Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece

...

"Your reports suck."

Luffy merely shrugged his shoulders at the blunt comment sent his way by Captain Smoker. "You should really take more effort into making sure those at Marine HQ properly understand the situation Luffy," added Tashigi. "Sending such incomplete files will not look good for your future prospects."

"It wouldn't matter how immaculate my reports were, it wouldn't change anything," said Luffy, tilting his hat over his eyes despite the fact they were indoors.

"You shouldn't think like that," said Tashigi, giving him a reassuring pat on the back.

Smoker merely scowled.

"Anyways, are we good here?" asked Luffy.

"So long as you don't cause trouble," declared Smoker.

"As if I would do anything to besmirch the good name the Navy has," stated Luffy. Given that his report mostly consisted of how an island had been suffering for years as a result of bribes taken by the Navy, both he and Smoker were more than aware of just what he had said.

"Would you like me to escort you around town?" asked Tashigi.

"I'll be fine," assured Luffy as he stood up from his chair. "Might just head down the docks and see what's happening."

"You still haven't heard from your crew then," stated Tashigi.

"It honestly wouldn't surprise me if they were already in town," chuckled Luffy. "Just make sure those reports get sent for me."

Smoker clicked his tongue in annoyance while Luffy gave the two a two finger wave before leaving the office. Tucking his hands in his pockets, Luffy waltzed through the hallways he had memorized upon his arrival having not wanted to get lost during his time here. Every now and again he crossed the path of a soldier or two who gave him a salute.

Luffy gave them a small nod of appreciation each time. To be fair he didn't know whether or not they were saluting him for his status or for the fact he had defeated a handful of soldiers during his short time here. Just because he wasn't with his crew didn't mean that he would negate his training.

For those who saluted him for his ranking he couldn't help but feel a bit miffed over it all. It wasn't like being a Warrant Officer was high up in regards to rankings. Those who were saluting him would more than likely reach a rank higher than his own in given time for accomplishments nowhere near as worthwhile as those he had already achieved. In the short time he had been in East Blue, he and his nakama had sailed to four different islands and thwarted the plans of hundreds of pirates and even had a number of Marine soldiers arrested.

These men and women could assist in the capture of a pirate captain and be given a promotion.

He'd get a pat on the back for his efforts.

Still though, Luffy was more than aware that this was the path he had chosen to walk. He'd receive very few commendations throughout his life but that was the cost of his freedom to sail as he pleased.

Stepping outside, Luffy paused to admire the peace surrounding the townsfolk. Considering the strong military force, the townsfolk seemed to be in a regular state of ease. Very few pirates would be brazen enough to attack an island with such a heavy Marine presence. Though considering that many crews likely needed to top up their supplies before tackling Reverse Mountain, it was inevitable that pirates did invade these shores. More likely in smaller boats and not the main ship as to not draw attention but you could never assume such things.

On his way to the docks, Luffy couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he saw a platoon of Navy soldiers marching forward with a number of pirates in custody. One said pirate stood head and shoulders above the rest. One thing that Luffy did notice however was that all of these felons looked as if they were starving. Their clothes hung loosely on their bodies and even if they tried to resist, Luffy doubted that they'd even have the strength to properly raise a sword to defend themselves.

"Warrant Officer Luffy, we meet again," said an all to familiar voice.

"Lieutenant Fullbody," said Luffy, forcing a smile as his lunch companion from the Baratie spoke up. "It seems that your assault was successful. These are the Don Krieg Pirates then?"

"Indeed they are," declared Fullbody proudly. "We bombarded their hideout before we picked away at the scraps."

Luffy hated the fact that Fullbody boasted about such a tactic as if he was a hero.

"We were lucky that we didn't kill their Captain by accident, I'm bound to get a promotion for my hard work," declared the Lieutenant.

"Congratulations," said Luffy, struggling to keep his smile on his face. "Be sure to report to Captain Smoker. I'm sure he'll want to hear all about your victory."

"I shall. Perhaps we can meet later to toast my success."

"Perhaps. Anyways, I must be off. You take care of yourself now."

"Before you go Warrant Officer, there is something I need to ask," said Fullbody. "What cell would Don Krieg's right hand man be in? I want to boast that I not only captured him but captured his captain."

"I'm afraid that you will not find Gin in any of the cells here Lieutenant," stated Luffy. "I'm afraid that you will be unable to tell him of your victory. Good day."

