A/N: If you clicked the link to head straight to here then stop. Go back a chapter. In fact, read the last part of chapter 25 and then go to the next chapter.
Raymond sighed deeply as he thought about his match today. His plan was stupid and he wondered why this was the only thing he could think of. He decided on it early this morning to do one thing. He would enter the ring and lose on purpose in a way to not make it too obvious. The mayor promised to never harm his friend if he quit, right? He would live out the remaining days of his life wondering if it was Mayor Juan behind the beast and the murder of his friend and sister.
It would forever be ingrained in his mind and he could never do anything.
A knock was heard on the door, prompting him to look up. He walked up to and asked who it was. A familiar voice resonated behind the door.
"It's me."
"Rose?"
He opened the door quickly and smile at seeing his friend and a strange suit wearing man at the door. His eyes widen in horror.
"Huh? Who is he?"
"His with that pirate crew."
"That kid is his captain?"
Sanji shrugged. "Out in the seas you should never underestimate people, but then again people do it all the time."
"Uh?" The man stared at the blond suit wearing man. "You're a pirate, but…"
"Yes, he wears a suit like a tool."
Sanji snorted humorously.
"But listen. Don't throw the match." Rosemarie simple said. "Don't listen to them."
"How did you know?!" Raymond yelled in surprise. "They came after you?"
"Someone put a note on the door telling me what you would do. They did that to intimidate me, but I declined their stupid fear tactic." She stuck out her tongue.
"Rose you're going to die."
"I'm not going to die." She gestured toward the pirate. "This guy will be with me all day and we're meeting two other members of his crew later."
"It's a precaution." Sanji said. "We're already involved. Some idiot made a pass at two of our friends with intent to fight us. It would be annoying if he came after us at sea if we leave. Plus, I believe the mayor will find a way to get us."
"And what is the captain doing?"
"They're going to watch your match." Sanji smirked. "You're not quitting, especially if you make Rose-san upset."
"In the meantime." Rosemarie glared at him. "You're not going to throw the match. You're going to go all out and you will confront him."
Raymond frowned as he thought everything over and sighed. "I guess that's fine, let's do this."
Rosemarie smiled at him. "Alright."
An hour later a large crowd gathered outside a wrestling ring that was close to the base of the mountain. Many in the crowd had signs for both candidates while cheering. The announcer stood on a platform and began.
"IT'S TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT! Two brave warriors enter! One leaves! This will be the match of the year and who knows this will be part of the highlights of the tournament years to come!"
Raymond stood by the ring as he gazed with apprehension at it. He gazed at the crowd behind him and saw five of the Strawhats standing a bit further away. Luffy, Anya, Nami, Chopper, and Usopp. The luchador then glared at the ring... no glared at the mayor in a booth near the ring. The old man stared at the Luchador, eyes telling him to follow the plan. Raymond would've backed down, but remembered the crew with him and how the captain had a high bounty of the seas.
"LET'S GIVE IT UP FOR THE GREEN DIABLO!"
The crowd cheered for the muscular man appearing in all his glory. He walked in stride toward the ring, then leapt in dramatically. He raised his hands in the air as if he already won.
"NEXT IS THE SOMBRA GALLO!"
The strawhats in the crowd stared at the ring with varied degrees of excitement.
"This is soo cool." Awed Chopper.
"Yeah!" Usopp and Luffy agreed.
"Guys, focus." said Anya. "Don't know when those other jerks might show up."
"Yeah." The captain's face turned serious. "Keep an eye out for those that want to ruin the Luchador."
"Right!" shouted Usopp and Chopper. Except their heads were smacked by Nami.
"Don't forget about Rosemarie!"
"Zoro, Sanji, and Robin are with her." Luffy rubbed the back of his head. "We can focus on the fight!"
"That's if he decides to throw in the towel." muttered Anya. "You saw him as he looked at us before the match. What do you think?"
Usopp sighed. "Would you be okay if strangers came along and told you they will protect you? Pirates no less."
"I know I wouldn't be." Nami shrugged. "Especially if I met Zoro the first time."
Usopp raised his eyebrow as he observed the Green Diablo taunting the Umbra Gallo. "Smack talking before the fight, huh."
Anya smirked. "Petty insults or just good ol jibs. Banter is always fun."
Luffy raised his brow. "Oh? They're letting Rooster Ray speak"
On the stage, the Sombra Gallo let out a soft sigh while looking at his opponent with a lot of thoughts in his mind. He gazed at the mayor behind him. His eyes narrowed slightly as he saw the man seemingly stare straight into his being… no he felt dark presence coming from him. The man promising death if he did anything.
