The Straw Hat Wolf

by KrazeeBeagle

Luffy sets out to achieve his dream of becoming the Pirate King, form the best crew to sail the seas and help them all achieve their dreams as well. Standard One Piece. Differences? A non-canon Mythical Zoan fruit, with a power and history the Five Elders has no interest in dealing with again. Vastly-Slightly Different Luffy and co. Rated M for Violence, Implied Smut Only

3. Romance Dawn (II)

Notes:

1. Yes, the rating of the story is now M for future depictions of Graphic Violence. No, there will be no explicit sexual encounters in this work only implications, ex. "Pushing her into the bedroom, I reveled in her moans and writhing form as I made her mine."

2. There will be warnings at the beginning of every chapter that contains Gore elements.

3. If you consider blood and guts spilled, heads being eaten and people being torn in half horror then this story's third genre is horror. No this, chapter is not where any of the three happen. Those take place later on… much later on.

ROMANCE DAWN II

Pirate Hunter: Roronoa Zoro

NAMI'S POV

"SHASHASHASHASHASHASHA!" The voice laughed tauntingly from the darkness as I was forced to watch my mother smiling sadly at me as she was held at gunpoint. Her left arm torn and bloody from the attack she suffered at the hands of that monster. "You can't save her little kitten"

"I love you, Nami, Nojiko."

'NO! GOD PLEASE NO! PLEASE LET HER GO! BELLEMERE! MOOOOOOM!' I tried to scream but my mouth wouldn't work. I tried to move but my legs remained frozen and unresponsive. I could only cry as the flintlock's trigger was pushed inwards. "Silly little kitten you can only sit back and watch the show, SHASHASHASHASHASHASHASHASHA!"

BANG!

My mother's head snapped backwards as the bullet pierced through her skull and her life ended. Her eyes once full of love and live now glossy and lifeless stared at me, a bullet hole in between her eyes, blood running down staining the ground crimson red.

"I love you, Nami, Nojiko"

My mother's last words rang in my ears as the scene shifted 'No, please no more, someone please save me.' I cry out in my head, my mouth still refusing to work as I watched more and more of the people I loved attacked and killed, Gen-san, Nojiko, Dr. Nako…

"SHASHASHASHASHASHASHA! You'll never escape my little kitten. You'll work for me till your old and grey, noting but skin and bones." The monster promised relishing as more tears ran down my face. 'I'll never escape from here. I'll never-'

"If you have a dream, I'll be your friend." Gasping as I hear the new voice I turn, my body listening for once as I look and see a tall man built with lean but toned muscles wearing a black and gold coat over a buttoned up red cardigan, torn marine blue jeans, a hunting knife at his side and a straw hat on his head, but his face obscured. "If you're willing to fight for it, I'll set sail with you to see it through."

"SHASHASHASHASHA! FOOLISH BOY THIS WOMAN IS MINE!"

"No she's not. She's not yours, she's not mine, she's not anybody's." The man said standing up to the monster that's plagued me for 8 years without an ounce of fear. "She's not a tool… she's my friend." I felt warm inside hearing his words and try to see his face but my body returned to being unresponsive. Thankfully the man seemed to know what I wanted and he turned to me, a pair of dark black eyes stared back at me before everything started shaking and I opened my eyes to see the same pair of eyes from my dreams now staring back at me. Blushing blood red at his closeness I didn't think twice and just swung my fist. Instead of catching it however like I expected him to Luffy went flying off the boat and into the ocean.

"AAAAAH! NOJIKO WHY?!" Coby yelled

"FOCUS ON THE SAIL COBY!" I said standing up still blushing only to pale as I heard Coby's next words

"LUFFY CAN'T SWIM NOJIKO! IT'S THE CURSE OF EATING DEVIL FRUITS THEY BECOME SITTING DUCKS WHEN THEY HIT THE WATER!"

Next thing I know I'm swimming back up towards the boat, the 6 foot tall man I'd dreamed about and probably have a severe crush on losing oxygen fast in my arms.

LUFFY'S POV

Spitting out water and gasping for air, I'm on my hands and knees glaring at Nami who turned her face away in shame. "We never speak about this… to anyone." I growled standing up and taking my cardigan off. I ignored the gasp of surprise from Nami and just squeezed the water out of my cardigan. "I'd suggest you do the same with your shirt and shorts Nami. Just use my coat to cover up while they dry, Coby and I will just keep our eyes forward. Right Coby?"

"Y-Yes, Luffy-san!" Beet red himself, Coby didn't sound so convincing but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. 'Then again she actually packs quite a punch.' I rubbed the side of my jaw that got hit from earlier. Opening up my bag I grabbed a silver dress shirt and black dress pants to change into before stripping my pants off as well leaving me in my boxers.

"EEP!" I didn't need to turn around to know Nami's face was probably tomato red right now. I pinched my nose to stop smelling the scent she was giving off before deciding to just breathe through my mouth for the sake of my sanity.

"How much longer do you think till we get there Coby?" I asked wanting to get my mind off of Nami.

"Another day at least Luffy!" I tsked in annoyance. The Sea King meat I'd saved up had all been consumed the evening before and the non-perishable foods would barely be enough for three normal people but substituting himself into that equation? Yeah forget it.

"Another day? We can get there in 3 hours." Blinking in surprise I rounded back to her, forgetting what I'd said minutes earlier and was treated to seeing her in a pearly white undergarments, my coat covering most of her body but still opened at the front. "OI!" Nami yelped closing my coat and blocking the mind crumbling view.

I think it's safe to say I blanked out completely since the next thing I know Nami's bonked me on the head reprimanding me for just staring blankly into space while she'd explained how they could get to Shell's town in three hours. Long story short, we made it to Shell's town in three hours, our clothes thankfully now dry though I decided to just keep my silver shirt and pants on.

