bokken, stepped up to protect Boss. Then, a chef followed suit. An old lady stepped forward as well, having made Usopp do so since he was carrying her. One by one, all the citizens began rallying behind their mayor and protectors. Even the Straw Hats joined them, attempting to look for an opening. They all began shouting and raising up their makeshift weapons ready to fight. This made most of the pirates became nervous and on edge as it seemed the tables were turning on them. On the other hand, Largo and Colt were just becoming annoyed with this sudden uprising.
"That's enough!" Colt shouted before firing towards the crowd. All his shots hit the grounds scaring everyone.
As Boss watched, he began growling with anger. Not just anger towards the pirates for hurting Yoko and attacking the villagers, but also at his own inability to actually stop them. He knew he had to do something before it was too late. There was only one thing left that he could do.
"All of you shut up!" Colt shouted enraged. "Next one of you makes a sound or move and I'll fill them with lead!"
While they had been startled by the gun fire, they weren't going to give up. They were about to attack the pirates when suddenly a bright light blinded and stopped them. This was the same for everyone else and they quickly covered their eyes. None of the pirates, Amigo or Straw Hat, knew what was happening, but all the Little East Blue citizens knew exactly what was going on.
"Boss!" Yoko shouted worriedly.
While she had her eyes covered and shaded from the light, Robin asked, "What is happening?"
"Boss is shedding!" shouted out Fabre with surprise.
"Shedding?" Robin questioned.
"But it's too soon yet." Fabre added with worry.
Indeed, the shining light was coming from the beetle itself. Within the light, Boss began breaking through his shell growing bigger and fiercer. The light soon began to die down and revealing Boss' new appearance to everyone. Not only was he bigger than previously, but his colors had changed completely from brown to blue colors with the exception of his tusks remaining white. With this new look, it also brought forth new energy that gave Boss the strength to stand back up and roar loudly at the enemy. And the crowd of Little East Blue citizens and the Straw Hats cheered in joy; most of them.
The Amigo Pirates instantly got scared at the new appearance of their target. Even Colt was a little frightened. "What is this?!"
Though Largo was surprised by the turn in events, he still remained calm and collected. "Hm." He said before looking at his iron net-cage. "I think we're gonna need bigger net."
While Boss now stood tall before the enemy, his new energy was waning fast. Even if he had shed his old shell, his injuries had not healed with his transformation. He knew he had to do something quick to save everyone. Only he couldn't figure out what.
"Boss!" A shout came from Akio that immediately grabbed the giant bug's attention. Quickly, the boy pointed up towards the nets where Luffy and the others were still trapped. He then told the bug confidently, "Breathe fire on them!
"What?!" shouted the trapped Straw Hats in shock.
"Huh?!" said the other Straw Hats, minus Robin.
Boss smirked understanding what the boy had in mind. The beetle began glowing a familiar hot-red colored energy. He then lifted his head towards the captured pirates still smirking determinedly.
Instantly, all the captured fighters tried to stop the beetle. "Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait!" They all shouted hurriedly to deaf ears, flailing arms.
Without hesitation, Boss released the energy stored within him as fire and launched it in two streams at the captured pirates. The men screamed out before the fire hit all three of them. Everyone on the village's side screamed out in horror and shock. The Amigo pirates, with the exception of Largo, were shocked as well. After only a few seconds, Boss soon stopped breathing fire and dropped back down to the ground, tired and exhausted.
"Hoh? Are we done already?" Largo spoke confused.
"Akio!" Mika shouted angry. "Why'd you tell Boss to burn them?!"
"Because…!" The young, chocolate-haired boy said before looking back up at the tree. With only a few seconds having passed, the fire broke the strings that held their nets up and Akio watched them drop. Immediately, Akio smirked cunningly. "Fire beats nets!"
"Qué?" said Largo surprised.
As the fire cleared, it looked that all the Straw Hats were fine. Slightly charred, but fine. The fire had indeed worked as Akio believed it would; the fire burnt away all the nets, even the iron ones. All of them began standing back up, slowly, ready for round two against the Amigo Pirates.