He then looked around the crowd and spotted the Strawhat crew standing in the background. From his knowledge there were eight members and three of them had bounties. The boy a had a dopey look, yet… he was worth more. Was he trusting his friend's life to a pirate, to this kid? The girl with him was no better and he admitted he dismissed her even though she had spear and shield. Neither looked they had gotten in fights before, but they had bounties. They had done something to earn the ire of the Government, so... could he trust them?
He trusted Rosemarie and if she trusted them, then he will trust her judgement. He took a deep breath and spoke.
"I…Sombra Gallo have a request. Mayor Juan, I need you to lift a veil."
Usopp gasped. "He's barring his fangs!"
"He's brought it up early?" shouted the navigator in shock.
Luffy and Anya narrowed their eyes and looked at each other. They nodded.
The mayor himself narrowed his eyes at being called out.
"The truth has to come out. My sister and my friend… I know you had a hand in that years ago, but I need it straight from you. After I win, I want the truth."
Everyone whispered to themselves as they looked at the mayor and the wrestler. Juan gave a chuckle and merely looked at him with discontent.
"I think you're getting carried away, lad."
"I still think you had a hand in it and I want the truth when I win…"
Juan chuckled at the wrestler. "If you win, boy." He smirked at him. "You know the truth can have consequences. It can hurt those you know… or there probably is nothing to worry about." He laughed. "But if the situation changes for you to win then I will reward you." He gave a sinister smile. "With all that you deserve."
The masked wrestler nodded. "Fine by me."
Anya looked around the area. "I don't see Savanto or any other pirate."
"Which means they're tracking the others." Nami scowled.
"Hope they are okay." Chopper wondered.
"It's Zoro, Sanji, and Robin." Usopp patted the reindeer on the head. "The guys are capable and Robin has been on the run for years, it's nothing."
Back at the ring, the two challengers stood across the other as they prepared to fight. The Sombra Gallo frowned slightly as he faced the other Luchador in front of him. As soon as the bell rang, the Green Diablo launched toward the other Luchador. The dark wrestler rolled over to the side to avoid a lariat move. He jumped toward the rope and used it to propel himself toward the other wrestler with his feet out.
The wrestler staggered back just as he received the attack. Unfortunately, the large man grabbed the Gallo by the collar and raised him up in the air.
"Dumb brat."
Then Raymond was tossed across the ring.
-forest-
"A strange looking place to keep in the forest." Sanji muttered as he stared up at an old stone layered temple. "You think something interesting might be here?"
Standing in front of the temple were Sanji, Zoro, Robin, and Rosemarie. The latter was upset while shifting her gaze between here and back in the direction of the tournament, worried about Raymond.
"Perhaps." Robin gazed the slightly opened door. "There are secrets in the world and each secret has a story to tell."
"A temple filled with dangerous traps." spoke the swordsman.
"Dipped in poison no less." Hummed the older woman. "Dreadful."
"I guess you would think so." Said Zoro.
"Of course, she would Marimo." Sanji snorted. "She's adventurous." Zoro answered the remark with a scoff.
"Why would you be glad about something sharp and poisonous." Rosemarie said
"Sometimes in life you have to get dirty to find what you want." answered Zoro
"I don't really see myself entering temples."
"Aren't you a reporter?"
"I tend to try and avoid things that I can't handle. So, a temple is one of them."
"Don't badger her moss brain."
"I'm not badgering her." Growled the swordsman.
"Anyway." Rosemarie sighed. "Right now, Raymond is doing something stupid and I know he exposed Mayor Juan by now."
"If that's the case, then he might be in trouble by now." Sanji said.
"Then I should head back and help him."
"No." Zoro stood in front of the girl. "Not happening."
"Some assholes are trying to kill you." Sanji turned to her. "The last thing we need is to have you get killed under our watch. An-." He gently put his finger close to her mouth. "Yes, we're pirates, but our captain has taken an interest in Luchador, you're a friend of one. The result is liking you, him and the Luchador."
"What?"
"He's not going to let anything happen to the kid." Zoro said.
Rosemarie sighed, losing momentum to run back and help. She had no choice, but to rely on this group for now.
"The captain is capable and he has the others for support." She walked toward the opened entrance and examined the exterior. "It's been open for a long time."
"So not recently." Sanji stepped forward. "Someone got in, took what they need and left."
"Then it's long gone?" Zoro yawned.
"Or more?" hummed the woman. "I'm going to take a look inside. We have guests?"
"What?" Rosemarie looked around. "How did you know?"
Zoro smirked and looked behind him. "It's a secret."
