They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! So, I went overboard again… oops. Had to split Luffy's chapter. Trust me, Marineford is happening soon. Just I planned on doing Luffy's story since the beginning. All the chapters eventually tie into Marineford. Marineford chapters will pick up right from after Sengoku announced Roger and Rouge as Ace's parents. This chapter basically covers the Grand Line into Marineford for Luffy. Like before, I will mostly be summarizing unless there are some parts I want left in since most of it is still the same as canon. I'm really just trying to summarize a lot that isn't changed (really just Sabaody, Amazon Lily, and Impel Down have major changes) so I can get to Marineford faster and get to the part we all want to see! Like, I'm the author and it's killing me with this xD just so much I want to do first xD
I do want to add something here about Luffy: Since a lot of his events remain canon, I set it up to where he tends to forget he actually can use haki xD and doesn't even realize it until later.
Additional Notes: So, I think my very first author's note on chapter one, I said that the Strawhats escape Kuma. Which originally they were but after thinking about it, I want to keep Boa Hancock helping Luffy. So instead, cause I wanted them all together, Kuma just yeeted them to Amazon Lily together. I will explain after Marineford how they end up doing their training/time skip.
Additional Notes: Law's section in the Reaction Chapter did give away a little bit about Sabaody involving Rayleigh, so the full scene will be here.
Chapter Warnings: Same for the rest of the fic.
Chapter Nine: Don't Stop (By Fleetwood Mac)
Chapter Summary: Luffy and his crew have made it to the Grand Line and run into Princess Vivi. Helping her in Arabasta leads Luffy to reuniting with Ace. Luffy gains more nakama on the way. Saving Robin in Enies Lobby, gaining Franky at Water 7, meeting Garp. At Thriller Bark, Luffy finally gets the musician he's always wanted in the form of Skeleton Brook.
Reverse Mountain was just as fun as Luffy always had on it whenever the Red Force would go over the rushing waters. This time is was better because it was his ship alone and not just his Omega father's ship. His ship. His nakama.
Officially, he was entering the Grand Line on his own.
The last thing he had expected was Laboon popping out of the water. Knowing the whale from whenever they would stop to talk to Crocus, who lived on Reverse Mountain now. Crocus had been the doctor on Roger's ship for the final three years of his journey. Someone that Shanks came to love and respect. So, Luffy did too. He had just sat there and listened as Crocus told his nakama about Laboon.
Luffy wondered if he would ever find Laboon's nakama one day.
With Laboon and Crocus, they ended up with two strays on board. A blue haired Omega woman named Ms. Wednesday and a Beta male named Mr. Nine. It had taken him completely by surprise when they got to Whiskey Peak, only to find out that Ms. Wednesday was actually Nefertari Vivi. The Princess of Arabasta.
Vivi had told them what had been happening in Arabasta under the Warlord Crocodile. Luffy didn't know much about the guy other than Mihawk didn't like him. All he knew was he was trying to take over Vivi's kingdom using Baroque Works, taking advantage of his Warlord status. Which pissed Luffy off.
Luffy just knew that he was going to help her.
After leaving Whiskey Peak, Luffy and his pack had encountered – well more like she was magically on their ship and Luffy's Observation haki failed to notice her – Ms. All Sunday, the direct underling of Crocodile. The woman was a Beta from what he could tell, but she was excellent at hiding her scent and pheromones. It was hard to pinpoint anything about her. She had offered them an enteral log pose for Arabasta. Which Luffy promptly destroyed. They would eventually get to Arabasta, but he refused to accept one from the enemy.
Traveling from Whiskey Peak, they ended up in Little Garden. Which was hilarious in his mind, considering Little Garden was home to two giants that were constantly fighting each other. Broggy and Dorry. They came into contact with more Baroque Works pirates. Mr. 3 was the one who ended up being their main opponent on the island. Keeping Vivi, Zoro, and Nami on a giant candle display, attempting to turn them into wax statues. Usopp and Karoo, Vivi's duck, had the idea of lighting the wax on fire to free them. Thankfully, it worked.
On the Island, Sanji had managed to speak with Mr. Zero, who was this Crocodile character, and throw him off of the trail of Luffy and his crew. At least for the time being. Sanji had also gotten his hands onto an eternal log pose for Arabasta.
Leaving Little Garden, they had departed to start back towards Arabasta. They still had to get Vivi home and protect her until this was over. Defeat Crocodile and fix Arabasta.
Unfortunately, Nami came down deathly ill and they had to take a detour to Drum Island. Which, not that Nami's sickness was a good thing, they met their next nakama. A reindeer that had ate the Hito Hito no Mi. Luffy knew he absolutely wanted this guy on his ship as his doctor. They needed a doctor and who wouldn't want a talking reindeer on their ship?
Finally, they were heading off to Arabasta. They had to get Vivi back in time to stop the Rebel Army as well as expose Crocodile. Luffy had been itching to beat the guy's ass ever since Vivi told him what he had been doing. Vivi was his unofficial nakama now, and he would do anything for her.
Along the way, they ended up fishing a guy named Bon Clay out of the ocean. An Omega male who Luffy instantly liked. He was funny and weird. He loved it. He also had a devil fruit that allowed him to transform into others. Parts and all.
Sorry, Nami.
It wasn't until after he was gone that Vivi told them that he was a part of Baroque Works. Mr. 2. That had led to the sign of friendship. An X written on their arms, hidden underneath bandages. That way if asked, they would know instantly that it was their friends and not an imposter.
That's when Luffy got the idea.
The X was their sign of friendship.
But they were family.
"Hey, guys, want to make a pack bond?" Luffy had questioned. He had watched as the shock momentarily came over his nakama. "I know we are nakama and friends… but we are a family and I want to make it official." He stated, grinning and his hand subconsciously moving to his hat. "You can say no, but I would love it if you bonded with me. You don't even have to bond with each other. I just want to make this official. You are my family now."
The others looked at each other, before they were nodding at him in agreement. Luffy started with Zoro. Zoro was the first person on his ship, so it was only right to him that he started with the first crew member.
Just like he had done with Sabo all those years ago, he bonded to Zoro. Moving onto Usopp, Sanji, and Nami all in that order. His arm lined with punctures despite having rubber skin. He could feel the bonds forming in his chest. It was official. He couldn't bond with Chopper physically since Chopper was technically still an animal and was genderless. Instead, he formed the emotional bond with him that came from a pack.
He watched with a grin as his nakama created bonds with each other. His gaze stopped on Sanji and Zoro for a moment. The two hesitating, faces flushing over, before creating one of their own. Luffy snickered. There was definitely something there.
Vivi had stood off to the side, with a large smile on her face. Nami walking over to her and wrapping her arms around the Omega Princess. Vivi's face turning red for a split second.
Oh, there was something there too.
Luffy snickered. He was going to have fun with this.
As they continued, Luffy turned to Vivi. "I know you aren't a part of my crew, or a pirate, but I know this bond will last a lifetime. I know we haven't known each other long, but I just know we will always be friends." He stated. Vivi was staring at him with tears in her eyes.
This was very uncommon. Shanks would tell him all the time how special pack bonds were. He just knew that Vivi was special. It didn't sit right to create this bond among his friends and not include her.
"Don't feel pressured to do this, Vivi." He added.
She smiled at him, looking at his outstretched wrist, before taking it into her hand. Luffy grinned as he felt her sharpened nails puncture his skin where the rest of them were settled. The newly added bond mixed in with his nakama.
This was perfect.
X
Arriving at Arabasta, Luffy was absolutely starving and absolutely wanted meat. He had ran off of the ship before anyone could stop him. Running wherever his feet would take him in search of food. He probably should have thought this through. Instead of finding food, he found powder that made it rain.
In his opinion, the powder tasted disgusting.
Come to find out, the powder is actually illegal. In trade for food, Luffy promised not to turn him in. Though, he's a pirate so he couldn't anyway. Even if he wanted too.
