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"Thoughts"

"Dialogue"

Two Days after the fall of Arlong Park...

"Hello! Hello! Is this Navy HQ?! Can you hear me?!" A Mouse-eared marine shrieked over the receiver.

A voice the spoke over the den den mushi, "Yes this is Navy HQ. Identify yourself immediately."

"This is Captain Nezumi of the 16th Branch, Marine Code 00733! I have a request for HQ!"

The voice then lazily replied, "You don't have to yell, I can hear you just fine."

Nezumi then continued, "Listen! There's a pirate named Monkey D. Luffy, who wears a Straw Hat! I deem him and his crew members enemies of the Government and extremely dangerous. I am sending their photos now!"

After a few seconds, the man said, "I only received two photos. Who is the other one?"

"The other is the Wandering Demon, Roronoa Zoro! He is the best swordsman in this blue!" Nezumi replied, still yelling. He then continued, "Both of them fought Dracule Mihawk and survived. I also have visual confirmation that Straw Hat Luffy killed Arlong the Saw without taking a single hit, while Roronoa Zoro nearly killed his Lieutenant, Hatchin with one Katana! They have three others in their crew, and they are all extremely dangerous! Give them the highest bounty possible!

"Roger that. After a quick verification, I'll send it for approval." The voice said, still sounding monotone and uncaring.

Nezumi then shouted, "Don't forget! These guys are dangerous pirates! 'Dead or Alive' only! I want the posters all over the world!"

The days that past after Arlong's death were all a hazy blur, filled with enough booze, food, songs, and laughter to last a lifetime... The first day after the fall, A thunderstorm hit the island, causing the flames to die and the blazing remains of Arlong Park and its inhabitants to turn to ash and embers. While the storm hit, the villagers found and raided the Shark Superb, finding 80 million berries stashed. When townspeople and villagers from all over the island heard of Arlong's demise, they came to Cocoyashi Village to thank the Straw Hats, and as thanks, they threw the largest party the Island had ever seen.

During the late night festivities, the villagers usually left the Straw Hats to their own devices, although some made the mistake of challenging Zoro and Luffy to a drinking contest. The contest was over after a couple hours, but the two pounded drinks for another eight hours before they passed out from exhaustion. Sanji was busy learning new recipes and hitting on some of the attractive islanders. Usopp was drunkenly spouting "Stories" as he called them, to anyone who would listen. Nami was nowhere to be found on the first, nor the second day of celebration, which Luffy noticed relatively quickly. He then closed his eyes and expanded his senses to encompass the Island. He quickly found her, along with her sister and someone else on the edge of the Island, about a hours walk away from anyone else. Luffy looked down at his plates of rum ham and stuffed a few in his pockets. He then grabbed the last one and his bottle and started walking.

After what seemed like forty-five minutes, Luffy had arrived, but he was significantly lighter. He was now down to the last rum ham and half a bottle of sake. Although walking to the secluded spot had sobered him slightly and he saw what the three were doing. Nami and Nojiko had lit candles around a wooden cross. They seemed to be sharing stories and laughing with each other while looking up at the stars and the moons that illuminated the night sky. Luffy could only assume that was their mother's grave, so he gave them some privacy. Luffy looked at Genzo, who was watching the two while taking pulls from his bottle. He didn't notice Luffy sit beside him until he heard someone eating.

Genzo looked over and saw someone he truly didn't expect, Monkey D. Luffy. The man who had freed them from Arlong's tyranny, the man who had so quickly earned the respect of every single person on this island. Genzo then looked back at the two and asked, "Do you know whose grave that is?"

Luffy swallowed the massive chunk of ham and answered, "It's their mother's right?"

Genzo nodded his head and said, "I was there the day she died, and I was too weak to do anything to help. But at least now Bell-mère's soul can rest in peace, knowing that both of her children are safe and are genuinely smiling again. If only she could see it for herself..."

Luffy watched the man for a while, as he finished off his bottle and threw it on his side of the boulder, which seemed to have an already sizeable pile, judging by the multiple clinks of glass.

