They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! Time for Luffy! Like before, I'll be doing some of him on the Red Force, a few POV changes from other chapters (like the Devil Fruit incident), before moving onto him leaving the Red Force. I'll most likely skim his canon events until they change due to the plot of the fic. Most that will be close to the same but do have changes are: Syrup Village/Recruiting Usopp, Baratie, etc pretty much everything will be the same until they reach Sabaody will be the same. Cause they don't get separated, no need for that part. I was rewatching Amazon Lily and god, I forgot how funny the beginning was. Just remember that the Strawhats don't get separated in this. Just in case if anyone was wondering why the Strawhats were with Luffy in the last chapter. They all got yeeted to Amazon Lily with Luffy. I will be explaining what happens for the two year time skip/the Strawhats getting stronger after the war takes place.
Additional Notes: I'll try and keep Luffy as much as in character as possible. I will admit, I suck at making sure characters stay within their actual character when I write cause I just do my own thing most of the time. I can't necessarily make promises. I did originally say Marineford was gonna take place three chapters ago… and we saw what happened there. I'm also changing up Yasopp and Usopp just a tiny bit. Making it to where Yasopp visited Usopp when he was younger in Syrup whenever they were in Foosha.
Random Fact for the Fic: Sanji is the only Omega Strawhat. Luffy, Zoro, and Nami are all Alphas. Robin, Usopp, and Franky are Betas. Chopper and Brook are both secondary genderless. Brook was a Beta before his death. Brook and Chopper don't hold a physical bond, since they physically can't with the Strawhats, but hold emotional ones.
Chapter Warnings: Canon Violence, the normal for the fic so far, etc.
Chapter Eight: We Are (One Piece Opening 1, Special Edition Strawhats JVA)
Chapter Summary: As Luffy grows up on the Red Force, he witnesses just how hard life at sea can be. He vows to protect everyone from witnessing what happens to Shanks for his secondary gender. When he's seventeen, he sets out to sea to get his own crew.
Luffy absolutely loved the sea. Loved everything about it. Growing up on the Red Force with his Omega father and older brother couldn't be any better. His Omega father was a Captain of his own ship with his own pirate crew. Luffy absolutely loved it. Proclaiming one day that he would be a pirate one day just like his Omega father. Shanks just laughed and said he wouldn't make it as a pirate. Which angered him. A lot. If Shanks could do it. He would do it too.
He knew exactly what he was going to be, and that was the King of the Pirates.
He was still really young when he learned just harsh the world could be. He saw it every time that they stopped on an island. He would watch as Shanks would be discriminated against. Cat called. Harassed. All for what his secondary gender was. Shanks never paid mind to it, ignoring them each and every single time. It didn't sooth Luffy in anyway. His brother was also an Omega. Thankfully, most people left children alone when it came to that. Ace only had to face other kids who tried to bully him. His older brother was a hot head and usually always put people in their place if they pissed him off enough.
Luffy couldn't stand it.
He vowed that one day when he had his own crew that he would never let this happen. Alpha, Beta, Omega. Male or female. It wouldn't matter. They were all equal. No one would face harm. No one would have to worry about what others would do. He would be there for them to kick who's ever ass decided to pull a stunt like that.
Shanks had told him it was an unfortunate reality to being on the sea. Especially as a pirate. Shanks had taught them to love themselves and others. Not to let words get to them. Luffy could stand by and let people say whatever they wanted about him. His family, on the other hand, was a different story entirely.
He never really understood the insults until they were explained to him by Benn during some of their lessons. Benn taking the place as their teacher on the ship. It was right after they had gotten off of an island in the East Blue and were heading back towards the Grand Line. He did notice that it happened more within the Grand Line than the Blue Seas. They had at least been in one place in each sea. The South Blue had the nicest people in his opinion. Rather than being insulting, were warm to them despite being pirates. The only island in the East Blue he liked was Dawn where his Grandma Rouge lived. He had met so many nice people on the island, like the barkeeper Makino. Luffy had asked if they could bring Makino on the ship, but that had been shot down.
Luffy never understood why Shanks never reacted to when people were being absolute jerks to him. When they would walk all over him. Spill drinks on him. Food. Just about anything. Throw insults. Sneer. It was countless, yet Shanks would just laugh it off. The rest of the crew following close behind. Ace tried to explain to him that it was just how Shanks was, and it was better to brush it off. Yet, Ace never actually followed his own words. He lashed out. Shanks normally had to calm his brother down. Which usually led to Luffy getting angry at the people upsetting his brother.
That's around the time that he vowed to get stronger. He wanted to be stronger so he could help those around him. This wasn't right.
Shanks started to tease him after that. Whenever Luffy would tell him his fists were as strong as pistols. He would laugh and tell him sure. Ace sometimes got in on the teasing. His brother was always stronger than him. They would spar with each other and Luffy would lose each and every single time. It only made him strive to be better. He would beat Ace one day. Be stronger than his older brother. Still, Shanks would tease him.
It wasn't fair.
At least his father, Mihawk didn't tease him. Mihawk let him learn how to use a sword. Bringing swords onto the ship with him and dueling with them. Even if Ace was better than him. Mihawk told him he would get better one day.
Though, Luffy preferred to use his fists. Actually making skin contact with something felt so much better than cutting it. He preferred punches cause one day he would make his fists as strong as pistols.
Shanks had three scars down his face over his left eye. Scars that he had gotten in a fight against a man named Teach. Shanks was tough and strong.
It gave him an idea.
It had him standing on the mast of the Red Force. The entire crew including Ace standing below him staring up at him. "Luffy? What are you trying to do?" Shanks questioned, staring up at him with his arms crossed, an amused look on his face. They were currently at Dawn Island visiting Rouge and traveling the East Blue so the ship was docked at Foosha.
"I'm not kidding! I'm serious! I'm going to prove it to you! I'm going to prove that I can be a pirate too!" Luffy yelled. Shanks constantly told him that he wasn't a pirate. That he wouldn't make it with how he was now if he didn't work harder. How was he not a pirate? He was on a pirate ship. Lived there his entire life. Ate with the crew. Worked with the crew. Learned with them. He did everything a pirate did except be involved with conflict if it arose. Him and Ace usually had to stay within the cabin in their room or Shanks' if something was going on. They weren't allowed to fight. Which pissed off Luffy. He would show his Omega father he could do it. That he was pirate just like him. That he would be an even better pirate. Shanks had scars on his face because of being a pirate. Pirates had scars. Scars were cool. He wanted one.
Shanks just punched at the air with the hand that wasn't in his pocket, grinning at him. "Okay, show us! I wonder what you will do this time." He stated. Ever since Mihawk had talked Shanks into letting them train with swords and learn the art of swordsmanship, Shanks had been more lenient about Ace and Luffy touching knives and swords. Just as long as if they were training and supervised. This counted. He was surrounded by the crew. They were watching him.
"Knowing Luffy, something childish!" Jules stated, a grin on his face as he looked up at Luffy.
