So, it's basically been over a year since the last time we updated this story and we have a couple of things to say at the end of the chapter. Please read it. On a side note, that little skit between Dragon and Goddess was written in year 9, we're in year 11 now so there's a slight change in the writing. Anyways, please enjoy the story!
Goddess: Hey! We're back from camp!
Dragon: It was a tiring time, wasn't it Goddess?
Goddess: Yeah! I know right! That time when we went bushwalking, we almost died ten times!
Dragon: But on the plus side, we actually had fun.
Goddess: Yeah, we made an amazing raft that actually floated and allowed us to row out to sea.
Dragon: We also capsized in the water on purpose and did a t-rescue with our instructor!
Goddess: Oh yeah, I remember that. Our friend couldn't climb over onto the canoe but we managed to. Anyways, let's continue on the story since there are some things that must be said at the end.
Dragon: Right, let's start!
Previously:
"Yes! Pirate Bento!" Luffy cheered as Sanji handed each of the Straw Hats one pirate bento each with their favourite foods. Everyone else stared at the food that Sanji made and were drooling. "I also made one for Ace and Sabo since you guys are my captain's brothers" Sanji added and placed a bento in front of them.
"Thank you!" The two of them cheered and they all ate their food quickly, leaving the people who didn't get any food to be jealous. "Why didn't you make us any?" Shanks whined,
"Because we still have to watch the next episode and you guys never asked for any food" Sanji answered before he sat back down.
"Still useless as ever, Sanji" Niji stated, Sanji stayed quiet and the next episode played.
Shanks pressed play for the next episode and it began the same way the previous episode did.
Wealth, Fame, Power. Gol. D Roger, the King of the Pirates, attained this and everything else the world had to offer. And his dying words sent countless souls to the seas. "You want my treasure, you can have it. I left everything I gathered together in one place, now you just have to find it" These words lured men to the Grand Line in pursuit of dreams greater than they'd ever dared to imagine. This is the time known as the Great Pirate Era!
Come aboard and bring along all your hopes and dreams! Together we will find everything that we're looking for! One Piece!
Compass left behind, it'll only slow us down. Your heart will be your guide, raise the sails and take the helm. That legendary place at the end of the map reveals is only legendary when someone proves it real. Through it all, through all the troubled times, through the heartache and through the pain. Know that I will be there to stand by you! Just like I know you'll stand by me!
So come aboard and bring along all your hopes and dreams! Together we will find everything that we're looking for! There's always room for you, if you wanna be my friend. We are, we are the cruise! We are!
"You know, I always wondered why our enemies appeared in flashes, you know?" Nami noted as the opening ended. The rest of the characters nodded in agreement and Dragon gave a small gasp. That was the first time that he had noticed himself in the flashes. 'Was he considered as an enemy to his own son?!' He exclaimed loudly in his mind. They turned back to the screen.
The birds were chirping and everyone could hear the ocean waves hitting the boat. "Woah! It feels so good!" Luffy exclaimed with his arms thrown up in the sky.
"If we keep going at the pace, we'll reach the marine base in no time!" Koby added cheerfully,
"Woah Koby, you're great out here! You mean we're actually going to reach the place we set out for?!" Luffy exclaimed in excitement.
"Of course, it's nothing. I'm just using the skills that every sailor should have" Koby answered while pushing up his glasses and staring at Luffy who was laughing.
"Luffy, why are you so hopeless?" Nami sighed at her captain.
"I don't need those skills, I've already got a navigator" Luffy retorted cheerfully. Nami face palmed in annoyance.
"You know, there's really nothing to be giggly about because at the marine base they're holding the great pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro" Koby stated seriously and the camera zoomed in on his face before everything faded into black. There was a blue light that was from a katana and a body fell down. The camera moved up to see Zoro. There was a side image of his face. "This is the man whose diced up his bounties like an animal bent on carnage, a bloodthirsty beast. He's been called nothing less than a living, breathing demon in human form," Koby narrated. White words appeared in the middle of the screen. "Enter the Great Swordsman! Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro!" Luffy's voice narrated with some music in the background.
"I was just wondering about this but you know how Kristine died right? We don't appear to be affected much by her death right now" Ace stated calmly as he paused the episode,
"Yeah, should we ask Ryu and Goddess?" Sabo wondered. Everyone paused for a moment while realising that what Ace had said was right. Kristine did make a huge impact in their lives and although they were affected when she had sacrificed herself for Ace before they appeared in this world, but as they watched the first episode they didn't even realise that Kristine was gone. "That is a bit worrying" Aokiji spoke up, "she had made us see the world differently but we can't even mourn properly"
"Yeah, it's weird. Let's contact them after episode 2" Shanks agreed before continuing the video.
The birds were chirping in the background and the viewers could see Luffy and Koby looking at the town where the marine base was. "We're here! The Marine Base City!" Luffy exclaimed cheerfully. The viewers see Luffy and Koby strolling through the streets of the city. "Luffy, you're seriously out of your mind if you try and get this guy to join you" Koby tried to persuade,
"Well, I haven't made up my mind yet. I have to see if he's a good guy" Luffy answered,
"Is being a good guy all it takes to be on your crew, Mugiwara?" Smoker asked the boy curiously,
"Yeah" Luffy nodded before he was bonked on the head by Sabo and Ace, "OW!" Luffy cried. "What was that for?!"
"You need to be more mindful of what people are like!" Ace exclaimed,
"But, I am!" Luffy protested,
"They may be nice to you because of your charisma but that doesn't explain why you're so reckless!" Sabo admonished his younger brother,
"B-But!" Luffy frowned and made puppy eyes at Sabo and Ace,
"No. Once this episode is done, we're going to have a stern talk with you" Ace said to his younger brother, "of course, if Jii-chan wants to join in then he can"
"You wouldn't mind if I did too right?" Dragon asked them,
"No, you're welcome to Dragon-san" Sabo stated and they turned back to the screen.
"He's in prison because he's obviously not!" Koby exclaimed.
"Koby, that's being biased" Law spoke up,
"I know," Koby sighed as he watched his younger self. At least he changed his attitude for the best. They turned back to the screen and the episode continued.
Luffy ignored his last statement and picked a pear from the fruit stall and ate it before he tossed a coin at the stall owner. "Hey, seen that guy Zoro around here?" Luffy questioned. Once everyone hears him, they all jumped into hiding with a look of fear. "Maybe we shouldn't mention the name Zoro around here, okay?" Koby whispered to Luffy. The scene switched to Luffy and Koby both walking. "Let's head to the marine base and check it out. You wanted to be a marine right?" Luffy stated,
"Well of course I do, Luffy. I just don't think I'm ready just yet" Koby smiled nervously as they continued to walk through the streets, "from what I've heard the man in charge of this base is a man named Captain Morgan" and people panicked again.