Sanji whirled around placed his hands in his pockets and gazed at the distance. "Oi, what are you doing? You thought you could hide?"
"I thought we were."
From behind the trees were Savanto and the rest of his crew. All 30 members of his crew were armed with various weapons and each eager for a fight. Savanto spread his arms as if inviting everyone to him.
"Pirate Hunter, we meet again. Unfortunately, it was under these circumstances.
"Ah." He frowned slightly and sounded bored. "It's you."
"Oh! You wound me!" He said dramatically. "You're not happy to see me. But must I ask how did you know it was me?"
"One must never reveal their secrets." Robin informed them as she walked into the temple. "Nothing you need to know."
The man's smile turned to a frown. "Nothing? Unfortunately, you can't enter. That temple is off limits to everyone."
"That makes it more enticing to find out what secrets it holds." Robin continued walking into the temple.
"Men! After them!"
Robin sighed and activated her power. Arms sprouted on five of them, shocking all those who are unfamiliar to her power, and sent them to unconsciousness. The woman hummed and continued walking in the temple.
"What!?" The men gaped in shock.
Savanto growled. "That woman is an ability user. Why doesn't she have a bounty?"
"People escape the cracks until they do something that government doesn't like." Zoro took out one of his swords. "Or you haven't looked hard enough."
"What are you talking about?"
Sanji walked toward the approaching men with his hands in his pockets. "She's just a particular lovely bull. You'll be dealing with us and I promise you won't have to deal with her nor will you harm Rose-san."
"You wish I dealt with her." Savanto pulled his sword. "If the client gets to her there will be nothing left."
"Is he an ability user as well?" questioned Sanji. "He's that creature everyone keeps talking about."
"What else will give him that monstrous form. After I asked for bigger pay, he threatened my crew with his power. I rather finish what I started and leave, so either give me the girl or be cut down. It's the two of you."
"He's right." Rosemarie spoke up. "You guys are tough, but that's 25 guys plus the captain."
Zoro scoffed at the girl's hesitation. "Just go inside with Robin, you'll get in the way."
"You'll be safe in our care." Sanji spoke up as he readied himself.
Rosemarie frowned slightly and looked between the two. She hesitated to leave, but as soon as she saw the opposition running after them, she ran inside. She kept running until she felt something grab her entire body. She squeaked seeing hands holding her in place and kept her from falling. She looked up to see Robin staring at her with a slight smile. Then the arms disappeared.
"I did not want you run into me and fall over." The older woman said in a cool friendly tone. "I'm not one for comedic situations unless it's other people.
"Right."
"Don't worry about them. They'll be fine, they know how to handle large groups."
"B-."
"Come." Robin gestured to follow her. "There is something that might heighten your curiosity."
Rosemarie frowned and looked back at the entrance. She heard the sound of battle outside, the sounds metal clashing. Would she follow Robin or watch the battle outside, maybe participate? She gripped her tonfas and turned slightly, but a part of her told her not get involve with the fight. She would only be in the way. She sighed and followed Robin to understand what was important down here.
At the ring everyone around the ring cheered or jeered at the match taking place. With the strawhats, they were less than thrilled at the result in front of them. Nami, Usopp, and Chopper were shocked while Luffy and Anya stared at the ring… no at the mayor, noticing his emotion.
The man himself seemed satisfied at the match. A slight chuckle escaped his lips as he enjoyed the show.
The Sombra Gallo was leaning against the rope, breathing heavily while injured. The man wiped the blood coming from his mouth as he gazed up at the large man who looked less tired and more focused.
He thought he had him on the ropes earlier, relied on his speed to match the other man's larger physique. That proved to no avail as the man had covered that weakness. The large man went on the offensive. Laying down techniques to bring down the Sombra Gallo.
Raymond felt like he was tangling with a bull while being surrounded by delicate plates. Sure, he got a hit in first, but after that he kept getting overpowered with each move he made. He had to win to get the mayor to talk. He did not care if he was the strongest person or the prize money.
Would he?
A growl escaped him as he ducked under a strike. Unfortunately, he was the grabbed and held into a bear hug from behind. Sombra Gallo yelped in pain and struck his opponent's face with his head. The man's loosen grip freed Sombra Gallo. The dropped to the floor then performed a leg sweep that knocked the Green Diablo on his back. Sombra Gallo got up and glared down at the large man. Then he heard something crash on the ring beside him. A folding chair.
The Luchador walked over and picked the chair up. He looked down at the man gripping his face and thought about slamming it.
Or.
He looked over at mayor staring at him and then back at the wrestler getting up. In a split-second he decided to do something that would most likely get him results or in trouble.
