This is the 3rd chapter. I don't own the series of One Piece.
Okay guys, I keep forgetting of the list of spears that Ventus have. So, here's the list.
1) Tidesplitter
2) Harpoon Spear
3) Iron Spear
4) Black Willow Spear
Those weapons are based on Dragoon's Arms from Final Fantasy 14. Though doing the Bozjan attire is very tricky because it has a lot of details.
Setting Foot at Whiskey Peak! Baroque Works Agents
Somewhere at sea, Grand Line
The Straw Hat pirates were sailing for few hours since Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday have no Log Pose and their boat is destroyed, which the only choice is to take them to Whiskey Peak, their first destination. However, the big problem is that the situation they're in is the snow flowing down to the Going Merry. Right now, Sanji and Anna are are shoveling the snow off the ship, Luffy and Usopp are playing around in the snow while being childish, as usual, Zoro is still napping, even in the middle of the snow which it's completely crazy, Nami is in the kitchen with the two agents, and Ventus is training since he needed to get stronger in case of the enemy pirates or the Marines are coming in.
Ventus is trying to endure the cold since dragons are warm-blooded and can't endure it without the warmth while maintaining a consistent of internal temperature. However, dragons can also increase their metabolism when the environment grows cold and by slowing their metabolism and shedding heat through any methods when the environment is warm.
"Can somebody please tell me why it's snowing?" Nami questions with annoyance, trying to warm herself up. "It was hot and sunny just a few minutes ago."
As soon as Luffy placed a wooden stick on the snowman, finished up his round snowman with a barrel on its head along with a green cape.
"Perfect, all done." Luffy said with a satisfied smile, placing his hand on the snowman's head. "Well, look who just dropped in? It's Mr. Snowbarrel."
"Ha, ha, ha. You amateur, you call that pathetic blob a snowman?" Usopp questions with a mockery smirk, leaving Luffy feel offended when he saw the liar's snow sculpture that resembles a woman. "Behold! A soulful inspired work of art, a Snow Queen."
"Whoa, nice." Luffy said. "But can your lady do this?"
Luffy then pushed a stick arm, launch it towards the Snow Queen's head which it's gone, making Usopp really furious.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" Usopp yelled, kicking the snowman's head.
"HEY! YOU BIG BULLY!?" Luffy yelled with white eyes and shark-like teeth, tackling Usopp.
Usopp then retaliates as he throws snowballs at Luffy, but the rubber captain roll up the biggest snowball as he squashed him. Usopp then lifted the biggest snowball, smashing Luffy in the head until the two then banter.
"How they can be so freaking energetic in a freezing cold is beyond me." Nami said with annoyance, watching the two argue.
Both Sanji and Anna are still clearing up the snow with the shovel, but the snow keeps flowing down to the pirate ship.
"Excuse me, Anna, shall I keep shoveling some more?" Sanji asks the ranger with goo-goo eyes.
"Just until it's gone, Sanji." Anna told him with annoyance, sighed. "Though it would be muck quicker if Ventus would melt the snow, but it'll be foolish of me to suggest that."
"She's not wrong of that suggestion, but we don't want the ship burned into a crisp or anything like that." Nami added, scanning the ship. "Speaking of which, where is he?"
"He's training." Anna answered. "Ventus is trying to get stronger, you'll never know when the Marines or the enemy pirates are coming in."
Nami can understand why the young Dragoon is training, but in the middle of the snow? That's insane.
"Excuse me, doesn't this ship have a heater? This environment is inhumane." Mr. 9 rudely comments.
"I'm cold." Ms. Wednesday complains.
"SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!?" Nami yelled with white eyes and shark-like teeth. "YOU'RE NOT GUESTS HERE! YOU WANNA WARM UP! GO SHOVEL SNOW OR SOMETHING!?"
Ventus went inside of the kitchen since he's getting tired from his non-stop training, taking a short break.
"Hey Ventus." Nami greeted him.
"Hey." Ventus greeted back, until they heard thunder strikes.
"Lightning? First snow and now lightning, what's going on with this weather?" Nami questioned with confusion.
Hearing that question made Ventus flinch a bit. He then turned to Nami and saw that she's not at the helm as he spoke.
"Um Nami, how long were you by the window?" Ventus asked, too scared to know the answer.
"Since it started snowing few minutes ago." Nami answered, making Ventus spit the water. "Why?"
"THAT'S NOT GOOD! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US?!" Ventus shouted suddenly. "The Log Pose! What the Log Pose says!"
