There were two places in Fuusha that were always special to her. Docks and Party Bar.
Party Bar was Makino-nee's business. She was practically raised in it. She helped to serve drinks for customers there; she learned all about the city workings there, every new rumour; she met Shanks there; Mihawk first came to her there as well; and Marco… She announced her Will there… Party Bar would forever be special for her.
Just as the docks.
The docks were the place where she was waiting for Shanks and his crew to come back from their voyage and spend time with her again; where Red Force was docked in when she learned what being hugged by a father should feel like; where she was meeting Sanaria and other fishmen when she knew they'd be visiting; where she was waiting… and more importantly saying goodbye to Garp whenever he'd come to train her and the boys; where she was waiting for her Shishou to come and teach her some more; where she said her goodbyes to Marco… and to Thatch too; where she got her freedom of movement on the island by saying her goodbyes and well wishes to Ace and Sabo. Where she'll get her freedom soon by setting sail herself.
For the last three years, she was working her ass off, to both train as much as she could and gather some funds for her journey. Now that she didn't have to worry about being stalked, she employed her considerable skill in lock picking to get to noble houses in High Town, swipe cash and not really eye-catching but still valuable trinkets to sell later. Either in some pawn shops in Edge Town or on other islands by Fishman delivery. Arlong was especially gifted in selling her prizes.
Soon she was able to buy one mast sailboat on the bigger side, with cabin, small kitchenette and bathroom under the deck. It was just small enough for her to be able to man it herself, but still big enough for her to get few crewmates somehow comfortably in there. Just for long enough for them to acquire a new ship. 'Dreamer', how her current boat was called was fully painted in dark bronzes and crimson, with crimson sail. Maybe her sail colour wasn't the best idea ever, but Oro Jackson sails were crimson. She may put illusion over the Dreamer but she refused to take down The King's colours.
On some level, she knew she probably should buy unassuming boat, one of the fishing vessels with white sails and no bathroom… after all she was not ready to announce herself to the world, but she refused.
She was ready to hide herself for a little longer, to sneak around… But not to abandon her pride or even entertain idea of pretending to be something less than extraordinary. Luckily for the time she needed to hide herself from Government she could hide her boat under her illusions as well. She practiced for quite some time, by hiding boat, docked somewhere on the island and then going to train in the forest. With Makino or Mayor checking up on her progress. It still surprised her that Mayor would be willing to help her to become a Pirate. Especially the one to reach for the title she's gunning for. She would completely understand if he'd rather try to discourage her, after all to be known as birthplace of known Pirate it dangerous for the village… hell entire island even. But rather than that, he helped her. Taught her whatever she'd need and even now - at the eve of her setting sail, he was standing with her and checking if she has everything.
It was a pity they weren't related by blood. She'd be happy to have him as her grandfather and not that…
"Are you sure you have enough food 'till the next island?"
"Yes, jiisan. I have stocked food, ropes, maps, compasses, first aid supplies, medicines I know how to use, empty notebooks and sails with quite wide margin." Luffy smiled reassuringly at the man, genuinely grateful for his help in becoming something more than bullheaded child, she was sure Garp would rather have her as.
"And money? Change of clothes?" Mayor tapped his cane on dock planks, casting disapproving look at her clothes. He really didn't approve of her wearing loose short pants and red vest.
"Don't look at me like that Mayor-jiisan. I can't go and become pirate in long dress." She laughed. Mayor had secret weakness towards innocent looking frilly dresses and always tried to put her in one. "But my first stop will be Yukiryuu Island anyway. Avra is famous for their fabrics so I'll stock on the sails and some clothes in there. And it's only 2 weeks long journey. 3 if I'll take wrong current."
"Isn't Shell's Town on Yotsuba closer? I think only week long journey." Mayor asked making her quickly answer.
"There is Marine base on Yotsuba and honestly I would rather have my first island in pirate carrier be marine free." She made him crack a smile at her. "Besides I hear they take a lot of photos before putting someone on bounty poster and I don't want them to have photo of me in this" She gestured on what she long time ago started calling 'training set'
"You'll wear proper dress then?"
"No, but I will buy few"
"Close enough" He sighed and petted her hair. "Did you pack all those treasures you were hoarding?"
"I think I have everything packed. At least everything that has sentimental value or won't be easily replaced." She declared after a while of contemplation.
Straw Hat? Check.
Shanks' cape? Check.
Her first proper bo staff? Check.
Riffle with Shanks' Roger? Check.
Flintlocks and powder? Check.
Both complets of her daggers? Check.
Benn's shirts? Check.
Yasopp's sash? Check.
Roger's journal about her fruit? Check.
Bokken from Mihawk? Check.
Lock picks from Thatch? Check.
Gloves from Marco? Check.
Animal fur she collected over the years? Check.
White den-den mushi she swindled from Garp? Check.
Copy of marine rules and protocol from Bogart? Check.
Photo album from her childhood? Check.
Yup. Everything was there.
"Then you just need something to remember us by." He said and outstretched his hand with a book titled 'International Law'. "So you can know which laws you're breaking at the moment" He grouched with slight smile.
