Chapter 4.

Mihawk, A Princess and A Devil Child.


The strawhat pirates were now stood on deck as they awaited the arrival of whoever was coming. Twenty minutes later and after Nami had moved Merry to a safe distance away from baratie, the crew noticed a tiny boat slowly moving towards their position, while it was small the person sat dead centre felt like a giant. His presence was unreal and instantly put everybody on edge.

The only thing Luffy and Nami could compare it to was Garp, not even Shanks aura was as huge although they hadn't seen him for ten years, who knew how strong he was now. Well there was the fact he was now an emperor .

All Betty could compare it to was Dragon while the remaining three members only had Luffy as a reference point. He looked as unsure as any of them right now though.

As the ship drew nearer they could make out his appearance and finally get a look at who it was. He sat with his leg crossed over the other, he was wearing a long dark coat with a high collar, red inside over a bare chest and lilac pants tucked into shin high strapped boots. A wide brimmed hat with light green plumage on his head and a cross pendant around his neck. His facial hair was trimmed sharp and pointy completing his look.

His two most obvious features were his eyes and the huge blade strapped to his back, the hand guard looked similar to the mast of his ship.

Zeff was actually the first one to speak, "Hopefully he is in a good mood or we may never see the end of today, that man is the greatest living swordsman on this blue planet. Dracule ' Hawk-Eyes' Mihawk Royal Warlord, he said. Zoro fought to keep his heart from hammering out of his chest, his dream was right infront of him.

Luffy noticed,"do you intend go challenge him knowing what I told you?" he asked.

Zoro looked at his captain, " challenge no, test myself against the greatest in the world yes. How can I know where I need to be if I dont know how far away he is" he replied. Luffy nodded, "ok Zoro I wont interfere, just dont die".

As the tiny coffin like boat sailed upto baratie the man at its centre stood and with a simple flick of the wrist his boat was tied to the baraties platform and a second later he was stood on deck

Everyone noticed how the warlords eyes were locked on to Luffy as he identified who had the barely hidden power he could sense. Once he was satisfied it was indeed the Strawhat wearing teen he switched his focus to Zoro, his eyes lingering on Wado in recognition of the famous blade at his hip.

Zeff was the one to try release the building tension. "How can we help you today Hawkeyes?" he asked the warlord.

Mihawk looked at the former pirate before speaking, "long time red foot, I simply came for some fine cuisine after visiting an old friend who mentioned you were in the area. I couldn't pass on what I remembered to be exquisite food".

Zeff released the breathe he was holding in and went to grab a menu and wine list for the infamous swordsman. Mihawk again looked at Luffy or rather the strawhat on his head. He remembered what his friend told him years ago about a boy from east blue who would one day turn the tides of world power. Smiling as he did so.

"You must be Luffy, the one Shanks never shut up about, he told the same story everytime I saw him, I only hope you dont disappoint him hes put a lot of faith in you and has a lot riding on your success", he said.

A smile slipped onto Luffy's face as he acknowledged what he said before replying. "How could I ever give him his hat back if I dont live up to my side of the deal, that is why I'm building a crew to beat his and earn the right to give it back". Mihawk nodded, he offered nothing more than a small upturn at the corner of his mouth.

Mihawk then entered the restaurant to place his order and wait for it to be prepared. Once it was ready he exited and went to make his exit from the baratie. Before he could leave Luffy spokeagain. "Hey Hawky, my first mate is the man that will one day take your title, maybe you could give him a little taste of what he has to compete against?".

Zoro didn't look like he was going to ask for a dual so Luffy decided to ask for a show of power instead. "I dont see any harm in that" Mihawk responded.

The warlord drew his black blade Yoru and wrapped it in a purple and black haze of Haki that crackled and sparked like lightning. The resulting pressure was heavy on the chests of all present even Luffy to a lesser degree. He could feel Mihawks power but the most striking thing was how refined and smooth it was.

Mihawk vanished and appeared hundreds of feet above Baratie, he brought Yoru over his right shoulder using only his right hand before bringing it down in a horizontal slice. The result was a massive green wind blade tinted with black lightning that roared from his blade and raced across the sea before it impacted the ocean nearly a mile away.

A trench nearly three miles long opened up sinking hundreds of metres down, it then exploded in a huge blast that parted the trench to a distance of a kilometre before it started to lose force. At this point the weight of displaced water met gravity once more as it rushed in to fill the void created by the insane attack.

A huge clap was heard by all in the vicinity as a massive column of water shot skywards from the impact, it reached half a kilometre before it fell again and started to race out as waves in all directions.

Luckily the direction of the attack meant most of the waves travelled away from Baratie which was still hit but by nowhere near the full impact. Zoro was of course salivating at the possibility of one day being able to do such feats. Mihawk made it look so effortless, Zoro was glad he never asked for a duel, he knew what Mihawk showed was all he wanted to show not all he could do.

Mihawk had the sole responsibility of who lived and died in his duels but Zoro's fire was well and truly lit, he called out to Mihawk, "until the day I defeat you I will never lose a duel against any swordsman I come across, this I promise you Mihawk!".

The warlord smirked and said,"I will be waiting at the top of the world, do not disappoint me. The boy you follow deserves a strong right hand, he will be pirate king after all, right? anchor". He then disappeared with his boat.

The crew and the chefs could feel heat and a rising anger from the strawhat wearing captain. "Dammit Shanks !", erupted from his mouth as he yelled at the top of his lungs. Nami burst out laughing as she was the only one in the know as to why Luffy was livid.

She laughed and informed the others what Luffy was so mad about, "Anchor is what Shanks called Luffy because he could not swim, everytime he went in the water he would sink like an anchor and that was even before we ate devil fruits". She finished still laughing and was joined by the others, even Zeff couldn't resist a chuckle.

"I really did hate when Shanks called me anchor or hammer, almost as much as he did when I called him tomato hair". Luffy couldn't even chuckle as he said it.

Luffy then turned with a mechanical motion, Nami lost her smile as he turned to walk towards them. It was at this time Nami knew she fucked up. She was swept up and carried in the direction of Merry. They vanished. " Alright everyone shows over, let's get this place sorted. we have about an hour before they come back". Betty ordered as she thought about the pleasure Nami would be receiving, 'I will get mine later', she smirked to herself.

She turned and began helping the crew tidy and clean.

After partying all night the crew were tired but ready to sail on to their next location, Loguetown. The town of the beginning and end, where the pirate king was born and died, the place where the great pirate era began. it would take them nearly two weeks to get there from Baraties current location. All that was left to do was for their latest addition to pry himself away from his family and friends.

After an emotional farewell the crew set sail for Loguetown. Sanji was introduced to Luffy's training a few hours later, he could only call it crazy but was up for it nonetheless. After a brief spar Luffy knew what Sanji needed to focus on. While Usopp would never be in the same tier as Zoro, Sanji could definitely match up with not much training.

Usopp would probably never be an up close fighter like Zoro or Sanji but he did have great instincts, probably born out of self preservation, they stood proudly alongside his incredible eyesight, which without Haki were the best on the six man crew. He needed strength and fitness more than anything. Then he would focus on his observation and begin learning armament to give his shooting skills much more power.

Usopp understood and accepted his training regime, it would be a tough road but he had to do everything he could to keep up.

Sanji was a completely different animal to Usopp, he specialises in getting up close and personal. His kicks were already on par with either female member of the crew. He had great leg strength and great flexibility, he also like Zoro had a great aptitude for learning, he was way smarter than Zoro though. A fact the swordsman could not deny. Not that he cared though. Both had great perception and awareness.

Sanji would keep doing what he always had but more fitness was needed. He was extremely healthy but the grandline was far more relentless, even the first three members trained like crazy bastards. Sanji would be focusing on Soru, geppo and rankyaku as all complimented his style well, add that to the basics Zeff taught him for the last decade. Finally he would be learning armament and observation Haki. That would be enough to keep him and Zoro at similar levels.

Their coldness towards eachother would no doubt push both further and on to new heights, wanting to beat the marimo was already a part of Sanji's thoughts.

The next ten days were spent training to the limits of every member, new or old.

Morning training began at six am, two hours of training including sit ups, pushups, squats and stretching exercises to increase dexterity of the body. Lifting weights and core strengthening.

Eight am, Sanji would serve breakfast. Sanji was currently the only Nakama that did not take watch, he was up at four every morning to prepare the days meals.

Nine am, The crew gathered on deck to begin the days rokushiki training which was lead mostly by Nami and Betty. They were more than capable of handing out beatings to the three Male members. They held noth,nothing, leaving all three men looking battered and bruised. They would get used to it eventually. Nami and Betty had to increase the numbers on more than one occasion already.

