The following is a non-profit fanbase fanfiction, One Piece is owned by Toei Animation, Fuji Tv, Shonen Jump, Shueisha, and Eiichiro Oda, please support the official release.
This is not a crossover fic.
Another one?!
Chapter 1
18 years ago - Limbo
Surrounded by eternal and infinite darkness Steve Reynolds wonders what is happening, in a moment he was on his couch watching and singing the G.I Joe theme song before falling asleep, then he opens his eyes and finds himself in this place.
"He'll fight for freedom wherever there is trouble, G.I. Joe is there!" Says a voice singing, until the voice turned into a dark shape and appears in front of Steve, scaring him with a scream. "G.I JOE. A REAL AMERICAN HERO.".
"AAAAAAAAAAH.".
"Hehe, I think you forgot the COBR before that AAAAAAAAH." Says the dark figure, wearing what appears to be a military trench coat with a hood on it and a military uniform under it with a design that reminded Steve of the Germans' uniforms from WW II. "Sorry for scaring you, I love this song.".
The figure extends his hand, offering Steve help in getting up.
Back on his feet, Steve looks at the creature, he, she or it doesn't have a face, ears, nose, or lips, only two big blue eyes with six pupils each, shaped like asterisks.
"Who are you?". Steve asks feeling a little nervous staring at those pupils who move in random patterns, not a single one focusing on him.
"Oh right, where are my manners?! My name is Kaos, the living embodiment of Causality." Kaos says bowing to Steve. "And this is the Limbo, I call it that because it's cooler than; the Infinite universe of dark matter.".
"Okay…". Steve says looking around feeling out of place. "Can you explain why am I here?".
"Of course.". Kaos says snapping his fingers, making himself and Steve fall on two chairs that appeared behind them. "You are here because you died.".
That wasn't something Steve expected.
Giving him time and space Kaos leave him alone so he could think about his current situation.
After a few minutes, or hours. It was impossible to tell in a place where the concepts of space and time don't exist. Steve returns and sits in front of Kaos once again.
"So… I'm dead.". Steve says emotionless.
"Yes.". Kaos affirms, snapping his fingers again and making two cups of coffee appear over a table that also comes out of nowhere. "Please, have a drink… chocolate cookies?".
"No thank you.". Steve says, watching Kaos somehow drink and eat the food without a mouth was as gross as if he(Steve assumes Kaos was a he) was a slime creature, absorbing the food, and watching the food being dissolved didn't help either.
"Now. The reason I brought you here, is because I want to offer you a new chance, in a new world.".
"Why?".
"No reason, really, you lived, you died, but your life was too short, so I think you deserve another chance.".
"Okay, but why me?".
"No reason, if you are wondering what makes you special don't. My brothers and sister got every other soul. To put it simply, yours is the one that ended up with me.".
That was new, Steve wondered if every soul who died before their time or because of certain circumstances gets to meet Kaos or his siblings.
Putting his thoughts on the matter for another time, Steve turns his attention back to his host, wondering what kind of deal he will have to make. He watched enough anime and read enough manga to know there is always a catch when a Random Omnipotent Being drags you to another world.
"Okay, first of all, one of my brothers is called Rob, not R.O.B, but Rob, just Rob. Second, I assure you these R.O.B are no so O. Otherwise why do they always go to the trouble of dragging your people out of your universe and putting in another instead of just doing what they want in there?". Kaos asks eating one of the cookies in one bite.
"Okay, okay, no R.O.B then.". Steve says in an apologetic tone.
"We are getting off topic. Let's go back to the whole; send you to another world.".
"Can I go to the G.I Joe Universe?".
"No. Sorry kid, already sent someone there.". Kaos says taking a sip of his coffee. "I don't like to judge but, the guy I sent there was an American soldier who died in the Cuban missile crisis. I think one of the 'real American heroes' deserves more than you, to be 'A Real American Hero'. He's already a Colonel if you are wondering.".
Hearing those words made Steve a little disappointed, and the fact that he couldn't deny that a soldier who died during the most heated moment of the cold war deserved to be a G.I Joe more than he didn't help either.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to be a party pooper.". Kaos says with sorrow.
"It's okay. Guess in this world I can't be Snake Eyes then.". Steve says thinking about his favorite Joe and probably the favorite of the fandom.
"Who says you can't?". Kaos says smiling(?). "Snake Eyes, Captain America, 007, these are just names and titles, if you want to be one of them, just take the mantle. Your actions though will be your legacy, if you take Snake Eyes' legacy will it be one of honor? following the path of the warrior, or one of blood, following the path of the killer?".
Thinking about Kaos' words Steve starts to agree with the cosmic being and nods at him.
"Very well. I accept!". Steve says with conviction.
"All right.". Kaos says, he snaps his fingers, and the chairs, table, and food disappear, replaced by a floating paper and pen in front of Steve, who got up after falling because the chair under him disappeared. "This is your file, just sign your name, and our transaction will be over.".
"File?! What the heck is this, Human Resources? Why do I have to sign a file for you to send me to another world?" Steve asks feeling like he was in a prank after this stunt.
"Budget cut… okay fine, after a few problems some of us have to ensure that the people we are sending to other worlds don't decide to become evil emperors of darkness after just arriving.". Kaos says waving his hand, embarrassed with this 'procedure'.
"You're kidding right?".
"Read the file first, then I will explain why.".
With nothing else to lose Steve reads, in this new universe he will be called Jack D. Ripper, seeing the name he already knew what universe Kaos was sending him, it only confirms he is right when he sees the label 'world' on the file.