"Another day? Tch, you guys are amateurs." Nami said smugly getting off the sailboat and onto the docks. I just shook my head at her good natured jab and slung my backpack on before following her Coby not far behind.

"What did you want to come to Shell's Town for again Nami?" I asked deciding to break the silence as we'd walked from the port to the plaza without ever speaking a word. "Hmm? Oh there's a map I want from someone here. I need it for uh… my goal."

"Goal? Not dream?" Nami seemed to take a faraway look as she smiled sadly for a second before masking it in a face of confidence. "Yeah, goal not dream. My dream comes after I've dealt with this."

"So you do have a dream?" I asked smiling now interested in what it could be and I could tell she was equally enthusiastic to share it. "I dream of travelling the world and drawing a map of all of it."

Inwardly I grinned at the scale of such a dream but kept my interested smile outwardly "Doesn't seem like the kind of dream a thief would have."

"I'm a thief to achieve my goal, to accomplish my dream I plan on doing what I do best as a Navigator." Now that I openly grinned at stopping my walk as I turned to her fully.

"Join my crew." Nami staggered a bit as not expecting it but she recovered quickly enough and gave me contemplating look.

"I hate pirates…" I raised my eyebrow at her half-hearted response still grinning as I could see her desire to actually take me up on my offer. "But you aren't a pirate… at least not the kind I hate… I- I'll think about it, Luffy." Seeing as our conversation would end at that I decided to ask Coby about that pirate hunter Alvida had mentioned.

"Hey Coby who was that pirate hunter Alvida mentioned? Zoro?"

GASP!

Blinking I raised by eyebrow at everyone in the Plaza who looked at me like I just kicked their puppy. Nami herself lost her pondering look and seemed confused by the townspeople's reaction as well. Coby on the other hand… well…

"L-L-L-Luffy-san! You've never heard of R-R-Roronoa Zoro?!"

'Roronoa Zoro?'

"The name is kind of familiar… I think I recognize it from a newspaper." Coby seemed less incredulous now but still stared at me as if I was an idiot. "He's infamous as a relentless and bloodthirsty bounty hunter. They say he never misses his mark and that he's even a demon in human form! Slicing and dicing his targets with his three blades practicing Santoryu."

"Sounds like this Roronoa Zoro's a strong and dedicated guy." Coby's mouth dropped and his eyes bugged as he seemed to figure out what that comment entailed. "Y-y-you're not planning on recruiting him are you?!" My grin was his cue for despair, I laughed watching him sputter incoherently trying to convince me otherwise. Nami just looked at me like I was insane. 'Well considering the description she's not really far off.'

"Forget it Luffy! That beast has been captured by the marines on this island already!" Well that's disappointing

"Eh? Doesn't seem that strong anymore." I paused slightly facing forwards disinterested before turning back to Coby "Wait THIS island?"

"Yeah! Roronoa Zoro's being kept here in this island's marine base and under the leadership of Captain Axe-hand Morgan!"

GASP!

'What the?' I looked around as the townspeople seemed even paler at the mention of the marine captain than when Zoro was brought up. It didn't take for me to realize why that was probably the case. 'Ah… Coby's not gonna like what he sees when he meets this axe dude'

Nami and Coby both looked equally lost as to why the townspeople seemed to fear the mention of the marine captain. "Zoro I could understand but why are the people afraid of the captain?"

'Oh Coby you naïve fool.' I shook my head before turning towards the Marine base. 'I could tell him but he'd probably just deny it not wanting his dreams to be crushed. Better he sees for himself that the world isn't so black and white.'

Upon reaching the gates of the Marine base I sweatdropped seeing Coby's eyes welling up with tears. Nami seemed to have a similar reaction before going deep in thought as she observed the base. 'Guess the map she's looking for is here'

"Ah I'm finally here. Sniffle. I can finally live my dream." There was a pause of silence "This is where we part ways Luffy-sa- AH! LUFFY-SAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" I rolled my eyes as I climbed the wall of the marine base, Nami following in suit.

"Now let's see where's Roronoa."

"Luffy-san I doubt they'd keep him out in the-"

"Found him." I jumped off and ran to another section of the wall so I could see the pirate hunter from the front. "There he is."

"Yeah right they wouldn't keep someone like that- HUH?!" Coby's mouth went slack as he saw a man bound to a post wearing a dark green bandana and a green haramaki. Nami popped up next to me furrowing her eyebrows upon Seeing Roronoa. "Why is he being kept out in the open like that?"

"If we untie those ropes we could probably get away without anyone realizing till it was too late." I commented offhandedly sensing the majority of the marines being in a different part of the base.

"ARE YOU CRAZY?! IF YOU UNTIE HIM HE'LL KILL YOU!"

"I doubt that. The man's been starved for two weeks at the very least." I lost my smile as I took in the outlines of the bound man's ribs through his shirt. Nami's eyes shadowed as if my comment brought up bad memories.

'Make that three weeks' I thought bitterly as my suspicions for the kind of marine captain this Morgan was were confirmed. Coby opened his mouth to comment but got cut off.

"Hey. You guys. You're an eyesore." Looks like he was awake after all "Get lost!" Zoro growled and Coby jumped in fright before turning to me 'Oh brother here we go…'

"Luffy-san! There's no way you could survive with him on your crew! He-" I had ignored Coby turning my attention towards him, or rather behind him as a wooden ladder was propped up against the wall and a little brown haired child climbed up. She shushed Coby looking right to left a few times before she dropped a rope and climbed down carrying what looked rice balls. Realizing the girl began running towards Zoro, Coby began sputtering towards me again begging me to grab the girl to save her, while Nami just kept quiet at observed. 'Least someone's able to keep their cool.'

