Part 6 Our Regular Program
(The Present)
Buggy finished his story. "Meaningless to say, the captain of the Black Abyss could be anyone. But he's got devil fruit powers. The Marines are pretty certain of that." Buggy announced. Luffy finally understood. "So that's why they put up that ridiculous devil fruit bounty!" "Great, you got it." Buggy pronounced dryly. Despite this newfound knowledge, Luffy was still confused. "But why did your bounty and mine shoot up so much." He inquired "Because we helped him."
A stunned silence followed. "What do you mean?" Buggy seemed reluctant to answer. "Well, at the end of a violent battle the navy had the Black Abyss trapped. It was bobbing n the water like a child's playtoy. The head marine was about to signal the ships to finish it off but then... He was punched off the ship... by a kid with a straw hat." He paused. "Then another officer fell off. This time he was stabbed. By a clown."
"That's weird, why would I punch that guy?" Luffy asked. "That's not the point!" Buggy shouted. "Some wackos have been copying my face and yours! And getting us blamed to boot!" "Oh... That's weird, why would anyone want to copy your huge nose?" Luffy wondered. "WHAT WAS THAT!!!!!!??????" Buggy burst. He removed the knife from the table. "Bara Bara Can..." he hesitated. "You're just lucky I need you to prove my innocence. Otherwise you'd be dead by now!" "But why would you want to be proved innocent? I mean it did boost your reputation." Luffy answered in disbelief. Buggy gasped in shock. "Are you daft? The entire navy's after my head for assisting the Black Abyss! The Marines were 'this close' to finishing off one of their greatest threat and they blew it! Worst of all, those chumps think we did it. They might even sick the 7 Armed Seas on me! I'm a dead man if I can't prove I didn't do it!"
"Hey Buggy, you never got around to telling me why I'm here." Luffy reminded. Buggy didn't seem to hear him. "The Black Abyss is a powerful monster that's haunted the sea for years. They say it docks in a hidden island yet to be found by any young charter. It can disappear for a day or for as long as a year without anyone noticing. The captain I assume is incredibly powerful. To defeat him and find the copies of ourselves I'll need some help from a strong ally. Monkey D. Luffy! Will you help me rid the oceans of that monster and clear our names?!" "No thanks." Luffy replied blandly.
"WHAT??!! WHY NOT??!!" "It's not my problem." "ARE YOU A FOOL??!! THEY'RE GONNA COME AFTER YOU TOO!!!" Buggy pointed out. "Don't care. I'll just clobber them." Luffy looked away. Buggy got on his knees. "C'MON MAN I NEED HELP!! I'LL GIVE YOU ANYTHING!!" Buggy pleaded. "Like what?" Luffy asked. "Gold?" Buggy offered. "Got that." Luffy said. "Jewels?" "Got that." "Money?" "Got that." "Uhhh... Gold?" "Didn't you already say that?"
"Alright a favor then, how's that" Buggy begged. Luffy thought for a moment. "Okay I'll help you. But on 2 conditions." "And what would those be." Buggy questioned tensely. "1. After we beat this guy up you'll leave me and my crew unharmed. And 2, you owe me another favor." Luffy announced. "Done and done." Buggy got up and lifted something of his desk. "What's that?" Luffy wondered out loud. "Well I can't risk you escaping, can I?" Before Luffy could say anything Buggy slammed the lid of the barrel over his head. Buggy hummed as he locked the barrel and threw it in the brig.
Next Part: Out With Friends
Author Note: Are you all okay with Buggy being the "unlikely ally"? Am I doing a good job so far? Thanks a lot!