A Fruitless Start

by Apprentice of Life

Luffy started his journey on the East Blue but a twist of fate makes so he can't eat a devil fruit. How does this change shape the world? Join him on a new journey. 1st story.

13. The Good, The Bad And The Liar

A Fruitless Start

One Piece belongs to Oda.

Chapter 13- The Good, The Bad And The Liar

…..

She was adjusting their course for the next island while the guys were preparing their small ship, The Lil' Chaser, a small ship with only one personal room(for her to use), kitchen, a single sail and enough space for some training(not for her power) and a cargo hold that was pretty much full. Their first week as a pirate crew have been….. peaceful.

She was used to the hectic life of having to deal with taking care of a whole nation, compared to that going back to just navigation and treasure sounded easy. It helped that most of the sea had lost the truly dangerous pirates, Nami can remember that there are still pirates fighting other pirates and attacking marines while the rest ran for the Grand Line or tried to stay as far away as possible from their kingdom.

She could hear Zoro and Sanji fighting(or sparring, she can never tell with the two), all the while she keeps working on her map of the East, the search for a new ship still going. The plan was simple, go to every island that had no influence from the kingdom or was in general separated from the rest of the East and ask if they had any ship to spare….. It was Luffy's plan and besides filling her map she doesn't see much coming out of this but he agreed that once they run out of islands then they can go back and get a ship from the kingdom.

They could last a couple months on the sea, the kitchen was full and the(her) treasure was enough to pay for anything they needed AND a brand new ship. All that and the fact that they had plenty of islands that they could just pop in and be received as heroes pretty much allowed her to let Luffy do his thing and see where it would go.

Funny enough they have not made their jolly roger yet, the captain wanted it done once they had their official ship but he still said that they were pirates. They have done nothing pirate-like besides cut themselves out of any government but sure, anything that makes Luffy happy.

The noise of the fight was getting louder and she decided she can't work on a new map like this. Exiting her room she sees the collision of Zoro's new swords against Sanji's foot, the first still using Haki in his arms while the second has the full leg covered. Zoro still hasn't made any progress in using Haki in his swords but the new ones were way stronger than the common ones in the cargo.

Both were given to him(even if he insisted in paying when the owner of the store refused) in Loguetown and were two named swords: Yubashiri, one of the 50 Skillful Grade Meito, the heirloom of the owner of the shop nonetheless, it was a long katana with a black handle. It had a cross-shaped guard and a black lacquered sheath. The blade itself was normal in appearance and its pattern was midareba or irregular pattern. It was considered to be a very light sword. Though mostly black, the sheath and the handle both had thin yet elaborate gold designs on them. It was a beautiful sword in Nami's opinion and if Nami ever goes back to using weapons and decided to pick up swords that is the one she would want…. If she didn't get afraid of it breaking because of how much it actually costs.

On Zoro's other hand was the complete opposite in a sense, a blade that Nami wanted nothing with: Sandai Kitetsu, it is a moderately curved katana with a white edge and a distinct blue hamon that has the appearance of flames. Its tsuba is golden and shaped like a rounded cross pattée; the hilt is wrapped reddish-brown, with a golden clasp around its middle and a golden kashira pommel. The sheath of the sword is deep red and continues the design of the hilt, having two golden clasps in short succession around its middle, and the kojiri end cap also being golden.

Like the Yubashiri, Kintetsu is a Skilful Grade Meito, the same rank and arguably as good as the other, the problem is that it was cursed. How did Nami know that? Before Tashigi even explained to her where Zoro get the blades in their small visit to Loguetown(Luffy refused to leave the ship in that occasion but Zoro wanted to go there and the former King respected his wish) she got a sudden chill on her spine just looking at it, almost as if a hidden instinct was telling her that SHE was not to ever try to even touch that thing, it would be her death.

When she heard the story of the sword she wanted to beat Zoro up for getting something that dangerous, when she heard how Zoro dared the blade to cut him and it ended up missing she DID attack him and made him her target for training for days for how much suicidal he was even if he said that his will was greater than the sword's curse….. She tried to kill him the next day, twice. She also swore that the first man that ever gave her enough stress to give her a white hair is going to be stomped to death in her bull form.

Nami thought that the visit to Loguetown would give her something to laugh at since Zoro was in a 'relationship' with Tashigi(neither admitted it but Zoro said she didn't want it for her own reasons but she liked to tease them when she could, especially together). Instead she now knows how truly reckless Zoro is and lives in fear that Luffy is going to suggest something insane and Zoro will back him up... she needs more crewmates with common sense to outvote the two of them before they end doing another stupid thing.

"Sorry Nami-swan," Sanji takes her out of her musing, he loved to use suffixes that are common in certain islands to refer to women with affection, "this marimo just pisses me off."

"I didn't say anything to you today Ero-cook."

"Maybe I just hate your face Mosshead." And they clash again, Nami just shakes her head and goes to the front of the ship where Luffy was looking at the ocean.

"You know," she starts," we could already be on the Grand Line if you let us get a ship from the kingdom."

"Nah, I want us to have our own ship." His eyes start to shine like stars, "It is going to be the greatest ship of the sea and will take us to the Grand Line. Just you wait Nami, we will find that ship."

Let it never be said that Luffy wasn't an optimist, muses Nami. She swears that if he had no other choice he would have left Dawn island with a small boat and would still be able to pull some insanity off to reach his goals. "Fine by me anyway but sooner or later we will run out of islands."

"Hey, at least it is a lot to explore." He still is staring at the ocean but suddenly his smile grew, "LAND HO!" His shout brings the other two fighters to stop their fight and gaze at the horizon, there it was a new island, "Nami! Is that one of ours?"

The orange head stops for a bit to remember her maps before answering, "Nope. We have never been here and it is- was not a part of our kingdom." As far as she remembers anyway, by the location it couldn't be and her memory of the islands on this region told her it wasn't. "It was pretty much where we were going in the first place, we just have to move the wheel a bit."

"Yes! Zoro, the wheel, Sanji, pirate lunches. We are going to explore." Luffy orders and the two guys move to do it, Zoro may suck in directions but he doesn't need them on the sea, only when he is using his own legs.

"Nami-swan I will make you a special dish!" Sanji declares moving to the kitchen. Zoro just goes to his position ignoring Sanji for the time being because he knew that the cook would probably do the same for all just giving the bigger portion to Nami…. that she was going to eat because ever since she gained her power she developed a healthy appetite Luffy didn't even tried to steal from her anymore because he noted that she was eating way more. Her fruit also must have some kind of side effect because she can eat a lot but not get fat either, eating it may have been the best decision of her life.

"Adventure! Adventure! Adventure!" Luffy sings completely hooked in the idea of exploring the new place.

…..

"PIRATES! PIRATES! THERE ARE PIRATES COMING FROM THE COAST!" People hear the shouts and start to scramble in a panic hiding in their homes, picking their stuff to run or even gathering any weapons they could find to fight. Plenty were afraid and most were not ready for any kind of attack.

….But a few minutes passed and nothing happened, no pirates came charging from the coast and there was no sound of cannons…. the people of the Syrup village started to realize that there was no attack and that only meant one thing in their small corner of the world.

"USOPP!" "COME BACK HERE YOUR LIAR!" "WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU! THERE WILL BE NO MERCY!"

The target of the screams was laughing while he ran from the village with plenty of the inhabitants chasing after him, he was a teenager of average high, skinny, dressed in a brown jumpsuit,a bandana covering his black hair and goggles, however if someone was asked how to describe the young man they would start by his nose….. his really long nose.

Usopp was smiling while he ran away from his pursuers, from time to time he had to dodge a frying pan or another but in general he was in excellent form not being hit even once, "PIRATES ARE COMING!" He still shouted once in a while agitating more people. They chase him for a good ten minutes before the villagers grow tired or just give up.

"Damn…. him! Since when…. he got so fast?" Asked one of them exhausted.

"Maybe you should cut the ale a bit Oble." Told another smiling a bit.

"One day I will get him!" Declare Dida with her hands on a wall to avoid pass out on the ground.

While the villagers gave up their chase Usopp raced to a hill where he could see all of his home with a smile, "Another day and another job well done!" He declares, proud in voice and happiness in it's tone.

"CAPTAIN!" He hears a trio of voices and turns to see his three followers, kids from the village that were old enough to start exploring the world but young enough to see Usopp as an older sibling. They were Tamanegi, Ninjin and Piiman, the crew of the Usopp pirates.

Tamanegi was blond, use glasses and was covered in sweet, Ninjin had a orange hat with a jolly roger in it, white hair that covers his eyes and had so much that someone had to cut a hole in the hat to let some hair out and he could use it, the last one Piiman had black hair that looked like a pepper and was missing a tooth, unlike the first boy the other two looked way better but all three were agitated.

"CAPTAIN! THERE ARE DANGEROUS PEOPLE COMING FROM THE COAST!"...Well, shit, thought Usopp. Wait, what does they define as 'dangerous' in this?

"What do you mean? Were they pirates?" There is no need to panic yet. Maybe they were just armed traders, a bodyguard or something….. he prays.

"No, or I think not?" Tried to answer Tamanegi "I was looking at the clouds with my spyglass when I saw this guy with three swords coming in a boat. THREE SWORDS! THAT IS TOO MANY SWORDS TO BE A NICE GUY!"

Okay…. that is one sword too many, but they weren't pirates…. Usopp could try and call for the villagers again but there wasn't any guarantee that the newcomers were pirates, not many ships passed there for trade, "How big was the ship?"

"It was a small one, and had only one sail. I saw three guys and a girl, no one else!" Usopp had to give the kid credit, he delivered the report like a professional in his opinion.

"Let's go to the coast, you guys get the pirate flags I made. If those guys have the intention of harming our home we will send them packing!" Usopp cheered the kids, he was confident that he could trick anyone trying to attack the island if needed and worse comes to worse he could trust the three to run and warn the village of the trouble.

They moved as fast as they could, the kids raced to their headquarters(Usopp's house) to get the the long nose teenager raced to the coast. He really hoped that these were not pirates, he still needs to visit Kaya today so he has to move fast. The good side of all this is that he will have a cool story to tell her.

He arrived at the coast while the visitors were tying up the small ship, it looked too small to travel and really not special. There was no jolly roger in it and half of them looked like nice people while two, the swordsman and the blonde, looked ready for a fight against each other. Maybe they were just travelers with the two strong ones acting as bodyguards.

The other two didn't look rich or anything(which rich kid would be going around with a straw hat of all things) but what does he know? Kaya didn't act high and mighty because she had stuff but she was rich and a nice person. Usopp felt more calm and confident that these people were not going to bring any trouble and got ready to leave.

"Hey, did you all hear anything?" Asked the one with a straw hat and suddenly everyone else stayed silent and Usopp felt sweat in his face.

"I heard something too," said in a gruff tone the guy with the three swords. "Come out, whoever you are, If I have to go looking you will regret it!"

He said it louder and Usopp felt every bone of his body become jelly at the thought of that guy being mad at him, he really didn't want to get cut. Could he run? No! He was fast but he won't risk it! There was only one thing he could do! He stands proudly and starts.

"HEY GUYS! WELCOME TO GECKO ISLAND! I AM USOPP! THE GREAT PROTECTOR OF THIS ISLAND!" He makes a poise, pointing to himself and appearing as heroic as he can be. The visitors stand in silence looking at him and he feels his nerves acting up. "WHAT CAN CAPTAIN USOPP DO FOR YOU TODAY?"

"Captain? Weren't you a protector?" The girl of the group asks and he starts to sweat more.

"BUT OF COURSE! I AM THE PROTECTOR! THE GREAT CAPTAIN OF THE USOPP PIRATES! CAPTAIN USOPP!" Once he finishes his introduction he sees his followers waving his flag and he almost wants to shout to them to stop, that they were not pirates as far as Usopp could see.

"Who are those three kids then?" The blonde one asked moving his head to the direction that the younger group was.

"AH! THEY FOUND US!" "RUN!"

Well…. there they go! At least Usopp didn't say he had an army or anything, that would have been really embarrassing! "YES! THEY ARE MY APPRENTICES AND THEY ARE NERVOUS AROUND STRANGERS!" That was the best he could come up with for the time being. "NOW PLEASE! STATE YOUR INTENTIONS GOOD TRAVELERS! WHAT BRINGS YOU ALL TO THE GECKO ISLANDS?"

"You know you don't need to shout right?" Said the straw hat, "If you want, you can come down." Nope, Usopp is not doing that yet.

"I WILL GOOD TRAVELER! AFTER YOU STATE YOUR INTENTIONS!" After he is sure they are not dangerous, Usopp thought to himself.

"Well, we are looking for a ship!" The straw hat said, "Do you know if we can find one around here?"

"DON'T YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE?" Usopp asked, pointing to their own ship.

"Yes but it is too small and won't be able to take us where we are going."

Well….. what he can do now? Did their island even have a ship? He could say no but that would be a dick move even if he was sure there were no ships on his island and the only person that could have one was Kaya, he can even ask her later. "I DON'T KNOW…. I CAN CHECK!"

"Great, say do you know a guy named Yasopp?" Wait what? "You look a lot like he described his son, the name is also almost the same."

"You know my father?" Usopp tries to take a step closer but he forgot he was on a hill, making him fall and roll until he finally hits the ground in front of the visitors.

"You alright?" Someone asked but Usopp was not sure who.

"Urgh!" He tried to answer but the only thing that came out was the moans of pain.

"Hey, is there any place that we could talk around here?" All the hurt teenager could do was give a thumbs up.

…..

Kaya was in her bed keeping her head in her pillow to avoid feeling sick and vomit on the floor. Most of her days were spent like that, keeping herself awake but not doing any strenuous activity that could worsen her condition. Today was not one of this days but 'better safe than sorry' as some say.

She had no idea what she had, her sickness had been with her for so long that there was no memory of never having it. There are days that she felt great and could take on the world and others like she felt that just getting up the bed was the hardest thing to do at the point that she needed to be carried to the bathroom by either Merry or Khahadore, both of them butlers and that had worked for her parents and that now worked for her.

Rare are the days she can just get out the bed and do something, anything. Sure she feels fine at the moment but there were plenty of days that started great only to end with her being carried to her bed later.

There was a pharmacy in the village and she also received plenty of gifts from the villagers to help her get by even if she didn't need it, her parents left her a fortune and she never had to want for anything... except for her parents themselves or better health. She barely can remember her mother and her father was almost a blur in her memory, they both died in an accident, she can't remember the details but she remembers crying that day and the next.

"Miss Kaya? Are you awake?" Asked the man with black hair, glasses and dressed in a nice suit. He was tall, slim and had a face with fine features. This was Klahadore and he was bringing her a trail with her breakfast. "I didn't wake you up, did I?"

"No, it is fine." She sits in her bed taking away a bit of her blanket, she was slim and dressed in simple green pajamas, her blonde short hair was not that messed up because she didn't move that much while sleeping. "I was awake for a while now, thank you."

"It is no problem miss," he moves calmly closer to the girl and brings her meal to the bed, "here it is. Did you sleep well? Need anything more?"

"No, thank you!" She said after receiving the food, a good mixture of vegetables and fish, "I slept fine, I feel great today." Yes, today was one of her good days where she doesn't need to stay in bed all day, she would be able to do some exercise and maybe even a walk in the village.

"Miss Kaya, you may be feeling better but we still must be careful." The butler fixed his glasses with his palm, "I will talk with Merry to make some preparations for an outing, you must remember to be careful."

