En route to Syrpup Village-East blue
Within a day of their departure from Orange Town the trio had settled into a rudimentary routine. Nami would sunbathe and relax in a deck chair that she had pulled from seemingly thin air, while also checking on their heading every so often to ensure they were still on course.
Zoro would lift weights in the morning using a barbell with all the weight at the end and holding it the same way he would his sword, swinging it forwards and backwards. This weight training regime would usually last a couple of hours before he'd draw his swords and begin his speed training where he would attempt to make his slashes faster and faster. While this training was extremely demanding he didn't train to the point of exhaustion at Luffy's request just in case they encountered a threat that he would need Zoro's assistance for.
As for Luffy spent a significant amount of time meditating, or at least that's what he told Nami and Zoro. The truth however was that this meditation would last no longer than an hour before he'd fall asleep still sat in his lotus meditating position. Meditation was something that Shanks' journal as well as his older brother Ace said helped with his haki training and over the years it was something that had become a part of his daily life.
It was on the fourth day of the journey that the routine changed slightly after Zoro asked Luffy about what he did back in Orange Town.
"So you gunna tell me what you did back in Orange town captain?" After not getting a reply to his question Zoroa asked again, only to get no response once again. A tick mark rapidly forming on his forehead Zoro proceeded to whack Luffy on the back of his head with the scabbard of one of his swords and sending Luffy sprawling on the deck of the ship.
At this rude awakening Luffy immediately jumped to his feet and began scanning the area looking for danger. "Oh hey Zoro. Did you see what hit me?" asked a confused Luffy as he rubbed the back of his head absentmindedly where Zoro had struck him.
"Yeah I hit you, I asked you a question that you ignored 'cause you were too busy sleeping," barked an irate Zoro, his temper not abating in the slightest.
"I wasn't asleep I was in deep meditation," said Luffy is his best faux sage voice.
Seeing that Luffy wasnt going to admit to being asleep and having already seen how deep his stubborn streak can run throughout their time together so far Zoro merely grumbled a few select insults under his breath before repeating his initial question.
"I said are you going to tell me what it was that you did back in Orange town?" At seeing Luffy's look of pure bewilderment Zoro clarified "when you made those pirates pass out with just a look."
A look of realisation overcame Luffy as he suddenly worked out what Zoro wanted to know. "Oh that, that's just my mystery power."
Luffy's answer, unsurprisingly, did not satisfy Zoro in the slightest and he was torn between wondering if his capatin was an idiot or if he was deliberatly misleading him. "And just what is this mystery power." Zoro managed to grit out from between clenched teeth.
"It's a form of haki," was the simple reply.
Zoro was forced to fortify himself by taking a deep breath before he asked "why couldnt you say that the first time?" As he asked this he also fixed Luffy with his best glare, a glare that sadly for Zoro had absolutely no affect.
"Because mystery power sounds way cooler," said Luffy in a tone one would only usually hear when explaining something to a small child. It was after saying this that Luffy noticed the large tickmark on Zoro's forehead and vein bulging at his temple so he attempted to placate him as best he could by explaining what he knew about that particular form of haki and how Zoro probably wasn't born with that ability.
While he was disappointed that he may never be able to use that particular useful ability Zoro understood and went on to question Luffy about the other forms of haki. Instead of answering him he reached into one of the inner pockets of the captains coat he keeps draped over his shoulders and pulled a small, this leather bound journal and handing it to Zoro.
"In this is everything I know about haki and it was given to me by my idol when I was a kid...so be careful with it."
Zoro immediately began flicking through the book and after skimming through the very short journal he asked about starting some sort of training regime for it. Seeing no reason not to help Luffy agreed and together they came up with a schedule whereby Zoro could begin haki training while maintaining his swordsman and physical training. Luffy did offer to let Nami to join in with this and despite some interest she ultimately declined to participate.
It was two days later that this ship pulled into the harbour of the small island that housed the marine base and together they hauled their three captives off the ship and into the bounty office. Inside the bounty office they joined the back of the small queue and waited their turn to be called forwards by the marine sat behind a desk at the back of the room.