"Thanks, guys." Luffy said with a grin towards the kids and Boss. Grinning fiercely now, Luffy cracked his knuckles as he looked at the Amigo Pirates, specifically Largo.
"Now it's our turn."
And you know how this song and dance goes; the good guys win. Thanks to the inspiration from the actions of the kids and Boss, the citizens of Little East Blue aided the Straw Hats in defeating the Amigo Pirates; using the their knowledge of the island to their advantage. So, while Zoro and the others handled and defeated Colt, Luffy of course took on Largo. It was a fierce fight, with Largo's Net-Net abilities working in surprising ways, but in the end Luffy prevailed beating the Amigo pirate captain and destroying his submarine ship at the same time. Having used his Third Gear technique to do so, he almost fell into the ocean, but was caught just in time by Boss with Mika, Akio, and Yoko riding along.
"Thanks, guys." Luffy said with a squeaky voice, since his size shrank tremendously due to Third Gear.
Seeing his new form, all the kids were shocked. "Who is this?!" They shouted confused.
"I'm Luffy!" Luffy shouted right back enraged.
Now, as the sun began setting, the whole island was in an uproar of joy and celebration. The banquet once to celebrate their home sea's infamous rookies was now one of triumph and pride. The people of Little East Blue, once hailed as cowards, had defended their island and protected their protector; they were feeling great about themselves. Of course, the Straw Hats were still very much the guest of honors and enjoyed themselves. Sanji even helped cook the feast. At least, most of them did.
"Mama~" whined Mika madly. "I wanna go play~!"
"No way." Nami said stubbornly. She sat at one of the many tables set up with her arms crossed and frowning seriously. Her daughter was sitting next to her, also frowning.
"Why not~?"
"You already lost a tooth, I am not going to let your get any more hurt than that."
"Mama~"
Overhearing the conversation, Usopp looked up from eating. He smiled before speaking, "Come on, Nami, it was only a tooth."
Nami quickly glared at Usopp enraged. "Maybe I should punch one of your teeth out then?!" She shouted as she held up her fist threateningly.
Usopp backed off instantly. 'S-Scary…' He thought afraid.
Thankfully, Chopper was nearby. "Don't worry, Nami." The little doctor said smiling cheerfully. "I've checked her over. She is perfectly healthy, and there are even signs of a new tooth growing already.
Robin, also sitting nearby, chuckled as she gave her two cents. "Girls do develop much quicker than boys as well. I'm sure she will be fine."
The orange haired mother looked towards her two, intelligent crewmates. Despite her current overprotectiveness, she did hear them both out and relented. "Fine…" Nami said begrudgingly.
"Plus," Franky added with a grin, "Lil' Sis looks super with her battle scar."
"Battle scar…" Mika said surprised.
"Yeah, you put up a real good fight today. I think that lost tooth of yours makes for a super battle scar."
"Cool!" Mika shouted excited. She then looked over at her father, eating his fill and then some, and tried to get his attention. "Daddy! Daddy! Look, I have a battle scar now!"
Pausing between plates, Luffy heard his daughter and grinned cheerfully. "Awesome, Mika!" He told the girl honestly.
"Yay!" Mika shouted cheerfully. She then looked over at Akio, grinning. "I have a battle scar, Akio! Yoko!"
"That's cool." Yoko said happily. She sat nearby next to Boss, who still resting, both enjoying the party as well.
Hearing her, Akio frowned. "Losing a tooth is not a battle scar." He stated grumpily. Then, he pointed to the large, swollen lump on his head. "This is more a scar then that!"
Finishing his mug, Zoro looked at Akio, grinning teasingly. "Stop complainin'!" He told the boy. "Accept your punishment like a man."
"Ya know," Akio said fuming and rubbing his bump, "if it weren't for me you all would be still trapped in those nets."
"Yeah, yeah." Those that had been trapped said in a bored tone.