"Why are people panicking when they hear the name Captain Morgan?" Tashigi asked curiously,
"You don't know?" Zoro raised an eyebrow,
"No, I never really paid much attention to people. I pay more attention to ancient swords, oh aren't they just great?" Tashigi gushed the moment she began to talk about her passion. 'She really is like her' Zoro thought to himself, "You'll find out, I'm quite sure that corruption within the marines is pretty well-known" Zoro shrugged,
"Corruption?" Tashigi asked,
"Yes" Fujitora interjected,
"That also reminds me, we've never actually met so who might you be?" Tashigi asked,
"I am a marine like you" Fujitora answered, "though you can call me Fujitora"
"Nice to meet you Fujitora" Tashigi nodded and the two of them turned back to the screen.
"Shishishishi, this town is such a weird place!" Luffy laughed,
"I mean, I understand if they're scared of Zoro but why did they flip when I mentioned the marine captain's name? You know, I've got a bad feeling about this" Koby said to Luffy as they walked,
"Maybe they were all jumping around for the fun of it" Luffy suggested,
"How would that make any sense?" Koby asked rhetorically before they finally arrived at the marine base. Luffy put his hands on his hips and looked up. "This looks like the place" he nodded to himself,
"I made it" Koby began to cry, "this is where you and I part ways, we didn't have long together but..."
Koby smiled softly at that moment. He really did respect Luffy and honestly didn't want to part ways with him. 'But we ended up not parting ways there' Koby thought to himself while hugging his pillow tightly.
"Where's the foothold?" Luffy asked curiously as he climbed up the wall.
"Get down from there! What are you doing! They'll see you!" Koby exclaimed to Luffy and the camera view switched to see Luffy looking around for Zoro. "Where's this demon?" He asked Koby. The boy shrugged before the camera switched to Koby. "He probably wouldn't be out in the open, he's most likely in a prison cell underground" he muttered,
"There he is!" Luffy cheered and he jumped down from the wall, "I'm gonna get closer". The camera view switched and the viewers could see Zoro tied to a cross with his black bandana overshadowing his eyes. The camera switched back to Luffy who was staring at his future first mate with his usual grin. "Koby, look!"
"I get that you're really strong now, but I can't help but wonder about why you were just tied there, Zoro" Brook stated as he looked at the man who was tied to the post on the screen.
"You'll find out soon, though I'm not sure how" Zoro shrugged. He knew that he had done a good thing and the others will find out about it later. That way, they won't be able to diss his strength anymore, again.
"I'm telling you, he's not-" Koby gasped as he spotted the pirate hunter. The camera position switched into an over the shoulder position which allowed the viewers to see Zoro tied to a stake out in the open and dust flying around him. The camera zoomed in slowly to Zoro with some dramatic music playing in the background. 'That black bandana on his head and a haramaki, it's Roronoa Zoro' Koby's thoughts could be heard by the audience. "If we untie those ropes he can just walk away" Luffy stated,
"Don't be such an idiot Luffy! There's no telling what a bandit like him will do if you just let him go, he could kill us both!" Koby screamed in fear.
"Don't worry, I'm strong. I can protect us" Luffy brushed off Koby's worries before the camera zoomed into a close up of Koby's face. He was silently crying tears of fear and shock from Luffy's claim. 'He's lost his mind!' Koby thought to himself and the camera moved out.
"You're bullying Koby again, Luffy" Garp looked at his grandson, "should I give you the Fist of Love?"
"No!" Luffy exclaimed after Garp hit him on the head again, "OW!"
"Hey oyaji, don't hit Luffy like that" Ace pulled Luffy behind him,
"Then should I give you the Fist of Love too?" Garp raised his eyebrows rhetorically before whacking Ace on the head. Sabo pulled Ace and Luffy behind him again. "Hey, don't hit them, old man" Sabo stated,
"Aren't you the brat who wanted to become a pirate along with those two?" Garp confirmed with Sabo while pointing at the two boys behind him,
"Yeah" Sabo nodded before he got whacked on the head with the Fist of Love as well.
"I did say that you guys were supposed to be marines didn't I?!" Garp exclaimed while holding his fist up.
"Can't you do that later?" Sengoku sighed,
"Fine" Garp frowned and turned back to the screen, leaving Sabo, Ace and Luffy nursing their head injury.
"Hey you two! You're an eyesore... get lost" Zoro snarled out and Koby screamed in fear.
"Luffy trust me, there's no chance you'll survive with him on your crew!" Koby cried to his friend before he noticed a ladder next to him and a girl slowly climbing up and sliding down a rope to run to Zoro. Koby began to rant but the camera focused on the little girl and Zoro. "What do you want?" Zoro growled at the small girl,
"I thought you might be getting hungry by now so I made you a couple of rice balls" the little girl answered with a bright smile on her face. The viewers could see Zoro glare down at the girl. "You got a death wish kid? Just scram" Zoro growled,
"Moss head! Don't be rude to the little lady!" Sanji exclaimed and he jumped up while grabbing Zoro's shirt,
"What's your problem, curly brows?!" Zoro exclaimed, "I was annoyed and hungry that day, alright?!"
"Hungry?" Sanji let go of Zoro's shirt,
"Boys, sit down and watch the episode" Nami ordered and they both sat down grudgingly. Sanji was in slight shock while Zoro was annoyed with Sanji acting out even though he didn't know anything. He turned to the screen and continued the episode. To the side, Helmeppo gasped quietly and grabbed his pillow, squeezing it. "This is that part" Helmeppo muttered,
"It's okay, you've changed already" Koby comforted his friend quietly as they watched the screen.
"But you haven't eaten anything the whole time you've been tied up" the girl frowned cutely while holding out the rice balls. "Here, I've never really made them before but I did my best so I think they're fine" There was a tinkling sound and the viewers can see her bright eyes which were waiting for Zoro to accept them. "Listen kid! I'm not hungry so stop irritating me and get out of here!" Zoro yelled,
"But..." the girl whined,
"Don't make me kick your ass little girl!" Zoro exclaimed. Since the camera was facing sideways, the viewers can see a group of people walking towards Zoro and the girl. "Now, now. No one likes a bully" a voice admonished. The camera went back to Zoro who turned his glare away from the girl and in the direction of the voice. The viewers could then see Helmeppo sneering at Zoro.
"HELMEPPO?!" The marines who knew him shouted in shock,
"He...he...he...That's me" Helmeppo buried his face into his pillow in embarrassment,
"You had a crazy past like Koby?!" Garp gasped in shock as he stared at his other student,
"Well yeah. That's the same marine base that Koby and I joined up in" Helmeppo answered, although his answer was muffled in his pillow.
"Roronoa Zoro, you seem to be handling this well, don't you agree?" He sneered,
"Hey look, now there's another weird guy" Luffy stated from up on the wall to Koby,
"That's great, they must be with the marines. Now we know that the girl will be safe," Koby sighed in relief and ducked under the wall again. The camera switched back to Zoro, Helmeppo and the girl. "Hey look, some tasty rice balls" Helmeppo smirked and swiped one from the girl before taking a bite.