'One Piece, ok not bad but Jack D. Ripper?! That is clearly One Piece's version of the name Jack the Ripper, he is giving me the name of a serial killer with a make-over on it, seriously, I might as well stop saying Solid Snake every time I play Metal Gear and call him Erect Cock, yes, I'm stealing jokes from the Angry Video Game Nerd, you don't need to point that out if you are reading my mind Kaos'.
The frown at seeing his new name only increases when Steve sees his new parents' names.
'Yagami Aoi for my mother. Come on, now this guy is just messing around, how about; Generic Japanese Name?! Jack D. Rapper from my father?! am I gonna be the son of One Piece's Notorious B.I.G? Actually, scratch that, Jack D. Rapper doesn't sound like a rapper's name, sounds like a country singer trying to be a gangsta.'.
The last things worthy of notice in the file were birthplace and special ability, the birthplace was the Country of Wano, Steve wasn't too annoyed by that, sure he thought the arc's ending was disappointing but it was still a good arc, but the ability though was confusing, what does it mean? What does it do? Why this specific ability?
Looking at Kaos, who for some reason thought it was a good time to play with a neon pink yo-yo, Steve clears his throat to make the cosmic being pay attention, it does, but it also breaks Kaos' toy.
"Sorry.".
"No worry, it was already broken. It didn't go down upwards just downward.".
"NOW I KNOW YOU'RE JUST MESSING WITH ME.". Screams Steve annoyed at the cosmic being, even his jaw and teeth looked like those of a shark, and considering he is going to One Piece Nami would be very proud of him.
"All right, calm down, you want to ask about the special ability I'll give you right?".
"I knew it, you are reading my mind again, aren't you?".
"Of course not!". Kaos responds, trying to imitate a person feeling indignity.
"So how do you know I wanted to ask about the special ability?".
"The file I gave you read your mind and it's telling me what you want to ask on the back side.". Says Kaos looking at the back of the file.
"YOU…".
"You are going to the world of One Piece! Shouldn't you be used to this humor already considering you read the manga?!".
'Okay, he got me.'. Think Steve while piercing the bridge of his nose. "Fine, can you explain now what is this special ability.".
"Well, as you see it's called Perfect Balance, it gives you complete balance over your body and mind, train martial arts and you will be One Piece's own Bruce Lee.".
"Seriously?!" Steve says with shiny eyes, he was a big fan of martial arts movies, especially Bruce Lee's. "With this, will I be just like Bruce Lee?".
"Of course not! Have you forgotten the lesson on Water 7, just like they could never make another boat like the Going Merry you can never be a fighter like Bruce Lee, no matter how much you perfectly imitate him.".
"Sorry, just got excited.".
"I understand, now sign on the line.".
"Yes, of courwaitaminute. You still didn't explain why you gave me this specific ability.".
"*Tch* I thought you would forget that.". Kaos says looking to the side and feeling annoyed. "Fine, I'm giving it to you because things like Haki and Akuma no Mi are something you can obtain or find with the right connections, this ability can only be taught by those who are born with it or who had awakened it, and there is no training on how to awaken, you have to do it by yourself, consider it my gift to you since you want to be Snake Eyes.".
"Okay, and why not give me an Akuma no Mi?".
"I'm kinda not giving powers anymore and just letting the people I've sent to get their own powers, the reason is that most of the time they end up becoming evil overlords to satisfy their power fantasies, I wasn't completely joking when I said that.".
"Fine, I'll sign it now.".
After signing the file, the paper and pen literally make a *poof* sound and disappear in thin air. Steve looks at Kaos but he wasn't there anymore, the limbo he was in also started to disappear as it was literally breaking itself like glass with a shiny white light entering the domain, and soon after everything, including Steve, is consumed by the light.
"It's a boy.". Someone says.
East Blue - Present day
"9999.".
"10000.".
"That's amazing." Three different Marines say in unison, watching Snake Eyes doing his two-finger push-ups.
Getting on his feet Snake Eyes sees the three marines and nods to them. "Thank you, Moe, Larry, Curly. Now it's your turn.".
"No way.". Moe says whining.
"It's too hard.". Larry followed.
"It's almost lunchtime.". Curly finished.
The ninja would retort but before he could another Marine approached him and stopped his lesson.
"Snake Eyes, sir. We are arriving at Shells Town, orders?".
"Refill the ship then prepare the men for depart as soon as I return, and tell them that if they don't do at least 10 two-finger push-ups when I return, there… will… be… consequences.". Snake Eyes tells them with his sign language and soon lightning and thunder strike the skies, even though the day was sunny and clear.
When the ship anchors at the pier Snake Eyes sees a tiny boat tied there while getting off the ship and smiles at the sight.
'Looks like Luffy already arrived, I wonder how long he's been here, and if he defeated Morgan all the better, makes my job easier.' Snake Eyes think as he gets off the ship.
Now an eighteen-year-old man, Jack D. Ripper, or Snake Eyes as he likes to be called is a Master Chief Petty Officer of the Marine, the highest non-commissioned rank there is. (AN: I know the Wikia says it's Warrant Officer, but since the manga never showed anyone of this rank yet, MCPO will be, besides it sounds cooler *cough* Master Chief *cough*.)
It wasn't easy, two years of training directly by Admiral Sakazuki made sure of that, he even got the nickname Murasakinu (purple dog) due to the many bruises the admiral left on his body every day after training was over. When Snake Eyes was sent to this world, he almost considered joining Luffy and his crew, but he couldn't, there were many reasons why, but the main ones were; that Snake Eyes was a military man, and no G.I Joe would betray the US to become a pirate and Jack couldn't stain the mantle of the ninja by doing so. Because the Marine in One Piece had too much corruption and someone had to clean it from the inside out, plus why he was here, to investigate and arrest Morgan, the ninja knows he is guilty, but he has to follow procedure. Last, because not all pirates were like Luffy, many of them follow the cruel way of pillage, rape, and murder, those are the ones whom Snake Eyes was gonna go up against unless he's ordered otherwise by Sengoku or Akainu whom he directly reports to.
