Voyage of Sarukenshi chapter 19
Author note
Hey everyone hope you all been okay it's been a little while since I posted but hope this makes up for it this chapters a bit more lengthy and really sets up the plot for the next few chapters enjoy.
*Sarukenshi, Layna, and Pietro succeeded in their match against Paz the retired Vice Admiral and now everyone is sitting at the dinner table awaiting Sanji's dishes to be served*
Sanji: Alright so we got super sirloin steak, chipper chicken roast, and feel fresh fish fillet all filled with revitalizing protein which evidently you five really need.*Looks at Layna,Pietro,Fisresu,Paz, and Sarukenshi seeing them become a little more than just a blur of forks and knives scarfing down their portions*
Luffy: Haha they sure eat like pigs.
Zolo: Heh like you're one to talk. *gulps down drink*
Nami: Says the drunken swordsman. *Chugs down drink and places cup onto a pile of other empty cups*
Usopp: You're not one to talk either!
Pietro: So those combos of yours, where did you come up with them?
Paz: Just a little something I thought up years back, a good tip about combat is versatility. While the six powers are valuable techniques on their own, together they make devastating mixtures. You're very versatile yourselves utilizing your own combo in the midst of battle.
Sarukenshi: Thank you, by the way if you don't mind the inquiry I'd like to know. Why did you leave the Navy?
Paz: Well the short answer is, too much work not enough freedom.
Robin: And what is the long answer?
Paz: Well it's a bit of a tale but I guess I will start with my youthful days from long ago. You see before I joined the Navy I was a traveling brawler, back home on where the long leg tribe people reside we had a tournament where people on the island could join in. I won nearly every year I entered, that is until I was beaten by a visitor of the island. It was a close match I thought but a hard swift punch and I had lost. While angry I was at our loss I was also anxious to beat him, but he left the island that same day so I couldn't find out who the competitor was. So I set out to the sea taking part in all sorts of fighting tournaments hoping I'd run into him by chance and I grew stronger while doing so. But even though I relished the challenge of a good match here and there I truly love a peaceful life and don't care for mindless violence for the sake of violence or unnecessary violence as well. As a result of this thinking I guess it was my fate that one day on my way to the town inn from a tournament finals match there was a commotion at a local bank. Marines had the building surrounded but it was an intense hostage situation it started to look grim with no other choice or risk the hostage's lives they let the three robbers get away. However I wouldn't let their efforts go to waste I dispatched all three with one hardy kick, they never knew what hit them. When I carried the three criminals over to the marines they were grateful and insisted I enlist, at the time I nearly given up my search on my unknown rival and the idea of using my skills to fight for peace did please me. So I joined the Navy and after passing basic training and rising up the ranks throughout the years I became a captain and one day was put on an escort mission with other captains, and lo and behold who do I meet but my long lost rival and I found out his name, Monkey D. Garp.
Luffy: You're friends with my Grandpa old man?
Paz: Oh yes indeed, we were quite the pair you're grandfather and I. Throughout my years in the Navy we had a friendly rivalry engaging in all sorts of competitions ranging from friendly sparring matches, criminal capturing count, Sea king kills, you know the usual.
Usopp: Where is that considered the usual!?
Sanji: Seems like you were considered a big shot back then. So why retire?
Paz: In one word…Pride, after my years of being in the Navy I had to hear and witness things I didn't want to be associated with ever again in my life. Celestial dragons disgracing their ancestors with their ignorance and cruelty it's almost appropriate for them to be called dragons most of them certainly are more beast than human. Then there was the incident involving the destruction of Ohara, *Paz glances over at Robin* my sincerest condolences Ms. Nico Robin.
Robin: Much Appreciated Paz-san. *Robin lends a bright smile*
Paz: In the end I thought it over in the begning my only intention for joining the navy was to help people and maybe find Garp. Since I found him there wasn't much need to stick around the Navy when I could easily help people in my own way and so with that thought I retired, and not a minute too soon. The next couple of years or so brought the War felt around the world, Whitebeard and his alliance fleet versus the force of Navy Headquarters and of course there was you and your makeshift battalion of Impel down Escapees. *Looks at Luffy* You really raised hell HO HOO HOO! *his laugh stops abruptly for a moment* Ah yes very sorry for what happened to your brother.
