Chapter 14: The Rise of an Empire

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece but, if I did, I would ship Luffy & Coby so hard!

"Is that every one of them?" Luffy asked Usopp while Usopp was tying up the bounty hunter into a small circle.

"Yeah. And a lot of them have burn marks on them. What the hell happened to them?" Usopp replied. Gin & Nojiko stared down at the ground.

"I'm sorry Don Luffy. I know you said not to kill them, but we couldn't control ourselves. Something is going on with our weapons." Gin bowed down and apologized.

"Gin you idiot I told you to stop calling me that. Besides its fine you guys didn't kill them. That will leave a mark on them but they'll be fine. Luffy groaned and lift Gin back up on his feet.

"Well I didn't really care. They were attacking me and that's the end result." Nojiko commented. Luffy gave her side eye look.

"Anyways it seems like both of your weapons are similar. Practice with them more so that you won't feel as much fatigue. Trust me. Enemies won't give you guys time to recover." Luffy spoke while patting both Gin & Nojiko on the shoulder. As Luffy finished up talking to Gin & Nojiko, he turned around and saw Nami pointing her staff into Zoro's back.

"Wind Tempo!"

Nami yelled out as she shot a small compressed air wave into Zoro's back. He was sent flying off his feet and landing into a building wall. Zoro grunted and ran ack up towards the building.

"That was for not holding back!" Nami yelled.

"I'm going to kill HER!" Zoro yelled.

"YOU WILL NOT TOUCH MY LOVELY GODDESS BASTARD!" Sanji yelled as he tried to land a swift kick towards Zoro but missed. Instead of Zoro making a witty comeback as usual, the pair instantly jumped into another fight with each other. As the two were still fighting, Usopp noticed on top of the building, a bird and a otter standing on top of a building,

"Uhh guys. Look." Usopp caught the attention of the crew.

"Who cares? They aren't going to do anything to us. I'm sure they were watching the fights. Luffy said while digging into his nose and flicking his snot onto Ussop's hat. Actually, since you two are here you might as well tell your boss my crew & I already know who he is." Luffy finished as he gave them a side eye. The pair suddenly had panicked expression on their faces. A few seconds later, the pair flew off in the distance.

"Don Luffy, are you sure we should let them fly away?" Gin asked Luffy in a concerned way.

"It'll be fine. Whatever this organization throws at us, we can handle it." Luffy replied as he glanced to his side and saw some of the bounty hunters waking back up, including Mr.9, Igaram, Miss Wednesday, and Miss Monday.

"Looks like they're regaining consciousness. So, are you guys ready to hear my request?" Luffy asked Igaram. Igaram looked around in a shocked type of manner.

"How can 3 measly people managed to take down 300 of our best bounty hunters? he asked himself. At first, he was going to figure out a way to bid some time and escape but remember that that person was also still tied up and needed to be protected. Igaram had no other choice but to respond.

""We are listening," he answered, sure that he spoke for every agent behind him.

"Alright! ATTENTION, BAROQUE WORKS! Luffy shouted. My name's Monkey. ! To those of you who don't know me, I'm the Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and I got a proposition for you guys."

"What does a pirate want with a crime syndicate?" Miss Monday spoke up.

"Well if you'd stop interrupting me, I'd tell you," he sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Okay, so here's the thing. Baroque Works is an organization that specializes in theft, bribery, bounty hunting, and even assassination. Not very nice way of doing things, but the reason you do them, assuming you're not a total sociopath, is because you've all been promised a place in a 'Ideal Nation' the Boss is going to create. If you work hard, the better your position will be in this 'Ideal Nation.' So, basically, you're all crawling over each other to steal the most loot, bring in the biggest bounty, and complete the most mission. All for the promise to stand on top in this 'Ideal Nation'. I got all that right?"

"Y-yes." Igaram stuttered.

"Well what if I told you guys that promise of an "Ideal Nation" was a sham?" Luffy spoke. Some of the bounty hunters began to stir and shout out in anger.

"HOW DARE YOU MOCK OUR CAUSE AND AMBITIONS!"

Luffy snorted and sent out a small wave of his Haki to silence them.