"Shishishishi… It's perfect jiisan, thank you" Luffy burst in giggles and hugged the book to herself. That gift was so Mayor-like. "Thank you."
√ -√v-√ -√v—
"Here you are Lu-chan" Makino's voice broke her from her thoughts. Luffy was sitting on the docks and staring at Dreamer with nervous anticipation and excitement. "Excited?"
"I worked hard for over ten years with tomorrow at sight. And yet… Few hours before my birthday I'm so nervous." Luffy sighed and turned around to face her caretaker. "Am I ready Makino?"
"That I don't know. Only time will give you an answer." Makino smiled and outstretched her hand "What I know though, is that you shouldn't be sitting alone in the eve of your birthday. Come to the bar"
"Shishishishi… Old enough to drink finally?" Luffy laughed, took Makino's hand, and got up.
"I deserve to laugh at your first hangover Lu-chan"
"You're evil Makino-nee!" Luffy gasped at that and raised her hand up to her lips, making Makino giggle loudly. "You just want me to be too hungover to set sail, I know it!"
"Oh no… You uncovered my evil plans, whatever shall I do?" Makino went with the flow and started teasing Luffy on their way to Party Bar. Both women failing in easy and familiar rhythm, they both worked out as the years were passing by.
"Admit defeat and bow to great Luffy-sama of course" Luffy sniffed hauntingly and turned up her nose a bit. Both of them managed to stay silent for few seconds before bursting in peals of giggles.
"I'll miss you Lu-chan." Soft words tore Luffy's attention from building that was her home from before she could remember.
"I'll miss you too nee-san." She admitted softly before smirking with mischief. "But if I'd try to kidnap you, villagers would send marines after us"
"At least you'd have some real crime on your bounty poster" Makino answered with a laugh.
"Oi! What is that supposed to mean?!" Luffy opened the door and puffed her cheeks, going into the bar first. She immediately hopped onto 'her' stool and looked at the owner with starry eyes. "Let's start with something sweet Makino-nee"
"Not going to start with pirating drinks?" Makino taunted, reaching for limes and one of exotic rum bottles to start to mix her drink.
"Not a pirate, yet" Luffy stuck her tongue out making greenette laugh again.
"It's called Caipirinha. It can be also done with rasberries or strawberries" After fixing two glasses, Makino slid one of them towards Luffy and raised her glass. "To the Dreams."
"To the Family" Luffy opposed with a grin and raised her own glass towards the other woman.
"To the Family" She acquiscented to that toast. Luffy felt her grin stretch even more at the fond look Makino leveled at her.
Later was daiquiri with which they toasted to friendship, mojito with toast towards dreams, hurricane to 'life with no regrets', drink that Makino swore is really called 'Yaka Hula Dickey Dula' to freedom in all forms. And after that they stopped mixing drinks and grabbed bottles of rum to drink from while reminiscenting and straight out gossiping…
Luffy woke up to familiar sound of giggles and cracked a grin herself before frowning in disappointment at the lack of promised hangover. Stupid mythical zoan and it's stupid properties. Roger didn't write anything about not being able to get anything more than heavily buzzed. Another way for her to be different...
"Morning Makino-nee~" Luffy chirped raising her head and giving her caretaker cheerful smile.
"No hangover?" Makino asked after putting glass of water near her and going back to preparing breakfast.
"No hangover." She confirmed, drank water with a frown before perking up and joining Makino in the kitchen with a smile and gloating "I can't wait to rub it into Shanks' face"
"Don't be mean to captain Lu-chan" grenette chastised her, her own amused smile said everything she thought about that idea though.
"'Mean' is such a big word Makino-nee" again both of them burst in giggles. After calming down Luffy shanghaied part of the table for her to help with breakfast. Both women worked in peaceful silence before Makino asked the question, she was afraid of getting the answer to.
"When will you be leaving Lu-chan?"
"After breakfast I think. Saying goodbyes will be hard enough without letting it build up for entire day" Brunette answered thoughtfully. It was already hard to even vocalise those words. For both of them. Leaving fairly quickly would at least keep them from hurting too much.
"Did you pack everything?"
"Yes, Mayor-jiisan checked it over with me already"
"Promise me to be careful?"
"Can't I just promise you to be free?"
"No. I know you will be"
"Then you know why I can't promise to be safe"
"I know, Lu-chan. I know."
"I'm sorry Makino"
"Don't be. We both knew that's how it should be, my King"
"Not your King, never your King"
"When you'll be leaving - I put souvenir on your bed. Remember to take it"
"I will"
√ -√v-√ -√v—
When Luffy was imagining start of her journey, she expected it to be silent goodbye with Makino and maybe Mayor seeing her off. With both of them trying to instill additional caution into her, maybe stop her for another year or so...
She never expected to go to her new boat with big, fluffy pillow made personally by Makino. Neither did she expect to be seen of by almost entire town. She stopped shocked seeing them and wide smiles on the faces she knew so well.
