Chapter 4: Strong World

{Merville…}

Anger didn't begin to explain the sensation that they had seen fall off of Luffy in waves after hearing Nami's message to them. They had seen him irritated, angry, furious, and even outright livid at the actions of those who lit that flame in the seventeen year old Captain. However, what they saw now was unadulterated hatred. Cipher Pol had failed to elicit this emotion, Arlong, Moria, and so many others hadn't caused Luffy to have such a furious look on his face as he did now - to the point that his eyes almost shined an unnerving crimson. It told them that their Captain was past the point of anger, but it did not relate to Nami. It correlated back to the man who had caused them so much grief.

Shiki, the Golden Lion.

And, in seeing the mixture of volatile emotions in their Captain's eyes, they could only pity the poor fool who incited it. Luffy had demolished a bolder like it was nothing, turning it into small chunks and dust before his attention turned back to them and he stepped forward, having scared the living hell out of Shaou and her mother who looked at him in fear. Because this wasn't some mere boy standing before them - it was a force of nature that now stared at his crew with a cold glower.

"We're taking him out. Right here, right now. Got it?" his words were stern, and they could only smile as they knew that now, Luffy was serious and that meant that Shiki was in for one hell of a fight.

Robin had warned them about the dress code, and what to expect - the magnitude of people present - and instead of ignoring the circumstances, the crew watched, bewildered as the black-haired boy's normally kind smile came in an almost twisted state. It sent a shiver up Brook's spine as he recognized the anger as being genuine and that Shiki had crossed the line when he'd taken Nami a second time.

"Well then, let's follow the rules, shall we?" Luffy smiled, the darkness in it having edged out in a mischievous state that told them he wasn't so out of control with his emotions that he would be reckless, no - he was merely going to beat the ever-living shit out of Shiki.

Sanji jumped at the chance with Robin to have a tiny bit of fun at the expense of the others who were not used to suits. Zoro complained the most, Franky took to it easily, as did Usopp, Brook, and Chopper, but if they were to be honest, as they got ready it was Luffy who surprised them the most. He was calm, but in a manner that told him his mind was thinking in overdrive about how to best tackle this situation. Zoro didn't question it, nor did any of the others as they noticed for a long time that though Luffy was brash as hell, when it came to important fights like this one - he was practically a genius. He certainly looked the part, sitting there in a chair completely dressed in a black suit, blood red undershirt, and black tie, his sandals still in place with his straw hat and a black and gold Captain's coat rested upon his shoulders. If someone saw Luffy like this just the sight would definitely cause some panic within them.

"Oh my, you clean nice Captain. You should dress like this more often," Brook said as charcoal gray eyes flickered in his direction.

"Eh, this isn't really my style. I think I'll stick to what I'm used too." Sanji eyed him, sighing as he and the others prepared to depart.

"To bad, it looks very imposing," Brook mentioned. Luffy smiled, turning his attention to Franky.

"Is everything ready?" the cyborg nodded.

"Roger, Captain," he said.

"Good, let's go."

Sunny took off with a burst, shooting through the skies like a star as the black-clad Straw Hat Pirates sailed upon clouds and stardust to their destination until at long last, they crash landed upon the palace gardens of Shiki's home. The guards were shocked, confused and horrified as they took aim, but were swiftly stopped as Luffy stepped off the ship first, the crew of eight looming in the darkness as Robin used her Devil Fruit and made quick work of them, leaving Franky and Usopp to break down the iron doors like they were butter. The Straw Hats entered the palace grounds with a thunderous sound, scaring the guards as they were giving notice to warn Shiki that someone had broken into the estate; however, none of them cared. If that lion knew they were coming to his den then it would make the hunt all the more enjoyable. They went through halls, down corridors and past open air gardens inspired by the beauty of Wano.

They followed Luffy's directive, knowing quite well that he had Shiki's scent and had tracked him down through the open halls and through ornate doors with vibrant colors of gold, red, blue and other rich hues that depicted dragons and lions warring with tigers. Their attention focused when Luffy stopped, a nod of his head giving Zoro the go ahead to slash the doors open. Usopp tried to kick the door open, but his foot went through the paper and ultimately, he was left to be flung open as light spilled in from the moonlight as Sanji broke the rest of the door down, and the Straw Hat Pirates entered the room. They came adorned in all black, dressed for the occasion, but brandishing massive guns. Their forms lined up neatly, creating an opening for their Captain to enter, being defended by them, but still more than open to those surrounding them. Many of those in the room stared in surprise, muttering at what they were seeing as Shiki chuckled.