Ace stood at Shanks' side; arms crossed as he stared up at Luffy. An unamused look on his face the entire time. "Why do I feel like he's about to do something stupid?"
Luffy looked down at the blade, he could see Shanks' face slowly turn from a smile to concern Luffy grabbed the knife by the handle with both hands before plunging the tip into his upper cheek right under his eye. Within seconds he could hear the rest of the crew freaking out. Shanks the loudest out of all of them. "OUCH!" Luffy screamed as he dropped the blade. Feeling the blood run down his face from the wound.
"You idiot! What are you doing?!" Shanks screamed as he ran forward, pulling Luffy down from the mast. Shanks covered the wound with a cloth he had grabbed, soaking up the blood as the tears rolled down Luffy's face.
"It hurts!" Luffy cried out.
"Luffy!? Why did you do that?!" Ace screamed, panic on his face at the sight of the injury.
Aki broke through the crowd, kneeling down next to them. "Luffy, you could have hit your eye! That was so stupid!" The doctor stated, telling Shanks to bring him to the infirmary. Shanks had scooped him up, keeping pressure on the wound as they started off.
"Luffy… why would you do this to yourself?!" Shanks muttered. The look on Shanks' face said it all. Luffy felt a tinge of guilt go through him. It wasn't a look he saw often, but it was one he would see whenever Ace or him would get hurt doing something that Shanks encouraged. Though, usually Shanks didn't actually know what they were doing.
"Cause I'm tough! I'm not afraid of getting hurt!" Luffy cried as he was sat down on the bed and Aki took Shanks' place. Surveying the injury.
"He's gonna need some stitches. He got himself deep." Aki said, already setting up to take care of Luffy.
"You won't make a good pirate if you're just hurting yourself, idiot." Ace stated. Luffy looked through the corner of his eye since his face was being held in place by Shanks so Aki could numb the skin around it.
"Oh, it didn't hurt at all!" Luffy fought back.
"That's a lie. Don't do such a stupid thing." Shanks retorted, his voice cracking. Luffy froze as he felt the top of his head getting wet. He was positive that if he looked up, he would regret it. With Shanks' fold on his face, he couldn't move. "I'm so stupid… why did I let this happen?" His Omega father whispered. It was so quiet that even Luffy barely heard it and he was sitting directly in Shanks' lap.
Luffy sniffled, placing his hands over Shanks'. Trying to send a silent message to his Omega father. That it wasn't his fault.
X
Luffy always found it odd whenever Yasopp talked about his son. Apparently, he had a boy in Syrup Village named Usopp. Yasopp would grin widely as he talked about his son. According to the sniper, his son was just slightly a month older than Luffy. When Luffy asked him why he didn't just bring Usopp with them since Ace and Luffy were already on board, Yasopp told him that his son could be with his mother despite wishing he could see his son more.
Luffy later found out from Shanks that Yasopp would go to Syrup whenever they were on Foosha visiting Rouge so he could see his wife and son. That would explain why most times he wouldn't see Yasopp whenever they were in the village. Syrup wasn't that far from where they were. Since they usually stayed a few weeks on Dawn Island, Yasopp spent a week at his home village.
From the stories he heard, Usopp wanted to be just like Yasopp one day. A brave sniper and warrior of the sea. Luffy knew in that moment that he was going to get Usopp one day. He would be a part of his crew.
X
Luffy stood on the top of the barrel. Fists clenched as he screamed at the top of his lungs. A large frown settled on his face and his eyes glaring holes into Shanks. His Omega father stood there stomped. Once again, on the last island, he watched as Shanks allowed himself to be harassed. Doing nothing about it as alcohol was broken over his head and his back getting slammed into the bar they had been sitting at. Until he promptly started laughing. Luffy only bubbled in his anger until they were back on the ship and sailing away. It pissed him off watching Shanks not stand up for himself. It pissed him off even more that people thought they had the right to torment others just because they could. Luffy knew full well that Shanks was powerful and could easily take care of the people who screwed with him. He just never did.
He huffed, turning away from Shanks, and sitting on the barrel. He paused as he saw a fruit sitting in a box next to him. "Food." He whispered, grabbing the fruit, and taking a bite from it. He grimaced from the awful taste that settled in his mouth.
Shanks laughed for a moment before saying, "You shouldn't eat out of frustration, Luffy."
"Shut up!" Luffy yelled back, taking another bite of the fruit.
"Wait! What are you eating!" Shanks suddenly yelled out. Luffy jumped, turning to face his Omega father as he swallowed the next bite. The Omega Captain was walking over, fist clenched. There was a mixture of fear, disbelief, and anger written on his face. "No… you didn't! Luffy, for the love of all seas, please tell me you didn't just eat what was inside that box!"
"Uh…" Was all he could muster as Shanks suddenly grabbed him by the arms before flipping him upside down. "Woah!"
Shanks' hands were wrapped around his shins as suddenly Shanks was shaking him up and down with an exclamation of, "Spit it out! Every single bit!"
Luffy gasped as he felt his legs suddenly stretch before his face was slamming into the wood of the deck. Shanks' movements paused before Luffy felt his body moving back to normal, his neck stretching before it peeled his face off of the wood and he was now back to how he was before. "What's going on?" He questioned. He could hear Ace freaking out near them.
Luffy was lifted up until he was face to face with Shanks. The anger clear on Shanks' face now. "Luffy! You just ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi! You just ate a fruit that is a part of the group called the Devil Fruits, and eating any one of them will take your ability to swim for the rest of your life! The one you just ate also turns your body to rubber!" Shanks exclaimed.
Luffy's eyes widened as he felt his jaw drop. "No way! It can't!" He screamed.
"You dumbass!" Shanks yelled.
"Luffy! He literally told us about these when Lucky found it!" Ace exclaimed, the panic still in his voice. "Oh seas! What have you done?! You idiot!"
X
Not longer after the Gomu Gomu incident, they had returned back to Foosha Village. Ace was the first off of the ship, making a beeline for Rouge. Luffy chased after him, going to the other side of Rouge and hugging onto her leg. Standing in front of Ace was a blonde boy. He introduced himself as Sabo as Ace also introduced himself. Luffy felt the grin come to his face as he said his own name.
Luffy snickered as he called his grandmother, Lady Rouge. Being quite formal with his words. Luffy just grinned at him. It wasn't often that they ran into kids their age.
That fateful meeting had started a brotherhood. One that Luffy would never forget.
X
Mihawk had joined them on the island not long after that. Ace begged to be able to start training, which Shanks was reluctant. Mihawk talked Shanks into it, and with Shanks approval they headed up to Mount Colubo near the home of the Mountain Bandits, the Dadan family. Curly Dadan, the leader, was a family friend of Garp and Rouge. Most of what Luffy worked on was harnessing his newfound Devil Fruits abilities. Sabo even joined them. Sabo and Ace playing target practice for him. Luffy had to admit, he wasn't very good.