Heading back into the desert, he eventually caught sight of the town. Rushing at full speed into the town. Going to slow for his liking, he rocketed himself into the restaurant he laid his eyes on. A large crashing sound followed in succession, but Luffy only cared about the aroma of the food in the air. Sitting at the bar chanting for food. Quickly food was placed in front of him, to which he quickly started eating up his fill. Listening to the owner tell him he should probably run.
He hadn't known what he meant at first before standing before him was the same Marine from Loguetown. It had taken a moment before Luffy had recognized him before he had stuffed the rest of the food in his mouth and ran as fast as he could out of the restaurant with Smoker on his tail.
Did this guy seriously follow him all the way from Loguetown?
He rushed around the town, attempting to shake Smoker off of him. He had to give it to the Alpha Marine, he was persistent about catching him. He paused as he saw Zoro, a grin coming to his face with a shout of, "Oh, hey, Zoro! There you guys are!" He exclaimed.
"No, you idiot! Get rid of them first!" Zoro hissed.
Though it went right over Luffy's head as he ran towards his crew. "Don't just stand there! We gotta go!" Luffy called back as he ran past his pack mates.
"You can fall back men! That Straw Hat is mine to finish!" Smoker exclaimed as he ran through his mind.
Luffy groaned. This guy just wouldn't give up. Luffy hadn't been able to hit him with his punches. He was screwed if Smoker caught him. That smoke was not easy to escape from if he could at all. Logia types really were annoying at times. Though, Smoker is only the second Logia user that he had came across. Ace being the first.
"NOT GOOD! HERE HE COMES! NOT GOOD!" He screamed, running even faster that his feet would allow him too. He could hear Smoker sending an attack after him as he started repeating "Not good." Multiple times as he rushed to get back to the Merry. They seriously needed to get out of here. This Marine was nothing but trouble.
"HEAT HAZE!" Luffy stopped completely as he saw the fire through the corner of his eye. The rest of his nakama stopping behind him to gawk at the fire. Luffy hadn't even picked up on Ace's haki signature. He must have been so focused on getting away from Smoker that he didn't even pick up on his brother's haki signature.
Standing between them and Smoker was nonother than his older brother. Ace standing there with a smirk on his face. The brim of his hat over his eyes. Smoker growled at the sight of Ace standing there. "You again."
Ace chuckled. "Just give it up." The Omega Commander stated, his shoulders and hand still flickering with his flames. Luffy felt the smile come to his face. Taking his brother in completely. He hadn't seen Ace since the cave after he made it to the New World. He was still just as lean. He still looked younger than his actual age. The only difference he could see was the large tattoo on his back. Beautifully inked into his skin in purple. It was the jolly roger of the Whitebeard Pirates. The last he saw of his brother was on his newest wanted poster of him being the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. After he joined the Whitebeard Pirates, he had been busy with his duties as a Commander, so he wasn't able to come and visit unless they were close by each other. "You might have the power of smoke, but mine is fire. A fight between us would be pointless. It would probably go on forever."
"Alright, looks like the mystery man has Devil fruit powers." Zoro stated.
"Who is this guy anyway?" Usopp questioned almost immediately after. "And why is he helping us?"
"Ace?" Luffy muttered.
Ace turned his head, smirking at him, "You haven't changed a bit, Luffy."
Luffy chuckled. "Shouldn't you be in the New World right now?" He watched the dark flash come to his Omega brother's face momentarily before it was gone. Luffy's eyes went wide for just a split second. Something was wrong. He could feel it. Ace never needed to verbally say anything to him for him to know when something was bothering his brother.
"Now's not the time for chatting. You guys go ahead, I'll catch up. Don't worry about these guys, I've got them. Now go on!" Ace exclaimed, turning back to face Smoker.
Luffy didn't need to be told twice before he was turning on his heel. "C'mon, let's go!" He shouted, running where they were originally headed before Smoker intervened.
"Yeah, coming!" Usopp shouted back.
He didn't need to hear their answers to know that they were following him. He could hear their footsteps hitting the ground. By the sound, he knew all of them were right there with him, so he didn't need to worry about them getting mixed up in the fight between Ace and Smoker.
"But, Luffy!" Nami said.
"Who is that guy back there?" Sanji questioned.
Luffy laughed, the large grin splitting onto his face.
"Hold up, Luffy! Tell us who that guy is!" Nami demanded.
"Do you know him from somewhere?" Vivi questioned next.
With a laugh he said, "Yeah! He's my big brother!"
"BROTHER?!" Collectively followed afterwards.
They all stopped running as they heard the loud exclamations for the civilians around them. His nakama were now ahead of him as Luffy looked up to see the mixture of smoke and fire swirling in the air. His grin only getting bigger. Man, Ace certainty had gotten stronger since the last time that Luffy had seen him. That blast looked more calculated than what he had showed him back at the cave.
"What's going on back there?" Chopper asked.
"What kind of power is that?" Usopp questioned.
Luffy snickered. "Ace ate the Mera Mera no Mi three years ago. He's a fire man now!" He replied.
"So that's the kind of power you get after eating a fire devil fruit." Sanji stated.
"Speaking of devil fruit… Luffy, is it true? Is that guy really your brother?" Nami asked as soon as Sanji stopped speaking.
"Yup! His name's Ace!" Luffy replied.
"Luffy, I'm not surprised to hear that you have a brother, but what is he doing here on the Grand Line?" Zoro questioned.
"Ace is a pirate too. The Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates to be exact!" Luffy explained. "He left home three years before I did to fulfill his own dream. A dream to live freer than anyone else. To show the world that even people like him can do it all."
"Did you say Whitebeard Pirates?" Zoro questioned to which Luffy nodded. "That's why that mark was familiar earlier. All Whitebeard Pirates wear Whitebeard's mark on them somewhere."
"Yup! Ain't it cool! It's the first time I'm seeing it in person!" Luffy said.
"Well, let's get going. We don't want to waste what time he's given us!" Nami exclaimed.
With that they were off, Luffy kept his eyes on the distant fight. Laughing as he ran backwards. By the time he turned back around, his nakama were gone. He hummed. Placing the barrel he had picked up on the ground and sat down on it. "Hmm, that's weird. I could have sworn they were right here. Where did everyone go?" He stated, talking to no one in particular.
"Well, looks like giving you a chance to escape was pointless." Ace's voice made Luffy look up to see the Omega standing on the nearby roof. Another smile cracked on Luffy's face.
"Oh, hey, Ace!"
Ace grinned at him as he jumped down. Landing in front of him. The Alpha Captain didn't hesitate before he was wrapping his arms around his brother. He was still just slightly smaller than Ace was so his nose fit perfectly at where Ace's scent gland was. Taking in the sweet scent that radiated off him. Almost stronger cause of how high Ace's body temperature ran. "Hey, Luffy. How've you been? Sorry I couldn't make it back to Foosha to see you off."
Luffy laughed as he pulled back, readjusting his hat on his head. "It's alright. I know you were busy. You're a Commander with the old man after all." The Alpha stated.
Ace smiled. "Yeah, I stay pretty busy." He muttered. Luffy still had the feeling that something more was going on. He would eventually ask Ace what was going on, but for the moment he would stay quiet.
Instead the two started off, talking to each other as Luffy explained his crew to Ace. Though, they instantly ran into trouble when they were surrounded by Baroque Works pirates. The two of them easily fought them off, starting off towards where Luffy thought his ship might be.
On he had spotted the Going Merry, he grinned waving to his nakama. Ace was right behind him. His brother said something but Luffy had already been starting towards his ship and didn't quite catch what he had said.
He had rocketed himself back to the Merry, laughing the entire way there. Once he was back on board, he explained to the crew about the difference between him and his brother. Just how much stronger the Omega was compared to him. It had shocked them completely when he told them that he had never defeated Ace in a fight.
That's when Ace had found them.