While Fullbody said nothing, the look of annoyance told Luffy enough before the Warrant Officer marched away, following after his men. Luffy meanwhile made a dash towards the docks. Had his nakama arrived then he had to inform Gin straight away that his old tormentors were in town and patrolling the streets. Undoubtedly they would recognize him on sight and knowing how dangerous he was, would likely shoot on sight.

Luffy would make sure that none of his nakama would die today.

...

Said nakama however had yet to dock in to port. In fact, according to Nami's navigational expertise, they wouldn't dock until well past nightfall.

...

Rain blanketed Loguetown and every civilian had long since sought for shelter from the storm. All except for one determined Marine who sat at the docks, gazing out into the horizon on the look out for his friends. Luffy held onto his arms, rubbing at them to generate some manner of warmth but the elements were in the winning position with him shivering in place.

Finally giving in, Luffy stood up from his position and turned towards the nearest street. Every instinct he had told him to sprint towards shelter but he found himself frozen in place as he saw that he wasn't alone.

At the mouth of the street, a cloaked man stood in the rain, unfazed by the downpour. A single hand reached out, beckoning Luffy to follow him.

Luffy watched as the man turned away and every part of him was screaming that this was a terrible idea. Having been a part of so many terrible ideas however, Luffy did follow at a steady pace, his gaze solely on the individual. The fact that he was shivering and could possibly fall ill no longer mattered.

All that mattered was this person.

Luffy followed him through winding alleyways before the man entered a bar which had been closed for the night. The amount of force this person possessed however far outweighed the integrity of the door. Regardless of the blatant intrusion, Luffy followed him inside.

The man walked behind the bar and grabbed hold of a couple of bottles before taking a seat at one of the tables and gestured for Luffy to join him. Against his better judgement, Luffy sat down opposite him.

There was silence between the two of them as the cloaked individual slid one of the drinks over to Luffy, before raising his own drink. Luffy followed suit warily, his eyes focused solely on the individual sitting in front of them. As one, they both lifted their respective drinks to their lips and both had a mouthful.

"It seems you've already made a name for yourself, Monkey D. Luffy," said the man, reaching up to remove the hood from his head.

"I'm really interested to know what you've heard of Monkey D. Dragon," replied Luffy, gazing into his father's eyes.

"I guess I haven't really earned the right for you to call me Dad or Father, have I," said Dragon, almost reminiscing about past decisions.

"The best act you ever did for me was leaving me with Grandpa," stated Luffy. "A child had no place in the wars you were waging. I can't imagine your image amongst the Revolutionaries would have increased with you carrying a toddler into battle."

"I imagine a few of my comrades would have found the situation quite humorous," chuckled Dragon. "Still though, there were children we rescued who joined our cause. You may have made quite a few friends."

"I had friends, more than that, I had brothers," stated Luffy, gazing up at the ceiling. "Ace and Sabo, we shared a cup of sake together. From that day on, we became brothers."

"Sabo?" repeated Dragon. Luffy's gaze dropped back to his father, waiting for an explanation. "We have someone by that name amongst our comrades. I'm sure it is a coincidence, nothing more."

"Has to be," said Luffy. "Sabo died a long time ago."

"I'm sorry for your loss," said Dragon before he lifted his drink. "To Sabo."

Luffy couldn't help but allow the smallest of smiles to spread across his face. "To Sabo." The two bottles clinked against one another before father and son drank once more. "Now, I take it you're not just here on a social visit. Do you plan on overthrowing the Headquarters here?"

"Truth be told, I did want to meet you before you journeyed down the Grand Line," stated Dragon.

"What makes you think that I'm heading down the Grand Line? I could just chill around East Blue for a while and prevent pirates from making their way into the Grand Line."

"Because as a member of SWORD, you've done all that you can in these waters."

Luffy's grip on his drink tightened. "Where did you get that information?"

"I have eyes and ears across the entire world, what makes you think that Marine Headquarters would be any different." Luffy bit at the inside of his lip as Dragon continued. "I'm aware of your entire history, including the fact that you have trained alongside some of the Marines' finest as well as some of the Seven Warlords. Whispers of that calibre do tend to spread quite swiftly."

"That still doesn't tell me why you think I'll make my way into the Grand Line."

"Because there is something that I need you to do," stated Dragon. "An issue that I myself cannot be a part of."