Healer Doge who taught her basics of medicine so she'd be alright even before getting proper doctor;
Alberto and his wife Anna who always added strawberries to her own shopping;
old MacDuck who made sure to teach her fast and easy ways to get money;
Pedro who was taking her fishing on the sea so she could learn how to properly man a boat;
Lucas who tried to tease her something dreadful when they were children, but became absolutely sweet and attentive in the last 2 years. He winked at her and she smiled back.
Part of her… Childish part of her insisted she should try to save herself for the 'right man', but another part. The one that recognised how unsure it was for her to actually find that 'right man' as a pirate and even worse when her parentage will end on bounty poster. The same part recognised that her innocent crush on Marco evolved without him here and if she really wanted him, she needed experience. Marco is seasoned pirate, strong, handsome and with position a lot of women would kill to be protected by him. A lot of beautiful, experienced, sexy women. There was no way he'd actually be interested in bumbling idiot, who would just lay there and wait for him to take care of her. She was going to get a hang on that stupid aura of her, she was going to cherish the fun and practice Lucas provided her with and she was going to spend some time meditating as to connect with her devil fruit more.
She squared her shoulders and moved past smiling but silent crowd towards Dreamer and jumped in, immediately stashing pillow in the cabin.
"Be safe Lu-chan" Healer Doge broke the silence with crooked smile. He knew exactly in how much trouble she could land herself…
By accident.
Seriously,
"Take good care of yourself, you hear me young lady?" Anna ordered sternly, but her watery smile destroyed the effect she wanted to go for.
"Keep the ropes taunt!" Pedro raised his voice, telling her the same thing, he was doing for the last few years.
"Remember where home is!" Someone from the crowd cheered, her eyes found the silhouette of Eli, village florist and herbalist. Eli was always trying to get her to stay with her and her boys, declaring that bar was not a good environment to bring up a child and she as a mother of three would be excellent for the job.
"Have fun on your journey!" Lucas' voice along with the smirk he send her made her laugh with joy.
"Follow your dream!" Makino added to her wishes, drawing cheers from villagers.
"Announce your ambition Monkey D. Luffy" Mayor ordered with full authority of village elder. Those who knew smirked in anticipation, while the rest immediately silenced themselves and turned their inquiring stares at her.
"My Ambition, my Dream and my Will." Luffy started with a smile, seeing Mayor and few other elders startle at that. Then she turned serious. "I will be The Pirate King. I will be the freest!" She yelled out her will to the world. The King is coming and she expects proper adventure from it. Villagers stood there in stunned silence for few seconds before wild cheer erupted from them. They knew she's ambitious, of course they knew, but Pirate King?
Luffy smiled to them, showing for the first time ever proper D smile, the one that should probably hurt her muscles, untangled the ropes and kicked Dreamer of the dock. She did quick job, unfurling sails and moving rudder so Dreamer would be able to easily catch the best current for her destination. Then she turned around and waved happily.
"Farewell! Look out for my posters!" She yelled out, causing another wave of cheers and good wishes from all those standing on the docks. She stood there for a while just cherishing the movement of her boat and the feeling of freedom. She's on her own boat, with wind in her sails and helping tide. She closed eyes for a second and stilled, feeling big presence she came to associate with Lord of the Coast swimming closer to her. Was he going to attack? She quickly ran few scenarios in her head. Letting it eat her or destroy the Dreamer was not possible so… 1. She could simply kill it, but then Dawn Island would not be protected from unlucky pirates. 2. She could try to evade him, but it had small chances of success since it definitely sighed her and it would most probably damage Dreamer. 3. She could hurt it badly enough for it to escape, but it would possibly made it even more rabid in its attacks. But well… Village fishermen know about Sea King and how to deal with it.
"They will be fine" Luffy murmured trying to convince herself and fingered her dagger for a while, just to notice what was she doing - Lord of the Coast was important for village defences, she shouldn't kill it just because she could. And she wasn't good enough to send out wind blade and not kill it. "Well" She drawled and finally gathered fireballs in both hands. Her Haki screamed… And ugly mug of local sea king raised from the water. Big eel looked down at the Dreamer and showed all his teeth in parody of smile, causing observing villagers to scream in terror. Luffy glared at it herself, not for the first time wishing to have access to Conqueror Haki already since both Mihawk and Shanks were sure that she will awake it in the future, and launched crimson ball at creature. Deep red fire with occasional brownish and even dark flames touched green scales and engulfed part of his snout up to the eye, causing sea king to give out pained yelp. "Scram!" She ordered readying another fireball.
Just in case of course.
She's not a pyro…
Totally. With another sound between yelp and a roar Lord of the Coast turned tail and sank back to the water. With wide, satisfied smile Luffy turned back to the village and gave theatrical bow to the cheers and applause of villagers.