The noise knocked the two out of their moment, they looked back and saw they had another observer. Nami then asked, "When did you get here, Luffy?"

Luffy got up and walked over to the two, as he got close he replied, "A few minutes ago, I was wondering where my Navigator was." As he stood beside the two, he looked down at the lit grave. He then held his bottle towards Nami, which she gladly took. As Luffy handed her the bottle, he noticed a new tattoo, one that is over the now missing fishman Jolly Roger. He smiled slightly at the thought, she is finally able to leave those nightmares behind and look towards the future.

Nami took a few sips from the bottle before passing it to Nojiko, she then looked back at Luffy and asked, "So, how has the party been?"

"It's great! Although, the drinking competition has gotten stale..."

Nami got up, pulling Nojiko along with her and with a grin, she replied, "Come on! We'll kick your ass and Zoro's if he ever gets off it." As the two walked off towards the still roaring celebration, Luffy looked down at the grave and to the sea before him. He took a deep breath, and with a smile, he turned around and jogged to catch up with the still giggling duo.

Genzo leaned over to the side of the boulder and pulled out another bottle. He watched as the three left and made sure they weren't looking back. Genzo then walked over to the cross and knelt down, he took his hat off his head and looked at the pinwheel again. He then plucked the toy and placed it beside the grave, he then said, "I won't be needing that anymore, Bell-mère. She doesn't need help to smile..." After a few moments, he took the cork out of the bottle and poured half of it out beside the grave. He then continued, "I'm sorry I couldn't help her when she needed it most... Although, she never lost hope, that one day things would change. That she would save this Island from that Fishman. That's more than I could've said for myself. She's stronger than I could ever hope to be... For her to bear the weight of the entire Island on her shoulders...It was a burden that should never have been thrust upon a girl her age, she always had the look of fear around the villagers... For her mark, or for how we would treat her because of what it meant, I don't know. But now she's looking forward to tomorrow and the possibilities it could bring. The passion of her dream has been rekindled by Monkey D. Luffy, and I know she will accomplish it. I know she will create a map of the entire world, if anyone can do it, It's her... I know she already has your approval to leave, but if that boy ever causes Nami to do anything but smile, I'll castrate him! She deserves to enjoy what life has to offer, she deserves to have the feeling of friendship and security. After everything that's happened, she doesn't deserve anything less." Genzo then put the hat back on his head and stood up to walk away. He suddenly felt a strong wind come from the sea and heard a familiar faint voice, like it was just beyond earshot... He couldn't make out any words, but he knew it was Bell-mère.

The next two days passed and the Straw Hats were preparing to leave. Luffy was asleep on his favorite seat, while Sanji had Usopp loading supplies. Zoro was fishing for some lunch, just wasting time really. They were all ready to set sail, they only needed their Navigator. Said Navigator was standing beside the table of her home, staring at the family photo of Bell-mère, Nojiko and herself. She had a bouquet of flowers beside her bag and the first map she ever drew in her hands. Memories flooded Nami's mind looking around the house. It was like she could feel Bell-mère looking at her... She turned around and out of the corner of her eye, she saw her. Nami then closed her eyes hoping it was real, before saying, "It took ten years. We're finally free. It is exactly like you said, If you persevere, good times will come!" She opened them again and still saw her, so she spun towards her and continued, "I'll be leaving the Island, but don't worry, they are all really nice people and reliable too. They'll help me achieve my dream because we're Nakama. We'll be traveling the Grand Line first, then the rest of the world!" Nami finished enthusiastically before calming down, "Although, I don't know how long I'll be gone or when I'll come back... But I will." Nami then noticed she was gone, so she put the map in her bag and grabbed the bouquet and walked towards the door. She turned around and said, "I'm going now..." As she pushed the door open, she felt a hand on her back lightly push her forward, causing her to stumble. Nami looked back at an empty house, realizing what it was...she smiled as she looked at the home again, before turning around and jogging towards her grave.

Three Hours Later...

"I can't believe you stole all their wallets..." Usopp declared while shaking his head at a drawing Nami.

