Justice

by Black' Victor Cachat

Dealing with villains is all part of being a superhero, the Justice League knows this. So how do they handle the new supervillain gang that can't decide whether they're good or evil? And said gang, the Straw Hat Pirates, are just desperate to get home to fulfil their dreams, whatever it takes. And they have no problems with fighting more believers in 'Justice' along the way

14. Injustice for All, Part 4

I do not own either One Piece or Justice League Unlimited.

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Beta read by the wonderful rose7anne101 and MasterQwertster. Make sure to check out their own stories! Also thanks to other readers who have given incredible help, like Kolomte'49, lincoln time, mellra, scl04, King of Fans, Anycents, TheWhiteTitan, coalface, Creation Teller, Blackwizard71, and Bkaa19. I know several of you will see your contributions here, even if they will be a surprise ;-)

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Guest Review answers :-D

Evil Reviewer

Yes, SUPER proud of getting a TvTropes page! Thanks! And LOL about how you were going to wish me luck on one! ;-D

Oh sure, Maureen is part of the DCAU, it is just that I am not really *familiar* with Static Shock. Only a handful of episodes.

Yes, you definitely seem to enjoy leaving Reviews, even for my other fics ;-) But yes, I need to work on my responses being a little clearer, with more context. Figure I will address 'March on Oda' first so as to not distract from 'Justice,' and it is now listed as Complete. Thanks for pointing that out :-) Who knows though, maybe one day I will get a new idea for it.

You are right, I should be more afraid of Sanji's feet, and go hide behind some ladies! Fortunately, as I have received no further threats, it appears I am in the clear.

Now to the main Review you left, and I recommend other Reviewers take a glance at the following:

In terms of 'Justice,' yes, as you said, I am by definition so far altering the storyline and thus the layout of the universe. If I wanted to, I could do whatever I wanted, be it from the Straw Hats adopting all the emotionally damaged young waifs like Cassandra Cain to help them heal (a disturbing number being teenaged girls), or up to Luffy seducing Superman and Batman to make them a part of his harem. Give Luffy the ability to turn into a dragon because Magic (highly tempting!); using the pre-52 version of Wonder Woman, who I prefer as the warrior diplomat over the hotheaded warrior of the DCAU; use Plastic Man to his full amusing and powerful potential (in the 'Injustice' comics, both sides considered him one of the most dangerous people alive); or have all Nine Lantern Corps present. I *can* do all that. When I first started writing this fic I decided to keep it within the DCAU simply to make it simpler in terms of having examples of what the scope of the heroes and villains' abilities were, as well as a smaller cast—especially if there was one DC-verse character I am unaware of who could actually easily beat the Straw Hats. Now though, fourteen chapters in, my storyline plan has already grown ridiculously due to original upcoming arcs, as well as increasingly AU canon arcs. Character growth is happening more and more, with my characters already evolving beyond my imagination—Volcana was never originally intended to be more than a largely silent grunt for the Straw Hats, and look at her now! 0_o

In other words, my story is growing and changing so much, that for *me* to keep track of it all, keeping it with the DCAU history and characters, something I can easily reference, helps make it *loads* easier. This is a big story already, and barely started. It is going to also get increasingly chaotic and (hopefully) unpredictable in true One Piece fashion, and I am trying to simplify things where I can for my own peace of mind. Which, yes, is disappointing on several levels, but I unfortunately have to make compromises while doing this.

On a final note, keeping it within the DCAU makes it easier for readers who are less familiar with the DC-verse, or for parsing through all the continuities in general. Like clues that let people figure out who the guy who recognized Volcana is.

I apologize if any of the above sounds like ranting.

Of course, if somebody can give me a good argument for Dragon!Luffy that both fits canon, and does not make him able to totally overpower Superman, I am all ears! X-D

Onto other comments you made:

Yeah, Joker is crazy/insane, but he also notices the little details because he is also scary sharp. In the DCAU he is not only unpredictable and ruthless, he is also consistently able to throw together high-tech schemes, and ferret out little yet key details.

Wait and see here with Luffy and Superman ;-)

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Jonas

Yes, conversations without the proper context can be surprisingly fun! X-D

Here are the answers to your questions! ;-) Hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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RoseGold

Nice to hear that the villains' developments are coming along nicely, as did my Straw Hat analysis. Really game them a lot of thought, so glad to know it came together :-)

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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hunter202002

Well, if Superman did see through Luffy's disguise, that already makes him more competent than Doflamingo and his top henchmen ;-P
Yeah, I had a LOT of fun with the hell scene.

There will be more fun interaction scenes to come with the Straw Hats and their minions. Open to suggestions though.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest (please choose a name/nickname next time ^^)

I keep imagining Deadshot having a mental break down because he can't hit the Strawhats well those with observation Haki anyway

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest (please choose a name/nickname next time ^^)

You never know, Luffy might accidentally meet Flash yet ;-)

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Cinnamon Bagel

Always nice to hear how people are re-reading my story :-) Also glad to hear that the chapters seem to be getting progressively better!

I had lots of fun writing the hell scene, and also Luffy being absent, and appreciate hearing how many like reading them! :-D

Superman unknowingly made precisely the right decision ;-)

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Anonarra

Appreciate hearing how much you like my story! :-D

Zoro is pretty much a one-man army on ANY world! That is how awesome he is. Unfortunately yes, his bloodlust is getting impatient. As for masochism . . . I doubt he is one, if only because I doubt he can even FEEL pain any more, since unlikely even Chopper could properly repair all his pain receptor nerves after all the abuse they have been through :-P

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest (please choose a name/nickname next time ^^)

This is for the one who Reviewed for chapter 5; basically I am wondering what piece of politics you are referring to there.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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beans

Unfortunately, Joker is not using poison gas. Aresia's concoction works by causing a fatal allergic reaction in her victims; which DID work on Luffy in chapter 5. He has an inhuman healing factor and general resistance, but more than one way to make somebody ill.

LOL like that story of Joker trying to hide from Zoro behind a mountain! X-D

Conqueror's Haki will be discussed in this chapter.

. . . That bit with Lucy is now in chapter 13, and you are credited in this chapter. Doffy in this chapter. Thank you, those were hilarious! X-D

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

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Mobbo

Do not want to make it boring with Joker. Need a worthy foe!

I could not resist with 'Sick Pig'!

Why would I do something like cause an attack while Luffy is absent? *Whistles as I walk away*

The guy who recognized Volcana gets more screen-time here. As for the food court employee, he only filled out an order for (relatively) boring Clark Kent, not Superman, so no autograph.

. . . For the sake of sanity, I will probably not be having Green Lantern and Usopp exchange sniper fire across several galaxies. The universe probably cannot take it.

Really appreciate hearing that I have made a crossover where even people unfamiliar with one universe can still follow the story well! :-D

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Qweeikseand

Really makes me feel good to know that I was able to make a story people can delve into without requiring background knowledge! :-D

Hope the wait was not too bad ;-) Curious as to what you think of the TvTropes page and what to maybe add.

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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doraemax

Luffy's sensitivity to people's moods appears to be, according to Rayleigh, a subconscious skill of his via Observation Haki. But you are definitely right that it must be a novel experience for Superman to be having such a cordial beginning to their meeting. Even Luthor merely acts polite with power games going on behind his words. As for Superman's intentions towards Volcana, read and find out ;-) Although since escaping her exile, she has actually committed several crimes with the SHP, and never served her sentence (legal or otherwise) for previous felonies—she is not an innocent in all this.

For your bit about the heroes discussing Justice and complicating matters, you are right that it is fairly straightforward. They are out to save people, and no need for big philosophical discussions. In the DCAU, Justice is black and white—for your bit on Divine Law, in the episode "This Little Piggy," they literally have Themis, the Personification of Justice, endorsing them! In One Piece though, it is full of greys, which the Straw Hats brought with them, with Robin aiming to provoke discussion about it. Moreover, during the DCAU Cadmus arc, we see there are indeed more greys than the heroes wanted to accept.

The argument that Bruce Wayne should have found other ways to fight crime, legal ways is an old one, with his main argument being the system in Gotham was too corrupt for that too work anymore. That said, he really indeed should be doing more for social change, something I have lightly touched on in previous chapters. Wondering if there are any good fics though that have him doing that more?