"You don't just steal food that a young girl made with her own bare hands like that!" Boa Hancock gasped at Helmeppo,
"That's right!" Nami and Robin agreed as they glared at the marine,
"He's changed now" Koby defended his friend,
"That doesn't change what he did though" Nami frowned,
"I have a feeling you'll be saying that a lot throughout the episode" Koby mumbled and they continued the video.
"That's not for you!" She exclaimed indignantly before the camera focused on Helmeppo's face which got disgusted from the taste.
"It's too sweet!" The viewers could see his body from the over-the-shoulder shot at the girl. "They're packed with sugar. You're supposed to use salt, you idiot! Salt!"
"But I-I thought they'd taste better sweet" the girl frowned dejectedly. Helmeppo whacked the rice balls out of the girl's hands before stomping on them despite her protests. Koby and Luffy stared in shock. "That's just awful" Koby gasped as Helmeppo continued to stomp on the food.
"Helmeppo, the moment this episode is done, I'm going to kill you very slowly" Sanji glared at the man in anger, "that's food that you wasted and even if it was packed with sugar, you shouldn't have stepped and dirtied it"
"I u-understand my mistake now" Helmeppo stammered, "it won't happen again."
"I'm not letting you off without a lecture though" Sanji glared, but it softened a little bit since he saw that the man truly felt sorry about his past self's actions.
The girl knelt down in front of the ruined rice balls. Zoro was staring down at them too. "B-But I worked so hard to make those" she cried,
"Too bad, you must've not read the notice that was posted" Helmeppo pulled out a marine poster, "those who assist criminals in any way will be executed, signed marine captain Morgan. It seems even brats fear my daddy."
"His daddy?" Luffy asked curiously,
"So that guy's father is Captain Morgan?" Koby asked even though there was no answer. The scene switched back to Helmeppo who ordered one of the marine guys to throw the kid out. "I said throw her over the wall now! If you don't follow my orders then I'll tell my father" Helmeppo threatened,
"This is too much, should a marine even be doing that?" Kid asked Helmeppo while raising his eyebrow. Most marines were corrupt but he was quite sure that Helmeppo wasn't one of them,
"I know! It won't happen again!" Helmeppo exclaimed into his pillow while trying to hide himself from the stares that he was getting, "I understand how you feel now Koby"
"It's okay, it'll over soon" Koby comforted while patting him on the head and they continued to watch the video.
"Y-Yes sir! Right away sir!" The marine stuttered out and he moved to the girl, "s-sorry about this. Try curling up into a ball." With that statement, he threw the girl over the wall. Koby and Luffy stared at the flying girl before Luffy stretched his arms and grabbed her. Some music played while he hugged her tightly into his chest as they fell to the ground. His hat fell off once they landed. They sat up quickly and Luffy shot her a grin. "Thanks mister!" She thanked him earnestly.
"Well done Luffy" Rayleigh praised his student,
"It was only logical" Luffy puffed out his chest in pride as he gained the praise of his brothers who were patting his head and a thumbs up from Garp. Dragon gave him a slight nod before turning back to the screen. "Well, that's our captain" Usopp shrugged and he pressed play on the remote.
"Luffy! Are you two okay? What about you, little girl?" Koby asked worriedly as he ran up to them and checked the girl for injuries. "I can't believe how much of a wretched person he was. Are you hurt anywhere?" He fired off questions before the scene changed from Luffy looking at the base to Helmeppo and Zoro who were still inside. Zoro tsk'ed as he followed Helmeppo's movements. "You're just dead set on staying alive, aren't you?" Helmeppo laughed rhetorically,
"That's right, I'm going to make it through the month without any problems" Zoro confirmed while glaring at Helmeppo, "Only ten days left!"
"What's the deal with the month?" Dracule questioned curiously even though his face was still pulled in a frown,
"It was a deal that Helmeppo and I made which should be revealed soon" Zoro shrugged,
"Helmeppo?" Garp interjected and asked the main culprit directly,
"I'd rather not relive that horrible experience again thanks" Helmeppo mumbled into his pillow, "you'll find out like Zoro said anyways." Garp heard the final sentence and turned back to the screen.
"And you assume that you'll make it to the end of those ten days!" Helmeppo laughed as he left the scene which switched back to Koby and the little girl. "How can that man be so cruel?" Koby asked before looking around, "Luffy?" The main character had disappeared which led to poor Koby panicking. The scene switches back to Zoro where the viewers see Luffy standing opposite him. "So, I heard you're the bad guy" Luffy stated,
"You still here?" Zoro sighed,
"Stuck out here for all the world to see. Are you really that strong?" Luffy ignored Zoro's previous statement.
"It's impolite to ignore someone, Luffy" Ace sighed while remembering his lessons with Makino on how to be polite,
"I didn't hear him" Luffy answered bluntly which made Shanks burst out laughing again,
"You're always laughing when Luffy does something stupid Shanks," Rayleigh sighed while raising an eyebrow at the man,
"He's too precious" Shanks sputtered before calming down.
"It would be nice if we could get through this episode quickly, so let's try not to make any interruptions" Crocodile spoke up and everyone turned to him, "what?"
"You haven't made your own input in this, you know" Marco interjected, "so let's not judge when others want to comment. Who knows, there might be a part that you'd suddenly want to comment on. No one will complain since everyones going to talk at least once"
"Whatever, just continue watching" Crocodile shrugged and continued the episode.
"Mind your own business!" Zoro snarled and Luffy walked up to him.
"If I were you, I'd probably starve to death in 3 days" Luffy grinned cheerfully.
"I got more spirit than you could ever have" Zoro smirked, "which is how I'm going to survive this ordeal, this I swear"
"Hah, what a weirdo" Luffy held up a hand and turned away before Zoro stopped him.
"Wait, hold on. Could you, pick that up for me?" Zoro asked and looked down on the rice ball that was stepped on. There was a funny sound as the camera shifted to the rice ball. "You're gonna eat this? Because it's mostly mud and dirt" Luffy knelt down and picked up the rice ball,
"Shut up and give it to me! Now!" Zoro yelled in anger with a vein popping out. Luffy looked shocked at him before he feeds Zoro the rice ball with a smile on his face. "Should've listened to me~" Luffy sung,
"It was good" Zoro stated and Luffy's face changed into shock, "thanks for the food."
"Moss head... you... actually ate food from the floor" Sanji's eyes were widened in shock,
"So what?! I was hungry!" Zoro retorted but paused after seeing the look on Sanji's face. It was a look of respect and it was directed at him. Sure, they fought each other all the time and were rivals, but never had he expected to see the look of pure respect on Sanji's face.
There was a tinkling sound before the scene officially changes to a street where the girl cheered. "Really?" She exclaimed,
"Yep, he ate every last grain of rice" Luffy answered,
"That's great!" She smiled and looked down,
"I wonder if Zoro is as evil as everyone says he is" Koby stated,
"He's not! He's good" the girl defended, "because, he got himself punished for us." Luffy and Koby both looked at her in confusion.