"Next," shouted the marine without even looking up and at his call a tall heavily set bounty hunter walked forwards while holding onto a pirate that had been clapped in irons. "State your name and the name of your bounty."
"Deadeye Duncan here to turn in Jack Sparrow."
At this the marine looked up and recognising the captured pirate he smirked slightly. "Personal effects in the box," as he said this he motioned towards the small box at the edge of his desk. Deadeye then placed all the personal effects of the captured pirate into the box for the marine to examine.
"Let's see here. One sabre with a rusted and blunt edge, one pistol with a single shot and a compass that doesn't point north," the marine then fixed Sparrow with an amused glance. "You know you have to be without a doubt the worst pirate I've ever heard of."
"Ah but you have heard of me," Sparrow stated his tone seeming to be both mystical as well as flamboyant at the same time something that Luffy doubted few others could manage.
The marine processing the bounty merely shook his head slightly before he barked "ensign, take him down to cell 101 and prep him for Enies Lobby." At this order the ensign snapped off a crisp salute and took Sparrow through a door to the left. " Now sign here, here and finally here," with the paperwork filled out the bounty left the office with a small stack off beli bills. Just like before the marine didn't look up before motioning the next in line to come forwards and when he did so a drunk and unkempt man with a large shaggy beard staggered forwards.
Unlike with the bounty hunter previously the marine didn't get chance to say anything before the drunk spoke. "Ere are you guys still paying for rare animal pelt? 'Cause take a look at this genuine mink." At this he held up a dead rat causing Nami to snicker, Zoro to chuckle and Luffy to let out a full belly laugh.
The marine however was not so amused, looking up he let out a deep sigh. "Listen this is the third time this week you've tried this, I've told you before bugger off!" shouted the marine.
"Tch they don't call you Harry the bastard for nothing do they?" The drunkard shouted.
"No they call me Ted!" Responded the completely incredulous marine captain.
Seemingly wanting the last word tje drunkard just threw the rat at the marine hitting him square in the face with it once again causing the trio to laugh and guffaw.
Gritting his teeth in anger at the highly persistent drunk he then motion for the trio to come forwards. "Name and name of the bounty you're collecting."
"Roronoa Zoro bringing in beast tamer Mohji, acrobat Cabaji and Buggy the clown."
At hearing those names the marine looked over his desk to verify however not seeing Buggy he asked "and where is the clown."
Upon this question Luffy kicked the crate they had brought with them "hey big nose."
"Who are you calling big nose you flashy bastard," said a muffled from from within the crate.
Hearing the voice from the crate the marine laughed and nodded his head before he said that was good enough for him as Buggy's sensitivity towards his nose was well know around those parts. As before he motioned to box at the edge of the desk and had them drop the various personal effects into it whereupon the trio deposited the multitude of knives, pistols, swords and even a small wrist mounted flamethrower.
"Vet good. Ensign! Take these three below to cell 111, 145 and 176. Now Mr Roronoa you know the drill sign here, here and here." With the paperwork completed the trio left the office carrying a large bag and twenty million beli richer.
Once back on the ship Nami turned to face Luffy, "so how are we splitting the reward money?" as she asked this her eyes never left the bag of money in Luffy's hand.
"Simple. We each get three million and the rest gets put somewhere safe and it'll be used to pay for repairs and upgrades for the ship as well as the supplies we need." Seeing that Nami was about to argue that this arrangement was unfair Luffy just handed her share over before walking away with Zoro.
"You want your share Zoro?"
"Nah just hold onto it for me captain."
Shrugging Luffy continued into the captains cabin where he separated Zoro's share of the bounties before putting the remainder in a large chest that was at the foot of his bed. A chest that had at one point contained many of Alvida's erm...unmentionables. With the money safely put away Luffy returned to the deck of the ship and ascended the stairs to the upper deck in order to take the helm.
Despite Syrup Village usually only being four or five hours away from the marine base the wind was against them doubling the length of the trip meaning they didn't pull up to the island until early the next morning.
Stepping onto the shore they made their way towards the slope that would take them towards the village however a rustling sound coming from the bushes at the top of the slope alerted them to the fact that they were not alone.