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Guest (please choose a name/nickname next time ^^)

For Superman vs. Gear Four Luffy, you are going to have to wait and see ;-)

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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YCG

Yep, giving the food was crucial for Superman.

As for a list of Usopp's tall tales to see which become reality, unfortunately by this point the ones most likely to spot what is happening, appear to be the ones who have also come to tune him out whenever he does so :-P

Here is the newest chapter, and I hope it was worth it! Looking forward to hearing your newest thoughts! :-D

Thank you for your Review and Support! :-D

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Justice

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Chapter 14: Injustice for All, Part 4

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Previously:

Joker outlines his plan to Luthor to kill both the Straw Hats and Justice League, using both an enhanced version of an allergen created by Aresia, the rogue Amazon, and several high-tier supervillains. While the Justice League is aware Joker is recruiting, and his targets, they choose not to warn the Straw Hats, being concerned about what the pirates may do next.

Feeling bored, Luffy accompanies Volcana and Maureen to the mall. While there, Volcana is recognized by someone who goes to make a phone call. At the end of the chapter, while in the food court, Superman approaches Luffy and his friends . . .

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This chapter is an AU of a DCAU episode by the same name.

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November 8

Something caught the corner of Volcana's eye, her stomach dropping as she recognized mall cops calmly yet quietly urging people away from the food court.

"It's fine," Luffy grunted through a stuffed mouth.

Before she could demand an answer, someone stepped in front of their table. "Excuse me, may I sit here?"

Carrying two very full trays of food, was Superman.

Blue suit, red cape, and all.

"Sure," grinned Luffy.

"Thank you." Ignoring the heated glare Volcana was shooting him, while her plastic fork melted in her hand, he gestured at the chair in front of Luffy, who belatedly remembered to take his feet off it. The hero pulled back the chair with his own foot, and sat down in front of her boss. He selected two hot dogs and a drink from the pile, and pushed the rest towards Luffy. "Here. I bought extra 'cause I know from Flash how much you like to eat."

"Thanks!"

Without a second thought, Luffy reached over with one hand to pull the new food towards himself, while the other yanked off the now useless beard and sunglasses.

Except he was not smiling. Instead when she briefly glanced over, there was an expression she remembered all-too-well from when she had first met him. Been judged by him.

For all the heated glares Volcana was shooting at Superman, she dimly knew it was largely bravado as sweat broke out on her lower back. He was here. With her and Maureen. Both her former jailer, and the man lauded as the Earth's Greatest Hero.

Trying to hide it behind a napkin wiping her mouth, she took long breath to calm herself. Not because she was afraid of him —she was not!— but because even if the Man of Steel would not want to intentionally hurt Maureen, accidents happened in full-scale fights. Especially if somebody, just speaking hypothetically here, started tossing fire around. So despite what she oh so wanted to do, she had to keep her cool.

Unfortunately, her environment was not conductive for 'keeping cool.' Although what she seemed to be seeing right now could (hopefully) be attributed to an overactive imagination.

The air between Luffy and Superman seemed to crackle with barely restrained energy—yet . . . not violently. As if in simple recognition of two Titans meeting at last. For all that she knew them on a personal level, right now they appeared too otherworldly and alien for her to comprehend . . .

With a mental jolt, her brain rebooted, and she started thinking more rationally. After all, Superman was a literal alien, and Luffy was . . . well, just strange. Although it did highlight for her the striking similarities between the two men; ones which went beyond the superficial, and into who they really were.

Most of the time, Luffy was so childish and laidback that he was easy to overlook. Here and now though, his blank expression was neither aggressive nor placid, yet held an intensity that was unnerving to behold. For all the food court was large and empty, his presence seemed to be filling it up to the point of being nearly suffocating; while paradoxically not threatening either. A figure that all eyes would be instinctively drawn too. An Alpha who dominated without effort.

Superman was the same.

Maybe it was because he was an alien, or perhaps it was something inherent to him that would remained the same on Krypton. Like a magnet, his own presence drew people to him. Made them believe in what he had to say. She knew this from personal experience, with only her awareness of the whole unfairness of her imprisonment making her resistant to his charm; and even then she had been suffused with knowing he was simply trying to help her.

Or so he honestly believed at any rate.

Regardless, despite how scrawny Luffy was, he was every bit as larger-than-life as the hero. The only difference was that the pirate could, deliberately or not, hide what he was. Even if he tried, she doubted Superman was capable of making people overlook him.

You could not truly understand unless you met them in person; how they swept up people in their wake, and led them to believe their Dreams. Make them believe those Dreams could be –and actually were– reality.

Justice.

Freedom.

!JUSTICE!

After a few tense moments, Superman finished a hot dog (in the same time, Luffy had just thrown back four into his mouth to gulp them down), and rested his hands on the table.

"First off, Luffy, I'd like to start with something you should know," began Superman. "The news reports about Joker breaking Lex Luthor out of prison a few days ago are true. Along with Ultra-Humanite, Killer Frost, Deadshot, and Copperhead. Star Sapphire and Tsukuri who your friends Nami, Robin, and Brook fought before when all us men got sick, joined them as well. Joker already had Parasite and Scarecrow with him, and a bunch of regular, non-powered crooks. However, what wasn't reported, and until now only the authorities are aware of, is that Joker's gunning for you and your people specifically, and recruited all those people to help him do it. Knowing him, there'll be even more that we're not yet aware of; he never does these things simple, and Luthor'll only make it worse."

Despite her more informed inkling of just how powerful her new friends were, Volcana still had to repress a gulp at the thought of such powerhouses and specialists all working together. Aimed straight at the Straw Hats and everyone around them.

"Huh. I'd've thought Star and Kuri would've learned their lessons," hummed Luffy before throwing back another wiener. "Or the Mingo wannabe." From the way he was behaving, you would think he either had already known this, or was utterly unconcerned.

The reference to whoever had that ridiculous name, or nickname, did nothing to help. Calling yourself 'Mingo' was hardly going to terrify anybody after all. Volcana wondered what the original name was before Luffy decided to shorten it to Mingo … She secretly wished he would give a ridiculous one to the Man of Steel.

Given how he was calling Maureen 'Mauri' now, she knew it was not something he did solely to his enemies. Either he did it simply on a whim, or he really could not be bothered with saying names 'too complicated.' . . . No, it was both.

Pausing in stuffing his face, he squinted at Volcana. "That is the guy whose face Sanji messed up, right?"

"Joker? Yes."

"Thanks. But yeah, he was being a jerk like Mingo, same name even, and at the same time wants to be a clown? Weird. Too bad Buggy's not here; he'd be way better at being a clown and being dangerous than this guy by the sounds of it. At least Buggy got the nose right."

Superman opened and closed his mouth, unsure of how to properly answer. Frowning, he focused a little harder to see if Luffy was trying to unbalance him, to take control of the conversation.

No, he thought with mixed feelings as the teen continued shoveling food into his gut. He's genuinely interested, and making observations he deems strangely relevant.

"No idea though why this Rex Losor has you so worked up."

It took a painfully long time for Superman's brain to fully process 'Lex Luthor' = 'Rex Losor,' and despite himself he choked on a laugh. Only then did his eyes widen he realized that for whatever reason, the head of the Straw Hat Pirates considered neither Joker nor Luthor as threats. Only deserving of mockery.

Was it confidence? Or blissful ignorance? Given his suspicions of their origins, it could be both.

He was positive however, that this would not be the last time during this conversation he would be taken by surprise. For all that the hungry guy behaved as if he was simple and straightforward, it was obvious there were layers of surprising depth to him. For one, he caught on that 'Rex Losor' was who personally concerned Superman most. Was that me being sloppy, him being that sharp, or something else?

"He means to say, 'Thanks for the warning and peace offering,'" Volcana dryly corrected before she could help herself. Something flashed across the hero's face, making her think he was surprised and approving of her speaking up to Luffy like that. Why? It's not like Luffy's the type to get mad about something like that. Or wait . . .

Scoffing, she shook her head. "Did you really take me for some damsel that needs to be rescued from the big, strong pirate captain?" The hero flinched a little at that. "I'm here because I choose to be, and can walk away whenever I want." Theoretically. At the very least she knew Luffy and the others would not be trying to stop her, which was basically the same thing. Her mind flashed to when they first met.

!JUSTICE!
Flashback

"What I want," Volcana finally said, hand still on fire in silent threat, "is a fresh start, where no one can control me, imprison me, or judge me because of my abilities, or my past from when I was too powerless to control my own destiny."