"You're uh, you're not making much sense" Luffy said,
"Sorry, it's that dumb Helmeppo" the girl said, "he's the son of Captain Morgan."
"The kid called you stupid." Garp guffawed as he listened to the girl's conversation with Luffy and Koby.
From there a flashback began:
"Step aside, step aside for my precious doggy" Helmeppo said as he walked down the road with his dog, "anyone who doesn't move, I'll have executed!" The dog ran into a restaurant where the girl was. She got scared but tried to hit it to stop it from eating the customers's food. "You little girl, is there any problem with how my dog is behaving?" Helmeppo asked,
"Really Helmeppo? Over something so trivial at that," Garp sighed and shook his head,
"I know, I know!" Helmeppo shouted in his pillow which muffled his voice.
"Let's go easy on him. He knows his mistakes already" Koby defended and Helmeppo gave him a look of thanks.
"Rika, put it down! You don't want to get us in trouble!" A woman called out to the little girl who was now known as Rika. The dog leapt at Rika and she screamed before Zoro hit it with a chair which made Helmeppo panic. "Who the hell are you-wait, you're him. It's you! You're the Pirate Hunter Zoro!" Helmeppo exclaimed,
"And if I am?" Zoro asked blankly while the girl ran over to the woman,
"What is a pirate doing defying the marines, huh?!" Helmeppo exclaimed while waving the sword around.
"Can it and let me finish my meal in peace" Zoro answered while eating. The camera shifted so that the viewers could see Zoro eating. Helmeppo swung the sword downwards at Zoro but he kicked it and punched Helmeppo in the face. There was mysterious music playing in the back ground. He drew his katana and pointed it at Helmeppo's face. The music switched and now there was dangerous music playing in the background as Zoro talked to Helmeppo.
"The music really is amazing" Brook noted as he paid attention to the background music. As a musician, he truly had to respect the soundtracks used in the episodes. "I would truly like to meet the composer. He makes the events interesting by creating such cool music!"
"Can we meet them?" Sabo wondered curiously, "We do live in different worlds compared to those people though."
"That's true..." Brook sighed,
"Maybe next time when Ryuu and Goddess appear, we can ask them." Robin suggested,
"Yeah." Brook nodded in agreement and the three of them turned back to the screen.
"You're getting on my nerves, pal. You and that precious mutt of yours" Zoro growled,
"You do realise that if my dad finds out about this he'll surely execute the girl and her mother" Helmeppo's teeth chattered as the camera showed the woman who was now known as the mum and Rika hugging each other closely. "And so what do you say about a little deal between men? In place of the kid and her mum, we string you up instead for, say, one month. You survive that one month and I'll be so nice as to let you live too. What do you say? Sound fair?"
"Then one month it is" Zoro agreed and dropped his katana.
"That's the deal?! You starved someone just because a little kid and her mum defied you?!" Nami gasped and glared sharply at Helmeppo,
"Uhh... Yes?" Helmeppo mumbled nervously,
"HOW-" Nami was cut off by Robin pulling her back. She had unknowingly edged closer to the poor male who knew that what he did was wrong. Robin patted her arm supportingly. "He knows he's wrong." She stated,
"But!" Nami glared darkly at helmeppo, reminded of the moment Arlong killed Bellemere and forced her to work for him in order to free her family. Robin too had dark memories resurface, remembering the moment at Ohara when she was reunited with her mother before being separated again. "Past is past. There's no need to hold it against him," Robin said,
"Ugh... I'm keeping an eye on you." Nami glared and sat back down before blushing lightly in embarrassment and anger. Sanji shuffled a little bit closer to Nami, for the first time, he wasn't actually fawning over her. He was just trying to show his support to her, as did the other members of the Straw Hat Pirates. They all shuffled closer to her. The ones who remembered what happened at Arlong Park understood why she was feeling upset. "Let's... continue?" Fujitora asked, confused with what was happening,
"Yeah, that would probably be ideal." Tashigi agreed, eager to see what happens to Zoro. She was shocked to see the man make the deal in the first place, with his reputation and all.
"It's been three weeks since that day. Helmeppo keeps punching and kicking him while he's tied up. He's being so unfair! I don't, I don't know how to help him!" Rika said as there was a white flash and scene changed back to Rika, Koby and Luffy.
"I can see why you're upset" Koby comforted as she cried. There was the sound of glass breaking and all three heads turned in the direction of the sound. The scene moved inside the restaurant where the flashback was except this time it was in the present. Helmeppo was causing problems for the mum by breaking plates while sticking his feet up on the table. "I'm hungry. Bring us whatever you've got and keep the cheque for yourself and bring me a bottle of your moonshine or whatever crap you serve" Helmeppo ordered.
"Looks like we're going to have to get used to this for a while..." Sabo stated with a frown, glancing at the male who was the cause of everything. Helmeppo turned away from Sabo's piercing gaze. He knew he was wrong already and like Koby said, the past was past, he couldn't change it. "If I had the chance to change it, I would." He stated, his voice muffled by his pillow.
"I think we all know Helmeppo," Koby patted him reassuringly, "Don't worry about it."
"Thanks Koby." Helmeppo smirked gratefully and turned back to the screen.
The camera moved away from Helmeppo before finally landing on Nami who was staring in his direction. There was a tinkling sound as the camera landed on Nami's face. "And put some speed to it lady, I don't have all day" Helmeppo said. Luffy walked into the restaurant and passed Nami.
"I still can't believe we've met each other before." Nami shook her head as she watched the on-screen her and Luffy pass each other, unaware of what would happen in the future.
"See! It was fate!" Luffy cheered. Once he made up his mind, nothing could change it after all.
"Luffy... I'm not sure how that works, but okay?" Nami questioned to herself. She thought about it carefully though, the fact that she kept bumping into Luffy before she joined his crew could possibly be because of fate. She took a look at her captain who was goofing off with his brothers, she really didn't regret joining his crew. With all the support she got as well, she couldn't be better off than here.
"I think I should find something interesting to do since I'm bored out of my skull here. I suppose I could execute Zoro" Helmeppo cackled. The camera moved into Luffy's face which had settled into a glare. There was quick music as Luffy ran towards Helmeppo and gave him a hard right hook punch. Helmeppo flew and landed on the wall on the other side of the room. "You just hit me!" He exclaimed as a marine helped him up,
"Luffy no! You can't hit him!" Koby exclaimed and held him back from giving Helmeppo another punch,
"This guy is scum!" Luffy snarled,
"Nice job Luffy!" Garp guffawed at his student's misfortune, even if he did deserve it that time. Sengoku just shook his head at his friend's nonchalance and watched the marine corruption in the anime continue. "Haa... we really need to fix this soon," Sengoku muttered to his three admiral. Aokiji nodded immediately with the other two nodding with less vigour. Akainu looked furious.