"You're all are jerks!" Akio shouted in frustration.
The whole group laughed, with the exception of Mika and Yoko, which only made the boy frown deeper. It was not out of mockery that they laughed, but rather just in the liveliness that Akio was showing. A few days ago, the boy was still rather submissive to everything. And now, he was arguing and raging against his crew much like they would any given day. It was exciting.
Then, it was time for the Straw Hats to leave. The adventure never ends, and the group had their next destination awaiting them. Already some of the crew and traveled back leaving only those of East Blue origins and the kids to be seen off by the villagers. They each had something of home and a person from it that they had bonded over with.
"Hey, Yoko." Nami spoke to the girl in the Marine garb.
"Yeah?"
Nami smiled and rubbed the girl's hat-covered hair. "Make Bellemere proud." She said before leaving with the others.
Yoko was confused at first, but she soon recalled what Mika and Akio told her. That was the woman that had been raised by her idol; a pirate. Still, she felt a sort of kinship with the woman seeing how they both admired the same woman. And liked the same fruit, mikans, if what the mayor had told her was true. So, she smiled and nodded proudly. "Yes, ma'am." She said before giving the woman a Marine salute.
Still smiling, beaming brighter now, Nami said nothing and walked onto the Mini Merry 4 along with the last of their group. All who was left was Luffy and the kids now.
Luffy grinned as he looked to Boss, who sat nearby to see the pirates off. And he proclaimed to him, "Next time, we'll settle who the stronger one is."
Boss roared enthusiastically. He couldn't wait to fight this man again.
Keeping his grin, Luffy was about to walk onto the boat before he stopped. He looked back and then called out, "Come on, Mika, Akio. Time to go."
"See ya, Yoko." Mika said with her own cheerful grin.
"Yeah, see ya." Akio said coolly with a smile.
"Next time I see you," Yoko told the kids grinning proudly, "I'll be a real Marine, and then I'll definitely capture all of you!"
"No way!" shouted both Mika and Akio confidently.
All three kids then shared a laugh before Mika and Akio left to join the rest of their crew. Yoko, Boss, and all the villagers waved off the pirates as their ship left. A number of the Straw Hats, Mika and Akio included, waved back to the island. Their adventure on Little East Blue was over, with new friends made and many promises made. Another memory in the great adventure; however, little did they know that this was only the beginning of an even greater adventure. And they will need to be strong for this one; even stronger than before.
"So, what is the status of the Amigo Pirates?"
Standing before a throne, a man looked down at his clipboard. "Well, sir, it would seem that they had failed in their task." He relayed to the man sitting on the throne.
"What a shame." The Jamaican-accented man said sounding unconcerned. Despite being hidden by shadows, the man wore a big grin with a large cigar in his mouth. "But it does not matter. One bug won't hinder my plans at all."
"And your 51st Pirate Captain, sir?"
The large man suddenly stood up. "We have another applicant." He stated eagerly. He began walking, making a clanging noise with each step, as he walked pass the meek man.
"A…Another applicant, sir?" questioned the man.
"Yes." The large, Jamaican-accented man said as he approached a Transponder Snail. It had a unique design; a black beard and black braids. The man then picked up the receiver and spoke into it.
"So," he spoke into the receiver grinning, "there's an opening."
"Great!" A response came from the snail, copying the speaker's eager grin. "I can't wait to be a part of this plan of yours, Captain Shiki! Zehahahaha!"
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's note: Dun dun duuuuun!
A new twist! What is going to happen next? Well, I'd say go read STRONG(ER) WORLD, but that ending made it that irrelevant. I'm not sorry. I've been wanting to go back and redo that story as well, and now I have lots of new ideas for it. THAT guy is just the tip of the iceberg.
But, that'll come later; STRONG(ER) WORLD Redux.
For now, this story will continue on like any One Piece episode would after a supposed Film (btw, STRONG WORLD is canon); completely unaffected. Or will it?
Thanks for reading! Until next time!