Paz: Ahaha You are Garp's grandson such a strong spirit and same goes for all of you, I can see why he chose you as his crew you all must have think highly of him.
Zolo: Actually it was either starve and be executed at a Navy base or join him.
Nami: I tied him up when we first met.
Pietro: Well you're quite the forward one *Layna smacks his head* Ahh kidding geez.
Robin: I used a deluded circumstance as an excuse to justify me joining.
Franky: He took my trunks till I agreed to join his crew.
Hitodenshi: You guys have an odd history together then don't you.
Sanji: Oh yeah no question about it.
Nami: It's crazy how we all ended up together really and also how we managed to stay alive with our scatter brained captain.
Luffy: COOL! Look at the fish. *Luffy is out in the yard looking at the koi fish*
Chopper: Wow they have such vibrant colors for koi fish.
Asuna: Ohhh they're so pretty I like them.
Sanji: Well since there is no point in trying to drag them back in how about we take this party outside. *Everyone moves outside to eat the rest of the food enjoying the relaxing atmosphere and admiring the yard*
Robin: This is a really lovely home you have and with such an animated family. *Robin shares a warm smile to Paz*
Paz: Haha we certainly are an odd bunch aren't we.
Nami: Those fish are gorgeous how long have you had them?
Clemantine: Hmmm we got them around the same time we finished the house actually, heh it seems like that was just yesterday.
Usopp: I'm just curious but how long have you all known each other have you always lived on the island I mean I know this guy got kicked out of Samurai land bu..
Fisresu: *Slams cup down* I left on my own accord long-nose.
Usopp: What did you say!?
Clemantine: Actually we met just a few years ago after Paz came to the island. But before that I lived in a poor household here near the coast of the island, as a child times were tough even back then the island had a bad reputation with bandits and pirates ran rampant you either stole to live or for profit. So because of that there used to be a huge black market district where the Marine prison facility now stands. It was a good thing we lived near the coast, bandits didn't bother going that far off to go looting but not if you need a doctor. My parents got sick first my mother then a few months later my dad caught it while taking care of her, after he got sick they warned me to not get close to them so they slept in the shed behind the house and I had to wash myself more frequently. As time went by their conditioned worsened they had terrible coughs my mother became weak in her limbs doing mundane task was so stressful to her, every doctor who tried to make the long walk to our house would be robbed by bandits. We still managed though living near the coast had the benefit of lots of fish swimming through so that's how we made our money for food or our food in general. Dad was always good at catching them sometimes he'd jump in and grabbed one like an animal I tried to do it too I got one once, he called me his little bear. *Clemantine smiles for a moment* Then I thought if I caught enough fish I can make money for medicine for my parents, so I secretly caught and sold some at night but without dad helping me I wasn't able to catch as much as usual so I had to keep going for a few nights I was lucky I managed to be silent and quick so bandits wouldn't notice me when I made my trips home and then finally on my thirteenth birthday I knew I finally had enough. It was not a moment too soon my parents condition got worse to the point where my dad only had enough energy to last him half the day, his legs shook with every couple of steps his arms fidgeted and barely was able to carry our fish bucket. We made our way to the market and he told me to sell the fish for him so he could go buy something we need and to meet back at the house when I was done. I was anxious to sell the fish then head to the doctor's office to buy the medicine. Later I finally got it and I ran my way to the house I thought everything was falling into place…But I guess I was wrong, halfway to the house I ran into some bandits I was holding the money I got from the fish we sold that day so they ambushed me and knocked me out. When I came to and started walking back home I checked my pockets knowing the money would be gone obviously but miraculously they didn't take the medicine suddenly I was full of energy and bolted home when I got there, the door was open I slowed down and walked in and saw some of the bandits on the floor dead but I looked near the edge of the room my mother laid on the floor she was gone I started to cry when suddenly I heard grunting coming from behind the us near the coast Cliffside I ran out and saw my dad fighting one of the bandits both of them brandishing knives and bleeding with cuts and bruises on them. I was surprised my dad was able to take out the bandits but I was so scared to lose him to I didn't think I lunged at the bandit and tackled his leg and held on. He moved a bit but didn't fall over he looked down and tried to take a swing at me but my dad rushed at him yelling at the top of his lungs and stabbed him in the chest and he fell over the Cliffside and into the water and my dad dropped to his knees and held me in his arms blood still dripping off him I remembered the medicine, I took it out and gave it to him. He took