No one laughed.

"Same here," Clayface quietly agreed.

She ignored him, hand still raised to scorch the interviewer if he did not choose his following words with great care.

Unfazed by his imminent death, the apparent man in charge tapped his chin in obvious thought, before giving a serious yet kind smile. "I'm sorry for what I said, and he's right, that is a great Dream! I totally agree with you!" Then a megawatt smile appeared. "It's pretty similar to my Dream too!"

"Glad to have you!" Both his hands shot out to grab one of hers and Clayface's, and shook them in welcome.

She didn't had time to even react when she saw his arm extend catching hers, and then shaking it enthusiastically making her whole body vibrate, with unnaturally wide grin on his face. Not to mention heedless of the fire still lighting up her palm!

!JUSTICE!
Present

"They're better than that," she softly finished, yet her eyes remained lit with a cold fire towards Superman.

Settled now, he nodded in understanding. Or what he thought was understanding, as he did not really know who Luffy is. Oh, she knew he had theories, speculations, and what not, but that was all. It was going to be fun to see him reacting to Luffy's personality up close and personal. Volcana knew it was going to be a blast to be the spectator this time!

Unfortunately though, now the man's attention was focused solely upon herself. Measuring her. When he flicked a glance at Maureen, she immediately placed an arm in front of the girl, tendrils of fire licking up her forearm in silent warning. Belatedly Volcana realized he might assume Maureen was a prisoner of some sort, yet no accusations escaped his lips.

Still keeping his hands flat, he bowed his head briefly in apology, or maybe reassurance. "I don't mean to upset anybody, or give insult. Further insult at that. Especially you, Volcana." Now looking embarrassed, "Truth be told, I only expected you to be here, our tip said nothing about Luffy. The reason I came though, was because I also owe you an apology, for how I treated you before."

An apology!?

"That all?" she hissed with heated indignation.

"No," he shook his head. "I imprisoned you upon that island in hopes it would keep you safe, and others safe from you—because you were endangering innocents in trying to stay ahead of the government. Except at the same time, I failed to consider how I wasn't really doing you any justice. That I was merely making things worse for everyone."

Whatever else she wanted to say was choked off in her throat by sheer indignation.

Taking this distraction, he regarded Maureen again for another few seconds, before passing over his last hot dog. "Here. You look like you haven't been eating much until lately."

The younger girl glanced up at Volcana, who made an irritated gesture. "Go ahead. He's not the type to poison food."

"Yep," nodded Luffy, with an absolute certainty which was slightly baffling for the adults. Maureen merely gobbled down her extra food with the enthusiasm of those who had once known starvation.

It was obvious from Superman's interest, he was tempted to speak further to the teenage girl, except he could also read how protective the other two villains were of her. Visibly, he put the matter aside for now, and turned his attention back to Luffy. "Speaking of injustice, how we handled Cherry Blossom Medical was that as well."

"SHUT UP!"

Pausing, he gave Volcana his full attention. "Yes?"

"You, of all people, don't get to waltz in here like you can, can, ARRGH! Like an apology makes up for what you did!? You arrogant, condescending—"

"Hypocrite?" finished Superman, throwing her off. "Maybe so. But that's why I'm here. To make up for something I wish we hadn't done. With more than just empty words."

Luffy leaned over to Maureen. "What's a hippocricket?"
Whispering back, "Pretty sure it's when someone says you should live your life one way, except they do the exact opposite."

"Ah. Thanks."

The two adults blinked at them for another moment before Superman visibly reorganized his thoughts. Intentionally or not, the younger man's question had definitely eased up on the tension that had been growing. "That's something else I want to get into. About you Straw Hats being on Earth."

Luffy's eyes hardened. "Huh?"

Now Superman's voice somehow became firm as steel, yet somehow remained compassionate and kind. "I get what you're going through. Several of us in the League do. You're on a strange new world, and you're confused. My questions are, are you here to stay, and what're your intentions?"

Panicking, the dangerous Pirate Captain frantically looked away to the right, sweat breaking out over his face, lips pursed and in the same direction as his eyes, while holding up one hand as if block or cover his mouth without really doing anything (the hand part was frankly weird). "No we're not! We're Earthlings from Earth! Honest! Really!"

A heavy silence fell, with the ladies too surprised to comment, while Superman looked decidedly unimpressed with the obvious lie. Seeing a criminal so terribly bad at it, it was so surprising that a part of him felt almost amused. An eyebrow fractionally rose, and in face of such obvious disbelief, Luffy caved to the reality that he was not fooling anybody. Groaning, he planted his face on the table. "Nami's going to kill me for this after keeping it secret for so long." Glancing up, he looked somehow both despondent and defensive. "You weren't supposed to know. How'd you know?"

"Batman's pretty bright." Although honestly, Superman had not been certain the Straw Hats were aliens until that sad attempt at deception. "So, what's your answer?"

Unbeknownst to Volcana and Maureen, there was far more going on right now than they could see. The hero's super-senses were straining for the slightest clues from Luffy; searching for signs of falsehood. In turn, he was being carefully examined via Haki, particularly by the other's innate and instinctive talent at sensing the emotions deep within others.

Sighing, Luffy shook his head. "We want to get home. Need to get home."

The emotional storm within Volcana intensified at these words. Now she knew what it was all about. The final goal her employers, her friends, were willing to take on the world for: to leave.

Following this same line of thought, Maureen gasped in shock and a touch of fear. Hearing this, Luffy patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, we'll make it work out."

"So, we can come with you?" she softly asked.

Groaning, Luffy pulled his hat up from his back and onto his head, fingering it restlessly. "Is this what Shanks felt? Or was it because I was a kid?"

"Huh?"

"Shanks?" asked Superman, hoping for more details.

"The guy who taught me about being a pirate. Wouldn't let me come with him though, saying I was too young then. And I guess he was right, 'cause that's what I'm feeling now. Like he said, the path to becoming the Pirate King's not safe."

A crease formed in Superman's brow. "The 'Pirate King'?"

Beaming, Luffy nodded. "That's right! I'm going to find the One Piece and become the Pirate King!"

Before the alien could speak, Maureen gushed with awe and a touch of idolatry. "COOOOL! What's the One Piece!? Part of your quest!? Is it treasure!? It's treasure, right!? So that's what you need to prove your King by finding it or proving yourself worthy!? Does that mean you'll lead all the pirates!? You'll be, like, the pirates're all fighting and quarrelling, but you'll stand before them and yell," she sucked in a deep breath, "'I AM YOUR KING!' And then they'll all bow down to you?"

"Uhm, no? Why would they? And why'd I yell like that? That's the sort of stuff those Celestial Dragon bastards would do! Yuck! No, being the Pirate King's about being the most free."

". . . I think there is a language issue here, with some confusion in the translation," offered Superman. Luffy only gave him a blank look. "At the very least, you don't act like how people on this planet generally understand the term 'pirate.' Alright, so you want to get back home, I respect that. Hawkgirl wants the same thing. The thing is, the Justice League can help you."

"Don't need help!" declared Luffy, grabbing for one of the few remaining hot dogs. "We've got all the help we need!"

Shaking his head a little in denial, Superman said, "Look at it this way: stealing people's money, and causing all that damage, isn't helping other people's freedoms. You're actually making it worse."

Volcana and her boss merely grimaced, while Maureen was puzzled.

Now Luffy seemed strangely uncomfortable. "I've seen what it's like in Gotham," he admitted. "Robin told me why it's happening. I didn't expect that."
"It's the first time you've seen the consequences of your actions," realized Superman.

Shrugging his shoulders, "Usually those we hurt, it's because of what they did to us or our friends, so they got what was coming to 'em. This is new." Cocking his head, "Except it's the other guys who chose to go there and make trouble. And we're not the ones who said we're heroes and promised to protect the city. Because that's what a hero does: saves the day." With a sardonic smile he tacked on, "Besides if we kept solving everybody's problems, they'd never know how to do it for themselves."

"Some things are bigger than that," refuted Superman. "Sometimes you've got to stand for people when they can't stand for themselves. Especially since more people wouldn't need to stand for themselves if you and your friends didn't do what you're doing. It's not the wealthy going hungry whenever you rob a bank."

Seeing the signs of the young man's conscience, the hero was doing all he could to remind him of his responsibilities to others.