'Akainu. Man, he is a lost cause that one.'. Thinks Snake Eyes while walking around the streets.
Akainu was practically Marine's version of Luffy on the matter of stubbornness, just like you would never be able to convince Luffy of not being a pirate, you would never be able to convince Akainu that not all pirates are bad, and his views on absolute justice put him and the ninja on heated arguments too many times to count, and Snake Eyes knows that he is only alive still because he didn't let his views interfere with his orders.
'At least he never ordered me to kill anyone innocent… yet. Man, why did my plan fail so bad?'.
Snake Eyes' original plan was to catch the attention of Admiral Aokiji and be trained by him, but the goddess of luck had other plans and decided to make Sakazuki take the notion of his abilities and potential. When the ice admiral was watching his match against the Red Dog, the ninja did hope that he could ask the admiral to make him his protégé, only for his hopes to be smashed by the same when he told it would be too much trouble to train him, despite the disappointment the ninja couldn't blame anyone but himself, given that he already knew his personality and the high possibility of rejection.
From that day forward Snake Eyes had been trained personally by Akainu in the past two years, it wasn't long ago when his training finally ended and he became an official marine, and when he reached the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer was the time to start the mission he gave himself when he arrived in this world, make the Marine become what it should've always been, the real heroes of this world, whose job is to protect the weak and fight against the real evils of the world who lured in the dark.
Snake Eyes then remembers when he told the admiral about his plans, it was probably the most heated discussion the both of them ever had and Akainu hadn't even used his Magu Magu no Mi.
"Your job is to fight the enemies of justice, not justice itself." Akainu screams, hitting the table of his office and breaking it in half.
"If we allow corruption and injustice to be seeded and grown inside the Marine, will we still be justice? Will we still be on the side of good?". Snake eyes responded with a question Akainu couldn't ignore.
The ninja sighs at the memory, Akainu at least could see the reason that there is no organization, government, or related without corruption, even the admiral couldn't deny it, and after Snake Eyes showed him some proof (obtained by exchanging letters and Den Den Mushi calls with a local marine of Shells Town), Akainu had let him go ahead with this job, good thing he also showed the proves to Sengoku first, he couldn't risk the admiral burning them and dismiss the case.
Snake Eyes stop in his tracks when he sees a sign that he would definitely ignore if not for his perfect memory and the meaning it has. With a smile under his mask, the ninja doesn't think twice and enters the place.
Coby POV
Coby couldn't stop crying, even though he was a pirate, Luffy wished him good luck on his journey to becoming a member of the Marine, he couldn't stop himself and wished Luffy the same on his journey to becoming the pirate king.
When Luffy was about to say something, he stops and looks at the door, with Coby following suit, entering the door was someone in a full black bodysuit, wearing a mask and a few belts with holsters holding guns, ammunition, and grenades, but looking at the mask he was wearing, the swords on his back, and the visor the mask has was when Coby felt the sweat cover his forehead, for he knew who that was. Snake Eyes, a recently graduated marine who was getting fame and recognition worldwide. He was the best of his class and probably the most awarded recruit in Marine history since Garp the Hero. A man who was a master swordsman and a black belt in twelve different martial arts like; Ninjitsu, and Jeet Kun Do.
Coby couldn't stop himself from worrying about Luffy, thinking his journey was already over before it even began.
The ninja looks around and Coby notices that everyone was looking at him, either intimidated by his appearance or because like him, they knew about him.
While everyone was nervous Luffy was just staring at the ninja, then he smiles, why? Coby had no idea.
"Ne-ne Coby. I like his style, I want him on my crew.". Luffy says, murmuring in Coby's ear making the pink-haired boy drop his jaw on top of the table, forcing him to move his face to the side so his jaw could reach the floor, and it did.
Grabbing his jaw and putting back in place Coby lends his mouth on Luffy's ears to warn him about the flaw in his process of thought. "Luffy-san, that man is Snake Eyes, he is a marine, he won't join your crew.".
"Aaaaaaah.". Luffy groans in disappointment and disapproval while both of them watch the ninja approaching the counter, and he could swear Snake Eyes had looked in his and Luffy's direction.
"Guess I'll have to go find Zoro then.". Luffy says making everyone but Coby and Snake Eyes drop on the floor and tear down everything with them.
Coby feels the skin of his back being torn off (figuratively) because of Luffy, his words made the ninja look at them and Coby's heartbeats increased heavily because of it.
As if a lamp turned on over Coby's head, he decides to speak something that would definitely not drag the ninja's attention even more. "I saw a sign on the street talking about a Captain Morgan.".
Coby's plans fail as his words only made the process that Luffy's words had on the others repeat itself, and this time Snake Eyes not only looked at them but started to talk toward the two, after paying the waiter and finishing his drink which he used a straw (HA) to drink so he wouldn't need to take off his mask, how did he manage it without opening a hole in the mask's mouth? Coby had no idea.
Coby was trembling now that the ninja was in front of him, he almost cries when he raises his hands thinking he would kill them, but then he is surprised, he starts making some motions with them and in a few seconds Coby understands what he is doing, he is using sign language to communicate. He looks at Luffy and realizes the Straw Hat pirate didn't understand what the ninja was saying, lucky for them Coby learned how to do it for he had studied it before since the Marine teaches the subject to all its recruits.