"So, it was you guys. What a surprise." he said as he lit a cigar. The stench of those things permeated the air and his skin, Luffy picked him out easily the moment he set foot on the Sunny a week and a half ago.

They didn't speak, merely advancing into the room, Luffy keeping a hand rested upon the large gun on his back as he kept his head down slightly. He didn't need to make a move yet, right now it was all about preparation and messing up here could cost them and the East Blue dearly. So, Luffy stood ever so slightly behind his crew, stepping into the role of the Captain of the now Notorious Straw Hat Pirates whom even the government couldn't seem to wrangle in. If these people around him wanted to see him as a monster, then by the Gods he would make them.

"You're going to attack the East Blue?" Luffy's voice came out sharp, cold, and warning the man to not test his patience.

"Naturally," he responded. The others were calm, feeling the edge of danger coming from their Captain as they said nothing.

This was Luffy's role as their leader. He gave the verbal cues on when to attack and when to hold their tongues. Right now, it was a game of wits and planning, something that they all knew they could handle, yet at the same time were certain that no better person was suited for the job than the boy behind them. Zoro resisted the smirk that wanted to edge its way onto his face. If Shiki underestimated any of them for even a second it would be a grave error on his part, and they all knew that very well.

"Is Nami okay?" Luffy questioned the man who grinned, cigar smoke pluming from his mouth.

"Yea, she's doing just peachy." this caused those around them to chuckle, as though they knew an inside joke. The Straw Hats were not laughing. Charcoal gray eyes narrowed dangerously. Shiki was pushing his luck with them, and Luffy would ensure he would regret it.

"You look dangerous… but surely you don't think the eight of you can take on all of them, do you?" Shiki questioned as walls were kicked down and hundreds of armed men in suits appeared.

None of the eight Straw Hats present flinched. These were the people who took out Don Kreig, who defeated Arlong, stopped the rebellion in Alabasta, subjugated the Warlord Crocodile, went to a sky island and defeated a pseudo-God of Lightening, who stormed Enies Lobby and declared war on the World Government. They had demolished Moria at Thriller Bark with their own hands - this man and his attempts to shake them weren't going to work. If he wanted to scare the likes of this crew, he would have to try harder.

"A girl in a fairy-tale world who thinks she can save her hometown by sacrificing herself is absurd, as is the reckless suicide squad that came to die with her," Shiki stated. The notion made Luffy want to laugh, but he merely gritted his teeth.

"You're dumber than you look." the man grinned, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the petite boy before him.

"Excuse me?" he questioned this in anger, and Luffy smirked, the expression abnormally cold on his usually warm features.

"Nami didn't sacrifice herself. She came here to fight as our vanguard, to attack you from the inside!" that was the verbal cue the Straw Hats had been waiting for. The tone Luffy used had them ready their guns, braced upon their shoulders, arms outstretched and pointed at those around them.

"Eh?" dark eyes glinted red as the seventeen year old Captain stepped forward once.

"Be prepared, Shiki the Golden Lion. Because you have made a grave mistake in making an enemy out of us!"

The Straw Hat Pirates began shooting, firing openly at those present. Most knowing how to aim and fire while some just winged it and hoped for the best. The guns set off explosions, as they had been modified by Usopp and Franky should the situation ever call for it. The destruction was on a grander scale than they had anticipated, but to be honest, none of them quite cared even as the shots caused their ears to ring. Amidst the chaos unfurling, Luffy moved to stand between Zoro and Sanji, hoisting up his own gun and taking aim with a strange amount of accuracy that most who knew the boy wouldn't have expected. The small crew had left dozens of Shiki's goons wounded, sprawled out on the floor bleeding or unconscious, but none paid it any mind, for many more were to come, even though they had now run out of ammunition. Luffy knew then, to discard the guns, as it was now time to do what they did best: cause as much chaos and destruction as possible.

"There's still quite a few of them," Sanji surmised.

"That was just a little something to start things off." the crew prepared themselves as Luffy shrugged off the black coat he wore.

"Usopp! Chopper! Go find Nami!" he ordered and the two departed instantly.

The people in the room attempted to fight them, letting Shiki escape out of the room, but at each turn the Straw Hat crew attacked. Luffy made a steady approach towards Shiki, as people aimed guns at him. How useless. Normally, he would have to fight these people, but not this time for Robin acted swiftly and elegantly as her Flower Flower Fruit made quick work of the goons who stood in his way. Another cluster broke off and came for him, this time being stopped by their trusted musician as Brook played a lullaby on his violin and used his sword as the bow, putting the men down without even cutting them as Luffy walked past them for nothing mattered right now save for Shiki, who was about to leave the room, but was given a rude awakening when the black-haired seventeen year old lept up into the air and reared his arm back.