Baroque Works had tried to come after them again and Ace had quickly taken care of them before getting back onto the Merry. Striker tied up to the side of the ship to keep from floating away. Learning that they were going to the same place, Ace asked if he could tag along with them. Which, Luffy happily obliqued. Ace smirked as he sat down on one of the boxes on the deck, Sanji passing out drinks to everyone. He gave a quick thank you as he looked over to Luffy. "You have Captain Smoker as your Marine, huh?" Ace stated.
Luffy nodded, a small frown settled on his face. "Yeah, though I can't hit the guy! It's so not fair! He's just like you. I guess he turns into smoke." The Alpha replied.
Ace blinked at him for a second. "Luffy… you do remember that you can hit a logia user?"
Luffy frowned. He had tried multiple times with Smoker. None of his hits stuck. "I tried."
Ace snorted, taking a drink from the tankard in his hand. "Luffy, you can hit a Logia type user with armament haki. Did anything our parents taught you actually stick in that brain of yours?"
Luffy's face lit up. He had completely forgotten about using haki in fights. He was so used to being able to just use his own powers of his Gomu Gomu no Mi and his own strength that he never really used his other abilities. So far within Paradise, he hasn't felt the need to actually use most of what he had learned outside of his control over his Gomu Gomu abilities. "Haki?" Chopper questioned.
Ace looked away from Luffy and down to the reindeer with a smile. "There are three types. Observation, armament, and conqueror's. You have to be born with Conqueror's Haki to be able to use it. Observation haki is kind of like a sixth sense. You can sense someone's presence, strength, and emotions. You also have a limited precognitive with it." The Omega Commander started, looking around at the curious eyes on him, "Armament, the one I just mentioned, you use your own spiritual energy to create an invisible armor to strengthen your offensive and defensive abilities. This can help you bypass the abilities of devil fruit users and hit them with ordinary physical attacks that normally they are immune too. Conqueror's haki is where you exert your own willpower over others. Basically, you can knock them out if your will is stronger than theirs. That one is my favorite to watch." Ace explained.
They sat like that for a few minutes as the others questioned Ace on haki. The Omega telling them all they wanted to know. "Luffy, why didn't you ever tell us about this haki stuff? This sounds really important." Usopp stated.
Luffy grinned, scratching his cheek with his hand. "I kind of forgot I can even use it. Half the time I never realize I'm even using Observation haki."
"You need to be careful. Here in Paradise, not many people actually utilize haki or even know what it is, but once you get to the New World, you will encounter it all the time." Ace warned.
"Yeah, yeah. I know. Mom warned me all the time." Luffy said with a wave of his hand.
"Then maybe listen to what mom and papa have to say and you won't find yourself in a situation with Smoker again." Ace retorted.
Luffy snickered, "So, what brings you to Arabasta? You should be in the New World right now?" Luffy asked, quickly changing the subject.
"I'm in these waters on some business. I'm hunting down a pirate named Blackbeard." Ace stated. Luffy's eyes narrowed. He didn't like where this was going. "Blackbeard used to be a man in my division, but he broke one of the most sacred rules on our ship. He attempted to kill one of his nakama and jumped ship. All for a devil fruit. So, has his Commander, it's my job to take care of him."
Luffy had a bad feeling about this. He couldn't place it, but the same dark look from earlier was back on Ace's face. He watched as Ace's eyes started to slowly to lose focus. The others noticed, Chopper immediately walking over asking if he was okay. The Alpha sighed as he stood up, placing his tankard down. Ace's eyes had already slipped shut by the time he got to him. Luffy caught the Omega before he hit the deck, slipping his hat off and placing it to the side and letting Ace's head sit on his thigh as he sat back down.
"What just happened to him?!" Nami exclaimed.
Luffy sighed, running his fingers through Ace's hair. The motion soothing his brother. His body relaxing compared to the tensed shoulders he had before. "Ace has a severe form of narcolepsy. He's been on medication for it for as long as I can remember. He fell off of the ship a few times because he had an attack to close to the rail." Luffy explained. "I have a mild form, but mine usually stems directly from exhaustion." He stopped once more, looking over to Sanji. "Can you pass me his bag?"
The blonde Omega complied, tossing the watermelon styled bag over to Luffy. The Alpha didn't think twice before he had opened it and started digging through it. "Luffy, maybe you should wait until Ace wakes up." Vivi muttered.
Luffy shrugged. "He'll just act like he's fine. Which he is, but I worry. He might be my big brother, but I worry about him just the same." He stated. Looking through Ace's bag his water canteen was there, some clothes, a couple of snacks, and a pouch with the Red-Hair Pirates jolly roger on it. At the very bottom was an empty package for medication. Pulling it out, Luffy frowned. "Ace used to be on top of it, he must have run out of his medication if he's having sleep attacks again." He stated. Luffy looked over to Chopper and smiled. "Do we have the stuff you would need to make him some more?"
Chopper hummed. "I should, he would just need to get some more soon." The doctor said.
"Good." Luffy replied. He looked down at his brother, taking a good look at him. Sure enough, there were bruises under his eyes. Making his freckles stick out even more in contrast with his pale skin. Ace looked absolutely exhausted. He paused as he noticed the glint of gold around his brother's neck. Reaching out, he took it into his fingers and snickered after taking a look at it.
"What is it, Luffy?" Vivi questioned.
Luffy eyed the pendant. A phoenix with flames behind it. Ace had accepted an Alpha. The little shit never told him. The betrayal.
Vivi walked over, taking a peek. A smile breaking out onto her face. "That's a courting necklace! This one is so detailed. Someone put a lot of work into it." The Princess stated. "A phoenix, huh?"
"I wonder who gave it to him. He never told me about it." Luffy said, a fond smile on his face as he placed the necklace back down. It made him think of the one around Shanks' neck. He technically had two he wore, but one of them was actually his mother's. The other was given to him by Mihawk.
"Those necklaces are usually very special. Personalized even. This one had fire on it like his nickname Fire Fist." Vivi said. "The Phoenix must be representation of whoever gave it to him. He must have had a reason for not telling you."
"A phoenix, you say?" Zoro muttered, Luffy and Vivi looking over to him. The two nodded. "I could be wrong, but the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates is known as Marco the Phoenix. The only person I can recall who has something to do with a phoenix."
Luffy snickered, looking back down to Ace. "I really wished he would have said he was engaged. Mom would have thrown a huge party for him." He said.
Vivi giggled, bringing Luffy's gaze back up to her. "Actually, courting necklaces only signify that someone is interested in becoming your mate. If Ace was engaged, he would have a ring on his finger. Which he doesn't."
Luffy frowned. "What's the difference? A promise to be a mate. A promise to be married? Aren't they literally the same thing?"
The blue-haired Omega smiled, sitting down next to Luffy. All eyes on her. "Well, normally courting comes first. Which traditionally, these necklaces are given to the woman or Omega by their male or Alpha and Beta counterparts." She explained. "Courting leads into dating. Then when you fully believe you want this person to be your mate… traditionally you ask both parents of the mate to be for their child's hand in marriage. That's when you propose with a ring, followed by marriage. Then you place the mating bond. Not all people do that though. People tend to forget that just because you have a courting necklace or mating bond, you're not actually married to each other. Though, a bond is a more intimate level. From what I can tell, Ace doesn't have one." Luffy hummed, nodding. "To put it simply, it goes courting, dating, engagement, marriage, bonding. That is the official way to do it."
Luffy smiled before he blinked. "Wait?! That means my parents aren't actually married?! My whole life as been a lie!" He exclaimed. He huffed, crossing his arms across his chest, and leaning back against the cabin. "That's so not cool. Next time I see them, I swear I'm going to make them make it official."
"It doesn't work like that, Captain." Sanji stated, standing up from where he was, announcing he was going to go cook. Luffy huffed again, instead of choosing to reply, he went back to running his fingers through Ace's hair. It was always calming having Ace around.