√ -√v-√ -√v—
Luffy's first two weeks after achieving her freedom were surprisingly monotonne. She checked her course; corrected the course if needed; made sure all ropes are taunt enough; did her katas and meditation techniques; read the East Blue Paper from News Coo; collected new bounty posters from around the world (she had a great laugh over the poster from West Blue - Capone 'Gang' Bege… How could marines call a pirate 'Gang'? Even an ex-mafia don); got something to eat; checked her course again; did more katas and meditation; read scroll from Mihawk on theory of cutting through steel thanks to Haki and did exercises outlined in there. She also trained her Observation by trying to count fishes swimming around the Dreamer. She wished to be able to constantly use Observation Haki one day. With enough precision and range to actually be able to constantly monitor her surroundings and to make sure her future crew would be safe and content. In one of the scrolls and books from Shishou she read rumours about being able to sense someone's very soul and heart with the skill so she was determined to train hard and maybe someday be able to do it too.
So it was with obvious relief when she woke up from impromptu nap after training to find shadow of land on horizon, which quick consultation with map proved to be Yukiryuu Island. Now to just dock in Avra and all will be good. She quickly assessed she had few more hours before docking time and did her meditation part of her regime to start gathering energy and concentration to put and keep Dreamer under illusion for her time on island. After all turning the ship invisible is one of her favourite illusion for a reason. No thieves, no gawkers, no children trying to get on the ship and become stowaways, no docking fees…
All was easier. She just needed to. concentrate. A. Little. MORE.
She managed to pull off making Dreamer invisible around an hour before approaching docks. She took one hard look at the docks and decided to hide among fishing vessels But she had to be careful with how she positioned Dreamer. Avra was bigger than Fuusha, docks were full of people and most of them looked like the ones she didn't want to meet in the dark alley.
Purely for their own health of course.
After nodding to herself with satisfaction she started to carefully maneuver the ship between all those fishing boats, quickly finding which boats wouldn't be used for at least a day thanks to her experience in Fuusha's docks and all those sailing lessons from fishermen. Only after safely docking ship she took proper look at the city.
Because that was what Avra was, a city. Luffy stood there taking in hurried activity on the docks. All those people, fishermen trying to sell their catch, dock workers loading supplies on big merchants ships, mercenaries offering their protection for merchants and artists, little boys and girls trying to sell themselves as a guides or as bearers of packages, whores already trying to tempt men and women inside… All in all normal dock live, but behind the docks… Even from the sea she've seen colourful buildings and up close? They were amazing. Every building in different colour of blue or green making beautiful mosaic made of buildings themselves.
She grabbed bag and some money and jumped off the ship, made sure it's properly secured and both Dreamer and herself were still hidden behind illusion, before giggling happily. Both Arlong and Mihawk expressed their wonder of the fact that she didn't do big shopping trips, especially with Sanaria's and Makino's love for nice clothing. Before setting out she was happy to leave the task of buying clothes for her to them, which is why she ended in all those dresses, she was informed not a lot of clothes fits Straw Hat, but today was time to have her very own shopping spree~
She made quick job of getting food and water stores, some additional maps and other necessities while on the sea and took them straight to the Dreamer. Being good girl raised in the bar of course she also took notice of general rumours and mood in the city. It seemed like most of the population was somewhat happy with their lives. New tax was thievery though. Daughter of a mayor was pregnant with one of the fishermen. Some Lady Swan was having an affair with Lord Turner. Scarlett and Giselle were going to marry the same man. A play called about someone called Robin and Marion was rumoured to be prepared in theatre. Gaunts' family ring got stolen. Here most people were wondering if Gaunts should be enraged that their heirloom got targeted or to be happy it finally disappeared, it was that ugly of a thing. Then she happily skipped off towards shopping district of the city.
√ -√v-√ -√v—
"Original jewelry! Straight from the Grand Line"
"Furs from the North Blue! Don't be cold anymore!"
"South Blue toys, only here!"
"West Blue spices! Buy from me!"
"Books straight from Drum! Learn about the best doctors in the world"
"Fruits! Fresh fruits!"
"Silver! Gold! Jewelry!"
"Hats! Buy hats from here! Miss that hat looks quite old maybe you'd…"
"Fabrics! The best fabrics in here!"
All those yells and more were heard on the wide streat she was prowling in search of that one ideal clothing shop she could buy most of the stuff at. She knew what image she wanted to have. Something dangerous, easy to fight with, she's kitsune so she could probably be sexy in nun outfit, but why waste energy? And it should look somehow good with The Hat. Hmmm… She finally decided to give up and go from shop to shop and maybe complete something out of fitting clothes that'd catch her eye.
Femme Fatale was the name of the first shop she entered. She took one look around her and fought back a blush. Of course her first shop would be lingerie one… Very specific lingerie. Luffy squashed first instinct, to turn around and get out of there, ruthlessly. This wasn't shop for little girls. True. But she wasn't little girl anymore. She was a pirate. She needed to be comfortable in her own skin enough to wear whatever she'd want. Even if that was just few strings put together that pretended to be a lingerie.
She remembered how Lucas reacted to different types of wear and how he later admitted that her entire body language changed depending on what she was wearing under clothes.
So if she needed confidence and dangerous gait if not outright prowl of a predator… Well this was probably good place to start.
