-Yosh! Everything is ready! - Luffy spoke with a big smile on his face.
It had been three years since he returned to the past, and since the beginning of his training with his grandfather, Garp, now, he was finishing putting a barrel full of apples in a boat that his city had given him. It was his departure day for the East Blue seas.
-Luffy ...- The female voice of Maniko, a young-looking woman with green hair, caught the attention of the youngest -be careful.- She asked with concern.
-Shishishishishi! No problem! - Luffy replied with his characteristic smile. He looked at the other members of the village and the mayor who were there to see Luffy's departure, who also felt the presence of Dadan and the other bandits who were there to see his departure, and that makes him nostalgic.
-Hmpf! It will dishonor the image of our village, as will your brother, Ace, what a shame! -The mayor spoke with disgust.
Luffy didn't care about the older man's comment, after all he said the same thing the first time he went out to sea, so he kept his smile excited. The pirate pushed the boat to start sailing.
-Good-bye guys! -Luffy exclaimed with excitement, waving with both arms to those who watched his departure. The sound of falling water and the expression of surprise and fear on the faces of the members of the village made him understand what was happening, like the last time -I remember you ...- He commented softly, turning his face slightly to see the King of the Seas who years ago had ripped off Shanks's arm - hoped you would show up again. - He quickly turned and started to stretch his arm -Gomu Gomu no ...- He punched the face of the great creature and sent flying away -Pistol!- His arm was back to normal at that moment.
In the original timeline, he had hit that same blow on that King of the Seas and shouted, -I WILL BECOME THE KING OF THE PIRATES!- until then, the same things about his departure were almost all the same, even the same lines. He didn't scream this time. Not that he didn't want to be the Pirate King anymore, but he had a bigger goal ahead of him at that moment. He would become the King of the Pirates, only for another purpose ...
-Well ...- Luffy sat on a piece of wood from the boat and pulled out the barrel -I remember part of what happened.- He took off the lid and started eating the apples, without leaving any remains -I had eaten all apples and then I took a soft snore, but then there was that strange whirlwind that sucked my boat and got me into the barrel. I think that's how I met ... Koby.- He thought as he remembered what happened the day he left for the sea.
...
The boat continued to sail for about two hours, Luffy continued to eat all the fruit, seeing the surroundings, until he saw the same whirlwind that day. That is the day when his adventure would really start again, the day he would meet Koby ... He got up and went inside the barrel, closing the lid and preparing for when he was taken into the ship, taking advantage of the silence and the time he had, he closed his eyes to rest a little before everything started to happen.
...
-Oh, you slack! Are you hiding again to get tangled up, huh? - The questioning made Luffy open his eyes, being in a somewhat uncomfortable position, he was a little confused to be woken up suddenly.
-No! I was thinking of taking that huge barrel to the ship! - The familiar voice made the pirate smile broadly, it was Koby! He must have slept so much that he hadn't even noticed that he had been taken back to the ship that day and was now being taken by his friend to the ship of that woman named Alvida, it was almost time for him to leave.
-That's right! Let's reduce that weight! - The same voice as before spoke.
-Yea! I'm thirsty! - Another man spoke.
-Like?! If Miss Alvida finds out, she'll kill us! -Koby exclaimed with fear and concern, really like Luffy remembered him before he became Vice Admiral.
-You just shut up the rattle ... right, Coby? - The same man from the beginning asked his companion -politely-.
-I ... Yes, of course! -He let the trio of pirates take the barrel.
-It's really heavy! - One of them commented, being necessary the three to put the barrel in which Luffy was standing. With his Haki, watching the pirates' movements outside, he saw the punch that a big man was going to hit in the barrel -Aaaaahhhhh! - he shouted with determination, about to strike.
-Ow! - Luffy suddenly came out of the barrel and punched the bigger pirate and threw him back, unconscious, with the straw hat pirate opening a relaxed smile -Nice nap! - He stretched his arm to the left -But what ... who are you? - he asked, pretending disagreement.
-We are the one who asks! - The two pirates shouted angrily.