As Nami drew another card, she replied, "Some of them were crying! I couldn't let my farewell be like that."

"I guess... But don't you think that was in bad taste?"

"Hell no! After they got that 80 million payday, I only got some pocket change."

Just as Nami was about to win the game, Luffy came up from below deck and yelled, "Everyone! Come out here, there's something I need to announce."

Within two minutes, everyone is on the deck in various places, Nami and Usopp were already on the main deck, so they were beside Luffy. While Zoro was leaning against the stairs and Sanji is looking down on them from the upper railing. Seeing everyone had gathered, Luffy said, "Alright, now that we are all here... We need to start training," Nami and Usopp collectively groaned, while Sanji and Zoro grinned. Luffy continued without giving much time to digest, "We are about to enter the Grand Line. It's also true what they say about this Blue... It is the weakest. So, the Grand Line is going to be in a league entirely of its own. I'm expecting devil fruit users, tropical storms, legendary monsters and everything in between."

Nami then injected, "But we have you. I'd assume you can handle most opponents we'll meet."

Luffy looked at Nami and replied, "However true that may be... I can't be everywhere at once."

Zoro then cut in, "If you think I'm letting him fight my own battles, you're dumber than I thought you were Nami."

Sanji then glared down at Zoro and ordered, "Don't call her dumb, asshole!" He then looked at Nami and said, "I agree with most of what he said, besides just think of all the useful things Luffy could teach us."

Luffy then stated, "He's right. But I want everyone to have Observation Haki at least. I find it's the most useful for nearly everyone. Most of you know almost exactly how it works, but I'll explain it again just so there isn't confusion..." Everyone stared wide-eyed at Luffy as he explained the nuances of Observation Haki and how it's achieved.

As nearly everyone else was processing the information, Zoro said, "You told me near the start of our journey that everyone is better suited for one type of Haki... Wouldn't it be easier to just start with that?"

Luffy then looked at Zoro and answered, "Yes, it would. Although, judging by most of your personalities, nearly everyone here is more attuned to Observation. So, it like killing two birds with one stone."

Everyone stared at Luffy, but Sanji asked the obvious question, "Someone is Armament dominant? Who is it?"

Luffy then smirked and pointed at Zoro. The collective looks of confusion were entertaining, but Luffy broke then silence, "That's right Zoro... But, I have no idea which of the other two you are more attuned to."

Everyone looked at Zoro in a new light, and he had the look of confusion still plastered on his face. Zoro then asked, "Are you saying that I'm a Conqueror too?"

Luffy nodded his head with a smile and replied, "I am. And you've already unleashed it unintentionally. Although, I doubt you remember... It was during your duel with Mihawk. Precisely at the last moment of the duel, when you put everything you had in the last attack. I also know, I wasn't the only one to notice..."

Zoro tried to remember the moment, but suddenly asked, "Did Mihawk notice?!"

"Not only him," Luffy then looked at Sanji and continued, "But Zeff too."

After a couple moments of silence, Usopp asked, "So, you think I'm best with Observation?"

Luffy nodded and replied, "I do, but when you learn both Armament and Observation, you'll be a monster."

Usopp then yelled, "Yes! I'll be a Legendary Sniper from the East!"

Luffy watched with a smile as Usopp pumped his fists in the air, running around the deck. Zoro then asked, "Luffy, how can I train my Haki?"

Luffy then thought for a moment before stating, "I think we should let the Conqueror's Haki sit for a while. Although It's already been used, it should continue to grow as you do. With Armament, I assume you remember my demonstration on the dingy a few weeks ago?"

Zoro slowly nodded and replied, "You said I need complete confidence in my strength and to focus everything that I have; my strength, willpower, and intent into a body part... But you also said I wasn't ready."

Luffy stated, "Sadly, you still aren't." This caused Zoro to form a scowl on his face, Luffy then continued, "But it will happen faster as you fight against stronger opponents and build a resilience to the training."

Luffy then looked at Nami, who had the look of despair on her face and asked, "Are you alright, Nami?"