"He asked for us to come outside, he wants to talk to us about Captain Morgan.". Coby says with a nervous voice and makes the process from before repeat for the third time and Luffy giggles at the vision in front of him.
On the outside Luffy was still laughing at the scene from before, saying he would return later, Coby on the other hand couldn't stop feeling nervous about the ninja beside them.
"S-so… you wanted to talk?" Coby asks, feeling nervous about being in a presence of such a deadly man.
Snake Eyes nods in response and starts to use his sign language again. "Have you noticed the fear in those people's faces when Morgan's name was mentioned?".
"Y-yes, that gave me a bad feeling, I understand people getting scary about Zoro, but why would they fear a captain of the Marine?". Asks Coby to the ninja.
"Maybe he did something bad to them.". Luffy says with an easy-going smile not aware of the man now in front of them, making Coby once again fear for their lives.
"Impossible.". Coby says loudly.
"No, he is right.". Snake Eyes signs. "I came here to investigate Morgan. he is under suspicion of being the head of a corruption and extorsion scheme in Shells Town.".
"I see.". Coby says in disbelief, not wanting to believe someone serving in the Marine could do something so hideous.
"I'm going to the Marine Base, since you are going too, would you like to accompany me, it would be less troublesome if you are invited.".
Coby tells Luffy about Snake Eyes' proposal and the pirate smiles at that and accepts the invitation, Coby is still suspicious of Snake Eyes' intentions, although Luffy didn't say in front of him about his status as a pirate it didn't mean Snake Eyes didn't know.
"I am Jack D. Ripper, by everyone calls me Snake Eyes." Signs the ninja, giving his hand for Luffy to shake.
"Shishishi, Monkey D. Luffy. I am the man whom everyone will call the King of Pirates.". Luffy says with his big smile shaking Snake Eyes' hands while Coby falls to the ground.
'It's over. It was nice meeting you Luffy-san.'. Coby thinks, wiping his tears with a piece of cloth.
Snake Eyes POV
'I wonder where did that piece of cloth he's using come from?'.
"Nice to meet you Luffy.". Snake eyes signs. When he saw the eating place his memories of One Piece immediately came to his mind and Snake Eyes had to go inside to see Luffy with his own eyes, it was like the straw hat pirate was the definitive proof that he was really living in the One Piece Universe and that last eighteen years were not a fever dream. Had it not been for all his training and his incapacity of speech, the ninja would probably be jumping and screaming now after meeting one of his 'heroes', despite him being on the wrong side of the law.
Looking at Coby was no different, this young boy would one day be his superior officer, Snake Eyes had no intention of achieving a higher rank than Master Chief Petty Officer, he would accept a higher position of course, but as long it was his decision he would stay with his current rank. Coby was going to become a captain and Snake Eyes knew he would be a good one, Coby was a man whose concepts of right and wrong were similar to Snake Eyes' own, he wouldn't blindly do what the World Government believe what is right, but what he believes is right, and that is a character trait Snake Eyes respected.
After a brief walk, they all arrive at the Marine Base.
"It looked less ugly from afar.". Luffy says, making Coby's jaw drop.
"Agreed.". Snake Eyes signs making Coby's jaw drop after just getting in place.
Snake Eyes opens the gate and gestures for Luffy and Coby to enter, he could see Coby was a little nervous, probably due to the people's reaction to Captain Morgan, while Luffy doesn't hesitate.
"Hey, hey, can you take me to Zoro first.". Luffy asks, not hiding his excitement.
"Of Course, just stay close please, I don't want the two of you getting into trouble.".
Thanks to Snake Eyes' knowledge, it doesn't take long for the three to find Zoro, like in the original canon he was in the middle of an open camp tied to a pole, and just like canon Coby feels afraid of him, the ninja and the pirate, on the other hand, approach him with no worry.
"Hey, you.". Zoro says with a scary face and hoarse voice, looking at the two. "Could you free me? I've been here for nine days and I'm exhausted.".
"Hey, he is smiling.". Luffy says, curiosity on his face due to the sight in front of him with Snake Eyes nodding.
"I'll compensate you. I can hunt any wanted criminal and give you the reward.".
"Don't free him.". Coby says trembling while hiding behind Luffy and Snake Eyes' legs, literally. "If you free him, he will kill us and escape.".
"He can't kill me, because I'm very strong too.". Luffy says with confidence.
"Ditto.".
Before any more movements are made, Snake Eyes raises his hand and all eyes focus on him, he gestures to them to make silence and looks in a certain direction, he looks at the wall of the Marine Base and sees a head popping up over it, it belonged to a little girl.
'Just like in canon.'.
When she saw Snake Eyes and the others, the ninja could see she was nervous due to people being next to Zoro.
'Oh hamburgers, I better fix this, if she doesn't come here, I'll have to deal with an even bigger butterfly effect.'.
Snake Eyes gestures for the girl to approach, she is reluctant at first but soon gives in. She jumps the wall and approaches the four men but her eyes focused only on Zoro.
"What are you doing here?". The pirate hunter asks when the girl is in front of him.
"You shouldn't be here, it's dangerous.". Coby warns her, unlike him and Luffy she didn't have permission from an official of the Marine like Snake Eyes to cover for her.
"Do you want to die? Get out.". Zoro says, obviously worried for the girl's safety.
"Don't worry, I'll assure her safety." Snake Eyes signs to him.
"Here, I've made these for you.". The girl says, unfolding a piece of cloth with two rice balls on them. "It's the first time I made one of these.".