"If this "Ideal Nation" isn't a sham, then why is your boss planning to frame a king by staging a coup?" Luffy asked while raising a brow. Several bounty hunters began to gasp and bicker with each other. Igaram spoke up once more.

"How do you know that?"

"Let's just say I have someone who infiltrated your organization and is a high-ranking member." Luffy said with a slight smirk. Suddenly, a questioned popped into Igaram's head.

"Before you asked your question, I forgot an important announcement. The Unluckies were just here and they saw of all your bodies and presumed you were all I'm assumed Crocodile replaced you all already," As soon as Luffy got done talking, his eyes widened in shock.

"WHAT?!" All of the bounty hunters and Nojiko yelled out. A tic appeared on Nami's head.

"Idiot. Did you have to announce his name so casually like that?" She asked

"Sorry. It slipped out." Luffy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. Meanwhile the bounty hunters were still shocked that he was there boss.

"Um Don? Who is this crocodile that has everyone uneasy?" Gin asked Luffy. Luffy sighed and patted Gin on the shoulder.

"It seems like everyone who was from the East Blue were cavemen. Crocodile is a person who is known as one of the "Seven Warlords of the Sea". They are powerful pirates who allied themselves with the World Government. You already met one of them. Remember Hawkeye?" Luffy asked him. Gin eyes shot open in surprise.

"HE'S one of THEM?!" Gin shouted out.

"Yep and... Luffy leaned in to whisper to him, one of our crewmates also."

"WHAT?! Most of the bounty hunters shouted simultaneously. Igaram began to sweat nervously. "Who is this man? he said to himself. How is it that you know all of this information?" Igaram asked Luffy. Luffy had a slight smirk on his face.

"The same way that I know you're really a royal guard and she's a princess." Luffy finished talking while pointing at Miss Wednesday. Suddenly, Miss Wednesday began to shake uncontrollably to get their self-loose but, Zoro stood in front of both of them.

"Would you idiot just relax. My captain has something to ask you all still." Zoro said lazily while yawning.

"As i was sayin-" was all Luffy was able to say before Mr. 9 spoke up.

"You're a princess Miss Wednesday?! Oh baby! I did not see that coming." Mr.9 commented while shaking his head.

"Why is a princess in our ranks?" one of the bounty hunters spoke up.

"Ahem. So you guys remember when I told you that your boss is planning on overthrowing a country? That's hers." Luffy spoke. Several gasps were heard from the crowd. Suddenly, Miss Wednesday began to tear up.

"I'm so sorry you guys. I wasn't trying to deceive you all. I am just trying to save my country." she shouted in tears. Igaram began to tear up as well.

"Princess! You don't have to apologize. It's my fault. I wasn't able to protect you. I've failed as a royal guard. I've brung shame to this family that my own family has sworn to protect for generations." he yelled out in anger and regret.

"If you want to protect the people you cherish, get stronger." Luffy spoke up sternly. Igaram looked up at Luffy's eyes and saw a strong form of admiration and determination.

"Well It's a good thing that you've bumped into us anyway because I have a solution to solve your problem. Luffy spoke. You see this island is special. The way you guys set this place to be a bounty hunting town is a nice disguise. Since you guys are out of a job... why not become my subordinates?" Luffy asked. All of the bounty hunters' eyes widened in shock.

"So, what makes you so sure we would want to become your subordinates?" Miss Monday added into the conversation.

"Well for one, you guys can still keep your bounty hunting jobs and you can earn extra money." Luffy finished speaking again.

"How?" Mr. 9 asked curiously.

"i want to turn this town into one of my secret undercover bases." Luffy said excitedly. Nearly everyone who was in Luffy's vicinity almost shouted in union, including the crew.

"Color me surprised. This is actually the first time i'm hearing this." Zoro chimed in while smirking.

"Okay everyone I know everyone has questions and fortunately I have to answer it. Luffy said raising his head to calm everyone down again and he started to pace back and forth on top of the building. You see in order for me to become the King of the Pirates, I must have the connections, information, and more comrades who isn't afraid to stand up to the World Government and others to make a name for themselves. I'm pretty sure most of you all have dreams. I want to have a Grand Fleet, even bigger than Whitebeard's." Luffy went into further details of his plans.