She nods, giving him a smile as she turns to her meal to start eating. The food was great, Merry always makes it with so much love and care, she has been eating this food for years but she never grows tired of it mostly because he tries to find new kinds of dishes to make for her.

Kaya looks to the side and sees Klahadore tidying up her room, he could be playful when he wanted but most of the time he was focused and serious in his duties. He used to play with her when she was younger but these days he was more….. controlled? Focused? Distant, yes that is the word she was looking for, distant.

"I will be back in a few minutes," he stands firm and moves to the door. "Finish your meal, we can leave right after brunch or maybe even a bit earlier if everything permits it."

"Thank you Klahadore." She almost rushes to eat faster and plan for her walk but Kaya needed to calm down, it would be annoying if she rushes and gets sick because of her rush. Not in her good day she won't.

He gives her a smile and leaves for the moment and she focuses on her meal. Today was going to be a good day, she thinks to herself. Kaya didn't have many opportunities to be excited because of her condition but there is always a cheerful mood to be found in the good days.

After she finished eating, Kaya put the plate on a small table to the side. There was a lot of energy inside her at that moment and she really wanted to go out already, part of it was the rush to do something different than what she usually does, see the village or just find someone new to talk to.

But she holds back, there is another thing that she can do to pass the time in her room, Kaya confirms it when she hears a knock in her window and moves to open it, "Usopp! Good morning!"

The boy had climbed the three and was at her level, "Kaya! How are you today?"

Usopp has been visiting Kaya for a long time now, telling her all kinds of stories to help her deal with her condition, "I feel great today Usopp! And how are you?"

"I am great, today some people arrived in our village and one of them knows my father!"

"That is amazing!" Kaya was happy for Usopp, the guy lost his mother and his father had left when he was little leaving him to pretty much feed for himself. "What did you learn?"

Usopp smiles knowing that she was getting ready for one of her stories, he comes everyday to her house to tell her all sorts of tales to help her fight against the boredom, "Right, let me tell you about the adventures of Yasopp, the greatest pirate in the seas."

Yes, today was going to be a good day.

…..

There were few people that Sanji could say he legitimately respects and it was not because of their positions or power.

It was their actions, if a person does a good action for the right reasons and under certain conditions he can say he respects that person. He can respect Luffy even if their first real meeting was….. complicated. The king turned pirate didn't know the damage Nami was in and after that he moved to fix his mistake by making the girl stronger. Sure he would prefer that she didn't fight at all but that's besides the point.

"So," Sanji says letting go of smoke in mouth, "he goes everyday to meet this girl and to cheer her up?" The trio just nods and with the chef adding another name to the list of people he can respect.

"Captain goes to the mansion everyday without fault," the boy with the hat, Ninjin, affirmed.

"Miss Kaya is super rich," the black haired one, Piiman remarked, "but she is always sick. That is why the captain goes there to lie, is just to help her smile."

The idea of a lady suffering annoyed him to no end but the fact that Usopp was doing what he could to help automatically puts the long nose on his good books. The newly formed pirate crew and the Usopp pirates moved to the biggest house of the island. The reason? They can ask for the ship themselves and see if they can help Usopp and his friend in any way.

The conversation was light and there were plenty of smiles going around, sure the situation of the girl was awful, being sick all the time, but she has a true friend at her side and that is something worth more than gold.

He moves to drop his cigarette and steps in it to avoid any risks, Sanji shall not bring anything that can harm the health of a sick lady.

Approaching the gate Nami asks, "How do we get in? Do we call them or….?"

The kids look at each other and shrug, "We don't know." Said Piiman.

"The captain just jumps the fence or climbs some trees." Tamanegi, Sanji's fellow blond, explained.

"Ah, we jump the fence then!" Luffy prepares for it but Nami immediately grabs him by the ear.

"No! Don't even think about it. We are going to do this the proper way or so help me god I will tear your ear off." Nami was not letting Luffy have his way this time and he couldn't escape her grip.

"But Nami-"

"NO BUTS! You would think someone would learn patience by being a ruler but you are still too impulsive," she lets go of his ear and he turns to look at her. "This girl is sick, okay? Let's avoid doing anything harsh." Luffy just nods at her request, she turns to Zoro who also nods.

"In big places like this there is generally a guard or a servant taking care of the gate," Sanji comments looking around, "but I see nobody here. Do any of you know the reason?"

"We don't know." Spoke the pepper haired boy. "The captain is the one that goes in every time…. he spoke about some of the butlers there once. A nice one named Merry and a bad one called Kara-something."

"How can someone maintain a mansion of this size with just two people?" Nami asked curiously.

"Hey! The gate is open!" Said Zoro, he had tried to open the steel gate and looked like he didn't put any effort.

"Well…. it makes sense, this is a small community after all," remarked Nami. The former thief continued," there are not many traders coming here and if you do steal something where would you go?"

"You are so smart Nami-swan!" Sanji did a small dance to praise the girl and the kids also looked impressed. Luffy and Zoro ignored the interaction, who were already used to it, are going in followed by the group.

Once they reach the door Luffy asks, "Do we knock? Think they will hear it?" Before anyone could answer they heard a shout of anger.

"YOU TAKE THAT BACK!" Immediately they moved, recognizing Usopp's voice. They find him glaring a tall man in a suit and glasses, the long nose teenager looked ready to murder someone.

"I will do no such thing." Said one of the butlers, he had looked at Usopp with contempt. "Why should I apologize about it? Your father is just a good for nothing pirate."

"Klahadore please stop at once! There is no need to act like this!" The blonde girl on the windom, probably Kaya, tried to control the situation but Sanji could see it was already getting way out of hand.

"WHY YOU BASTARD!" Before Usopp could do anything the chef moved getting in the front of butler, "GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

"Now now, calm down for a bit and look up. You are upsetting the lady." At his words Usopp looks up while Klahadore glares at him, Sanji can respect the dedication but there was no need to be rude.

"Say, do you have a ship!" Speaking of rude. Luffy was already jumping the gun, "If you do, can we buy it?"

"Ah?" The poor girl was completely confused.

"What my friend wants to say," Nami tried to calm her, "Is that we have the need of a ship and we heard that you have one. If possible we would like to buy it." She explained with the most soothing voice possible.

"You all are trespassing private property!" Klahadore declared, still looking ready to pick a fight with Usopp. "How did you enter? Where are the guards?

….

On a nearby hill, two well dressed men were having their lunch. They were the security guards of a certain mansion and were enjoying their break as it was warranted in their contract.

After all this village was so peaceful that they had no problems whatsoever in it leaving them confident that they could eat their lunch without worry.

…..

"The gate was open," Zoro said pointing behind him. "We saw no guards."

"It doesn't matter, none of you are welcomed here. I will have to insist you all leave!" He said, fixing his glasses with the palm of his hand. For a few seconds the tension in the air was thick enough that Sanji felt he could cut it with a knife, the kids didn't knew what to do with themselves, Nami was trying to think what to say but both her and Sanji were coming up short, Zoro just looked like he didn't care while the butler was ready to go in another-

"Why don't we talk about it during dinner?" Luffy finally said. The tension was still there but the focus of the younger girl had completely shifted.

"Dinner?" Kaya sounded curious and before anyone else could comment Luffy continued.

"Yeah! Food always helps me think and we can talk about the ship after Usopp and the Kara-something can solve their problems with food." Luffy lets out one of his goofy smiles, "Good food helps make everything better and Sanji here is the best cook in all the East Blue!"

Yes Luffy! Keep complimenting me in front of the ladies, thinks Sanji almost making Luffy his official wingman for life. He puts on his best smile and declares, "If it is allowed to me, I shall make a banquet worthy of a queen!"

"And why should we allow it?" Klahadore asks with a raised eyebrow, "We don't know you. We don't know any of you! Please leave before I am forced to use force!"

"Nah, there is no need for that," Luffy looks at Kaya and just smiles, "If you want us to go, just say it. If not I can promise that you are going to have the best food of your life, good company and maybe these two are going to learn to be nice with each other."

The girl still looked confused, there was a lot of doubt on her face and it was obvious that she was not used to this kind of situation.

"Come on! It will be fun! Almost like a party!" He continued.

"A party?" Suddenly it became clear to many there that the girl hadn't a proper party in a long while, sure she had some who cared for her but besides that she had only a single friend outside for company, and that was just the tip of the iceberg. How much she couldn't enjoy it because of her sickness?

"Yes! It is gonna be great! There will be all kinds of foods, the people will talk and- OH! We can also sing!" Luffy kept going and the girl looked more and more excited with all new ideas.

She may be rich but what is the point of money if you can't do anything with it? Kaya was interested, maybe out of curiosity or just the wish to do something different, nobody besides her could confirm or deny if all she wants is to do something new or just wanted to meet new people.

"Miss Kaya!" Klahadore calls for her to change everyone's focus to him, "You can't be considering this! They are strangers-"

"We aren't strangers," Luffy moved closer to Usopp and puts an arm around his shoulders, "we are Usopp's friends and I have still a ton of stories to tell about his father." He looks at Kaya again, "Don't you want to hear them?" He almost had her convinced, the indecisiveness had almost left her face completely, "Usopp's crew here can also tell you lots of things about him!"

"Deal!" Sanji knew Luffy didn't really understand how daming that sounded, Usopp did by the way he was sweating but there was no malice, Luffy probably just thinks that is a great idea for the girl to hear more about her friend.

With the owner of the house approval the butler backed down, he still hadn't apologized to Usopp but he guided them to the proper entrance, the place was neatly arranged with some paintings and good furniture, Klahadore took the group to a huge table with no chairs and a plant on it.

"You are now guests of this house and as such I expect some manner of decorum from all of you!" He turns to look at Usopp and the kids before looking at Zoro, "I will also have to ask that you leave your swords here and if anyone else has any other weapons to please place them on the table."

Luffy picked up his staff that was splited and placed it first, Zoro hesitated for a second but ended leaving his swords as well, with the exception of the Wado Ichimoji, "I am keeping this one."

"I must reiterate that you must give up all weapons." The butler said calmly but Zoro was not having any of it.

"It is more for personal reasons, besides…." Zoro gave a chilling smile to the butler, "If I wanted to use it there would be nothing you could do to stop me."

There was another standoff and Sanji knew that Luffy would let the swordsman handle this one way or another. That sword was precious to him and even Sanji knew that but he didn't know why.

Fixing his glasses Klahadore replies, "Very well but I promise you this: you try anything and I will make sure you regret it." Zoro nods, in respect.

Some of the kids put slingshots on the table but Usopp didn't move, he had no intention of doing anything the butler said and his face still had a scowl. Then there was a voice, "Klahadore there is no need to be so strict." It was another man in a suit, smaller than the first butler with white fluffy hair(?) and horns(?). His voice was calm and soft, "For now they are guests that will help entertain miss Kaya so let's try and avoid problems shall we?"

"I know that Merry but you can't blame me for being cautious," Klahadore spoke while fixing his glasses again, "There is no reason for us not to take precautions." He still was looking at Zoro and his sword but there was nothing that he could do about it in reality.

"Very well then…" the now identified Merry approached the group, "who among you will be my sous chef today? We have to start to work immediately to make a meal for this many people."

"You can count on me for this," Sanji steps forward, he had let him set knives on the Chaser but that was fine if the kitchen of the mansion was up to his standards.

Merry gives him a nod, "Then come with me. Klahadore, I am to suppose you won't help with the meal today?"

"No, I will keep an eye on them." While the black haired butler spoke he was looking directly at Zoro, completely forgetting Usopp, "But I will go and help set the table when the time is right."

Merry gave him a smile, "Try not to work yourself up too much." And moves to the kitchen with Sanji in tow, "I hope you really are the 'best cook of the East Blue'!" The man said with a small smile that Sanji returned.

"You will see, I will make a buffet that will knock everyone out." At that moment Merry stopped and looked at the blonde, his eyes serious.

"I would request that you tread carefully. Miss Kaya health is a delicate affair and here in this mansion I have always focused on the most balanced and healthy meals possible." There was determination in his eyes, he was serious, "If you have any intention of harming miss Kaya in any way, you and I will have words."

Damn he wished he could smoke in that moment, "I promise you this: I will never do anything that brings harm to a lady." The chef returned the stare to Merry and after a few seconds the butler gave him a nod accepting his words, "Besides I was the chef of the restaurant Baratie. Whatever the dishes you want made, tell me or just give me any approved ingredients you have and I will make sure you and everyone else will enjoy the best meal of their lives."

Merry paused to think for a moment and started to move to the kitchen again, "I apologize but I never heard of the 'Baratie' as you called it." Sanji almost felt insulted but this was a remote island, damn he hasn't even seen a port in the place yet, "But if you worked in a restaurant then you must have pride as a chef. I can't wait to see what you can come up with."

"You can bet your ass you can't wait," Sanji will be the first to admit his pride in cooking. " My name is Sanji and you should get ready to be blown away by the best meal you will eat in your life."

The white haired man let out a smile, "Can't wait." He extended his hand, "I am Merry, butler of this house." They shook hands and moved again.

The kitchen of the mansion was, in Sanji's opinion, the third best he worked on losing only to his old home and the palace. There were plenty of appliances but only one oven and sink, the house was big but the kitchen was small but it was well equipped.

He is going to need to pace himself to prepare enough for everyone, "Here is a list of all ingredients that we have."

"You keep that on hand?"

"No, but the miss said she wanted a party and it was my duty to see it as best I could!" The man's dedication impressed Sanji and the chef found another person to respect today.

Checking the list he saw plenty of vegetables and fruits in there, there were meats but in fewer types and there even the seasonings with the kinds of drinks that one could have…. "Tell me something, what kind of disease does miss Kaya have?"

At the question Merry smile faltered, he kept his composure but besides that he lost a lot of his cheerful mood, "The... Kaya started to feel weakness right after her parents died. It was small in the beginning, sometimes she just didn't want to leave the bed and other times she refused to eat." Merry sits in one of the chairs in the kitchen, "While all that was happening she had the saddest face I had ever seen. She didn't smile and her eyes…. they looked dead compared to the girl that once looked so bright and full of life."

Sanji started to separate the knives he was going to use and the meat to start the first dish, "And that affected her body?"

"Yes," the pain was evident on the face of the butler, "she just didn't want to do anything, her body started to get weaker and for weeks I…. I didn't know what to do. I was starting to get desperate."

Seasoning the meat he moved it to the oven before asking, "That is why the many fruits and vegetables? Since she doesn't exercise much you are trying to keep her metabolism up with good food?"

Merry nods, "It was the best I could come up to help. I called doctors, searched for medicine but in the end this is a small place and no one knew how to help."

"At least you tried to help, believe me when I say this but there are plenty of people in the world that would have left her for dead." The chef didn't want to dive in those old memories but he knew a thing or two about apathetic people.

"Maybe it would be better if some of her family members came here to visit or something like that but it is just us in the mansion; the miss, me and Klahadore." Merry lets out a sigh "It was hard but someday we could even make her smile and laugh…. but not for long."

There were plenty of vegetables to cut and he also needs to make extra meat, knowing Luffy will pick and eat his lunch during the party but the cook needs to make for the children and Usopp as well.

"Then Usopp showed up," speaking of the devil. "He was the thing that most helped in those times, his stories. They are lies sure but the kid knows how to tell them and he always tries to do his best to make sure miss Kaya is left smiling when he leaves."