"What do you want?"

"You must be hungry! I made you some rice balls!" The girl said cheerfully to Zoro who looked down on her with a glare.

"Do you wanna get killed, pipsqueak? Scram!" Zoro growled. Coby yelped in fear as Nami grumbled under her breath about Zoro's behavior towards the girl brining him food.

Undeterred by Zoro's apparent anger the girl ventured on "You haven't eaten this whole time." Presenting the rice balls she made towards him she finished. "Here! It's my first time making them, but I worked hard to make them!" Zoro looked surprised and even a little touched for a second but he put on a mask of defiance and anger.

"I ain't hungry! You're an eyesore! Get the hell outta here!" The girls smile became a frown, confused. "But-"

"I don't want 'em! Don't make me kick your ass!" Coby started biting his nails as his teeth clattered and Nami leveled a glare that if looks could kill would've definitely put Zoro six feet under. Me meanwhile? I turned to the left of the little girl and Zoro sensing a few men approaching. 'So that's his game huh.' I smiled realizing what Zoro was trying to do.

"It's not nice to be a bully." Zoro grimaced before gritting his teeth, turning and realizing who had entered the field.

"Hehehehehehe, You seem surprisingly well, Roronoa Zoro…" A man with long face, double butt chin and blonde hair that covered the top of his head like a rugby ball. He wore a purple dress suit, shirt unbuttoned at the top letting the collar leave an open view of his scrawny chest and golden bead necklace.

"Oh good the marines arrived! The girl will be safe now." Coby sighed in relief while Nami turned to look at the newcomers critically. "I don't think you should get your hopes up Coby." Said boy turned towards Nami confused.

"Ooh! Rice ball!" Blonde rugby ball snatched one of the rice balls from the girls hands. Before his face scrunched up in disgust "AH1 TOO DAMN SWEET! THESE ARE FULL OF SUGAR!" the scrawny man exclaimed "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO USE SALT FOR RICE BALLS!"

"But I thought they might taste better sweet…" The scrawny man punched the rice balls out of the girls hand and began stomping on them "TAKE THIS! AND THIS!"

"STOP! STOP!" The little girl cried as she watched the rice balls being stomped into the dirt.

"H-How horrible!"

"Scum!" Nami grit her teeth and clenched her fist looking like she wanted to go down there to wallop the man.

I kept my silence observing as Zoro stared at the ruined rice balls, and the little girl whimpered.

"I worked so hard on them. sniffle." Pulling out a piece of parchment, blonde rugby ball stared condescendingly down on the kid.

"Those who help criminals will be executed! Marine Captain, Morgan." The girl sat up straight and stared at the man in fear.

"Hehehehehe, looks like even little brats know how scary my dad is!"

"Dad?" Nami looked downright murderous while Coby looked like he was having a bad dream. Not surprising since his image of marines were as righteous, law abiding protectors and not conniving, sniveling scum.

"That's Captain Morgan's son?"

The captain's son turned to a marine behind him "You. Throw this kid out."

The marine looked shocked at the order and the scum didn't seem to like that. Facing the marine he grabbed him by the front of his uniform. "I said throw her over the wall! Or can you not follow my orders?! Don't make me tell my dad!"

"Son of a-" I pulled Nami back down and shook my head telling her to not interfere. She glared at me but backed off and sat back down only to face back towards the marine in shock.

"Yes! Right away sir!" The girl backed up as the marine grabbed her.

"No!" The girl cried as the marine whispered back "I'm sorry little one. Curl yourself into a ball. That should minimize the damage." The marine looked disgusted of himself but fear seemed to outweigh his self-loathing as he tossed the girl over the wall past us not facing the ground in shame.

Nami tensed as the girl sailed past us and Coby was too shell shocked to react after seeing what the marine did. Nami prepared to jump but stopped when she noticed I was gone.

'Like hell am I letting this happen.' Flashing over the little girl I held her close to my chest as I back on my feet. "You ok?"

"Ah-ah yes! Thank you" The girl said smiling at me, Coby and Nami coming towards us.

"Are you hurt? I can't believe how horrible that guy is." I stood back up and reached for my hat that had flown off my head and now fluttered in the wind, the string around my neck, the only thing keeping it from flying away. Nami looked at me with a flurry of complicated emotions. 'First she meets a pirate who's more into adventure and friendship rather than pillaging and murder, then she sees this from the ones supposed to be protecting citizens from pirates.' I put my hat back on my head before heading flashing back to see blondie taunting Zoro.

"You sure are stubborn about staying alive…"

"Yeah! I will live the full month!"

Snorting, blonde rugby ball walked back from where he came from. "Good luck with that." Laughing all the while.

"Ten days left, you know!"

"Assuming can live that long!" The annoying, stuck up blonde finally made it out of the gate leaving the bound Roronoa Zoro alone.

"So you're the famous demon pirate hunter eh?" Zoro stopped staring at the ground and faced me with a glare and scowl.

"You're still here?"

"For a guy made out to be a demon in human form this is a pretty pathetic sight you know." Unamused the bound man's eyes narrowed in annoyance.

"Mind your own business!" Walking closer towards him I could see that he was indeed starving. 'And clearly hasn't showered recently either.' "I'd probably starve in three days if I were in your situation."

"I got more spirit than you." The scowl turned into a grin as he continued "I will survive this ordeal. This I swear!"