Usopp was not as demanding as the two monsters, more down to his style than his perceived reluctance. They were all taking it seriously and their progress would be obvious in the days to come.

Twelve pm, Lunch was served by Sanji. A full cooked dinner of either chicken, fish and various cold meats with vegetables and potatoes. Followed by fruit or a protein laced smoothie. Sanji tailored each meal to the individuals tastes or needs. He tried spending more time on the ladies meals but they would have none of it.

They were crew not just women and wanted no special treatment.

Sanji quickly realised neither women were interested in him romantically, Nami was deeply in love with Luffy and Betty was in love with the pair of them and what they stood for. She had already dedicated herself to them, physically and emotionally. While he was a little jealous of his captains ability to gain beautiful women without really looking interested or trying, a lightbulb did go off in Sanji's head.

He decided to tone down his infatuation with women, it never got him anywhere after all.

He was smart, articulate and a great chef, surely that was enough.

One pm, Haki training. For the next four hours the crew would be bombarded by rocks, sandal clad feet and stretching punches from nowhere all under a veil of oppressive spirit emanating from the captain. Even Nami found it harder to operate when Luffy's Haki was swirling all around them.

Luffy himself never seemed to break a sweat regardless of what intensity he used against them, that smile welded to his face.

Nami would also use her abilities to warp objects at their blindfolded crew, they had but a second to sense where and what it was before the object disappeared once more. It was a very effective way to improve observation and focus in general, without the pain of Luffy's methods.

During those four hours if they for one second dropped focus or concentration pain would soon follow, which eventually would lead to passive observation. That was a long while away though.

Five pm, Dinner was served. Usually something simple and light like sandwiches or salads. Followed by more fruit, mostly lemons and limes as vitamin C was essential while at sea. Sanji made some wonderful citrus milkshakes and smoothies. He was the absolute authority in his kitchen, not even the captain could out rank him in his domain.

Six pm, Sparring was the last required activity for the day, when they would test the days progress by however they wanted, they could customise it and use the training for anything the individual wanted. All the crew sparred with eachother or even a battle royale, it always ended the same way though, everybody versus Luffy.

When he got serious, the entire crew attacking him all at once had little to no effect on him, Luffy was clearly levels above even Nami and Betty. When your name had Monkey followed by a D, it was to be expected. Not forgetting he had been trained in to the ground by Garp for ten years everything made sense.

From nine o'clock onwards the crew would recover from the gruelling training by relaxing, drinking and singing. It was the best way to grow the bonds that would tie them together for, as Luffy hoped, most of their lives. They would grow strong together as a crew. Luffy was extremely happy with how things were going so far.

Luffy had already been made aware of somebody that sounded like she was made for their crew, their goals and ambitions seemed to line up perfectly. First they had to get to where she was said to be, Alabasta. They weren't even in the grandline yet so he would worry about it when the time came.

Two weeks later the much improved crew were ready to enter the last island before the grandline. Luffy as expected was super excited to see where the Pirate king was born. It was the place he would shout his dream for the world to hear.

Usopp had improved his fitness well in just two weeks aswel as bulking up ever so slightly. His observation was coming along nicely but he had zero success in armament, he would not give in that was for sure.

Sanji also looked a bit heavier, not much though as it did not fit his style. He was all about speed and damn was he fast. His legs though were a lot stronger already, he was lifting the same weight as Zoro did with his arms. His Haki was showing but neither was at the level of Usopp's observation but they would be and the sniper knew it.

Zoro was the most advanced of the three new crewmates. He was the opposite to Usopp, his armament was starting to show meaning in a couple months he should at least be able to use it. His observation was showing but not to the same degree. His physical fitness was already monstrous, so just kept growing as he did. He could also see Sanji outdoing himself and was determined to stay ahead of his rival.

All the crew were progressing nicely in their rokushiki but it would still be a while before any of the three could use it in battle.

Nami and Betty were still improving their own skills, they could already use and had a firm grasp on Haki and the six powers. They focused mainly on making their devil fruit powers even stronger and more rounded.

Nami worked on warping herself, objects and people faster and to further locations. She was also trying to eliminate the stamina part of warping people and larger objects, it took a lot of energy. She had managed to almost halve the stamina drain from what it was when they set off from dawn island. She was also trying to remove the the need to touch, focusing on using her mind only, no real success yet but time was the only barrier standing in her way.

Betty was in the same boat as Nami, her Haki and rokushiki were almost at the same level as the navigators. Nami's fruit was the only reason she was faster with Betty having tonnes more experience aswel as having her fruit longer. Betty was trying to reverse the purpose or usage of her abilities. She could send out positive reinforcing waves but she was trying to send out negative waves too, instead of pumping them up she hoped to suck out the will to fight.

She heard of a girl that could use negative hollows to make people feel like worms or parasites and lose the ability to fight through depression. That was the kind of thing she was working towards, you dont need to defeat armies if they lost the will to fight.

Luffy was still just Luffy.

As they were about to disembark Nami gave them their orders, each crew member listened to what was said. Luffy would go visit the execution platform at the centre of town. Zoro would go find a swordsmiths to buy new katana. Usopp would go find any equipment he feels could be useful to the crews journey. Sanji would find the supplies to last them on their travels. The ladies would be going shopping for clothes for the whole crew and other items they would need to stay fresh and clean.

Zoro approached Nami looking a little nervously. "What's wrong Zoro?". She knew what he needed but she wanted the pleasure of him asking for money, she was weird like that.

Zoro began, seemingly forgetting he had access to millions of beri, "I need two new katana and they are not cheap", he said. Nami had read a book Betty had about weapons and blades, she knew Wado was worth twenty million beri and she was not going to let him go to the grandline with shitty blades because that would definitely come back to bite them in the ass at some point.

Nami lifted two sacks, "one million or ten Zoro your choice", she said with a grin. Zoro obviously took the bigger bag and went on his way as Nami giggled at him and linked arms with Betty before they all went about their business.

Inside a shady bar in the middle of Loguetown was a shady looking bunch of people that were plotting revenge on the Straw hatted teen. All were known to certain members of the crew. They were waiting for the confirmation of their arrival, they knew they had to come to Loguetown as it was the last stop before the grandline. Somehow they forgot why they scarpered from orange town in the first place.

In another part of town stood a marine base. In an office on the top floor sat a marine captain with white hair who was smoking two cigars at once while sighing with boredom as he built a tower from the ash rocks off the end of his cigars.

He was captain smoker and his rule was ironclad. Nobody with aspirations of going to the grandline could pass through his town until they beat him. he was a follower of moral justice and by all accounts was a fine marine indeed.

He was also a devil fruit eater, a logia no less. He ate the Moku Moku no mi which allowed him to become smoke. Not the most offensive fruit but to anyone coming from east blue it was invincible. Not one person claiming to be a pirate had ever made it off the island successfully. Well until today that is, he had no idea that on his island were three people that could defeat him easily.

The marine captain had a feeling today would be eventful, that would prove to be correct. His instincts were very good so he didn't hesitate to trust them. However he had no idea the size of his task yet.

Sanji and Usopp didn't take long to get what they were looking for, so they made their way back to merry to drop off their things. They decided to go back into town to help the others complete their tasks so they could depart quicker.

In a different part of town Zoro was walking into a weapons shop specializing in katana, knives and all kinds of melee weapons. He entered and approached the man behind the counter. The old timer looked happy that he finally had a customer, "Hello young man, my name is ippon matsu welcome to my shop", said the old man.

Zoro held back from giving his name,"I'm looking for two katana, as close to this quality as you can provide", he stated grabbing Wado. Matsu rubbed his hands together at a potential big money sale." Certainly sir we have many blades for sale, we are the best Loguetown has to offer". Zoro requested for the owner to show him his finest blades.

Matsu went into the back of the shop and came back out thirty seconds later carrying a display case covered by a fine blanket. He placed it on the counter and removed the blanket and glass case.

Zoro realised the price tag was freshly printed, two million beri was it's new price. Zoro saw the katana and knew it was worth even it's new probably doubled price tag. He picked it up and unsheathed it, he studied its blades sharpness and craftsmanship. It was very good quality, not quite Wado but maybe the grade below. Zoro already made up his mind and handed over two million to secure his purchase.

Matsu then told Zoro that was indeed the best blade they had to offer. Zoro was a little disappointed but asked matsu if he could browse his wares. Matsu agreed as he went to the back to put his millions in the safe.

Zoro moved over to the bins full of katana just as a woman entered wearing a marine coat on her shoulders. She bore a striking similarity to his childhood friend Kuina but she was dead so it could not be her, but damn it was uncanny.