"If he was being so great why not receive him more officially?" Sanji was busy preparing everything but to a cook of his skill there were no problems in setting stuff up and hearing the tale.

"Because he is a rufian and his father is a pirate!" Klahadore makes his entrance in the kitchen, fixing his glasses. He looks at Sanji's job and nods, "Looks like you are really a skilled cook, but please refrain from commenting on what is not your business. I don't trust that brat to be a good influence on the miss."

If his intention is to protect the girl Sanji can understand that but he completely disagrees with the methods, "Klahadore, please, there is no need to press our new friend here." Merry moves to get up to reassure him but the other butler just waves his hand telling that it was not needed. "What do you need my friend? I thought you were keeping an eye on things in the dining room."

"I came here to fetch some drinks, tea, milk and juice." He starts to go around the kitchen to get the needed materials to make the tea, Merry decides to help his companion while Sanji keeps dealing with the meals.

There was still some conversation going but the tone was more professional now that the other butler was present, he stayed enough to get the proper drinks and then left without ceremony, "Charming fellow that guy." Sanji couldn't help but comment.

"He may be a bit strict but Klahadore has been with us for almost three years now and in all this time he had focused in taking care of the young miss," he gets close to Sanji and whispers conspiratorially, "miss Kaya even got a new pair of glasses for him as a gift. Keep it secret though, she will give them herself in a few days."

The chef nods and goes back to work, "Even then he should be a little more considerate. Usopp is doing everyone a favor in trying to help Kaya." And out of the good of his heart no less, they may be friends now but before they were just strangers and Usopp still tried to help her.

"I agree with you but Klahadore is just being cautious, he was found by the former master of the mansion on the street years ago and since he was saved he felt himself indebted to him."

And he was repaying the debt by taking care of the daughter of his savior? Sanji could respect that but… the comparison between father and son is what is stopping him. The idea that any son is guilty of the crimes of the parent by any stretch of imagination pisses him off.

He can understand where the butler is coming from, he is minimizing the risk, trying to take the problem by the root of it. It didn't matter to him that Usopp was not really a pirate, the fact that he had the potential was scary enough.

However Usopp did nothing wrong, sure he tells lies but besides the minor scare that the villagers get once in a while he did no harm. He called himself a pirate but that was to play with a bunch of kids that looked up to him and the time he lied the most was to help brighten the day of a lady.

That was the reason why he can't respect Klahadore, while he agreed with the why the black haired butler was being cautious the chef couldn't agree with the methods. If Sanji was in his position he would pull Usopp aside, give him a threat or two and keep an eye on them at every single one of their meetings to stop any inappropriate behavior…. that was it.

There was no point on how the butler was approaching this, only if his intention was vengeance or something similar….. was Usopp's father- no. Luffy knew the guy and he said he wasn't a bad man. Then why?

The food was ready and Klahadore showed up to help move the dishes to the dining room. Kaya, who was the owner of the house, was being treated as if she was a guest of honor that came from far away, the kids always focusing on keeping her comfortable, Nami was at her side making her company, Zoro was at the side watching the show and both Luffy and Usopp were said show.

Usopp was pretending to hold a sword while Luffy faked being hit in the heart, "Alas poor villain this is the end of your schemes!"

Luffy falls to the ground holding his chest, "You won today but one day someone else will defeat you in my place! Your head will still be the part of a mast, pirate!" The next second he lets his tongue out of his mouth and turns his head to the audience who applauded.

"Maybe! It is not gonna be today for I AM CAPTAIN USOPP THE BRAVE!" The kids let out a cheer while Kaya just laughs a bit. Usopp then offers a hand to help Luffy up, "Great fight!" It wasn't really a fight for what Sanji can see but if it was for entertainment then 'great fight' indeed.

"It was fun!" Luffy says while getting up with Usopp's help, "Never did anything like this before."

"You two are terrible actors." Even if she was criticizing, Nami was smiling together with everyone else, it almost hurted Sanji to end their little party.

"Food is done!" They began to place all the food on the table, many meat dishes and salads were distributed but the star was pork, a huge one cooked to perfection and still hot from the oven since it was the last and most important part for Sanji to focus.

Like expected, the strawhats brought out their lunches to complement the buffet, the meal was delicious and everyone ate with gusto much to the chef's joy. He also sat beside Nami and started eating himself.

What followed next was a small party, there was some singing, dancing and Kaya was having fun. Even Klahadore after tasting the food called it the best meal he ever had, real praise coming from someone with his standards.

The party lasted well until the night when both butlers declared that it was over, it was already late, the children needed to go to their parents and Kaya needed to go to the bed.

The party was so fun that the mentioning of the ship was lost to everyone else but Kaya, who said that they could talk about it the next day if they weren't busy with Luffy agreeing to a meeting right away. The newly pirate crew moved to their ship to sleep with good mood and secure that tomorrow they may have a new ship.

…..

Three years… it has been almost three long years since he arrived on this island… three long years of acting and suffering humiliation after humiliation. But after so long it is almost time for his plan to come to fruition.

The morning came and he did his normal duties, took care of the brat and announced he would take the day off. He was not denied and left at the end of the morning right after Usopp was leaving too. He wanted that brat to die and maybe in the next few days he will get that wish.

Yesterday was a problematic day, the surprise party was a bother and a half that he couldn't avoid and playing chaperone for children was one of the worst things he ever had to do in his life… at least the food was good but that was it.

He was annoyed at these visitors that on another day are going to show up and talk with Kaya about the ship Merry built, he can't remember the name of the damn thing but that was irrelevant, he needed them to leave or they could make his plans more complicated than they already are, especially that green haired man.

During the party he stopped to investigate the blades, he had experience with those kinds of weapons allowing him to know the quality of the metal and its edge, what he managed to gather disturbed him greatly.

Those blades were well maintained, sharp and above all else of a quality that spoke of either power to take them or money to buy them. He didn't have a full encyclopedia of famous swords in his head but he understood a lot about quality and it was really easy to tell that those two swords were easily the sharpest and more powerful ones he had ever seen.

If he hadn't left the life of a pirate behind or if he could steal them and get away without suspicion he would.

For three years he kept his disguise, for three years he followed his plan to find peace, he started with just the clothes on his back and a fake name, for three years he was steadfast and relentless in his goal… but upon seeing those swords he realized how much he missed his claws.

He was above it! He should be above this! That base instinct of his to kill and main. He left all that in the past with his old name, he was Klahadore now and that was it, soon he will be the richest person in the village and will have an easy life of luxury with the company of the survivors of the attack from the Black Cat Pirates.

It was a pity that many would have to die but he can't risk some marine waltzing on the place and suspecting him, he will order the crew to kill the minimum… then he will properly kill then to tie any loose ends.

Speaking of future corpses, there comes Jango doing one of his ridiculous dances….. is he walking backwards? WHY? He supposes it doesn't matter, at this moment he is just a strange man but Klahadore knew him as the actual captain of the Black Cat Pirates, his former first mate, 'One-Two' Jango(9,000,000 Berry Dead or Alive) and he is here to execute his last plan and his greatest one in the making.

The plan will have to be adjusted a bit, that man was obviously dangerous and Klahadore is not taking any chances and the green haired man is the only other fighter in this island, if he is strong enough or not to face and defeat the pirate crew is irrelevant, he isn't taking any chances.

After tomorrow this will be it, Klahadore thinks almost euphoric. Tomorrow is going to be the last day for plenty of people, the annoying Kaya, the liar Usopp, the Black Cat Pirates and, most importantly, the last day and fight of the great Kuro of a Hundred Plans(16,000,000 Berry inactive).

…..

They had just finished exploring the small village called Syrup…. there wasn't much to do there, the place was smaller than Cocoyashi was before it became a capital. There was only one restaurant and not many stores and even then those only sold the essentials.

Not much happened in the place and the only unexpected thing to happen was a dancer hypnotist that passed them, besides that there was nothing else of note. Well there was one thing.

Luffy was all smiles since he woke up, today was the day they would get their very own ship, not one that was given because of his position but one that he earned by just being a nice guy…. even if Nami said that his position was because he was a nice guy it still didn't count.

They were going to the mansion and soon he was going to have his own ship. He can't wait! Kaya didn't say many details about it but for what he heard from her talk with Nami, Merry, the nice butler, was the one that designed the ship.

They were walking in the direction of the mansion when they noticed Usopp on his knees, he was sweating and his face looked completely desperate. Luffy didn't like that, Usopp was nice the other day and he cared about his friends, all positives in the captain's book and that meant the long nose shouldn't be like this.

He is his crew approach, "Usopp? You alright?" Luffy asked.

"DID ANYTHING HAPPENED TO KAYA-SWAN?!" Sanji's shout could wake the dead with his panic.

Usopp turned to look at them, for a moment his eyes shone and he looked to be ready to get up…. but he didn't and his eyes lost any luster again, "It doesn't matter…. you won't believe me anyway."

Now most people would take that and just walk away and let the other teenager to his misery…. Luffy is not most people, "Who are you to say what I would believe or not?"

"Would you believe if I said that Klahadore, the man I hate, is actually a pirate that plans to kill Kaya, destroy most of the village only to steal her fortune?"

"Sure!" Everyone else looked at each other, Nami just shrugged, Sanji looked confused while Zoro looked closer to Usopp, paying absolute attention to his words.

"You know what? Fine! Sure! Lets give this a go!" Usopp then crossed his legs and sat on the ground before he began speaking. Today I had gone to Kaya earlier, I wanted to see her and also try to know if I would be barred from the gate again. I was because the prick of a butler just can't let me go in. After that I just did what I usually do, jumped the fence and knocked Kaya's window. We talked for a bit and she said that she would speak with the asshole, I told her a story or two and then I left promising to find you guys, Kaya was really happy with the idea of having visitors again."

Yes! Luffy was happy the party of the previous day was a success! He loves when people have fun at his parties! "That is not the problem here." Zoro said being direct, "You said Klahadore was a pirate right? Explain!"

"He…." Usopp lowered his head again, "I hate him…. even before I followed him today and saw him talking to a guy with a big hat and glasses." Usopp just shakes his head, "They knew each other because that bastard is actually Kuro, a pirate and his plan is to have Kaya sign a testament leaving everything to him and then have her killed by a raid to the village."

"Do you have any proof?" Asked Sanji picking another of his death sticks from his pockets, before Usopp could say anything the cook interjected, "It is not that I doubt you or anything. The guy showed up from nowhere three years ago and he never spoke about his past. Sure he may be a pirate or a grieving man who found an old friend."

"BUT HE SAID HE WANTED THIS JANGO GUY TO HYPNOTIZE HER!" Usopp got up shouting, then he let go of his arms and looked dejected again. "Kuro was right! No one is going to believe me."

"He saw you?" Asked Nami, when the long nose gave her a nod she sighed. "That doesn't help your case."

"I believe you." Luffy said and everyone just looked at him.

"You do?" Usopp asked in shock.

"Because of course he does!" Nami just accepted that they were now considering Klahadore a pirate, a bad one at that. "So, what is the plan?"

"How many of them?" Was Zoro's question.

"Where are they coming from?" Asked Sanji.

"You believe me?" Usopp was still shocked. "Why? I mean- thank you but…. why?"

"You are a good guy! Besides, even if you are wrong it doesn't hurt to take a look." Luffy nods to himself thinking he found the perfect solution.

"But…. I am a liar!" Usopp had tears on his eyes. He started to cry and couldn't help himself. "I have lied my whole life…. I never regretted that as much as I did today! He is really a pirate! I know what I heard…." Usopp fell to his knees, "Please! Help me!"

"I already said I would!" Luffy tells the long nose teen, "Now where are they?"

"I-I-I-I…." Usopp couldn't find the proper words to express himself, cleaning away the tears. "Right! Thank you! I heard them speaking about the raid on the coast line, it was plenty of space for a big ship and I think they may come from there." He pointed the direction he came from.

"OI, oi, that means nothing!" Pointed out Sanji. "They may have had the meeting there but there is no guarantee that they are going to use that place again."

"From what I gathered on the geography of the island," started Nami, "there are only two places that ships can anchor here which makes it harder for commerce but easier for us."

"Then we split and cover both sides." Zoro remarked, "Do you at least know the time they will attack?"

"I am sure Kuro said 'the attack must begin at dawn'!" Usopp said with a serious face.

"Zoro is right we have to split," Luffy affirms. "Two on one side and two on the other."

"THEN I WILL PAIR WITH NAMI-SWAN!" Sanji started to dance at the idea.

"Actually I think I will go with Luffy on this one." The girl commented, making Sanji turn to stone.

"WHAT? WHY?" He was crying in despair.

"Because someone must stop HIM from doing a mess." Nami pointed it out gesturing to Luffy who just nodded.

"Fair enough! Sanji and Usopp, you guys will go to the side that Usopp saw the guys." Luffy commanded.

Sanji looked disheartened while Usopp looked surprised "Wait me?"

"Yeah! Aren't you going to fight for your home?" Luffy tilted his head curiously. The other black haired stop for a bit but nods accepting the possibility…. it would look better if his legs weren't shaking like mad. "Great! Nami and I will take care of the other side!"

"What about me?" Zoro raises an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Zoro, I want to punch that guy on the face… I really want to, but you are more…. discreet is the word?" He turns to look at Nami who nods at his question. "Right! You are more discreet than the rest of us. So once you see the guy you take him away from the village and make sure he can't harm anyone else."

Zoro nods and moves to a close wood fence to sit there, "Then I will wait here, if any other pirate passes I will also make sure they don't reach the village."

"So… what can you do?" Nami asked Usopp, "Can you fight?"

"I know how to shoot…." He said, pulling out his slingshot. Everyone was waiting for anything else. "Look! I never used a gun in my life but I swear to you: I NEVER MISS!"

"And what do you use?" The orange head couldn't help but ask.

"I have lots of different munitions that I made and other stuff." He picked the bag he always carried around and started to take some of the stuff off. There were plenty of pebble sized spheres but there was also a rope, jars with jelly(?) and things that Luffy didn't know the name of.

"You know it would be easier if you used a belt for the ammo and the bag for anything else right? At Nami's question Usopp froze on the spot.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT!"

"You can do that later!" Declared Luffy, "We need to go and make sure that the village is not attacked."

With everyone nodding their agreement they started to move to their positions with only Zoro staying behind to wait for the butler.

"Nami," Luffy got ready to ask something that was bothering him, "why are you coming with me? There are going to be only pirates to fight and I don't do that much of a mess."

"Yes! But you will let me fight!" Luffy got stunned by the reply and stopped on his tracks, after a few steps Nami noticed and stopped as well. "What? This may be the last time we are going to fight the pirates of the East Blue and the Grand Line is going to have way stronger ones." She crosses her arms and shivers a bit. "I am scared but I want to be ready and I need to practice in a real fight."

That was the first time that Luffy saw Nami determined to fight, she was afraid, sure but she was also ready. The navigator got her power but so far had no real fight to test herself with it…. She was right, if she had gone with Sanji and the pirates showed up on their side then the cook would attack with no hesitation and don't let her get a single hit in.

"Okay, I will let you take care of it!" Luffy smiled, he was happy that Nami wanted to fight and grow stronger. "I will be close the whole time, don't worry. If you are in any danger I will help."

"Only help if I call okay?" He could see in her eyes, she was ready for this fight. "I need this Luffy. Please, promise you won't fight there unless I call for it."