She just never could tell anyone from Red Hairs about it. They'd just burn it all and buy her some sport wear. Luffy took one more fortifying breath and went straight to the shop assistant. After selling nice tale about reinventing herself poor girl was more than happy to assist in getting few pieces of something both sexy and practical for a fighter. And few pieces of things she would never fight in but were on so called 'special occasions'... The most important thing for her though - after coming out of the shop in new piece of underwear, her boobs were staying in one place! Sure they bounced a little and would probably need to be bound a bit, but it was still possible to fight like that.
And it was great!
So with bags from FF she went straight to shop next door and groaned - of course she'd land straight in perfumery… Why not? She quickly bought all kinds of soaps and shampoos she would need. All of them from that tested line for sailors so at least she was sure she won't end with dry skin or other tragedy…
Yes. Arlong will laugh at her. And snark. And complain about her spendings…
No. She didn't care. She's captain. And a girl! She can be a girl sometimes. After that prep talk after which she was feeling a little less guilty and ridiculous, she bought also perfume with subtle but strong notes.
Next one was shop called Angel's Wear… Luffy took one look at the bright colours and almost backtracked before she spotted a bunch of colorful sashes. She wanted to have one from the moment she realised every member of Red Hair Pirates was wearing yellow sash.
No yellow for her though… She decided browsing the stall.
She thought for awhile about using blue ones, like the sea. Or certain flames…
But then she caught it from the corner of her eye - deep crimson colour, similar to the one of her flames. She snapped her head to it and grabbed few pieces and quickly bought them. They were perfect. Her flames, tints in her furs and her sash. All in one colour.
Cheerful Luffy went to another shop and this time backtracked immediately. Madame's Pudifoot's was… She was not going into that pink monstrosity! Though Mayor would probably like the dresses from there. Ugh… No.
Next stop then.
She decided, took few more steps and got into place called 'Gladrag'.
There she stood for a second amazed and stalked to the coats section. She knew what she wanted and it wasn't like she had a crew to wear captain's coat already so she could buy one later. Or not… She browsed racks for few minutes before finding one that maybe wasn't her imagined burgundy, tight captain coat with row of buttons for no other purpose than to be pretty, but it was a coat she really didn't mind wearing. Tightly knitted black wool with goldish epaulettes and high collar. The coat would be reaching to around half of her thigh if worn properly. She got into it and stood before the mirror. It looked excellent. Not too tight and not too loose. In fact just loose enough that she could still grow without worrying about it. She grabbed few of them in the same size (and two bigger) from the rack and paid with a smile. Salt in the air and water would quickly destroy the colours so she should have few of them. Just in case. She also bought few winter cloaks, scarfs and winter gloves.
Grand Line was crazy enough to change the weather suddenly, but the islands all had their own climate. And she wasn't planning on stepping onto a winter island without proper winter wear.
This time before going further Luffy quickly ran to leave bags at Dreamer.
After coming back she waited for few seconds to catch her breath before stepping into 'The Jungle'. Waving assistants away from her, she started browsing, moving from from one pile of animal printed clothes to the other… A little disappointed she moved to move out and stopped in place when one of the clerks she waved away earlier said that at second level they had leathers and others…
Some reconsideration earlier and Luffy was on another level of the shop and rather happy she decided to go with it. She grabbed some black and grey leggins, grey training pants and some really nice pants that even though when tried on looked like they were painted on her skin were loose enough for her to properly stretch, do splits and cradles… Luffy quickly bought most of the pairs in her size happy to have at least that much of her imagined standard 'pirate wear'. She's seen photos of that Warlock - Boa Hankock and while she wasn't impressed with her choice of wear, she could appreciate fighting technique Boa had to have to be able to dress in something that revealing. Not like most of female pirates cared. Those that were even somewhat pleasing to the eyes were almost always half naked and ready to flash their opponents to win.
Luffy didn't want to be one of them.
She wanted to beat the others because she was simply better.
And she will do it.
She almost avoided leather shop before reminding herself that she needed belts, sheaths and holsters to keep all additional weapons on her so she went in and quickly grabbed few thick belts so she could put additional stuff on them.
She quickly made her job of buying different shirts by keeping to tank tops in black and different shades of grey. Just as quickly she bought few dress shirts in black, grey and burgundy. Just as quickly she bought few leather underbust cinchers for when she'll have proper crew and will need to represent them as their captain. She'll need to look her part after all. Just as well she went and bought few jackets from sturdy looking leather. Just loose enough for fighting to be comfortable.
As every 'proper' woman the longest time she spent on shopping was of course used to buy proper boots. Few pairs of battle boots and steel reinforcements, some heels for whenever she'd need it, some soft slippers just to make Arlong complain about her girlishness.
One trip to Dreamer (and change of clothes) later she had just her new belts and earlier prepared sheaths, holsters and compartments prepared. She went straight to the specialist ('Belts and purses on every occasion') to prepare everything to use. Old man sitting there took one look at what she brought and flashed her a smirk.
"First show me how you want to wear belts" He demanded and pointed her where she could stand, causing pleased smile from her. At least someone knew their job. She stood on the stool in his workshop and put both belts on her. They were crossed with their braces in the same place on her front.
"Could you make it so there would be just one clasp for both of them?" It would be a lot more comfortable than to have two clasps on her body. Even if destroying one of the belts would destroy entire set.