Alas, Luffy was already clearly looking bored at this sort of philosophy.

Recognizing this, Superman switched tactics, "Why did you attack Flash before? Is your hat really that special to you?"

Placing a protective hand over it, he simply said, "It's my treasure."

Understanding bloomed. "It's from someone important to you."

"'Course."

"Well, I know Flash wouldn't have taken it if he knew how much it meant to you. He'll want to give you an apology, when he sees you next."

Beaming a grin, "Well then, I'll have to apologize for hitting 'im so hard!"

"Quite. Something else about Gotham, is it true you're staying out because of hearing someone ate spoiled meat?" There were two reasons for why he was asking this. First, as professional reporter he knew that seemingly simple questions could help verify answers for more important ones, as well as help relax whoever he was interviewing. Second, the idea sounded so ridiculous that there was an informal betting pool (mostly food stuff) set up by Flash over whether it was true or not, so he really wanted to know who won.

"It was disgusting!" he shouted, with a fervor more suited for condemning sacrilege within a church. "What kind of place lets people sell food like that!?"

"I have to admit, I don't really eat there," confessed Superman. "For just that reason." However he would be eating out tomorrow at a nice restaurant chain that was also in Metropolis, thanks to a gift card Flash had wagered.

"So you get what I'm saying."

"You confused the heck out of Batman when he found out your reason."

Cocking his head in confusion, Luffy blinked a few times. "Why would he care?"

"Well, he really likes knowing all about people."

"He sounds like a pervert."

Superman coughed a few times into his fist.

"On a more serious note," he continued, once his throat was clear, "There are concerns about how several of the people you've taken in, are wanted criminals."

Without missing a beat, Luffy blankly said, "Huh? Why're you being stupid about that? We're wanted criminals too."

It was not the rudeness that made Superman pause, but the matter-of-fact manner of the statement. Luffy knew he was a criminal, and that was all there was to it. Also an uncharacteristic lack of ego for an upper-tier supervillain.

For her part, Volcana stifled a chuckle behind her hand, not wanting to derail the entertainment by distracting her boss.

"Alright," Superman nodded as he rallied himself. "My point being, that those same people have hurt and killed others in the past. You 'pirates,'" —apparently he now had a different interpretation of the term than Luffy— "may have done a lot of good with Cherry Blossom, have not killed anybody, and it is understandable you may have trouble adjusting to living on Earth. However, your continued association with Volcana and the others, complicates that."

Hearing the implied threat, Volcana once more saw in Luffy's eyes the shadow of the Dragon. Hunched over his pile of gold, ready to pounce in its defense.

With icy precision he gritted out, "They're my friends. Don't mess with 'em."

Superman stiffened in turn, only for Luffy to suddenly relax and turn his attention back to his food for a moment. "'Sides," he added while chewing and swallowing, "they didn't do that to anybody I know or care about, so it's not a problem."

Superman's eyes narrowed dangerously, only to be distracted by the next bit. "Also, you should get to know 'em better. They're pretty cool!"

"That," sighed the hero as he deflated a bit, "is also part of why I'm here. And what I've seen." A sharp look pierced Volcana, even as he gestured towards Maureen. "While your past records remain an issue, I recently noticed that you and the others have not been committing the same felonies as before. No further reports of people being burned alive for example."

She willed him to catch fire with her mind, with no success. Yet that strange feeling in her chest came back as under the table, Maureen put a reassuring hand on her knee.

"At first I thought it was because Luffy was keeping you guys on a tight leash. Except the woman I knew before would never show genuine concern for anyone else. Much less be protective."

Eyes flashing harder than ever, unbidden Volcana's cheeks even flushed a bit. Another new experience for her.

"Would I be right to assume the others are mellowing out a little too?"

HOW!? she wailed inside, catching the flicker of satisfaction across his face as he read her own. Was her defending and praising somebody, and defending a kid really such a drastic change from how she was before!?

Oh.

Right.

Hrrm.

Okay, maybe it was not so absurd for him to make a guess like that. Maybe even an educated guess.

In contrast, Luffy looked confused, and frankly disgusted. "What're you talkin' about? A leash? Why'd I do that to 'em? And they were always awesome, you just never gave 'em the chance to show it."

"Yes we did," stressed Superman. "In fact we gave them a lot of chances to do so, and they kept hurting people. They still need rehabilitation for them to rejoin society. What's different here though, is that you actually seem to be doing a better job of it than anyone else before. They're still committing crimes, yet now they're behaving much better overall. Showing positive behaviour they haven't displayed in years, or ever to our knowledge for some. You actually are giving them that second chance that is making a difference for them!"

He paused to see Luffy's response, who did appear deep in thought—you could tell by the pained expression on his face. Finally he shrugged and smiled, "Huh, I guess they've changed a bit. See, what'd I tell ya?"

Weirdly, Superman looked a little sad at that. Looking to the side in resignation, he confessed, "I'm sure you've heard already Luthor's terminally ill. Despite it all though, all those years we fought while I struggled to expose him, I never stopped wishing he'd make a change for the better. Using his genius for good." His eyes pierced into Volcana, "Except I fixated on him when I should've been thinking about others. Finding ways to be a better hero. Hopefully now I can start doing that properly."

"Good to hear," said Luffy with a massive smile and all cheer. With that, he piled his empty trays, and everyone else's, atop each other, and stood up with them. "Good talk, and nice to meet ya. We won't hold you then while you're working on that second chance thingy." Having said his piece, he got up from the table, and strolled over to the trash cans to pile them with all the other discarded ones. "Hey, Volcana, do we have time for some more shopping?

"Volcana?

"Helloooooo~! Are you listening?"

Bewildered, Superman threw her a look, to which she gave a lazy smile as her brain rebooted. "Yes he's serious, and yeah, this is pretty much the norm." Looking back at her boss, she called out, "He's here to arrest you, Luffy!"

"Oh," realized Luffy with a start, having forgotten about that possibility. "Right."

Coughing into a fist again, Superman said, "Not exactly." Getting out of his chair, he angled himself so he was facing both Luffy and the ladies. "There's another option on the table.

"Come work with the Justice League."

"You're joking," deadpanned Volcana on reflex.

"Hear me out. If you work alongside the League to help save people, stop criminals, and even redeem them, you'll be pardoned for your past actions. In turn, we'll be helping you find a way home. It'll be a second chance to make a difference for all of you. Everyone wins, and your friends and allies you leave behind will have a new place in this world."

Frowning again, Luffy tilted his head to say something, yet a bitter laugh cut him off.

Shaking with humour at the ridiculousness of it all, because it was that or rage and cry, Volcana shook her head. "That's the only way, isn't it? Why there's no real 'reformed supervillains' out there? Because the system's so rigged against us, we can only manage it with a high and mighty hero giving their approval of us?"

The Man of Steel opened his mouth, only to then clench his teeth in frustration and understanding. This conversation had not gone as expected, including how much of an eye-opener it had proved to be for him. "You may have a point there," he reluctantly admitted. "Except, doesn't that make it all the more important to work with the League? To first prove it's possible to reform?"

Flinching, she took a step back. He had a point. Maybe he really was trying to find a better solution to keeping her and everybody else safe. The government could hardly nab her if Superman vouched for her, right? Had the League protecting her. Would it be better for Maureen?

A prickling sensation made her to turn to see Luffy regarding her with a heavy expression. "It's your choice," he promised. "Whatever you decide, it's up to you to find your own way to your Dream. We can let the others know too.

"As for me," bringing his attention back on Superman, "sorry," —he did not sound remotely like that— "my answer's no."

Those words washed over Volcana, and she found herself strangely relaxing. Of course he would say that.

While his body language stayed relaxed, Superman's eyes sharpened a little. "May I ask why?"

Sighing, Luffy scratched his head again. He was generally not one for wasting time on long explanations, yet he liked the guy, so felt he should at least try to help him understand. "Don't get me wrong, I'm honoured. I love heroes. You're a hero, and I can tell since you shared with me your meat. But I'm not a hero 'cause I don't share my meat, and the world wouldn't accept me as one either. So I'd rather just explore and have fun with people. Unless they have something we need to get home. 'Cause I'm a pirate, and we take what we want by force, including all the meat. Obviously if they don't have anything like that, and aren't trying to stop us, then we'll leave 'em alone or see if they want to be friends.