it out of my hand drank it and said "Thank you little bear I feel better already it'll be okay." He smiled at me pat me on the head and then he dropped onto the ground. I went back in the shed and dragged my dad's body and put him in the bed with my mom. At that moment I noticed a dim light coming from the house I walked in and saw on the table a candle lit on my birthday cake and next to it a card that read, "Happy Birthday Little Bear I wish that I could have done more for you and your mother, but I know you'll be alright you're strong stronger than I ever imagined. Your mother and I are so proud. We love you very much Clemantine." After that I was on my own, lucky enough I managed to take care of myself I got better at fishing which helped me get more money but unfortunately I got robbed by bandits on occasion. I wished that I was strong enough to fight them like my dad did. A couple of years passed and rogue samurai from Wano started coming to the island adding more danger to the mix, they started stealing from the black market district vendors and regular market as well so I would get paid less and less for my fish, I thought my life would be meeting its end soon even if I caught fish the thought of me catching a disease or getting killed by bandits loomed over me. Until one day, I was sitting on the dock in the black market district watching some pirates unload their loot, large crates upon crates. However two smaller crates fell off a bunch some large crates one of them was carrying so he didn't notice. I was figured anything inside would be good to sell or maybe even food besides fish, to my surprise I opened one of them and inside was this little guy *Clemantine cuddles Bradley* He was so cute but also scared and helpless and alone like me. I had some fish I had caught that day and held it out to him he hesitated but then took it and became much more friendly, but that was the last of my fish and I was really hungry. I guess Bradley saw this yelped and pointed at the other crate, I opened it up and inside was a strange looking fruit.
Usopp: That was you're devil fruit wasn't it.
Luffy: Shut it Usopp! I wanna hear what happened to her dad!
Usopp: She passed that already idiot! *Smacks Luffys head*
Nami: Grrrraah Shut up and let her talk! *She grabs both boys by the ears* Please continue Clemantine. *Clemantine giggles then continues*
Clemantine: Thank you. Anyways yes it was the Bear-Bear fruit Panda model of course I didn't figure that out when I first ate it but later that day I was ambushed by some bandits yet again but after they yanked my money from me Bradley bit one of them and angered them one of them tossed him to the ground and were gonna stomp on him to death, I just started thinking about how I wanted to be strong enough to fight them to fight all of them to take back what they stole from me and the whole island. In that moment of raw emotion I transformed into my pound panda mode and knocked them all out, once I saw those bandits defeated before me I thought I could use this power to help others as well as myself and so I did. I went on a one girl army I took down bandit after bandit and I grew stronger. But there were still battles I knew I couldn't win, the samurai were far more skilled and experienced than I so with that I focused mainly on the bandits and hoped I would find a way to beat the samurai as well. As luck would have it that was when I met our little sticky fingered friend here *Pinches Dorobotsu's cheek* I caught him stealing food from the market after I tried taking a swipe at him my claw passed through him but then I felt a burning sensation to add insult to injury. After he heard me yell in pain he turned around and apologized, I was shocked that he was so nice for a bandit so we talked and it turns out his parents were killed by bandits because of gambling debts and was forced to join them he escaped his former gang after he came across the acid-acid fruit. I offered that he'd stay at my house on the condition he help cure the island of the samurai rogues. We weren't dumb enough to try and do that immediately obviously, so we trained our powers a bit more and then we began our ambush on lone Ronin on occasion and it actually was working. But then not all good plans aren't a sure thing, one night they were prepared they trapped us. A group of bandits and Ronin surrounded us we tried to hold out as much as we could nut they had the numbers and also the advantage of one of the bandits got his hands on a sea prism stone that was in his glove meaning he could hit Dorobotsu and hit me a lot harder than normal. We thought we were done for but right when we were on the verge of blacking out we heard a loud thud followed by yelling and grunting then a bunch of thuds then me and Dorobotsu passed out. When woke up we were in my house I could smell something cooking just outside I look out and see Paz sitting by a fire with a pan making some eggs he noticed me and said "I would have used your oven but my back was so sore from being so hunched over Hoo Hoo Hooo." So from that day on Paz was in our lives he helped trained us, he even taught me how to use haki. Then a few months or so Hito came to the island then Fisresu and with all of us together we helped whipped this island back into the shape it's in today, not perfect but you know its home and I feel good that I can call it that.