"It'll cost you." Man warned in answer and came closer. Her hips and more important belts were high enough that he could just bow slightly and be able to work.
"Make few sets like that, please" She gestured to the bags with other belts, making him guaff.
"Okay grasshopper. I'll give you different sheaths and holsters and you'll show me where do you want them and in which angle." After giving her few seconds to take that in, he grabbed her first pair of daggers and she quickly showed in which position she wanted them...
√ -√v-√ -√v—
After getting everything done she was happily sipping from her drink in a bar and contemplating her next move. She needed some additional money and some kind of a plan as to where to go next. She needed to find people for her crew. Ideally before landing herself in overprotective clutches of a fishman.
"Come back here you little…" Male shout made her carefully raise her head to assess situation. Two weird clothed men (were that yellow boxers?) were chasing a face that was vaguely familiar. Probably from some poster.
"Like hell! I'll kill you all!" Bounty face yelled back and darted closer to her. It seemed like even when visibly armed lonely woman was considered easy mark.
"Oi! Careful lady, he's dangerous!" The one in yellow shorts screamed to her. She sighed and grabbed the rifle that was to this moment being peacefully leaned on the counter and with practiced ease clubbed bounty with it. Man went down with slight cracking sound and she smiled with grim satisfaction. She knew why Benny was using his rifle as a club so much. It was satisfying.
"You were saying?" She asked raising her eyebrow and finally taking in both men. The one with yellow… shorts also had green open coat and black shirt along with some red… thingy. Even though he had shaven head, he still had slight stumble… he was weird. Like really, really weird. The other one had blue jacket, purple shirt and grey trousers. He was wearing sunglasses even though they were all inside and had kanji for 'sea' tattooed on his left cheek. Both of them had swords by their belts. She quickly catalogued that and visible potencial in both of them. Maybe…? "Who's he?" Both men glanced at each other before the one with sunglasses answered.
"Jacob The Ripper, worth 3 millions beli." That at least earned them some respect. 3 millions beri bounty was pretty normal amount. Everyone above that was considered a monster in East Blue.
"Bounty hunters?" She asked picking up her glass and finishing her drink.
"I'm Johnny!" The one in sunglasses started and was immediately followed by his partner
"And I'm Yosaku"
"We're brave bounty hunters!"
"Terror of pirates!"
"And idiots who allowed him to escape" Luffy cut in with teasing smile. She read that smiles are important when talking to people one wanted to get closer to and if they had it in them it was worth a shot.
"Well… Don't be like that sis~" Johnny started, trying to put his hand around her shoulders when Luffy caught it and squeezed a little.
"Put that hand on me and you'll lose it" She warned and was vindicated in seeing small grimace of pain on his face before letting him go.
"Didn't do anything!" Johnny raised his hands in the air in 'totally innocent, don't shoot' gesture making his partner snicker and her to smile.
"Good. Now let's talk money, huh?"
"Ugh… bounty is yours. We did allow him to escape sis" Yosaku offered with resigned air. She wondered for a while if they really were that honourable or was it because of her perceived strength...
"First thing first, let's turn him in to the office and then deal with the rest, huh?" She offered before the thought of her being feared because of her strength could nestle properly and make her feel resigned again.
"Deal!"
√ -√v-√ -√v—
After short excursion to bounty office they got back to the same bar and got into the booth to wait for their orders.
"Luffy-aneki" Yosaku started, startling her from her thoughts.
"Hmm?" She looked at him and raise brow.
"Where are you from Luffy-aneki?"
"East Blue" She smiled at their disappointment.
"Island Luffy-aneki, what Island?" Johnny cut in, doing universal sign for 'tell me, tell me'. Luffy giggled and raised a finger to her lips.
"Shishishishi… Secret"
"Boo… Then why are you here Luffy-aneki? Avra's not really a place someone visits for excitement" Yosaku asked again, making place for waitress with their drinks. Rum for both boys and orange juice for Luffy.
"Yeah, most people go to Doorn or Beruna"
"Clothing shopping" Luffy answered with another smirk.
"Too strong for just clothing shopping"
"Suspicious"
"Everyone needs new clothes sometimes, idiots" She sighed taking a sip of her juice.
"Ouch! That hurt!" Johnny started with his hand going to the heart.
"Yeah! Right there." His partner backed him up and did the same gesture.
"My heart bleeds" Luffy declared wryly, deciding that although they do indeed have some potential, taking them in, training and dealing with their kind camaraderie would quickly make her tired and snappy. What's even more - she didn't want her first members to be like that. Maybe someone else then.
"Cruel, cruel woman" Johnny continued with their banter
"They'll put it on your poster!" Yosaku added cheerfully
"And a crime?" Luffy raised eyebrow again, she had an idea where it was going already.
"Serial heartbreaker" They declared in unison making all three of them to laugh.
"Shishishishi… Pity you'll have no chance to turn me in, huh?"
"Don't say it like that~" They whined
"One day we'll be strong enough!"
"Or maybe Zoro-aniki will do it."
"Yeah, he can take any bounty!"