He chose to ignore her as he didn't need the distraction right now. He was struggling to find a third blade that would compliment his others. Out of nowhere he heard something calling out to him. He moved towards a barrel full of cheap looking katana, except for one. It was a katana in a red scabbard with gold ends and trim half way up the scabbard.

He moved his hand closer to the hilt and finally wrapped his fingers around the handle. Before he could examine it the woman, now known as tashigi, second in command after captain smoker spoke up, "wait is that, no it cant be !?". She took the blade out of his hands and examined it but quickly handed it back due to the feeling of unease that washed over her.

She pulled out a book that catalogued all famous blades in existence, "it is, its Sandai Kitetsu, a famous cursed blade worth at least five million beri". Before she could continue matsu spoke with a nervous tone in his voice, "sorry sir I cant sell you that blade".

He was now the one to be cut off by Zoro, "its cursed, that is why you cant sell it, right?".

"Yes it is a cursed blade, if I sell it whatever misfortune you suffer would be shared equally with the one who sold it, that is why I cant sell it to you, I'm sorry. But how did you know?" matsu enquired.

Zoro simply replied,"I can feel it, it feels hungry and I like it".

Tashigi could not help barking at the old man,"why is it even out here, I should report you for this", she spat.

Matsu was sweating as he explained. "I was meant to remove it but we dont get many customers thanks to that monster you call captain. I didn't expect anyone to actually come in and buy it".

She immediately went on the defensive, "captain smoker is not a monster!" she yelled. Matsu instantly retorted, "since he came here he has throttled the entire economy of the island, pirates used to spend entire fortunes in preparation for the grandline. All that is left is cafe's and clothes shops, nobody comes here to spend big anymore". She huffed and puffed but before she could say anything else he threw her katana to her and told her to leave.

Zoro knew nobody stuck in east blue taking down nobodies before they became somebodies was a monster, they may seen that way but to normal civilians, real to real monsters they looked like civilians.

Zoro had enough of this Shit-show so he interrupted them both. "I'll take it old man, it's perfect for me". Matsu growled at him,"I cant sell it, whatever badness falls upon the buyer is shared equally with the seller, that is why I cant sell it!".

Unfortunately he had no idea who he was speaking to. "alright let's test it then. My luck against this cursea, Zoro said. As matsu and tashigi were about to find common ground, it was too late as Zoro was already in the motion of throwing kitetsu into the air. They were even more shocked when he closed his eyes and stuck out his arm.

Matsu cried out, "dont be a fool it will cut your arm clean off, its sharpness is the real deal!". Tashigi could only bring her hands to her mouth as she watched the blade spin before it descended towards his arm.

To the shock of Matsu and Tashigi the back of the blade caressed Zoros arm before embedding in the floor to the hilt.

Matsu was shocked but Tashigi was now sat on her ass shaking at the spectacle she was witness to, she could not believe the conviction he had. Zoro opened his eyes and reached down to drag kitetsu from the floor. Zoro turned to matsu with a broad grin,"I'll take it off your hands and give you a nice donation, how does that sound?".

"You really want that blade dont you?". All he got from Zoro was a nod. He had already put it with Wado and Yubashiri so there was no going back now.

Ippon matsu had the biggest sale of his life, but at what cost he had no idea, "ok take the damn blade and then both of you get the hell out, we are closing for the rest of the day, I'm going to take my wife out for the first time in years, it's the least she deserves for putting up with my stubborn ass". Zoro laughed before bowing to matsu, which he returned.

Zoro left the shop with a drooling Tashigi behind him. He now had to find the rest of his crew. Screw it a couple sakes were in order to celebrate his new much better blades.

Across town Nami and Betty had finished their shopping and were sat at a cafe drinking coffee and eating small cakes as they put the world to rights. Nami had already sent their goods back to merry, all they could do now was wait for the inevitable chaos that so far failed to materialise.

A couple of minutes later Namis skin started tingling. "oh no!, there is a huge storm coming, we have maybe thirty minutes tops we should gather everybody up and leave". Betty agreed and they set off towards where the execution platform was. They also had to find the rest of the idiots too.

The two women set off and soon met up with Sanji and Usopp. Sanji caught himself before making a spectacle in front of the beauties. Offering a simple greeting instead. He was again shocked when they smiled and linked arms with him and Usopp as they went to look for rogues one and two. Sanji did well to hide the single drop of blood that fell from his nose.

Not long after they saw Zoro and called him over. "I see you found new blades Zoro?", Nami asked. He nodded smiling before adding, "certainly did, only cost seven million for both, so you get three million change too, well minus the half dozen bottles I just downed and the two dozen I have in this sack". They laughed at him as they set off for the execution platform where he should be.

Nami sent the cash and Zoro's sake back to merry with Usopp so he could get merry out of the harbour.

They arrived at the centre of town and could see the platform, with their captain sat on top with his legs swinging over the edge without a care in the world as he took in the sights, sounds and of course scents of the bustling town.

Nami once again had to be the bearer of bad news. "Luffy we need to go right now!. There is a huge storm coming, if we dont leave now we could be stuck here til it passes and we have no idea how long that would be" she yelled over the noise of the locals as the crew moved to the foot of the platform.

Luffy looked down at his beautiful navigator and smiled fondly at her. He stood up and was just about to make his claim until a gruff voice beat him to it.

"Oi, get down from there before I arrest you, that is world government property and you are trespassing, now get down!". The voice was gruff but solid and assured. Luffy looked at the white haired man, while his crew positioned themselves around the base of the structure.

Luffy looked at him, "who the hell are you?" He asked.

The marine didn't take kindly to being looked down upon. "My name is captain smoker and I am the commander of all marine forces on Loguetown, now get down from there before I have to use force!" the angry marine shouted.

"Nah, I dont wanna I like it up here, it feels like I belong here smokey now get lost", was Luffys reply. At that moment the strawhats positioned themselves around the foot of the stand.

Luffy wasn't finished though, " I will finish what I'm doing here, then im going to the grandline to find the one piece. I advise you not to get in my way ok!?". Luffy let out a focused blast of kings Haki directly at smoker, he found himself on one knee before he even registered the pressure he could feel coursing through his body.

The pressure finally subsided and smoker struggled to his feet. Smoker was now pissed off. Firstly because the boy spoke like he was of much higher standing and authority than the marine captain.

Secondly because smoker now knew this boy was leagues above him, even with his logia powers he would not be able to stop him leaving. That was a punch in the gut for smoker who prided himself on his unblemished record of pirate captures.

"So if you are looking for one piece does that make you a pirate then?". Luffy just nodded.

Luffy thought this would be the perfect opportunity to State his claim on the world, on the very platform the one and only Pirate King had started the new age of piracy. so he did just that.

He threw his fists into the air and sucked in a huge breathe and expanded his lungs to many times normal human capacity. He then roared to the sky and oceans, "My name is Monkey D Luffy and I'm going to be King of the Pirates!".

The island seemed to buckle under the weight of his words as people struggled to absorb what he said. Smoker was in a serious state of deja vu, 'He said it, he said those fabled words on that platform, where he died on that fated day and why do I absolutely believe he will do it"

There was a group of people gathered in an alleyway, the same group that had wanted revenge but never even got a chance to put their plan into action. They wisely decided that anybody who could take down a logia powered marine captain was just not worth the trouble, pride would mend death would not. They made their exit before they were dragged into the fray.

It proved to be a wise choice as Luffy released a huge wave of power that knocked every single person out in the plaza, sans Smoker, Tashigi and the Strawhats. There was also a weird looking man with green hair and fangs who seemed frozen, if you looked close enough you could see the stars in his eyes.

"What the hell was that?" Tashigi asked her captain, Smoker couldn't answer her because he simply didn't know.

Even the newer members of the crew had no idea what it was. Sanji noticed Zoro smirking at the show of force. "What you smirking for marimo?" he asked.

Betty was the one to answer his question. "He is happy because he has that same power as his captain, he only just discovered it when he met Luffy", she explained to the blonde chef. Sanji found it hard to accept the marimo had that kind of power within him, he wondered if he could have unknown powers too and resolved to work even harder than he already did.

Then to the shock of all that remained standing Luffy was struck by a huge bolt of lightning that obliterated the execution platform and Luffy too or so they thought.

The smoke cleared to reveal Luffy standing in the same spot only without solid footing in sight. "stupid lightning " was all he had to say as he held onto his hat which was now a reddish black colour not the shiny black they were growing accustomed to.

The colours faded as it went back to it's normal colour now he knew it was untouched. He dropped down to the ground as his Nakama thanked whoever that he was unhurt.

Smoker was again left dumbfounded by what he witnessed, it was like the heavens themselves were powerless before this boy. The green haired man was nowhere to be seen, he had found his goal in life.