"That sounds like a nice plan, but what does that have to do with us?" Miss Wednesday spoke up.

"Well you see princess; you're one of those connections I must make. If my crew and I save your country, can I build a base in your country also?" Luffy asked Miss Wednesday. Both Igaram and Miss Wednesday eyes widened in shock once again.

"Why would a group of pirates I don't even know want to help me save my country?" Miss Wednesday.

"Because... Crocodile pisses me off by shoving around his authority and acts like a bully by trying to overthrow a country. I want to show who's a real bully. Luffy responded while smirking maliciously. Several bounty hunters saw the smirk on his face and started to shiver slightly. Plus, I can't stand to see a beautiful woman cry. The only time a woman should cry is because of joy." Luffy smiled brightly. Suddenly, Nami and Miss Wednesday's heart skipped a slight beat. Sanji on the other hand was about to slam the heel of his shoe into the back of Luffy's head, but fortunately Usopp was able to hold him back. Suddenly, Miss Monday spoke up again.

"If we take your offer, will we have freedom to do whatever we want?" she asked.

"Of course!"

"Well then Straw Hat, I guess you have yourself a new subordinate. Miss Monday is my code name." Miss Monday spoke while grinning.

"Count me in too Baby! This sounds exciting!" Mr.9 commented with stars in his eyes.

"Me too!"

I'll join you!"

Count me in too!"

Several bounty hunters began to shout in agreement. Luffy started to smile. " Usopp you can untie them."

"If you say so."

"Wait before you untie her, untie me first. It is rude that I haven't introduced her to you guys since you want to save our country. Igaram spoke while he was being untied. Allow me to introduce to you all the princess of Alabasta kingdom; Nefertari Vivi." Igaram announced while untying her ropes around her. Luffy disappeared and reappeared right in front of her.

"Nice to finally meet the real you Vivi." Luffy said grinning

"D-Do you promise you will help save my country?" Vivi asked him with tears in her eyes.

"I promise on my life." Luffy grabbed her hand while staring into her eyes sincerely. It was at that moment that Vivi felt like she had hope. Suddenly, Luffy, Zoro, Sanji and Usopp Observation Haki went off. The sounds of clapping were coming the top of the tallest building near them.

"You know I must say that was an interesting speech, even coming from someone who just entered the Grand Line. The mysterious person was perched on the corner of the building before swooping down gracefully. Is this really the same crew who decimated the East Blue's strongest pirates?" The mysterious person finished while staring at the rest of the pirate crew. Nami, Gin, and Nojiko went on high alert and pulled out all of their weapons.

"Who are you?" Gin yelled while launching his self towards the enemy to attempt to capture them.

"Shave."

Were the words everyone heard before the mysterious person disappeared from everyone's sight and reappeared perched on top of another building. Gin halted his attack and shocked that this person was able to bypass him easily. Suddenly, Luffy's hat began to fly off his head and seen floating in the air towards the mysterious person. Luffy's smirk grew even wider.

"Well it seems someone has learned some new tricks. Why don't you reveal to us who you really are? Miss?" Luffy finished speaking.

"Oh my? It seems that my secret is already out. I guess I can stop this charade." The mysterious woman announced while tugging at the black shroud she was wearing. She also began to take her mask off. Suddenly, Sanji began to slowly turn into turned while screaming internally. Zoro began to grin as well.

"Why if it isn't Miss Ni-" was all Luffy was able to say before someone shouted loudly.

"Miss All Sunday!? What are you doing down here?" Vivi said in a panicked manner. Several bounty hunters began to glance at her. Miss All Sunday was wearing a mid-length purple sleeveless vest, with a lavender purple crop top that zipped up all the way to the cleavage, exposing her breast. She has on a dark purple mini skirt with a side split on her left that reached her hip, exposing her thigh. She was also wearing thigh high dark purple boots.

"Who is she?"

"She's crocodile's partner!" Igaram began shaking nervously.

"WHAT?" was heard from all of the bounty hunters.

"Why is she all the-" was all the bounty hunter managed to say before Nami rushed forward and embraced Miss All Sunday in a tug hug.

"ROBIN! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!" Nami yelled while sobbing into Robin's shoulder.