He turned to the old man and reeled back the chair. "REVEAL YOUR TRUE SELF!" Then he tossed the chair at the old man with fervor.
Everyone gasped at the chair flying over the audience toward the man.
"Why? Is he crazy?" shouted Usopp.
"He's doing what he thinks is the best idea." Said Anya
Luffy stared at the old man as the chair continued to fly toward him."
The man sighed and stood up quickly. He jumped up in the to avoid the chair while undergoing a transformation in midair. Everyone gasped and screamed as the mayor landed in the ring as a large gray bear-coyote mixture of a demon on all fours. It appeared to have leathery kin with sharp quills running down its back along with a pronounced spinal ridge. It had to fangs and claws of animal that could tear you apart. It appeared to be larger than the two men in the ring combined: ten feet tall.
"Is this what you wanted? Raymond." The man said in an eerily voice. "This… what I… my family hid for generations."
Everyone shouted in fear and ran away from the arena as the creature spoke. All that remained were: Sombra Gallo, Green Diablo, the strawhats and the creature.
Green Diablo narrowed his eyes. "Is this a joke? You ate a Devil Fruit and tricked the masses."
"Obviously." The shrugged. "This power I and other family have used for centuries to keep this tradition alive."
Raymond frowned. "You killed my friends and anyone else to hide it? Why? To keep living your life in top position?"
"Do you honestly think people would be okay with this?" The creature spoke. "People still fear what they don't understand and also hate being fed lies for years. A conspiracy like this would break this country."
"Yeah…" Usopp muttered. "The tradition would be stained, and people may not want to continue live here."
"I did it to keep this tradition alive and also to make sure no one would find out. I left instructions to my son and grandson in the event of my death to follow it if they choose to. However, their family line will be black marked for generations if the truth came out."
Raymond snorted. "You still killed two important people in my life. I wouldn't have cared about the history or family, you killed someone. You!"
"Regardless of circumstances, your friend discovered me one night in mid transformation. I threatened to end his life if he spoke... but I second guessed my decision a day later and went after him. Unfortunately, your sister went to confront me soon after and I had to end her life to. You, I did not want to. Too much death will break the tradition." the beast growled dangerously. "I warned you not to interfere or there would be consequences. Raymond, you told your friend and had to stick your nose where it did not belong. Now, I had to reveal myself to everyone. My family will be ostracized because of it, unless everyone believes that I've been dead for years and a beast took my place. For that to work someone has to kill me or I act like I was dead."
"This sounds way to complicated." Nami mumbled.
"Well... it could work." pondered Usopp
"You brought this on yourself Raymond" He sniffed the air. "I'm killing the girl first."
Raymond eyes widen. "Hey!"
The mayor leapt by them to track down Rosemarie, but then was struck in the head. The creature landed on his feet and turned the source, his eyes widen at the fist retracting back to the owner.
"Strawhat!" growled the creature. "This has nothing to do with you!"
"You're threatening a Luchador and a friend." Luffy clenched his fist. "I don't care about the whole story, but Raymond is a Luchador. Luchadores are honorable and great warriors and you're just some old man with a chip on his shoulder."
"Shut up! If you want die, pirate then die!"
Luffy grinned. "I'm not dying today. Sombra Gallo! Leave this to me!"
"Us." Anya raised her spear and shield. "Tag Team this idiot bro."
"Shishi, just like at home."
"But!" shouted Raymond
"Come on!" Nami gestured. "Get out of the way and let them fight. Let's go find Rosemarie!"
The mayor snorted. "I hired pirates to find her… unless she with one of you." Something occurred to him as his eyes narrowed in realization. "Unless she survived… are they at the temple." He shot toward the forest, but was blocked by Anya. The girl leapt forward to pierce him. He had to stop jump away before he got hit.
"You're not running!" Anya shouted.
"You have to go through us." Luffy cracked his fist. "We're going to let you get away."
Juan barred his fangs and appeared to be getting angrier. "DON'T GET IN MY BUSINESS STRAWHAT!"
"This is our business now." said Luffy.
"You took family away." growled Anya
"Is that really your reason?" roared the beast
Nami grabbed the Luchador and led him away as the battle began.
"What is he?"
"He's a rubber man." Nami said. "Eating one of those makes you lose your ability to swim."
"You can't swim?" Raymond muttered. "But."
The Green Diablo grunted as he ran with them "Never knew this would happen." He glanced at the Sombra Gallo. "This pretty much ruined the tournament. Your goal was to challenge him, right?"
"That's the only reason why." He sighed. "You can have it."
The group stopped as soon as they were far away the fight. The Green Diablo looked back at where the area was, then smiled at Raymond.