"I'm not hungry go away.". Zoro says still fearing for her safety, despite Snake Eyes' assurance.
'Can't blame him for his distrust, I'm a marine and he's here because of one, added to the fact he doesn't know me.'.
"But…".
"Leave me alone. GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE I KILL YOU.".
"Roronoa Zoro.". Says a voice making all present look at the source. "Stop threatening this poor child, or I'll tell my father.".
'Kaos he's annoying. How did such a prick become an honorable marine later on?'.
The man approaches them like he owned the place. Since in the canon only Zoro and the little girl were in this courtyard the ninja was curious to see how this will be changed now.
"*Tsc* Well, well, if it isn't the idiot son of the captain.". Zoro says with an annoyed tone.
'Maybe not too much.'.
"Idiot? You arrogant vermin, my father a Marine Captain.". He says looking at Zoro before looking at Snake Eyes and company. "And who are you? How dare you enter this place.".
"Master Chief Petty Officer Snake Eyes.". The ninja says, putting his hands and picking something out of one of the many pockets he has, and taking a piece of paper from it. "I'm under orders to investigate this base after many trustworthy reports about extortion and corruption.".
Not being stupid enough to give Helmeppo the signed order, Snake Eyes gives it to one of his subordinates and notices the relief in their eyes and the breath they were holding when they read the order, the ninja assumes that they are happy for the command to finally heard their solicitation and send someone to end with Morgan's schemes.
"Hey little girl, this looks delicious.". Helmeppo says with his usual annoying tone, making the ninja slaps himself in the mind for ignoring him while giving the marines the signed order.
When he turns back at the spoiled brat he was already stepping on the food, Luffy, to Snake Eyes' surprise, hadn't done anything but watch, he just looks at Snake Eyes who stand his hand at him as a sign of being the one who will take care of this.
Thanks to his training the ninja manages to control his anger and just stand in front of Helmeppo.
"They are with me, any problem you have, say it to my face, not to theirs." Snake Eyes signs at a slower speed, he knows he could end this with his Conqueror Haki but he already changed the canon by allowing Luffy, Coby, and the girl entry, the last thing he needs is for Marineford War to happen because Luffy awakens his Conqueror too early and Dragon declares war at the Marine after he is captured.
"This place is forbidden for non-Marine personal. You might be allowed here but they are not". Helmeppo says.
"This place is now under investigation by order of the higher command, which means that anyone on this base will report to me from now on until my investigation is over.".
Helmeppo was either ignoring or dismissing Snake Eyes since he didn't seem fazed by his words and like in canon, he orders his subordinates to throw the little girl over the wall, the difference is that he also orders them to do the same with Luffy, and Coby. The men are clearly reluctant of obeying such an order in front of the person who is here by order of the higher-ups to inspect the crimes the base had been accused of, and start trembling with indecision.
"DIDN'T YOU LISTEN TO ME?!". Helmeppo screams, grabbing the men by the collar. "I'M TELLING YOU TO THROW THEM OUT OF HERE? ARE YOU DISOBEYING ME? I'LL TELL MY FATHER.".
"YES SIR!".
"No sir." Snake Eyes signs, sword unsheathed and inches away from Helmeppo's throat. "As I said, this base is now under my command until investigations are over, now, you will go inside and wait for me while I'll dismiss my guests.".
Not brave enough to talk back when a sword is threatening his life Helmeppo reluctantly obeys and goes back inside the base leaving Snake Eyes alone with Luffy and the others.
The ninja takes a last look at the four and bows to them in respect and farewell.
"I'll be going now, please be quick and don't cause complications." Snake Eyes signs, earning a smile from Luffy and the others, minus Zoro.
"Thank you, Snake Eyes.". Luffy says giving his fist to the ninja who takes it without hesitating.
"Stay safe, out of trouble I know you can't.".
Without further ado Snake Eyes turns tail and goes to the base main entrance at slow paces, he already knows Morgan is corrupt and too arrogant to hide any pieces of evidence, and even if he wasn't, Snake Eyes is a trained tracker, finding them would be easy, so he is not in a hurry.
Entering the base the ninja sees the idiot, he wasn't the man of integrity he would become yet so Snake Eyes just orders him to take him to his father.
In Captain's Morgan office the same was sitting on his chair, looking outside through the window of the office, probably imagining he rules this city, with such arrogance that he doesn't even make the effort in feigning that he is paying attention to his son and Snake Eyes.
"Yeah yeah I hear ya.". Morgan says, obviously not paying attention. "Just know who is in charge here.".
Shaking his head the ninja leaves the office, his next destination was the treasury, one thing he learned in his training to become a marine is that all Marine Bases are obliged to have a financial record to avoid fraud, knowing him, Snake Eyes guesses that Morgan was too sure of himself to the point he believed he wouldn't need to laundry the money he gets for extorting the poor people of Shells Town and simply puts it all on vault's records as if it won't look irregular on any report.
Marineford – Present Day
Sengoku POV
Sengoku was sitting on his chair, finishing reading a report, it doesn't take long for his calm mood to be destroyed when his old friend burst inside his office uninvited, by the looks of it he was tired or defeated, maybe both.
He watches as Garp, undecided between throwing a tantrum or crying, and resolving to do both at the same time, sits on the couch in front of the table, normally no marine would be idiot, mad, or disrespectful enough to do such a thing in front of the Fleet-Admiral, but Garp was all of those to a high degree, and Sengoku was already used to this, it didn't stop being annoying though.
"He run away before I got there.". Garp screams crying before turning to anger. "That brat become a pirate, after all the things I've done for him to make sure he became a marine.".