Smoker couldn't take anymore of this madness, "who are you really?" Smoker asked firmly. "I told you already, I'm Monkey D Luffy, the man that will turn this world upside down, this is my crew". Nami walked up and grabbed his right hand while Betty walked up and grabbed his left hand. Sanji saw this and thought to himself 'I want that, I will find her'.

For some reason Tashigi could not help smiling at the small crew, especially who she actually knew was Roronoa Zoro. She would have to be an idiot to not realise. Green hair, Three katana, three gold earrings, green haramaki with a black bandana tied round his left bicep.

'Damn hes hot!' she thought to herself. Only then did she notice he was looking at her, a knowing smirk on his face. She tinted rose before she turned away to regain composure. Zoro would be living rent free in her head from now on and she knew it.

She turned to her own captain and asked for his orders. "Return to base Tashigi and take temporary command, start bringing round all the knocked out marines, then you will all help the citizens understood?", he ordered.

Smoker was going to fight the strawhat teen, pride was a powerful thing but had destroyed stronger people than smoker. He could not just let him leave , he had to at least try. 'Dammit, I'm gonna regret this', he told himself.

He stood infront of Luffy, "your crew can leave for the harbour, but you cant until you beat me Mugiwara. Am I clear!?" he said with bravado.

Luffy smiled at the marine, "Crystal", He replied. He raised the hands of both his lovers and kissed each palm, "you guys go get merry ready to depart, he wont let me leave until I beat him" he said to his crew. They could tell by the tone of his voice that was an order, they would offer no argument.

Nami however decided to have a little parting fun. She walked towards Smoker, warping the immediate area around her body faster and faster as she went. Smoker put his guard up ready to defend himself. As she reached him she simply vanished leaving nothing but a giggle in the air.

Smoker barely flinched, that was not even the craziest shit he had seen in the last five minutes, which was how long this fiasco had taken from the point smoker arrived on the scene.

"Lead the way captain, we cant fight here the whole town will be decimated if we do", Luffy suggested.

Smoker agreed and led Luffy to a clearing at the edge of town, only trees and benches would be damaged here. "So how do you wanna do this smokey?, the storm is almost here so we dont have much time".

Smoker responded by turning both arms to smoke and launched them at Luffy initiating the duel. Luffy stood unguarded as both fists impacted, one on his chest and one on his gut, obviously no damage was done to Luffy but he wanted to make his point.

Smoker watched as Luffy took his stance with his left arm out with his palm flat to smoker, his right arm was cocked back. He started to emit steam as his skin took on a pink hue. "Let me give you just a small taste of my power".

"You are a good man smoker you and are a marine cut from the same cloth as my gramps, hes a vice admiral by the way. You may know him as the hero but I know him as the fist, but unfortunately I have no time for you and my dreams will not wait".

Smoker could only brace himself, for what he had no idea.

"Gomu Gomu no, Kings Pistol!" he roared. The impact was instant and the results obvious. Smoker was stood completely unharmed with his arms crossed infront of his face, still braced for impact. Smoker had finally realised he had not been hit, he lowered his arms and looked up.

All he saw was Luffy smiling at him. "Uh! what is going on, what happened to that attack". Luffy stone expressionless, "There was no attack, I just made it look all fancy n shit. I never intended to hit you in the first place. like I said before you are a good man and a good marine if I wanted to kill you smoker you would already be dead, I get the feeling you already know that". Smoker nodded in the affirmative.

"Nami", Luffy said in a calm voice. One second later she was by his side, "yes captain, are you ready to leave yet?" she asked in a slightly stern voice. "Nearly, could you get me a copy of each of Betty's training manuals, I'm gonna show Smokey a few things he should already know of, honestly why dont all marines know these things?!".

Nami looked at him, "you sure?" she asked. "Absolutely, I have a feeling smoker will go on to do great things as long as he gets out of east blue". She smiled and vanished.

"How does she move like that mugiwara?" smoker asked. "Now that I will not tell you, so dont waste your time asking" he answered. Nami reappeared and handed two books to Luffy who in turn handed them to the marine captain.

Luffy addressed smoker. "Read these carefully smoker and in six months you will be a completely different fighter, in comparison to what your current level is. This is the bare minimum you will need if you plan on chasing me to the new world".

"Teach it to your second in command too, I believe she has ambitions to catch my first mate. He is the future worlds greatest swordsman, she too will need all the help she can get".

Smoker grumbled for a moment before he looked Luffy in his face. "You are damn right I'm gonna chase you to the new world, this is my first defeat as captain of this base. I cannot and will not accept this, I will take you down mugiwara!" he shouted at the top of his voice.

Luffy sniggered, "dont disappoint me or I will hunt you down". Again smoker growled, "Get the hell out of here mugiwara, I'm sick of the sight of you already"he replied.

"Aw, you trying to hurt my feelings smokey, after I just gave you the tools to not be so lame. Not nice smokey, see you on the grandline". Luffy decided to give smoker one final taste of his powers.

Right before smokers eyes mugiwara transformed into a demon, a demon that had ash swirling around him as his arms turned into magma and hellfire respectively. Huge leathery wings spread wide behind him, chains and leather straps wrapped around his body digging into his dark flesh.

Luffy spoke one last time, "This is my halfway point smoker, if I went past this point Loguetown would be destroyed". Then he was gone without a trace, leaving smoker stood alone trying to process what or who just left.

Luffy reappeared at the docks with Merry barely visible, only one more thing had to be done before he left. "Hello father, come to see me off" he asked the man he was now stood infront of, but facing away from.

"Of course, I had to see for myself if what Betty said was true. Pirate King huh, how fitting", he spoke in a powerful experienced voice adding, "The world awaits our answer".

Luffy responded confidently, "not for much longer", he turned to face the worlds most wanted man Monkey D Dragon. They shared the same shit eating grin, Luffy spoke again, not to his father though, "Nami I'm ready". She appeared with her hand on his shoulder, "Who is this Luffy?", she asked even though she knew.

"Nami meet your future father in law", she gave an unsure wave to the extremely tall man. "He chose well, look after him", he said. She smiled, "I will but I wont be the only one to care for him" she replied with a wink. Dragon smirked before he vanished in a gust of green tinted wind.

Luffy and Nami arrived back on merry and Luffy ordered them to set sail for reverse mountain.

The Strawhat Pirates were now sailing upto the entrance to reverse mountain which was marked by huge stone arches spanning the waterway. Nami had checked all her plans and redid all her calculations. It mattered not how strong they were if they messed this up they were screwed.

Only when she was certain everything was in order did they proceed through the arches. What a strange sight it was to see the raging torrent of ocean speeding up the side of an enormous mountain they could not see the summit of.

They could feel merry being dragged through the arches faster as the currents increased the closer they got to ascending, pretty soon they were locked into the current where Nami had to make sure they stayed dead centre. She obviously nailed it and merry began the climb.

As they were celebrating not dying they heard a voice and they all knew who it was. A man that tried taking the ship and the women for himself. He was Eric the whirlwind and he made his second mistake in as many hours. "Now I'm really mad" he chuntered, "time to sink this damn ship, hope you are good swimmers", he said as his fingernails extended as he planned to cut merry in half.

Unfortunately for him Nami appeared infront of the railing and casually swept his legs from under him sending him crashing into the torrent and his certain doom. Nami walked back to her position at the helm, she slapped her hands together in the classic, that's that done fashion. Luffy laughed at her making her giggle too.

In the back of her mind, she was thinking about Eric's devil fruit that should spawn in their fruit supplies in around five minutes, if he did indeed die. She made a mental note to check once they had descended down the other side and into the Grandline.

The crew finally hit the peak of reverse mountain but the temperature dropped dramatically. The staggering view temporarily blocked out the cold until a few seconds later at least. When their stay at the top came to an end gravity asserted its dominance once more dragging merry back in to reality as they began to descend back to sea level.

They picked up speed as they cascaded down to the twin capes that signalled the end of reverse mountain aswel as the entrance to the grandline. After what felt like an eternity they splashed down to the beautiful blue sea.

They all breathed a sigh of relief, they had made it to the start line of the real adventure. The euphoria soon died with the next words to come out of Usopp's mouth,"Guys I dont want you to panic but there is a huge mountain sized whale blocking our path and we are heading right for it!".

Before anybody could mutter a word Luffy crouched down and placed his palm flat on merry deck. "What is he doing?" Zoro asked. "Now we are in the grandline he can show a bit more of what he is actually capable of,just watch" Nami told her Nakama.