"I don't know why you-"
Nami stopped herself in mid-sentence when she checked the Log Pose, screaming which it's loud enough for the rest of the Straw Hat pirates to hear.
"CROCUS WARNED US ABOUT THE LAWS OF NATURE IN THE GRAND LINE! COMMON SENSE ARE USELESS! AND TO MAKE IT WORSE, THE LOG POSE IS TELLING US WE'RE HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!" Ventus yelled at the navigator with his white eyes and shark-like teeth, heading to helm as he tried to steer it. "Just get out there and order them to help me get this ship turn around!"
"Right!" Nami complies as she head outside of the ship while Ventus turned his head to the two.
"And you two!" Ventus called them with a growl as he dilated his pupils into dragon eyes, earned their attention. "If you don't want to die, I suggest you help us turn this ship! And if I hear any complaints or smartass remarks, it won't be the ocean that'll kill you!"
"Y-y-y-yes sir!" Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday complies with fear, running out of the kitchen.
When Nami, Mr. 9, and Ms. Wednesday got out of the kitchen, the rest of the Straw Hat crew were wondering why the navigator is screaming. Anna knew why because it take long for her to figure it out since both Ventus and Crocus explain about the laws of nature in the Grand Line and the Log Pose, but unfortunately, Nami failed to realize that common sense is useless and many of the pirates came to the Grand Line unprepared.
"Make a hard turn, 180 degrees! Hurry!" Nami ordered.
"A 180?" Usopp repeats. "Why would you want us to turn back?"
"Did you forget something?" Luffy asks.
"The ship has turned around, we're sailing at the wrong direction!" Nami explains. "I only took my eyes off the Log Pose for a second! I thought the waves were calm..."
"You're not a very good navigator, are you?" Ms. Wednesday asks with a mocking smirk, causing Nami to growl. "You can't trust anything here, not the wind, sky, waves, clouds. Nothing is as it seems in the sea. The only way to get reliable direction on the Grand Line is with the Log Pose, everyone knows that."
When Ms. Wednesday finished her sentence, the two agents heard a growl that was coming from the kitchen. The two turned around, trembled when they faced an angry Ventus, growling at them with his dragonic tone and given them an angry look on his face.
"Maybe I'm not being clear." Ventus said with his dragon tone. "I told you that I'll kill you if you either don't help, complain, or given a smartass remarks about knowing more of the Grand Line. That includes lecturing our navigator."
'Crap, he's pissed.' Sanji mentally thought.
'Looks like those two made a fatal mistake.' Anna thought, smirked. 'Guess they're about to learn the hard way if those two don't do what he says.'
"O-o-oh n-n-n-n-n-no, Mr. Dragon, you're warning is perfectly clear!" Mr. 9 denies, trembling. "Ms. Wednesday was just telling your navigator that you can only trust the Log Pose here in the Grand Line."
"There's time for that when we get out of this weather!" Ventus scolded him when he grabbed his collar. "Now either you help or I'll kill you and your partner myself!"
With that, everyone else, except Zoro who's still sleeping, went and do what they can to turn the ship around and getting out of the crazy weather.
"Brace the yard! Force the wind starboard! Turn this ship 180 degrees to the left!" Nami ordered. "Usopp, Anna, mantle the team sails! Sanji, help Ventus!"
As soon as Usopp work on the sails while Sanji went inside of the kitchen to give the young Dragoon a hand, Nami turned her head to the two agents.
"Work you two!" Nami ordered them.
"This girl is crazy. That boy is a demon." Mr. 9 mumbled, pulling the ropes while given Ms. Wednesday a helping hand. However, Ventus went outside of the kitchen with enraged look on his eyes as he stare at the two.
"What...did you...call me?!" Ventus growled with murderous intent, leaving Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday trembled with fear which they failed to realize that his hearing is keen.
"Ventus, now is not the time." Nami assures him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Just go back inside, let me worry about them."
Ventus reluctantly complies with a nod as he went inside to steer the helm.
"You two morons are very lucky that I held him back! Ventus would've killed the both of you if you're not careful!?" Nami shouts with a warning.
"Hey wait! Looks like the wind has changed!" Usopp announced, looking at the sky.
Apparently, Usopp is right when the sky is clearing up and the gale is starting to blow a little chill winds.
"The first spring gale." Mr. 9 identified.
"Your sure?" Nami asked.
"YO! WAKE THE HELL UP, SNOWMAN! WE'RE IN A CRISIS!?" Usopp yelled at Zoro with white eyes and shark-like teeth, but nothing happened.