"Zoro?" Luffy asked with interest. Maybe?
"Roronoa Zoro-aniki!" They started talking over each other to answer the question.
"He's great swordsman."
"The greatest in East Blue!"
"Excellent bounty hunter!"
"Better than even us"
"The bravest of all!"
"Fearless!"
"He's called Beast of the East!"
"Pirate Hunter!"
"Some call him Demon!" With every other sentence uttered by her Luffy was being more and more interested. Beast huh? Strong, wild and willful…
"That's nice. Do you by chance know where to find him?" She asked with feigned disinterest
"No…" Johnny hesitated for a moment.
"You see, Zoro-aniki's sense of direction is… special" Yosaku explained his partner's hesitation
"How bad?" Luffy felt laughter dance in her throat, just waiting to bubble out.
"Bad." They admitted in unison.
"So he got lost one day and you didn't find him yet?" She guessed finally laughing out loud.
"Uhmmm… Yes, that's about it"
"Shishishishi… Quite a character, isn't he?"
"But Zoro-aniki is great!"
"Honourable!"
"He protects innocent"
"That's how he grabbed his first bounty"
"Zoro-aniki is great~"
"Shishishishi… He has to be" She agreed seeing pure adoration from her company
"Luffy-aneki… I wanted to ask you earlier - why are you putting so much lemon on that fish?"
"Ever heard of scurvy?"
"What is it?"
"Ugh… Scurvy is a sickness you get when not eating enough vitamin C. It makes you go pale, lose your strength, bleeding sores, tooth loss, anemia, and a reduced rate of healing for injuries. In other words - eat your strawberries, drink your lemon juice and you're good."
"Luffy-aneki is so smart~"
"I'm surprised you managed to survive on the sea without knowing what scurvy is"
"Now we know."
"And we'll take care of ourselves"
"Good"
√ -√v-√ -√v—
After leaving Avra Luffy set the course for Yotsuba Island, more importantly Shell's Town on it. Her talk with bounty hunting duo gave her not only vague idea of who exactly she'd like to have in her crew or how should she get funds while still being under the radar of law but also made her go rumour hunting in the city later. What she heard was that Roronoa Zoro was last seen in Shell's Town. And she just had to check it out. The lead of course. Not a man.
"Oi! Give us everything of the value and we may allow you to live!" Obnoxious voice made her get out of the cabin with glass of water and few painkillers… Some days were a little more painful than the others. She took in sight of the so called pirate ship. Poor vessel was painted in pink and the… goose's? swan's? head was put as a figurehead. One look at the mainmast told her the ship was flying Iron Mace Alvida's colours. She took her meds and idly wondered if the bounty for the captain was just an excuse to destroy that thing. Well she wouldn't be really surprised if that would be truth. Then one of the wimps manning that ship fired a cannon at her. Her eye narrowed… That was direction of The Dreamer they shoot at.
"You know…" She started leading Dreamer closer to that pink thing and quickly tied the rope securing her small ship to the big one. "There are days for female, when she really, really need to work out some aggression." She climbed her way up to the deck and smiled chillingly at the pirates. "Thank you for volunteering" Luffy chirped before brandishing her daggers from under her sash and leaping into the fray. She spinned, leapt, stabbed and laughed, doing her very best (and cheating with Haki) to avoid getting blood on her clothes.
"Captain, Captain! Monsteeee…" One of the pirates went out from under the deck, took one look at the bleeding crew surrounding weak looking woman, they wanted to steal from and turned around… Only to be caught by her and having his mouth shut.
"Oh be quiet and lead me to that so called captain of yours" She demanded giddily. Iron Mace was worthy 5 million beri and this time she didn't need to share with anyone. It'll be another 5 million for proper ship~
Poor pirate swallowed with dread and fainted even before she sensed presence closing in on them. She cursed under her breath and turned around to face captain of the ship. She was still around ten metres from her, so Luffy could take her time in evaluating her opponent. Alvida was… big woman. Obviously strong if her mace was any indication though the way it's spikes were positioned didn't speak very well about it's owner. She had blue white cowboy hat with red feather, captain's coat, horrid pink shirt, white pants and purple sash with flintlock under it. All in all she was looking terrifying and not because of how dangerous she could be.
"You're not Roronoa Zoro!" She screeched accusingly, taking no notice of her bleeding crew. Luffy frowned with distaste. That's not how captain should behave.
"What gave it away? Boobs?" She mocked flicking her daggers clean from blood.
"How dare you! I am Iron Mace Alvida, with a bounty of five million beri!"
"Why weaklings with bounty barely worth looking at always brag about it?" Luffy asked seeing flashbacks from Higuma's self importance. Only this time she's not little girl in need of saving. This time she's the one to deliver ass kicking.
"Youuu…" Alvida took a swing with her mace and brought it down, only to have it sidestepped by Luffy. She spent almost 10 years under 'care' of Dracule Mihawk… And he didn't held back in training her speed.
"Hmm?"
"You bitch!" She screeched again, raising the mace and trying to bat Luffy away like she'd wield baseball bat.