"I'm not satisfied." He chuckled. "There's always next time." The man walked back to town. "I'm going to get a drink, join me if you want." He walked back to town while waving back.
"He sounds oddly not like a neanderthal." commented Usopp.
Raymond clenched his jaw. "Doesn't matter. We have to find Rosemarie and get the rest of your crew to help your captain."
Nami nodded. "Luffy and Anya will be fine, we'll find out where Rosemarie is and help if needed."
"They don't need any help. They'll be fine." Usopp waved them off.
Raymond frowned slightly. "I hope you're right."
A kick sent a tonfa wielding pirate away and broke his weapons at the same time. Sanji snorted as he placed his foot down and watched the man fall the ground. He looked over at the marimo about to finish fighting the other idiot.
A bloodied Savanto charged at the swordsman with his sword ready to strike. He would very well end the man right here.
Unfortunately, that would be the case. Zoro had his bandana on and his three swords ready for an attack.
"Three-sword style… ONIGIRI!"
Savanto felt himself cut up all over the place as he was knocked up in the air. His fell from him his grip beofre landing on the ground behind the victor.
Zoro snorted and took off his bandana. He put away both swords, but kept one of them out. He turned around to find the man slowly standing up.
Savanto groaned in pain as he used the tree to pick himself up. He coughed harshly, then glared at the man.
"Stupid fool! You're nothing, but an uncultu-EERK!" The tip of the blade landed an inch from his nose. The holder at the other end glared at him with dark look.
"Talk less."
"OKAY! OKAY! I'M SORRY!" Savanto pleaded as he held up his hands. He got a look at his situation around him and paled further. His men were on their knees looking defeated and out of pride as the black suited man stood in front of them with a lit-up cigarette in his mouth.
"You have a bounty of 70 million." Zoro said. "I expected better, but then again maybe I overestimated you a little bit."
"He probably robbed, pillage, and harmed people." Sanji spoke up as he looked down at the tonfa wielding man. "Measures threat not strength." He smirked. "Someday I'll get one."
"Keep dreaming." Zoro mocked. "Now then." He glared at Savanto. "What was that you were trying to tell me earlier? About my crewmate?"
"I… don't need to repeat myself."
"Good," A dark tone escape the swordsman's lips. "You say something perverted about her again I will cut off your tongue!"
"I'M SORRY!"
Sanji observed his rival's tone and stature. The man wouldn't get this irritated about a guy being all show. The man must've said something about a certain spear user. The moss head better realize it soon or he'll kick him in the head for keeping a lady waiting. However, now was not the time. "After taking out a warlord's crew and sparkplug's army, you wanted more. I understand, but there are those out here who aren't all that."
"Yeah," Zoro sheathed sword. "He did provide me with a decent challenge."
"Just be glad he's an idiot. Someone like that needed to know not be too cocky."
"Excuse me, I-."
"SHUT UP!" Both men shouted, causing the man freeze up and shut his mouth. Their presence and tone made him fall into unconsciousness.
"Pathetic." Growled the swordsman. He then looked toward the temple. He felt someone still there. "Oi, woman! You can come out."
Rosemarie peaked out from inside the temple, amazed at what she had seen. These two had taken out a crew with just the two of them. It was nothing to them. What kind of people were they?
"Did you see my amazing battle prowess Rose-san!" Sanji twirled around in a comedic manner and kneeled before her.
Rosemarie was still weirded out by his mannerism, but behind this crazy idiot was someone who knew how to fight. Not someone she wanted to be on the receiving end of those kicks. This was no average crew of misfits.
"Quit being an idiot shitty-cook." Zoro chided him."
"Shut up!" Sanji growled at him.
The girl stared at the scene before her. Seeing them act like nothing happened and behaving like it was a walk in the park made her a bit confused. Why did they act like this? They argue with each other as if nothing happened, almost carefree
"Why do you act like you have no worries?"
Zoro and Sanji turned to her and blinked. They looked at each other for moment, then back at her.
"We don't have the luxury to focus entirely on past events. Only to learn and get better." Sanji explained.
"We keep going forward, never looking back. We will accomplish what we set out to do." Zoro finished.
Rosemarie frowned slightly. Many people have said different things to her as a reporter and all she did was brush it off. Many were sure of themselves, had some conviction or not enough. Greed was most of their answers. Ambition or just to make a name for themselves. These probably are the same, but there is something different.
"Right." She opened her mouth to say more, but closed it. "You gotta do what you got to do."
"Actually." Zoro spoke up. "Why are you back here?"
"Robin found what she was looking for and told me to leave. She didn't want me to get caught up in the crime looking at one."