X
With the Merry docked, the Strawhats and Ace had headed out towards their next destination. Ace wasn't with them long before he found out that he was under a false lead. The same bounty hunter using the information to lure Ace there. Despite Ace departing from them, Luffy had still been happy to see him. "So, you're really leaving us, Ace?" Chopper questioned.
Ace nodded. "Yeah, since Blackbeard isn't here in Arabasta. There is no reason for me to stay."
"Where are you off to next?" Sanji questioned.
Ace smiled softly. "Scorpion gave me a lead. Blackbeard was apparently spotted in the West, so I'm going to go check in on that." He stated.
Just as Ace was about to leave, Luffy called out to him, "Ace, wait!"
Ace did stop, looking over to his brother for a moment. "Luffy?"
Luffy grinned, running over and wrapping his arms around his brother once more. Ace's arms wrapped around his shoulders; his nose buried in his hair. Luffy gave a sigh of content before pulling back and reaching into his pocket. Pulling out his vivre card, ripping a piece off, he handed it to Ace. "I already have yours. Since you weren't in Foosha, you never got the chance to get mine. So, we can reunite someday."
Ace smiled, tilting his head at him. "It might be much for a brother to worry about his kid brother, but please take good care of him for me." The Omega stated, addressing the Strawhats directly. Looking back to Luffy, placing the vivre card with the others he had, he added, "Luffy, next time you and I see each other. We will both be top pirates. The top. You and me."
Luffy grinned. "You bet on it."
"BYE!" The two kids and their father, Scorpion called out, pulling their attention from where Ace was standing.
By the time he turned back around, Ace was gone. Even with the smile on his face, he couldn't help the sinking feeling he got.
X
Following Ace's departure, they headed for Yuba. Finding the place completely deserted. They had stayed in an inn before heading off to Rainbase where Crocodile would be. They had ran into Smoker once more there. Running from Smoker, they ended up locked in a cage by Crocodile. With Sanji and Chopper's quick thinking, Sanji was able to get them out of the cage while Chopper distracted Crocodile for the time being. The others were headed to Alubarna. The capital of Arabasta. Luffy had stayed behind to deal with Crocodile, getting defeated and left in the sand. The others had went on ahead under his orders. Thankfully, he was able to reach the capital. By the time he had gotten there, the rest of his nakama were already engaged in fights with Numbered agents of Baroque Works. Vivi trying desperately for her people to hear her cries. Eventually, it had worked. They had heard her.
Luffy had gone off to fight Crocodile, eventually winning and saving the lives of Ms. All Sunday and King Cobra from within the ruins they were in. Cobra's name had been cleared, and the kingdom fell into celebration as it rain for the first time in a long time.
Departing from Arabasta, getting back to their ship had been rough, leaving on the Supersonic Duck Squad taking them back. They had ran into the Marines almost immediately as they were heading to see if Vivi would be joining them official or staying behind. With the help of Bon Clay, also known as Mr. 2, they were able to distract the Marines and Hina long enough to get to where Vivi would be. Vivi had announced that she would be staying within Arabasta to restore her kingdom, still wanting to be their friend and packmate despite it all. Since they couldn't verbally tell her goodbye, they opted for a silent one. Holding their left arms up, showing Vivi the X's on their arms. Silently telling her that they were friends no matter what. Pack mates. Everything. As much as Luffy would have loved for her to stay with them, her place was in Arabasta. No matter what, she was his packmate and she would be there the second she needed him.
He had left a piece of his vivre card with her, in the case if she were to ever need to find him. She could. Luffy could only wait for the day he would see her again. From Nami's sad smile, he knew she felt the same way.
He didn't expect to have a stowaway on the Merry in the form of Ms. All Sunday. Her name actually being Nico Robin with a desire to join their crew. A Beta woman with the scent of blueberries and water lily. Even with what had gone down with Crocodile, she had saved his life more than once since they arrived in Arabasta. In the end, Luffy had agreed. Almost immediately after she gave her reasoning for wanting to join them. Welcoming another nakama.
X
Luffy had seen a lot of things on the Grand Line and a ship falling from the sky was not one of them. After that, the log pose around Nami's wrist started to point up. He had heard from Shanks that there was an island in the sky called Skypiea, but they had never gone there for what he could remember. If they had, he was far to young to remember it.
It immediately spiked his interest and he absolutely wanted to go. He didn't remember much of Paradise growing up. Spending most of their time in the New World. He knew Sabaody Archipelago since Rayleigh lived there and they visited him every time they passed through and Reverse Mountain with Crocus. After that, he didn't remember much of anything. Having been so long since even the Red-Hair Pirates would stop at them. If they did, it was a quick stop for supplies for the rest of the journey.
To get their answers, they headed off to Jaya Island in order to find a way to Sky Island. They ended up at the port known as Mock Town. Famous for being full of pirates. In a bar looking for information, Luffy, Zoro, and Nami were attacked by a pirate captain named Bellamy. Bellamy stating that a New Age of a world without dreams was rising. Nami, thankfully, was untouched. Luffy had instructed Zoro not to fight back, since he had deemed the situation one that didn't need violence.
Leaving the bar, Luffy encountered the same man that he had seen sitting there. One he had argued with over pie. "The Sky Island does exist." That is what had made them stop. "What do you have to be so angry about? Your two friends won that fight without even throwing a punch." The man stated, directed towards Nami. "I respected the way you treated them back there. You got nerves of steel, lady." He started laughing as Luffy and Zoro managed to push themselves up. "This new era they keep rambling on and on about is a load of crap. The era where pirates dream of treasure comes to an end? Yeah, right! The dreams of pirates… will never end! Am I right?" The man was greeted by laughter and ridicule by the people around him, but Luffy's gaze was stuck on him. "They can laugh all they want, because when you aim high, you often come across fights that just aren't worth fighting. Right?" As Nami said his name, the man started to walk away, telling him he hoped they find their way to Sky Island.
Luffy couldn't place it, but he had a bad feeling about this guy.
Back with his nakama, he discovered that Robin had met a man named Mont Blanc Cricket who possibly knew how to reach Sky Island. Upon arriving at Cricket's house, Chopper treated him for injuries he sustained diving into the ocean. Cricket being a direct descendant of a man known as Nolan the Liar. Cricket telling them the tale of Nolan and what had led to his execution. He provided them with information on what he knew of reaching Sky Island. Using a humongous geyser known as the Knock Up Stream, but to reach it they needed a South Bird from the nearby forest. The Saruyama Alliance had worked on fixing the Going Merry of her damage sustained leaving Arabasta as well as preparing it to go to Sky Island.
When they had arrived back, they had found out Cricket had been attacked by Bellamy for gold he had found. Furious, Luffy went back into Mock Town to retrieve Cricket's gold. In the end, he had won with just a single punch. Getting back to Cricket's home, he returned the gold and with the help of the Saruyama Alliance and their new South Bird, they headed for the Knock Up Stream.
They were confronted by a group of pirates, led by the same man that had spoken to them in the town. The man revealed that Luffy's bounty had once again gone up to a hundred million berries and Zoro had gained a bounty of sixty million berries. Before a battle could start, the geyser caught them, and they were sent up into the White Sea.
Once they were on the White Sea, they had been attacked by a masked man but ultimately saved by a knight named Gan Fall on a bird named Pierre. With a whistle from the man, they were off.
The first thing they encountered was Heaven's Gate, even without being able to pay the entrance fee they were able to pass through. Luffy should have known in that moment that they were going to be branded as criminals just for that. He was excited and he really wanted to see Skypiea so he couldn't bring himself to care.
Their first stop had been Angel Island which was the main part of Skypiea. Where he met a girl named Conis and her father Pagaya. With their help, they learned more about Skypiean society and the culture of the people of the White Sea.