Sengoku pinches the bridge of his nose in annoyance with his left hand while he pets his goat with his right one, it calmed him to do so, but not much.
"When I find that brat, I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind, and my fist of love.". Garp says in anger turning to cries and tears. "Why couldn't he be a good boy and follow in his grandfather's footsteps.".
"Maybe you should've…".
G.I JOE A REAL AMERICA HERO
Before Sengoku could finish his sentence the Den Den Mushi on his desk started to ring and that ringtone was exclusive to one person only, and that person was sent on an assignment to investigate a corruption scandal in the marine Base of Shells Town.
Feeling between anxious to hear that the scandals were unfounded and fearful that they were true Sengoku picks the snail.
"Moshi, Moshi. Sengoku here.". Sengoku says with a calm voice, even though now Garp was laughing at the actions of his grandson and annoying the heck out of the Fleet-Admiral.
"Master Chief Petty Officer Snake Eyes reporting for duty Fleet-Admiral.". Snake Eyes 'says'.
Since Sengoku couldn't see Snake Eyes' sign language, and the ninja is incapable of speech, right now he was tapping the speaker of his Den Den Mushi in morse code to talk with the Fleet-Admiral.
"Have you found any proof of Morgan's supposed schemes?". Sengoku asks afraid of the repercussion it could cause had Morgan really done it.
"Yes sir, right now I'm holding an irregular report of the base's income, this money should not exist, but for some reason it does, and it's declared on the funding reports of the base.".
"Maybe Morgan managed to increase the income, this is not enough proof.". Sengoku says not feeling confident since Snake Eyes wouldn't call unless he had undeniable proof, he had known the ninja for two years now and managed to grasp a little about his personality.
"I'm afraid that it is sir, I also have with me a report showing the tax collected from the people of the town, not only they are paying a higher price than the average charged by the world government, but they also match the increased funds. Not only Morgan illegally increased the taxes, but he is also extorting the people of Shells Town ever since.".
Grinding his teeth in anger at how Morgan was tainting the honor of the Marine, and its credibility, Sengoku starts speaking slowly in an attempt to calm his anger. "Snake Eyes, I want that man arrested by the end of the day. Do I make myself clear?".
"I'll see it done.".
Hanging up his Den Den Mushi Sengoku turns back at Garp and veins start to pop up on his forehead seeing the Vice-Admiral and his goat laughing like crazy.
"GARP!".
Snake Eyes POV
After collecting all evidence and taking pictures as a precaution, Snake Eyes looks at the clock on the wall and smirks.
'Looks like it's time for action.'.
Snake Eyes couldn't stop smiling, time and time again he disbelieves what he sees, being in the world of One Piece never gets dull.
After slowly walking through the base the ninja arrives at his destination and once again, he is assaulted by a familiar vision.
In front of him he sees Luffy, his skin is being pushed after being shot, and everyone but the ninja looks at it in shock for this should kill a normal man, but Luffy is not a normal man.
"IT'S NO USE,". Luffy screams, stretching himself and making all of the bullets shot at him bounce back in random directions.
Marines here and there try to duck and avoid getting hit while the rubber pirate just laughs at the scene. Snake Eyes' Observation Haki makes it easy to avoid getting shot as he just walks casually in Luffy's direction.
Face to face with the future king of the pirates again Snake Eyes observes as he watches Luffy tries to untie Zoro comically and he does not even notice the ninja's presence behind him.
Taking his sword out of the sheath Snake Eyes lift it above his head, ready it for the blow, Coby, who was watching in panic, breaks out of it and warns Luffy about the ninja.
With great speed, Luffy managed to evade the attack, unknown to him Snake Eyes never had any intention of cutting him, and when the blow is delivered, the ropes holding Zoro are cut and the man who would become the great swordsman in the world is free.
Without time for a chat, they are approached by many marines with swords who were charging at them under the orders of Morgan, the ninja didn't pay attention but if memory serves him right, he had finished his monologue about the Akuma no Mi and ordered them to attack.
Unfortunately for Morgan, his orders would never be fulfilled, now free from his bonds Zoro parries all swords against them. Snake Eyes was going to use his Conqueror Haki but the desire to see the iconic Santoryu for the first time was stronger.
"You better not move.". Zoro says with a cold voice, making them all shiver. "You move. I kill you.".
Snake Eyes proceeds to watch as Zoro and Luffy talk about their dreams of being the King of the Pirates and the Greatest Swordsman in the world, but they are interrupted when Morgan starts screaming.
'Man, just when it was starting to get cool.'.
"Zoro, get down.". Luffy says, ready to strike, but he is stopped by Snake Eyes who gets in front of him.
"Please, don't, these men are just following orders, let me deal with this.". Snake Eyes tells him, Luffy either forgave him for that spook with the sword or understood Snake Eyes wasn't trying to hurt him since he decided to give the ninja a chance. "Thanks.".
"Men of Shells Town Marine base, I am Master Chief Petty Officer Snake Eyes. Put down your swords, I am in charge of this base now.".
They all give a sigh of relief, they clearly do not want to fight Zoro and Luffy but they couldn't not fight them since they were under Morgan's command, but unlike the canon Snake Eyes' presence makes a difference since his arrival makes them under his command, not Morgan.
"Kill them all.". Morgan says but no one moves. "I gave you all an order.".
"They are not under your command anymore." Snake Eyes tells him, with a certain satisfaction. "Captain Morgan, for the crimes of corruption and extortion you are hereby under arrest.".
"Arrest?!". Morgan says with an angry tone, taking off his captain vest from his shoulders. "I AM THE CAPTAIN OF THE MARINE, MORGAN, AXE-HAND.".