"Looking at what?"
"A Poneglyph." Robin answered as she appeared. "I didn't want her to learn anything that might jeopardize her career and life. It was nothing important for my goal, but it does bring insight to the beast."
"A Devil Fruit user." Sanji answered. "It was obvious."
"A mythological type of the dog variety. The Inu Inu Fruit: Model Chuparcabra."
"What?" gasped Rosemarie. "I've heard of it. The legend says that they're demons that suck the blood from goats."
"And why hide it here?" Zoro said.
Robin smiled. "Why else? It's dangerous, lose ability to swim. Plus, the unnatural craving of blood. Those are few of the reasons, the other is to keep an old enemy from trying to acquire the power of the fruit."
"One less fruit to know about huh." Sanji frowned. "So, the others are going to be facing a blood craving freak?"
"Most likely."
"Luffy and Anya can handle it." Spoke Zoro. "They have another reason to fight him."
"Hmm? Why? I thought it was about the Luchador."
"They're siblings." Robin replied. "Hearing how it was Raymond's sister dying made them imagine being in his shoes. It may be about the Luchador, but family is just as important to them.
Juan roared, enlarging his form before launching himself toward the pirate duo. The siblings evaded the beast in different directions. Luffy stretched his arms to grab a nearby branch. He then used it swing himself around and propel himself at the monster.
A Gum Gum Rocket was sent toward the monster as it turned around. The monster roared in pain as its eyes bugged out after getting a roaring headbutt to the gut. Luffy dropped down, then launched a fist at the beast. A strike caused it to send him staggering back..
Luffy launched another fist, only the monster to grab the arm. He then pulled him forward, spun the teen around and threw him away.
The monster grinned for a moment, then roared in pain as Anya pierced him on the shoulder. The girl pulled out her weapon and leapt away before being hit. The girl twirled her spear and then went into a stance. Her arms raised in the air as she pointed the blade at the beast. She crouched down while facing him sideways.
She smirked at him and winked. The beast growled, plucked up a tree and ran toward her. Anya rushed toward the beast as it ran toward her. It swung the tree at her. The girl evaded quickly and shot herself at him while swinging her weapon at it. The beast tried to dodge, but got nicked in the face. The girl scoffed at that and quickly took out her shield and launched it at the beast.
Juan grabbed the shield and launched it at her. She dodged it and rushed forward, only to see another tree flying toward her. She gaped and quickly leapt over the branch.
"Woa-augh."
The beast caught her and slammed her into the ground. He barred his fangs at her and raised his arm to strike. Fortunately, a boulder collided with the beast sending flying off his feet and onto the ground. Being freed, the girl quickly got up and picked her spear. After tossing the boulder, Luffy grabbed onto a branch and flew through the air before landing next to his sister.
"He's becoming more and more angry." Anya said.
"He looks like coyote."
"Are you sure?" The girl squinted her eyes. "That looks like a bear."
"Coyote!"
"Bear!"
"Co…" Luffy snapped out of his train of thought. "No, we can argue later."
Surprise garnered Anya's face at Luffy stopping the fight. She smiled brightly. "Are you becoming mature brother?"
"Shut up." Luffy smirked at her playfully. "We're fighting this bear-dog guy." He eyed the beast running toward them. "Plus, I want to end this and get back to the party… or run away."
They leapt out of the way as the beast smashed the ground they were previously. Anya rolled over and grabbed her shield nearby and put it away. She crouched down to prepare to fight. "Yeah."
The beast picked up a boulder and tossed it at the girl. The girl dodged the boulder and rushed forward.
"Afternoon Waltz!"
She danced around the beast gracefully while performing 4 consecutive downward strikes slashes of her spear before finishing it with an aerial spin back kick. The beast grunted feeling the impact of the attack. He roared and brought his claw upon her. She brought her shield to block and was knocked back. The beast grabbed her by the leg and raised her up in the air to bring her down
"Gum Gum Bazooka!"
A down palm strike from it sent the beast flying away, releasing the girl from his hold. She landed on the ground just as the boy flew past her. The monster landed on his feet and charged at the pirate. Luffy shot his arm out, the beast took the hit in the face. However, he grabbed the arm and pulled him toward him, but Luffy kicked the beast as he flew in before it could do anything else. The monster brought down its fist, but Luffy dodged it and punched the ability user.
They two traded blows across the terrain, punch and kicking. Luffy smacked the fist away before leaping forward as he used the Bullet technique and punched the monster away. The monster grunted in pain as he landed, then slowly got up. He snorted out smoke and roared before racing toward the pirate.