By not very good, he meant he kept punching himself in the face. The first time it happened, he had been aiming at Ace. It had went right by his brother's head before his hand promptly turned around and hit himself directly in the nose. Knocking himself back into the ground. Ace had fallen over on the ground laughing. Clutching at his stomach as he rolled around. Sabo wasn't fairing much better. Bent over, holding onto his own stomach as his shoulder's shook. Shanks would even snicker, hiding behind his hand so he would notice.
It only made the determination to get better that much more.
It may have been funny, and probably would have been for him too if he wasn't the one punching himself in the face.
"Shut up! Stop laughing at me!" Luffy yelled as he pulled himself up off of the ground.
Ace was back on his feet, a smirk on his face as he stood straight back up. "Try again, Luffy. You got this."
"You just have to keep doing it until you can hit your target. That's how you get better, Luffy. Don't get angry. Use that as your motivation to get better." Shanks instructed, walking over to Luffy's side and kneeling down next to him. "Since your aim is going in that direction. Try moving your arm slightly to change the trajectory of your punch."
Luffy nodded. He took a deep breath, looking at Ace. "I'll get you this time!"
"You wish." Ace replied.
Luffy hated to admit that he missed completely. This time he ducked when his fist came flying back at him.
X
As their training progressed, Luffy started to notice how much better he was getting. He was managing to hit targets more though he still couldn't even remotely touch Ace or Sabo. With their training, they went into more advanced swordsmanship with Mihawk. Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky all helped them with gun control and how to use them properly. Shanks had taken the privilege of teaching them haki. Luffy didn't quite understand haki. All he knew is that it was how Shanks' knocked people out without touching them. His was really strong. Luffy loved watching him when he used it. Mihawk and Shanks both put haki into their swords whenever they used them, making their attacks stronger. Luffy was excited as he started to learn it. Watching as the blade of the small sword in his hand would turn black slowly.
No matter what, Luffy still preferred using his fists. He still had that vow he made himself to make his fists stronger than pistols and he was going to do it.
X
Luffy was bouncing on his feet when Ace had the idea of making Sabo their brother. They could take him on the ship with them and go on adventures together. Luffy was absolutely excited as Ace poured the stolen sake into o-choko glasses. After Ace spoke about their unbreakable bond, they clanked their cups together before drinking the shot of alcohol. The taste was bitter on his tongue. Luffy cringing as he sat the cup down.
That had been when Sabo had given the idea of making a pack bond. Ace explaining to him what it was and how it worked. Luffy had never made one before, and Sabo was perfect. He was their brother now. They would have the strongest bond possible, making Sabo officially a part of their pack.
The puncture on his skin hurt as Sabo's nails had dug into the bond gland located there. Small little crescent moons being left behind. He could feel the bond bubbling in his chest as he grinned at his new brother.
They had an unbreakable bond now. Nothing could stand between them.
X
Despite their bond, Sabo had given up his freedom for them. The Beta's father hiring the Bluejam Pirates to bring him home. Luffy felt like everything in him was shattering as Sabo walked away. Screaming his name, begging him to turn back. That they would be okay. For him to continue to follow his dream. Sabo couldn't do this. Not for them. It was okay for him to be selfish and have his own desire.
When Sabo was guided away, him and Ace were tied up within Gray Terminal that had been set on fire. Ace urging him on as Luffy worked to help set them free despite the rising heat around them. He had felt pride in himself as he managed to break the window so Ace could free them. Running through the fire ridden place to try and get out. Ace's hand secured over his wrist to make sure they stayed together.
Ace had stepped in front of him. Protecting him. As Bluejam blocked their path. Both of them being plucked off of the ground by the Alpha's men. Luffy had felt the terror going through him. If him and Ace couldn't get out of this they were going to die. He would fail to keep all the promises he had ever made. His promise to get stronger. His promise to be the protector one day. His promise to become King of the Pirates.
He couldn't die here.
Luffy had bit the man on the arm, the only thing that he could do in that moment to break free from the pirate holding onto him. The man had grabbed his sword. Which Luffy used his metal pipe to block. Only for the sword to go through it, much to Luffy's surprise and horror. He screamed out in pain as the sword connected with the wound on his forehead. Pain surging through him as he clutched at the wound.
That's when he felt the strong surge of power. Power he had felt with his parents whenever they used their haki. He looked over to Ace in shock as his older brother appeared above him, asking him if he was okay.
He couldn't even get an answer out before Ace was being grabbed by his throat and pulled away from him. Bluejam threw his brother to the side, and Luffy felt helpless. His eyes widened as he saw the gun leveled on Ace's forehead. The fear coursing through him at the thought that he might be watching his brother die right before his eyes. "ACE! Don't do it!" He screamed.
He screamed as the gunshot rang out, opening his eyes to see Mihawk standing next to Bluejam. "Papa!"
Shanks had dropped down on the ground next to him, checking him over for any injuries. The worry clear on his Omega father's face. Luffy nodded despite how weak his body felt. He barely heard Shanks mutter that his injuries were bad before he was being picked up off of the ground and cradled close to his Omega father's chest. Shanks moved to grab Ace, scooping him up just the same before they were running off.
Luffy looked back at Mihawk. Seeing his father stay behind to fight. Luffy one day wanted to be just like him. Strong enough to protect his pack and family. Be the person someone could rely on. That would be him one day. He was sure of it.
Luffy smiled as the world went dark around him.
X
Luffy felt his world crashing around him when him and Ace stood on the hill overlooking the port. Ace had binoculars in hand, looking out at the port. A small boat had left the harbor, but his eyes were glued in on the flag flying. It was a black pirate's flag with an S with crossed bones behind it.
Sabo's jolly roger.
He could only scream in horror as he watched the boat get shot down by a Celestial Dragon. Only recently learning that they were arriving on the island. These were the same people that his Uncle Dragon was fighting against.
Luffy cried as he fell to the ground. Wrapping his arms around his legs as he cried. Sabo was gone. In an instant he had lost his brother. He wasn't strong enough to protect him. Wasn't strong enough to keep the Bluejam Pirates and his father from taking him away. He would still be here if maybe Luffy could have reacted.
They had stayed there. Unmoving as they cried out for Sabo. Shanks eventually finding them as Ace told him they would be freer than anyone else. Living their lives with no regrets.
It had only worked to make Luffy cry harder. Turning into Shanks' chest when his Omega father made it to them and brought them into his arms.
He had cried himself to sleep right there.
The only thing on his mind was Sabo.
X
Ever since they had lost Sabo, Ace had done everything to make him laugh. It had worked to an extent, though Luffy couldn't find it in him to leave the room. The furthest he would go was Ace's bed. Seeking comfort from his brother's soothing scent. It was a mixture of Shanks' and Mihawk's. Having their scents was like them being right there with them.
Shanks would come in and bring them food. Making sure they ate before he left again. Shanks tried to talk to them, but Luffy could never find the words to say. Mihawk had also been coming by every single day. Just sitting there while they cried. Letting them get as much of their emotions out as possible. Rouge also stopped by, handing them a letter from Sabo.