"You're an interesting one, Roronoa." I chuckled I paused before confronting him. "You were afraid weren't you?" Damn he looked offended at that. "For the little girl I mean. Not for yourself." I amended quickly. 'I have a devil fruit that busted beyond all heck yet this guy's glare still put me on edge.' Seemingly pacified at the correction he turned away refusing to face me. "Damn brat wouldn't have ended up hurt if she didn't bother coming here." I smiled as, try as he might, I could hear the guilt through the tough guy act. "Good thing I caught her before she landed on the dirt then."

"… Thank you." I nodded before turning to walk away. 'Wonder what he'd be able to do if I did get him on my crew' "Wait!"

Stopping in my tracks I turned to see him staring at the ruined rice balls. 'Don't tell me… he's not actually going to-' "Could you pick that up for me?"

"… You do realize that's mostly dirt right?"

"Just shut up and give it here!" I could feel the tic mark form on my head as I stood up and fed him the muddy rice ball. Coughing as he chewed through the meal I could only sigh. "Told you so."

"It was good." I am not ashamed to say my jaw dropped at that. "Thanks for the food. Tell the girl, it was the best rice ball I've ever had" 'This guy…' I grinned and nodded my confirmation before jumping out the field.

Later I found the little girl, Coby and Nami inside a restaurant. Retelling the story I smiled fondly as the little girl lit up in joy. Nami carried a similar smile and giggling as she patted the girls head as she went "He liked it! He liked it!"

"Is Zoro really as evil as the rumors say?" Coby said skeptically

"No! Zoro's not bad!" All three of us turned to the girl who now looked downwards sadly. "After all, he let himself get crucified in our place…"

"In your place? What are you talking about?" I questioned, Nami and Coby also looking curious. "It's all because of Helmeppo's fault. He's Captain Morgan's son."

Apparently one late afternoon Helmeppo was walking his pet dog around town.

"Outta the way! Make way for my adorable pet!" Helmeppo said smugly walking behind the rabid looking dog a sword resting on his shoulder. The dog had burst into the restaurant Rika's, the little girl, mother owned. Scaring the patrons and servers the rabid dog wolfed down on whatever caught its fancy. Rika not liking the dog stealing the customer's food swat her broom at it but it only ignored her for the most part.

"Hey, you! You gonna complain about what my pet's doin?!"

"Rika! Stop that!" Rika's mother, Ririka, reprimanded concern on her face at seeing the son of the captain enter the restaurant. "We'll get in trouble if we go against him!"

Deciding Rika would be a tastier snack the mutt leaped towards her only for a chair to come crashing into the canine mid leap.

"Oh, crap!"

"He's in trouble now!" Two patrons commented watching Zoro step into the scene. "Who the hell are you?!" GASP "Are you… Pirate Hunter Zoro?" approaching the swordsman who was sitting calmly at the bar, his three swords resting against the counter.

"And if I am?"

"Why is a pirate hunter defying the marine?!" Helmeppo asked waving his word up and down towards Zoro as if threatening him. Rika had been pulled away by her mother before she could get caught in the crossfire. "Just shut up and let me eat in peace." Not even turning to him Zoro continued eating. "WHY YOU?!" Charging forward, Helmeppo brought his blade down in a downward slash only for said blade to be kicked up and stuck into the ceiling and himself be sent flying as Zoro punched him right across the face. Zoro approached the man and drew his blade pointing them at Helmeppo. "You're annoying me. Both you and your pet."

Shivering and muttering incoherently, Helmeppo chuckled nervously as he looked at Rika and her mother. "You do realize that if my dad finds out about this, they're gonna get executed for sure!" Ririka clutched her child closer to her in fear while Zoro just continued glaring at Helmeppo.

"Let's make a deal! You get strung up in place of this woman and her child! For uh… a month! Yeah! A month!" Standing up Helmeppo still seemed anxious watching the pirate hunter "If you can survive for one month, I'll let you live too. Whaddya say?"

"… One month." Letting his sword go, Zoro allowed Helmeppo and his men to take him to the field to be crucified.

"It's been three weeks since then." Rika said clenching her fists close to her chest. "Helmeppo punches and kicks him while he's tied up!" That was the last coherent thing Rika said before she broke down sobbing. Nami pulled the weeping girl closer and moved her hand up and down the Rika's back trying to comfort the poor child.

"I see." Coby stared silently as the sobbing girl curled further into Nami's comforting embrace. I looked away and couldn't help the smile coming to my face. 'I believe I've found my first mate.'

CRASH!

I was pulled out of my thoughts as the sound of plates breaking came from a table near the bar. "I'm hungry! Let us all eat for free!" Helmeppo demanded placing his foot on the table smugly two marine officers standing behind me looking like they really didn't want to be there. "Hey bring me some booze! Quit dawdling! Hurry it up!" 'Jeez can't this guy ever shut up?' I walked closer to see the man-child through the sea of people who watched at him nervously. "I'm getting bored, so I've decided to execute Zoro tomorrow." 'I'm sorry what?' A tic formed as I heard this guy laugh condescendingly. "Look forward to it everyone!"

Rika cried even harder as Nami started shaking looking at the declaring murder as if he was describing the weather. Coby looked horrified towards Helmeppo and that certainly added fuel to the fire as I flashed in front of the bastard and punched him into the wall. "W-what the hell are you doing?!" blonde rugby ball questioned as his bodyguards kneeled down to check on him.

"LUFFY-SAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Coby cried as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind probably hoping he could stop me. 'Fat chance' "This guy's scum, let go kid." I growled purposely avoiding Coby's name.

"Y-you hit me! I'm Captain Morgan's son, you know!" 'WHAT KIND OF MAN ARE YOU?!'

"What does that have to do with anything.' I said coldly staring as tears welled up in the bastard's eyes. "I'm gonna tell my dad and he's gonna execute you!"