-Look, he will cool down sleeping there.- Luffy pointed to the pirate he hit.
-It's your fault! - One in yellow clothes shouted angrily -Damn you! Don't you know we're pirates ?! -he shouted, completely annoyed.
-I'm hungry, is there bread here? - Luffy asked Koby.
-Pay attention! You brat! -A spiky-haired one shouted this time.
-Go to hell!- Both pirates shouted, drawing their swords to attack the youngest. They attempt a blow, but their swords are thrown away with just the move of Luffy's arm. Luffy broke into a confident smile when he noticed the fear that was passing to the two in front of him -Who are you ?!
-Me? I'm Monkey D. Luffy! So? - Luffy introduced himself confidently, while the two men grabbed their companion and ran away from the pirate -What? What happened? What happened to them?
Koby blinked, surprised by the action of that young man in front of him. He had never seen anyone face those pirates head on. Except that the understanding hit the boy, when he realized that they would tell everything to his captain and that she would appear to attack the pirate: -Run! Fast! If they find you here, they'll kill you!
- It's just that I'm hungry! - Luffy complained as he walked through the ship's corridors, his belly growling slightly.
-You're in danger! There's a whole bunch on deck! -Koby complained with concern.
-Really? - Luffy asked, but ignoring and moving on in search of the deposit.
-Come with me.- Koby called, he would try his best to hide that stranger to try to save him from Alvida's wrath, but realized that he continued to move on to a door at the end of the corridor -Oh, no!
-Food! Food! What a beauty! - Luffy celebrated when he found a tank full of food.
-The place that seems the most dangerous can be the safest! - Koby said, closed the door slowly and locked it.
-What should I eat first? -He pulled out a box and saw that it was full of delicious apples -This box! That's right! What a delight! -He started eating each apple without wasting time.
-My name is Coby. Yours is Luffy, right? - Luffy nodded without turning. How can you be so powerful?
-That's good here! - The rubber-man commented, licking his lips. -Is this ship a pirate?
-No, not this one. He was only attacked by Miss Alvida.
-What's up? Does it have a boat?
-I think so.
- Mine sank.
-What? In the whirlpool? And did you survive?
-Was! I was dizzy, I won't even tell you! - Luffy said, but, in fact, he had slept during the whirlwind, since he couldn't stand the boredom of having to wait for the real adventure to start -You're with these pirates?
-It was the worst day of my life ... I was fishing, in a boat ... And out of nowhere a pirate ship appeared! - Koby remembered how he was going to fish, but Alvida and her companions kidnapped him because they needed to his boat to return to his ship and he ended up going by accident and became a slave -And since then, they haven't killed me, but they keep me a slave.
-You are a real ass! - Luffy said bluntly.
-Don't talk like that ...
-Why didn't you run away? - The rubberman asked curiously, even though he knew the question.
-It's impossible! It does not give! If they catch me, what's up? I'm really scared! - Koby whimpered sadly.
-Wow, you're a sissy! I hate people like you! -Luffy said, really being honest with what he said.
-I think you're right ... I wish I had the courage to be adrift in a barrel ... I wanted to do something. In fact ... Luffy, why are you traveling?
-I'll be the Pirate King!
-The Pirate King?! - The answer given by the straw hat really scared and surprised the smallest one who will almost fall backwards.
-That!
-Luffy, are you a pirate too?
-I am!
-And where are your companions?
-Still 'I am' without any! - He looked at the apple that was half in his hand -But I will find part of them quickly.
-The King of Pirates controls the whole world! It is a sign of wealth, power and fame! The one who got the One Piece!
-It's true! - Luffy stated, but he also came close to finding Roger's treasure in his other timeline, but it was not worth it without his companions there to see him conquer the greatest treasure of all and becomes the King of the Pirates.
-You ... All pirates are looking for you!
-Me either!
-No! No! It can not be! How do you want to be the greatest of all ?! It can't be!- Koby started repeating over and over again.