With being marked as criminals and getting hunted by the Priests of the Upper Yard. Luffy found himself versing the God Enel. Who had the power of lightning that had no effect on him. It had became clear during the fight that the man had some form of observation haki. He had ended up being separated from the fight and ending back in the City of Gold.
Despite the fight against Enel, he wanted and needed to let Cricket know Nolan was telling the truth. So the man could rest and know his dream is a reality. With a bell within the city, he rang it for all to hear.
With the same golden ball that Enel had put on his hand, Luffy defeated the man with it. Ringing the bell once again and standing proud in victory.
Finally, they were heading back to their own sea.
X
Upon returning to the Grand Line, almost immediately Luffy and his nakama encountered the Foxy Pirates and were challenged to a Davy Back Fight. Thankfully, in the end the Strawhats stood victorious.
Not long after their confrontation with the Foxy Pirates, they ran into Admiral Aokiji, who just happened to be after Robin. Despite all the training he had gone through in his youth, he found himself no match to Aokiji as he watched him turn Robin into ice. He thanked everything that he could that he was able to get her away from him, even though he had also been frozen in the end.
It pissed him off. Despite everything his parents ever taught him, he still lost easily to Aokiji. In the end, it had given him an idea for more techniques that he could do for himself to get stronger.
After recovering from Aokiji, they were off to Water Seven in search of their shipwright. Luffy had a gut feeling about Merry. The Going Merry had receiving significant damage to her during their travels in Skypiea, and he feared that they were about to lose her. It broke his heart thinking that she would no longer be their flagship. She had gone through so many adventures with them. She was their ship.
Sure enough, when they made it into Water Seven and exchanged their gold they had gotten in Skypiea for money. Running into the mayor and president of Water Seven, Iceburg, an Alpha male with a kind smile, and a foreman, Kaku, their ship was inspected for repairs. Luffy's instinct had been correct. The Going Merry couldn't be fixed.
Usopp had been beaten and their money taken by a group of people known as the Franky Family, which promptly sent Chopper, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji to avenge him. No one messed with Luffy's nakama and didn't get their asses kicked. They engaged in a battle with the Franky Family, only to discover their leader Franky was gone with most of the money.
After that, they returned to the Merry and tended to Usopp's wounds. Having to tell him the heartbreaking truth about Merry. The Going Merry had been given to them by Kaya, the girl that Usopp liked back in Syrup. Luffy could understand his growing anger at the though of abandoning Merry. They didn't have any other choice. She couldn't sail anymore. In his anger, Usopp had declared he was leaving the crew, challenging Luffy to a duel over the control of Merry that night at ten.
That night, Luffy felt like his heart was shattering as him and Usopp exchanged blows. Every hit sending yet another crack into his chest. In the end, Luffy had won. He understood Usopp and his feelings. Usopp was not one to engage in a fight like this unless he truly believed it. So, he let Usopp keep the Going Merry and him and the rest of his nakama left the ship.
It only got worse from there when Iceburg was shot, the man telling them that it was Robin who had pulled the trigger. From what he had been told, there had been a masked man looking for Robin ever since they had arrived.
They would later learn that it was plot against Iceburg and to frame the Strawhats by a group known as CP9. Iceburg told them after Chopper saved his life what had truly transpired with Robin.
Robin was being taken to Enies Lobby. Where she would be executed.
Luffy absolutely would not let that happen.
Luffy had also made their first alliance since he had set sail on his own. Allying with the Galley-La foremen and the Franky Family. They would take down and defeat CP9 if that was the last thing they did. These assassins were really starting to piss him off.
With that, they were on their way towards Enies Lobby.
They had Robin and Franky to rescue, and Iceburg to avenge.
X
Finally, after all the hardships they faced heading to Enies Lobby. Along the way, they ended up with a sniper called Sogeking. Only him and Chopper acted differently around the man, the others seemed to know something they didn't. Luffy couldn't place his finger on it, but the sniper seemed familiar.
They stood on the rooftop, across from Robin was in chains. He had heard her say she just wanted to die. No, deep down he knew that wasn't the case. From what he had learned, she had spent her entire life believing that she didn't have a right to live.
She did.
But if she wanted to die, that was her decision, but she would absolutely make that decision as a Strawhat.
No matter what, he would save her.
He wanted her to realize just how she meant to them. She was their nakama. He only found out just how stubborn Robin was. It reminded him a lot of Ace. He would change her mind. She had a right to live her life just like the rest of them. Her devastating past had been revealed to them all. Robin's fear of them betraying her just like everyone in the past had done. She preferred to die rather than allow herself to get hurt again. Her reason for turning herself in. She was protecting them despite the pain she causing herself.
"C'mon, Robin! Work with me here!" Luffy exclaimed, his eyes completely glued onto the Beta woman. "You can say what you want. If you want to die or whatever, that's fine but when you say it. You say it as part of our crew!"
"Yeah, Robin! He's right!" Sanji shouted.
"Come back, Robin!" Chopper screamed out next.
Luffy was standing on the edge of the building, the courthouse he believed, across from the main building of Enies Lobby, his eyes locked directly on Robin. He could hear the footsteps of his nakama coming up behind him. They were now lined up on the edge with Nami, Zoro, Luffy, Sogeking, Sanji, and Chopper. All of them looking directly at Robin.
From where Luffy was standing, he could smell the distress starting to come off of Robin, carrying through the wind and to his nose. A small growl left him as he stated, "From now on, leave everything to us." They would get her out of there. They had too. They would prove to her that she was not the burden she believed herself to be. She was their nakama. Their friend. They would never do what Spandam was saying.
Spandam pointed up at the flag above them on the building, laughing, "Robin is wanted by the organization that has over a hundred and seventy affiliated countries! You don't stand a chance."
Luffy growled, clutching his fists. Spandam was right. However, he just didn't care. He would do anything to get Robin back. "If that is Robin's enemy, then I know what to do." He stated, his eyes on the flag of the World Government. He could careless about what the World Government thought of him. "Sogeking! Shoot down that flag." The Alpha ordered.
"Roger." Sogeking stated, pulling his weapon forward, announcing it was his new weapon by the name of Kabuto before he shouted, "Behold its awesome power! Special attack, FIRE BIRD STAR!"
The string of fire shot through the air until it had went directly through the middle of the World Government flag. The move sending out a circle of fire in its wake. "No way!" Robin exclaimed.
The Strawhats had officially declared war against the World Government.
It would all be worth it in the end. Robin was their nakama and she was not going to die today. Even if she thought she deserved too.
"Mission complete." Sogeking stated as he placed Kabuto back at his side.
"THOSE PIRATES JUST DECLARED WAR AGAINST THE WORLD GOVERNMENT!" The exclamations from others followed closely behind. Luffy didn't have a care in the world. His eyes clued to Robin.
Spandam's voice was full of panic as he said, "You all are going to die! You morons can't challenge the entire world and expect to win!"
Luffy growled, "Oh yeah?! BRING IT ON!" He screamed.
Kindly, the World Government could kiss his ass.
Spandam screamed as Luffy turned his attention back to Robin. The protective nature in him screaming to go to her as he saw the tears fill her eyes. If Robin died here, he failed to keep the promise he made to himself.
"ROBIN!" He yelled, watching as Robin's eyes moved to him. "There's something I still wanna hear you say! TELL ME YOU WANNA LIVE!" He needed to hear the words directly from her. He needed to know that their actions had reached her. That they showed her just how much she meant to them. They haven't been together long, but Luffy would do anything to protect her. Prove to her that she was his nakama. His pack. His family.
He could hear Chopper and Nami whisper her name, their voices begging for her to say it. The others didn't have to say it, but he knew they were thinking the same thing. They wanted Robin to be back with them. Be home with them.
Robin's entire demeanor changed as the tears spilled over the brim of her eyes. "I WANT TO LIVE! TAKE ME WITH YOU! TAKE ME AWAY FROM HERE!" She screamed, her voice cracking from the emotion running through her.