"I promise!" There was no way he was going to get in the way of his navigator fighting for the first time by herself. He had complete faith that she can win this too even if there were a hundred or so pirates.

"Thank you Luffy!" She began to walk again and Luffy followed, "Ah! I almost forgot to ask: did you choose Zoro to guard the village because if he would-" He cut her train of thought.

"Get lost in between one side or the other if he was in the wrong one?" She nods, "Yep!"

Luffy knows the weakness of his crew, he can trust Zoro in almost every sense except one…. his sense of direction from a place to another. Unless the swordsman is following someone or something he would get lost, it was inevitable. The main problem is that the man refused to admit he had a problem, Luffy at least admits his sense of direction also sucks even if not as much.

"He would try to run to the other side if the pirates didn't show up on his." Luffy remarked. "Easier to have him deal with this Kuro guy."

There one thing the straw hat learned in his time as a king: work with the strengths and weaknesses of people. He always knew his own weak spots but Luffy had to learn the ones of others to be a good king or he would suck at the job even if he had other people working with and for him if he didn't learn about them nobody would break out the fights, stop the time wasted in dumb stuff or just not knowing how to do the job and too prideful to just ask for help.

"You know…." Nami started, "He could still be lying." Luffy looked at her and she continued, "I mean…. yes that may have been the greatest acting I had ever seen in my life but…."

"He isn't." Luffy just affirmed while going forward. "Every lie he told before harmed no one in the village and he is a good person. Even if he doesn't like the guy he would never want to hurt Kaya." The captain then stopped.

"Something wrong?" Luffy stopping out of nowhere? Strange.

"We aren't getting our ship here anymore…. Now I regret promising not to fight." He wants to punch someone really hard at the moment.

"It is fine!" Nami touches his shoulder, "Come on! If all goes well they may even come with their own ship!"

"But I wanted OUR own ship!"

Letting out a sigh, Nami tries to comfort him, "Look, after this, If pirates really show up then we talk to Kaya after we saved the village."

He nods and they keep marching, the night is already setting and the dawn will bring 'war'.

…..

The ship sailed in the waves, the full moon helped the short trip to the Gecko islands but the sun was already rising and the time was almost there for the last job given to them by their original captain, to raid an island, capture the rich girl and then hypnotize her to leave her stuff to captain Kuro.

It is an easy job, Jango thinks while feeling the wind on his face, get in, kill some people and get out, normal stuff for a crew like them. They don't raid much in fact, small skirmishes against the marines, other pirates or trading ships, but no villages or towns and no killing was all they did these days…. It was that police established recently that saved them especially during the last year.

Benzan Black moved swiftly, its cat figurehead that gave name to the pirates pointed the direction of their target. The ship was immaculate, minimal damage done in the past was fixed with drilled efficiency and avoiding the dangerous marines helped a lot.

The formation of the new Flowers and Fruits Kingdom had changed the game, being a pirate became a vocation instead of a crime in the East, there were rules and consequences if anyone broke them. The new power had rules, 'you make trouble, you aren't leaving' was the main one that all pirates had to adhere to but there were benefits.

Any treasure could be sold in the kingdom with no questions asked, if you don't cause trouble the business stayed open without fear, even if you had a bounty you were given a chance unless you were famous for harming innocents in that case you were treated with hostility.

The best part is the filiation, in return for paying a certain fee any crew could join the kingdom as transport or guards, a legit honest way of living bound by the same rules that applied to any pirate and gave them some protection instead making them independent contractors or something similar. For the last few months the Black Cats have tried to cultivate a good reputation so they could join in filiation, but they have a debt to pay with their captain.

"REMEMBER THE PLAN:" Jango directed it to his crew, they were dressed as plainly as possible with no signs to which crew they belonged. "NO MENTIONING OF THE CREW! NO NAMES OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT! WE NEED TO KEEP OUR NAME CLEAR OF THE DEATH OF INNOCENTS IF WE WANT A BETTER LIVING!" He looks to his top lieutenants, "You two are too recognizable and are going to stay on the ship."

"But captain, you are the one with the bigger bounty!" Pointed out Sham.

"Yes, but I am needed for the last part!" He needed to get to the girl. "I will go around the village and enter the mansion without being seen." Jango nods to himself, confident on his plan. He may not be the smartest man in the East but he didn't need to be for this.

To be fair, Jango didn't want to do this, if he had a choice he wouldn't be doing this. But if Kuro left the island and decided to hunt them for not playing their part with his plan, that man was stronger than anyone in the ship and Jango is not risking his neck when the easier solution is just to do the job…. safer too.

The hypnotist and actual captain of the Black Cat Pirates shook his head to focus, he can already see the sun rising and time was not on his side. Kuro was not the most patient man and he won't forgive any delays. Jango shudders to think what the former pirate will do to them if they delay too much.

He still remembers the time Kuro executed his plan to leave the pirate life, the slaughter of the marines until only a single survivor was all that was left. However Kuro was still not done, their shipright, a man that looked a bit like their captain called Nugire Yainu meet his end.

Now Jango didn't regret what he had to do…. to a point. It was either him or the other guy and Jango will choose to save himself every time. It was not like he was friends with the guy or anything so Jango hypnotized him to think of himself as Kuro to be executed and take out the reward from circulation.

He really hated this situation, his crew finally had a chance of not being chased anymore. It took a while but even then they felt the same thing their captain had: they were tired of being hunted, of running.

The new kingdom gave all second chances but only if they were not the worst kind of scum. The Black Cats had a history and he needed that buried and forgotten to end the chase. Doing Kuro's plan is a risk, if they get recognized or one day some trading ship of the Flowers and Fruits ends in the Gecko Islands then they were fucked.

But it was either them or the village, he can only hope they are never seen by the survivors ever again…. changing ships will probably help, maybe using some masks or something like that.

He can see the coast now, there was a boat there but it was small and they had plenty of space, time to landfall and to do the dirty work of his former captain and then they are going straight: No more piracy unless the king of the kingdom commands it and since he is pretty much the most powerful man in the East that meant no piracy at all.

…

Klahadore was moving to a better position to prepare for when he will have to clean the mess that will happen in the Syrup Village. The night had been a good one, he finally let out some stress on that annoying Merry, he would like to get the girl too but Jango needs to make her sign the will first, then he will take his sweet time…. or not because he will still need to clean up the pirates after, he needs to make sure plenty of the most useful people survive.

Moving through the village he walks around the empty place, it is still too early and only some were awake at that time with the sun already getting up. On his right he carries a bag with his weapons and he is dressed in his finest suit for this special day, it would be a pity to get it dirty with blood but for the execution of his last plan he feels it was well deserved to use in this one occasion.

Killing Merry and letting his bloodlust go wild has him in a cheerful mood, he just can't stop smiling. He pauses a bit and sees the green haired swordsman, his back on the wood fence and his eyes closed, asleep.

This…. This was an opportunity. The bodyguard of the brats was alone, resting for whatever reason with his blades, two which he already knew were valuable and with the possibility that the third one being the true 'jewel of the crown' from the way the man was protective of it.

It won't take long, just approach silently and kill him before he wakes up. Kuro was never a collector but Klahadore may start a collection of rare blades or something similar and these ones will be the beginning.

He had no other weapons in his possession beside his claws but he can pick them up and attack faster than the man can wake up. Moving to put the bag on the floor he opens it quietly and pulls out the first of his claws putting it in his hand carefully, "Took you long enough." He stops himself mid motion when he hears the voice of the sleeping man.

Zoro had one eye open and was looking right at Klahadore, there was no choice now and no time, the butler moved using his claw aiming for the head. Zoro realizes the reason for the charge and draws one of his swords, the white one, to block the five blades. The two sides struggle, because the glove was not properly placed he couldn't move his fingers as easily as he wanted.

The contest of strength lasted a few more seconds before Zoro repealed the claws forcing a retreat, "How?" That was all the black haired man could ask.

"Usopp told us your little scheme!" Zoro said while he got up, drawing his swords. "It is a pleasure to formally meet you Kuro…. was a hundred or a thousand plans? Honestly I don't care that much about cowards like you."

The face that Kuro made at that moment was one of true anger, the pirate did realise Usopp was eavesdropping there on his talk with Jango but thought no one would believe him. "And you just believed in him?"

"No, I was under orders to wait here for you." Zoro looks to the armed hand, "But pulling a weapon like that was an easy way to convince me!"

"To think Usopp would be an annoyance to the very end, but it doesn't matter. Even if it is just with one of my claws I can easily end you!" Kuro finished fixing his clove and got in position to attack.

"Oh! Then you have another!" Zoro's eyes turned to the bag, the smile of the swordsman was amused and full of bloodlust. "Then pick it up, lets see how dangerous you are with those."

Kuro didn't believe what he heard, he moved himself close to the bag all the while keeping himself in position to block or attack the swordsman but Zoro just drew his other blades and placed the white one in his mouth. The former pirate looked at his opponent and got ready by placing his other claw.

Even after years he was used to this routine, preparing to kill his enemies while taking care to not harm himself, so practiced was the movement that he had no problems to have his claws ready in a few seconds. He opens his hands and lets his ten blades show themselves proudly. "You will regret this."

"Sure, if you can make me regret it, but I doubt it." Both sides were ready for the fight, preparations were complete and with a last fixing of glasses they charged.

…..

Nami was nervous, this is going to be her first real fight with her devil fruit. Luffy was close and if anything happens she can call for him and he will help but even then the navigator felt like she was having a panic attack. "Don't worry Nami! You got this!" The captain, on the other hand, was as cheerful as always.

"Yes! I got this! I can do this!" She starts to move in place, the enemy ship is visible meaning that her wish has been granted and she will get to fight(should have wished for money instead).

"Calm down! You will do great. Breath a bit and just get ready." Luffy tried to advise her but she felt so full of energy that there was an inner fight to just run, either to or from the enemy she honestly didn't know. "Do you want your staff back?"

Finally the ship launches anchor beside the Lil' Chaser, the pirates start to disembark and she prepares. "No! I will fight with my devil fruit alone!" That is what she needs to reach her full potential, to focus on her fruit until she masters it. After that she may get a new weapon but only once she knows all she can do.

The pirates reach the small hill and look up to see the two of them in their way, "Hey guys! Looks like the party is going to start early." One of them announced and the others shouted. There were at least thirty men ready to fight.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" The man with the hat that was in the village yesterday moved to the front of the crew, "Kids! I am sorry to inform you that you two stumbled into something that you shouldn't! Because of that I have no choice but to also inform you that you are going to die today!"

"OH YEAH! AND WHO IS SAYING!" Nami demanded.

"THAT….. DOESN'T MATTER! BECAUSE YOU WILL BE DEAD!"

"THAT JOLLY ROGER IS FROM THE BLACK CAT PIRATES! ARE YOU THEM?" The man suddenly went still and looked to the sails before he started to shout to his men.

"HOW ALL OF YOU FORGOT TO UNDO THE SAIL! YOU MORONS!" He turns to the hill again, "YES! WE ARE THE BLACK CATS AND THAT DOESN'T MATTER! ONCE WE KILL YOU NO ONE IS GOING TO KNOW WE WERE HERE! GET THEM BOYS!"

The new arrivals picked up weapons, swords of many kinds, and charged up without hesitation. Now there are a lot of problems attacking uphill, there is an argument that a hill is a better defensive position then most fortresses depending on the size and the weapons used. First, there is a considerable effort that one has to do to rush the enemy position, second, if the terrain is flat and has no cover then the possibility of being hit by arrows or similar projectiles is considerably lower for the defenders but truly high for the attackers.

The third and the reason why that particular hill is dangerous is simple: the counter attack. Because of gravity the speed and power that can be used by the defenders is considerably relevant, especially with Nami's power.

She goes back a bit and then turns, while running her transformation begins, first the horns start to show up, then her size changes with the skin turning white as a cloud on a summer day. The pirates first couldn't understand what was happening and many had a simple thought: 'Where was the girl?' or another ' Where that bull came from?'

What followed next was a giant bull beating up and throwing people around with her horns. Nami wanted to avoid killing, because of that she needed to use the side of her horns or her own head, one of the men was big enough that she would kill them either way but at the last second she turns around and launches a light kick, light being relative because of the mass of a bull.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?" The captain of the pirates screamed, "DID THAT GIRL BECAME A BULL? HOW?"

"NAMI BEHIND YOU!" She didn't even turn and just kicked where she thought the enemy attacked, hitting the man square on the chest launching him on the ground. The bull spins, using her horns like a club, moving her head to hit as many possible while kicking behind her every time some tried to get close.

"SOMEONE STOP THAT THING!"

"I AM NOT A 'THING' YOU KNOW! I HAVE A NAME!" She stops her stampede to complain.

"GOD GOOD THE BULL IS TALKING!" "WASN'T THAT A GIRL? DOESN'T THAT MAKES HER A COW!" "COWS AREN'T SO BIG!" "ALSO SHE ISN'T BLACK AND WHITE! JUST WHITE!" "WAIT A SECOND! ARE THOSE HORNS REAL GOLD?!" "OF COURSE NOT! THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE!" "MORE IMPOSSIBLE THAN A GIRL TURNING INTO A GIANT BULL? I REST MY CASE!"

The situation devolved into a discussion of what Nami was and the girl herself was getting frustrated, "DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SHE IS! JUST KILL HER!"

"YES CAPTAIN JANGO!"

They changed their strategy and moved to surround the transformed girl. Nami hesitated, even with her power and size there was a lack of experience and a fear that if she just charged recklessly someone may end dead. They may be pirates but they were also still people.

Hesitation can be costly in a fight, the only time she really fought before that one was the struggle against Pearl and she was outmatched. In Arlong's case he didn't want to hurt her so her attempts on his life were not a fight while Pearl wanted to kill her and almost did when he managed to catch her.

This time is different…. her opponents were the ones outmatched this time. When the first sword touched her skin she reacted fast enough to use Haki to protect it. Unfortunately for her the attacks were coming from all sides constantly but she managed to run with just some small cuts.

This time she was the one going uphill first and the pirates tried to follow, at that moment Nami transformed into her human form, scaring them again and then she did a spin in their direction beginning a charge, turning back into the white beast.

The first time she tried to be careful but there was a reclesses on this attack, a fear that if she didn't put them down then they would do that to her. This was not the time to hold back, "RECKLESS CHARGE!" She launched herself with all her strength, there was no holding back anymore.

The first pirate on the way was pierced and thrown into another, this was a direct attack abandoning all defense, Haki was added to the horns and head with the goal of piercing anything and the head to avoid damage. Using this method Nami could demolish two or three buildings with ease and maybe more but she never bothered to test it.

The Black Cats tried to react but she didn't stop until she reached their ship and turned herself into a human to stop her attack. Using her leg, she stomped, damaging the figure head and prompting herself to attack, once again becoming the great bull.

The panic of the pirates was palpable and Nami was enjoying inflicting terror on their men. They came to raid and pillage and now they were learning that sooner or later someone would make them regret their choices.

"STOP RUNNING LIKE HEADLESS CHICKEN YOU IDIOTS!" The captain was trying to control his crew, Nami wonders if she should just trample him and get this over with. "WHY ARE YOU HERE?" He sounded afraid(good). "What are you? Why are you on this island? Kuro said nothing about a monster girl bull thingy!" Jango ended his questions short of breath.

Nami, still in her bull form asked, "Why are you attacking this village?"