"Don't care.". Snake Eyes says making the captain furious.
Morgan swings his axe at Snake Eyes who dodges by bending his back backward and watches as the blade passes a few inches above his face, almost touching his nose, just like in the manga the fence and the wall hit by Morgan are cut in half and the ninja watches all unfolding while still with his back bent.
With a swift move, Snake Eyes lift his left foot and deliver a kick to Morgan's chin, who falls on his back.
Immediately back on his feet Morgan raises his axe arm as Snake Eyes slowly walk toward him with his second sword now unsheathed.
"Boy, you will die.". Morgan says, waiting for the ninja to get in his range. "GO TO HELL.".
Bringing his axe down Morgan with all his strength was not expecting what just happened to occur. Snake Eyes blocked his attack with his two swords and wasn't even fazed by the attack which Morgan had used all his strength to perform, instead, the ninja just sheathed the sword in his right hand showing that he can handle the captain with just one arm, and turns his head toward the straw hat pirate.
"Luffy, would you mind showing me that move you were going to use on my subordinates?". Snake Eyes signs with his free hand and get a smile from the pirate when Coby finishes translating it for him.
"Shishishi okay.". Luffy says, still in the same position he was when Snake Eyes interfered. "Gomu Gomu no MUCHI.".
Like a whip, Luffy's leg hits Morgan square on the face, thanks to the height difference the pirate didn't need to worry about hitting the ninja who watches with a smile(?) as he slowly claps with his hands.
"What are you?". Zoro asks looking at Luffy with confusion.
"I'm a rubber man.". Luffy says with a smile.
Once again on the ground Morgan tries to get up but is stopped by a sword inches away from his eyes.
"Marines like you are a shame to the true protectors of the innocent." Snake Eyes says, making the tip of his sword almost touch Morgan's left eye.
"Yeah.". Luffy says in agreement. "People like you ruin the dreams of people like Coby."
"Wait.". A voice Snake Eyes recognizes well speaks but instead of obeying the ninja just throws his free arm in the voice's direction. "You idiot I told you to…".
Never having the time to finish his threat of killing Coby as a shuriken hits the gun he was holding, Helmeppo, now unarmed, stares shocked between the ninja and his empty hand, a poor decision as Luffy knocks him out with a Gomu Gomu no Pistol right after Snake Eyes disarmed him.
With eyes back on Morgan the ninja just smiles as the corrupt marine captain believes Snake Eyes had turned his guard down. Morgan was on his feet already ready to strike Snake Eyes with his axe, only to be stopped by Zoro who instantly appears in between them and cuts Morgan down, but doesn't kill him.
The marines, seeing that the man who made their lives a living hell was defeated all jump and scream in happiness.
Snake Eyes orders them to place Morgan and Helmeppo in a cell and report to the main hall once it was all over.
Alone with Luffy, Zoro, and Coby, the ninja wishes them good luck and bows to them in respect, the feeling seemed mutual as the three of them do the same before they all part away.
Lieutenant Ripper POV
In the base's hall, all marines were gathered, they had no reason to disobey the man who was in charge of the base AND defeated Morgan.
As Snake Eyes walks in all eyes turn at the ninja but not a word is said by anyone.
"Very well, let's begin.". Snake Eyes signs for them who all nod in response. "As I told you all when I arrived, I was sent here by the higher-ups to investigate this base which was under the suspicion of committing the crimes of corruption and extortion. Now before I say what I want to say I need to ask you all this. Why? Why did you let this happen and didn't stand up to Morgan?".
No one spoke, they were afraid, afraid to be judged, to be punished, of every bad outcome, Ripper was the same, but he couldn't stay silent, so he raised his hand and spoke.
"We were afraid.", Ripper said with conviction. "Every time Morgan had threatened us, hurt us or the civilians we wanted to stop him so badly, but we couldn't. We were weak. WE WERE COWARDS.".
"Lieutenant Ripper, step forward.". Snake Eyes signed and stood motionless until Ripper was face to face with him, it was unusual for a Lieutenant to serve under a Master Chief Petty Officer, but he didn't say anything as Snake Eyes started to 'talk'. "You might be afraid. You might be weak. But you are not cowards. Especially you… Lieutenant Ripper, it was you who exchange messages with the higher-up so this investigation could occur, and you admitted you were afraid and weak to do anything against Morgan, but you are no coward, a coward wouldn't do what you did, nor admit he is weak or afraid, only the courageous do that, and that's what you are, Lieutenant Ripper, a courageous man.".
Snake Eyes gestures for Lieutenant Ripper to return to his place.
Back where he was, Ripper watches as Snake Eyes straightened his back, more than normal, and raises his chest.
"I have a dream." Snake Eyes starts. "My dream is to be a hero, a man who brings justice to those who do wrong against the innocent, a man who protects those who can't protect themselves against the evils of the world, to be the one whom people look upon when they imagine what someone who fights for the good looks like.".
His words were making shivers run throughout Ripper's body, he looks around and sees that Snake Eyes is having this effect on every marine present.
"That is why I've joined the Marine, as marines we are sworn to protect and defend the innocent, to be just, to be good, but like all organizations, the Marine is also vulnerable to corruption and other parasites who try to sully what we fight so hard to protect, but they will lose, they will always lose, because we are the forces of good and evil only triumphs when the forces of good do nothing to stop it.".
Ripper's heart was beating harder with each word, breath coming only out of his nose wasn't enough anymore and the air was stuck on his chest.