But right now, the rest of the Straw hat pirates and the two agents are running around on the pirate ship, trying to get the ship turned around while Ventus remained inside, getting the helm to steer.
"Hey, I think I just saw a dolphin jump! Let's follow it!" Luffy informed.
"YOU KEEP QUIET/YOU JUST SHUT UP!?" Nami and Anna yelled at him in unison.
Until, they were about to head towards the iceberg which the weather is getting even more intense and crazy, making the waves really high and very hard for the young Dragoon to steer the ship.
"The waves are getting really high! And there's an iceberg at 10 o' clock! This isn't good!" Usopp warned as the fog suddenly formed.
"A fog is rolling in!" Sanji told her.
"This is crazy! What's going on?!" Nami asked with panic.
"The laws of nature is defied! Sanji, take over!" Ventus shouts, leaving Sanji went inside of the kitchen as the young dragon sprouts his dragonic wings while putting the harness on him, tying the rope on the wooden rail and the other end of the harness.
"Ventus, what are you doing?!" Nami yelled.
"I'll try and get us away from the iceberg!" Ventus told her.
"Are you kidding me?! You'll get yourself killed!?" Nami exclaims.
"I have to try!" Ventus shouts.
"It's the end! We're gonna crash!" Usopp screams with panic.
Ventus then jumped off the Going Merry and flew while pulling the ship to the right. Sanji and Anna are working together by steering the ship to the right, helping the young Dragoon.
"Go for it, Ventus!" Luffy cheered.
"How about you shut up and make yourself useful before I kill you!" Ventus yelled at the rubber captain with a tick mark on his head, along with white eyes and shark-like teeth. And by some miracle, they were able to get through the iceberg without taking any damage.
"The wind is picking up!" Nami informed them, notice the black clouds heading towards them and the wind is starting to get stronger. "Quick! We gotta hurry!"
"Big time!" Luffy muttered with panic, holding his straw hat.
"No." Ms. Wednesday said with her eyes widened as the wind starts to get stronger.
"Pull in the sails! The wind is too strong! We're gonna overturn!" Nami informed as she rush towards the young Dragoon, seeing him struggling to pull the pirate ship. "Ventus, you need to get out of there! It's dangerous to fly right now! Get back to the ship!"
"Don't you think I already know that?! How are we going to get out of the storm faster if we pull the sails?!" Ventus yelled at the navigator with a question. "We can't rely on luck or miracles!"
"Ventus! At least have a rice ball to keep your strength up!" Sanji offered with a shout. "You only kill yourself if don't stop!"
"I don't care! They need you more than I do, now hurry back inside and help Anna!" Ventus retorts. "She needs your help right now!"
Sanji and Nami were about to argue, but he right since they need to get of the storm. Sanji went back inside of the kitchen along with the food and Nami then pull the sails, but the wind is too strong as it tear up the sail.
"Oh crap! The sail is gonna tear!" Usopp shouts with a sweat drop, making it impossible for them to pull the sail because of the strong wind. Ventus is still struggling to pull, but he's not given up as he use all of his strength to pull the ship while fighting the storm.
"There's a damage down below!" Ms. Wednesday announced, having Usopp rush down to fix it.
The Straw Hat pirates and the two agents are now working together to get the ship turn around while getting through the storm and helping Ventus out since the young Dragoon is pulling the ship because of his dragonic strength.
Several hours later after they somehow manage to get out of the storm, all of the Straw Hat pirates were exhausted, but the one whos mostly exhausted is Ventus because he had to drag the ship out of the storm and back on track. The only one, however, out of all of them, who isn't exhausted besides Luff is none other than Zoro only because he's been napping for most part and didn't help them out.
As soon as he stretched with a yawn, he woke up while walking around the deck, notice the rest of his crew and the two agents were down on the deck as he spoke.
"Come on, the weather is nice and all, but that's no reason to be lazy." Zoro said, turned his head to Nami. "We better be on the track, that's all I can say."
'Shut up, you bastard!?' Nami, Usopp, Anna, and Ventus mentally growled with a tick mark on their heads.
Zoro then notice the two agents as he spoke.
"What are you two doing here?" Zoro questions.
"YOU FOOL!?" Mr. 9 yelled.
"We're on the side mission to take them home." Luffy informed him. "Their towns called Whiskey Peak."
"Since when did we become a transport service for thugs? We don't know then anything." Zoro stated.
"I don't know." Luffy shrugs simply with a smile.
"Why did I even ask?" Zoro questions himself, kneeled down to their level with a smirk on his face. "So tell me, what were your strange names again? Cuz' I don't think that you can be trusted."