"Because if we don't we are going to die!" Jango said and his crew noded with him. "You don't know our former captain like we do! That maniac is going to kill us if we don't deliver!" Again the crew nod.

"And I will kill you if you keep trying!" Nami was giving them the chance to leave, she had no intention of holding back in the protection of the village. Once there was a small girl incapable of making a difference but now this was a woman ready to make sure the innocent see no blood even if she has to bathe in it.

The face that Jango made was one of panic but he calmed down and started to shout orders, "MEN LOOK AT ME!" From his coat the captain pulls out a ring, a small chakram tied to a string like a pendulum. The pirate starts to swing the ring, "WHEN I SAY 'ONE-TWO JANGO' YOU ALL WILL ATTACK WITHOUT FEAR WITH SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH!"

All pirates were looking at the ring and Nami just shook her head, to her this was a really ridiculous situation and the pirate captain was insane. What happened next impressed and scared her.

"ONE-TWO JANGO!" The man shouted, covering his face with his hat. The next moment passed and the other pirates started to shout and bulk up. One of them picked a huge stone and broke it with his fingers while the other managed to cut some rocks in half with a single swing. "Lets see how you deal with the true power of the Black Cat Pirates." If asked Nami would say she couldn't wait to stomp the guy's face.

"ARHG!" Suddenly all heard a loud scream that sounded more a roar than anything. Everyone's attention turned to the top of the hill where Luffy was, he was holding his head and moving erratically.

"DON'T TELL ME HE WAS HYPNOTIZED TOO?!" Nami exclaimed in fear of what 'superhuman strength' would be to Luffy. He moved more and more, there were some spams and he looked ready to attack the pirates.

He started to march downhill, every step breaking some of the ground. Nami was afraid that if the hypnose worked then he may attack her, the pirates didn't move or better yet they couldn't move. They lost their fear of Nami but not the new fear that came with every step that broke more and more of the hill.

Then Luffy stopped to look to everyone on his path planting his feet firmly on the ground. He looked ready to charge but for some reason he didn't, fighting every muscle he had that demanded him to attack.

But he was holding himself back, moving to the wall of the cliff and smashing his head on the solid rock, he did once, twice the three more times after that. Nobody was understanding what was happening and Nami was legitimately confused on what Luffy was doing.

Then he stopped and turned around to the pirates, his forehead was bleeding but he still looked fine, standing proudly. "IF YOU TRY TO FORCE ME TO DO ANYTHING AGAIN I WILL ASK NAMI TO LET ME FIGHT SO I CAN BREAK YOUR FACE!"

Ask her to… his promise! She remembered now! Luffy promised her that he would not fight unless she called for him and the hypnoses almost made him break the promise. That is why he was hitting himself, that was the why the strawhat was now bleeding, the why he was truly mad!

Now she is officially pissed off! Nami turns to the pirates and launches herself again trampling and beating as many she could get her hooves and horns on. Once she was getting closer to one of the walls or the ship Nami would just transform, kick herself back into the fray and transform again.

There were no pauses or breaks this time, she was not going to give the pirates any more chances. Luffy got hurt because of her hesitation and now there was no more of it, Nami is either going to knock all pirates out or kill them if she has to.

What proceeded to happen was the complete and utter defeat of a whole crew by the hand of a single woman… that was also a bull. The only ones standing were Luffy, Nami and Jango. The navigator had just launched the last pirate to the ground when she turned to the captain.

Jango could almost feel death in the eyes of the big white bull in front of him getting ready to pierce him with her horns, he was trembling in fear and wanted to get out of the island as fast as possible. But he knew he couldn't, Kuro would find him and then kill him either way. "SHAM! BUCHI! COME HERE THIS INSTANT!"

Nami stopped when she heard a voice, "Brother, the captain is calling us!"

Another answered, "I thought we weren't going to fight today!" Two men jumped from the ship, one skinny with green hair dressed in a shirt that showed his belly and shorts, the other was bigger, taller, fatter and had short black hair, he was dressed in pants and that was it... beside the cat accessories that both were using that included ears on their heads and claws on their hands.

Now she notices that every pirate besides the captain had cat ears on their heads… someone must have a fetish.

"Hey is that a giant bull or some shit?" Asked the skinny one.

"Don't make a mistake Sham! That is a girl that can transform into a bull! A true monster!" Nami knows she has been fighting(decimating) these pirates but she still takes offense.

She got ready and positioned herself against her two new opponents… speaking of two, where Sanji and Ussop are?

…..

It was a good idea to trap the hill, there was only one passage and the harder it was to go up the better it was for the village in the long run.

On his bag Usopp had plenty of stuff that could be used to make plenty of traps, dozens of different types of ammunition, oils and liquids that when mixed would guarantee some to trip and fall, spikes, ropes, wires, smoke pellets and plenty more. One could easily wonder… how there was that much stuff in there?

And all of it was used on the trap, they worked together going from the bottom of the hill to the top because the alternative was to get stuck in the bottom once they were finished. Their insight and speed had rewarded them with a view of a fully trapped path ready to repel an invasion… then one of them triped.

Now this was not that much of a problem, Usopp had left his bag to the side of a three in the top so the one that stayed could throw a rope and help pull the unfortunate one that fell… if the fallen one hadn't decided to try and hold himself for dear life on the closest thing(person) possible. The result of such circumstances are…

"YOU IDIOT! NAMI-SWAN IS PROBABLY NEEDING MY HELP AND YOU HAD US STUCK HERE!" Complained Sanji trying to run uphill and not moving from the middle of it.

"I AM THE IDIOT? YOU ARE THE ONE WHO DRAGGED ME HERE!" Usopp remarked at the cook's side.

"ONLY BECAUSE YOU WERE FALLING!"

"YOU WERE FALLING FIRST!"

The good news for both of them is that the most dangerous stuff was in the bottom, the bad news is that if one of them tripped then it would be really painful.

"I SWEAR WHEN I GET OUT OF THIS I WILL LEARN HOW TO FLY!"

"EVEN I WOULDN'T BELIEVE ON THAT!"

…..

The two have been clashing for a few minutes already, Zoro was interested in fighting a man with ten swords at the beginning, now it was actually underwhelming. It was not that Kuro was weak, far from it really, Kuro was fast, faster than Zoro at least. The Santoryu user was more skilled and precise in his movements but the older pirate was undoubtedly the faster fighter. "Did you really just pretend to be a butler for years? Not a runner or anything like that?" He asked blocking the right claw with his left and stopping the other with his swords before countering.

Kuro takes distance, "I had to train at night to keep my speed to descent standards." Charging again the former captain goes for a pierce with his right but Zoro redirects the attack easily before trying to cut his opponent, who did a spin to dodge and cuts Zoro on the back.

It was superficial and that was the full extent of the wound on the match so far. A fair question to be asked is this on: What is better? Strength? Or Speed? "You must have trained a lot alright, I think you are the third fastest human I have ever fought!"

Raising an eyebrow Kuro fixed his glasses, "Third?" He asked in curiosity.

"Yep, first is our captain, guy trained since he was small and trust me on when I say this," Zoro's smile was murderous, "he is faster than you."

Kuro didn't like the way Zoro was talking and moved to strike again, this time he pretended to use both his hand to parry the blades and move to pierce Zoro's heart. The attack began easily, the man with the bandanna parrying as predicted but before Kuro could finish his move Zoro moved his head to hit his opponent in the shoulder.

Kuro was shocked that he was read so easily, his opponent was slower and there was supposed to be no way for him to see the attack coming. "The other guy is an annoying cook I fight almost every day. Compared to his speed you are nothing!" Zoro moved to cut his opponent, "TORO NAGASHI!"

Kuro had launched himself back just in time to avoid death or at least a really serious injury, because the wound was big and visible with blood dropping in his once fine suit, "YOU MOTHERFUCKER!" But before Kuro could attack Zoro was keeping the initiative.

"USHI BARI!" Positioning his swords over his head, Zoro attacks with his full speed using to skew his opponent. Kuro managed to block many of the strikes but he had to keep retreating to make but even that wasn't enough. The advantage of his claws was to use the many blades to make as many wounds as possible, using them on the defense was ward because of the weight and lack of a proper grip.

Basically, the former captain needs to use his arms in full to move his weapons with the help of gravity while a proper swordsman can just hold their blades properly and attack in plenty of angles with ease.

Kuro used his claws to try and pin the weapons of his enemy in place but he kept missing, not because he couldn't see them, but because he needed time to maneuver his own weapons in a way to stop the charge.

His arms were also being hit every second and only the fact that he was keeping a good distance was saving his life but even then it is not going to last forever, every time Zoro strikes he can feel the pain on his arms from both the wounds that were accumulating and the impacts themself.

The frustration was starting to build up, the rage, the anger. For three years this man had launched himself to find peace, he tolerated a girl he considered the most annoying on the planet, a boy that reminded him of everything he hated and the fact that he was a servant instead of the leader he once was.

And all of it was coming to an end in the most humiliating way possible for him. His plan was being ruined and he couldn't do anything at that point, his former crew hadn't shown up which means some was stopping them and every moment that passes runs the risk of someone finding Merry corpse.

He had to try something to shift the fight in his favor and there was only one thing he could do: a single maneuver that could turn the tables, his stealth foot. But he needs time and space to concentrate, to move his feets correctly to get the acceleration he needs to start the killing, even if it is just one man and that is a technique that can defeat armies he needs to do it.

But Zoro refused to give the older man any space, on the green haired man mind he was going to finish the fight soon enough, all he needs is an opening and he can defeat the butler for good.

Kuro started to realize that he has no other choice, he is going to have to execute his most dangerous move in mid-movement, something he never did nor attempted. In ideal conditions he would completely abandon his guard to focus his mind in the moviments needed.

But doing it here and now was suicide, he needs to adapt and he hates it. He tries to skip the focus part and just move his legs but he never had done that before, kicking his feet constantly was hard and the struggle against the green haired swordsman didn't help.

Kuro did one of the things he had never done before in his life, he closed his mind of all distractions and focused on the movement of his feet. There were no plans now, only skill, focus and his feet.

For a second the claws failed to block and an attack passed, Zoro was not looking for a kill, just to incapacitate and once his sword made contact and stopped the arm he will use the other to knock the guy out.

Unfortunately for the Santoryu user and fortunately for the former pirate the man managed to do it. In the interval that took from the blade to reach him after his arm was neutralized he did what he never had done before and moved his feet dozens of times in less than a second managing to evade the final attack.

Zoro was stunned, in one moment he was about to win the fight, the next Kuro had disappeared. Finding the older pirate was easy for Zoro, the man was standing in front of him but far enough that the initiative had been lost. Not that Kuro noticed by the look of wonder on his face.

There was some childlike wonder in it, almost as if he received the greatest news of his life then out of nowhere he started to laugh full of joy and ecstasy.

"KAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" He looked happy beyond comparison and Zoro was confused.

"Care to share?" Every instinct the swordsman had was telling him that something wasn't right and that bothered him.

"Pft-Sorry I just, ha, I never thought that this was possible!" He looked to the sky still smiling, full of joy and that was not good for his enemies. "Your name is Zoro right?" When he saw the nod of answer Kuro continued, "I thank you for the help Zoro! For all my life I used my plans to win my fights easily and you," Kuro points his finger, "you are the first to break my plans and make me go beyond my limits and now I can do it!"

Zoro's bad feeling was growing, "Do what?" Letting out a small smile Kuro finishes again.

The movement was faster than anything Zoro had ever seen and took him some time to find Kuro but the man was almost tripping on his own feet but there was joy on his face, "Yes! It is taking some time but I am learning to control it!" He looks at Zoro's eyes. "In the past to reach this speed I had to sacrifice my awareness, my mind, to be able to kill weaklings."

He disappears again and thanks to his instincts Zoro had managed to stop the claws aiming to his arm. Blocking the strike he tried a counter but Kuro just vanished again only to reappear sliding to the ground a few meters to the right.

"HA! I can't control it properly yet!" He fixed his glasses and got ready to attack again, "But it doesn't matter! Even like this I can kill you! Even better I can just deal with the village by myself once I deal with that bunch of idiots! They can't do anything right! But now I don't need them!" He crosses his arms exhibiting his claws. "I will kill you! Deal with the village! Get Jango and then kill those pieces of shit!" His smile was evil to the core. "This is going to be fun!"

"Yes it will be!" Zoro was not intimidated in the slightest, his opponent was just faster and to him that made no difference. "You still can't win you know?"

"We are about to-"

"KLAHADORE!" Kaya appeared on the road dressed in a coat over her dressing clothes, she looked exhausted and carried a gun in her hand and aiming it at her butler. She was trembling, if either of exhaustion or fear not even she knew but she was there and that was amusing for the man that took care of her for years.

"Miss Kaya, you shouldn't be here and certainly not out of bed out of bed!" He spoke in the same tone of voice he always did even if his posture still looked more like one of an assassin. "And certainly not handling such dangerous things like a gun! Please return to the mansion, I will be there shortly! A couple of hours maximum!"

"YOU!" The girl started to tremble more and tears looked ready to leave her eyes, "YOU TRIED TO KILL MERRY!"

"Oh! Merry is alive! My mistake, I truly had gone for a kill with him!" There was disappointment in his voice and face. He fixes his glasses as he usually did. "Then miss? What are you doing here?"

"I am here to stop you! Leave our island!" She demanded pointing her pistol at him.

"Oh!" He tilts his head in amusement "And why would I do that?"

"If you don't leave! I will- I will-" The trembling got worse but Zoro raised his arm to stop the girl.

"If you are pulling a gun, either shoot or don't pull it out in the first place." Zoro didn't take his eyes off Kuro. The swordsman knew that given a chance the older pirate would go for it and try to kill him.

"You should listen to mister Zoro's advice, miss Kaya! He knows a thing or two about violence!" Then Kuro smiled more, "But since you are here I suppose I can take out one of your arms or a leg and take you to Jango! That way you can just sign the testament and die, no harm, no foul and the main part of my plan is secured!"

"You think I will let you just kill her?" Zoro prepared his swords but Kuro just let out a sign and when he spoke he sounded disappointed.

"You think you can protect her and fight at the same time?" Then Kuro moved once again, faster than the last few times but Zoro reacted quickly and managed to position himself to the side of the girl and stop the first strike. "Impressive! You are really skilled with these swords!"

"I told you," Zoro pushes the man back, "you aren't touching her!"

"Why are you even bothering?" The man disappears again moving around at fast speeds, he goes for the other side but Zoro is there to intercept again. Instead of stopping Kuro decided to press and go for the back of the girl with his other claw only of a sword to direct it away.

The fight then proceeded as this for a few minutes before Kuro stopped moving again, he was sweating but the happiness in his face was unquestionable. Zoro refused to lower his guard at any point.

"This is fun! I haven't had this much fun in ages!" Kuro assumes a relaxed instance with his arms and gets ready to go again. "Do you want to know something even more fun?"

"What?" Zoro questioned just before having to raise his blades to protect Kaya again.

Kuro initiates a sequence of hit and run tactics always aiming at the girl, Kaya couldn't move in the risk of getting herself killed and Zoro used all his focus to protect her, "I am still getting used to this!"

For all his strength the green haired man couldn't counter attack and soon it happened.

On the next exchange Zoro had to block two strikes from above but Kuro had let his thumbs relaxed to make sure that their claws weren't part of the first part of the attack. By the time Zoro noticed the faint he could only use the wado to block one of the claws while the other managed to hit his shoulder.