Luffy placed his hand on merry deck and closed his eyes in concentration. The crew were still none the wiser. As merry hit the giant whale she seemed to take on the properties of rubber. The bow sank back into the ship as it made contact, merry then began to move backwards gently, no sound, no damage and no issues.

Merry settled after a few seconds and now sat calmly on the surface again with the whale not even aware of them such was its size. They began to move around the huge beast to the crews relief. They finally made it past or so they thought, they for some reason were drifting back towards the whale.

"Zoro,Sanji drop the anchor now!", Nami yelled. The two blurred across deck and within seconds the anchor was dropped, another few seconds later they were brought to an abrupt, shuddering halt. For the second time in minutes they were saved from certain doom.

Around an hour later the strawhats left twin capes after meeting Crocus, lighthouse keeper of the twin capes and Laboons care, who explained the history of Laboon and the rumbar pirates. Luffy really wanted The island whale to join the crew but was dissuaded from asking him by the people onboard who actually engaged thought.

Luffy had promised Laboon that he would find out the truth about his friends and when the Strawhats came back around they would be able to tell Laboon what the fate of his friends actually was, this made Laboon extremely happy, so did the huge Strawhat Pirates flag now painted on his head.

They had their first heading, a place called whisky peak. Nami had brought out her grandline navigational devices known as log poses, they locked onto the magnetic fields of individual islands along a chain of seven possible routes. The chain they were set to follow had whisky peak as its first link in the chain.

Now all they had to do was work out what their two guests were really upto. Apparently they had been trying to kill Laboon for his meat as it would feed their island for years. They were an odd looking pair indeed.

One was an odd looking fellow wearing a crown with the number nine tattooed on his face either side of his nose, he was wearing a garish green suit with an orange cravat.

His partner was a stunning young lady with gorgeous bright blue hair and a beautiful svelte figure with everything where it should be. She differed from the Male as she had an air of reality surrounding her. Luffy had already established that they were trying to get food for their home town but He knew there was more to it than they were willing to tell.

He decided to let it go for now, he would definitely be asking more questions in the near future.

Betty then got everyone's attention, she started talking about the things they would need for the grandline,"Nami could you get my supply chest please?", she asked the navigator. She nodded and left to grab the packed chest. Five seconds later the chest was dropped at Betty's feet.

She opened the chest and took out a wooden box, which she opened to reveal twenty small black snails, "these are den den mushi or as we call them dark transponder snails as the black ones were untraceable. All you have to do is feed it a bit of food and dial in the number of the person you are trying to reach, each of these has Luffy and Nami's numbers on the bottom, this will be how we find each other if we get seperated", she explained.

Each den den mushi took on the appearance of it's new owner, Sanji's for example had Swirly eyebrows and the same hair, Usopp's had a long nose and sniper goggles while Zoro's wore a bandana with three earrings.

Each Nakama was given one and ordered to treat them well as they were living creatures afterall. Then she took out a tiny box no bigger than three square inches, she opened it and took out half a dozen little white squares each no bigger than two inch with Luffys name on, "these are vivre cards and they are linked to captains lifeforce. They are an infallible way to find Luffy should the need arise".

She gave a quick demo of how the life paper worked. She made sure they understood what burning edges meant, Luffy might seem invincible to them now but they were yet to see the monsters that would make Luffy seem like a complete novice. He had the strength but the monsters in the new world had strength too and decades upon decades of experience to back it up.

She placed the box of snails back gently into her chest and pulled out another box, this one was more like a briefcase. She sat it on top of her chest and opened the lid, Gasps could be heard as the contents were revealed. Inside was sixteen green blades with gold handles, they looked like mini katana, all ten inch long and wonderfully crafted.

"Dont ask me where I got these from", Betty said with a grin. "Wow they are beautiful, said the resident swordsgeek. "They are Zoro, incredibly sharp too. These blades are in case you come across a devil fruit user, they are Kairoseki a high density composite that is formed deep under the ocean and is very hard to come across. The marines use it for handcuffs to restrain fruit users and it is used in the weapons high ranking marines use".

She continued, " these blades emit the same frequency as the ocean, if you cut or stab a devil fruit user it will have the same effect as throwing them in the ocean, they will lose their powers. But just like everything else a tolerance can be built against it. The marines even use it to coat the hull of their ships to cross the calm belt safe from attack by Sea kings".

Betty gave each Nakama a blade and told them to put them either somewhere easily accessible, like where Nami had hers in an upside down Chevron below her bust or somewhere hidden, like the small of your back.

She was done with the gifts and it was the captains turn to speak, "Everyone make sure to take care of what Betty just gave you, you know how important they could be in the future. We must be ready at all times, even when we sleep".The crew nodded at the statement/order.

Luffy continued, "I want you all to try and keep your observation up to the best of your ability, I know it's difficult but it does get easier over time. One more thing, if you face a foe you cannot beat, retreat or do anything you can to stay alive, if you die today you cannot fight tomorrow. You guys are the only thing that keeps this smile on my face, I have no intention of stopping smiling anytime soon". They all laughed at that but took its meaning deadly serious.

"I just have one more thing to say, Let's eat I'm starving, Sanji meshi!". Luffy finished as Sanji stood up "Aye captain", he said as he entered his kitchen. Soon after wondrous aromas started seeping our through the cracks.

Sanji whipped the door open, "Ladies your dinner is served, idiots there is probably just enough scraps for you bums", he had a wicked smile on his face as he said it. They all knew their own meals would be to die for.

Luffy turned to their two guests, "oi you two come get some food, Sanji's food is the best. Try anything and you will be thrown overboard, capich". They both nodded and said "capich" before they followed him into the kitchen. What they saw was a spread fit for a king, the most divine culinary cuisine she ever saw and she was a princess.

She didn't quite understand how pirates could dine so well, but she was very hungry as it had been almost two days since the duo last ate.

Luffy was thinking about the little fact Betty had brought to his attention, important information about the blue haired girl. Luffy being Luffy, decided to have some fun with it. "So vivi, how long have you been a bounty hunter?", he asked.

Without even thinking she replied, "about two years now, was short on funds so I decided to look for work, found a job as a bounty hunter with my friend here been doing it ever since", she answered.

Mr nine died inside, he knew her story was what she stated it was but she had still not realised the name she answered to when Luffy asked her the question. He looked at the crew, they all knew and were chuckling at the ditzy princess.

Luffy maintained his composure and asked her another question. "Why would the princess of Alabasta need more funds?", he asked with his head slightly tilted in mock confusion.

Vivi instantly stopped chewing her food. Fear set in as she realised what an idiot she is. The poor girl had no idea where to look or what to say, she had no idea what would happen next. She just told a Pirate crew that she was a princess, granted they didn't seem like bad people but she knew pirates and they could be evil.

When she finally did look back up for some reason her heart warmed. Four of the crew had stars in their eyes, ( Luffy, Nami, Usopp and Sanji ), in hope it was true.

Vivi then looked at her partner who just shook his head fondly a wry grin on his face. "They are strong princess all of them, the old man said so and you saw how the captain manhandled that island whale. I think you should tell them, they really dont look like they are gonna harm you. I mean, those four look like kids at Christmas, hes not even awake".

She could not fight the giggle that escaped her mouth. But Mr nine continued, "Maybe they can help or maybe they wont, either way we have failed our mission and we have no options or the luxury of time".

"Alright", she said quietly. She braved herself and looked at Luffy, he at least had the courtesy to take his hat off and set it in his lap. He knew he wasn't gonna like this so he grabbed Nami's hand to keep himself calm. An ability only she had.

As the beautiful young princess began to pour her heart out the crew rapidly found themselves burning with rage, how could a Kingdom be brought to ruin so effortlessly and so callously by one man as he enjoyed the protection of the world government.

As vivi finally finished her story she looked at the crew with tired yet hopeful eyes, beautiful eyes that should be sparkling. Luffy stood out of his seat and walked over to her and stopped no more than a foot away,"stand up" he said as he towered over her. She was confused but did it anyway.

Luffy closed the gap and wrapped his arms around her as he pulled her into his chest. She felt his warmth, no not warmth, heat. It was intense but it did not burn, it soothed and calmed. She could feel herself being reinvigorated and inspired. She felt another pair of arms wrap around her and a soft body pressing into her from behind.

She tilted her head to see who it was but all she could see was long orange hair. She relaxed as one set of arms after another embraced her and enveloped her in light and hope. She cried so hard as she finally had an Avenue for release.

Then she heard a whisper, "Of course we will help you, what you needed was friends. After we defeat this Warlord and free your country, you will be our friend vivi". "Thank you Luffy, Thank you so much", was all she could sob out, when her legs wanted to give out the hands around her stopped her from falling.

Even Mr nine was pulled into the hug, he was also booing his eyes out.