Luffy, in silence, watched him repeat that it was impossible for him to win the One Piece, that was quite familiar and strange for him. Koby, when they first met, was quite frightened and gave up easily for fear of getting hurt. But after he joined the Navy, his composure had changed completely. The Koby of his time was a respected Vice-Admiral, he arrested any malefactor without fear of being someone more powerful than him, he was someone who was proud to consider a friend.
Mugiwara got up and finished the apple, before going to the pink one and hitting Koby on the top of the head and making a small cock swell: -Why did you do that ?!
-It hit the roof,- Luffy commented.
-Let it go, I'm used to it.
-I don't know if it's possible ...- He raised his hand and took his hat -But I want to be, so I will be.- He started to face his greatest treasure -I already decided that I will be the King of the Pirates. And I will fight for it until the end! -He said with certainty that this time he would make his dream come true, but also with another purpose besides his promise to return his straw hat. I'll find a boat! If I ask, will they give me one? I hope you are good people!
-I never thought that way ... Can I do it too? Even if I die ...- Koby murmured, but Luffy already knew what he really meant. -Can I join the Navy?
-Marine?
-That's right! And arrest the villains! My dream since I was little! Can I do it? -The youngest asked the pirate.
-I do not know!
-Yea! I should try! Being a slave like that ... You better get away! And arrest Miss Alvida! That's it! I want to arrest her!
After speaking his goal with a new courage gained thanks to Luffy, Koby felt a little better, a small confident smile will appear on his face, as well as a smile of satisfaction grew on Luffy's, happy to see his friend again overcome yourself in search of your dream.
Only in an instant, a big explosion will occur. The smoke from the blow covered both and the pieces of wood fell to the floor of the deposit. A figure appeared and formed a shadow in the hole, it was the captain of Koby, Alvida. Alvida is a tall, very obese woman with long wavy black hair and freckles on her cheeks. She wears a white cowgirl hat with a big red plume, a red scarf, a pink plaid shirt and a blue captain's coat over it with her arms around her sleeves. She wears rings on her fingers and her long, sharp nails had a red lacquer. She has a purple stripe with a built-in pistol and some jewelry. She also wears gray pants and red shoes with golden buckles.
-What is this talk about arresting? Tell me, Koby! - Alvida asked the crewmate, with a threatening smile -So this is the Pirate Hunter, Zoro? - Said analyzing the young pirate, who smiled sideways when he heard someone mentioning one of his companions, but then again he turned his attention to the rosy -Koby! Who is the most beautiful of the seas?
-But of course it is ...
-Who is this fat, ugly and old woman there? -Luffy asked, this time really wanting to provoke Alvida, not as he originally asked.
The entire pirate crew and Koby were startled by the way in which Luffy referred to the woman from the giant iron club, who only reacted when asked: -Female and old? Damn you! -She raised the gun and then lowered it to try to hit the boy.
-Come on! - Luffy commented while holding his friend and jumping through the hole created by the woman, easily dodging the blow, before landing on the deck, Koby under his left arm and looking completely scared. The pirate threw his friend to the ground when he saw the other crew members approaching: -Oh! Attacking in the back is a dirty blow! - He said while punching a pirate and launching him against three others, throwing them out of the ship, opening a smile, but that soon disappeared when he saw a crowd of armed pirates coming to attack him at once. time: -And attack in a pack, too! - he shouted as he ran 'desperate', before his hand grabbed the mast and his arm started to stretch disproportionately as he went forward, scaring everyone around him - Kidding! Gomu Gomu no ... Rocket! -He pushed himself and flew hitting the pirates and knocking them down easily, launching some into the sea.
-What? - It was the reaction of both, Koby and Alvida, the incredible demonstration of the user of Akuma no Mi.
-Luffy! What are you?! - Koby asked surprised.
-Me? I'm a rubber man! -He said as he stretched the left side of his face.
-Rubber ?! Like?!
-You ate Akuma no Mi, didn't you?- Alvida asked.
-That's right! I ate Gomu Gomu no Mi! - Luffy replied.