Luffy smiled, perfectly prepared to fight the entire world for her. He heard what he needed too. Now it was time to go get his nakama back. "Let's go." He stated.
X
They had done it, they had gotten Robin back. They had saved Franky and avenged Iceburg's attempted assassination. Luffy had brought out his Gear Two and Gear Three abilities during his fight with Lucci. Defeating CP9 and just barely escaping Enies Lobby from the Buster Call. Enies Lobby had been left in ruins. The Going Merry had appeared almost out of nowhere. He had heard her voice. Her calling to them that she was there to save them. Each one of them had heard it. Merry telling them that she was there for them. Her telling them to jump into the sea, that she had them all. Telling them to go back to the sea. The sea of adventure. Showing up out of the water just when they needed her. That she had came for them.
Merry's last voyage with them.
After speaking with Iceburg, and hearing what had happened with Merry while they were in Enies Lobby, he knew what he had to do. Iceburg had granted Merry's one last request. To let her sail one more time.
This was Merry's final wish for them. One last voyage. Return to the sea together. Their undeniable, unbreakable loyalty and bond with each other. Exceeding her limits so she could be with them one last time. To protect them and save them from the harm that had been waiting for them.
With her hull broken into two, it was time to put the Going Merry to rest. She had done everything she could. Luffy couldn't let her final resting place be the bottom of the sea. It was dark and lonely down there. No. She was going to get a proper burial at sea. She was a nakama just like the rest of them.
With a fire torch in hand and his nakama safely on Iceburg's ship, Luffy set Merry on fire. Watching as their beloved ship and nakama was set ablaze. "For letting us ride for such a long time… thank you, Merry." Luffy stated as the small boat he was on slowly started to drift away from Merry. The fire consuming her. Moving across the wood, sails, and eventually her mast.
Luffy felt the tears come to his eyes. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to carry everyone just a little bit further. I had so much fun. I wish our adventures would never end."
He could hear Nami starting to cry behind him and Chopper pained scream of, "MERRY!"
"But… I'm sorry that I can be…"
"No, Merry!" Luffy exclaimed, the tears falling from his eyes and streaming down his face, "If anyone should apologize it's us! Not you! I'm no good at stirring and I ran you into icebergs and all kinds of stuff! I took bad care of you and ripped your sails! Zoro and Sanji are idiots too! They were breaking your stuff all the time! Usopp tried to fix you, but he wasn't any good at it! We all know that!" The Alpha cried. "If anyone's sorry… it's… it's us!" Luffy couldn't hold it in anymore as the sobs racked his body, falling to his hands and knees as he cried for his fallen nakama.
"I don't mind… I was happy! I know you always treated me with love. Thank you! Even if the time we spent together was short, I'm glad that I could spend it with you."
He could no longer hear her voice. Her voice echoing in his mind as she said her last words. "MERRY!"
Each of them stood there, mourning the loss of their friend as they watched her burn. Finally letting her rest in peace.
X
It had been two days since then. Resting up from the chaos that was Enies Lobby. The death of the Going Merry. Franky had stopped by and stated he was building them a new ship made from the Treasure Tree that he had bought using their stolen money. Luffy had even made a physical bond with Robin, showing her that she was permanently a member of his pack. His family. No matter what she did. She had a place to come home too.
Luffy, honestly, should have expected this to happen. In the mixture of sleeping and eating, Garp of all people had shown up. Landing a Fist of Love to the top of his head to wake him up. He screamed in pain as he clutched at his head. "OUCH! THAT HURT!"
"Why?! What happened?! Why would one little punch hurt you so much!" Sanji exclaimed. "You're made of rubber!"
"It's because there is no defense against the Fist of Love!" The Marine standing over Luffy stated, grinning as he took of his mask to reveal to Luffy it was indeed Garp standing over him. "You've been getting into a lot of trouble lately, haven't you Luffy?"
"This must be that armament haki that Ace was talking about." Nami stated.
Luffy gasped, his eyes wide as he stared up at his great grandfather. This was absolutely the last thing he needed. "Grandpa?!"
Garp was standing in a freshly made hole in the wall, now with his arms crossed his chest. Smirking down at his grandson.
"WHAT?!" Followed closely behind by everyone in the room.
"A Marine Vice Admiral is your…" Chopper muttered.
Garp smiled. "It's been a while. I think you owe me an apology. You've been up to no good." Luffy growled, still clutching at his head.
"Luffy? Is this navy guy really your grandpa?" Sanji questioned, fists still balled up, standing as if he was ready to launch himself at Garp.
Luffy growled again. "Sure is! Technically, he's my great grandpa. No matter what, do not try and fight him!" He stated. "What the hell are you doing here, old man?!"
Garp's eyes narrowed on him. "What was that?"
"You heard me!" Luffy retorted.
Garp had started in on his version of training him and Ace as Luffy continued to growl at looking at his Alpha grandfather. "You and Ace were supposed to be strong Marines. Especially after what happened with your mother. Your grandmother and your uncle. Why did my entire family turn out to be criminals?! Seriously, not one of you followed the path I told you too."
"I see. This is where all of Luffy's endurance comes from." Sanji stated. He wasn't necessarily far off, he just didn't know the aspect of Luffy's parents and the Red-Hair Pirates also helping them train.
"I turn my back, and this is how you turn out." Garp stated.
"My parents did a better job than that! At least they weren't actually trying to kill us!" Luffy fought back, jumping up to his feet. "I told you a million times I wanted to be a pirate, and you wouldn't listen!"
Garp just bellowed a laugh. "Oh please, it made you boys stronger. Your mother got lucky, was already gone before I had the chance too. If your mother would have listened, maybe you wouldn't have turned out this way. Being a pirate and raising you kids on the sea! I told your grandmother the same thing and even she wouldn't listen!"
Luffy huffed. "Don't bring mom into this! Me and Ace both told you we were going to be pirates! Mom told us to do whatever we wanted with our lives! I chose my path! I didn't want to be a Marine! Fuck that!"
Garp had grabbed him by the front of his shirt, hoisting him off of the ground. "What was that, boy?!"
"I'm sorry!" Luffy said quickly, hoping to escape the punch that Garp clearly had leveled on him.
Everything went black after that for a moment. Only waking up when he felt multiple punches to the head. Luffy was sitting on the floor once more, clutching at his head as Garp started talking about Shanks, "There are as many pirates as there are stars in the sky, but your mother is one of the brightest. Even on the same level as Whitebeard." Jaws dropped around them. Luffy had never told them that his Omega father was a Pirate, let alone a yonko. He had meant to get around to it when they saw Shanks in the New World, but Garp apparently had other plans. He didn't miss the way that Garp purposely left out details that would identify who Shanks was. The only hint being his strength, but he was sure none of them would figure it out unless they explicitly told them. Luffy's hand instinctively went to his straw hat, a smile on his face.
"Your mom is really that strong?" Chopper questioned.
"Wait, your mom's a pirate?" Nami questioned.
Luffy smiled and nodded. "Yeah, when I told you I grew up in the New World… it was on my mom's pirate ship!" He paused, realizing the only one in the room who would know that was Sanji. Nami had already sailed away with the Going Merry and Robin and Chopper weren't a part of his crew yet. "Oh yeah, sorry guys, yeah… I grew up here on the Grand Line. Gramps would help train me and Ace when we went back to Foosha Village in the East Blue. He also dropped in a lot on the ship too." He paused, placing his hat back on his head. "My mom is one of the strongest pirates in the New World! The first thing we were going to do once we got there was go see my mom before maybe running into Ace… but we ran into Ace at Arabasta."
Before anyone else could say anything, fighting broke out outside. Luffy picked up Zoro's scent in the mixture. Garp turned his attention to two people among the Marines, telling them that it was okay to engage in battle.
Luffy ran out of the place with an exclamation of, "It's alright, Zoro! We don't need to fight them!" Before he could actually get to Zoro, he was kicked in the jaw.