Vivi actually fell asleep and the tears finally stopped. The crew moved away so Luffy could carry her to a bed In the womens quarters, she was exhausted mentally and physically. Even while she slept the feeling of hope was restless and it swelled inside her, unabated.

Luffy would sleep in the mens room until they reached alabasta, instead of sharing the ladies quarters with his lovers like he normally did. The crew would just relax for the rest of the day so Vivi could rest in peace. Before they went to bed Sanji surprised them by bringing an empty barrel on deck.

"What is that for Sanji?", Luffy asked his chef.

Sanji smiled at his captain, "Since it is our first day in the worlds craziest seas, we should make it official, all we do is put our feet on it and declare our dreams ". Sanji placed his foot on the barrel, "to find the All Blue"

luffy smiled back and placed his foot next, "To be king of the pirates".

Nami placed her foot next to Luffy's, "To map the world and see Luffy become the Pirate king".

Betty placed her foot at the other side of Luffy's, "to see the world government crash and burn".

Zoro placed his foot next to Nami's, "to be the world's greatest swordsman".

Last but not least was Usopp, "to become a brave warrior Kaya would be proud of".

Sanji spoke again "for our dreams, on three. One, Two, Three, For Our Dreams!". They raised their heels and slammed them back down turning the barrel to splinters as they cheered. Luffy decided to add another reason, "For Vivi!", he shouted. The crew smiled before they all repeated it together, "For Vivi!".

The blue haired princess, who was fast asleep unknowingly had a beautiful bright smile on her face. The smile of light and the smile of a future Queen, the strawhats would ensure she would be the only one to rule Alabasta, for decades to come.

Four days of hellish training later. "We should arrive at whisky peak in a couple of hours max" Vivi told the navigator, she had made the trip on more than one occasion so Nami had zero reservations in trusting the directions she gave.

Vivi was very impressed with Nami, she had steered them through danger many times already simply by making great decisions based on finely tuned skills and senses. How she could sense changes in atmospheric pressure just by feeling the conditions on her skin, was quite something To behold.

Betty was equally impressive, she was a hub of info and knowledge and just as strong as the navigator but with much more experience. Vivi was like a new person so bright and bubbly. She was also very intelligent and now her mind was at ease she could be herself, her beauty was radiant as it should be.

She had loved the last four days even if the training was hell. They were all amazing people with unshakeable conviction, morals and willpower in abundance. Mr nine had also enjoyed being treated like a friend instead of a potential threat. He was taking part in training sessions and could feel himself growing steadily stronger.

The son of a bitch had surprised everyone, he was just as flexible as Sanji. As you could imagine Sanji landed a couple of heavier blows accidentally on purpose. He used two steel bats as his primary weapons and was quite good with them.

Vivi was equally flexible but was no powerhouse, she was quick on her feet though. There were still many variables and many things could change before she made it safely home, not that her home was at all safe right now. Training allowed her to focus on other things.

Vivi told Luffy about what usually happens to pirates at whisky peak. The big fanfare welcome, followed by the party where you eat and drink yourself unconscious. Both consumables laced with sedatives and narcotics, you would then be tied up and handed over to the marines and then they collect any attached bounties.

Two hours later that was exactly what happened as hundreds of people lined the docks like happy wives seeing their returning from war lovers. The Strawhats would not fall for such a simple ruse, not now, not anymore. However, Luffy ordered them to enjoy it and let it play out, stating "it will be fun".

And fun it was. Luffy almost singlehandedly ate the island out of it's already semi barren stocks. The alcohol the island was famous for fared no better as Zoro, Nami and Betty were taking on all challengers in their drinking contest.

Usopp regaled the town with his fantastical stories of his adventures through the world he actually destroyed and rebuilt with his own bare hands, everyone of the seven children watchingwere completely engrossed.

Sanji was surrounded by women hanging on his every word as he explained the way he made his delicacies and his extensive knowledge of wines. some were even taking notes from the blonde so they could try them for themselves. One woman in particular took a liking to him, they eventually settled into a conversation only they were privy to.

As the night went on it was time to passout/rest. Sanji said his goodnights to the older blonde by giving her a kiss on the cheek, he bowed before he took his leave. She looked sad knowing what would happen next.

Nami and Betty had been watching the interactions between Sanji and the blonde lady, "much better" they said to eachother before they went and snuggled up to Luffy who was already zonked out without a care in the world.

Zoro was still drinking but decided his current would be his last, he downed it and got comfy. Zoro would never switch off in a place like this but he played along.

Now that all the crew was passed out or sleeping the residents knew it was time to move to phase two of their well practised plan, it was time go tie them up and claim their bounties. However, they were surprised that they could not find any attached bounties which led them to believe the crew was weak.

Vivi however knew different, bounties dont dictate strength and she had seen just how strong they were "I would strongly advise against following through with the plan, the pirates in there are strong, especially the captain. I've witnessed firsthand over the last four days how strong they are", she spoke in a serious tone.

Igaram found it hard to believe what the princess was saying, "they cant be that strong princess, they are from east blue" he said. Vivi countered instantly, "The pirate king was from east blue igaram, Garp the hero too. They have only just begun to sail and the captain already agreed to help Alabasta" she said to igarams shock.

"What!, they already agreed to help us?" igaram asked.

"Yes they have, for some reason I have no doubt they or at least he can take down Crocodile". Before igaram could dig deeper a voice was heard, scaring the residents of whisky peak stiff.

"I'm insulted that you thought we would fall for such an obvious trap, Baroque Works, I would happily take you all on by myself. You are not even worth my captains time, hell your not even worth my time", he finished with a maniacal smile. Before anybody could question him about how he knew their name another voice spoke up.

This time it was the captain himself, " We know who you are, now you know we know who you are this is what will happen instead. We are going to leave this place and take Vivi home and crush your boss, the Warlord crocodile". By the looks on their faces they truly had no idea who their boss was.

"Sir Crocodile is Mr 0, I don't believe it " said one among many voicing their shock horror.

Another voice entered the conversation from off to the side as two figures walked out from between two buildings. " It looks like we will be involved in a massacre today miss valentine" said a black man with short spiky dreads, "Kyaaah, it looks like you are right Mr five" she replied cockily.

Mr five wore a long dark trench coat, black boots and a pink cravat and dark shades, while miss valentine wore a short yellow sundress with white small heeled pumps with a yellow bonnet, her outfit and parasol were covered in lemons. Both were high ranking members of Baroque Works called number agents.

"Who the hell are you two and what do you want" Luffy asked the pair.

After a quick exchange of words Mr fives arrogance got the better of him as he pulled out his revolver and breathed into all five bullet slots in the barrel before flicking it shut, he then pointed it at Vivi, "you are the most important target so you will be first princess".

Luffy said only two words, "Zoro, Sanji". Vivi looked at Luffy , "they both have devil fruits" she said in concern. "We know, the bomb bomb and the kilo kilo if I remember correctly, which I always do, it's kinda my thing" Betty told the princess.

Nami smirked at her friend, wasn't that the truth she thought.

Before Mr five could even get off a single round, his weapon was sliced in half and his hand was removed. He looked upon the face of a blood thirsty demon. This demon spoke simple words, "you dare to point your weapon at our Nakama, you suffer the consequences. Mr five had no time to register the pain that was setting in as his alarm bells were ringing.

He looked to his right just as a flaming black shoe impacted his jaw, that action would be his last alive. The force of the livid chef's kick broke his neck and damn near took his head off before he impacted the ground, cratering it to a depth of eight inches, he was dead before his fruit could activate.

"never threaten a woman in my presence, it is a death sentence", Sanji said coolly lighting his cigarette and taking a drag.

Zoro smirked at him, "you always have to go one step beyond eh swirlybrow?", he joked. "Damn right mosshead, anything you do I will do better" he replied with a grin of his own.

Miss valentine was stood as still as a root as she processed the death of her partner, if he was useless against them she would be more so. She could of collapsed when Luffy's eyes landed on her, if they were that strong how strong was the captain.

"That just leaves you little lovely, your not going to repeat his mistake are you?" he asked. She shook her head and squeaked out a "Nope". "Good, then listen up, all of you!". She could not run even if she wanted to, she had nowhere to go. When Crocodile learned of her failure she too would become hunted.

Luffy smiled, " what happens now is we will continue to Alabasta and do what Vivi requested of us, you all will wait here until we contact you and inform you we are done. When we are done you will all travel to Alabasta and become Vivi's personal guard and you all will help her rebuild and fix the damages your organization caused".

He wasn't finished yet, "you will dedicate yourselves to protecting Alabasta, it's people and your future queen and return Alabasta to what you all know it should be. You will all be trained and given the tools you need to keep the future Queen safe. You will all be given residence and whatever you need to live happily".