"You actually hit me! I am Captain Morgan's son you know!" Helmeppo exclaimed,
"Yeah, like I care!" Luffy growled,
"You'll care after he executes you for this!" Helmeppo shouted while holding a hand to his cheek with a scared face,
"Why don't you just be a man and fight!" Luffy snarled while Koby was struggling to hold him back,
"Luffy, just ease off! Why are you trying to get on the marine's bad side?!" The camera moved to Koby's face who was grunting, but Luffy suddenly stopped moving in his arms.
Koby smiled lightly at the scene. He remembered it clearly, the moment when Luffy made his decision to recruit Zoro into his crew and didn't care about what the other party thought. "Luffy, you're really amazing..." He praised with a large smile,
"Marines praising pirates?" Dragon questioned the boy and Smoker raised an eyebrow at the statement, "That's unheard of."
"Oh, if you think that was unheard of, you should wait until you get to the other part." Zoro smirked and Luffy just grinned cheerfully, remembering the moment when the marines of that base all saluted in thanks to them.
"What happens next?" Usopp wondered aloud, saying the question that was on everyone's mind,
"Ehehe..." Koby laughed nervously. He remembered that moment. It was the very moment where he began to owe Luffy a huge debt, one that he could never repay.
"You'll see~" Zoro chuckled darkly, bringing in a dark atmosphere,
"Just continue already!" Yonji frowned. He was bored and did not understand the point of watching the show.
"Patience is a virtue." Shakky stated mysteriously, "But it's also a vice, which would you rather it to be, a virtue or a vice?"
"Please leave them be... uhh..." Sanji trailed off, realising that he didn't know the woman's name.
"You can call me Shakky." Shakky answered,
"Right, Shakky-san then. Please leave them be, they won't understand what it means to have human emotions," Sanji stated, avoiding the area where his family was sitting in. Franky raised both his eyebrows in shock. "They're like me?" He asked,
"No. You're way better than them Franky," Sanji said and he immediately heard his brothers rise in protest of his statement. Yonji and Niji were about to attack him but Ichiji and Reiju held them back. "We're here to watch a movie, take it as a break." Reiju frowned,
"And don't even bother wasting time with that weakling Sanji, he's not worth our time," Ichiji added. Reiju frowned secretly and cast her third brother an apologetic look which he waved off secretly. "Let's continue," Law sighed tiredly. This was too much work for him, in addition, his enemy was in the same room with him and he couldn't do anything about it. He pressed the play button on the remote and continued the somehow paused episode.
"I've made up my mind" Luffy said and Koby's face turned into surprise, "Today, Zoro joins my crew" and from there the scene switches to the marine base where Captain Morgan is seen. He keeps on praising himself with the marine agreeing with him out of fear. "The issue here is the level of respect for me. Wouldn't you agree?" Captain Morgan asked,
"Daddy! There's someone outside that I want you to slaughter and I want it done now!" Helmeppo exclaimed as he came running into the captain's office. From there, the intermission played again. It was the same as the previous episode. Luffy's wanted poster landed on the camera again. This repeated twice. Once the intermission was done, the scene returns to Zoro out in the courtyard where everyone could see the heat doing some damage to him. There were sounds of wood hitting each other before flashes of Zoro's past appeared on the screen. "You're weak Zoro, nothing ever changes" the girl said after she knocked him down,
"Wow! That girl knocked down Zoro!" Tashigi gasped in shock and awe. It was amazing to see someone like Zoro put in his place in her opinion, by a female no less. But that girl... looked strangely like her. "Is that... Kuina?" Tashigi turned to look at Zoro curiously,
"How do you know her?!" Zoro's eyes snapped up at her, his gaze piercing her, trying to see through all her secrets.
"You called me by that name in Loguetown a long time ago," Tashigi explained,
"It's... Kuina." Zoro confirmed and avoided her eyes. They looked so similar, it actually hurt. After hearing the confirmation, Tashigi turned back to the screen and paid a bit more attention to the person she was compared to.
"I made a promise to her so I can't afford to die in a place like this" Zoro's voice said as the camera showed the girl looking up and smiling. Cherry blossoms brushed her hair and that was when Zoro's eyes snapped open in the real world indicating that the flash back had ended.
"That's your dream, right Zoro?" Luffy grinned cheerfully,
"Yep, to become the Greatest Swordsman in the world," He agreed readily, "Just you wait Mihawk, I'll be surpassing you soon."
"And like I said, I'll be waiting." Mihawk answered calmly with a shrug and they all turned back to the screen.
"You again, don't you have things to do?" Zoro asked looking at Luffy,
"I'll untie you but only if you promise you'll join my crew" Luffy said and Zoro's eyes snapped up to look at Luffy,
"Your what?" Zoro asked,
"I run a pirate crew and I'm looking for people to join up" Luffy said, moving closer while the camera did an over-the-shoulder shot again,
"No way, I'd never stoop to joining up with a criminal" Zoro retorted,
"What's wrong with being a pirate anyways?" Luffy questioned,
"They're despicable, like hell I'd join up with one" Zoro answered with some strange music playing in the background,
"I truly have to repeat this multiple times, but the music is really good," Brook said, focusing on the instrumental that appeared in the background. "But then again, I don't have any ears so I can't hear it, skull joke! Yohohohohoho~"
"It is, isn't it." Hancock agreed. It matched what was happening which was good.
"Oh come on. Everyone already knows that you're a vicious bounty hunter out for blood" Luffy grinned,
"People can say whatever they want about me but I've never done a single thing in my life that I regret. I will make it through this challenge and after that I'll accomplish what I want" Zoro grinned at the camera,
"Yeah, that's great" Luffy smiled before turning away from Zoro, "but I've already decided that you're gonna be on my crew."
"That's Luffy for you!" Ace and Sabo both chuckled, rubbing their little brother's head with so much enthusiasm that Luffy had to try and avoid their hands.
"Stop it!" Luffy pouted and frowned at his older brothers.
"Should have expected it," Ace laughed, "That would be the only way he can get members of his crew after all~"
"Yep! But that's why he's Luffy hahaha" Sabo laughed before jumping on top of his younger brother. They started scuffling around before there was a cough and all three heads looked up to see Dragon looking down at them unamused with Rayleigh chuckling lightly behind him. "We want to finish this episode, yes?" Dragon asked the question rhetorically and all three of them sat back down dejectedly,
"You guys can have fun later," Garp laughed, old memories rising to the surface when he met Sabo as a child,
"We could always Ryuu or Goddess if there's an area where we could actually exercise and train. Sitting around does get tiring after all," Rayleigh suggested after his chuckling passed,
"Okay!" Luffy cheered and the other two brightened up lightly. Whitebeard watched his subordinate who was one of his surrogate sons brighten up and eagerly waited for the episode to finish so he could continue spending time with Revolutionary and Mugiwara.