Luffy didn't even have the heart to read Sabo's last message to them.
It would make it feel real.
He didn't want to believe that Sabo was gone.
Finally, Ace made the first move to leave the room. "Luffy, we need to get stronger. We need to get better so this never happens again." Ace stated, a sense of determination in his voice.
Luffy smiled softly and nodded. He was thinking the same thing.
Luffy followed behind him as Ace walked up to their parents. Demanding harder and more advanced training in order to get stronger. They needed to do this. Luffy needed to do this. Without it, he could never become the King of the Pirates. He couldn't protect his loved ones. He had to do this.
Mihawk agreed as soon as Ace was finished talking, while Shanks remained hesitant before finally agreeing to it.
The soreness and exhaustion that Luffy felt the following days as they trained made it all worth it. Luffy was getting even a better handle on his powers. Even starting to incorporate haki into his punches. It was starting to feel like he might just make one of his promises come true. The excitement he felt whenever he watched the rock he had hit break under the pressure or how one of the crew would be sent flying.
He had started making up new moves after that. His favorite was the Gum Gum Rocket and Gum Gum Pistol. He had miscalculated most of the time with his rocket, sending himself into the ocean more and once. Shanks started to call him anchor after that.
Technically he wasn't wrong, but it was working to piss him off. He would show Shanks that he could do it. Be better than him.
He would get stronger. He would become a great pirate. The Pirate King.
He had enough. He was going to prove it once and for all. "I will get stronger! I will get stronger than anyone else! I will be the protector! The one that people can rely on! I will gather a crew that is even stronger than yours! I will find the greatest treasure and become King of the Pirates! I'll show you!" He screamed, huffing as he stared Shanks down.
He paused as he saw the fond smile on Shanks' face. A small laugh left his Omega father as Luffy's shoulders shook. "Huh? You think you'll surpass us?" Shanks said, pausing as he walked forward until he was in front of Luffy. "In that case…" Luffy felt the air catch in his throat as he felt familiar straw against his forehead. Shanks' hand on top of his head. Shanks' most prized possession. Most valuable treasure. Now sitting on his head. Both him and Ace have worn the hat before in the past, but only for a few minutes before it was back on Shanks' head. Something that Shanks said he would never give to anyone. His father's hat.
"This straw hat means more to me than you could possibly know. It's been with me in many fights. It's something so precious that I couldn't even give it to you, Luffy."
"Why is it so precious?" Luffy questioned, puzzled on why a hat could be so special.
Shanks smiled, flipping the hat in his hand as he looked at it. "It belonged to my father. He gave it to me when we met for the first time. I was four when I saw him for the first time. This same straw hat on his head. It's the last thing I have of him."
"I'll leave this hat to you. Aside from you and Ace, this hat means more to me than anything in the world… so you better take good care of it. You hear me?"
Luffy felt the tears come to his eyes as he kept his eyes hidden underneath the brim of the hat. Shanks was really entrusting his hat to him? Even after saying he would never give it to anyone. Ace had never shown interest in it like he had, but still… this was Shanks' hat. The last thing that he had of his father.
"Return this hat to me someday. In good condition, but only after you've become a great pirate."
Luffy sniffled as he finally looked up, rubbing his eyes to clear the tears off. A large smile coming to his face. He finally understood why Shanks was always teasing him. It bounced right off his of his personality. He was urging him to become stronger and follow his own dreams, rather than just take the same path as Shanks.
In that single moment, he knew Shanks always had faith in him.
It was their promise on a hat.
X
The years started to pass, Luffy getting stronger as the time went. He was eleven when Shanks was named a yonko. One of the four Emperors of the Sea within the New World. Even Mihawk had finally gotten the title of World Greatest Swordsman when Luffy had turned eight.
When he turned fourteen, it was time for Ace to leave the ship. Luffy cried as soon as Ace had disappeared over the horizon. Clinging to Shanks. He felt alone without Ace with him. Shanks could only reassure him that they would be seeing him soon.
Like Shanks had said, he did see Ace again. Just a few months after he had left on his journey. Meeting his new crew and newfound Devil Fruit Powers. The Mera Mera no Mi. Which turned his brother into fire. Luffy loved it. It was perfect for Ace. His brother was a hot head, why not add fire into the mix? When Ace stated he was going after Whitebeard for a fight, Luffy could only snicker after seeing the look on Shanks' face. After Ace had left to go back on his journey, Shanks told him that when they heard about Ace again he would be a Whitebeard Pirate. Sure enough, with his new bounty. He was. Only, he just so happened to be the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. It made Luffy want to work that much harder to get stronger. Ace had not only been a Captain of his own crew but turned into a Commander on one of the most famous and notorious pirate crews in the New World. That was definitely something to work for.
On his fifteenth birthday, just like Ace, he was presented with Yoko. Just like Ace had gotten for his fifteenth birthday. A personalized sword to him. His name engraved on the blade. The only reminder of what his true name really was. When he turned seventeen, he would be changing his name just like Ace had done. Not even Shanks went by his real name. The world just knew him as Red-Haired Shanks, though he would introduce himself as Portgas. The name his mother had been going by when she was a pirate.
Luffy had decided to wear his sword on his hip. Even if he didn't use it. Mihawk had made it just for him, he sure as hell was going to carry it with him. Just like he did with Shanks' hat.
X
Finally, it was his seventeenth birthday. It was his turn to head out from the Red Force. With a freshly made vivre card. Ace's vivre card, Shanks', Rouge's, and Mihawk's all within the safety of the band of his hat, he sat out with a wave. Laughing as his boat floated on the current taking him on his journey.
His journey to fulfill his promises.
He grinned as the local sea king came out of the ocean. He had seen it a couple of times. The damn bastard had even tried to eat him a few times. Ace had to fish him out most of the time. Shanks using his haki on the creature before it could reach him.
He had already been eaten by an alligator once. He didn't want to be Sea King food.
Luffy grinned as he pulled his arm back, with a yell of, "Gomu Gomu Rocket!" He punched the Sea King in the jaw, knocking it out. He laughed again as he turned back to his parents and waved off his old crew.
Rather Shanks wanted to admit it or not, he was a Red-Hair Pirate. Now defected to start his own.
X
His journey wasn't as smooth sailing as he would have hoped. Just a few days in, he came across a whirlpool that had swallowed up his ship. He had simply climbed into the barrel to keep himself from drowning, letting the current decide on where he was going. It was also the perfect place for a nap.
When he had woken up, he broke out of it with a shout of how good his nap was. The first thing that greeted him was a man knocked out cold on the ground. Standing in front of him were two more, gawking at him. "Who the hell are you guys?"
"Who the hell are you?!" They threw back at him.
"Your friend will catch a cold sleeping like that." He said instead, climbing out of the barrel.