"Vivi will be a happy princess and in turn a great Queen. If you want in stand to the left, if you want to remain our enemy move to the right, you have sixty seconds starting now".

Sixty seconds later everybody was stood on the left except one. Miss Valentine, who was stood in the same position. Luffy looked her way as she spoke quietly, "How can we be sure you can defeat a warlord when we have never seen you fight and none of your crew have bounties?".

Luffy smiled at her, " we dont have bounties yet, but we will. If it puts you at ease I will show you some of my power". He pushed off his left foot and shot two hundred feet straight up. At the Apex of his leap he drew his fist back as it turned a blackish red while deep red and purple sparks of Haki danced around it. He called out gear third as he bit into his left thumb. His arm inflated to the size of a giants, before the size transferred into his right arm. He unleashed his attack as he roared "Gomu Gomu no -Giant Kings Pistol".

His giant fist rocketed forward travelling the near six hundred metres to the tallest peak on the island. His fist stopped about thirty metres from the branch that protruded from the main mountain. The force from the blow travelled and impacted the branch. An incredible boom rocked the mountain forcing all to cover their ears.

For almost two seconds nothing happened until the branch blew out from the opposite side the force impacted, peppering the mountain beyond and even the ocean beyond that with debris as the rest of the branch collapsed unable to carry the weight of what was left.

Luffy landed in the exact position he started from looking completely normal. Even most of his crew were stunned, that was the first time they had seen him perform relatively comparable feats as they witnessed from Mihawk. Luffy looked at miss Valentine who was already stood with her new friends.

"Will that do?, or do I have to take it up a notch?", he said as he prepared to show his hybrid form. "No that will be fine thank you" the lemon lover replied peeking over dozens of Former Baroque Works agents.

"Damn that was way more powerful than the last time I saw it" Nami said as she sidled upto him, trying to hide the lust in her eyes. Luffy looked at her, "I'd be pretty pissed if it hadn't got stronger in the last year,shishishi" he responded to his navigator.

Betty noticed how they trembled, probably thinking they were trading one monster for another, "there is no reason to be scared, hes nothing like Crocodile" she said as she swung her arms in a horizontal arc, a wave of positive energy slammed into them, they instantly felt rejuvenated as their fight returned to their bodies and fear left.

Nami looked at Luffy before whispering, "I'll be back in a few minutes, need to check something so keep everybody here please, I'm bringing them a gift".

"Okay Nami but dont be too long, I miss you" he said with a fake pout. "Give it a rest you soppy bugger" she replied.

"But its tru- A light slap to the back of the head cut him off mid sentence as Betty walked past, "you heard what she said" she muttered as she walked back to merry with Nami, they both turned to look at his real pouting face both giggling.

'You will both pay for that later' he said to himself. Both women began to walk faster as his pout was replaced by a mischievous grin.

Back at the ship Nami told Betty what she wanted to find, even though she already knew. They set out and began searching each and every home on the island. Nami checked where she thought it might be but no sign of it.

Around ten minutes later Betty appeared at Nami's side and held out her hand, "I do believe i found what you were looking for" she said in a teasing tone having found it first.

"Yes!" Nami chirped as she hugged her fellow beauty, "I just wanted to find it before anybody else did, maybe a Nakama would want it" she explained. Betty smiled at her again. "I think Mr sniper would be able to use it well, it would give him the firepower he needs to compliment his skills" she suggested.

"Betty you are a genius, if Usopp had the ability to cause huge explosions or even small ones with the blatant skills he has with his slingshot". Nami stopped dead as a thought crossed her mind. "Maybe he doesn't use a slingshot anymore Betty, what if he used these instead" , she drew her gold revolvers.

Betty smiled again, "you say I'm a genius Nami, that would definitely take him up a couple of notches. I think he will love the idea, he doesn't swim much so I think it would be a great direction for him to go in", she finished.

"Come on let's go back and see if he wants it and these revolvers, I'm sure he could modify them if he wanted to, I'm gonna ask him if he can make sheathes for our blades too I'm sure he wouldn't have an issue with that, right".

"Sounds good but can we go back to the ship first I'm all sweaty and wanna get changed" Betty said earning a nod from Nami, she grabbed Betty's hand and they vanished.

Back with Luffy and the crew, the Strawhats had learned that the residents of whisky peak were in a pretty dire situation, the food they had given to the strawhats was literally all they had left and what Vivi told them in regards to hunting Laboon was indeed true.

The reason was a simple one, Captain Smoker, he had caught every pirate crew that made the mistake of stopping at his island. The traffic of low level crews with small manageable bounties they could claim had all but dried up.

They had taken in only three million beri in the last two years from the sale of alcohol the island and its residents were famous for. Three million divided by well over a hundred people over two years left them with virtually nothing. The vast majority were born and raised on whisky peak, their loyalty to their parents and grandparents traditions was slowly killing them.

Sanji being a thinker had come up with an idea. "What if after we defeat Crocodile you moved your entire operation to Alabasta?, I'm sure Vivi would welcome the business. Plus their would be a couple million customers that would be living happily again, there is only one thing people want after bad times, good times!", he said taking his customary drag.

One of the elder residents spoke up at the idea,"in a business sense it could be a potential goldmine especially with the support of the Royal family, it would also generate high taxes that could be pumped back into the kingdom, we have a lot to think about", said the old time as he stroked his beard.

Vivi stepped forward, "I think that is a wonderful idea Sanji-kun" she said as she hugged the blonde. He of course relished the praise from a beautiful young princess, who wouldn't.

The residents had a couple of weeks to prepare everything to be transported, but first they would need to dismantle their entire setup.

Sanji and Zoro spent the next hour catching large fish for the island, they had the means to store perishables in large quantities so the two rivals made it a contest to see who could catch the most in sixty minutes.

While they battled it out Luffy called everybody to his position next to Merry, when they were all gathered Luffy stepped back and Vivi stepped forward.

She began, "I promise each and every one of you that a better life awaits you all in Alabasta, but I ask for your patience too. The brewery idea suggested by Sanji has my full support and I wish I could support it financially but unfortunately right now I cant offer such assurances, but Nami here will aid in the transportation of all the equipment and structures connected to the brewery".

Once she finished her short speech the residents all thanked their future Queen and offered their prayers that everything would be fine once they reached Alabasta and the new lives they would lead.

When they were finished Vivi stepped back and Nami stepped forward, dropping a sack infront of the natives. "There is twenty million beri in that sack, it is to buy all the supplies you will need for your new roles and lives in Alabasta, materials, weapons etc etc. You should have plenty of food to last a few weeks thanks to the idiots at war".

She walked upto igaram, "this is for you to protect, both Luffy and my numbers are on the bottom, I'm sure you already know how they work". He nodded that he did before thanking her. "if you need anything dont hesitate to use it if you need to". She finished and stood back at Luffy's side.

Vivi took his number while igaram took hers, that way they could talk directly to eachother with out people getting involved. She asked him not to contact her til after the first time she contacted him, just for safety reasons. He obviously agreed to his princess wishes.

As the crew were boarding Merry Mr nine approached Vivi and told her he would like to stay and help the natives with their preparations to relocate to the sandy island.

Vivi didn't want to leave behind her best friend, the one daily constant in her life for the last two years but it was his choice though and of course she respected it. They hugged eachother tightly as tears were shed by both.

With their farewells done the Strawhat Pirates set sail again. The logpose was set and their destination confirmed so they travelled onwards.

It was still early morning so Sanji decided to make a slap up all you can eat breakfast to refuel them for the day, sometimes there was nothing better than a greasy fry up in the morning and Sanji did not do things by half.

While they ate breakfast they spoke about what would be the best course of action to use in regards to taking down a Warlord and stopping a war. It was a short discussion as the captain decided the best way to do it was good old brute force via front door. That settled that then.

"Did you guys really expect anything else other than a raid?" Zoro said laughing at how predictable his captain was.

"Not really, maybe there is a peaceful way to settle this we dont know about yet" Vivi said optimistically clutching at straws.

"Are you willing to leave it to chance Vivi-chan?" Sanji asked. Before she could answer he continued, "Crocodile will get what's coming to him and we will take care of the rest", he smiled at her as he spoke she quickly matched it, adding "doesn't look like I have much of a choice does it".

A loud "Nope!" came from Luffy's direction as he continued to wage war on the piles of bacon and sausage infront of him. Sanji told him to slow down or he would choke on it as he made his way to make more.

"We grow stronger daily so we can face these challenges head on Vivi, we are still pirates or did you forget already" Luffy added with a grin.