"Seriously? That's the best ickle weakling can do?" Luffy mocked again gleefully noticing disbelief on Alvida's crew's faces. What's better way to build her reputation than to have members of feared pirate crew do it for her?
"Yoouuu… Men! Who is the most beautiful woman on the seas?"
"You Alvida-sama" They yelled out answer in practiced choir.
"Shishishishi… Cowards and Liars. They truly fit you!" Luffy giggled again and dodged another swing, she wondered if Alvida would remember she has a gun with her… Probably not though.
"Arrrrgh" With animalistic yell Alvida jumped at Luffy swinging her mace again. And just like every try before Luffy dodged the swing. Just this time rather than jump back and continue with her mocking Luffy moved around Alvida's body and using it's own momentum brought the hilt of her dagger down, causing older woman to fall unconscious. Luffy allowed herself a moment to bask in her accomplishment before starting to tie Alvida's body in rather uncomfortable looking harness that was meant keep her from using strength hidden in her body.
"Oi! I'm taking your captain. Give me your treasure and food." Luffy demanded after finishing with her impromptu bondage session and moved her 5 million beri ticket closer to the place Dreamer was tied to.
"Ummm…" Most of the pirates hesitated making Luffy sigh at their stupidity. Didn't she show them they would have no chance already?
"What are you waiting for? Chop, chop!" She clapped her hands and suddenly pirates jumped up to do her bidding.
"Ummm" Pink haired boy she noticed on the ship earlier moved closer to her. Carefully and slowly. Like he expects her to attack him 'just because'. She scowled at the thought.
"Yeah?"
"Could you… take me with you?" He asked timidly, fingering hem of his shirt shyly.
"Why?" She asked curious. He didn't behave like a pirate. At all.
"It was a two years ago…" He started only to be immediately cut off.
"Stop right there! I want a name and a reason, not your life story." She told him curtly.
"Oh… right… I'm Coby. I was forced to become part of the crew." Freshly named Coby gave his explanation and shrunk down a little at the sight of her unhappy frown. To think some… captains would stoop so low as to force people in their service...
"And you didn't escape, because?"
"As you said, I'm a coward. Umm… Miss…"
"It's Luffy"
"Please… Take me away. I'm really good at cleaning and I'm good navigator" Clear desperation in Coby's voice made her wince slightly. She couldn't really see herself sharing a ship with him. Even for a while.
"That's nice. But I'm not taking a cabin boy. Why do you want me to take you away?"
"I… I have a dream" he finally whispered with his head bowed down.
"Dreams are nice." She declared, looking at pink haired boy with sudden interest. What kind of dream would he have? "What is your dream then?" She prompted curious.
"You… You have a dream too Luffy-san?" It seemed that Coby noticed slight change in her tone.
"I do." She smiled the same smile she was giving to villagers when asked, giving nothing up "Answer?"
"I… I always wanted to become marine" Coby declared in sudden bolt of courage, unfortunately his bolt was as sudden as it was short for right after declaration, he's gone back to his previous meekness.
"Hmmm… You should fit right in then." She noted somewhat cruelly. Meek marines are exactly the ones that stay their entire lives in East Blue. "I'll be going to Shell's Town on Yotsuba Island. There is marine base there." After that offhand comment she turned her attention to the other pirate standing close enough to indicate he'd like to speak with her. She waved away Coby's thanks and raised an eyebrow at pirate.
"Ma'am" He greeted with slight nod, but didn't even bother hiding how his eyes lingered on her body for few long moments before raising them to meet her eyes. Dirty bastard even had the gall to smirk at her.
"Yea?" She asked him disinterested. Just with enough attention to be able to react before getting stabbed.
"I'd like to leave too"
"I believe this… ship has its own sailboats?" She lifted the end of her sentence to indicate question.
"It does" Coby chimed in, answering absentmindedly and taking stock of supplies given to them by Alvida's crew. Well ex-Alvida's crew.
"See? Grab one and you're free to go" She smiled at him frostily. She could deal with a boy on her boat, but grown man… Especially one that gave her creeps...
"I was… rather wondering if I could… uhmm… accompany you" ex-Alvida pirate explained with unsettling glint in his eye. Luffy was very familiar with that glint. It was exactly the same that idiots in Edge Town got when she turned 15 and got proper boobs. She cut down a lot of those.
"No."
"But…"
"No."
"Listen here you little bitch, that little boat of yours? It's a miracle you managed to man it alone. Coward is pants at sailing and Captain will do anything to damage it. You need me." He took threatening step towards her just to be met with business end of a gun that earlier was safely tucked away under her sash.
"In fact I don't. I can man it alone. Your dear captain will be unconscious or asleep for our entire journey and I'm not letting weakling with too much of an ego to get anywhere near the place I sleep in. I'm not going to clean your blood from the walls. Scram"
"Or what?" He asked, tried to get back his bravado.
"Or I'll first blow your defining appendage and then cut you in pieces just big enough for the fishes to recognise that they eat something." Luffy answered with beatific smile, lowering gun a bit… Just to target said 'defining appendage'. That not-so-surprisingly made pirate take a step back and Coby to pale a little.