Kuro then retreats and admires his handwork, "I am already getting used to my speed." He jumps in place for a bit feeling giddy, high on adrenaline. "You also would have more of a chance if you hadn't to move around all the time to protect the dead weight!".

Kaya was terrified, in front of her Zoro had taken a hit to the shoulder. The wound was small but it was bleeding, the fight now took a turn from the worst for the green haired man and he knew it.

"I told you, you aren't harming her!" But the man didn't care if protecting Kaya was the wrong choice in this situation, the idea of someone innocent being harmed because the man's ambitions was disgusting for him.

"Mister Zoro! Please forget about me! If you can defeat him then just do it!" The girl said in despair, she was afraid of dying but the bigger fear was if someone else was harmed for her. "Merry almost died already! Don't worry about me-!"

"SHUT UP!" Kaya stood stunned by the shout and even Kuro looked surprised, "For the love of God can you shut up!" Zoro just crossed his swords and got ready to continue the fight. "You are being protected and have no right to an opinion so be quiet!"

The silence that followed was absolute, a pin could fall in the ground and all would hear it. Finally Kuro clears his throat, "If you want to protect her I am fine with it!" He then attacks again and Zoro manages to stop the blades just before they piercer Kaya's left leg but once again Kuro managed to use his thumbs to attack and hurt the younger man again, "Lets see what will break first! Your persistence to protect her or your body being cut to pieces!"

The attacks continued and the former captain of the Black Cat Pirates was having fun.

…..

The siblings of the Black Cat Pirates were the most skilled fighters of the crew. Sham was quick, smart and had great skill with his claws that could only be surpassed by his former captain.

Buchi was the strong one of the two but he was not an idiot or something similar. He delegates to his brother the most complicated parts because he could easily admit that his sibling was the smart one between the two while both could say proudly that the bigger but younger one was the muscle being the strongest of the crew, physically speaking.

Together they were the Nyaban Brothers(7,000,000 belly together dead or alive), famous among pirates and marines alike. They always fought on the front lines in any raid or assault, they killed plenty of marines and other pirates, but that didn't help with the fact they were not qualified enough for this fight.

After Kuro left the crew they became the main stars, the strongest, Jango may be the captain and deliver the plans but they were the ones that did the real heavy lifting.

All that didn't change the fact that they had hit the ground two or three times each and their opponent was a giant bull that was tossing them around like ragdolls. "WHAT THE FUCK? NO REALLY! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?" Complained Sham getting up again.

"I know brother! Why is that bull on the way?" Demanded to know Buchi.

"SHE IS PROTECTING THE VILLAGE!" Said Jango while trying to keep a safe distance.

"WE NOTICED THAT! BUT HOW CAN AN ANIMAL BE THAT SMART?" "IS IT TRAINED OR SOMETHING?" The two brothers complained over each other.

"First of all!" Nami started, "I am not an animal! I ate a devil fruit!"

"MY GOD IT TALKS!" The two shouted.

"WERE YOU TWO SLEEPING THE WHOLE FIGHT?" Demanded to know their captain.

"Well we weren't going to help with the raid and this island is too far away from the marines…" Tried to justify Sham.

"Besides, we stayed up all night yesterday!" Buchi said while nodding only for Jango to hit his own face.

"I am surrounded by idiots!" Complained the captain.

"NAMI! DO YOU NEED HELP?" Luffy had moved back uphill to wait for Nami's call for him to fight, howerever…

"NO LUFFY! I CAN TAKE CARE OF THESE LOSERS!" She got ready to charge again, using her hooves on the stone to prepare herself on instinct.

"YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! DEVIL FRUITS ARE REAL!" Sham complained again. "WHY DON'T WE HAVE SOMEONE LIKE THAT THEN!" He looks to his crewmates. "WELL….?" He legitimately was expecting someone to show some kind of power or anything.

Nobody could give him an answer becauses there was none to give, the fact was that an ox or bull is not an animal that most people could fight fairly, add that said animal is actually an intelligent human being and you have a recipe to an enemy that is too strong even to a trained fighter.

"HOW WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BEAT THAT?!" Sham demanded, "WE CAN'T TRICK HER! THOSE HORNS CAN KILL A GROWN MAN! AND WORSE OF ALL SHE- You are a she right?" He asked to make sure and when Nami nodded he continued, "SHE IS A TALKING GIANT BULL! NOT EVEN A COW BUT A BULL! WITH HUGE HORNS AND AS HUGE AS MY BROTHER!"

Buchi was nodding all the way during his brother's explanation and every pirate on the beach turned to Jango to hear his reply. Nami decided to let them do as they pleased, confident that she would win any fight at this point. The brothers couldn't stop her and she has been throwing them around for a few minutes at this point.

Jango was sweating. He actually agreed with the assessment but there was another huge problem there, "IS EITHER KILL HER OR DEAL WITH KURO LATER!"

Sham was frustrated with the comment, "ARE WE SURE OUR RETIRED CAPTAIN IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN THIS?" He asked pointing at Nami, "YOU USED HYPNOSIS ON THE REST OF THE CREW ALREADY AND IT DIDN'T WORK! HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BEAT HER?"

"YOU TWO ARE STRONGER THAN THEM NATURALLY!" Jango then pulled out his ring, "BESIDES IF YOU WANT I CAN HYPNOTIZE YOU TWO!"

"You try that and I will charge again!" Nami said with mirth in her voice. "And this time it will be at you, hypnotist!" At that comment Jango almost dropped his weapon.

"OKAY! CAN WE ALL CALM DOWN FOR A BIT!" Sham asked, he is not cut out to be the voice of reason but he was afraid to die and people discover a lot about themselves in the face of death. When he noticed no one was talking he began, "Look, we haven't seen our captain for the last three years! How can we be sure he is stronger than us now?"

"Do you think you could take him!" The skepticism and the raised eyebrow spoke of Jango's opinion on the subject.

"Maybe not in the past! But that was in the past! He lived as a butter for years right?" When everyone nodded he proceeded. "Then WHY! THE FUCK! ARE WE OBEYING HIM? HE CAN'T BE STRONGER THAN THAT!" He said while pointing to the bull then he pointed to Luffy. "NOT FORGETTING THAT GUY UP THERE WITH THE STRAW HAT! LET ME GUESS HE IS THE STRONGER OF THE TWO? FUCK ME! THIS ISN'T WORTH IT! WE WERE SUPPOSED TO KEEP A LOW PROFILE! WE WERE TRYING TO NOT BE LIKE THAT ANYMORE! THIS SEA IS NOT SAFE FOR PIRATES LIKE WE WERE IN THE PAST EITHER!"

The older brother fell on the ground knowing that they were beaten, his sibling tried to think of something to say but it was worthless.

"THEN WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?" Demanded to know Jango. "DO YOU THINK THESE TWO ARE GOING TO JUST LET US LEAVE!"

"We will!" Luffy said immediately.

"WHAT?" "What?" Many shouted with the most vocal of them being Nami.

"We will let you go if you promise to not be bad pirates anymore." Luffy gives a small shrug with his decision.

"WHAT!" Nami was willing to let the pirates talk but she never planned to let them go. "LUFFY ARE YOU INSANE? No wait that is the wrong question here! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR- still not the right question!" She started to march uphill to give the captain a piece of her mind.

"Why?" Jango asked and everyone was stunned. "Why are you letting us go? We are pirates, we raided and killed and you are just letting us go?"

"We can't keep you here." Luffy says and he was right, the island was too small with no marines around and the kingdom was far away. "And transporting you all to the marines would just end in more deaths."

Nami turns in her human form and grabs Luffy by his jacket but the straw hat didn't even look like he cared, "THEY ARE DANGEROUS LUFFY! WE CAN'T JUST LET THEM GO!"

"NAMI!" That stopped her. "I am worried about the crew right now! Besides there are many on this sea that will take care of them if they keep being bad pirates." He looks right into Jango's eyes, and the man took off his glasses when he noticed. "Promise you are never coming back to this island."

"I swear! In the Code of Davy Jones! I swear that while I am the captain of this crew none of us will ever step on this island ever again!" Jango was afraid of the person in front of him. He had no idea of why but every instinct in his body was screaming 'don't piss this kid off! You will die!'

Invoking the Code of Davy Jones is the ultimate guarantee of a pirate, an unbreakable promise. If you break the normal Code of a ship then the punishment is in it, but calling for the Code of Davy Jones in a promise is the same as putting your very soul on the line and if you break it the whole crew themselves need to carry out the punishment or, following some traditions and legends, their voyage gets cursed to a horrible fate to all members of the crew.

Worse for them now is that the Captain is the one making a promise for the crew and all of them now need to obey it or the sea will destroy them.

"Good!" Luffy nods and Nami just lets him go, what he said was bothering her for some reason.

"MOVE YOUR ASSES! WE ARE LEAVING!" The pirates started to pick themselves up, they didn't have an on board doctor so each one would have to take care of themselves or the less wounded will help the others.

The fact is that this was a pirate crew in decline, if they stay as pirates they will die because they are not getting new members and the smart ones had already jumped ship, Kuro was only the first.

"Luffy… why are we letting them go?" Nami was legitimately confused, they always had caught the pirates and took them to the marines. "I can still fight and-"

"Nami!" Luffy stopped her again. For a while he only looked at her without saying anything, Luffy could be direct when he wanted but this was one of those times he didn't know exactly how to say what he wanted. "You fought well! You are way stronger now! I am proud of you!"

"I am proud of myself too Luffy! But that is not important right now! These pirates are dangerous! THEY-"

"HEY! Careful with Miso!" One of the pirates said while he and his companion were carrying one of the dead.

That jolted Nami out of her adrenaline induced state allowing her to see the destruction that she brought.

There were a dozen bodies on the ground, not all dead, four were for sure with another one dying but there was plenty of blood. The Black Cat Pirates were carrying their people onto their ship, including the dead, for it was not uncommon for the crew to take care of funerals for the fallen.

One of her hands goes to her mouth. Nami had fought before, tricked people and even left some for death at the sea or to the marines but this was the first time in her life that she was responsible for that much destruction directly in front of her.

She never took a life directly and the only time she was completely willing to do it was with Arlong and none of these pirates was as bad as the fishman.

Most of the place was wrecked and even the pirates that could walk and work were wounded in one way or another. The captain moved to carry some of his people and Nami was about to volunteer to help when Luffy placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. "They are still dangerous."

"But-but- I…" She didn't know what to say.

"Do you know why I don't kill people unless I have no choice?" Luffy asked her and she knew that no pirate would be able to hear them, "It is not about being a good or bad person. Sometimes you really have no choice but when I fight with good people I don't want them to get hurt and when I fight bad people I believe that having their dreams broken is worse than death."

"Why are you telling me this now?" Nami didn't like the damage she caused, it reminded her too much of how some places looked after Arlong passed by.

"So you can find how you want to fight." Luffy fixed his hat on his head. "Just fighting isn't enough, even if you have a reason you need to know how you are going to do it to make sure you have no regrets after."

"Why does it feel like this now? I have sent pirate ships to storms and marines! Hell, I was the one who chose where we would fight against Krieg! You could say that I killed… those people." She suddenly felt sick but Luffy wouldn't let Nami lose herself.

"Nami! Listen to me! They made their choice there! These ones made their choice here! Everyone has the right to choose and it is not our job to judge them or blame them for it!" Luffy's eyes were full of determination and now Nami remembers that most of the deaths during the war happened under his orders. "I don't like killing, but if needed I will do it! To protect the people I care for, the ones that I am responsible for, I will do it!"

"Then… why let them go?" Nami had no intention of continuing fighting but she wanted to know.

"Because they are afraid and I feel that this," he says pointing to the destruction, "would just get worse." He crosses his arms, "Let them leave, if they cause trouble some else will deal with them or I will come back and do it myself."

Nami was sure that the only reason Luffy could say this kind of thing was because he was the one who put the 'trouble solvers' in positions to solve real problems. "And Kuro?"

"He had his chance of giving up the sea but he never truly gave up from being a pirate!" The scowl on Luffy's face said that he really didn't like the person in question. "He ran away like a coward! Either Zoro will deal with him or we will just give him to the marines!"

When Luffy spoke about Zoro he didn't sound worried but confident, considering Sanji was with Usopp and there were no more pirates to fight… "You were worried about me, weren't you?"

"Nami, you are strong! Not because of your devil fruit but because of who you are! Yet you never actually killed anyone and I wanted to make sure you were alright."

"Who was the first person you killed?" Nami asked because she could tell Luffy had experience with it.

"Does it matter? It was awful anyway." Worst part is that Luffy remembered her, she was a friend who was dying and he let her go.

The two remained standing there, waiting for the pirates to pick their people and leave.

…..

"Well…." Kuro started, "I have to admit you lasted much longer than I thought you would."

Kaya was crying at that point, not because of any wound done to her but the state Zoro was in.

The swordsman was covered in blood, his t-shirt was ripped apart on the areas with most wounds in the chest and the shoulders. Most cuts were small with only two big ones, one on the right shoulder and another going from his left to his torso.

But all that time Zoro's eyes didn't lose his confidence and determination, "If you weren't aiming for her all this time I would already have dealt with you."

"Pft, KahahahaHAHAHAHA! YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT DON'T YOU?" Kuro fixed his glasses again, "And why would I not go for her when you insist on being her shield? I am a pirate after all." Suddenly the man lost his good humor. "No! Former pirate!"

"Really?" Zoro had a smile on his face anyway as if his wounds were nothing. "Because you are sure fighting like a pirate is for me, at least a cowardly one!"

"Tsk! Defiant to the very end!" Kuro opened his arms completely, "But in the end it is futile, soon I will be a very rich man living, a good, long and comfortable life." His claws were ready but so was Zoro. "I am used to my real speed now, you won't be able to block me."

"We shall see!" Crossing his swords Zoro was completely focused on the pirate, if he goes for Kaya then the difficulty would rise a lot but if he can move fast enough he may be able to intercept his opponent.

The problem was that Kuro saw Zoro's compassion as a weakness and he planned to milk it for all it was worth. His movement was still rough on the turns and that was what gave time for Zoro to intercept every single strike so far.

But he was already at his limits and Kuro is only doing this because he was a sadist. He wanted Kaya to suffer and Zoro was only a means to that end, to him it would be even better if it was Usopp there that he was cutting.

He made the turn and launched his attack and once again Zoro was there protecting the girl and stopping the claws. Before Zoro could kick Kuro off the free claws were already on the move to attack him again but this time something different happened.

"SPECIAL SHOT PEPPER STAR!" The shout came from far in the road but before anyone could understand what was happening Kuro was hit on the face by something and red sauce was spread all over it.

Zoro took this and just kicked the man, first real damage he did after Kaya entered the fray, and forced him away just in time for Sanji to show up and kick the black haired pirate on the face launching him on the ground until he hits the wooden fence.

"FINALLY! WHERE YOU TWO HAVE BEEN?" Zoro screamed at Sanji when he landed at his side.

Normally Sanji would be all for fighting his counterpart but not today and not now, the chef could see the wounds all over Zoro's body and the fact that Kaya had not a single scratch. He shall never admit it but he does respect Zoro a lot. "We had some troubles with traps but the kids there helped."