"Hey! What was that for, you jerk!" He exclaimed, pulling his arm back to punch the person but his eyes widened as he heard a mutter of,
"Shade."
The punch never connected as the person disappeared. Luffy's observation haki went off, notifying him that the person was now behind him. The footsteps following quickly in its wake. "That technique!" He recognized it. He had seen it on numerous occasions. He didn't even look behind him as he grabbed the person by their shirt and slammed them into the ground. His hand on their neck. Luffy picked up the pheromones of the man underneath him, telling him that the person on the ground was an Omega. His scent lingered, despite most Marines tending to wear a scent blocking patch if they happened to be Omegas, with the scent of camellia and raspberry. It was strangely familiar, but he couldn't place it.
Garp was laughing behind them as he approached the fight. Zoro had already taken care of the other guy that had been sent after Zoro. His swords on either side of the man's neck. "Boys, you are no match at all."
"You're as tough as I thought you'd be. That was a nice one." The pink-haired Omega stated, smiling as he looked up at Luffy despite Luffy still have his fist ready to hit him. "Anyway, I give." Luffy got up, his eyes wide. Why was this guy so familiar? "Hi, Luffy. Hi, Zoro." He addressed them. So, this guy knew both him and Zoro? Who was he? The Omega patted the dirt off of himself as he continued with, "It's been a while. Do you know who I am?"
"No?" Luffy questioned, still pulling a blank.
The Omega Marine smiled at him. "Look! It's me! Coby! You mean, you don't remember me?"
Luffy thought back. "Coby, huh?" A flash of a small pink-haired kid came to mind. Around when he first started his journey back in the East Blue. He had been with him when he first met Zoro. This guy was so much taller than that kid was. How could this possibly be the same guy? It's barely been two months since then. Probably not even that long. The last time he had seen Coby, he had left him on a Marine base as the kid joined the Marines. "I do have a friend named Coby, but the Coby I know is a whole lot smaller than you. Sorry."
The Omega – Coby laughed. "Nope, that's the right Coby. The crybaby Coby from before."
Luffy's jaw dropped as his eyes widened. Was he serious? Coby had this big of a glow up. Coby was now standing at the same height as him, looking like he had aged years compared to what he was before. "Huh, no way!"
"Huh, that's him." Zoro stated, just as shocked. "But why is he on the Grand Line?"
"To be honest, I'm not a commissioned Navy officer yet, but when I heard that you guys were in the area… I just had to stop by and say hello while I still had the chance!" Coby exclaimed. Luffy was still in the process of his mental breakdown as he looked at Coby. Seriously, how much did this guy change? "If it wasn't for you two, we wouldn't be where we are today!"
"Hmph, I wouldn't go that far." The blonde haired Alpha next to him stated.
"A lot of stuff happened, but long story short, we ended up being trained by Vice Admiral Garp himself!" Coby added.
"That must have been hard!" Luffy replied. Garp was a harsh trainer. Luffy hated training with him, but he had to admit, it was effective. "But, man, there should be a limit to how fast you grow up! You surprised me! You were a bit rounder than too!"
As they started to head back into the building where the rest of the Strawhats were, Coby added, "You must have been tired from the incident. Sorry to disturb you."
Luffy laughed, patting his friend on the back. "It's fine! It's been a while, so let's make this a party!"
"Wait a second! You!" The blonde Alpha yelled out, causing them to stop. "You didn't even recognize me at all?"
They all turned as Zoro questioned, "Who are you?"
"It's me!" Is all the Alpha replied with. That wasn't much help.
"I don't know. Who are you?" Luffy questioned next, still puzzled on who the blonde could be.
"The answer is…" The Alpha started, pulling the black thing that had been blocking his eyes out of the way. "Helmeppo. Captain Morgan's son, Helmeppo. I'm the man who almost drove you to the death penalty, Roronoa Zoro." Zoro growled at that. "How's that?! You remember me now, right? Really now, stop joking around. I'm the idiot who rode on his father's fame!"
Luffy remembered back to when he had met Zoro and the same kid who was going to executed him. It seemed like even Helmeppo had a glow up. Standing even taller than Coby and broader than the scared brat he had seen before.
"Oh? That was you?" Luffy and Zoro questioned at the same time.
"Oh yeah, there was a guy like that… that was you?" Luffy added.
"I knew it. I still can't forgive these guys, Coby." Helmeppo cried.
Coby grinned. "It can't be avoided, Helmeppo. You can't dodge your past."
"That was it?" Zoro questioned.
"That was it." Luffy replied.
"Luffy, we're enemies, but… are we still…" Coby's voice trailed off.
Luffy smiled, he knew where this was going. "Yeah, friends." He stated.
The two grinned at each other. "I know I'm not that strong yet, but I will be. One day I will be a Marine Admiral." Coby proclaimed.
Luffy couldn't help the large grin that came on his face. "You have too. That way, one day, we will face off with each other. The stronger I get, you need to as well." Coby grinned.
"Now I have a job for you boys!" Garp stated.
"Sir!"
"This wall… fix it!" He commanded. It was followed by groans, but the soldiers had complied. Even Garp, himself, helping fix the wall that he had apparently destroyed to find Luffy instead of going through the door like a normal person.
Luffy really did have the weirdest family.
"By the way, Luffy… I heard you met your uncle a while back." Garp stated.
Luffy grinned, laughing and scratching at the back of his head. "Huh, oh yeah, he was in Loguetown when I passed through." He replied. "Though, I didn't get to talk to him."
"Yeah, from what I heard, he saw you off at Loguetown when you were heading back to the Grand Line." Garp said as he continued on working on the wall. "Dragon put up quite the show from what I hear."
Luffy laughed. "Yeah it was so cool!"
"As the leader of the Revolutionary Army, you think he wouldn't have shown his face in Loguetown." Garp added without a second thought. "Our family sure sticks together doesn't it?"
"HUH?!" Followed between the Strawhats and the Marines.
Luffy turned back to his nakama to see the absolute disbelief on their face. "What is everyone freaking out about?"
"You mean to tell me your uncle is the Revolutionary Dragon!?" Sanji exclaimed.
"Dragon is Vice Admiral Garp's son?!" Helmeppo screeched.
"To think about it, I've never heard Dragon's full name before." Another person added.
Luffy grinned. "Yeah! Isn't it cool! I've only met him once before that I can remember, so I don't know much about him. It was when Mom took me and Ace to see our grandmother."
Garp groaned, turning back to look at them. "To think about it, I probably shouldn't have said all that. Forget I said anything." The Marines and the pirates were shocked as Garp went back to what he was doing. "I take it all back. Forget it okay."
"WHAT?!"
Luffy laughed as he looked at the dumbfounded looks around him. It was a miracle they could ever keep a secret.
X
With their new ship complete, they headed towards it, learning of their new bounties from the Franky Family. Luffy's now being three hundred million with "Straw Hat Luffy" on his. Zoro's going up to one hundred and twenty million berries with "Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro". "Demon Child" Nico Robin went up with a new picture at eighty million berries. "Black Leg Sanji" got seventy seven million berries, but unlike everyone else, his was a drawn picture. "King of the Snipers Sogeking" had a thirty million berrie bounty. "Cat Burglar Nami" got a sixteen million berrie bounty and "Cotton Candy Lover Chopper" only got a fifty berrie bounty. Nami was panicking over the fact she had a bounty. Sanji was freaking over having a horribly drawn wanted poster. Robin only smiled looking at hers. Chopper was shocked at how small his was.
The Franky Family also had another bounty poster with them. "Cyborg Franky" with a fourty four million berrie bounty. They had urged Luffy into taking Franky with them, since he was a shipwright. Luffy knew he needed a shipwright.
The fun had started when the Franky Family had stolen Franky's briefs right off of him and started running with them. Managing to capture the Beta into a canon, Zoro, Sanji, and Chopper sent him flying directly to where Luffy was with his briefs. Luffy just told him that if he wanted his briefs back, he had to join his crew.