She looked at Luffy with teary eyes and asked, "Do I have to go through this training? It sounds like it'll hurt."

As Luffy was about to explain why it was necessary when a News Coo flew down to Luffy and motioned for payment. Luffy sighed and begrudgingly pulled out the required amount of berries. Luffy then grabbed the paper out of the pelican's mouth and opened it. Two wanted posters fell facing up on the deck for everyone to see...

Dead or Alive

-Straw Hat Luffy-

Monkey D. Luffy

-50 Million Berri-

Dead or Alive

-The Wandering Demon-

Roronoa Zoro

-25 Million Berri-

Nami was already on the railing with an aura of despair around her. She then stated, "Now we'll have people trying to kill us. This is too soon... we are still in the East Blue!"

Sanji looked jealous, "Why the hell does Moss Head get such a high bounty, and I get jack-shit!? How will the ladies around the world see my incredible features now?"

"Shishishi, 50 million! I didn't think that was possible in the East Blue!" Luffy laughed, thinking back to Ace's first bounty.

Zoro looked back and forth between the bounties and said, "25 million... Not bad, but considering yours... eh, it's good enough."

Usopp remained silent during the whole thing, the longer his face is off wanted posters, the easier his life would be in his eyes.

A week later...

As Zoro walked through the streets of Loguetown, he kept his eyes peeled for any arms shop. What did catch his eye, however, was what looked to be a fight. Walking past the crowd of people, he finally saw a shop. Luckily, Luffy was somehow able to convince Nami to give some him money. Although 100,000 berries isn't much to work with... Zoro walked through the door to find a short, balding man behind the counter. The man noticed him enter and immediately saw Wado Ichimonji on his hip. He tore his eyes away from the blade and said, "Good morning my lad! Come here, come here! Are you looking to sell a blade?"

Zoro walked up to the counter and responded, "No, actually I'm looking for two other Katana..."

As soon as Zoro finished talking the man inquired, "Are you sure you aren't looking to part with that blade I could give you a great deal! How about 500,000 berries?"

Zoro gave the man a dead look and replied, "This blade isn't for sale."

"You drive a hard bargain how about a million?"

Zoro sighed and asked, "Look I need two Katana for 100,000 Berries, you got any?"

The man scowled and replied, "Yeah look over in those barrels over there. They are the trash weapons. They are all worth 50,000."

As Zoro walked to the edge of the Store, a woman with glasses and a floral shirt walked in. Zoro didn't pay much attention to their conversation, something about a sword that needed polishing, it was a pretty dull conversation anyway. Although, as Zoro looked through the barrel, one Katana caught his eye... It's a red, black, and gold work of art, but there was something about it, something that called to him. Zoro picked up the blade and noticed immediately, it was cursed.

The innate bloodlust in the blade was impressive but seemed to be controllable. Zoro was so engrossed in the Katana, he didn't notice when the woman made her way over to him. She then said, "Isn't that Sandai Kitetsu? Why is it in the trash barrel?" It was a question for the shop owner, but Zoro wanted to hear the answer either way. This sword is not worth 50,000 Berri.

The man started to sweat and stutter, "I-I-I will n-not sale that blade! To anyone! I will not be responsible for the demise of its wielder!"

The woman tilted her head in confusion and asked, "What do you mean, the 'demise' of the wielder?"

Zoro then interjected, "It's cursed, right?"

The man looked at Zoro with shock, but replied, "Incredible... You're the first swordsman I've ever met who was able to tell on touch alone. But, that blade is the third generation Kitetsu... All of them are cursed. It is said, they can't be sheathed unless blood is spilled, friend or foe... It doesn't matter to the blade... I cannot sell that blade."

Zoro flashed the man a smile and unsheathed the sword, "I like it! I'll take it!"

The man had the look of fear and almost screamed, "Did you not hear me?! I will not sell that katana! Now put it away before one of us is killed!"

A woman then walked out from behind the shop and slapped the man on the back of the head before she yelled, "Dammit Ippon, you've had that blade for years! Just get rid of the damn thing. The man seems capable."