Anya raised her spear and twirled herself twice before swiping her spear quickly while producing a compressed air wave.
"Midnight Crescent Wave!"
The beast took the hit head on, halting its progress.
Luffy glanced back at the girl. "Oh… that's new."
"Copied from Zoro who told me he saw someone do it first." She smirked. "I need to wind up first though."
Luffy nodded and glanced ahead. He saw the beast getting up while clutching his chest. Juan started trickling blood. "Let me have you shield and you act like a sling shot."
"What?"
Juan growled as he clutched his chest. "What was that?" Whatever that girl did she caused him to draw more blood than he should have. He realized the two weren't ordinary pirates. He thought this form would be strong enough to ward off most threats, at least not a Warlord or one of the Yonkou. He figured those that gave into superstition and were weakwilled would steer clear of the forest. He thought this would be easy since they were kids, how wrong he was.
"Alright!" The beast looked up and gaped at what he saw. He saw the girl doing a handstand and with her legs spread out. She looked embarrassed at her position. The boy grabbed her legs with each hand and stood in one of the trees with a shield strapped to his back. He pulled back enough to the point where the girl yelled at him to hurry.
He let his feet go and shot straight at him.
Luffy took out the shield and aimed it at the beast.
"GUM GUM… SHIELD ROCKET!"
The impact made the beast roar out in pain and cough up blood. However, this sent both Luffy and Juan hurling through the air out of eyesight. Anya got back up quickly and cried out for him.
"LUFFY!"
Raymond, Nami, Chopper, and Usopp were back in town and learned how quickly word spread of the mayor becoming the beast they all feared. Someone noticed Raymond and called out to him.
"Sombra Gallo, what happened?"
"Is it true? Is the mayor the monster?"
"Did you and Green Diablo team up?"
"Are you okay?"
Raymond held up his hands at the questions being asked him. Already anxiety started, not knowing what to say. Suddenly some screaming was heard, and a crash came afterward. The group turned to find a house having a hole in both ends along with a few shops destroyed along the way. What caused it made everyone gasp in fright. They found the beast lying on it back, bruised and bloodied. The figure on top of the beast sat up as he clenched his head. He looked at the shield in his hand and smiled at it not having a dent.
"Great, it's not damaged."
"Luffy!"
The strawhat turned to the familiar voice of Usopp. He looked on with a smile as his friends approached him with Raymond.
"Hey!"
"Luffy." Nami looked down at the downed monster and at the boy. "What happened? Where is Anya?"
"She's fine, I had to borrow the shield for an extra knockout." He stood up and dusted himself off. "I wanted to finish quickly." He got down causally as if nothing happened. "No big, the guy annoyed me."
"So what?" Chopper shouted. "He's still dangerous."
Then everyone watched as the beast reverted back into Mayor Juan. A wave of shock went through all the townsfolk as they processed the information and stared at the downed man.
"WHHHAATTT?!"
"The mayor was the monster!"
"But… why?"
"He ate a Devil Fruit and tricked us."
"All this time we were lied to?"
Many were starting to become angry at the conspiracy. One of the men turned to the Sombra Gallo."
"Luchador! You knew?"
"Yeah." said another. "Why didn't you say a thing?"
Raymond sighed. "Would any of you believed me if that creature was our beloved mayor?"
Everyone stood silent and glanced at each other. One of the people spoke up.
"Not really."
"He murdered my sister and friend." Raymond walked forward. "To hide a secret." Everyone parted ways as he made his way to the downed Mayor. "Just so he can keep a tradition alive. He did it for status, for greed, for…" He sighed. "It doesn't matter to me why. I wanted justice to be done and I didn't want him to get away with it." He glared hard at the man. "I wanted confirmation before I made my next choice, even if it would kill me in the end. I wanted the truth."
"uhh…"
Everyone turned to the mayor waking up and rubbing his head. He looked around, noticing he was in town and that all eyes were upon him. He noticed Raymond and tried to transform. Unfortunately, he started coughing up blood, which ceased his effort to transform. He looked up at the man staring down on him.
"What are you going to do?"
"Leave."
"What?"
"Leave and take that power with you. This village doesn't need it."
"Are you kidding me." The man tried again to morph, but the action was ceased by his injuries. "What about the tradition? This power is essential to keep it alive."
"If we carry the tradition, we will build a fake monster." Raymond looked toward Rosemarie. "That's only if the town wants it or not."
Juan growled and was about to say something when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to find his son standing there with an angry look on his face.
"Son?"
"It's over. I was never going to go along with it. I don't understand why you did."
"But!"
"Dad." He glared the man. "Please."
