Everyday Life with the Straw Hats

Authors Notes: I'm happy to say that we are fast approaching to the next big event in the story, something that I have been planning for over six months now. And its almost time for it to take place in the story. This chapter is going to be relatively short but that's just because its more about building up what will be happening next. Without further delay, here is the next Chapter!

Mariejois arc: part 19: Prelude to the Liminal Tournament

The Straw Hats were just returning home from doing some Grocery Shopping. Miia had arms locked with Luffy's while he was chewing on a chunk of meat he got from the butcher.

"Oh darling, I know how much you love to eat, that's why I want to prepare you a special meal one day filled with my love and passion for you." Miia said romantically.

Luffy looked at her with a happy grin, "As long as you put some meat in it, I'll eat it without hesitation."

Zoro was helping carry in a bag of booze while Cerea was eating a small bag of trail mix she brought with them. "You sure do like your alcohol, don't you master." Cerea said playfully.

Zoro snickered and replied "Yeah, this is my version of juice-pouches. I can practically inhale this stuff."

Sanji was carrying Mero through the door. "Thank you Sir Sanji for pushing my wheelchair today." She started to "You know, the way you're carrying me right now, its like how a husband carries their bride." Mero said shyly.

Sanji's face turned red, "W-W-While of course, it is what gentlemen do! And that's me, Sir Sanji, A gentleman!" he declared boldly. Mero giggled.

When they all made it in the room, smith was sitting at the kitchen table drinking some coffee. "Hello everyone, I have an important subject to discuss."

They all came up to her with a confused expression. "Have you ever heard of the MAD organization?" Smith asked with a serious tone. All the straw hats shook their heads no.

"Isn't that a terrorist group that goes around kidnapping liminals?" Rachnera asked.

"What a dishonorable thing to do! Preying on others who are outnumbered, such shame!" Cerea stated heatedly.

Ms. smith smiled a little bit but remained composed the entire time. "the reason I bring this up, is because I want your help in taking them down once and for all." She said.

"….How so?" Nami asked, with a skeptical look.

Ms. smith took another sip of her coffee and continued. "There is an island not to far from here, located there is an old construction facility that has been modified into an illegal underground fighting tournament. Many leaders of the black market go there for slave exchange or for gambling on these death matches that have become so popular. However, many of the contestants are liminals themselves, and you know the rule about attacking liminals." Smith said, lowering her sunglasses. "That's why we are going undercover for this mission, for this situation and this situation only will I permit you to fight back against these other liminals. They are hardened criminals anyway and they fight to kill when they compete in the arena. I am telling you this because I want your help defeating the MAD organization. They are currently at the tournament most likely doing business with other black market dealers. I need you to help by competing in the tournament as a cover-up for my unit's attack plan. But remember, these guys are tough, so you'll have to fight seriously and don't underestimate the strength of the liminal who you'll be fighting against." Ms. Smith took another sip of her coffee and looked at Luffy, she asked "so, what will it be?"

Luffy grabbed his hat and raised it on top of his head, just like he always does when he's ready for adventure. He smiled eagerly "This sounds exciting, Let's go fight in the liminal Tournament!"

Mariejois arc complete

Next: Liminal Tournament arc