"Whoa there Nami. You didn't give me the chance to give you my present I brung for you." Robin commented. Nami eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Please tell me is it money?" Nami pleaded. Robin smirked.

"Go see for yourself. It's by the port." Robin said while pointing at the port. Nami sped past everyone towards the port. Robin began to twirl Luffy's hat around her fingers while smiling at him, then at the bounty hunters.

"Ms. All Sunday! What are you doing down here?" Vivi questioned her nervously while grabbing for her weapon.

"Before you do anything rash, remember what I told you guys about having someone on the inside?" Luffy asked them.

"Yeah."

"We'll let me introduce you guys to my lovely archaeologist; Nico Robin." Luffy announced while grinning. Several gasps were heard again. Gin was the first one to speak up.

"So, she's another member of our crew?"

"Who said I was a part of your crew?" Robin asked Luffy. Luffy gave her a sly smile.

"Oh, please Robin. How can you say that so cruelly?" Luffy pouted.

"What if I refuse to join your crew this time?" Robin questioned him. Before Luffy could even respond, Zoro spoke up.

"You already know that isn't a option. You know how stubborn he can be." Zoro said while trying to hold a laughter in. "Seems like she's learned how to toy with people more." Zoro said to himself.

"Well... I guess it isn't no harm tagging along again. Besides I have a feeling it might be even more lively. I re-accept your invitation to join your crew as your archaeologist." Robin announced as she threw Luffy's hat back towards him.

"There wasn't an invitation. You were going to rejoin regardless." Luffy muttered lowly. Robin giggled a little. Before Robin could even get another sentence out, Luffy spoke up.

"You know I wanted to ask this when you first appeared, who taught you the Six Powers?" Robin quirked an eyebrow.

"Well that's a long story. Let's just say it was from a Cipher Pol captain. I've been practicing since I was 17."

"Oh really?" Luffy raised a eyebrow. Robin nodded in approval. As they were still conversing, Usopp took this time and walked up the bounty hunters.

"You guys got nothing. No harm will come to you guys while you guys are under his care."

"Who is that guy anyway?" Vivi asked Usopp.

"That man is someone who will make the seas and government shake with fear." Sanji spoke whole igniting a cigarette. Vivi looked at Luffy and felt like someone was answering her prayers. Meanwhile, Gin and Nojiko were conversing with each other.

"You think we can trust her?" Gin asked her.

"Trust her? Hell, I don't even like her." Nojiko replied while glaring at Robin. Robin saw her and gave a small smile.

"So, who's the new people?" Robin asked Luffy.

"Hey guys, come here. This one is Nami's step sister; Nojiko. Luffy told Robin while grabbing Nojiko shoulder. Nojiko was still glaring at Robin. Robin stared at Nojiko in a quizzical manner. Luffy looked at both of them in a questioned manner. And this guy right here used to be a part of Don Krieg's crew; Gin. Gin extended his hand partially. Luffy sighed and told them to go help Usopp set some things up.

"Sorry about that. They'll start trusting you soon." Luffy apologized. Robin cracked a small smile and sighed a little.

"Let's hope so."

…...

(30 Minutes Later)

"So, what's our role in your grand scheme? One of the bounty hunters asked Luffy as several of them were standing inside a now refurbished building.

"Well as I said before, you guys can still resume your normal activities but I want to turn this town into one of my bases of operations. I'll have a communication network setup in a couple of minutes and I will be transporting materials and sometimes other operatives from different countries." Luffy said while carrying some transponder snails into the building. Some of the bounty hunters had confused looks on their faces.

"Why do you want to have a communication tower?" one of the bounty hunters asked. Luffy sighed and gave the bounty hunter a sideway glance.

"What is your name buddy?" He asked the bounty hunter.

"Kenshi."

"Listen Kenshi. The reason why I need a communication network set up is because the sea is constantly changing. Stronger pirates are starting to show up frequently and the World Government is up to something. I need to be a step of all of them if I want to find the One Piece and become King of the Pirates." Luffy finished talking as he exhaled a large amount of air. every bounty hunter who was in the building with him started to understand him a little bit better.

"So who are you putting in charge of this communication tower?" Kenshi spoke up once again. Luffy raised a eyebrow.