"You're the one who knocked him out!" He didn't even flinch as a sword was placed in front of his face. The men went on to talk about how they were pirates, but Luffy chose to ignore them. Looking at the scared pink-haired kid behind him.
"I'm starving. Do you have any food?" He questioned.
His attention was taken away by a sudden shout behind him. The two men had swords raised up, ready to strike. Luffy snickered as they brought them down. Only for the blades to break on his skin and jam into the ceiling above them. "What the hell is wrong with you guys?" He questioned, the smile still on his face. He really had a good nap.
"Who are you?" One of them questioned.
Luffy grinned as he crossed his arms. "Oh, my name is Monkey D. Luffy. Hi!" Garp had said it would probably be best to use the name Monkey when he was picking out his new name. He had thought of Portgas for a moment and even Mihawk. Garp had talked him out of it, stating it would be safer if he chose something that wasn't connected with other powerful pirates. Mihawk being the Warlord and World's Greatest Swordsman had a target on his back. Portgas was a name for the Commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates. Monkey had really been the only remaining decision. Garp did tell him that if he were to just say Luffy, the Marines would probably add Monkey to his name anyway just because they knew he was Garp's grandson.
The pink haired kid started to freak out as the men left, taking their friend with them. Telling him he should run. Instead, Luffy wanted food. He could careless about fights. He knew how to fight and had in the New World to an extent when Shanks would allow him too. He had eventually found food with the kid on his back.
Luffy could only laugh as the kid explained what had happened to him. Coby was shocked when he told him about his dream, deducting that he was a pirate. Which he confirmed.
Coby went on a rant. The only plausible way to shut him up was to punch him in the head. After explaining why, he decided to leave. He found out the kid's name was Coby and he wanted to a Marine. Just has bad as Luffy wanted to be the Pirate King. Though, he would have an issue since he was a cabin boy for a pirate crew. This boy was going to have it tough.
While Coby was talking, the wall busted through with the Captain of the crew that Coby was a part of. A large woman carrying a club type weapon. "I'm guessing you are not Zoro, the pirate hunter."
"Hey, Coby. Who's the fat lady?"
When the woman got angry, that's when the fun started.
Luffy started to fight off the crew easily.
"Amateurs." He muttered.
They had ran off as soon as they saw his arm stretched. He hit them with his Gomu Gomu Rocket. He explained to Coby that he was made of rubber when he was questioned. The Captain had even said she had never came across a devil fruit and wasn't sure they had existed. Luffy stood by as Coby stood his ground for what he would guess was the first time. His insult made Luffy laugh. Coby shouted his dream, giving Luffy a sense of pride. He didn't know the guy but he knew what he wanted.
"Well said!" He said as the woman hit Luffy in the head with her club.
"That won't work. I'm made out of rubber." He said. Throwing arm back and doing his Gomu Gomu pistol. Hitting the woman in the stomach and launching her off of the ship.
When the Marines showed up, he quickly made his exit. For just a second as they hit the water, he made eye contact with a girl before him and Coby were off.
He had a stop to go make. Asking Coby about this Zoro guy he heard about. He was going to get this Zoro to join his crew. That was his first stop. Than it would be Usopp.
X
Zoro had been locked up on a Marine base. Tied up in the middle of a courtyard. Just one look and Luffy knew he was powerful. Apparently Zoro was known as a demon. The mere mention of his name scaring the townspeople. Zoro had noticed them immediately, telling them to get lost. Luffy was liking this guy more.
A little girl had shown up, offering Zoro food. Luffy felt the anger grow in him as he watched three Marines show up. Smacking the food out of the girl's hands and destroying it under his foot. The obnoxious looking one had ordered one of the men to throw the kid over the wall. When she was thrown, Luffy jumped immediately to catch her. As long as if she was okay.
Luffy climbed over the wall, standing in front of Zoro. He got a good whiff of his pheromones. He was an Alpha. A strong one too. His scent was mint and oakwood. Luffy wanted to laugh at the irony of his main scent factor being the same color as his hair. Getting into the conversation, he surveyed Zoro's words. He was really starting to like this guy. He wanted him on his crew no matter what. As he was leaving, Zoro asked him to pick up the mud-covered rice and feed it to him. Luffy smiled as Zoro ate it down, telling him to thank the little girl for the food.
When he left, speaking with the little girl, he had found out why Zoro was tied up. He absolutely had to have this guy. Willing to spend a month tied up with no food or water just to save a girl and her mother. This was a man he could trust.
The blonde kid from earlier had stated that he was going to execute Zoro anyway, and it had pissed him off. Punching the boy in the face before heading off to get his swordsman.
In the end, Zoro had agreed to join him. Working with him almost perfectly as they fought against Captain Morgan and the Marines.
They had left the island, leaving Coby behind so the boy could fulfill his own dreams. Luffy would see him again one day.
X
Luffy may have made the stupid decision to try and catch a bird in the middle of the ocean. Being carried off by his head and thankfully he had made it to a town before the bird was shot down. He had ran straight into the girl that he learned her name was Nami. An Alpha female with a scent of tangerines and sunflowers. A thief who stole from pirates, and just so happened to be a navigator. Which he definitely needed if he was going to get to Syrup Village to get Usopp.
That had also been where he met Buggy for the first time. He had only ever heard of him from stories from Shanks. His Omega father talking fondly of the man.
Though, Luffy's opinion. Buggy was a complete – pun intended – clown.
Kicking Buggy in the balls never felt so good for what he had done to Shanks' hat. Shanks had told him of Buggy accidentally eating the devil fruit. It was clear Buggy blamed Shanks for it.
Luffy had never been more pissed off.
It worked out for him in the end with defeating Buggy, and he left Orange Town with a navigator.
X
His next stop was Syrup Village. A smirk coming to his face whenever Usopp appeared on the top of the hill. It was much like how Shanks and Yasopp said they met. Yasopp sitting on this very cliff, over looking the water as Shanks pulled up to him, stating he was looking for him.
It wasn't hard to tell that the teenager standing on the cliff was indeed Usopp. He looked just like Yasopp with darker hair and a longer nose. A slingshot was leveled on them as Luffy smirked, shielding his eyes as he said, "Now that you've drawn your pistol, are you willing to use it?" He questioned. He watched Usopp's face switch to fear, his hand shaking on his slingshot. "Guns aren't for threats, they're for actions. Are you willing to risk your life?"
"I can assure you that we are real pirates. Consider your next move really carefully." Zoro added, readying his sword.
Luffy had already told both Zoro and Nami that he wasn't leaving Syrup Village without Usopp. Telling them that he had known his father growing up. Usopp was the entire reason they had came to this village.
Usopp… and meat.
Luffy wanted meat.
Sure enough, Usopp had tried to fire at them but the bullet had fallen to the ground at his feet as he collapsed to his knees.
Luffy couldn't help but laugh.
"Hey, Usopp. Come join us!" He exclaimed.
Usopp gave him a puzzled look. "Huh?"
Luffy smiled. "I knew your dad, he used to talk about you all the time. So, I came here to get you."