"FIGHT ME YOURSELF, COWARD!" I roared restraining myself only so I wouldn't hurt Coby who still tried holding me back. "Luffy-san! Calm down please! Are you trying to get on the marine's bad side?!" 'This little-' I pulled Coby's arms off me and gave him a Fist of Love, not enough to send him into the floorboards but enough to shock him. "You seem to be forgetting something, kid." I turned back watching as Helmeppo fled like the coward he was. "I'm a pirate."

No one's POV

Back in the marine base a tall barrel chested man smoked a cigar. "I am… GREAT!"

"Yes! You're exactly right, Captain Morgan, sir!" A marine saluted. "But hasn't tribute to me been a bit lacking lately?" The marine soldier began to sweat nervously as he answered the captain. "W-well, the citizen's wallets do have their limits…"

"Their issue is their level of respect towards me. Wouldn't you agree?"

Running down the hall Helmeppo stormed into the captain's office. "DAD!" Getting the attention of the Captain and the marine soldier he continued "There's someone I want you to slaughter!"

Back in the field, Zoro is in deep thought as he relives memories of the past. The sound of bamboo swords striking against one another, a blue haired girl with brown eyes smiling as she fought and beat a younger version of himself.

"You're still weak as ever, Zoro!" The girl smiled warmly at him before flower petals breezed by and he woke up from his daydream, a casket the last thing he saw before looking up and seeing the 6 foot tall pirate with a straw hat standing in front of him once again.

"You again? You sure have lots of free time." Zoro said his face still facing the ground, his eyes trained on the pirate. "I'm untying you." The strange pirate said. Blinking Zoro was only brought more confusion when the man finished. "Join my crew." It wasn't a request, it was a statement, an order. Zoro didn't take to well to being ordered. "Say what?"

"I'm bringing you in to my crew."

"Forget it! Me, stooping to a criminal's level?! Screw that" Zoro said turning away from the man who walked closer. "What's wrong with pirates?" Zoro looked at the man incredulously but was cut off before he could speak "If you say pirates are murderers, rapists and scum you're thinking of the wannabes, bullies and scum of the lowest kind."

"Is there any other kind?" Zoro challenged only for the man with a straw hat to shake his head disappointedly at him. "The real pirate, the adventurer who seeks to experience the world and uncover treasures, travelling with his crew, his nakama, his family through the wide seas. The freest people in the world, not caring for the laws that would bind them but for the thrill of the unknown. That is a real pirate; that is the kind of pirate I am, and that's the kind of pirate I want on my crew."

Zoro stared blankly at the man who seemed so perceptive before now spouting off a romanticized image of the demons of the seas. "Even if pirates like that existed I've got interest. I have my own dream to achieve and I'm setting out after this ordeal to accomplish it!" Zoro exclaimed expecting the man to at least be deterred but to no avail, instead the opposite seemed to happen. "A dream, you say? What's your dream, Roronoa Zoro." The man grinned as if he'd just won the lottery and despite himself Zoro couldn't help the smile that broke through his face.

"To become the greatest swordsman in the world." Chuckling the man threw his head back and laughed to the skies but it wasn't a laugh oozing with condescension but instead filled with elation. "The Pirate King wouldn't have anything but the best! I've decided, you are joining my crew." Twitching in annoyance Zoro roared "QUIT DECIDING ON YOUR OWN!"

"I said it before and I'll say it again, once I surpass this orde-"

"Helmeppo decided to execute you tomorrow by the way." That shut Zoro up as he gaped before gritting his teeth. "THAT DISHONORABLE CUNT! ONCE I GET OUT OF HERE I SWEAR I'M CASTRATING THAT SCUM!" The man just laughed at the morbid imagery before walking away from Zoro.

"You practice Santoryu right? That means you've got three blades." Zoro faced the man again as he stared at the marine base. "I get those blades, I get you out, we pay Helmeppo a visit then we set sail."

Zoro scrunched up his face in thought for a moment before sighing. "Fine. I'll join your crew, but if you stand in the way of my dream your life is mine to claim." The man stopped and turned back to Zoro all humor gone from his face. "To get in the way of my nakama's dream is to lose everything that I believe in. Take my head if I ever do get in your way, Zoro. I'd no longer be Monkey D. Luffy if I did something like that." Zoro could only gape at the man who waved back to him before walking into the marine base. Once the man was inside, Zoro couldn't help but smile. 'That… that is a real man.' Closing his eyes Zoro decided to meditate while waiting for his captain to return… yeah that plan lasted only a few seconds before the ground rumbled, the sound of crumbling rock and screams coming out of the base. Sweatdropping 'What kind of guy did I just make my captain.'

Before all the noise sounded Luffy walked into the base nodding to Nami who was now disguised in a marine uniform. 'I get Zoro's blades, make a lot of noise so Nami can take the map and then we book it.' I thought before looking at and witnessing what had to be the ugliest thing I'd ever seen.

On the roof marines moved around Captain Morgan and his son, working on the statue modeled after their captain. "Dad! Why aren't you doing anything about the guy who hit me?! Even you've never hit me in the face?!" Helmeppo demanded of a tall barrel chested man who was facing the monstrosity of stone.

"Do you know why I've never hit you before?"

"Eh? Because you think I'm-"

Turning to finally face Helmeppo "Yes because you're…" smacking the blonde rugby ball to the wall the man revealed his left hand amputated and replaced with an axe and his lower jaw wearing some metal mouth guard. Glowering at his son he continued "- A STUPID SON NOT WORTH EVEN HITTING!"

Helmeppo rubbed his face grimacing in pain before jumping in fright as his father stalked closer "Make no mistake, I am the one that is great." Lifting his son in the air, Morgan brought the shorter sniveling man to eye level "You're dad is the great one! ME!" Dropping his son Morgan returned to face his statue.