That got both Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday on thin ice because of Zoro getting suspicious of these two.
"Well, my name is Mr. 9." Mr. 9 told him with a nervous smile, sweating bullets.
"I'm called Ms. Wednesday." Ms. Wednesday added, also sweating bullets with a nervous smile.
"Right. You know, those names sound familiar and that's been bothering me. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I'm certain I've heard them somewhere before." Zoro said with a smirk, placing his hand under his chin when the two trembled. "Or, maybe I have but-UGH!?"
Nami interrupts when she punched Zoro in the head and Anna soon followed with a punch in the head the same way, making him slammed his face to the deck.
"You jerk! You think you just sleep while we do all the work?! You're lucky we didn't toss your lazy ass overboard!?" Nami growled with pure anger when fiery orange aura surrounds her.
"Snoring the whole way like you always did...No matter how many times we tried to wake you, you're still asleep! Some swordsman you are! Be lucky that Ventus isn't around to burn your ass into a crisp!" Anna growled as well with blue aura surrounds her.
Zoro looked back at the two with a green aura surrounding him, but only to receive more punches and swings on his head, therefore earning a couple of bumps on his head and some blood leaking out on his head.
"Listen up everyone!" Nami spoke up. "There's no way to know what's going to happen next! During the terror, most of us just experienced, I came to an understanding of why this sea was named the Grand Line! My navigation skills are useless here, anything can happen, but mark my words, I will guide us through!"
'Such confidence.' Anna thought with a sweat drop.
"Uh, okay. You sure about that, Nami?" Usopp asked with confusion.
"Without a doubt, we're gonna be fine. Just wait and see." Nami answered with a smirk. "Speaking of which, we're here Our first journey on the Grand Line comes to an end."
Nami points the Whisky Peak, an island ahead of them had a huge cactus-like structures on them. Ventus then woke up from his nap, stretching his arms as he stood up.
"Hey, look who finally decided to wake up." Anna told them as they turned their heads to the young Dragoon. "How are you feeling?"
"Just a little bit tired, but I am getting hungry." Ventus told her when his stomach growls.
"That's what you get for not listening." Nami said, sticking her tongue.
"Shut Up!?" Ventus shouts with a tick mark on his head.
"It's an island!" Luffy screamed happily as the young Dragoon look at the island.
"So this is Whiskey Peak..." Sanji mumbled, smoking his cigarette. "The landscape is unlike anything I've ever seen."
"Whoa, those cactus' are humongous." Luffy stated, looking at the cacti.
They then heard a loud thud sound as they turned their right, seeing Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday on the wooden railing.
"Thank you, but we must be leaving." Mr. 9 politely thanked them with a smirk.
"It's been an interesting ride to say the least." Ms. Wednesday added with a smirk.
"Perhaps we'll meet again someday." Mr. 9 told them.
"Bye-bye, baby." Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday said in unison as they dive down to the sea, swam towards Whiskey Peak.
'Would've been easier if they stayed on the boat instead of swimming towards the island.' Anna mentally thought. 'Then again, both Zoro and Ventus knew something was off about those two.'
"That's a quick exit." Nami said with blank expression.
"I guess we'll never know what those nutjobs are up to." Usopp added.
"Ah, who cares? We're landing!" Luffy exclaims.
"There seem to be a river mouth up ahead at the shoreline." Ventus told them. "We can inland by ship there."
As soon as they got closer to Whiskey Peak, Usopp is trembling which he doesn't want to go in the island as he spoke.
"Um...I weighing the possibility of monsters out there." Usopp said.
"It's definitely a possibility." Sanji guessed. "This is the Grand Line."
"No problem." Luffy said. "If we find monsters, we can just leave."
"It won't work." Anna shook her head. "According to what Crocus told us, it's imperative that we stay on this island, at least for a little while."
"But why?" Luffy questions.
"The Log Pose needs time to record the islands magnetic fields, otherwise we won't continue to the next island." Ventus explains. "But it only requires a different amount of time from different islands. Some may take a few hours, some may take days."
"Suppose this island is crawling with monsters, but we get stuck here waiting!? That's stupid, we'd be done for! What's the point of gathering navigation coordinates if your dead?!" Usopp complains with a question.
"We're staying." Nami told him, much to his dismay.
"Lets not think about the monsters until we have to." Luffy said with a big grin. "They're not even there."
"As strange as this seems, I agree." Zoro agrees of his statement. "There's no need to worry yet."