"What?! You can't do that!" Zoro mouth comically yelled,
"I hear you're one of the best swordsman around" Luffy praised,
"Well I am! But that idiot captain's son took mine away!" Zoro answered,
"So I'm gonna have to go and get it back for you, so if you want them back then you'll have to join my crew" Luffy grinned before running off,
"Now you're really pissing me off!" Zoro snarled, "Wait, he's actually gonna bust in there alone? Hey genius! The base is in the other direction." Luffy grinned all the viewers could see was Zoro with Luffy's arms stretched out in front of him. "Gomu-Gomu no Rocket!" And Luffy shot off in the direction of the base.
"W-What the hell is this guy?!" Zoro's face turned into shock.
"T-T-The look!" Sanji burst out laughing at Zoro's shocked face.
"Oi! You're one to talk!" Zoro snapped back, "I'm sure you were shocked yourself when you saw Luffy's devil fruit powers for the first time!" Sanji paused in his laughter and the realisation hit. "That's right! If this show really is about our lives, I'll get to see your reaction when Luffy uses his powers for the first time too!"
"No way..." Sanji gasped dramatically like the person he was, "Whatever, it's worth seeing your stupid face on screen ahahahaha!"
"Don't judge, I just never thought a devil fruit user would appear in front of me and try to recruit me as well!" Zoro defended himself with a glare. he heard snickers to his left and he turned to face Usopp who was laughing as well. Actually, everyone was laughing silently and chuckling at his expense. "Yeah yeah, laugh it up. But when it comes to your own faces, I'll be laughing the loudest!" Zoro sighed and continued the episode.
The scene switched to multiple marines pulling up Captain Morgan's statue. "That's it, right there. Now pull it up in one final pull!" Captain Morgan ordered,
"Well dad?! Are you going to get this guy or what?! I mean he just outright struck me in public and you've never hit me before so why should he be able to?!" Helmeppo rambled,
"Do you have any idea as to why I've never hit you?" Captain Morgan asked,
"Is it because you think I'm great?" Helmeppo asked,
"No, it's because you're a stupid fool who isn't even worth hitting" Captain Morgan punched Helmeppo in the face, "I don't want you to get the wrong idea. The only great man around here is the one you call your father!" He pointed at himself before throwing Helmeppo down and asking about the girl.
"I dealt with her already" Helmeppo answered,
"I hope that means killed" Captain Morgan questioned,
"No, she's just a kid" Helmeppo protested,
"At least you still got morals." Nami sighed out, feeling some of her anger fade away because of Helmeppo's decision to not kill the girl. He knew that innocents didn't need to die. She sighed out lightly in relief and nodded her head once at the male. "But that doesn't mean I forgive you."
"I hear you." Helmeppo agreed readily. It wouldn't do to have a thief, much less one on Luffy's crew to come after him and steal everything that he had after all.
"You there, go into town, find this girl and kill her!" Captain Morgan ordered while pointing at a random marine,
"But sir! You can't be serious! She's just a little girl sir!" The marine protested,
"I don't care if she's a child or not! Anyone who disobeys my orders is a traitor" Captain Morgan growled and walked towards the marine,
"No sir. I can't do it" the marine stood firmly before Captain Morgan knocked him down with with axe hand. "Lieutenant!" Some marines called out,
"He is petty." Marco glared. He couldn't stand the sight of someone wanting to kill another just because they disobeyed his orders. "That's what should be done," Niji mumbled and Marco's gaze spun around to him,
"How dare you say something like that? Is Germa 66 really like that?" Marco glared in anger. Niji was about to reply when he was stopped by Reiju who glared darkly at him. he backed down, but not before muttering some promises of how he'd get Marco back for what he said. Since Niji had been forced to back down, Marco decided to let him go for the moment and returned his gaze to the screen.
"You killed him!" Helmeppo exclaimed,
"My strength was what I used to rise to the rank of captain" Captain Morgan held up his axe hand, "Listen, in this world, titles are what matter! That means by being the captain of this base and the highest ranking officer, I am the most superior person as far as the eye can see! This means that I do everything right! Am I correct men?!"
"Sir, you are correct, sir!" the remaining marines saluted and answered,
"Let's put killing the girl on hold for now. Observe the symbol of my authority which took years to complete, but here it is!" Captain Morgan praised himself, "Now stand it up! Display my greatness at the top of this base for all to see!" The camera moved out and moved down to Luffy who was on the ground. "That's weird, no one's here" Luffy mumbled to himself, "I've got to find that crazy idiot's son and get Zoro's sword back to him." There were loud sounds at the top of the base,
"You there, you bonged it" Captain Morgan stated as the marine accidentally his the statues hand against the roof,
"I wonder what's going on up there" Luffy put a hand on his straw hat as he looked up. The scene switched back to the marine who was trembling in fear. "I'm sorry sir! It was an accident, I didn't mean it!" He exclaimed,
"I consider the slightest scratch on this nothing less than a traitorous act that's punishable by death!" Captain Morgan growled and lifted his axe hand again.
"I guess I should check it out" Luffy shrugged before stretching his hand to the roof of the base, "Gomu-Gomu no Rocket!" He flew up but went a bit over where he was supposed to land. Everyone on the roof stared at him. "What is that thing?!" A marine gasped,
"It flew up from the ground!" Another marine exclaimed. Luffy grabbed onto the rope that was behind the statue and landed on the roof safely. The torso and up of the statue fell to the ground with everyone yelling in shock aside from Luffy. "Sorry about that" Luffy sweat dropped and held a hand up in an apologetic manner. The torso fell and broke the moment it hit the ground.
"That was good Luffy!" Luffy was continuously patted on the back by Shanks who was laughing aloud, not afraid of what others were thinking.
"You'd think Akagami would restrain himself, but no," Aokiji sighed. He was too lazy to focus on anything and just decided to leave them to their own devices. He had to admit though, the fact that there was a series based on the Straw Hats could prove to be an advantage, in addition, he would get to see if Robin really was living her life happily. He truly wanted to see for himself.
"Seize him so I can kill him myself!" Captain Morgan yelled,
"Sir, yes sir! Right away!" The marines chorused,
"That's him! That's the guy! He's the one who punched me daddy!" Helmeppo yelled before Luffy was right in front of his face,
"Hey it's you! I'll been looking for you all over the place, you have something that I really need to get back" Luffy grinned nonchalantly while shaking Helmeppo's shoulder. Helmeppo screamed in fear and Luffy pulled him alongside himself into the base. "Do not let that man escape!" Captain Morgan yelled,
"Yes sir!" The marines chorused,
"Captain Morgan! There's someone in the crucifixion yard!" A marine called out,
"What?!" Captain Morgan snarled and looked down at the tiny figure who was running towards Zoro. "I'm surrounded by traitors" was his final words before the scene switched to inside the base. Nami landed in the corridor and was about to pick the lock of a door before multiple marines ran down the corridor opposite of her.
"That was close..." Nami sighed, remembering that moment clearly. She was getting the map to the Grand Line in order to get enough money to buy back Cocoyashi Village after all. It was an all or nothing moment for her. That's why when she heard Luffy was going to the Grand Line, she had suggested they team up. She heard Luffy laugh and smile brightly at her.