"That reminds me, I hear a rat snuck into the crucifixion yard."

"I-I-If you mean that pipsqueak, I made sure she was dealt with-"

"You killed her, I hope" Helmeppo and the surrounding marines all gaped in shock as what came out of the captain's mouth.

"N-no! I mean, she was just a little kid…" Pointing towards a marine with a goatee and mustache "You! Go into town and exterminate the vermin!"

"You can't be serious! She's just a little girl!" The marine soldier said incredulously "I can't in good conscience…"

"Anyone who disobeys my orders is a traitor, even little brats." Tucking his right hand behind him the Captain walked towards the soldier, his axe hand raised.

"I-I can't do it, sir!" Giving a hum of false interest, the captain brought the flat of the axe head down unto the soldier's head, knocking him into the ground in front of Helmeppo who cowered back even further into the wall.

"L-Lieutenant!" Two marines cried as they approached the fallen solder, now revealed to be the Lieutenant.

"Y-You didn't have to go that far!" Helmeppo cried standing up and staring at the Lieutenant who grumbled in pain on the ground.

"It was with my strength that I rose to my rank of captain! Listen well! In this world, titles mean everything!" Turning to face his men the captain continued "That means that I, the captain and highest ranking officer at this base, am the most superior person here!" The marines all stared at the captain in fright as he finished. "So everything I do is right! Isn't that right, you maggots!"

"Yes, sir! You're absolutely correct!" The marines saluted more out of fear than actual admiration or respect. "The rat can come later. For now, OBSERVE!" The captain declared facing his statue with pride, "This is the symbol of my authority, which took many years to complete. Now, stand it up!"

LUFFY'S POV

Luffy who'd been silently listening from the edge, out of sight, decided that aside from teaching Helmeppo a lesson, he should deal with the marine captain as well. 'Looks like I'll be calling Gramps a lot sooner than I thought I would.'

"Sora-" I leapt from my hiding spot before throwing a punch at the statue from above. "BEIN!" the luminescence that had gathered on my arm dispersing through the statue stopping right before it phased through the floor. 'Don't want to get Nami by accident.' I thought as I watched Captain Morgan and company gape as the hideous statue exploded. "That! Was one ugly statue…Oh hey there's the hideous thing it was based after!" I said pointing towards the captain who's veins bulged as he yelled "SEIZE HIM! IM GOING TO TEAR THAT BASTARD IN HALF!"

"Dad! That's him! He's the guy who hit me!" Before Helmeppo could continue I grabbed him and ran into the building as Morgan screamed more orders and profanities.

"So where'd you keep Zoro's blades?"

"I'll tell you! I'll tell you! Just stop dragging me!" I stopped running and waited.

"They're in my room. We passed it a few doors ago." Sighing I turned back to three marines pointing their guns at me demanding I let blonde rugby ball go. "Hmm… nah" I held Helmeppo out towards them like he was a riot soldier's shield. "Feel free to shoot, though." I charged forward past the marines who jumped to the sides to get away from Helmeppo's flailing and crying form. I stopped as I reached a room that reeked of Helmeppo's scent and dropped the guy in shock. I was staring at a pearly white door with a wreath of pink and purple flowers. 'Don't be full of perfume. Don't be full of perfume. Don't be-' I gagged and staggered backwards as the smell hit me like a hundred Fists of Love. Grumbling I covered my nose and grabbed the three blades planning on walking out the girly room as fast as I could, but I stopped dead in my tracks when I looked out the window. Zoro and Coby under the marines scopes as their pointed their rifles at them. 'Oh hell no!' "CHI O ABITA!"

ZORO'S POV

Visions of Kuina flashed through my mind as Morgan ordered his men to take aim. "Weak as ever, eh? Zoro." 'No! I refuse to die like this!' Glaring defiantly at the marines I gasped in shock as a black blur came flying in "TSUKI NO HANRAN!" My eyes bugged and my jack slacked as I witnessed tendrils of black flames erupt from the ground, flying forward to the marines who just stood there like idiots. Sending them flying the marines groaned as they all crashed back into the earth, Captain Morgan unscathed as he seemed to be out of range.

"WHAT THE DEVIL IS THAT!"

"That's a little sneak peek for what I have planned for you." I heard my captain growl at Morgan, as he rose extracting his palms from the ground he'd punctured when he did… whatever the hell he did. I had to look up slightly before when the man was 6 feet tall now I had to crane my head up as he towered over me at 9 foot 5. Turning back to me I could see his physique changed as well, robust and glistening in sweat I wasn't sure whether to be impressed or horrified. 'How the fuck did he bulk up so quickly?!' Then I noticed his ears. '… A cosplayer?' Luffy grabbed the rope binding me to the crucifix and tore it apart before he handed me my three swords that he'd strapped to his back. I nodded accepting them thanks only to rush past my captain as Morgan decided to take advantage of his turned back. "Guess it was too much to expect you to have honor in any capacity huh, Axe hand." Morgan just growled at me pushing back. 'Damn. I can't fight back fully after these three weeks after all.' I struggled as I fought back the sleepiness that strived to take me. "AAAAH!" The marines gave a battlecry rushing towards me, blades raised. 'Damn it, no one has any honor anymore.' I thought bitterly before hearing my captain growl behind me. "This is Zoro's battle. Stand down." Next thing I know a wave of pressure pulses through me but it didn't feel oppressive, it felt… comforting. Didn't look like it felt that way to the marines though, all of them dropping like flies. Morgan only seemed to pale but grit his teeth and pushed me away. Taking advantage of the space we'd given ourselves I crossed my arms tensing them and clenched my teeth harder on Wado Ichimonji 'I don't have the luxury of making this a battle of attrition.' "Oni-" Glaring defiantly at Morgan who decided to just rush in blindly like a bull I leapt past him, slicing through him with my strongest technique. "GIRI!" Morgan gave a strangled choke before crumbling behind me.