"Since at the end of the day, what's right and wrong doesn't matter, only doing what we feel like."

His eyes hardened knowingly, glinting with an intelligence and personal experience he had not shown earlier. "Besides, the bigshots wouldn't actually accept us. They like everything shiny and clean, so they can feel good. They'd demand we work for you, to reassure 'em. Because nobody'll trust us." Superman opened his mouth, yet he plowed on. "No, I know that's not how you'll want it to be; it's just that it'll still be that way.

"Plus, I'm a Pirate Captain, and work for nobody, so you'd have to work for me."

With those surprisingly eloquent words, Maureen quietly got out of the booth, and went to hide behind the nearest cover.

Smart girl.

The line had been drawn in the sand, and Luffy had responded by tossing down the glove.

Slowly Superman nodded, turning to look at Volcana. "What's your answer?"

Resigned, she shook her head. "You think he's an alien, while I've been wondering if he's actually a devil who broke free from Hell. Regardless though, I'm in it now, and I couldn't leave even if I wanted to." Fire lit up her eyes. Literally. "I will not abandon my nakama."

"I see," he softly said, before raising his fists, getting ready to fight. "I'm sorry it has to be like this then. You all really seem like genuinely good people underneath. Hopefully we can work something out afterwards. At the very least, this'll help keep you safe from Joker."

A haymaker smashed down on Superman's head before he could react, collapsing with a heavy thump.

"Y'wanna bet?" sneered Parasite, reaching down to suck him dry.

!JUSTICE!

Luffy frowned in anger at this guy who had blindsided Superman like that. Whoever he was, he was seriously fast, as Luffy had only picked him up at the last second. Although in fairness, it was not too surprising he missed him. After all, Observation Haki was directed more towards threats to oneself, and he had been focused on Superman too much to pick up on anybody else. Particularly somebody targeting only the hero.

That was stupid and careless of him.

Nevertheless, now he was fully focused, and tapping into his true abilities. To see what was happening around him . . . and what was going to happen.

The purply-man sneered as he reached down to touch Superman, who crackled with a visible glow. The mystery glow then went into the new guy, even as the still-unconscious hero shuddered in agony.

Nope.

It had been a nice conversation, no matter how weird it was at times, and how dare Purply and his friends butt in like this! Especially after he gave Luffy food like a proper hero!

"Gum-Gum Stamp!"

Foot striking out, Purply blocked it by crossing his forearms over his chest like an 'X,' taking the blow in the center. Fortunately, despite his reflexes, he was off-guard as Luffy had timed it for when the man was leaning over to touch Superman, unbalancing him enough to be knocked through a wall, and down several floors below.

When they had come here to eat, Volcana had not been the only one automatically and unconsciously considering their environment.

"Volcana, there's two more, but they feel weak. Can you handle 'em while I deal with this guy!?"

(Another reason he was angry at the interference, as he knew enough from Volcana's stories about her history with Superman. She had the spine to confront him, as proven today, and he was happy to see her fighting her own battles, yet he knew things were not over between them, and now all this mess was interfering with her settling it.)

"Go ahead," she nodded, facing where he had pointed, holding up two burning fists. She was still wearing her long coat, scarf, sunglasses, and the rest of her (failed) disguise, yet he knew all that would not hamper her. Even better, she knew it too.

Feeling her confidence, Luffy leapt through the hole to join Purply below.

!JUSTICE!

"Overly optimistic of both of you," drawled a figure as he stepped out of the shadows.

"Shade," identified Volcana. Pale faced, with a black skin-tight outfit, top-hat, shades like the name, and a stick which controlled darkness, he was more dangerous than he looked.

"And little ol' me," grinned Killer Frost maliciously, already chilling the room with her ice powers. "How's it going?"

"Guessing you're Joker's little advance party then?"

"Ah, so the League knows and told you. No matter," nodded Shade. "He'll be mighty pleased once we bring back your new boss, drained and helpless."

Suspicious, she gave a slight shake of her head. "You wouldn't send in just Parasite for that. Not with the sort of team Superman said you had."

"How insightful. You're right, we were originally here for only you."

"What?" she blinked in surprise through her tinted sunglasses.

"Yes, apparently someone identified you, and informed the League. We found out, and tailed along, and learnt who they were expecting."

Great, so no one saw through Luffy's crude disguise, while mine failed. I'll never hear the end of it.

Prattling away, "So of course we planned to capture you. I'm sure Joker would've had a few questions for you. However, if I was in your shoes, I'd hope for Parasite extracting what we need. Less messy."

"Nah," said Killer Frost , while she stalked over. "I've got a better idea." There was something off in her eyes. "Not after you people," she gritted out, "froze me. Made. Me. Feel. Cold. Me!

"So instead we're going to kill you," and now her evil smile stretched further, "and take the kid with you to see Uncle Joker. Or maybe just keep her for myself."

Raising a palm, she unleashed a blizzard.

The old Volcana might have needed Maureen's help to counter this oncoming mini-avalanche. Even with all the time she had spent secretly honing her skills while stuck on a dinky island with little else to do besides sunbathe, and practice braiding her hair.

The 'old Volcana' being who she was before meeting the Straw Hats.

With far less concentration than the old days, a roaring inferno bloomed from her hands, turning the storm of cold and ice to steam.

"You're not touching her!" she snarled, the rest of her lit up on fire. Her overcoat, scarf, and hairbands ignited, her long, wild mane breaking loose.

!JUSTICE!

Ducking and dodging, Luffy continued to leap backwards from a flurry of punches and kicks that tore up the floor and walls of the mall. However, the blank-faced youth was not fighting back, instead he was focused on his Observation Haki.

Luffy activated Gear Two and used Gum-Gum Jet Gatling, Purply cries out in pain as the punches hit his chest and face, and start to beat him.

Until –like every other time— he manages to grab one of Luffy's arms, and then Luffy cries out in pain.

That was where said future would lead. Where every variant of Luffy attacking him would have led to, if he had not changed his mind after seeing the results, and aborted that future. Again and again he tried something, only to stop and rethink.

"This is annoying," he grumbled to himself. In terms of raw power, he could tell that he was the stronger of the two, and by a fair bit. However, this guy was a lot tougher than pretty much anyone else he had met on this strange planet. Speed wise, even Flash — "Huh, I should probably forgive him for taking my Hat. He didn't know," he muttered aloud— would be in trouble. There was also a surprising amount of skill in those movements, including an awareness that spoke of experience.

Luffy activated Gear Four: Snakeman, and started safely punching him with clean blows.

He hesitated though.

First of all, he could not be entirely sure that he would win, as his foresight did not extend far enough to see a definite victory. Gear Four: Bounceman could probably do it quickly, if only by wrecking even more of the mall.

Second, he had not survived as long as he had by being totally careless against powers he did not understand.

Third, and most importantly, he did not want to reveal the power of Gear Four. Like Conqueror's Haki, it was a trump card for emergencies. If he would not bring it out right away against Doffy —as Traffy had also done with his glowing, green, energy knife-thingy— then he would not do so here, in a world they were stuck in for who knows how long.

"Huh," he repeated. "That's weird."

Yes, it was slight, yet there. The guy's aura, which showed his strength to Luffy's Observation Haki, dimmed a little for no good reason. Why?

"Maybe his strength is too draining for his stamina? Or maybe he can't handle his own power?" he wondered aloud. Fortunately his musing was inaudible to Parasite, over the sound of debris, and his own frustrated cries.

Deciding to test this, he broke a storefront window, and grabbed a bunch of coloured balls that he recognized from that game 'pool.' Which was a weird name, since what did water have to do with hitting a bunch of balls with sticks on much-too-easy-to-tear green cloth?

He looked to the future, found it intriguing, and started throwing the balls at Purply as fast as he could. "Gum-Gum Gatling Cue!" For the second time, he saw the guy block each ball perfectly with his forearms. Familiarly. Just like Wonder Woman on those video clips Sanji re-plays over and over and over and over.

Frowning now, he studied Purply's movements more closely. Were they a little less smooth than they had been before? Was he moving like his body belonged to a woman? A normal person would have missed this easily, while Luffy's fearsome instincts and battle experience finely honed since his grandpa threw him at a pack of monkeys, were something else altogether.

"Hey!" he shouted, making Purply freeze. "You fight like a Not-Amazon!"