A smile slipped onto Usopp's face. "You know my dad?" To which Luffy nodded.
"What'dya say? Want to come to sea with me?" Luffy questioned again.
Usopp smiled before it fell. "Well, there's something though."
X
Sure enough Usopp had a girl on the island he liked. A Beta girl named Kaya that lived in the mansion of the village. Luffy hadn't even been on the island for a day when he discovered a sinister plan in the act by Kaya's own butler. Who actually was a supposedly dead pirate named Kuro.
He didn't hesitate before he was helping Usopp defend his village.
They had defeated the Black Cat Pirates and Kuro, saving Kaya and her village.
Kaya, even so graciously, supplied them with their ship.
The Going Merry.
Luffy left Syrup with a new ship and the main reason he had went to the island. Usopp had agreed to join his crew.
Not that Luffy really was going to give him a choice.
X
Their next stop was going to be a restaurant called the Baratie. Which made Luffy happy. He was always up for some food. They needed a cook, and the Baratie might just be the perfect place for one.
On the way, him and Usopp decided to test out the canon and ended up finding two people that Zoro knew from his bounty hunting days. Johnny and Yosaku. Yosaku, unfortunately, had been suffering from scurvy when they found them. Luckily, Nami knew what to do and they were able to help him.
Luffy liked these guys. They were cool.
It wasn't long before the Baratie came into view. What Luffy wasn't expecting was the Marine vessel that pulled up, and the events that followed it. Accidentally sending a cannonball into the Baratie and hitting the Head Chef and owner, Zeff with it. In the end, he was forced to become a chore boy to repay his debt to the place.
Luffy was thankful that he did, cause he found exactly who he wanted to be his cook.
The Sous Chef of the Baratie, Sanji. An Omega with the scent of frosting and cake. Basically, he smelt just like a cupcake, and it was poking at Luffy's sweet tooth. Despite a pirate from the Krieg Pirates named Gin being kicked out by the others, Sanji had still brought him a meal.
He was exactly someone he wanted as a nakama.
It seemed like Sanji's good deed only ended up causing trouble in the end when Gin returned with his Captain in tow, Don Krieg. Luffy almost instantly knew this man was up to no good. Like before, Sanji had fed him just the same only for Don Krieg to attack him. Don Krieg demanding food for the rest of his crew which Zeff did just that.
Apparently, this guy had gone to the Grand Line and his entire fleet had been destroyed. Krieg wanted Zeff's logbook, and the Baratie to return to the Grand Line with. Luffy had only been listening in until Don Krieg had stated that he was going to be King of the Pirates. The cooks had told him to back off that Don Krieg would kill him if he didn't. This man didn't scare him in the slightest. He was the one who was going to be King, not this chump of a Pirate. This man had only lasted seven days on the Grand Line. Luffy had grown up there on a pirate ship. He absolutely wouldn't let this man say he would end up as the King.
With Don Krieg returning to feed his men, Gin stayed behind to tell them what had happened. Luffy did have some respect for Gin for apologizing to Sanji for what had transpired.
"Hey, Gin. I thought you said you didn't know anything about the Grand Line, but you've been there?" Luffy questioned.
Gin looked away, looking at the ground. "Nothing makes sense anymore. What happened to us on that journey. On that cursed seventh day. I don't know if it was a dream or reality. I saw things that I can't bring myself to believe. I know in my heart that it's impossible for that entire fifty ship fleet to be completely eradicated by a single man." Gin explained, the fear written on his face as he looked at the floor.
"Single man? There is only one man that I know who sails alone on the Grand Line." Luffy stated without a second thought.
Everyone else was shocked at Gin's words that they didn't even notice that Luffy had spoken. Gin continued with, "It all happened so fast. As soon as this man appeared, he began to systematically sink our ships one after another. If that raging storm hadn't come upon us when it did than that monster would have destroyed our flagship as well. I don't know if another single ship made it out. It all seems like a terrible nightmare burned into my memory. I just want to forget." He paused for a moment, his entire body shaking as he explained his story. "His eyes… they were like a hawk's." Luffy's face lit up as Gin stated that line. So, his thinking was correct. These poor pirates just happened to run into his Alpha father on a bad day. "Sharp and murderous. His gaze alone felt like a cold hand of death." Yup, this man was absolutely talking about Mihawk. There was no other person like him.
"Well, then that only can be the one known as Hawkeyes." Zeff stated, arms crossed over his chest. "Your description of his heartless gaze isn't proof of his identity. However, the way he so easily decimated your fleet confirms without a doubt that it's him."
"Hawkeyes Mihawk." Zoro muttered, causing Luffy to look up at him. The look of terror and shock on Zoro's face said it all.
"So, you know him Zoro?" Luffy questioned.
Zoro sighed, calming himself before speaking back to him, "Yeah, I do. He's the one I've been looking for. He's the whole reason I set out to sea."
Luffy hummed.
"Did that man have some sort of score to settle with you guys?" Sanji questioned, sitting on one of the tables as he looked at Gin.
Gin looked over to him. "We didn't do anything to him."
"Perhaps you disturbed him during a nap." Zeff replied.
"Stupid cook! Why would he destroy an entire fleet for something so trivial?!" Gin exclaimed.
Zeff chuckled. "There is no reason to shout. It's just an example. Let me give you a little advice on what kind of place the Grand Line is." The cook stated.
"What kind of place is the Grand Line?" Usopp questioned.
"A place where anything can happen." Zoro replied.
"Luffy! Do we really have to go there?!" Usopp exclaimed.
Luffy chuckled. "That is absolutely something he would do." Luffy paused, blinking. He hadn't meant to say that out loud. He noticed all eyes on him. "Uh, oops." He said.
"Luffy?" Zoro said, catching his attention. "How would you know that?"
Luffy scanned his brain for absolutely anything he could say to fix his slip up. Going with, "Well, grew up on the Grand Line!"
Jaws dropped around him. Even Zoro's. "Wait?! You've been to the Grand Line?" Usopp questioned.
Luffy nodded. "It's really cool! I spent a lot of time in the New World and I don't really remember much of Paradise. So, a lot of this is going to be new to me! This is so awesome!" He cheered.
He released a breath as Sanji and Zoro started in on each other, taking the attention off of him. That was a close one.
He paused as he felt the familiar haki signature slowly getting closer. A smile on his face as he looked out the door. He could hear the pirates outside starting to come inside, but he was only focused on haki he felt.
Mihawk was here.
Not even a second later, the flagship of the Krieg Pirates was cut up. Luffy's heart began to race. The Going Merry was still outside with Nami, Yozaku, and Johnny. Mihawk didn't know about his new ship yet. There was a possibility that he would cut it down just because it was there. Luffy started out of the Baratie, listening slightly to Zeff saying to raise anchor.
Getting outside, he was greeted with the sight of Johnny and Yozaku in the water. Was he too late? "Yozaku! Johnny! Are you okay?" He questioned.