She laughed, "How could I forget that, with the constant reminders of how crazy and unorthodox you all are". "Vivi you are just as crazy as we are my love" Betty threw back at her causing the blunette to laugh harder, "I was sane until I met you lot" she added getting laughs from the crew.

Nami decided now was the perfect time to ask a serious question, "Taliking about growing stronger, would any of you consider eating a devil fruit if we got our hands on one that suited you?" she asked.

Nobody had anticipated such a question, thus nobody had an answer except one, Sanji. "No" he said. Nami asked him why not, she had an idea of his reasons though.

Sanji explained, "My dream is to find the All Blue and when I do find it I intent to fish those waters and explore, learn and enjoy it. To create amazing new dishes with the fish I catch with my bare hands, when I finally return to Baratie to tell the old geezer that he was right all along in creating our shared dream I hope that before he leaves this world just maybe we could swim it together. Eating a devil fruit would destroy that instantly".

The crew and Vivi all smiled fondly at the chef, how could they argue against such beautiful reasoning.

Except two, Zoro. "it is not even something I would consider until I beat him. Once I become the greatest with my own power, skill and determination, once there was no doubt I earned it and am worthy of it, then i would be open to the idea. It would have to be a strong one that suited my style and my status as the greatest in my chosen profession. Nobody could argue with his reasons either.

Except three, Usopp. "Yes I would eat one, I genuinely believe I would need one the further we go. I'm not Zoro or Sanji or even a close quarters fighter really, so anything that could help me do more damage and help bridge the gap to closer combat i would be an idiot to not consider it seriously". The crew again nodded at the honest and sound reasoning offered.

While Vivi was not a full member of the crew she was an honorary member, so the question was also posed to her. She found all eyes were on her but they were not judging looks they were more curious.

She sighed before speaking, "I honestly dont know, if it would help me protect my people, like Usopp said I'd be a fool not to consider it". Again the crew understood the honest reasoning.

Nami then looked at Luffy, he smiled and nodded to her as he released her hand. She stood up and went inside to her stash chest. She returned soon after with two small wooden chests which she set down on the table, one infront of Usopp and the other infront of Vivi. Both parties looked unsure all of a sudden.

Nami sat down with a smile on her face as Luffy laced his fingers with hers, "You can open those whenever you are ready, before you ask questions read the descriptions on the notes I attached" Nami finished.

Usopp and Vivi looked at eachother trepidation was clear. They agreed to open them on the count of three. They both counted down, "one, two, three". They opened them up. They sat looking at the weird looking fruits for a few seconds.

Usopp's was the smaller of the two. It was about the size of a granny Smith apple, it was black with thin orange and red swirls covering the surface with the stem looking like the fuse of a cannon. The bomb bomb fruit, After reading its uses and attributes and weighing up the benefits of eating it he was sold. He could absolutely make this work with his slingshot, he already had thoughts about how he could use the buckets of sweat he shed daily thanks to his captains training as ammo.

Usopp picked up the fruit and brought it to his lips and took a huge bite.

Three people present waited for what comes next.

"Blleeuurrgghh, he shouted as he ran outside and leant over the railing to purge his stomach, once he was sure it was out of his system he went back inside. He looked completely normal as he sat down. "You bastards, you could have warned me!".

Vivi was mortified, "Usopp, what's wrong?" she asked.

"What's wrong Vivi, that was the single most disgusting thing I tasted in my entire life, it tasted like million year old sewage Vivi".

"Was it really that bad Usopp?" Sanji asked.

Usopp looked at Sanji with a serious look on his face. "Sanji, if I ever wanted to insult you to such a degree where your only option was to take my life as a result of what i said, i would simply say that everything you have ever cooked tasted like a damn devil fruit, that's how bad it tastes!". Vivi would swear down she could already taste it.

Zoro spoke wise words to Usopp, "Remember what you can do now Usopp, Learn to control it as fast as you can, you cant do much while on merry, but you could destroy her instantly. Once you can control it you can learn to use it".

Luffy added his own bit, "We will get some training done as soon as we get enough time on dry land, I'm the only one who can help you right now. Your explosions will have no effect on me because of my second fruit ability". Usopp thanked his captain and Zoro.

After getting her breath back Nami let out a sigh of relief, that was one down, now it was Vivi's turn. She apologised to the sweet princess in advance.

All eyes shifted to Vivi, who wanted to hide away but she wouldn't hide anymore. She read the note and had to admit it seemed to fit her well and had great potential. if she could use it in conjunction with some of the techniques she had seen the crew using or learning to use, especially the wind blade one. Zoro and Sanji seemed to focus a lot on this technique.

Then there was the potential of using it with her peacock slashers, she had been training with them since childhood and was very adept with them. She brought it to her lips already dreading the taste. She looked at it, it was the same shape as a pear but larger and instead of swirls it had leaves that looked like curved blades of grass but silvery blue over the white skin.

"For Alabasta" she said in an even tone as she bit her own chunk out of it. Exactly the same reaction as Usopp, when she came back in she looked normal. "You bastard Usopp, it was way worse than you said it was, genuinely thought I was gonna die. I would never insult your food to that degree Sanji by comparing it to the taste of devil fruits that would be going way too far". She finished her rant and sat back down to eat something edible.

"Now never forget this you two. You are not invincible by any means, you could die in the bath quite easily. Remember there is always somebody out there willing to prove your vulnerability and take your life and you powers, where we are going our powers are much more common than in any of the blues". Luffy said, in a tone they could not argue with.

"Now we have two new devil fruit users onboard which means Zoro and Sanji you two are now the ones responsible for fishing the idiots out of the water when they eventually jump in" Betty said.

Luffy got everyone's attention again. "Now that is sorted, Nami can you please bring in our guest, I would love to know why she is on my ship". Nami nodded and vanished.

A second later she appeared infront of Luffy, she was holding the arm of a woman with black hair, wearing a sexy purple cowgirl style corset and skirt outfit that showed off her trim tummy and barely contained bust aswel as her long barely covered legs. A long matching coat, knee high boots and cowboy hat sat on her head finished off the outfitit.

Was she pretty?, no. She was absolutely stunning, she even made Nami feel a little bit conscious of how she looked. Nami's other hand held one of her blades against her belly, with the flat of the blade pressed against her perfect tanned skin. She looked weak and unsteady. The reaction meant she was a fruit user.

Usopp and Vivi took note of how weak she looked just by seastone touching her bare skin.

"So at least we know you are a fruit user, that's a start. You should start explaining why you are on my ship, before I consider you a threat to my crew. Once I consider you a threat to my crew you are as good as dead". Luffy said with his hat shading one eye. The woman could see hell burning in his visible eye, the image burned itself into her mind.

Nami led her to the chair at the opposite end to Luffy, She asked her to take a seat and get comfy as they had a lot to discuss. "Dont try anything, it wont end well for you. Be nice and we will all get along, you just sit there, look fine and answer questions" Nami said. The woman noticed Namis hand was a black colour as she put her blade away and then it faded.

Nami then disappeared and was instantly at Luffys side. He let out a little bit of his spirit so the pressure hung in the air like impending doom. She felt the weight on her chest as she tried her hardest to keep her composure. She had never felt such an oppressive power before and it was all coming from the innocent looking monster sat not twelve feet from her.

She could only stare at the Strawhat wearing teen, she didn't even realise her eyes were all over him. Nami did though, she smirked as she filed it away for later. He had the air of a king, Her boss's aura was miniscule in comparison.

"When you are ready", she heard from the green haired swordsman.

"Oi, watch your mouth Marimo", Zoro was quickly reprimanded by his rival. "would you like something to drink my dear" Sanji asked in practiced fashion.

She nodded before replying, "yes, a very strong black coffee with a touch of vanilla if you have it, make it a large please I feel I will need it" She said. Sanji bowed and went to make it,"anyone else?" he asked. All nodded sans Zoro who already had his sake to his lips.

As the woman sat there she could only think of How the hell was she in this position, she only came to mess with them a little. 'well done Nico Robin, how are you going to get out of this one then?'.

That is chapter four done, hope you enjoyed.

I found it really hard to stop writing this one, I've been dying to get to Robin. Got very big plans for her.

Hope you like what fruits I picked for Usopp and Vivi. I was dead set on giving Usopp the mark mark fruit, the only thing that stopped me was I thought it would insult his skills as his accuracy was already as good as anyone. What he needed was firepower and stopping force, now he has it.

Vivi's I tried to match up with the skills she already had with the weapons she used in the manga. She will also become Queen of Alabasta in this story.

For anyone who wants to know what hybrid Luffy looks like, google Disturbed the guy. Luffy has the same look but his legs are the same as Lucci in his zoan form.