Juan sat there as he stared up at his son, then glanced around at the rest of the group. His eyes then centered on Strawhat Luffy, who stared at him with a look that promised to beat him if he tried anything. Not that he could.
He sighed, coming to his defeat. "Alright."
Raymond sighed in relief and smiled. It was not how he expected this situation to turn out, but at least no one here received any serious injuries. Now that the mystery was solved, he could maybe get back to his life. He felt somber as reality began to set in. He was reminded that some of the things keeping him here were gone and another was about to leave. What can he do?"
It was late in the afternoon when the festivities started to die down. The story of what happened earlier did bring the mood down a bit, but once they learned he would be exiled they went back to trying to celebrate even if they were lied to. Sometimes people want to forget or build a new tradition.
Raymond and Rosemarie were at the dock seeing the pirates off.
"I'm sorry I dragged you all along with this!" Rosemarie said.
"It happens a lot though." Usopp commented. "It's all part of being a pirate. The adventure."
"We do end getting involved with another's problem." mumbled Zoro.
"I had fun." Luffy smiled widely. "The food was great, and we learned how Luchadores fought. Other than the old monster man, but he was dealt with."
"What are you going to do?" Anya asked.
Raymond smirked. "I'm leaving with Rosemarie to become a reporter or something. I don't know. I can't stay here."
"We'll stay here for a few days before heading out." Rosemarie smiled at Luffy. "I'm probably going to hear more about your exploits. Something tells me you'll be part of the big leagues."
"Shishishi, all I want to be is the Pirate King." Luffy gazed at the man. "You're strong, I'm sure if you want to you can beat Green Diablo next time."
The man nodded. "Thanks, we'll see what happens."
Luffy nodded. "Great," Luffy turned to face the crew and raised his arms while shouting. "Set sail!"
"AYE!" the crew shouted.
Raymond and Rosemaire watched the ship sail off. After it got a good distance, they walked away from the port.
"They were interesting."
"They'll be making the headlines for sure." Rosemarie stated. "Morgans is keeping an eye on all pirates, him especially since his bounty shot up quickly."
"Who?"
"The top boss, I met him once. His favorite line is 'Big News'."
"Ah." He did not understand, but he figured he would find out.
"Are you sure you want to come with me?"
"I'm sure." The man turned to the woman. "I just want to see what is out there and what I can do."
Rosemarie giggled. "Then I'll help you out, now come on let's go shopping for some supplies."
Juan was seen sailing further away from the island. Where it would take him, he would not know. He may live his remaining years in solitude on another island. He did not regret his decision or the route it would lead to. As of now he would remain on course until the end of his days.
Behind him was a pirate ship with a pirate flag, except the flag was skull with a yellow hat on it. On the deck, Savanto glared at the boat housing the old man. The man turned toward his men who readied the cannon. Savanto smirked and glared at the boat.
"FIRE!"
The Merry Go was seen sailing on the sea.
"They hid the fruit… why?" asked Usopp
"They did not want anyone to get their hands on it." Robin spoke up. "Ex-Mayor Juan did not use it properly, if he did the fight may have lasted longer."
"Still would've beat him." Luffy said.
Robin smiled at the captain. "Your optimism is interesting."
"Eh, it's done." Zoro said. "Nothing we should be concerned about, nor will it be our problem if someone else gets it."
"If the Ex-Mayor comes after us then it will be our problem." Anya informed him. "But he's too old."
"Hatred can feed a person for years." Sanji stated. "But I think he's not going to try anything; I doubt he would be able to find us."
"That's good." Chopper breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's all?" Nami asked. "No ancient history?"
"Nothing else." said Robin
"An ancient temple with just a fruit hidden and a tablet no one can read." Usopp pondered on the events. "People still fear the mystery of the Devil Fruits, or at least the average person fears them and have no idea where they came from."
"Perhaps the ones who hid it wanted one less Devil Fruit in the world." Said Sanji.
"Who knows." Anya sighed. "It's not like we can do anything about it."
"The only thing to do is keep sailing!"
Everybody agreed and continued on with their journey.
A/N: Been awhile since I posted. I have not given up on this story. Now then, I hope Wano wraps up next year. Maybe less Oden... or do we want more Oden? Not sure. Will Anya love Oden? Sure, everyone else does. There will be a chapter or two about Anya's quest after Enies Lobby.
I know I said I wanted four chapters, but it shot down to two and had too many plot ideas going for it. One was tied into the whole Dragoon Order and I wanted Robin and Anya to find it in the temple. I moved that for later. I also had planned for Rosemarie to be a Shipwright and return in Water 7, but I decided against that have her be a reporter.