"DID YOU DO SOMETHING TO MY CREW MEMBER?!" Luffy's fist connected with Shiki's cheek, sending him flying with a painful thud as everyone around them seemed stunned that he would dare to do this. Clearly they didn't know how pissed he was.

Shiki went flying and Luffy picked up his speed, flying down the corridor as fast as his legs would carry him. The clown on Shiki's crew came to stop him with a sword, but Zoro stepped in, blocking the man as if it was child's play and warning him to back off. Another came, this time a pink gorilla who was promptly kicked away by Sanji while Luffy continued to run down the halls to attack the man, tracking him down as Shiki attempted to run from him. It was almost comical when he considered that the Golden Lion was running as though he was honestly a bit frightened by the chaos the Straw Hat crew were causing. But it didn't change much as Luffy followed him as Shiki burst through the walls and out into the snowy courtyard where he found Chopper and Usopp trying to find the antidote for the Daft Green poison.

Naturally, Chopper and Usopp weren't going to be a match for someone like Shiki, and the man knew that when he prepared to attack them only to be stopped by a very irate teenager. Shiki had looked confused as Luffy landed in front of him, red energy radiating off him in waves as he stood between the man and his crewmates who were relieved that their Captain had found them. But, that didn't change the severity of the situation as Usopp got a good look at the young man's face and a chill went down his spine. Luffy had a cold glare settled into his features, eyes hard and shining a red hue as energy seemed to spill off his form in waves. The rage that they'd felt earlier was taking a visible form as Second Gear was activated, making the boy before them almost glow. Without even looking, Luffy gave them the order to help Nami as he glanced back at the ginger-haired girl who weakly opened her eyes.

"Let me take care of him and we'll get out of here, okay Nami?" the navigator smiled softly as she closed her eyes again and Shiki laughed.

"What can such a small and weak person like you possibly do? You've already lost to me twice. Surely the third time won't be any different." red tinted gray eyes locked onto him as Luffy crouched.

"I can start by breaking you in half!"

The Captains clashed then and there, causing the snow to disburse around them as Shiki floated off, attempting to stay away from Luffy who was unrelenting and quick in his Second Gear. He moved as he watched the boy come for him, unwilling to let him go as the electrical bird he had created came flying in, letting Luffy jump on his back as he called for it to follow the floating man. To say it was interesting was an understatement as they clashed, coming to blows consistently as the Straw Hat crew wreaked havoc below at the behest of their Captain. They were a small band of Pirates, no more than eight members strong at current; however, Shiki was starting to consider that he may have picked the wrong fight as Luffy landed another strike on him again that honestly hurt more than the last one. It was surprising, to say the least and pushed Shiki to use his power to encase the boy and that horrible bird in water.

It was something that anyone who had eaten a Devil Fruit feared. They sank like hammers in water and their strength was sapped away from them if it came up to their waists. But, that wasn't the only problem that they faced. Perhaps it wasn't known because anyone who had these unnatural powers didn't want to admit it, but while most water was fine despite them all having the same effect - salt water burned. Falling into the ocean or a saltwater lake was painful and felt like hot needles attacking their bodies at all angles. It was the reason they became so weak in such a hurried state, and naturally Shiki knew that very well. He laughed as Luffy struggled for air and to get free of the pain he was experiencing while Billy attempted to jerk them both free but found it difficult as the Golden Lion watched the young Captain claw desperately around him to try and get out.

"That is the most painful way for a Devil Fruit user to die, isn't it? Poor child."

Shiki dropped the two of them out of the sky, letting them hit the ground so hard that if Luffy hadn't been made of rubber, it would have most likely meant death for him. Even if it only caused delirium with him, the impact still hurt like hell. Now, he laid on the ground next to Billy, attempting to get a full breath in as storm clouds loomed above them. He coughed, bringing up the salt water that burned his insides as he stared at the electrical bird who gave him a concerned stare. Luffy took in a deep breath and prepared himself.

"Can you still fly?" Billy gave a loud screech as if to tell him that he was more than ready to put Shiki in his place as he got up off the ground and climbed onto Billy's back.

"Okay, payback time!"