Luffy raised an eyebrow at that. "I'm listening."

"We were sent a message from a revolutionary group in Alabasta, requesting aid in there attempt to overthrow the King. However I feel as if there is something else going on there, especially since one of the Seven Warlords is located in Alabasta."

"One of the Seven Warlords?" repeated Luffy.

Dragon nodded. "Crocodile has been spotted there with none other than Nico Robin by his side, although she is going by an alias while working for him."

Luffy's gaze sharpened. "So what exactly is it that you want me to do?"

"Well, bringing forth light to corruption amongst naval officers in East Blue is one thing. These islands are grateful for what you have done, of that there is no doubt. Finding out that one of the Seven Warlords is actively trying to dispose of a king, now that would send shockwaves around the world."

Luffy lowered his gaze as he considered what it was that he was hearing. If Crocodile was in fact doing something so heinous then it was his duty to act where no other Marine would. As a Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile was for the most part untouchable. Even if he reported it to Navy Headquarters, the odds of them actually listening to what he had to say were minimal. They'd send somebody ill equipped for the job due to it being nothing more than a rumor and Crocodile would get away scot free.

"Fine," said Luffy, not liking the fact that he was effectively doing the bidding of the Revolutionaries.

"I thought you'd say that," said Dragon as he stood up. "Take care son."

Luffy said nothing as Dragon walked away, leaving him alone in the run down bar. Part of him wanted to chase him down and try to capture him but one didn't become the most wanted criminal on the planet by being weak. Even if he did have the strength to capture Dragon, would he be able to do it?

...

The Going Merry pulled up to the dock at daybreak, the crew having been set upon by a storm that had come out of nowhere. Nami had sensed it at the last minute and had made the call to pull up the sails to prevent them from getting damaged.

It came as no surprise to all of them to find Luffy waiting at the docks and the minute that they arrived he had already scrambled onto the deck. "Are you alright Luffy?" asked Sanji at the sight of the Warrant Officer. "It looks like you haven't slept a wink."

"I haven't," stated Luffy, the dark rings around his eyes more than a little noticeable. "Where's Johnny and Yosaku?"

"They decided to stay on Cocoyashi Village to help with redevelopment," explained Zoro.

"Good on 'em," stated Luffy. "Now, Sanji and Nami, I need you to go and get us enough supplies to last us a good while. Usopp, Zoro, I need the two of you to get any weapons you think we might need. Cannonballs are a must. Gin, I need you here to help me prep the Going Merry for departure."

"Departure, but we just got here," said Usopp.

"Yeah, and we need to leave as soon as possible."

"What did you do?" asked Zoro, glaring at Luffy.

"I may or may not have snuck into Headquarters and stolen the one Log Pose that Loguetown had in its possession. By the time they figure out it's missing, I want to be long gone," stated Luffy.

"Log Pose? What's that?" asked Nami.

"It's the device that's going to make sure we survive the Grand Line," declared Luffy, stunning the entire crew.

"The Grand Line..." said Gin, experiencing flashbacks of the hell he had suffered through. "You want to kill us that badly?"

"What are you all waiting for? Go, go, go!" shouted Luffy, ordering his crew to do what he needed them to do.

"Alright, alright," said Nami, hoping down onto the dock. "We'll be back shortly okay." Sanji swiftly followed her.

"Do you know what you're doing?" asked Zoro, gazing at the tired Warrant Officer.

"More or less," responded Luffy.

Zoro smiled at him. "Sounds good enough to me then," he said as he stepped down onto the island.

"Oi Zoro, wait for me!" shouted Usopp as he gave chase.

"You didn't answer me!" growled Gin.

"I've been there before, I know what I'm doing Gin," said Luffy as he looked at the pirate. "You have two choices now. You can overcome your fears of the Grand Line and come with us on the next big adventure, or you can stay here and try to secure a boat for yourself while avoiding the heavy Navy presence. Fullbody would like nothing more than to see you in a cell opposite Don Krieg."

Gin froze at that. "Don Krieg was captured?" he said in shock.

"And is now under the watchful eyes of Captain Smoker, a Marine who quite literally cannot be beaten with swords and guns due to his Devil Fruit power," stated Luffy. "With all that knowledge Gin, I ask you one simple question."

"Are you coming with us, or not?"

...

Hope you enjoyed.