Franky was reluctant at first. Robin had used her abilities to grab him by his privates, sending shockwaves through them all as Luffy explained he still wanted the Beta to be a man. Franky had still refused. That was until Iceburg told him that his dream wouldn't be fulfilled unless they went with them on his dream ship. Finally, Franky agreed to be a Strawhat.
They had sat sail despite Usopp still not being on board. Luffy wanted nothing more than to get Usopp and bring him along, but Zoro was right. They couldn't bring Usopp back without getting a proper apology from him.
They had ran into trouble on their new flagship's maiden voyage as Garp came up on them throwing canon balls at them. Yes, throwing them. "Luffy! Can you hear me?! Sorry, but I have to send you to the bottom of the ocean now!" Garp called out through a megaphone.
"What kind of crazy family do you have, Luffy?!" Nami called out.
Luffy's eyes widened as he realized it was indeed Garp on the Marine ship. "Full speed ahead! We'll take care of the cannonballs!" Luffy exclaimed.
"He's here!" Chopper announced suddenly.
"I'M SORRY!" Usopp's voice rang out, reaching Luffy's ears despite the exploding canon balls around them. Luffy paused, letting his gaze move back towards Water Seven. "I'm too stubborn, I know! I take back every word I said!"
"That's more like it." Zoro muttered.
"Will you let me take it back, please! I'm begging you! You have got to forgive me! If I'm not with you, there's no point! Don't leave me alone! I need you guys! You're my pack! My family! I'll do anything! Please, let me join the crew! Just one more time!" Usopp cried, his cries echoing through the air.
Luffy smiled as he threw his arm back, extending it until his hand was in front of Usopp. Just waiting for the second that Usopp took it. He personally never wanted to leave Water Seven without him, but as a Captain, he didn't have a choice. Usopp needed to learn his lesson about defecting from the Strawhats and their pack. He apologized. That's all they needed.
"HURRY UP!" Luffy cried, the tears falling down his face now. "GRAB ON ALREADY!"
Within seconds, Usopp grabbed his hand and he was pulling him towards their new ship. His nakama were starting to cry around him as Zoro stated, "You better not drop him!"
"Pretty lame you two! Pull it together!" Nami said through her own cries.
As Usopp reached the ship, he collided with Luffy, sending them both onto the deck. Luffy let the tears fall in happiness that his nakama were complete again. Usopp was home.
Luffy turned back towards his grandfather's ship, a large grin on his face as he told Garp and Coby he would see them soon. Waving goodbye to them and the people of Water Seven as Franky activated the Coup de Burst catapulting them away from the large canon ball that Garp was throwing at them. Effectively allowing them to escape.
With their departure from Water Seven, they had given their new ship her official name.
The Thousand Sunny.
Though, Luffy had no idea what was about to transpire as in that moment Ace had found Blackbeard.
X
They had entered the Florian Triangle, heading towards Sabaody Archipelago where they would get their ship coated to head to Fishman Island to start their journey into the New World. Just three days after leaving Water Seven, he hadn't expected to run into a skeleton that was singing the familiar song, Bink's Sake.
He had boarded the ship almost immediately, curious on this skeleton man. Finding out that his name is Brook and a musician. Luffy's face had lit up and he asked immediately for Brook to join the crew. The skeleton had explained his Devil Fruit called the Yomi Yomi no Mi. Which had given him a second life past his first death, as well as giving him more soul-based abilities. Brook agreed almost instantly but explained he couldn't leave the Florian Triangle cause his shadow had been stolen. If he were to leave, he would disintegrate in the sun.
Luffy now had a mission. Get this man his shadow back. Brook was his musician now.
Brook, however, wouldn't tell them who had stolen his shadow. Stating he did not want his new friends to get hurt. Before anything else could be done, a gate to a place called Thriller Bark had showed up in front of them. Brook warned them to get away from it, but Luffy's adventurous self pushed forward to explore the new place. They had encountered ghosts and zombies alike within Thiller Bark as well as people such as Perona and Lola.
Luffy had quickly discovered Warlord Gecko Moria was the person to have stolen Brook's shadow. Just like he told Brook, he had gotten him his shadow back. Releasing all the shadows that had been taken by the Warlord. During the fight, he had used his Second and Third Gears again.
They had started to celebrate, but it was cut short when another Warlord Bartholomew Kuma had appeared. Ordered by the World Government to revive Moria and eliminate everyone who had witnessed his defeat. He apparently had been asleep the entire time Kuma was there, waking up without pain and starting the celebration following it.
Finally, Brook had agreed to be his nakama after he told the skeleton man that Laboon was at Reverse Mountain, waiting for him. That he was under the care of Crocus until the day that Brook showed up. All after Brook had told him the story of a baby whale he had met and befriended.
Brook had showed them his wanted poster, "Humming Brook" with a bounty of thirty three million berries and pledged his life to Luffy as his Captain.
Two days following that, Usopp and Franky had created a crave for Brook's crew, the Rumba Pirates. The Skeleton had buried Yubashiri there and started getting to know the rest of his new nakama.
As they were about to depart, Lola had approached Nami with a piece of her mother's vivre card. "Hey! I have four of those!" Luffy stated.
Nami looked back at him. "Yeah, you gave one of these to Ace, didn't you?"
Luffy nodded with a smile. "Sure did. I have his here." He stated as he took his hat off to pull Ace, Shanks, Mihawk, and Rouge's vivre cards out of his hat's band. He paused as he noticed one of them with burning edges, slowly starting to get smaller.
"Wait?! Show me that again!" Lola exclaimed as her eyes fell on the Vivre Card. Luffy pulled the burning one out of the four, noticing that Ace's name was written on the bottom. His heart skipped a beat as the worry started to fill him. Trying to recall everything Shanks ever said about vivre cards. He had just been excited to even have one that he couldn't recall everything. He knew it would reunite him with his family if he followed it. He knew the burning wasn't a good thing. He closed his eyes, trying to recall what Shanks had said. "Let me see that!"
"A vivre card is a paper of life, reflecting the life force of whoever the card belongs too. Vivre cards are waterproof and fireproof. You can, however, rip the paper to give a piece of someone. Since they can't be damaged, if you ever see them burning that means the life force of the person is weakening. Once that person recovers, it will return back to its full size of whatever size piece you may have. If a card ever full disappears, that means the person has passed on." Shanks' voice echoed through his mind. His eyes widened. Ace's life force was weakening? What had happened? What was going on with his brother?
"This is definitely a vivre card! What I failed to tell you was it reflects the life force of the person on the paper. Does this belong to someone important to you?" Lola questioned.
Luffy smiled. "Yeah, it's my big brother's."
Lola had a dark look on her face as she looked at Ace's vivre card. "I'm sorry to say this… but this means this person's life is vanishing…" Nami let out a surprised sound. "Your brother is in a lot of danger."
Luffy looked back at the vivre card, and with a sigh, he placed a smile on his face. "My big brother is strong. He'll be okay. He would probably get mad at me if I interfered on his journey, so I'm going to leave him be for now. He can always reach me whenever he needs to. If he calls, I'll come but he hasn't yet!" He stated. "Ace can handle himself. I have faith in him."
The rest of his nakama were casting him looks as he tucked the vivre cards back into the safety of his hat, announcing it was time to go.
Luffy smiled as he looked ahead of them. The Log Pose was set to Fishman Island, but they needed to make the stop at Sabaody first. He was almost there. Almost to the New World. Just two stops left until then.
What he didn't know in that moment, he would come to regret the decision he had made as he stared out at the open sea as they left the Florian Triangle.
Author's Note: WHY IS THERE SO MUCH LUFFY CONTENT TO GO THROUGH HOLY SHIT AH. That is all xD. I split this chapter between Thriller Bark and Sabaody. Sabaody is next.