"Huh!?" The guy shook his head. "What'dyah mean!? Of course I fight like an Amazon!" He flinched at his words, and shook his head. "Heh, nice one, you really played me there. Luthor was right about you. Yeah, I stole these powers and moves from some Amazons. What're you gonna do about it?"

Grinning wildly, Luffy gave his stock answer. "Kick your butt of course. Gum-Gum Pistol!"

!JUSTICE!

Straw Hat Base

The locals to Earth were becoming increasingly nervous by the outright agitation the pirates were displaying.

Some concealed it better than others, except Usopp was on his hands and knees muttering about how Luffy was right now probably fighting off an insane, immortal demon, and his shadow army. Brook, Chopper, and Grundy were buying into it, shaking with fear as his descriptions became increasingly detailed.

"Is it really always this bad when he's off alone?" questioned Cheetah.

"Well," hedged Nami. "Not always. Mostly. Sorta."

"Maybe not 'bad,' per say," said Franky. "But certainly SUPER chaos!"

"I suspect he and the others are dead by now, along with a major city," sighed Robin, resting her chin on one palm.

"ROBIN!" cried her more hysterical friends/family.

"Might be a good time to go over the rules," decided Nami. "Try and make something good out of this."

"Rules?" echoed Grundy.

"Yes, rules to help prevent Armageddon."

This was rather surprising to the villains who were theorizing about Luffy's possible connection to the underworld. No one said it outright, but they were 80% present sure he was a devil, or the descendent of one. You would think that would mean he would want to cause the end of the world! Unless he was a rebel in more ways than one? That might fit . . . Might.

Regardless, it was obvious the rest of the Straw Hats firmly believed that Luffy was never to go around without supervision by one of them.

"Alright, Rule #1: Nakama Forever. Rule #2—"

"Oh please! Stop being so melodramatic! Volcana's got a level head, and Maureen'll listen to her. They can keep Luffy in line until they get back," interrupted Poison Ivy with a huff, before turning her attention to her baby —or Usopp's too arguably since he had helped her make the hybrid plant, except she was hardly going to acknowledge that— with its steely-grip on the chessboard. It provided a plausible excuse to avoid meeting Nami's Death Glare. "What's the worst that can happen?"

Immediately Nami, Usopp, and Chopper's expressions became thousand-yard stares, and whatever they could see brought tears to their eyes.

"She just said it. She said it. We are doomed. Doomed, I tell ya," Usopp sobbed, collapsing onto the floor.

Brook choked on nothing, breaking out coughing.

Ever courageous Franky was glancing around nervously.

Robin giggled.

Zoro sighed.

Sanji pointedly did nothing that might show he was upset by a lady's remarks, while fumbling for another cigarette.

Sweat broke out on Jinbe's brow.

Pulling herself together, and groaning in anticipation of the headache to come, Nami walked over to the TV, and turned on the news.

"—eaking headline as the mysterious criminal Luffy battles it out with—"

"You had to jinx it," she moaned.

!JUSTICE!

Grimacing, Parasite blocked another punch with his wrist, and invulnerability or not, it still hurt.

The little twerp had switched from running away, to an actual fighting retreat, throwing out single punches so fast he could not get a grip on him. Or alternating between chucking stuff.

He understood what it was all about of course, he was currently working with the strategic and tactical minds of five Amazons, who had spent thousands of years fighting and training for war. He knew what the guy was doing! Honestly, this rush was better than Superman's in some ways, despite the lack of powers like flight or heat vision. The sheer fighting talent he was riding on made up for it!

With the might of them stacked on top of each other, he was now five times stronger than Wonder Woman, and more than a match for Superman in a straight-up fight! Even better, before the day was over, he would have Monkey's power too!

Where was he? Oh, right!

So yeah, this rival supervillain —who had both the Joker and Luthor in a tizzy— was trying to drag out the fight in the hope Parasite's powers would wear out. Not a bad plan, especially since it had taken some time getting here too, draining him some more. Fortunately, he still had more than enough juice to finish this. All it would take was Monkey making one single, little mistake.

If he could grab the runt! C'mere!

Rushing forward, he threw another succession of punches, followed by a sweeping kick to take out the legs, yet the freak danced between them all, and leapt safely back. While that had been closer than the last few times, it was getting really frustrating.

Alright, time for a change of plans. Stopping to look around, he realized there was a depressing lack of hostages. Dang, they all ran off . . . already . . .

"You were stalling for the first part, so the civilians could finish getting away safely," growled Parasite. Despite what he personally thought of him, the mental imprints from the Amazons indicated they would be even more impressed if they were in his shoes.

Shrugging like it was nothing, the guy stopped to—stick a finger in his ear!? That's disgusting! Ugh, look at him twist it! What, was he raised in the woods by wolves or something!? Suddenly he was a bit less enthusiastic about absorbing the twerp. Oops, he was saying something. "Eh, I didn't want anyone to get hurt." Frowning a little, "You're a pretty annoying guy though. Haven't fought someone I couldn't let touch me since crocodile."

What about crocodiles? Whatever. Snorting, Parasite started to circle around for a better angle. "Like you're one to talk. I could take on Superman like this, and you're just ducking and dodging away. S'no fun for me."

"Hmmm," cocking his head in thought for a moment, he shook his head. "Nah. Superman might make mistakes like putting his underwear on outside of his pants, whatever Franky says about him being a SUPER pervert, but he's pretty strong. Stronger than you right now I bet. Not too sharp though, if he let you surprise him like that."

Pausing briefly in shock, Parasaite resumed repositioning himself. "I'd think I'd know what he's capable of better 'en you. Although I've no idea about the underwear bit. Anyways, you won't accomplish anything if you don't start hitting me more."

"I want to," sighed the punk. "It's just that I don't want you grabbing me, so it's taking longer."

"The longer you stall, the more my friends up there are hurting your little friends."

"Nah, Volcana's fine." There was so much confidence in those words, the super-villain wondered if he was right.

No, it's gotta be a bluff. It's two on one!

"Honestly, there's this technique I've been wanting to learn that'd be perfect for you, that my teacher and this big guy knew, where you throw a punch that knocks people away without hitting 'em. I've been trying to learn it sparring with the others, but I haven't gotten anywhere with it yet."

"So you're going to try suddenly learning it against me," sneered Parasite.

"I've been trying! All I do is hit you like regular! Gum-Gum Rubber Spread!"

As if to prove his words, he sent another punch with that weird thing of yelling what he was doing, and once again, Parasite blocked it with one arm while trying to seize the stretching limb with the other. That his arms were like rubber, or that his fist would turn black, was only a surprise at the very start. He had seen weirder.

Unfortunately this time the pain from the punch made him flinch a little more than last time, stalling him just enough to barely miss his chance.

Hopping back, he massaged his aching wrist, wondering why it was hurting so much when he was so tough. Oh, right, it was still his wrist, and it was stupid to block a punch like . . . that . . .

Parasite felt like hitting himself when he finally realized the problem.

Amazonian martial combat fundamentally relied upon using their armbands —a symbol from when they had been enslaved by Men— to deflect blows. Even when something like bullets would have merely bounced off their flawless skin, it remained engrained into them to block. For a warrior should take no chances. Especially since said armbands were magically indestructible, able to repel anything from arrows to a bolt of lightning.

Slight problem: he did not have those fancy bracelets! Meaning his borrowed reflexes were having him block there, when intellectually he wanted to dodge or do anything else!

Worst of all, he understood now all those punches were intentionally targeting the wrist to maximize damage!

"That's it," he snarled. "Time to get rough." Calling upon the power of his sixth battery, Giganta, he swelled in size, becoming bigger, tougher, stronger, and, best of all, with massive hands to grab a certain someone and end this!

!JUSTICE!

With a yelp, Shade threw himself away from another fireball that barely missed him. The sheer concussive force of it making another fair sized hole in the wall, with the blast sending him rolling in another direction. Clearly, there was more to those powers than just a little heat.

Shaking his head, he then poked it up over a low wall to take in the scene of the food court.

It was a mess.

Broken tables and chairs littered the place, along with fire and ice. Although, more fire and water than ice now, he noted sardonically. That blast that nearly killed him had not even been aimed at him.

Killer Frost was running for her life from the burning punches and kicks of a woman who now appeared to be literally made of flames. Or at least on fire herself.