Franky: That was a SUPER gripping story there.
Zolo: Makes sense how those bandits reacted toward you then.
Robin: You had quite a surprising life and made plenty of great friends.
Luffy: Hehehe and now you got more now that you met us. *Luffy grins widely and chuckles*
Clemantine: You'd really consider us your friends we literally just met hehee.
Nami: He's like that.
Luffy: LET'S PARTY! To our new friends, SANJI MORE FOOD!
Sanji: Alright alright I'll toss in some party poppers.
Fisresu: Hey Roronoa wanna have a quick spare?
Zolo: Heh sure but don't expect it to be like your match with Saru.
Usopp: Arent you wounded?
Fisresu: Your point?
Chopper: No Fighting! Doctors' orders!
Robin: *Giggles* I'd listen to our doctor if I were you he can be pretty demanding.
Asuna: Siiiiisss when can we find the toy store?
Layna: Come on there's a [arty going on we'll find one later.
Hitodenshi: There's a Hobby shop in the plaza I can take you there if you don't mind I'm heading back in that direction anyway.
Layna: Well if it isn't any trouble to you it's okay with me, alright Asuna behave and stay with him ok.
Asuna: Okayy im not a little kid you knowww.
Layna: Hah sometimes I wonder. * The two head into the house then out the front door meanwhile the party rages on everyone laughing having a good time being rowdy and friendly a cheery Paz is seen talking privately with Sarukenshi*
Sarukenshi: What!? But are you sure they should…
Paz: Yes I'm sure *Paz looks over at Clemantine laughing at Fisresu trying to escape the grasp of a heavy point chopper and Dorobotsu trying to swoon Robin while an enrage Sanji fumes behind him* they're destined to leave, I had my adventures and lived my life now it's time for them to do the same. When I first met them I felt like I had to take care of them, they've been through so much I could see that however I never notice just how strong they really are until…
Sarukenshi: Until what?
Paz: Until I met you and your friends, you showed me it's their time now. So it's time they let me go, let go of their guilt they still think they owe me Hahaha! It worms my heart truly but anyway no matter what you have to take them out to sea with you, all of them.
Sarukenshi: Well I wouldn't want to disappoint my elders heheh.
Paz: Oh HOHO you're a sly one hmph like father like son I suppose. By the way *Flicks Sarukenshis hair* Try not to take on too much responsibility or you'll have those silver hairs like he got when he was young HOHOOO.
Sarukenshi: Heh I will keep that in mind now let's get back to the party. *Just then Hitodenshi runs out into the yard*
Layna: Oh hey you're back…Where is Asuna?
Hitodenshi: Okay first let me explain, she'll be out soon I
Layna: WHERE IS SHE!?
Hitodenshi:….At the marine prison facility, but look we know the Lead doctor there and nurse they've gotten me out all the time it's her first offense she'll probably be back right about now actually.
Layna:….Is he telling the truth? *Clemantine nods* Okay fine she better be okay.*Suddenly Nurse Akina Burst through the door out of breath*
Akina: Hito, Boss please you have to help her she's gonna be sent to..Huff Huff.
Hitodenshi: Akina what's wrong get a grip breathe.
Layna: Who's this?
Clemantine: She's Nurse Akina.
Layna: You're the nurse? How's my sister? Is she okay!?
Akina: You're her sister...I'm so sorry but you have to help Boss, everyone if we don't act fast she'll be sent to Marijoa as a slave.
Shocking news, how did this all happen so fast, find out in Chapter 20.