"DAD!" Helmeppo screamed from across the base watching his father fall, he looked towards my captain then myself, terrified, before turning back to run.

SMACK!

The dude's head snapped back to face us, his body following suit, a comical red glowing imprint of a fist on his left cheek. "That's for trying to harm, Rika." The woman with orange hair who sat with the captain this morning said coldly before she kicked the downed man right where he was most sensitive. I flinched in sympathy, 'Enemy or not, even if he is dishonorable scum, no man truly deserves that.' I thought glancing at my captain whose face was all I needed to know he felt the same.

"C-Captain Morgan's been defeated?"

"Those two beat Morgan and his son to the ground."

"Is it finally over?"

I tensed as the marines seemed to stand up getting ready for another confrontation only to loosen my grip on Wado Ichimonji and stare in disbelief as they all cheered for the "End of Morgan's Reign!"

"Guess they were just forced to follow whatever Morgan wanted to do." Luffy mumbled but now that the fight was over and the danger was gone, all the adrenaline faded and I fell on the ground facing the sky. "I'm hungry." Closing my eyes I heard the pink haired kid yelling out my name in concern while my captain just chuckled amused. I smiled as I slowly lost consciousness.

LUFFY'S POV

After defeating Morgan and decking Helmeppo, Zoro collapsed muttering the words "I'm hungry." Before passing out cold. I chuckled shaking my head as I went over and moved him around so I could give him a piggyback ride. Leaving the marines to continue their celebration I walked towards the exit, Nami already leaning by the gate waiting a satisfied grin on her face. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

"I think that's an inevitability Luffy." Joining me as I walked towards the restaurant owned by Ririka. "So he's your first mate?"

"Yep. Don't think I could've gotten a better one even if I tried." I grinned at her while she pouted. "Hey I could've been first mate, you know."

"Ah but you said you'd think about it… still on the fence or was that your roundabout way of telling me you're joining my crew?" She shook her head with a sad smile. "No, it isn't." Taking a deep breath she continued "I still have something I need to do before I set sail… if the offer still stands at that point in time… could I join you? Pirate King?"

"The door will be open for you when you're ready Nami." Smiling a bumped her shoulder with mine playfully, careful to make sure Zoro didn't fall. Nami giggled before bumping back. Next thing I know, we were laughing and joking around all the way to the restaurant, her smile and laugh forever burned in my memory.

Nom Nom Nom Nom

SHHHHHHHHHP!

Nom Nom Nom Nom

Nami sweatdropped watching Zoro pig out on whatever he could get his hands on, drinking sake from time to time in between each round of binge eating. Coby just looked amazed as the plates stacked up, Rika was a bundle of joy as she continued to serve Zoro more and more dishes, Ririka sweating but smiling as she cooked more for the man who stood up for them. Me? I just ate my 15th sandwich stacked with ham, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese, 8 layers of each in every one. I think the only thing keeping Nami from looking at me in disgust was the fact I was eating slowly and not spraying bits of food every now and then. 5 plates later, 17 plates in total, and 3 barrels drunk dry, Zoro sighed contentedly relaxing against the seat.

"So aside from myself, the orange spitfire and pinky who else is on the crew, captain?"

Nami and Coby just stared before chuckling and gaping like a fish respectively. "Actually you're the only member of my crew so far."

Blinking Zoro pointed towards me and himself in disbelief. "So… just you and me?" Nodding my affirmation Zoro began to sweat. "You're planning to become King of the Pirates yet I'm your only crew member so far?"

"Yep!"

"… Please tell me you at least have a ship." I did have a ship… Zoro didn't really look enthusiastic but sighed in resignation looking at the decent sized sailboat. "Well I guess if I'm your first mate then that means you've just set sail." Turning to Nami who looked amused watching the show. "So what's your story then?"

"I'm a thief who steals from pirates."

"… What?" Zoro blinked as Nami just repeated herself not giving any context. Turning to Coby, the boy shared his dream of becoming a marine and Zoro turned to me incredulously. "… Let me get this straight. You set sail on a small sailboat without a crew, aiming to become the Pirate King, and ended up bringing a thief who steals from pirates and a boy dreaming to join the marines."

"Well…" I recounted my story of my leaving the village, running into and killing the Lord of the Coast, getting dragged into a whirlpool, ending up on a passenger's ship being raided by another pirate, meeting Nami and Coby along the way, travelling to Shell's Town to drop Coby off to be a Marine, Myself to go looking for potential crewmates and stocking up on food, and Nami to get a map from the marine base.

By the end of it Zoro seemed like he wasn't sure if he should be impressed or concerned. "Well we're certainly not going to make it big on a small sailboat like that."

"I know. After this place I'm heading to Syrup Village on the Gecko Islands to meet up with someone, probably gonna try getting a bigger ship on the way."

"Eh? You're heading that way too?" I nodded as I faced Nami whose own lit up in joy. "Think you could let me hitch a ride?" Nami gave me a grin when I gave her the ok. I saw Zoro shifting his eyes between Nami and me suspiciously before shrugging. "Well when do we set sail Captain?"

And is if waiting for just that moment the Marine Lieutenant walked in "Pardon me!" the man stopped a few steps away from the table Zoro, Nami and I sat on. Coby sitting between the lieutenant and myself on the bar. "Is it true that you are pirates?"

"Yeah. Just got my first mate right here." Grinning as I pointed to Zoro with my thumb.