Desperately Killer Frost made a platform of ice under her feet to make some distance, shooting out more ice to stabilize herself as a human flamethrower tried to take it out from underneath her. She tried throwing out another barrage of icicles, only for them to melt once they got too close to her target; it was taking the big guns to even phase Volcana. Mobility was all the sociopathic serial killer had going for her, while her adversary literally and figuratively had the greater firepower.

"Well," panted Killer Frost. "You've gotten better than I'd heard."

"I've been sparring for my life this last week or so, against the most dangerous people I've ever met," Volcana flatly responded. "You're just an ice cube in comparison, and not nearly as fast as a certain pervert either." Despite these bold words, it was clear this effort was taking a toll on her as well, as her flames receded back to her regular human form. Her skin-tight, trademarked super-suit of red shirt and pants appeared fire retardant, as they remained intact, while the rest was gone.

Truthfully, this probably would be a good time for Shade to help out, except he and Killer Frost were not really teammates. Acquaintances at best. Fellow unwilling fodder for Joker's delusions at worst. Plus, she had said she could handle this on her own. No need for him to stick his neck out into that.

"Besides," Volcana continued with an evil grin, "they also taught me a few new things. RAAARGH!" From both arms another two torrents of fire erupted, and Killer Frost answered with two focused icy storms of her own. The duo powers slammed into each other, struggling for supremacy.

Except fire erupted once more around the redhead, and to Shade's disbelief a humanoid figure made of flames broke off from her, and independently flew at Killer Frost, hiding behind the glare of the ongoing attacks.

"Look out!" he yelled from where he was hiding.

At the last moment the whole mall lurched, knocking his colleague safely —and barely!— aside from the attack, as she was thrown about like the rest.

"Maureen!" shouted Volcana in concern.

!JUSTICE!

"So we're not gonna go help?" repeated Harley once more.

"Tch," grunted Zoro. "Yeah, Curly Brows could probably manage—"

"What'd you call me!?"

"—getting there quick enough if it were necessary, except it's not. Luffy can handle it. Unless there's somebody sneaky there. For that, he's got Volcana."

Everyone continued to pay attention to the news though, wanting to know what was happening. With the exception of Robin, Nami, Brook, Franky, and Cheetah, who were tapping into the police scanner, and contacting their various sources for fresh info.

!JUSTICE!

"Cool! You can turn into a giant!" gushed Luffy. Indeed, if Purply got much larger, he would break through the roof, and was already putting bigger and bigger holes in the stores here, from simply shifting around.

Unfortunately, some people just cannot take a compliment, and Purply roared with anger as he brought a massive palm down where Luffy had just been. He was in Gear Two now, not wanting to take any chances. For as fast as his baseline speed was, this guy was now impressive enough to be taken seriously.

Besides, he had liked this mall, and now it was being trashed. Not to mention how he had promised Volcana he would keep a low profile, and while this was not his fault, it changed nothing that he was getting pretty irritated. He liked a good fight, but against someone like this was different. Purply rubbed him the wrong way. It was a little like when he had been capturing Caesar Clown. Someone with a lot of power, and knew how to use it really well, while having little experience or understanding of what fighting really entailed. Someone playing at being a fighter, while people around them got hurt.

So yeah, time to end this.

What was that?

Volcana had yelled Mauri's name!

Yep, definitely time to end this. The trick was doing it without bringing down the building.

In a blur he was right in front Purply's head. "Gum-Gum Jet Twin Rubber Spread!" he roared as he punched the guy in the eyes.

Screaming in pain and even more surprise, Purply stumbled back clutching his face with both hands.

With another burst of speed, Luffy jumped through one of the holes in the wall to the outside, grabbing the edge so his rubbery body swung around back up over the roof of the mall so he was hanging over the big window –or was it called a skylight? Whatever— up there, looking straight down at Purply now that he was in position. Coincidentally, he was now back near the food court.

Biting his thumb, he blew air into it, making his bones swell up. See, he could be a part-Giant too! "Gum-Gum Elephant Gun!" Enhanced with Haki, he easily broke through the glass and brought his fist right down on the top of Purply's head, shutting him up as he stumbled around in a daze—that had not been enough to take him out, albeit on purpose, since bringing him down hard could have collapsed the mall. The next bit would should be decisive enough to finish this, while, again, without bringing him down hard enough to collapse the rest of the mall.

Not finished yet, Luffy reappeared in front of Purply at waist level, and repositioned the air within him while simultaneously focusing his Armament Haki to that new point. "Gum-Gum Jewel Cleaver!" and brought his oversized foot right up and hit oh dear! Uhm, wow. Really. Isn't that going a little too far? Oh. Right. Pirate. No rules. Still. I mean, yeah. Well, he isn't going to be growing big again anytime soon . . . bye, bye, family jewels.

!JUSTICE!

Whimpering in so much pain his brain was about ready to shut down and be done with it, Parasite concluded that while he had the pipsqueak on the ropes, he really should be getting back to base in a timely fashion. They had been here too long after all, and enemy reinforcements were probably on their way. Plus he was sure he had left the stove on back at base. He could always come back later and finish the job. Honest.

Shrinking down as quickly as possible, he reached out with one arm to grab onto a handhold near the food court, to pull himself in there.

Shade turned around at the noise, as the mall finally stopped shaking, to see Parasite crawl over the edge of a hole to fall into the food court. His other hand was clamped firmly over his crotch, with him hunched over.

"Well, this has been a bust," he concluded, shooting out darkness to enshroud him and Killer Frost. Using the cover, the two of them grabbed Parasite and booked it, even as a furiously shrieking Volcana sent tongues of fire lapping after them. Frankly, he found himself missing fighting people like Superman and Batman.

!JUSTICE!

Taking a deep breath, Volcana released her grasp upon her power, and rushed over to where she had last seen Maureen. While she had been doing her best to keep the fight away from the little girl, she could not be certain until she saw her little sister with her own eyes.

Smiling, she saw the young teen was not only alright, she also had an unconscious Superman draped over her while pulling him farther away from the battlefield. Sure, it had probably been more to get him to safety than using him as a living shield, yet it would do.

"Is it over?" Maureen asked earnestly.

"Seems like it. But we'd better not stick around."

Sharpening, her eyes fell on Superman. Here he was. Defenseless. How many could say they had this sort of chance?

Before she could make up her mind, she heard the slap of sandals against the floor as Luffy rejoined them, fake-beard and sunglasses dangling in one hand. "Leave 'em be," he simply said.

Raising an eyebrow, she silently communicated, Are you kidding me?

Sternly shaking his head, he explained as if she were a slow child. "He came here to talk in peace, and meant it. He gave food to Maureen and me. You don't kick a guy like that when he's down just because someone else barged in."

Sighing and shaking her head, Volcana lowered the hand that had been creeping up. He was making weird sense, and her heart was not really in it. Maybe not even just because Maureen was watching. "Right. Whatever."

"Will he be okay though?" worried Maureen.

Chuckling, Luffy grinned. "Yeah sure! Now, let's get going." He turned away from Volcana and bent over. "Hop on!"

"You must be joking!" she snapped.

He gave her a look like she was slow in the head. "We need to hurry."

Groaning at the humiliation of it all, she wrapped her arms around his neck to hold on. Of course, she had a few inches height on him, which made it somehow even more uncomfortable. Spinning around with her heels awkwardly skidding against the ground, he then scooped Maureen up in his arms like a princess. "Hold on!" he cheered, before running for their car at breakneck speeds.

Legs dangling behind her, Volcana could only scream while kinda-accidentally strangling her boss. Maureen was shrieking with pleasure at the ride.

!JUSTICE!

Downstairs, having just barely avoided some of the falling debris, a man in trench-coat looked up at the hole both Parasite and Monkey D. Luffy had disappeared into. He could not hear any more, so it looked like it was all over.

He honestly had not expected any of this when he had tipped off the League, and then mall security to help get bystanders quietly to safety.

"Fascinating," was all he said, before stepping back and disappearing from sight.

!JUSTICE!

Later

"You hit him where!?" cried Maureen.

"You fight to win," Volcana firmly said, even as she drove them home as quick as she could. Fortunately, as one of Franky's custom vehicles, the paint job was changed with a flick of a switch, along with new license plates in place. So the cops were looking for a red car instead of a blue one, and the windows were tinted. Despite her words, she was a little impressed that a guy had been willing to do that to another guy. Clearly when Luffy fought, he did indeed fight to win.