Ippon was about to say something, but Zoro injected, "How about this? A test, my luck and this things curse... Let's see which is stronger!" Before anyone could object, the sword already left his hand. Then only gasps were heard. As the sword spun in the air, Zoro stuck out his arm and closed his eyes, he could hear the Katana in the air, but feel it's intent to cut. Then he felt it restrain itself, as it passed by his arm and sliced through the wood below, to its hilt. Everyone looked at him like he was insane, especially the woman with glasses. As she fell to her knees, she let out a sigh of relief. Zoro smiled with satisfaction as the blade easily slid out of the floor. He then said to Ippon, "I'll take it!"

Ippon stared at him for a second, before running to the back of his shop. A few moments later, he came back with one of the most beautiful Katana he'd ever seen... Ippon placed the Katana on the counter and said, "Please, take this free of charge."

As Zoro walked to the counter, he could feel the aura of the sword. It was incredible, it felt like the sword had a mind of its own... Zoro then stopped before the Katana and asked, "What's its name?"

With a grin, Ippon replied, "Hisuitsubame"

'Hisuitsubame, huh.' Zoro then drank in the Katana's appearance, Its pummel has a tiger fang on its end, and the guard is a golden hollowed out Yin Yang. The handle is black with a single green diamond in the middle, and its sheath is a Dark Rosewood. The hanging cord is black leather wrapped on the tip of the sheath, with two golden metal balls on the ends of the knot. Zoro then gripped the blade and slowly unsheathed it, the blade collar is gold with intricate engravings. The blade ridge and back is some type of bright steel that glistened in the light, while the groove is made entirely of Jade. The brightest green Zoro had ever seen... The blade pattern is slightly wavy as well...the Katana is brilliant. It has some weight but also feels light at the same time. It feels perfectly balanced and fits his hand flawlessly. Zoro felt at ease with the Katana in hand, like he could weather any storm, or face any foe...

Zoro looked to Ippon, who was still sporting a massive grin, the shopkeeper then declared, "That Katana is almost a thousand years old, but my family has only had it for some generations... It's cursed you see. The blade rejects anyone not related to the original wielder. The story behind that Katana is that it was once the blade of a Shogun of Wano Kuni! But it was stolen and used to murder the Samurai while he slept... It was then lost in time for almost five hundred years before my one of my ancestors won a duel and claimed it as a prize. This is one of the 21 Great-Grade Weapons of this world... The blade has only collected dust while in my care. It deserves to be used by a true swordsman... Someone like you. I just ask two things from you in return for these blades... You must rise to be the World's Greatest Swordsman, and I need that 100,000 berri."

Zoro then sheathed the Katana and pulled out the two stacks of paper and handed it to the man. Zoro then said, "Thank you... I vow, I will beat Dracule Mihawk with this blade." Zoro then put the two sheathed swords on his hip, the Kitetsu on the bottom, Wado in the middle, and Hisuitsubame on top. Zoro then looked at the women in the shop, and the girl with the glasses then shook her head and claimed, "Three Swords... I heard Roronoa Zoro uses three Katana."

Zoro looked at her and noticed her strikingly familiar appearance... He then shook off the feeling of Déjà vu and replied, "I've gotten that before, I heard he's a demon." He then gave her a smirk and a wave over his shoulder as he walked out the door.

Even before they got to the island, Luffy felt several strange auras, a couple that were unusual and another that constantly exuded confidence and was roaming around the island. The other two were separated but suppressed, and as soon the Straw Hats neared the Island, they started to converge. The other had some quick flashes of hostility, but never longer than a minute or two... Strange... As soon as the Straw Hats docked, they agreed to meet back up on the ship, sooner rather than later. Luffy was able to convince Nami for money and although it took a lot longer than he thought, he went on his own way. At first, he wandered around and found himself in a back alleyway which led somewhere interesting... As Luffy followed the path, he found a bar. The sign said, 'Gold Roger.' With a smile, Luffy walked down the stairs and pushed through the swing doors and saw a dusty, rundown establishment. He then heard a croaky voice yell, "Hey man we're closed! Get the hell outta here!"