"We appreciate that you saved our base and this town from that tyrant. However, now that we know you are pirates, in the name of the marines, we cannot stand by quietly." Adjusting his hat the man took a deep breath.

"You will leave this town at once! Out of obligation, we will refrain from contacting headquarters." It didn't take long for the oppressed townspeople to start voicing their displeasure.

"Hey, marine! How can you say something like that?!"

"Even you guys were subdued and terrified of Morgan!"

"We owe these people our lives! Who cares if their pirates!"

"Yeah! Yeah!"

I just huffed in amusement as the townspeople started defending pirates from the marines. "Don't worry Lieutenant we'll leave." The man visibly relaxed but tensed again expecting a continuation. "I just need to make a call first." Confused the man blinked before asking. "Do you need to borrow a Den Den Mushi? I believe the restaurant owner has one in her backroom." I chuckled. 'This is gonna be fun.'

"No I need a Den Den Mushi from the marines. I'm calling up a, uh, old friend." I smirked seeing their surprise but like professionals they shrugged it off and brought me a Den Den Mushi designed for the marines.

"Who would you like to reach sir?"

"Patch me to 153rd Branch, Vice Admiral Garp please." I laughed as the marines lost their composure upon hearing the name of the hero of the marines. Nami and Coby weren't that much different staring at me probably wondering how in the world I was 'friends' with a marine vice admiral. Zoro just looked impressed and interested, scooting his seat closer to get a better chance at hearing the call.

"Very well, sir."

Purupurupuru Purupurupuru Purupurupuru

"Good Afternoon, this is Vice Admiral Garp's office. My name is Bogard, the Vice Admiral is-"

"Tossing cannonballs at unlucky recruits?" I guessed cutting him off. The Den Den Mushi snail blinked before narrowing in suspicion.

"I'm sorry, who is this?"

"Sup' Uncle Bogard, it's the man who will be king." The snail blinked once, twice then just sighed. "Give me a moment Luffy, I'll grab Garp."

"SHISHISHISHI YOU'RE FACES! SHISHISHISHISHI!" I didn't even bother covering up my amusement as the Marines jaws were planted on the floor.

"Luffy-san, who are-"

"Yes?" The Den Den Mushi came alive once again now carrying a bored like with half-lidded eyes as poking sounds could be heard. "Whoever this is make it quick I got recruits to-"

"Throw cannonballs at? Maybe throwing in a couple of Fists of Love for good measure?"

There was a beat of silence before the Den Den Mushi roared in laughter. "Well, well, well if it isn't my idiot grandson."

Another beat of silence before the entire restaurant erupted in pandemonium. "GRANDSON?!"

Coby started looking at me like I was a rockstar, Nami and Zoro both just gaped at me while the marines… well some were pale realizing they may have just cost themselves their jobs and others were still keeping their jaws on the floor.

"Ah, sounds like you made a big reveal Luffy, NUHUHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Shishishishi! While that was amusing I do have a reason to call you gramps." The Den Den Mushi stopped laughing and its face became impassive. "Found one already eh? Luffy?"

"Mmm. Captain Axe-hand Morgan, Shell's town. Tyranny, Corruption, Harming civilians and even his own men."

"Oho?" The Den Den Mushi gained a dark look, the marines now began sweating realizing the Vice Admiral was far from amused. "Thanks for the tip, Luffy. Anything else I should know about?" I paused to ponder that before shifting my eyes at Coby who began shifting nervously under my gaze. "I think I found a new recruit for you Gramps. I couldn't become a marine but I know someone who's dying to become one. A protector and upholder of justice." I smirked as Coby's eyes watered looking at me as if I just made his dreams come true… actually… I think I did just make his dreams come true.

"Coby, huh? He a coward?"

"Oh yeah." Welp there goes the look of admiration to be replaced with despair.

"Good. Means I get more time to break him into shape." Coby seemed torn between happiness at fear upon hearing that. On one hand he seemed to get Garp's attention more, on the other hand… he seemed to get Garp's attention more.

"Well that's all I've got for you for now Gramps. I'll let you know if I run into any other corrupt marines along the way."

"Looking forward to it Luffy… I love you, brat. Take care of yourself."

"Love you too Gramps." I said ending the call, the Den Den Mushi falling asleep. Turning to Zoro and Nami I gestured to the sailboat with a nod. Getting the message they stood up and followed as I left the Marines still reeling in shock and confusion. I stopped and punched the pink blob rushing at me down into the ground.

CRASH!

"OW! Luffy-san why?" Coby complained as a bump formed on of his head. "A little taste of what life will be like when Gramps picks you up for training." I grinned as he paled before he shook himself out of his stupor and jumped up to hug me. "Thank you Luffy-san." I just chuckled before ruffling his hair. "Not a problem kid."

"… Luffy-san you know I'm 16 right?"

"…What?" Coby sweatdropped as Zoro, Nami and I stared at him shocked. "You're 16?" Coby nodded scratching his head in embarrassment. "Yeah I haven't really grown much. Probably haven't gotten to my growth spurt yet." 'What so you'll be twice as tall when I see you next time?' I shook my head at the thought before returning to my trek towards the sailboat.

"Take care, Coby."

"Take care, Luffy-san!"

Undoing the knots, I pushed us away from the dock and back into the seas. "So where are you getting off Nami?"

"Hmm? Oh I'm getting off at Orange Town. The map I wanted from the marine base was stolen by some pirates that set up there."

"Which pirates?"

"The Buggy Pirates." My eyes widened in recognition. "Buggy the Clown?"

"Yeah… you know him too?" I shook my head but smiled remembering how fondly Shanks used to speak about his old friend and his obsession with treasure. A fellow apprentice under the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger himself. 'Can't wait to see what this guy's like in real life.'