"Eh," Luffy rubbed his hair a little shamefully. "It was pretty mean, even if there's no rules of fair play when criminals fight each other. Don't worry though, he should still be a man afterwards."

". . . I think that was his actual body," Volcana reluctantly admitted. "As in . . . he didn't have anything down there."

Now Luffy looked seriously disturbed. "So he was not a man already?"

"I guess so. Might be what drove him to act the way he is even."

"Why's that?" asked a curious Maureen.

"Ask me when you're older."

"You don't want to lose being a man," Luffy explained regardless. "Like when Franky didn't want to join us at first, I thought Robin was going tear his jewels right off!"

"WHAT!?" gasped Maureen.

"TMI, Luffy. TMI," Volcana weakly said.

"Huh?"

"Means, too much information."

"Oh. Well, she didn't. And he needed the little push is all. Besides, he really did want to join us, but didn't want to leave behind his family and responsibilities to 'em, even though they wanted him to go live his Dream. So we stole his underwear, his only pair."

Privately, Volcana thought she did not need to know that about Franky. Nor that Luffy had done that. For all that the cyborg might call Superman a pervert, it seemed that the male Straw Hats were in a league of their own. Actually, given how it had all been 'resolved,' it was possible all the Straw Hats were.

"And then, uhm, well, uh, Robin let him know we weren't leaving without him."

Tapping his chin, in thought for a few moments, he turned to Maureen, "Just don't do what I did outside of a fight, 'kay? You can decide when that's appropriate when you're more experienced."

Despite everything, and learning that little bit of personal history, Volcana could only shake her head in resignation and amusement. As weird as it all was, she had already thrown away her chance to leave, and did not regret it at all.

Also, it looks like Robin will definitely make a fine aunt for Maureen.

Aloud, "Maureen? You're joining us for self-defense classes from now on by the way."

!JUSTICE!

Back at the Injustice League's base (Joker had gotten attached to the name he came up with, and to make it official, and to try and recapture his old self, he ordered some minions to paint the name on the walls in chicken blood—the blood of his ex-captives had already hardened) things were not nearly so jolly.

As in, people were waiting to see who would die first.

All of the various supervillains were in a loose semi-circle around Luthor, Parasite, Shade, and Killer Frost, with the Clown Prince himself leading the show.

"Lexy, Lexy, Lexy," tutted Joker, pacing back and forth before the genius in question. As had become the norm, the perpetual frown made this act of over familiarity somehow more unnerving; a reminder of how much the madman had lost, and the new danger he posed. "I'm disappointed. Truly. You find out that one of the Straw Hat's little toys are out in the open and vulnerable, and you decide to grab 'em without asking me for permission. Despite all my warnings. Do you believe me now?"

"Yes," Lex agreed as smoothly as he could manage. "In our defense, we didn't know Luffy was there. Otherwise it would have been simple to capture both her and Superman. That said, I must confess, I didn't believe that Parasite would lose despite all those powers he had. You were definitely correct that Aresia's creations are the edge we need."

"Smooth," grunted Joker. "Trying to pass the blame, suck up to me, while also reminding me of your own importance." From the way the other villains were shifting, they had missed that, and it would be even harder now to earn their trust in helping him pre-emptively backstab even their homicidal 'leader.' The madman was not done either. "Especially since the plan was to scout out for a few more people with powers for Parasite to drain. Maybe those with some sneakier tricks. Except now they'll be on guard for that. Boy Scout'll make sure of that.

"Well, anyways, I'm glad you finally got the message," he sighed. A switchblade appears in both hands, and with another flick they disappear. "Now don't forget it!"

Shade and Killer Frost gulp, while Parasite actually whimpered. Lex sweated as he feared Joker was only toying with them in seeming to be forgiving. "Yes sir." The other three quickly echoed him.

"Good, good. Well, aside from all of your pride, the element of surprise, all those glorious opportunities, we didn't really lose much, did we?"

"With the failure at the mall, they'll expect us to give up," pointed out Lex. "Not come back with an even better weapon."

"Maybe, maybe." Fortunately it seems like the storm may have actually passed. After all, Joker was already fighting an uphill battle against the Straw Hats, and so needed every edge he could get, and he knew it. Of course, every single supervillain was simultaneously also well aware they were all on very thin ice.

"So how'd you find 'em anyways?" asked Joker.

"Well," Shade hesitantly explained, deathly worried about saying the wrong thing, "we were doing the job you gave us, and were heading back when we saw Superman flying overhead. Tapped into to the Police Band, and heard there'd been a sighting of a Straw Hat associate. We called it in, and we were ordered to go try and grab Volcana to pump her for information. Luthor's the one who answered us."

Lex made a mental note to later 'thank' Shade for doing his predictable best to sell him down the river.

"I see, I see," Joker bobbed his head. "Well, did you at least bring back what you were supposed to?"

"Oh! Uh, right here!" Frantically Shade pulled at the bag hooked to his waist, and held it up. "We got what Aresia needs. A nice haul of jewels!"

"AIIEEEEEE!"

Spinning, they all saw Parasite rocking on the ground, hunched over his crotch with a thousand-yard stare. A high-pitched note tore past his lips.

Giving the trio of losers a flat look, Joker shook his head and threw up his arms to emphasize how he was done dealing with them. "Next time," he said with overly forced jollity, "I'd suggest not embarrassing yourselves any further."

!JUSTICE!

With a groan, Superman forced himself up. To his pleasant surprise, he was resting in one of the javelin's seats, and there was a gloved hand offering him a drink of water. Off to the side, his reporter's suit was carefully folded up.

"Thanks," he said as he took the cup and sipped it. "But couldn't you've gotten involved sooner?" he good-naturedly complained.

"I was ready to intervene from the shadows," Batman flatly retorted. Superman still smiled though, knowing his friend had indeed been backing him up. "Besides, Volcana and the other girl seemed to have it covered, and definitely Monkey D. Luffy."

Looking out the window, the Kryptonian grimaced at the trashed mall. "Anybody hurt?" It was an automatic question, since he knew Batman would not be standing around otherwise.

"No, they got away safely. Then the Straw Hats forced Parasite and others to flee."

"Good to hear. Guess they didn't need that warning after all."

"We'll have to see what they do next," was the grunted reply.

"Still cranky you got outvoted when the others changed their mind? Anyways," before the man got too grumpy, "any idea about that young girl who was with them?"

"None. Although at least we know about her now. While she appeared there willingly, she's still too young."

"True. Although I'm confident Volcana will look after her. She did keep the kid out of the fighting, right?"

Given her own history, he could count on the redhead to oppose abducting any more young girls for nefarious ends.

"Yes."

"Excellent." Rubbing the back of his already healing head —Bruce had ensured the back of it was facing sunlight— he thought on that whole interaction some more. "I've still got hope for them. Although we're also missing a lot of context."

"You should have pushed harder, mister reporter."

"No, not then," he retorted with professional pride. "They were too cagey."

"Hmph."

Now Superman shot his teammate a knowing smirk. "So, did you get 'em?"

Answering his expression with one of his own, Batman held up a miniature computer, showing a grid-map, and a blinking red dot in motion. "Just the one, but tracker planted."

"Excellent. Now let's gather up the others."

!JUSTICE!

Author Notes:

You know, way back when I was first making my chapter plan, the Injustice arc was only supposed to be only 1-2 chapters . . .

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Thanks to wonderful reviewers like King of Fans, and beans (guest), added some new content to chapter 13. Aresia has a shock collar on now, and a new joke for when Luffy and Co. first arrive at the mall. :-) Also excellent analysis of Luffy by Anycents, which helped here as well. Plus kudos to TheWhiteTitan for making Luffy garble Luthor's name like that.

You guys are awesome! :-D

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The bit about charisma is also by little contribution to how no one connects Clark Kent to Superman. Not just the whole bit about different appearances, Superman subtly blurring himself with vibrations in front of cameras, etc. Succinctly, the hero is brimming with charisma, while the reporter is frankly lacking in it, making it a little extra harder for those who know them both to make the necessary connection.

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When the Justice League alerted the authorities to the fact Joker was gunning for the Straw Hats, they forgo mentioning Batman's (illegal) surveillance system being the cause. They did make Batman take it down though.

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Next Chapter: 'Injustice for All, Part 5'

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Please Review, and I will get back to you!