"Good question. Well I guess I cou-" was all Luffy was able to say until Miss Monday cut him off.

"I'll do it."

"You sure you're up to the task Miss Mon- actually what is your real name?" Luffy asked her.

"It's Joy." Miss Monday formed a weak smile.

"Nice name. Okay Joy, you're in charge. Actually, when I contact you guys again, I want you all to know each other's name. The bounty hunters started smileing a little bit.

…...

(At The Port)

As Luffy and Usopp were finishing help set up the communication tower, the rest of the crew were at the port restocking some provisions and supplies. Nami and Nojiko went shopping at a small thrift store, Zoro was busy taking another nap, Sanji was busy preparing breakfast. Robin was aboard the Going Merry enjoying a mid-morning tea. Alvida was busy sitting on the rail glaring at Robin. Gin was keeping a observant eye on her while being holed up in the crow's nest. It wasn't he didn't like her. He just couldn't trust her just yet. He dealt with betrayal in his past and he had a strange feeling about her. As the rest of the crew began to approach the ship, Igaram ran up to Luffy while bowing.

"Please keep the princess safe. If she dies, the king will unleash his wrath upon you and your loved ones for generations." Igaram spoke lowly. Nami slammed her leg into the back of his torso.

"Don't worry we'll keep your princess safe as long as you withhold your end of the bargain." Nami said smugly. Vivi had a scared look on her face.

"I-I'm not su-sure my country has that amount of money you're requesting lying around." Vivi stuttered. Nami huffed and a small evil grin appeared on her face.

"Fine. I guess I'll take it out of their allowances." Nami replied while staring at Luffy,Zoro,Sanji, and Ussop.

"Why us!?" Zoro and Ussop yelled simultaneously.

"Because you guys know a pretty girl such as myself don't work for free." Nami said pouting. Sanji instantly fell off the boat. Gin sighed and jumped into the water to retrieve him.

"Damn witch!" Luffy,Zoro, and Usopp muttered.

"You sure took your time Straw Hat. I was dying of boredom on here." Alvida spoke up. Luffy lifted her on his shoulders and jumped off the ship with her.

"What are you doing?" Alvida yelled.

"I need you to stay here for a while. These guys here will protect you in the meantime." Luffy told Alvida.

"What am I supposed to do while being here?"

"Well you could bounty hunt to earn some extra money for yourself. I just need you to stay here for a while until I get everything set up. Here's my den den mushi number." Luffy replied as he jumped back onto the ship. As he was about to sail off, he remembered something.

"Hey Lochie! Come here boy!" Luffy shouted as he was looking in the opposite direction. Suddenly, a giant shadow formed in the water and started to rise up. Lochie appeared from the water and launched his neck towards Luffy. Luffy grabbed onto his face and started to roll around with It.

"What the hell is that?" Nojiko asked while shivering.

"That Luffy's pet." Usopp replied while hiding behind the kitchen's door.

"It looks cute." Robin commented while giggling.

"You've been good boy?" Luffy asked Lochie. He shook his head Luffy ran below the deck to grab something. Luffy came back up with a big package. Luffy took the wrapping off of it and it was giant ham.

"Where the hell did you just get that?" Sanji yelled at Luffy.

"Relax. I bought this in Lougetown for him." Luffy replied as he fed Lochie the meat.

"Hey boy? I got another favor. Can you wait for me in Alabasta?" Luffy asked Lochie. Lochie tilted his head and then remembered if he can probably get some more meat just like this if he did this. Lochie shook his head in approval and dashed off into the sunlight. Luffy smiled weakly.

"What did you do to that monster to make him run away that fast?" Nojiko asked.

"Nothing really. Anyways, you guys ready to set sail?

"Yeah."

"Well then everyone, Let's set sail!" Luffy shouted. As the Going Merry was departing, Alvida turned around and started to walk into the town muttering some profanity.

"I'll wait for you in Alabasta Princess. Be safe on your travels." Igaram yelled loudly.

"Part 1 of my plan; completed. Time to start part 2." Luffy announced while grinning.

Finally! I am done with this chapter! Let me know what you guys think. I'm still getting everyone's Oc's together. Some people have some excellent OC's I can't wait to share them with you all.