"Not with that settled, let's get going and I'll keep you and Anna safe, Nami." Sanji added with confidence.
"I can take care of myself." Anna told him. "Besides, I can handle a few enemies."
"I don't think I'm gonna be able to make it at this cold. It's a condition, really." Usopp lied with his fake raspy voice. "You guys just go on without me."
"Alright, get ready." Nami said seriously. "And make sure you're prepared as well fight."
Whiskey Peak
As soon as they keep sailing towards Whiskey Peak while getting ready to fight, everything is getting foggy. Luckily, Ventus had a keen sense of smell due to his trait of dragon which they're gonna rely on him for sniffing the enemies out. Usopp however, is still scared of going toward the island which he's trying to make some excuse, but the Straw Hat pirates can see right through his lies. Usopp is still scared as Sanji spoke.
"What's waiting for us out there?" Sanji muttered with a question, smirking.
"Please don't let us die." Usopp whimpered while Luffy chuckled.
While the Straw Hat pirates continuing headed towards the inland, people from the rocky ledges were watching them sailing. Ventus sniff the air, smelling people and notice that they're being watched as he readied his Tidesplitter. Anna begin to notice the images of people watching, readied her bow and loading the arrow. The rest of the Straw Hat pirates have also notice the images of people on the rocky ledges.
"Something's moving over there." Luffy said, looking at the figures.
"Who are they?" Sanji questions.
"People." Ventus answered, sniffing the air. "And they're watching us."
"Now be on your guard, everyone." Nami told them.
"Well, I may have to fight monsters, but at least I came prepared." Usopp stammered, shaking his knees while readying his slingshot. Zoro is watching them on the other side, readied his sword. "Whoever's out there, I'm ready. Show yourself and face my wrath."
When they continue to sail while watching the people, they heard cheering which they're welcoming the Straw Hat pirates. Many of the people are greeting the Straw Hat pirates which to them, it's unusual and very strange.
"Why...Those aren't monsters, they're people and they actually seem happy we're here." Usopp said when Luffy chuckled.
"What the hell is wrong with them?" Sanji asks with confusion.
"I don't know, but I don't like it." Ventus muttered with a scowl.
Even though, they're welcoming them but Ventus and Anna knew that something is very wrong. For all they know, many of the people are afraid of pirates which they're still are, but this? This is unheard of, welcoming pirates on this island.
"Oh yeah~! I've never seen so many cute girls in one place~!" Sanji said with a goofy smile, went goo-goo eyes when he saw women on the island.
'I guess some folks considered pirates to be heroes. Who knew? Man, I should've some here ages ago.' Usopp mentally cheered happily, waving kisses at them.
"Hey!" Luffy shouts happily.
When they docked, the Straw Hat pirates are greeted by a tall man.
He is a tall man with small red nose and has blonde hair style that resembles a powdered wig. He wore a black suit with gold accents in between the collar and a cuffs with golden buttons, grey vest and white shirt underneath with a red bowtie, black pants, white socks, and black shoes with grey accents and golden buckles.
"Welco-Ahem! Ma~Ma~Maaaaah~! Welcome. My name is Igarappoi." Igarappoi introduced himself, greeted the Straw Hat pirates. "And it is my honor as mayor to welcome you at Whiskey Peak."
"Oh, great I'm Luffy, nice to meet you." Luffy greets, points the hair. "Nice hair, I like the curls."
"You'll find that this is the place that thrives on making liquor and music." Igarappoi explains with a smile. "Hospitality is a matter of pride in our town. The smiles run long, and the liquor flows bountiful as seawater. Would you reminiscer throw a party in honor of your arrival? So that we may here-Ahem! Ma~Ma~Maaaaaah~! Your tales of adventure."
"WE'D GLAD TOO!?" Luffy, Usopp, and Sanji cheered happily in unison, agreeing his offer in an instant.
"Idiots." Nami stated, leaving Ventus and Anna nods with an agreement. "By the way, how long until the Log Pose records this islands magnetic field?"
"Log what? Oh, such boring details will have to keep for now. Surely, you like to rest after your journey." Igarappoi told her as he walk towards her, placing his hand on her shoulder in a friendly way. "Now, let's prepare to party! Sing and be merry! Entertain our guests!"
The people then cheered for the welcome as they begin to party, but despite the friendly atmosphere, both Ventus and Anna knew that their crew are taking the bait and the people are hiding their true colors.