"Don't let them escape!" One of the marines yelled while running in the direction that Luffy had taken off in earlier.
"Ugh, someone's rocking the boat" Nami groaned before she ran in the opposite direction. The scene switched back Luffy who was holding Helmeppo's neck. "Okay, so tell me where Zoro's sword is" he instructed as Helmeppo continued to scream,
"Okay, I'll tell you!" Helmeppo exclaimed in panic,
"It's in my room, stop dragging me" Helmeppo groaned out,
"Okay so where is it?" Luffy asked,
"It's the one on the left, you just ran passed it" Helmeppo groaned out,
"Okay then why didn't you say so earlier? Now we've got to go all the way back." Luffy stopped running and Helmeppo could finally breathe again.
"That's painful..." Koby muttered and patted Helmeppo on the back. Luffy was never aware of his rash actions after all.
"Don't move!" Some marines from behind Luffy ordered, "and let sir Helmeppo go!"
"No way" Luffy responded, "but you can try shooting me if you want"
"No! Please don't shoot! Get the hell out of the way!" Helmeppo yelled as Luffy used him as a human shield. The scene switched back to Koby who was trying to untie Zoro from the post. "You have to get out of here, Zoro" Koby stated while working on the knot on the left,
"That maniac's gonna kill you for what you're doing right now!" Zoro growled back at Koby,
"I can't stand to watch the marines behave like this anymore, the true marine should be honourable" Koby stated and the camera moved out of his face who looked serious,
"You're so sweet Koby!" Hancock grinned at the marine, having grown some kind of soft spot for him as they watched him in the anime. Koby laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. The marines all nodded approvingly at him, he had good intentions after all. "Thank you." Koby smiled and turned back to the screen.
"Look kid, I can't leave. I've got ten days left and then they're-" Zoro protested but was cut off by Koby,
"Well, not quite. They're gonna execute you tomorrow"
"What?" Zoro took in a sharp breath and his jaw dropped open in surprise,
"Helmeppo never intended to honour your agreement, which made Luffy really angry so he just knocked him out" Koby explained,
"He did?" Zoro muttered questioningly,
"Now that the marines are mad, they're dead set on catching Luffy" Koby didn't seem to hear Zoro's question, "Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to become a pirate though but I hope you'll help him. You have a lot of strength that you can offer. Luffy's the only one here who can save you from execution and of course you're the only one here who can save him from a very similar fate."
Everyone paused for a moment. Without a doubt, Koby's speeches were always something to revel at. The fact that he could make the Pirate Hunter Zoro rethink his decision on helping Luffy out was a feat in itself. "You're an extremely memorable person," Zoro finally uttered and Koby laughed sheepishly,
"Yeah! We're always friends no matter what!" Luffy agreed readily and gave Koby a huge grin.
"We always remember the most important people after all," Zoro stated, which was extremely out of character for him even if it was just half teasing for Helmeppo because Luffy and himself had forgotten who Helmeppo was when they met again at Water 7. Helmeppo internally sobbed at the statement and Koby patted his back again in consolation. "You're a good friend Koby," he sobbed out into his pillow. Koby continued patting his back until he had finally calmed down. They turned back to the screen and refocused on what was happening.
Zoro stared off in the distance while thinking about Koby's speech.
"End of the line" Captain Morgan interjected and Zoro and Koby both turned to him. The marines lined up while holding their guns at them. "For treason against me I sentence you both to die where you stand" Koby's mouth dropped in shock at their appearance and then the scene changed to Luffy who had just opened the door to Helmeppo's room. "This looks like yours" Luffy grinned, looking around for the swords, "Bingo, hang on. There are three here. Hey weirdo, which on of these is Zoro's?" Luffy asked but Helmeppo had already passed out. He walked towards the window and looked out. "Koby!"
"Looks like the Straw Hat really pays attention when the need comes to it," Killer noted quietly to Kid who was watching the show boredly. It was interesting to see how his opponent grew but it was somewhat of a bore to him.
"Whatever," He shrugged and faced the screen.
The scene changed back to Koby and Zoro with Koby crying in fear and Zoro giving a desperate glare at the marines who were pointing their guns at them. "You've been pulling some interesting moves around here. What is this, some kind of poorly executed rescue?! You two and the man with the straw hat?!" Captain Morgan demanded,
"I've always fought alone like a real man does! Not like a coward who hides behind his wall of expendable cronies" Zoro insulted,
"Roronoa Zoro, don't you dare underestimate me. You may be strong fighter but under my authority you're just a rat that we throw out with the trash" Captain Morgan answered his insult, "Take aim!"
'Can't afford to die here!' Zoro's voice said out his thoughts as he desperately tried to find a way out while remembering Kuina. The scene switched back to Luffy who was opening the window with the three swords tied to his back. He gave up and stretched his arms while holding onto the windowsill. "Gomu-Gomu no Rocket!" He exclaimed and broke through the window.
"Fire!" Captain Morgan ordered and the marines fired. Luffy landed in front of Zoro and Koby. He held out his arms and the bullets hit him. "What?!" Zoro gasped in shock,
"Luffy, no!" Koby cried out,
"Straw Hat!" Captain Morgan growled out. Luffy skin stretched out after the bullets hit him and repelled them back to the shooters. The marines stared at him with a mixture of shock and fear.
"..." There was silence for a minute before someone snickered. Then the others followed in suit. It was so amusing when they saw the reactions of the marines that had never seen the work of a devil fruit in real life. It was different, but at the same time, there was something that could catch them off guard after everything that had happened at Marineford.
"See ya!" He laughed out loud and his hands were in the air again. From there, a strong but dramatic music began to play. "That won't work on me, told ya I was strong!" Luffy laughed
"Who the hell are you?!" Zoro's jaw dropped open in shock again,
"Love that reaction," Sanji muttered and Zoro glared at him darkly.
"My name's Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!" Luffy grinned while holding up a thumbs up. There was a loud bang with the camera zooming into Luffy's smiling face.
"I quite like the emphasis on Luffy when he introduced himself," Dragon said, feeling proud that his son was famous.
"He's my grandson, so of course he would be famous!" Garp stated smugly and he and Dragon had a stare down. No one paid attention to them because Sabo and Ace were secretly sticking their tongue out at the two fighting me. "To be fair, he's our brother." Ace grinned cheerfully with Sabo nodding next to him.
"As such, we're much closer to him than you two would ever be!" Sabo added and Ace nodded. Dragon and Garp turned their gazes to the two young men and glared darkly. Neither side wanted to back down. "Come on, you can do this after we finish, the episode's nearly done!" Nami sighed in exasperation. Grudgingly, the four of them turned away and focused back on the screen.
The screen faded into black and the music ended with the words To be continued appearing on the screen. The scene cut to the ending song.
As a kid, I never stopped searching for a great treasure.
I had a map... in my mind, that I knew would lead me. I had to find... my way to that place... before someone could beat me. The promised land... was in my grasp... and I wouldn't let go!