Surrounding Kaya were the Usopp Pirates, the full crew armed with pans and slingshots, Usopp was right in front of them all now aiming at Kuro, "Usopp made that shot?" After the confirmation from the chef Zoro whistles, "Impressive!"

"YOU PIECES OF SHIT!" Kuro got up, his glasses were destroyed in the kick and his face was covered with bruises and pepper. "I WILL KILL YOU ALL!" He finally notices Usopp, "I WILL TAKE MY TIME BUT I WILL GET YOU! ESPECIALLY YOU USOPP!"

Usopp was trembling and anyone could see that he was afraid but he just pulled his slingshot and declared, "You want to touch anyone else then YOU WILL HAVE TO PASS OVER MY DEAD BODY!"

"THAT IS THE IDEA!" Kuro charges and Zoro is ready, countering him with his swords and forcing the pirate away. Because of the counter Kuro ended up rolling in the ground before he was able to get up. "WHAT?"

"You really didn't notice, did you?" Zoro started while planting one of his swords on the ground. Pulling his bandanna from his arm he ties it up on his head before picking his blade again.

"NOTICED WHAT?" Kuro was already ready for another charge.

"Want me to take care of him?" Sanji already knew Zoro's answer but there was no harm in asking.

"Feh! The day I let you fight my fights is the day hell freezes over!" Preparing his swords he places two of them in front of the one on his mouth.

"You think garbage like you can stop me? I have been running around you all this time!" The claws were ready and Kuro charged again, he had discarded any other plan of action that didn't involve killing the ones in front of him.

While Kaya was being attacked Zoro couldn't separate from her and Kuro would always try to go around him aiming to the most distant point possible to harm her, confident that Zoro would step on the way.

Now the distance was enough that one way or another Zoro didn't need to worry about protecting anyone, the only way to reach the others is passing him and the older pirate won't have the chance.

But the biggest thing was that Kuro became too over confident. All his life he had always planned when he wanted something and then followed said plan religiously to reach the best result.

When Zoro pushed Kuro to force him to improvise the pirate became drunk on the sensation of his growth, the speed his rational mind couldn't use was unlocked by his instinct and drive born from his desperation of reaching his ideal life and the fear that Zoro was going to stop him.

The master of the Santoryu realized that Kuro became completely blind to his situation once he became able to use his full potential and stopped using his head only focusing on his more base instincts to make his opponent and, more importantly to the former pirate, Kaya suffer.

"SANTORYU!"

All that helped Zoro because the man took his time in attempting to harm the girl doing even more lethal strikes and abandoning the idea of keeping her alive only for the pleasure he felt in seeing her suffer with Zoro's struggle revealing his true persona, a sadist that cared for nothing except himself and his pleasure.

But while Kuro was now more used to his speed he still sucked at turns and could actually only move in the direction he started going unless he goes for a circle first, having to fully commit already in the initial action.

"ONI GIRI!"

And just like that it was over. Kuro couldn't dodge and his claws were in no position to block the triple sword attack hitting him on his chest doing more damage than any wound that Zoro has received the whole fight.

Losing his concentration and part of his conscience because of the pain the only thing left was momentum since there was nothing to control the legs. Sanji saw where all that was going and moved to remove Kaya and the 'pirate' crew out of the way leaving the path clear for impact.

Bones broke, wounds opened a bit more, what was left of the suit was ruined and one his arms had turned in the wrong direction.

"That," started Usopp with a shocked face.

"was," continued Ninjin.

"so," Piiman followed.

"COOL!," Tamanegi finished.

"Is he alive?" The one that asked was Kaya.

"I am impressed that after all this you still worry about him." Zoro commented while sheathing his swords and moving closer to Kaya and the children.

"Miss Kaya is so generous!" Sanji was fast to sing praises but the girl herself said something that showed her true priorities, getting closer she whispered to the three older males making sure the younger ones didn't hear.

"I think it would be bad to kill someone in front of a child…"

"Kaya." Usopp whispered her name and everyone could see he was worried but she moved to hold his hand.

"It is fine Usopp, I just don't want the children to see a dead man." Listening to it Zoro just nods and says.

"I don't like the idea of killing in front of children, you don't need to worry about it." At that last comment Sanji goes to patch up the pirate to the best of his ability. "Why took you two so long? Did the pirates show up on both sides? 'Cause Luffy and Nami aren't here yet?" Zoro wasn't even caring about his own wounds.

"Well... " Part of Usopp wanted to lie, really wanted to lie but there were enough lies for a while. "We were stuck on the traps I made with my stuff but the kids heard me telling you about Kuro and decided to help."

"So where were they all this time?" Zoro asked.

"We fell asleep." Ninjin said scratching the back of his head while the other looked at Zoro with a mix of shame and admiration. "But screw that! WHAT YOU DID WAS SO COOL!"

"Yes, it was like *shush* then you did a *swing* and that asshole was down!" The boy with a pepper like hat started to replay the fight.

"Master Zoro? Are you going to be okay? Wounded like that?" The blonde one asked.

"Hey! Why are you calling him master?" Usopp protested but even he thought that what Zoro did was cool.

"Unfortunately for you three I don't have time to accept any more disciples at the moment." Zoro affirmed.

The sad faces of the children didn't dissuade him but all was fine for the moment, the threats to the Gecko Islands and the Sirup Village were defeated and the villagers knew nothing of the danger that would never come.

…..

Klahadore opens his eyes in a bed, it was night by what he could see from his window. He was in his old room and for a minute he thought that he had a dream about his plan being executed and him being able to use his Stealth Foot without needing to give up his mind.

He was sure that the day for his final plan was this and he needed to get up and put things in motion.

But when he tried to get up he found that it was impossible, his legs felt as if they were both tied to anchors and he couldn't move his arms. After trying to sit down and being unable to do it he was ready to call for Merry when he noticed someone on a chair close to the door.

It was the kid with the straw hat, Monkey D. Luffy and he had his hat covering his eyes but Klahadore could tell that he was not sleeping. "Finally woke up?" He said and there was a sense of deja vu for the butler.

"Ah! Yes! Can I ask what you are doing in my room mister Luffy?" There was no need to rush, Klahadore can play nice for a while until he is in position to execute his plans and the boy in front of him was dangerous, not himself but his bodyguard is the dangerous one.

"What is wrong with you? Did you forget what happened?" What was the kid talking about?

"I am sorry sir but 'forget'?"

"Okay… Zoro beat you up! Remember?"

Kuro felt a chill run in his spine and tried to get up again but he couldn't. He could see the bag that had his claws close to the bed, so close he could just stretch his hand a bit he would get it but for whatever reason he was unable to do it.

"WHAT HAVE YOU BRATS DONE TO ME?" It wasn't a dream? He was defeated? Impossible! This must be some kind of trick. "UNTIE ME NOW! SOON MY CREW WILL ARRIVE TO THIS ISLAND AND IF I AM NOT THERE ALL THE VILLAGE WILL BE DESTROYED!"

Luffy tilted his head but Kuro had no time for this, he needed to be ready to eliminate his crew once the raid was done and also to make sure they didn't just burn everything. He had to protect his peace after all.

Luffy just sighed, moved to the bed and pulled the covers. When Kuro looked down he was shocked by what he saw.

His body was covered in bandages, both his arms and legs were in casts, now he could notice the tube with bags at the side of his bed on him and for what he can see the reason why he can't move is because his body just couldn't.

"WHAT? How?" First came the shock, he didn't understand what was happening. Then came the realization that the dream he had was very much real. The denial came next, "This is some sort of trick, it has to be!" He looks at Luffy whose expression didn't change much. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?"

Luffy tilts his head and just stares in the eyes of the once pirate. Kuro tries to move, he can't use his limbs properly or not at all. Deducing he was under some kind of drugs, the former captain fought to free himself from the bandages and the tub.

"You don't remember?" Luffy asked while the other black haired ignored him and kept moving. Letting out a sight the straw hat just says, "You lost."

"I didn't lose! I don't know what kind of trick you are trying to pull but once I am free I will kill you and every single one of your frie-" Before the man could finish Luffy placed a hand on his neck and pushed him into the bed.

"I really want to punch you! But I won't because you are hurt and it is not worth it anymore." He said choking the man a bit before letting go. "But if you threaten my friends again…." There was no need to finish the line and for what Kuro could see of Luffy's eyes he knew that the younger man would make sure he regretted ever mentioning his friends.

"But…." The shock finally settled in and the realisation of what happened came.

Kuro remembered the facts, his threats to Kaya, his attacks on Zoro, the swordsman protecting the girl and more. Then the reinforcements came but not for him, for the green haired swordsman. The last thing the former captain of the Black Cat Pirates could recall was him charging to finally put the fool down only to wake up on his bed with the straw hat.

"You hit your head, HARD. We had to call a doctor from the village to take care of you." Luffy started to explain but there was no sympathy in his words or face. "She took care of you after we said you fell down some stairs."

"'Fell down some stairs'?" Kuro repeated but he felt numb and thought that must be because of the medicine.

"Yep! We can't just tell anyone that you were a pirate captain that planned to kill lots of people for money!" Luffy started to play a bit with his chair, "People would be upset and Usopp didn't want that to happen."

"Usopp?" What that pathetic liar had to do with- "He shot me!" The anger came but once again he just can't get up.

"That is right. You remember! Great, that was easy. Now can you answer my questions?" Finally some spark of joy appeared in Luffy's face which confused the man in bed but he nodded. "Cool!" Then his face turned serious again. "Why did you do it?"

"Do what?" The anger had gone as fast as it had come and now there was only… apathy in a sense.

"All this. Three years living as a butler and doing stuff you didn't want. Why did you do it?" Was curiosity that brought out the question? The older man didn't know nor care.

"Because I was tired. You don't know how tiring it is, the life of a pirate." The man didn't have his glasses but he could clearly see the expression of disappointment in the younger man's face. "Hunted all day, being unable to just go anywhere because there is a price on your head. Worse even was to have to deal with that useless piece of shit of a crew!"

The rage was back and he turned to glare at Luffy but the straw hat stayed silent, and just let the man talk. The old pirate didn't know why he ended telling him his life story but he just did, from his days leading a bunch of idiots and ending up as a pirate because he wanted money and treasure.

He came to regret that later in life, being a pirate was hard. Not because of morals but because of the rules of the world. By becoming a pirate he was hunted by the marines and in the beginning it wasn't so bad, he always had a plan to escape and a strategy to always get profit from his expeditions.

But he was too good with his plans, evading the marines, tricking the bounty hunters and stealing the best ships he could find. However things went downhill when his bounty was raised and the marines put more effort in taking him down, at the time Krieg was already making waves but the one they chose to pursue was not the 'Pirate Admiral' but him. Kuro never understood why, it made no sense with the concept of 'justice' to go after the smaller criminal with a fleet being made right in their backyard.

Finally he had enough and after thinking for a few days he decided to execute his most bold plan yet, a plan that would let him home free and safe. He told Luffy how the former shipwright looked like him, just enough that the marines wouldn't question.

He then went and killed every single marine on the ship that was chasing them that day, except one that he can't remember the name of. The marine ship had to be pulled to the closest marine base but nobody questioned when a single 'hero' managed to safely take the ship back to port after defeating the great captain 'Kuro of a Hundred Plans'.

The newspaper sold the story to the masses informing him that the scapegoat had been executed and he laughed that day, laughed so much that many thought him mad.

After that came the part two of his plan, get money 'legally'. It was easy really, all he had to do was inherit it. The crew didn't have enough treasure to do anything worthwhile and he never managed to get enough to make a trove.

Inheritance it was, and he ordered the most inconspicuous of his crew to go to the smaller islands and see if they were inhabited. The smaller the island the better because those usually had only one or two small ships and that meant only one person on the place had the money and power on the place.

They found this one, the Syrup Village where Kaya's father was the only one with a ship and contacts in other islands. The man had everything, money, a big house, a beautiful wife and a daughter. But he was also soft.

Kuro spent some days on the street starving on an island the man was known to frequent, he found the pirate that introduced himself as Klahadore, a man lost in the sea. He was taken in, fed and found a job as a butler, exactly where he wanted to be for the last part.

"I didn't kill them, you know? The Kaya's parents. There was no point, If they lived until today then I would have then killed in the raid anyway. Killing them earlier was an unnecessary risk." The man confessed, he really didn't care about the lives of Kaya's parents… or he did. "If they had lived I wouldn't have to deal with that girl as much as I was forced to. Pity they died."

Luffy sat there saying nothing for a bit, the man in the bed felt as if he was being judged but he didn't care anymore at that point. He used the silence to think.

His plan of three years is ruined, his crew was probably killed by the man in front of him and he was only alive… Why was he still alive? "Why did you save my life?"

"I didn't, Kaya did." Luffy answered easily, "She is strong." Kuro snorts.

"Strong? That girl? She is nothing." It hurts to laugh. "If she had true strength I would be dead, either when she had a chance to shoot or by just leaving me for dead."

"Nah, she didn't let you die because she didn't want for the kids to see someone dying." That… was stupid to him. "Besides this is the worst for you."

…He is right, Kuro realized. His plans have been ruined beyond repair, it will take days for his body to recover and he was at the mercy of a bunch of brats. Even if Usopp had stopped the knowledge of his act from spreading for whatever reason he still won't be allowed to stay.

"You are taking me to the marines?" At Luffy's nod Kuro just said "If you do it, I die."

"I don't know, things are different now. The only marines around are good ones or cowards and we will leave you with one of those." 'Things are different'? "Lots of the bad ones are out of the East and maybe you will get a fair trial or something." For the looks of things Luffy didn't care either way.

"Why are you here? You can't be here as a guard, any doctor worth their salt could tell you that I can't move." So far the only thing he could move was his neck, the rest was too damaged or he simply felt too much pain to try.

"Because I wanted to know why you did it." ... That is it?

"Why?"

"Because I will be the King of The Pirates and I was curious."

"You? King of The Pirates? Are you an idiot? Do you even realize what that means? What it entails? What do you even know about being a pirate? You think that being a pirate means being a hero or something? You have no idea what it means to be a pirate if you think that any crew worth their salt would be here? How much of an idiot can you be?" Kuro ran out of air on his rant, the wounds not helping his situation.

Luffy looked completely uninterested in all the older man said, he didn't care about the rant for any reason and got right in the face of the man he just said. "Why would I care about a coward's words."

"Coward?" Kuro felt insulted for some reason, more than at any other point in his life.

"You ran away from the sea, gave up the life you had and instead of working for what you wanted you tried to steal it for yourself at the cost of other people's lives." Luffy explained, giving a moment to see if the defeated man understood what he was saying. "You are not a pirate or a butler, you are a coward and you just gave up. You didn't go looking for new things or tried to move on, gone for the Grand Line or any other thing."

"I didn't want to die!" He confessed.

"What is the point of living if all you do is be afraid of dying!" Luffy countered and much to Kuro's dismay he could see the point. "What you have now that all is done?"

The numb and the cold came for him as he realized what the straw hat meant with the question.

"Nothing… I have nothing." The man stayed staring to the ceiling for the rest of the night while Luffy had gone to bed. He had no resources, even his body was useless and the crew that he left behind when he initiated his plan was gone, they must have showed up because Jango had but the man before him must have done something.

In the mind of someone like him, a rational mind only could come to one conclusion but he refused to accept it, he didn't want to say or even think about it.

But the words came anyway in his mind and eventually he whispered, "My plan failed." There was nobody else to hear it.

…..

"SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!" Luffy claimed to all the heavens as he looked to his pirate ship, a present that wasn't a present(you don't want money, keep the Lil Chaser). The ship was a small caravel with a cannon on the front and the figurehead of a sheep.

It was designed by the loyal butler Merry and it was, in Luffy's opinion, the most beautiful ship in all the seas. "'She?'" Asked Nami.

"Well Merry is a guy and this one is Merry too, so she must be a girl." Luffy explained his flawless logic and the girl just let out a sigh and shook her head.

"I honestly like the idea of my precious Going Merry being a girl." Merry was smiling while Luffy, Nami and Kaya looked at the ship. "It is fully stocked and prepared for the trips, the details…"

Luffy toned the man out at that point, he was explaining Nami's stuff and the straw hat always messes up when he tries to help with Nami's stuff.

"You sure there is nothing else we can do?" Kaya asked him, she was more well dressed in yellows and her face looked better, facing her own fears to stop Kuro did wonders.

"Nah, don't worry about it. A friend asked for help." Luffy smiled still looking at the ship, can't believe the time finally came for him to have his own ship with no attachments to his former life and the title of-

"But you guys are he-" Luffy placed his hand on her mouth before she could ever finish the sentence.

"Miss Kaya!" Merry looked ready to intervene but Nami moved faster and took Luffy away from the girl before asking.

"You were about to call us with a 'h' word right?" When the other girl nodded confusedly Nami explained. "Luffy hates that and if you did call us that then we couldn't have kept the Going Merry."

"But why?" The blond girl tilts his head in question.

"He hates being called the 'h' word and if you do it he will refuse any reward." Nami was smiling while Luffy was pouting at the explanation. She said it right but the way she said it he felt like he was being teased.

"Ah!" Looks like Kaya understood. "Then I will completely ignore anything that could happen with this ship, like if my friends decide to take it on a trip or something."

"Great, thanks a lot Kaya- I mean, yeh sure, we may take her on a trip." Luffy and Kaya were nodding to each other while Nami face palmed and Merry, the butler, just smiled.

"SOMEONE PLEASE STOP ME!" Usopp shouted while he came rolling from the hill with a huge bag on his back. Nami moves to stop any damage to the ship and, turning on her bull form, she positions herself so the teen would hit her side.

Luffy could only watch as Usopp hit Nami bag first, with him ending with his head on the ground and his legs in the air.

"Thank you."

"No problem." Nami then returns back to normal while Usopp collects himself. The long nose turns to Kaya while the girl gives a small but sad smile to him.

"You are leaving?" She didn't need to ask.

"Yes. The time has come." He wouldn't lie to her on this.

"Luffy, let's check the ship!" Nami started to drag the straw hat to their new home while Merry also moved behind them. The man had an arm on a sling but beside that he was going to recover completely and could do some exercise.

"Thank you for letting them have their moment." Merry says to them and Nami just brushes him off.

"Tell me more about the ship, I want all details before we leave." They talked for a bit while Luffy explored.

He climbed to the crow's nest first to see all of it, then he raced to the kitchens, he thought about stealing a few snacks but holded back(it isn't fun without Sanji trying to stop him), checked Nami's tangerines before said girl punched him on the head forcing him away before he could get one.

After taking a look at the rooms he goes to the figurehead. He liked it, it looked better than the Saber's. The sheep figurehead was more cheerful, full of joy and also turned out to be an awesome place to sit. "This is my official chair! My special seat!" Luffy declared.

He watches the horizon and takes a deep breath. The scent of the sea, the sound of the waves, finally he can experience all that on his own ship… once they are at the sea they will have a party, he decided. The first of many if Luffy had anything to say about that.

He then noticed that there was a silence on the air, he couldn't hear Nami and Merry or Usopp and Kaya. Turning his head he sees the reason.

Being carried by Zoro in the most dumb way possible was Kuro with Sanji acting as a guide since he knew where the ship was and Zoro didn't… Luffy wanted to leave it at that.

Seeing Kuro made Kaya straight her spine and move in the newcomers direction, "You are taking him to the marines right?" Zoro looked at Luffy after the question and even Sanji was holding himself back. Once Luffy nods Zoro said.

"Yes! It will be one last bounty hunter job I suppose." The girl looked resolute.

"Could you please put him standing, I have something to say." Now that was a dilemma, nobody wanted her to do anything she would regret and Kuro was not in the best condition, still full of bandages and with arms on slings even if his legs were a little better.

"SURE THING KAYA-SWAN!" Sanji decided for the group and just picked the pirate and placed him on his feet. Zoro just shrugged and Usopp stayed close to his friend ready for anything.

Once Kuro was on his feet the girl approached him. Everyone watched as the girl took a step closer and the man said nothing. Luffy could see his eyes even at that distance and he knew the man would do nothing.

It is a sad thing seeing a broken person, sure he was a horrible man but Luffy hated those eyes full of apathy with no will to fight, run or do anything. That was a despair worse than death and Luffy wanted nothing to do with it.

Kaya slaps Kuro in the face, just like that at the drop of a hat, no one said anything and she just went there and did it. Merry looked like he wanted to go to her but Nami stood on his way and he heard her saying to let Kaya deal with it.

"That was for Usopp, Merry and everyone else you harmed or put in any danger." She looked at the man with angry eyes while he remained numb, Luffy was happy she is recovering from her sickness but her rage is wasted here.

Kuro was done, Luffy didn't know the man that well but there was nothing on his eyes and posture. The once pirate captain had lost all his will.

Kaya then lowered her head and said something that surprised all present, "Thank you for all your years of service. I wish you luck in your future endeavors." She raised her head and let out a smile, "You are a horrible man but until the end you were a great butler. I really wished Klahadore was a real person, he was a good man."

The silence that followed was weird. Nobody knew what to say and Luffy didn't really care because he knew Kaya needed this, to speak her mind, let out all her thoughts and that was probably her last chance.

"I never cared for you." Kuro started, still with his head low and eyes dead. "I only did what I needed to do to gain your trust. You shouldn't be thanking me. You should hate me."

"I do hate you." She said and for the first time the eyes of the man gained some life in the form of curiosity. "I hate what you did but… If you were not Kuro anymore, If your only goal was to stay away from the pirate life… I would have defended you. All these years you didn't need to stay up to take care of me most nights, neither did you need to act kindly when I was at my worst. You were going to hypnotize me and have me killed anyway… then why did you do that?"

The girl gave him a small smile, turned to Usopp and said with a sad voice that Luffy almost didn't hear.

"Now, two of the people I love most are leaving. One will not come back for a long time and maybe never while the other is going away forever." She embraces the long nosed teen before turning back to Kuro and pulling something out of the pocket of her coat.

"You broke the last one, please make sure to not break these. Mister Ocley took all night to fix them when I told him you fell down some stairs." It was a case for glasses and when she opened it the man looked at them in surprise.

Kaya picked the glasses and placed them in the face of the man, he was stunned and completely confused by those events. Maybe it was the first time someone was nice to him knowing his story.

"Well! I better get going!" Usopp announced looking nervous for some reason. He turns to Luffy and gives a thumbs up. "I hope we see each other in the sea someday."

Luffy jumps from the figurehead in the land and gets close to Usopp before placing an arm around the long nose teen shoulder, "What are you talking about? You are coming with us."

"Wait what?" The confusion was obvious. "Why would I go with you all? I am going to follow my dream and be a great warrior of the sea and I can only do that as a pirate!"

"To be fair you could be plenty of other stuff," Nami commented while she and Merry were getting out of the ship, "like a soldier, just an adventurer, maybe even a marine. You don't need to be a pirate to be a great warrior."

"I know that… it is just I also want to be a pirate, not like him," he points to Kuro, "I want to see the world, meet new people, learn new stories…" He met Kaya's eyes and then looked at Luffy. "As a pirate!"

"Great! Welcome aboard!" Luffy was happy to find someone like Usopp, even if he wasn't Yasopp's son Luffy would want him on the crew.

"Didn't you hear me? I want to be a pirate!" Usopp was starting to get frustrated.

"Yes and we are pirates!" At that all the natural born residents of the Gecko islands looked at each other and turned to Nami who nodded. "We are good pirates. We go into adventures, beat bad guys, run from the marines, find treasure and have parties after a good fight." Luffy then stood in front of Usopp and extended his hand. "I am Luffy and I will be King of The Pirates! Want to come with?"

The shock in Usopp's face was undeniable. "You are pulling my leg! You are a pirate?" He looks around and asks, "YOU ARE ALL PIRATES!"

"Yep!" "Sure!" "Absolutely!"

"Isn't this great Usopp? You are going to travel with these wonderful people!" Kaya was all for it and the reveal that her new friends are pirates didn't affect her in the slightest.

"I-I-I-..." Usopp was still recovering from the news. It was fine for Luffy he could wait a bit for Usopp to say yes, he was a cool guy. "Can I- I mean, Of COURSE I WILL GO WITH YOU!" Usopp then made a pose "You can count with the great captain Usopp, the brave! If you let me lead you all we will get to the One Piece by the end of the year."

"You are leading nothing!" Nami said with a wicked smile, "Unless, of course you want to pay the fee to be the captain?"

"Fee?"

"Luffy was our employer before being our captain." Nami tried to appear innocent… anybody that knew her was buying it and even Sanji was looking at Usopp with pity because his next few words may land him in a pile of debt. "And the salary he pays us is good with a fair splitting of the treasures," which Nami takes care of, "health packages," elaborated by the girl that was speaking, "and generous hours!" That was all Luffy.

"Ah… Can I be another thing instead of the captain then?" The sweat on his face is visible but Luffy just laughs deciding to give the other job.

"We don't need two captains." Luffy felt that would be confusing. "But we do need a sniper and from what Sanji and Zoro said you have a hell of an aim."

"Then I accept with gusto!" Usopp shakes Luffy's hand and the crew gains another member much for the joy of all except one.

"If you all are done with this tomfoolery!" Kuro calls out and Luffy is impressed by what he saw. The man is still wounded and weak but his eyes are different, there was life in them again. There was still a deep sadness and regret but the man had recovered a bit. "Now let's get moving. I want to see how you are going to convince the marines that I am Kuro. If anything that will be funny."

Usopp didn't like how the man was talking but Luffy was paying more attention to his moviment, he was hurt but stood tall and there was no malice in them. Even the way of fixing his glasses was different, before he used the palm but now he just used his fingers.

Maybe Kuro did die on this island and now this was another person, not Kuro or Klahadore or at least as they were. But that won't stop Luffy to do what was right because that is only fair. "We won't say you are Kuro," that made the man stop half the way to enter the ship, "you are just a pirate that tried to kill people. Whatever happens after that is not our problem."

"Ha! Fair enough." The man accepted his fate and after he boarded the ship Nami moved to tie him with some rope and Sanji insisted to help.

"Why not tell the marines he is Kuro?" Usopp asked and Luffy shrugged.

"Cause he isn't, not anymore at least." That was what Luffy felt, the former captain Kuro of a Hundred Plans died on the failure of his plan, this was a different man, still not fully formed but the straw hat could tell something, he realized that if he hadn't kept the pirate part of him alive he would have found the peace he wanted.

Nami then approaches Kaya and gives her a small paper, "What is this?" The blond girl asks.

"When you go and visit one of the more populated islands, call this number in a den den mushi." Nami said with a smile, "Tell them: 'Nami said you could help my island' and someone will pop up here to help expand."

"Are you sure about that, miss Nami?" Merry asked, approaching in curiosity.

"Absolutely!" The confidence in her voice was easy to hear.

"Thanks a lot Nami!" Kaya gives Nami a hug. It was time to go.

Once all was ready and the goodbyes were said Luffy declared.

"LET'S SET SAIL! FOR THE GRAND LINE!" Now the Straw Hat Crew was officially ready to go… after one last stop to the closest marine base. And another in a certain town. Then it was time for the Grand Line, for the One Piece.

…..

Hi guys, liked the chapter? Big right? That is what happens when you have no idea when you can stop in something, there is an argument that this is two chapters in one but I legitimately had no clue where I would break off for the other one so this is a huge big chapter.

Now on the comments, as usual thanks for the support from all and it is time to focus on those with questions and doubts… and some stuff that I will elaborate because someone commented something that I agree but I want to say it here but let's go in parts.

First bloodshark: Dude, too many questions here. You are asking for some spoilers and at this point you know what I am going to say, nope. But I will tell you what is not a spoiler, Alvida happened and it is on the story, read it again if you have doubts and I explain other stuff there or in other author notes, Fullbody was supposed to appear on the War against Krieg but the chapter gave no chance for him to show up but if you want to know…(spoilers) basically something similar with what happens in the manga and I shall not say anything else about that.

Lolobugga1: You had no real questions but you raised a point I wanted to touch, you and others but you said something that I believe deserves elaboration. Luffy and devil fruits in fanfics and how the goro-goro no mi was over used. Understand this, if Luffy will get a devil fruit it will probably be this one (there are 3 on contest but this one is winning) BUT give me some credit here. Notice that I don't do stuff by half, maybe wrong because I know no better but never by half. I don't want to create another original fruit because the fruits are not the problem in the first place, it is the writing. That fruit in particular is a victim because some writers don't give it to Luffy, they make Luffy Enel light. Believe me, if That one is the winner in my decision I promise that I will use it in ways that nobody except Oda himself thought about because most people forget some of the stuff that the fruits can do so please give me some credit… If that is the winner. I won't say which ones are the other contestants right now but, besides Nami's, I won't create any other original here because I want to play in the One Piece's sandbox, not my own.

Now about Usopp, the deal with him is in this chapter but I am surprised that nobody noticed a simple fact, his island is too small. There was no place for commerce or information, sure it may even receive papers but it is isolated and the signs are there.

Usopp village is the smallest that we see in the East, there is no real authority and Kaya is the only one with any real power there as far as we know, I even made her a daughter of a merchant to justify that.

The only reason it didn't join the kingdom was because no one knew that island had a village for starters, that can change and probably will because Nami noticed that too.

Even if the island had contacts with the kingdom I don't believe Usopp would have left Kaya so easily, maybe if there was a fort on the Gecko Islands and he could train there he would join but that is another argument all together.

Kuro was a strange character to write because of a single fact: he didn't need to be that kind to Kaya to the point he was. He could just work like a normal butler taking care of stuff in the background and then executing his plan with no fuss at all. The way he treats her before and after his reveal is complicated in the manga and even more weird because Kaya never faced him on better terms before he left.

For the record she didn't forgive him or anything but it is hard to just let go of a person who took care of you for three years, there are abusive relationships that keep going with less even. Another theme I was going for there was irony. By the end of the chapter Kaya was out of her depression while Kuro fell on his own only for her to help him a bit.

Will we see Kuro again? Maybe? Impel Down is full of people of the East at this point… what is one more? Or maybe not.

The fights were fun to write, Zoro vs Kuro just fits, two unusual swordsmen facing each other, while Nami facing the pirates was simple. Taking Sanji out of the fight was easy to stop a curbstomp. Why did the Nyaban brothers' fight got skipped? Because it would be a repeat of fighting the rest, Nami is too smart to be tricked and she was strong enough to 1x2 then while stopping Jango from even trying to help.

Yes, Kuro got a power up there but it is the same principle as Haki and that lets me give the 'boss' a second stage… going to use that more later at least once or twice with some guys that had some untapped potential.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to leave a comment.

Next Chapter: Showdown at Loguetown.