The party is been ongoing through the night, half on them were having time of their lives of celebration. Usopp is telling stories about the adventures they've been in which it's all lies since he's the only one who's been afraid. Luffy is stuffing his face with all the food he's eaten. Sanji is getting surrounded by girls, went goo-goo eyes on every women on sight as usual. Anna was able to finish up her fill along with Ventus since he hasn't been eating anything for a while because he dragged the ship out of the storm few hours ago. He decided to head to bed so he can get some sleep, but a tanned-woman followed him quietly which he caught her scent, making him widen his eyes as he recognize her scent and it someone he knows.
When he went inside of the room, the nun close the door behind her as she locked it up and spoke.
"Look, I don't know who you are, but I know Anna is here with those pirates and that also means Ventus is here." She said. "I don't know why, but you better answer my question, where's Ventus?"
"Sister Shanise, I know it's hard to believe and I know you don't recognize me, but it's me, Ventus Starwind." Ventus told her with a smile. "It's been 11 years since I left Ishgard."
"Do you think I would believe that?" The nun named Shanise questions with a glare, pulling the cloth and a hat off, revealing her face that has dark skin and pink hair pulled into short twin-tails. "I know Ventus, he's a good boy. He always wants to come here and help me, I told him many times I got this because of my strength to carry some lumber and gather up firewood for the winter. He's always wanted to help but he's too young due to his age."
"Well, you don't have to worry about me, because I'm growing up and I'm actually 14 now." Ventus said, tried to convince her. "Just look at me in the eyes."
Shanise then raise her eyebrow, still not convinced that the young Dragoon is actually Ventus. She then grasp his face as she stares into the green eyes, catching him out of nowhere made Ventus tensed up a little, but what got him surprised was her expression. Her expression is a mixture of joy and sorrow, like she saw something she had not seen for a long time. With a small gasp, she spoke.
"So it's true...It really is you...You really are...Ventus..." Shanise said, shedding a tear in her eye. "You...You really have your mother's eyes."
Shanise then embraced the young Dragoon, crying in tears as Ventus hugged her in return. It took a few minutes for her to calm down as she breaks up the hug and spoke.
"Ventus, I'm so sorry." Shanise apologize. "I didn't believe you at first..."
"It's okay, you didn't know it was me." Ventus assures her. "And I know it's been 11 years."
"It has, I really missed you." Shanise nods with a smile. "I'm glad you and Anna are doing alright."
"I could say the same about you, Shanise." The voice of Anna said as the two look at the ranger.
"Anna...How did you-"
"I use the set of lockpicks to unlock the door." Anna explains with interruption. "I knew you're trying to interrogate Ventus, but he was able to convince you that he's really the same boy we know long ago."
"He did." Shanise nods. "And seeing him in the eyes is good enough for me. He really does have his mother's eyes."
Anna nod with an agreement as she and Shanise embraced each other with smiles on their faces, Ventus was about to leave but the ranger stopped her as she pulled him in to join the group hug. After few minutes, they break up the hug while Shanise spoke.
"Listen, you guys need to get out of here." Shanise told them.
"Why?" Ventus asks.
"Because I doctored their drinks a little in order for them to fall asleep." Shanise explains, leaving them shocked. "There's the door at the back, you can take it and leave."
"Shanise, we're not leaving our crew." Anna protests, leaving her confused. "Luffy and the others are out friends, crazy I know, but you have to believe me. We've been adventuring out to sea with them."
"You don't seem to get it, Luffy-"
"Has a bounty on his head, we know." Ventus interrupts. "But that's not all, we've encountered the two agents who name themselves as Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday."
Shanise then widen her eyes with shock, seeing that the young Dragoon and the ranger are in trouble which she doesn't want that. She then sighed since it's already too late as she spoke.
"Alright, but there's something you should know." Shanise told them reluctantly. "Those two agents the both of you encountered are called the Baroque Works."
"Baroque Works?" Anna repeats.
"I knew there something off about those two. They're the same dirt-bags who are working for the crime syndicate." Ventus stated seriously.
"Yes, but I'm working with them as Miss Monday." Shanise nods. "Listen, there's a chance for you two to get out of this island and-"
"We can't, not when the Log Pose records on the magnetic fields." Anna shook her head. "If we leave now, we won't be able to head to the other islands."
Shanise was about to argue, but she knew that they're right since the Log Pose needs time to record the magnetic fields before heading to the next island. She then sighed and spoke.
"Alright, but I can't promise you to bring them safely. You two need to take the back door and get out of there." Shanise told them. "Try not to get caught by the other Baroque Works agents, they'll be guarding from the outside."