The two of them soared into the sky, meeting Shiki once again who seemed surprised as he raised an eyebrow while Luffy prepared himself to fight. This time, the young Captain didn't waste any time in fighting at full force as the others prepared themselves to escape as explosions began to go off. Luffy bit down into his thumb, blowing air hard into the bone and pain registered, but he ignored it as he gathered the air into the bones and tissues of his chest, forcing it down into his leg as he raised it high into the sky, confusing Shiki who thought him insane. To anyone who watched him fight, they would think that Luffy was completely mad and maybe he was. However, it didn't matter what lengths he went to if it meant protecting his crew and that was an honest fact of who he was. Thus, while Shiki saw madness, those who knew him saw determination and courage.

Lightening struck him, but just like with Eneru, it did not hurt and instead, Luffy channeled it. His body was made of rubber, it was an insulator against electricity, but he could also use himself as a conductor and thus he clustered the lightening onto his body and with a loud scream he brought down the axe of Thor on top of Shiki who plummeted down into the cold waters below. Salt water, the undeniable demise of a Devil Fruit user waited for any of them that fell into the ocean and Luffy let it happen as he felt air rush out of his body through his mouth. It wasn't a particularly pleasant feeling, but it was just a side effect of Third Gear. Thankfully, his crew had escaped, and Billy had caught him as he shrunk down. He clung to the bird's thick feathers, thankful the mess was over as he glanced back at the water below, wondering if Shiki had hit the ocean or if someone had saved him at the last minute. Admittedly, he wasn't sure which he preferred as he closed his eyes, catching his breath as Billy flew him to the Thousand Sunny and at long last they were heading off into the sunrise and going on their merry way, the troubles of Shiki now behind them.

However, when Luffy returned to the ship, he was greeted with worried comments from the others, whom he had to assure that he was fine whilst still in his chibi form. Naturally, his tiny state was taken advantage of as Robin picked him up and he groaned at the notion of this as Chopper decided that Nami needed rest and everyone else required medical care, most particularly Luffy who gave him an annoyed look as he squirmed and managed to get out of Robin's grasp before he returned to his normal state. Naturally, he was exhausted and everyone could tell as he laid back against the grass and Billy curled up next to him. Naturally, the bird wouldn't stay with them, Chopper had already confirmed that as Billy wanted to live on the islands where he was born. Luffy smiled as he listened to the conversation around him, eyes closed while the breeze of Sunny in flight ruffled his hair and the tattered pieces of his clothes. It was quiet as everyone prepared themselves to land on the other side of the island as Franky noticed the Marines and used another burst to get them further away whilst Chopper tended to everyone's wounds and then turned his attention to Luffy who seemed to be sound asleep.

"Is he okay?" Brook asked as their doctor examined the Captain.

"Well, he's exhausted. Admittedly, I wish he wouldn't use some of these techniques of his. They're dangerous." Franky looked at the soundly sleeping teenager, covered in bruises and scrapes, but not looking the worst. Honestly, the worst he's looked was Thriller Bark in his eyes.

"How bad are we talking?" the question had been avoided for a long time, though they all knew those gears couldn't be good for his body. Chopper sighed as he started tending to the mild burns that had occurred from the lightening Luffy had channeled.

"Second Gear is probably the worst out of the lot. He uses his rubber body to increase the blood flow in his body and accelerate the oxygen levels he's getting. It allows him to have increased speed and strength, but it does serious damage. If he wasn't made of rubber his heart would burst." Sanji swore under his breath.

"Seriously?! Is he insane?" he asked as Chopper frowned, cleaning up the next set of cuts.

"No, I doubt he's fully aware of what he's doing. But, it's kind of like blood doping. The additional oxygen can make people get a bit of a high off of it and in theory could decrease pain receptors. So, it's pretty dangerous in that sense… Third Gear isn't that bad, but he's still blowing air into his bones and tissues and if they rip that could be a lot of pain and permanent damages." Brook looked to his Captain and sighed as he twiddled his bone thumbs before sighing.

"Our Captain goes out of his way for us, doesn't he?" the others glanced in his direction before shaking their heads in defeat.

"I guess so."

The next day, Luffy was up and talking, enjoying the warm and sunny weather as the group that surrounded him went about their normal business. Nami had just recovered, and the group had already endured a little confrontation about the Tone Dial, which had gone overboard. Usopp was a bit upset about it, but Nami seemed relieved that Luffy didn't hear the end of the message. The Captain gave her a few suspicious looks, but said nothing more on the subject. However, Nami noticed that Luffy was sticking unusually close to her, and though he said nothing, she knew something was amiss. She frowned, looking in his direction as those charcoal gray eyes locked onto her and abruptly, Nami understood what was going on.

He was making sure she was genuinely okay.