"Where is Nami? Is she okay? What happened to the ship?" Zoro questioned next.
Luffy really hoped that this wasn't one of Mihawk's bad days. They literally had just gotten the Merry. He couldn't lose her already.
"I'm sorry big bro! I don't know how to say this, but she's gone." Yozaku stated. Luffy's eyes widened. Was Nami really gone? Just like that?
He would so have a bone to pick with Mihawk for this. Nami was his navigator.
"Big sis Nami…" Johnny cried.
"She took all the treasure and sailed away!" Yozaku finished.
"SHE DID WHAT?!" Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp screamed.
Well, at least she wasn't dead.
But, that left the problem of her having the Going Merry and leaving them here.
He heard a surprise gasp from Zeff. "That man is…"
"No! That bastard! He followed us back!" Don Krieg exclaimed.
"It's him… he's here… Hawkeyes." Zoro muttered.
Luffy finally looked over, seeing Mihawk on his small little ship. Just sailing through the freshly cut ship. Hands covered over his folded legs as he finally looked up. His golden eyes just as piercing as ever. He laughed, grinning as he made eye contact with his Alpha father.
He looked away, facing back to Yozaku and Johnny for a moment as they laid on the deck after Usopp helped them out. "Nami seriously sailed off with the Going Merry?" He questioned.
"What happened?" Zoro added.
The two went into explain what they had seen and what Nami had done. The thing that caught his attention was the wanted poster they said she was holding. Arlong. Something was off. He didn't get any bad vibes off of her. Plus, the last thing she apparently said. If it's meant to be, she would see them soon.
And, that she would.
He looked out to the horizon, seeing the Going Merry. Thankfully, Yozaku and Johnny's ship was tied to the Baratie. "Usopp, Zoro, take their ship and go get Nami." He ordered.
"Calm down, let her take the ship. Trust me, that woman is way more trouble than she's worth." Zoro stated.
Luffy sighed. "She's the only person I will accept as the ship's navigator!"
With that statement, Zoro agreed to him.
As they were about to depart, Mihawk got closer to the Baratie. The Krieg pirates confirming that he had been the one who destroyed their ship. "That's him." Zoro muttered again. "That man is… that is the man I've been looking for."
Luffy grinned. "PAPA!" He screamed. Zoro's head whipped in his direction, mouth dropped open and eyes wide. Sanji and Usopp's eyes were just as wide. Even Zeff's were.
"Papa?!"
Luffy grimaced. "Oops."
He listened in on the pirates and Mihawk. Laughing at Mihawk's answer. So, he was just bored. That was better than a bad day. Mihawk pulled out Yoru just as the man he had speaking to went to shoot at him. Deflecting the bullets before they could hit him.
Luffy looked to the side, noticing that Zoro had walked over to where Mihawk was. This wasn't going to turn out good.
"Please don't kill my swordsman." He muttered.
He wouldn't do anything. This was Zoro's fight. One that he chose to do himself. He couldn't hear what was being said between the two. He didn't need too. Luffy had faith in Zoro.
Mihawk only pulled out his dagger that he kept around his neck. He watched as the fight started. Watching as Mihawk simply used his dagger to wield off Zoro. He could see the ever growing frustration on Zoro. Zoro was going to lose, there was no doubt. Luffy knew that from the start. Zoro was not at Mihawk's level. No where near it.
Sure enough, Mihawk knife chopped Zoro on the back of the neck. The swordsman not giving up and still going after Mihawk. Luffy held back Yozaku and Johnny as they tried to intervene. Either way, this was Zoro's fight. He could see the calculated look on Mihawk's face.
Zoro's next move was stopped by Mihawk stabbing him with his dagger in the chest. His heart skipped a beat. He could see the two talking, unable to hear what they were saying, but whatever it was had Mihawk backing up.
Luffy grinned as he watched Mihawk put his dagger back around his neck, pulling out Yoru instead. Whatever had been said, was enough that Mihawk would honor the fight with his sword. Despite the grin on his face, he was still concerned. Worried for Zoro. Zoro lost the second he asked Mihawk to duel him. In their next strike, Mihawk had destroyed the swords that Zoro held in his hands.
Zoro put up his still intact sword, turning and opening his arms wide. Luffy felt numb as he watched Mihawk slash Zoro across the chest. The blood spewing from the wound as the Alpha fell backwards into the water. "ZORO!" He screamed. "NO!"
Of course, Mihawk just had to go and kill his swordsman. Even if he didn't know he was Luffy's swordsman, but same difference. This was Zoro who had just fallen.
Luffy felt the anger flare in him as he threw his arm back and rocketed towards Mihawk. "WHY YOU!?" The anger spiked as he pulled his arm back to punch at Mihawk. "BASTARD!" He screamed. Mihawk might be his Alpha father, but did he really have to attack Zoro like that?
He was angry, at least until he got his head stuck into the wood and had to fight to get out.
"I'm guessing that young man was your comrade. I'm impressed with you, Luffy for not interfering." Mihawk stated. "There is nothing to be upset about. Your friend will live."
Luffy gave a sigh of relief. Thank god. Sure enough, Zoro had been fished out of the water by Yozaku and Johnny. Despite the pain clear on his face, he was breathing.
Mihawk's attention was also on Zoro. Raising his voice, he addressed the other swordsman. "It's still far too early for you to die. My name is Dracule Mihawk! You are strong, but there is much for you to learn. No matter how many years it takes, I will hold this title as the greatest in the world and wait for you. Until that day, you must hone your skills then… SEEK ME OUT RORONOA ZORO!" He exclaimed. Luffy's eyes were on Mihawk. Zoro had not only heard the regard of Mihawk, but his respect too. That was not an easy thing to do. Mihawk turned back towards where Luffy was sitting. "Luffy, do you still have the same goal?"
Luffy nodded. "Yeah, I will be the King of the Pirates!" He replied.
Mihawk smirked. "Seems your ambitions remain loftier than your friend's. That is quite the task."
"Yeah, you just let me worry about that." Luffy replied, turning his attention away only as Usopp announced that Zoro was alive. "Zoro!"
He paused as he watched Zoro raise his arm in the air, his sword extended above his head. "Luffy, can you hear me?"
"Yeah!" It was just barely but he could tell just how hard Zoro was pushing himself to be able to speak. "I'm sorry for disappointing you. I know you need nothing less than the Greatest Swordsman in the world. I let you down. Please forgive me. I solemnly swear, from this moment forward, that I will never lose again!" Luffy started to grin, despite hearing the choked sounds from the tears that he was sure were on Zoro's face. "Until the day comes that I defeat him and take his title! I will never… never be defeated. Is that okay? KING OF THE PIRATES!"
Luffy laughed. "Yeah!" He called back.
"You're a good team." Mihawk stated, turning to walk away. "I'll see you on the Grand Line, Luffy."