Ventus and Anna nods which they don't like the idea of leaving their crew nor Shanise behind, but they don't gave much a choice as they left the building while Shanise stays behind as she returns for the party.
Meanwhile, Zoro and Nami are sitting around on the couch which they don't know if they're either going to eat and make merry or just sitting there.
"Please, don't hold back on my account. Drink up." Igarappoi offered, placing the mug on the table.
"No, thanks but I'm not drinking." Nami rejected kindly.
"Don't wor-Ahem! Ma~Ma~Maaaah~! Don't you worry, what you have there is a very special drink." Igarappoi explains with assurance. "Made by using only the sweetest premium grapes. It contains all the flavorful benefits of a fine wine, but zero alcohol."
"I see." Nami said as she took a sip. "Yeah, you're right! It's delicious!"
"We had an excellent harvest this year." Igarappoi told her. "Now, to celebrate the harvest, our traditional drink competition."
The people then cheered happily.
"It's simple, make a toast, take a drink. This continues for as long as you can hold your liquor. Last one standing is the winner." Igarappoi explains. "Join us!"
"No thanks, you go ahead. I'd rather watch the competition." Nami politely declines.
"Did I mention that the prize is 100 thousand berries?" Igarappoi asks, bring out the bag of money when the people cheered which it's enough to convince Nami.
"Then fill her up." Nami ordered with determination, turned her head to Zoro. "Zoro, stand up and join us! You need the money, don't you?"
Zoro was about to protest, but it's too late since the drinking contest get started and Luffy is still eating which the people are surprised that the rubber captain eats more than one plate.
When Ventus and Anna were able to get out of the building thanks to Shanise's warning, they're at the top of the building where the party is being held. They saw three people coming out of the building with each of the different arsenal in their hands. Ventus then decided to fight them while Anna readied her bow for supporting the young Dragoon. He then jumped off the building, catching them off-guard.
"Looking for me?" Ventus asked sarcastically, readied his lance.
"There he is!"
"Get him!"
"Doom Spike" Ventus then jumped in midair, stab the ground with his lance as the slash projectiles head towards the three Baroque Works agents, leaving them scream in agony.
"Arrow of Sleep" Anna then fired the arrow next to them, causing them the collapse down as they fall asleep.
Of course, the difference in their level and battle experience are too great which they were able to take them out easily. After they dragged the three Baroque Works agents inside of the storage room, Ventus and Anna went back at the top of the building since the lights are still on. They waited patiently for it to end and they know that their crew are taking their time.
Few minutes later, the party is finally over as the lights goes off. Ventus then wakes up from his sleep along with Anna as they stretch with a yawn. Iggarappoi opens the door and closed it, walking outside while looking at the moon.
"They're worn themselves out for partying and are fast asleep." Igarappoi muttered quietly with an evil smile. "Sweet dreams, brave adventurers. My how the cactus rocks gleam under the pale moonlight, beautiful as ever."
"If I may say, your poetic skills are beyond compare, Igarappoi...I mean, Mr. 8." Mr. 9 praise him when he and Ms. Wednesday are at the top of the building.
'It must be Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday. For what I can tell, Mr. 8 and the other Baroque Works agents are putting an act for the welcome party.' Anna mentally thought with a serious glare. 'Good thing Shanise warned us about them.'
'So the so-called Mayor is nothing but Mr. 8, he's a number above Mr. 9.' Ventus mentally thought as they suddenly felt a pat on their shoulders, about to defend themselves but only to see Zoro right beside them, telling them to keep quiet. The two give them a nod with an understanding.
"Oh, it's you." Mr. 8 with a dismissive shrug as the two landed on the ground.
"So, where are they?" Ms. Wednesday inquires.
"They're falling...straight to hell." Igarappoi/Mr. 8 answered with malicious intent, leaving the two face paled.
"Damn, my head is killing me." Shanise cursed when she opens the door, close the door behind her. "Our guests did have a taste of fall out gracefully, so I doctored their drinks a little. Otherwise, it's still be drinking up all of us into oblivion. So tell me, was it really necessary to put on this elaborate show for those idiots."
As soon as Shanise pulled out the nun attire, she revealed a magenta dress and white diamond pattern and three green flowers and white boots.
"I get that nobody wants to hear me whine, but it's my duty to point out of food we've wasted." Shanise points out seriously. "When we could've just ambushed them at the harbor, we're already short on supplies. It's not like anyone had high hopes for that whale meat or anything."
"Well, why don't you go try and kill that damn whale!? We tried our best now!?" Mr. 9 retorts, causing Ventus to stifle his laughter while Anna silently chuckle and barely trying to hold her laughter.