Luffy looked to his left and saw a small, wrinkled man sitting in the corner and staring at a skull. The man poured himself another drink and downed it. Luffy then walked to the last stool and sat down, looking at the old timer from behind the brim of his hat. He then said, "The sign outside said this is the 'Gold Roger.' I assumed it is a bar."

The old man pulled down his glasses and replied, "You were right. This is a bar, it been a while since I've had any customers though."

"I was just hoping for a drink and a story. Maybe pass the time, since I'm lost. By the way, what the hell is that on the table?" Luffy asked, pointing at the massive skull.

The barkeep then looked back at the skull and announced, "This is the skull of a man named, 'Killer Giant.' He killed hundreds of pirates during his time."

"Sounds like he was strong."

The barkeep then smiled and replied, "He was, but Gol D. Roger, fought and killed him. Fastest fight I ever saw." Luffy was on the edge of the stool listening to the tale. Seeing this, the barkeep continued, "I swear, he was something. But all it took was a single stab by Gol to put the man down. His last words were: 'Roger, No man can touch you. I praise you as the Eternal Pirate!'

"That's Awesome! Tell me more!"

"I've seen hundreds of dangerous pirates in my days, The King of the Eric Pirates, Silver Silvers the famous gunner, the devilish kung fu brothers, silver axe, just to name a few. Though before Roger, they were all children in comparison... You wanna hear more?"

Luffy nodded, which caused the barkeep to smile again. He then stated, "People nowadays don't usually care for these tales. With the government cracking down and all."

"I don't care just tell me more!"

"Alright! Calm down. Gol D. Roger, the only pirate who didn't fear the dangers of the Grand Line in the slightest... I met him you know, he sat on the same stool you are now. The bar was full at the time, but I could hear him perfectly. He was just about to go on his voyage to the Grand Line. He asked me for a bottle of rum and drank the thing in five seconds flat. He then told me, 'I'm about to go on a little stroll through the Grand Line! I'm beyond Excited!' As he said those words, everyone in the bar froze, it was like he took the wind out of everyone's sails. "

"I told him of the rumors of the Grand Line, but when he heard my arguments, he just laughed and said, 'That's why I'm going! Now then, give me a barrel of rum. That should do for today.' After that, he drank the place dry, then set sail all too casually the next morning. The next time I saw him was twenty-two years ago today... At his execution, when everyone in the world called him King."

Luffy then injected, "He was cool, right? Gol D. Roger. He's what every pirate should strive to be. That's why I went out to sea, to go to the Grand Line and find the One Piece. I'm gonna be the Pirate King!" Luffy finished with a massive grin.

He then saw it, this man in his bar is the spitting image of Gol D. Roger himself. His confidence, determination, and stature... This man, he will be the next Pirate King! 'To have met two in my lifetime... I must be the luckiest man in this blue!' The barkeep then pulled himself out of his thoughts and said, "After having a customer like you, I feel like closing up shop a little later today."

Luffy the started shaking his hands and replied, "Don't do that for me."

The barkeep got up and said, "It's decided, Nothing in this world could change my mind!" He then walked behind the counter and continued, "I haven't had such a customer in so long, the drinks are on the house today!"

Luffy then turned around in the stool and asked, "You got any sake?"

The old barkeep pulled a bottle off the shelf and grabbed two sake cups. He then poured the two drinks and said, "Let's toast to the Eternal Pirate King!" He then lifted his cup.

Luffy grabbed his cup and answered, "To the Eternal Pirate King!"

I had Food poisoning all of last week, it was terrible. Sadly, I had to shorten the chapter because I didn't have much time. Sorry to all the people who like Yubashiri, personally it's my least favorite sword Zoro has ever had. Oh yeah, the reason there is 80 million instead of 90 is because Arlong used 10 million to pay off the marines. Are the bounties too high? Idk it fits with my plan.

Hisuitsubame- Jade Swallow. Sorry I had to change it, the fact that 'Jaded' and 'Swallow' don't form a word in Japanese annoyed me immensely. So, I settled for this.