"Today, my dream was damaged, because Morgan was destroying what I swore to protect, and you, despite being forced to comply are also guilty of this, but I had hope, hope that despite your actions, deep inside you were like me, marines that would give their lives, so innocent people could live, and you hadn't disappointed me. Now I ask you all, marines of Shells Town's Marine base, will you help me with my dream? Will you dedicate yourselves to protect and defend the innocents of this town? Will you die so they can live? I need to know now, from all of you. Will you make my dream come true?".
"YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!". A roar sounded and every marine raised their fist in the air, the feeling Ripper had when he first joined the Marine corps was back, the sense of purpose, the desire to do good, and he would not waste it. With his trust and faith in the Marine back, the Lieutenant looks at the ninja and nods to him.
Snake Eyes POV
After giving his speech Snake Eyes was now in Morgan's old office with Lieutenant Ripper, he couldn't stop chuckling inside his mind due to meeting another person by the name of Ripper, although the reason for calling him was more important.
"Lieutenant.". Snake Eyes starts. "I called you here for a reason. Tell me, why do you think I freed Zoro?".
"I don't know sir.".
"Because he was unjustly arrested.". Snake Eyes signs, getting off his chair and walking toward the window in the office. "That's why I freed him, because he was innocent, five seconds later he goes declaring himself a pirate.".
"Sir, are-are you planning on arresting him and the straw hat one?" Asks Ripper feeling nervous about arresting those two.
"The man saved my life Lieutenant, and the straw hat helped me in dealing with Morgan. I can't repay their help with treachery, but the fact remains that they are still pirates, they don't have bounties yet, and you could almost say they are only pirates by name, except that Straw Hat Luffy invaded this base.".
Ripper couldn't argue against that, Zoro "saved" Ripper, and Luffy helped him, but none of that excuse the fact that seconds after being saved Zoro became a pirate and Luffy invaded a Marine base, with no room left the Lieutenant just proceeds with his job.
"What are your orders, sir?".
"Find them and tell them that due to their help they've earned their leave, but cannot stay in Shells Town any longer, failure to comply shall be met with their arrest. You have your orders marine. Go!".
After both men salute each other Snake Eyes picks his personal Den Den Mushi and makes a call to his superior officer.
"Moshi, Moshi.". The old and familiar voice speaks.
"Mission Accomplished. No casualties." Snake Eyes says by tapping the speaker of his Den Den Mushi in morse code.
"Good job Snake Eyes, you are a credit to the uniform and the flag.". Sengoku says with a more relaxed face as shown by the snail, making the ninja smile at the words, the only thing that could make this better was if the uniform and flag belonged to the United States.
"Better not leave anything to chance, I gather that Vice-Admiral Garp is probably in your office doing nothing right now, am I right?". Snake Eyes says getting a groan of annoyance from the Fleet-Admiral who couldn't deny how right the ninja was. "Why not take this chance and sent him here in a few weeks to make sure corruption didn't return after I left? It might give you a few days without stress, besides, I'm sure he might find one or two marines here to take under his wing since his grandson won't join us.".
"A good suggestion Snake Eyes, one I might consider.". Sengoku says but there was a pause, making the ninja wonder what he was going to say next. "I have a new assignment for you, but if you don't want it you may return to Marineford.".
"I'll take it.".
"Very well, if you insist. Drake had publicity defected from the Marine, we can't let this humiliation stands, I want you to go find him and capture him.".
"… What are you not telling me?". Snake Eyes asks, already knowing that Drake was just working undercover and this assignment was probably just to look more convincing, even though a Master Chief Petty Officer chasing after a former Rear-Admiral was laughable, the only reason he was pushing Sengoku, was because he wanted to know how much the Fleet-Admiral trusts him, and is willing to share.
"We can discuss this after the work is done. You will serve under Captain Hina during this assignment. Dismiss.". Sengoku says having the final words, making the ninja wonder if he should feign ignorance and anger or just confront him with the truth after Hina "fails" in capturing Drake.
'I'll wait and see, but if they make me the scapegoat after this facade, they'll definitely hear what I have to say.'.
One day later
On the pier, Snake Eyes watches Ripper along with the other marines from the base, and Coby, now a new member of the Marine, doing their contingency as a farewell and thank you to the ninja who helped bring Morgan to justice and end his crimes committed against the innocent people of Shells Town.
Until the higher-ups decide the base's future, Ripper was left in charge of the base, and with Garp arriving in a few weeks, Snake Eyes made sure he didn't make things diverge even more from the canon.
After some words of encouragement and another emotional speech, the ninja gets on 'his ship' and orders the men to set sail and gives them a course.
Many had smiles on their face once learning they were going to work along with Captain Hina, but their smile dropped after they saw the ninja's smiles(?) and says his next words.
"Now, Lieutenant Chaplin.". Asks Snake Eyes to the first mate of the Marine vessel. "Which one failed to do the 10 two-fingers push-ups I ordered before I left?".
"M-M-Moe, L-Larry, and Curly sir.". Chaplin says with pain in his voice, he was genuinely sorry for his crewmates.
"What a shame." Snake Eyes signs smiling(!), making his Armored Haki covers his entire left hand. "Moe, Larry, Curly, on your knees, a thousand slaps for slacking while on duty."
"NO! PLEASE HAVE MERCY!"; Scream the three stooges with tears in their eyes, covering their butts and begging for forgiveness.
Author's note: don't know if I should use Navy or Marine, so until I decide, Marine will refer to the corporation, and marine to the personnel.
About Snake Eyes' power level: He can go toe-to-toe with Marco and Ace, but would definitely die against the admirals, Garp, Sengoku, and the yonkous.
Do you think I managed to capture One Piece's humor? tell me what you think.
Thanks for reading, please leave a review if you want, feedback is always appreciated.
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