"Hey, Hawkeyes!" Don Krieg shouted, getting Mihawk to stop in his place. Sure enough, Mihawk did stop. Luffy snickered. Don Krieg could easily mess this up. "I was under the impression that you were here to take my life. Weren't you here to kill the great Don Krieg! The ruler of the East Blue!"
"The thought had crossed my mind, but I've had enough fun for today. So, I'm going to go home and get some rest." Mihawk replied.
Don Krieg cracked his neck, smirking, "You may have had enough, but I'm just getting started."
Luffy gave the pirate a look. "You idiot." He muttered.
Don Krieg pulled his guns out, using the ones that he kept hidden in his armor. Mihawk turned on his heel, grabbing Yoru. Luffy felt the panic go through him. He needed to get out of here. "He just won't learn. Will he?" Mihawk audible questioned with a slash from his sword.
At last second, Luffy managed to grab the Baratie and get himself out of the way. Mihawk was already gone when Luffy looked back. He smiled at Usopp, telling him to go ahead of him.
He had made an agreement with Zeff. If he got the pirates away from the Baratie, he didn't have to do chores anymore. He was looking forward to it.
X
He had defeated Don Krieg and gained Sanji as his cook. Leaving the Baratie, he headed towards where he had seen the Going Merry heading. On their journey, they had ran into a sea cow, which they used to take them to the island.
It was Nami's homeland.
Which was under the control of the Arlong Pirates, who were keeping Nami and her village hostage. He didn't know the full story from Nojiko, Nami's sister, but the instant Nami asked for his help. He was there. Placing his hat on her head in a silent promise.
He would defeat Arlong.
Which is exactly what he had done. Taking Arlong Park down with him. Effectively freeing Nami and her village from the pirate's control.
Nami became an official Strawhat after that moment.
X
It wasn't long after leaving Cocoyasi Village that his first bounty came out. Thirty million berries worth. He grinned, wondering if Shanks, Ace, and Mihawk had seen it yet. He had the highest bounty in the entire East Blue. Monkey D. Luffy plastered right on it with a picture of him grinning after the fight with Arlong.
Their next stop.
Loguetown.
Then the Grand Line.
X
Arriving in Loguetown, Luffy instantly went to seek out the execution scaffold. A place he visited every time they would stop here. It was the place that his grandfather had died and started the Great Pirate era. Since they didn't know where they had taken his body, this was where they paid their respects to him.
Though, he had gotten lost on the way there and ended up at Gold Roger bar, speaking to the bartender there. Listening to him about how Roger was before leaving Loguetown to start his own journey.
Luffy always loved hearing stories about Roger. It always filled him with excitement. He couldn't wait for it.
It had been exactly twenty-two years since Roger's death. The fact that they had arrived on that day was perfect for paying his respects.
Once he actually found the scaffold. Normally, he had Ace with him for this. Ace always knew where to go. Luffy just went wherever his feet carried him.
It hadn't taken him a while, but he finally found it. Unlike how they usually paid their respects, this time he was going to do it this time on top of the scaffold. See exactly what Grandpa Roger had seen before he died. So that's exactly what he did, he climbed it.
Well, he failed at first. Instead, speaking with the Marine Captain Smoker. Who was saying he was under arrest. Not a chance. He had to become King first. He managed to get the Marines off of his tail, going back to the scaffold. Finally managing to get to the top of it, he was caught by Buggy and Alvida with Buggy trying to execute him. When Buggy told him to say his last words, he just said, "Listen! I will be the man who will be the King of the Pirates!"
Zoro and Sanji had found him after that. Trying to fight through Alvida and Buggy's crew to get to him in time. "Zoro! Sanji! Usopp! Nami! Sorry, but I'm dead!" He said, smiling at everyone who was watching as Buggy went to bring the sword down.
The hit never came as he felt a tingle on his neck before suddenly the execution platform was taken down by lightning. He landed on his feet. Laughing as he grabbed his hat off of the ground. "Hey, I'm still alive! That's nice!" He grinned.
That's when Marines had surrounded them. Zoro and Sanji reminding him that they needed to leave. They started off back towards the Merry, fighting through the Marines as they went. Zoro had stopped to fight a woman he had met in the town. They had ran into Smoker again, Luffy telling Sanji to continue on and leave Smoker to him.
Fighting Smoker, it took him a bit to long to realize the Marine was a Logia user. Recalling what Ace had said about Logia types, he wouldn't be able to hit this guy. Smoker had him pinned to the ground before he knew it. "You're not worth thirty million berries. Your lucks run out!" Smoker stated. Luffy could hear him grabbing at the weapon his back but his head was pinned to the ground. He was expecting the hit, but it never came.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." A new voice stated. Luffy grinned. He recognized that voice. It belonged to his Uncle Dragon. What was he doing here in Loguetown?
"It's you." Smoker drawled. "Well, now the world can have your head."
"The world is still waiting for our answer." Dragon replied.
Before anything else could be said or done, a powerful gust of wind picked up, taking Smoker right off of him but also blowing Luffy away. Luffy barely caught a glimpse of Dragon standing there before he was gone.
To bad. It was always nice to talk to Dragon. He hadn't seen him in a long time.
Noticing that the ship had blown out to sea thanks to Nami's scream. Luffy used his Rocket move to send himself, Usopp, Sanji, and Zoro towards the ship. Thankfully they hit the sail and landed on the deck.
Luffy laughed as he pushed himself up, looking back towards Loguetown for just a moment. It always seemed like there was someone right around the corner to help him. Even if he hadn't seen his face, Dragon had been there.
Now, off to the Grand Line.
"Okay, I think we should say something to mark the occasion!" Sanji announced, pulling a barrel over in the middle of where all of them were standing. Placing his foot on it first with the announcement of, "I'm going to the Grand Line to find the All Blue!"
Luffy went next, "I'm going to be King of the Pirates!"
"The World's Greatest Swordsman." Zoro added, adding his foot next.
"I'm going so I can draw a map of the entire world!" Nami exclaimed.
"I guess, I'm going to be a brave warrior of the sea!" Usopp announced.
Luffy grinned as he looked at his crew. "And now! TO THE GRAND LINE!" He shouted as they all collectively rose their feet up before letting them fall and break the barrel underneath their shared dreams.
Luffy just laughed again. He would be King of the Pirates. He was going to conquer the Grand Line, just like Roger had.
Author's Note: So, I went overboard again. Oops xD Well, regarding Dragon, I know a lot of fan theories think he might have something like a Wind Wind Fruit. Which I think is really cool and I believe that one hundred percent. Since we don't know much about him or his powers, for now just imagine that his haki is strong enough that he manipulate the pressure around him like a weapon. I do honestly believe how Luffy escaped in that gust of wind was Dragon's doing. I just don't know. I don't really know how to explain anything since we don't know with Dragon. I have, the OC Red Hair Pirate, Jules with the Kaze Kaze no Mi (since there is no canon user) for plot purposes xD which will be revealed later on why I did that. So, for this story, for now Dragon is stupidly advanced with haki and that's how he does the shit he does.