'Same old Shanise, she never change one bit.' Anna mentally thought.
"Both of you, calm yourselves!" Igarappoi shouted. "Before you questioned the validity of my plan, you should see this."
Igarappoi then showed Luffy's wanted poster to the three.
"WHAT?! 30 MILLION BERRIES?!" The three agents shout in unison with shock.
"FOR THOSE MORONS?!" Mr. 9 added.
"Don't be foolish, this is only the Captain's." Igaraoppi/Mr. 8 corrected him, placing the wanted poster on his jacket. "I found out about the other one for some time after I sent three of our men to get the boy and couldn't believe what I've found out.
'Other one? He means me?' Ventus mentally questions.
"Why is that?" Ms. Wednesday asked.
"You'll be even more shocked about this one than the other one." Igarappoi answered as he take out another wanted poster.
"WHAT?! 100 MILLION BERRIES?!" They shout even louder in unison with shock.
"JUST FOR ONE BOY?!" Ms. Wednesday added.
"Three times Luffy's bounty. I wonder how did that happen." Zoro said with an impressed smirk, whistled softly.
"Did you forget that I've fought pirates and done some odd jobs during my travels? Even if I fought against the entire Arlong crew and destroyed the Arlong Park." Ventus silently told him.
"Oh yeah." Zoro reply which he did forget.
'Damn it, Ventus! What have you been doing all this time?!' Shanise mentally shouts.
"But for now, our preys have been trapped and I already sent our agents to search for him. And that's the news the boss will enjoy." Igarappoi stated. "For now, confiscate everything value from their ship."
"So, what do we do with them now?" Shanise questions.
"Kill them?" Mr. 9 suggests.
"If they die, the bounty drops 30%." Igarappoi/Mr. 8 told them. "The Government prefers to hold public execution. Now go! I want them alive!"
"Hey." Zoro spoke up, raising one on his swords. "Sorry to interrupt, but do you mind letting my friends sleep? They've had a long day and a journey was exhausting, so I've been told."
"I agree with Zoro here. Even though, I did most of the work than them, they deserve it due to the crazy weather few hours ago." Ventus points out.
The four Baroque Works agents slowly turned to face them. It was when some of the agents walked out of the building.
"Hey Mr. 8, Miss Monday! One of them escaped from the room when we weren't looking!"
"He's over there." Ms. Wednesday informed them with annoyance.
"And the boy is up there." Mr. 9 added.
"Sneaky wretches!" Igarappoi/Mr. 8 growled. "You should've stayed asleep with your friends! As for you, boy, did you really kill them?!"
"A good swordsman never makes a mistake of letting his guard down. Plus, I take a nap earlier." Zoro told them with a smirk, stood up.
"These small fries aren't even worth a kill. So, I got help from Anna putting them to sleep." Ventus added with a smirk, stood up along with Anna.
"Judging by the cheap act and arsenals you're carrying, I'd say you're all bounty hunters." Anna said, observed the Baroque Works agents. "Your specialty is robbing drunk pirates who'd fall for your hospitality. It worked, I'd give you that much. By the look of it, I'd say 100 agents give or take. We'll take all of you on, Baroque Works."
"HOW DO YOU KNOW OUR NAME?!" Igarappoi/Mr. 8 asked as he and the others gasped with shock.
"During my travels, your boss' assistant, Ms. All-Sunday, offered me a position of your organization, so I turned down." Ventus explains.
"I was in a similar work, once upon a time. Your company tried to entice me with the job offer, naturally I said 'no'." Zoro told them. "Do the same rule still apply? Employee identities kept secret? Cheesy codenames? The boss' identity whereabouts also a mystery? Baroque Works, the criminal group who faithfully carries out their orders like herded sheep. That some secret."
"Everyone in that organization know nothing about each other and call each other by codenames." Ventus added. "The males only named by numbers. And the females only named by either days or holidays."
"This is a surprise. If you know all of our secrets, then we are left with no other choice, but to kill you three." Igarappoi/Mr. 8 said, looking at the three with killing intent. "And another gravestones, shall be added to the Cactus Rocks tonight."
When he said those words, the Baroque Works agents are preparing to fight against Ventus, Anna, and Zoro which the two were the only ones who knows about their secrets and Shanise who happen to be Miss Monday. However, neither of the two want to fight her, but they don't have any other choice and they have to protect the rest of the Straw Hat pirates from them.
That's it for the 3rd chapter. Sorry about the delay.