-And even? I've heard of it ... I thought these fruits were just a legend. You are strong. What are you? -Alvida asked, preparing to fight, wondering if he was a bounty hunter who would be looking for his head.
-I'm a pirate!
-Pirate? You? By myself?
-Yes, for now, 'I'm' alone ... But soon I find some people there ...- Luffy spoke in a simplistic way, already thinking about the companions that he would once again recruit them and have more adventures with them.
-So you really are a pirate? My rival, isn't he? -Alvida smiled a cruel smile on her face, already ready to attack the straw hat pirate.
-Luffy! Let's get away! -Koby pleaded.
-Because?
-Didn't you see the size of her club? It is the most powerful weapon in this sea! And ...- Amid his plea, he noticed that Luffy continued to smile confidently. His fears began to fade away little by little as he continued to stare at that strange pirate. 'I have already decided that I will be the Pirate King. And I will fight for it until the end! ' Luffy's words echoed in his head.
-Koby, who is the most beautiful? - Alvida asked.
-You are the most ... Ugly, fat and old! - Koby shouted with conviction and anger, making Luffy start laughing.
-How it is?!
-I want to go to the Navy! And then I will arrest you!
-You lost track ?!
-No, that's right! I want to go to the Navy! I want to go to the Navy! And I'm going to arrest you! - Koby exclaimed.
-You dug your grave!- Alvida raised her weapon, with a clear intention to kill the youngest.
-I won't run away, I won't apologize! I'm just fighting for my dream! - Kobt thought, but not moving because his legs were shaking and paralyzed.
-That's right, Coby! - Luffy pushed his friend aside and allowed himself to be hit by Alvida's club. I'm made of rubber! - He spoke with a confident smile, he then started to stretch his arm until he left the ship and stopped in the air above the sea -Gomu Gomu no ... Pistol! - The cry came followed by a blow from the Alvida's belly that flew out of the sky, disappearing into the horizon. His arm then went back to normal -Hey! -He looked threateningly at the rest of the enemy pirate crew.
-Say it!
-Give a boat to Koby ... He wants to go to the Navy! Leave him alone! -With his order, he even left a small pulse from Haki that made the pirates tremble with fear.
-Okay!- - The pirates screamed at the same time, with them fleeing back to the ship.
-Luffy! -Koby was touched by Luffy's help, but his expression was short-lived.
An explosion at sea occurred, calling their attention to see two Navy ships. Luffy broke into a small smile.
-It's ... the Navy!- Koby exclaimed.
-Good! Go there! I'm a pirate, better get out of here! - Luffy started to run over the edge of the ship, going to take a boat.
-Hey, wait! Today is not my lucky day, I could end up in jail! - Koby shouted as he followed up to Luffy.
Both then entered a regular cruise ship dinghy, the ropes sagging and falling directly into the water. With the fall, Luffy then saw, at a glance before a water explosion blocked his view, Nami, in a dark blue pirate costume, fleeing in another boat.
...
-Until we finally ran away.- Koby celebrated with relief, they had managed to row away from the Navy ships.
-Yea! What fun!
-Hey, Luffy ...
-He speaks!
-To find One Piece ... you have to go to the Grand Line ... They call it the Pirates' Cemetery.
-Yea. Then I have to find someone strong ... I already know who will be the first. - Luffy spoke with a smile.
-Humm? Who?
-That pirate hunter that people said.- The pirate commented.
-The Zoro? I heard the Navy caught him.- Koby revealed, but noticed something that Luffy said -It's all wrong! You can't recruit him!
-Huh? Why not?
-If he was caught, it is because it is bad! No! No! No, man! - Koby received another punch to the top of the head -Why did you do that?
-He gave a shit.
Luffy turned his attention to the ocean in front of him, his adventure so far was proceeding in much the same way as it would last time. At first, he knew that there was no one outside the Grand Line, perhaps only the Mihawk, when he was behind Don Krieg, and the Smoker, in Loguetown, who posed a real threat to him and his crew.
He had to plan what he would do when he recruits his friends again, but that's a problem for another day, now, it's time to rest ...