As they looked up towards the bush they saw a dark skinned teen with an incredibly long nose, black curly hair tied back in a ponytail wearing a green bandana and brown overalls suddenly jump out holding a slingshot.
"Halt! If you have come here to cause trouble then me, the brave pirate captain Usopp, and my eight million men will destroy you," yelled the teen. Despite his words the trio could see he was scared beyond belief due to the sweat dripping from his forehead and his legs shaking so badly his knees were knocking together.
"What you mean you and those three little kids in the bush?" deadpanned Luffy.
"Aahhh he's onto us run away!" squeaked three terrified voices from the bush before three young boys no older than seven ran out of the bush heading in the direction of the village.
"Damn he saw through my ploy," mumbled the teen to himself louder than he had planned as the trio at the base of the slope heard he clearly and began to snicker. Seeing them snickering at him hardened his resolve and he readied his slingshot and aimed it Luffy. "Stop laughing or I'll silence you, they don't call me proud Usopp for nothing you know."
Now that a weapon, of a sort at least, had been drawn the trio stopped laughing and while Nami and Zoro still looked amused Luffy grew serious.
"Wow a pirate using a slingshot now I've seen everything," chuckled Nami. Saying this only caused Usopp to aim at her.
However it was Luffy that spoke next in a calm and deadly serious voice. "Bet your life on it? That's a weapon and weapons aren't for threats they're meant for action. So now you've drawn your weapon are you willing to bet your life on it."
The combination of Luffy's words, the perceived implied threat of death and the thousand yard stare caused all of Usopp's resolve to crumble and his bravado to vanish as his legs gave way from under him and he fell down the slope stopping at the feet of Luffy.
Luffy just loomed over the prone form of Usopp. "I've just got one important question for you," stated Luffy in the same calm and deadly tone before he added in a cheerful on "where can we get something to eat I'm starved?"
Hearing the completely benevolent question almost caused Usopp to pass out from relief, he'd been so sure Luffy was going to kill him. "Erm I know somewhere, follow me. I'll even pay, my treat," said a still somewhat nervous Usopp.
Usopp then led them to Syrup Village pointing out any buildings of note however since it was a fairly small village that mainly relied on agriculture there wasn't much to really show. He took them to the only restaurant on the island and true to his word paid for their meal or sake in Zoro's case.
Over the meal the four began agreed to wave off what happened at the beach as just a misunderstanding. The conversation flowed freely and eventually Usopp's father became the topic of the conversation.
"Wow my day is really a crew member for red hair Shanks? Seriously?" at this Luffy nodded. "Wow I can't believe it, my dad sails with one of the four emperors of the sea," it was clear to anyone that could hear him that Usopp was incredibly proud of his dad and worshipped him.
"Tch he's more than just a crew member, he's one of Shanks' officers."
Usopp at hearing this quite literally swelled with pride. "You know it's always been a dream of mine to become a brave warrior of the sea just like my old man."
Nami just rolled her eyes slightly at this which is something that went unnoticed by the other three as Luffy saw his opportunity. "Why don't you sail with me and together we can turn this world upside down," after saying this he gave Usopp the Luffy grin.
"Yeah maybe," said Usopp noncommitally.
"Luffy didnt you mention something the other day about repairs to the ship. You should look into getting that sorted as soon as you can," interjected Nami.
"That's a point," Luffy then turned to Usopp "I dont suppose you know of anywhere we can get our ship repaired and maybe a few upgrades sorted out?"
Usopp took a moment to think scratching his chin as he did so. "Well there's always Merry I suppose. He's one of the butlers at that big house up there on the hill we passed on the way into the village. I dunno if he can do what your after exactly but I know he's designed and built a few ships."
Immediately not wanting to waste any time Luffy immediately jumed out of his seat ready to set off to find Merry.
"Calm down captain the guy isnt going anywhere, besides I've still got half my bottle left," at this Zoro held his bottle up to show he hadnt finished his drink.
"Yeah besides...oh would you look at the time. I've erm got to go do the thing at the thing." Usopp then suddenly got up and dashed out of the restaurant so fast he almost left an after image behind.