Luffy didn't want to bring up what happened between her and Shiki, thus, he kept an close eye on her, looking for signs of something being wrong. It made her wonder briefly if perhaps he was trying to assure himself that she wouldn't betray him again, that she hadn't been harmed by Shiki in any other way, and that he wasn't just thinking that he had protected her. But no, those eyes didn't betray his intentions - they couldn't even if he wanted them too - and that notion put her mind at ease, but she did realize that a conversation needed to happen. Therefore, once she noticed that he had gone into the aquarium room, seeming to need some time alone, Nami told the others she wanted to talk with her Captain for a moment alone and the others had decided to give them some space. The blue-tinted room was quiet when she entered and shut the door behind her. It hadn't taken much time or her to spot Luffy watching the fish swimming around, eyes focused on a bright red fish that they'd caught just after leaving that was large enough for quite a decent meal and Sanji intended on cooking that evening. It was interesting to see him so quiet, she noted as he remained still, seeming to observe what was before him instead of merely going into his normal antics.

"Is something the matter, Nami?" his questioned made her pause before she sighed. Of course he knew it was her. She smelled like ink and tangerines, and he picked up on it instantly.

"No, it's…. I wanted to thank you for coming to save me. Despite the fact that I…" the rubber seventeen year old seemed to tense at her words.

"I don't want your thanks. You're my navigator, so it's only natural that I'd come and bring you home." Nami watched him for a moment, taking in his words.

Home. The Thousand Sunny was her home now that was true, but it seemed outright crazy to her that he would just up and attack a Grand Fleet for one person. Then again, she surmised - this was Monkey D. Luffy. If he did anything less, Nami would have thought he was sick or some kind of impostor. Smiling, she walked over to him and sat down beside him in the silence as he continued watching the fish while the tepid blue light from the tanks filtered into the room around them. Being in a room with him and silence remaining consistent was a rare event, and while Nami was concerned with how quiet he was, she decided to accept it as they stayed as they were for a moment longer.

"Do you think I'm a monster?" Nami turned her attention to the boy beside her. The question was abrupt and caught her off guard.

"Why would you ask me that?" Luffy shrugged.

"People say that about me a lot. Even the people in Shiki's crew thought that and were calling me that when I was chasing him through the palace. So, am I a monster?" dark gray met warm brown and Nami tensed.

The first time she had seen Luffy use his Devil Fruit powers she had thought that he had to be a monster in order to do the things he did. Those who met the boy beside her often mistook him for a petite teenager who was in over his head; however, that changed when they saw him fight. It was as though a different person stood before them if someone elicited enough anger in Luffy for him to attack. Then, people were horrified, called him a monster, and considered him dangerous. People would always see him that way because Luffy was different. He wasn't like most people even without his Devil Fruit. Something about him drew people in, and if he wanted to Nami was sure that Luffy could get even the Marines to follow him. It was that power that honestly stumped and spooked her the most. However, as she thought of all those things, a smile came to her face and she leaned over, pulling him into a tight embrace that seemed to somewhat startle the boy as she held onto him tightly before kissing the top of his head, causing him to give her a confused look.

"If you are a monster, then you're the best kind… because you're my Captain, and someone I know will always take care of me and those he calls friend," she assured as Luffy's familiar smile appeared, brilliant and warm as sunlight as rubber arms wrapped around her and she jumped in slight surprise as he returned her embrace. It wasn't bone crushing like she expected, but gentle and warm as Nami sighed, tightening her hold on him.

"I'm glad you're home, Nami." she took in a deep breath, nodding her head as she smelled sunshine and salt.

"All thanks to you, Captain," she said. Holding onto him a moment longer, because she quickly discovered that Luffy gave some of the best hugs possible, and right now she needed that. It seemed to understand because he didn't let go of her until some time later and when he finally looked at her again, his smile remained and he laughed.

"Say, you wanna help us find our next destination, Navigator?" Nami stood, a bright smile upon her face.

"Please, I'm the only one for the job!" and with that she was dragged from the quiet, blue hued room and into the blinding light by the same boy who had pulled her from the darkness time and time again, his smile and laughter clear to her as the others greeted them and she set to charting their next destination. After all, she was the Navigator to the future King of the Pirates.

{.…..}

Author's Note: So, this is just an idea that sprung forth. I am not really a Luffy x Nami shipper, but I do feel like Luffy's relationship with his crew is close enough that sometimes he knows when they need a hug, and I would imagine Luffy would give some great ones. Anyways, I hope you guys liked the chapter. See you next time.

Sincerely,

ShadowDragon94.