La la la la, my only dream, la la la la la. I won't stop chasing it until it comes true!
But if the world ever changes I'll call out your name! We... could return to the time when everything's the same! As long as I'm with you, my memories won't fade. Waiting for that one true dream.
The Logo One Piece appeared on the screen again and there were bell chimes of the opening song. This time, Luffy swung his foot and knocked out all of the marines. "I'm going to be the world's greatest swordsman!" Zoro voice-overed Luffy running towards Captain Morgan,
"Then why not be the world's greatest swordsman pirate?" Luffy questioned,
"What would you know about it?" Zoro asked back while Helmeppo was holding a gun to Koby's head,
"The soldiers are starting to go crazy!" Nami exclaimed as Koby's legs shook and Luffy gave a large smile,
"Maybe it's because we're enemies of the marines now" Luffy's voice said as Captain Morgan was talking, "let me untie your ropes"
"We have to hurry, there's got to be a map of the Grand Line somewhere in this base!" Nami said as she appeared on screen looking around for a map after tying up some marines.
"Oh, uh, the ropes are tighter now" Luffy stated to Zoro who was still stied up with marines running towards them.
"Luffy, how in the world can you make ropes tighter then they actually are?" Nami shook her head helplessly at her captain. He truly was helpless whenever it came to normal things like this. Luffy laughed again before he was bonked on the head by both of his brothers. Both were sighing at his helplessness.
"What?!" Zoro exclaimed with Captain Morgan attacking Luffy in the background. "Next time on One Piece: Morgan versus Luffy! Who's the mysterious pretty girl? I'm going to be King of the Pirates!"
"I'm about to make an appearance! Officially!" Nami cheered and jumped up. Her crew mates all chuckled at her enthusiasm and she sheepishly sat back down. She was just so excited to actually be in the show and walk down that memory lane just like Helmeppo, Koby, Luffy and Zoro had. "We can continue on to watch the next episode now if you want," Sabo suggested sweetly,
"I'd love to!" Nami cheered again,
"Doubtful, we should take a small break. It's bad for our health if we continuously sit and watch without moving around." Law stated calmly with Marco agreeing next to him.
"Alright, should we ask Goddess and Ryuu about where we can go to train and move around? If I remember correctly, Goddess said that there was a way to contact them... here!" Ace cheered, making jazz hands at the Den-Den Mushi. It took a while for them to decide on whether to actually call Goddess and Ryuu but after much decision and arguments, they all decided to exercise a bit before moving on to the next episode.
Dragon: What a sad way to end eh?
Goddess: Well, end of the chapter, certainly not end of the story. The reason why it took so long to update? We actually got into Gintama, awesome anime mind you.
Dragon: And, we ended up writing for it as well. Seriously awesome.
Reviews: (Don't need to read, there are just some that I felt the need to reply to aside from all the lovely support you readers gave me!)
To Smiley-Nami, Kornerkun, Guest #1 and Myherogal22:
Thank you all very much!
To GR:
I have to admit, your review was probably the one that put me off writing for a while because I didn't know what to write hehe. I do understand where you're coming from though, with the cannon diverge and all that stuff. It's just somewhat hard to go back and forth and compare so I tend to just stick with the anime hehe... I will however, at some point, go over the manga and compare it when they reach the battles though, might be nice for consistency if I have time. It is a bit cramped too I suppose, though not much I can do now unless I rewrite since it would mean I'd change all the reactions, etc. Thank you for the support though and I hope you can continue reading!
To Guest #2:
Thank you!
To haseosamaa:
Yeah, I understand, they are pretty long hehe. I personally prefer reading long chapters but I may split the next chapter in half for shorter chapter lengths! Hope you enjoy!
To Lifesucks 10:
Thank you and I will!
To angeldunn1993:
Yes! I hope it's interesting hehe. Thank you and I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
To Fairy D. Lily:
They're coming! (I hope)
To OMG-Reds:
Yes hahaha~ I love reading your comment, it's really funny!
To Guest #3:
Thank you!
To Alex:
Hahaha, it's fine! An update for your sanity would be good right?
To Angel Winx, ninjagirlA20, 13, a8:
Thank you! And updates are certainly coming!
To Guest #4:
Thank you! I'm glad you like it! There are also others as well so I hope you enjoy them as much as you enjoy this one!
To randyr2015:
Yep! I will!
To DarkAsta:
Yep! I am.
To Misadique:
Following the anime so it doesn't start at the beginning hehe.
To Deaniel and Guest #5:
Yep! Here's the next chapter!
To Guest #6:
Thank you!
To NeuroNeppo:
Yep! Next one is coming! (Love the comment, it makes me laugh too hehe.)
To Guest #7:
Your review was probably the one that got me back to writing because it was nice to know that there were people from other countries that enjoyed my writing hehe. I personally love it! (Even though I'm not Russian and I didn't understand it, had to get a friend of mine to translate it for me #Akon). Thank you very much for the support!
To KatoGS123, MelodYuki24:
Updates are certainly coming!
To CrimsontheBloodyDemonKing:
I personally love these stories too! It's interesting to see the different reactions that the characters from the original series make if they had the chance to watch their own series hehe.
To Guest #8:
*Laughs*
To GR #2:
Fair, it may not be "new and interesting" like you said it is, but it is my own interpretation of the story rather than someone else's. The reason I wrote this was not for popularity or any of the sort, it was just so that people who enjoy reading these types of stories can read it too and enjoy it (though originally, it was inspiration for creating another story on Quotev). I know that there are definitely some discrepancies (or there will be) because I'm not going by the manga. As I have stated to a past reviewer, I haven't gone through the manga to match up some of the scenes because it's a bit harder to compare at the same time. Also, I do know that there are other One Piece stories that involve watching Luffy's memories or watching the anime and yes, I have heard of the stories you have mentioned. They're really good too, but I'm not looking to compare my story with theirs. And just for your information, my character, Goddess, is not as serious because there's already a serious character, Dragon, to balance her out. Once again, I'm not looking to find popularity through this story, all I'm looking for is readers that will enjoy what I write. Just like my pitiful Arata and Gintama story ne? So I'm sorry if it's not up to your standards, but this is how I interpreted their reactions and how I want to write. You can continue reading it at your own discretion or stop as you wish.
To Guest #9, isanovaisbandeira:
Yep! Being updated now!
To Yuzuki476:
No worries! I'm really glad you enjoy it!
To Kirasuna14:
When motivation is back and running hehe.
To Valkoor123113:
NO NEED FOR PITCHFORKS AND TORCHES ANYMORE! I SWEAR I'M RUNNING BACK! (My friends and I had a good laugh at your comment! Really good for motivating hehe)
To 01:
Yep! Being continued!
To DominoGoLucky:
I'm flattered hehe. Thank you! I hope you continue reading!
To Its my life:
#Confusion
To RCherry:
Yep! Here you are!
P.S. Thanks everyone for reading!