Nami narrowed her eyes at Usopp's retreating form. "What on earth was all that about."
Luffy and Zoro just shrugged and went back to their food or sake in Zoro's case.
It was a short while later that the three young boys from the beach entered the restaurant and made a beeline for the trio. "Where's our captain," piped up one of the boys.
Recognising a perfect oppertunity to have a little bit of fun with the young boys Luffy just leant back in his seat, patted his slightly bulging stomach and declared he couldn't eat another bite.
Nami looked on giggling slightly at the joke the other two were playing as Zoro leant forwards towards the three boys and said "your captain...was delicious."
Sufficiently freaked out all three boys jumped a foot into the air before pointing at Nami and declaring her a sea witch at the top of their voices. Luffy laughed especially hard though when he heard Zoro mumble "well they're not exactly wrong are they?"
Once they had calmed down the three boys went on to inform Nami, Luffy and Zoro exactly where Usopp had gone and why. How everyday at the same time he had snuck his way onto the grounds of the mansion just to tell a young orphan girl called Kaya silly made up stories in an effort to cheer her up after the death of her parents.
They also offered to show them Usopp's super secret entry onto the grounds. With nothing better to do and having business up at the mansion anyway the trio decided to take up the offer and so the six of them made their way towards the mansion.
"No it's this way round the side follow me," said carrot leading them round the side of a tall hedge and stopping at a point where the hedge was far less dense. "Here hold these branches apart."
"Wow these gardens are beautiful," said an impressed Nami.
"Quick this way we cant let the head butler see us."
The group moved as stealthily as they could around the garden until they saw Usopp in a tree talking through an open window to a sickly looking blonde girl. Luffy waited a moment before clearing his throat to get their attention.
Hearing the unexpected noise the Usopp and the girl turned to see Luffy and his friends the surprise of which nearly caused Usopp to fall from the tree, luckily for him he managed to hold onto the branch for dear life. However the sight of hanging onto the branch upside caused him to resemble a sloth somewhat and it was that sight that caused the girl to giggle.
Since the two had stopped their conversation Luffy used that opportunity to start talking with the girl. "Ah you must be miss Kaya, I see the stories of your beauty do not do you justice." Zoro just looked sideways at Luffy before smirking and shaking his head, Nami on the other hand kept her face totally impassive while inwardly fumed at his audacity.
Giggling slightly at his words kaya responded "yes my name's Kaya, and what might i do for you?"
"I need just two things my fair lady. Firstly just a smile from your sweet lips. And secondly I am told your butler Merry has experience designing ships and I am interested in perhaps purchasing his services in a project."
Kaya giggled slightly once again before smiling widely at Luffy's silliness "I see then you shall have both. Oh Merry could you come here a moment." An older gentleman whose hair reminded Luffy slightly of a goats head appeared at the window alongside Kaya. "This gentleman here is interested in purchasing your services as a shipwright."
"Oh I see, I won't be but a moment young man." A moment later he came out of a door leading to the house. "So what service is it exactly that you need?"
"Would you like to come to my ship so we can discuss the details and whether the job is something you do."
Merry inclined his head slightly in affirmation the followed Luffy to his ship. "Its not a bad ship," he said upon coming to the shore where Luffy had left it moored. "What is it you had in mind?"
"Well the stern mast is has a crack running up it so I'd like that replacing. There is also several planks of wood on the hull and the deck of the ship that need replacing." Luffy pointed the various defects he was mentioning with his finger as he and Merry moved towards the front of the ship before he continued. "I also need a figurehead for the ship as well as new sails. The cannons are functional but outdated so I'd like them replacing. Oh yeah and the crew quarters, I'd like that seperating into two so I've got a womens quarters as well as mens."
Merry took on board everything Luffy had said. "Its certainly achievable, what sort of budget are you on my boy."
"Can't really spend any more than twelve million."
Upon hearing the kind of budget he was working with Merry nearly fainted. "My boy for ten million I will give you everything you have asked for and more." And with that the two shook hands sealing deal.