Luffy groaned in time with his stomach, laying his head down on the counter. "Makino, how long until the food's done? I'm starving!" he whined. The barkeeper gently set down the glass mug she had been drying and came to ruffle the boy's tousled black hair that stuck out from under his strawhat. The bar had become very quiet ever since the Red-Haired Pirates had left a couple weeks ago and it only served as a constant reminder of the newfound emptiness in their lives.
"It's just about ready Luffy. In the meantime, would you like some apple juice?"
Luffy nodded and Makino busied herself with the new task. She had just slid the small glass in front of him when the doors squeaked open. Two men strutted passed the empty seats and tables, coming to lean against the bar's smooth wood. "Pardon, miss, is it true that some pirates came through here not long ago?" Makino was caught off guard by the short man's abrupt question.
Before she could answer, her young friend spoke up for her. "Are you guys looking for Shanks?" Luffy tilted his head, watching the black braids swish against the stranger's neck. His wide eyes shifted to the other man, whose blond hair fell to his shoulders, tied back with a purple bandanna. Both of them left their shirts open, revealing some small scars on their chests, as well as the swords strapped to their belts. Judging from their scruffy appearance, they appeared to have had a rough journey.
The shorter of the two looked down at him with a large smirk. "Wow! Are you telling me that Red-Haired Shanks was here?" He turned to his companion, raising an eyebrow. "Too bad that we missed him, eh Kenta?"
Kenta grinned back and nodded. "Yeah, maybe he would have seen our crew nearby."
"Wait, isn't your crew with you?" Luffy asked curiously.
"Nope. Inari and I are here by ourselves."
Pushing his hair back, Inari sighed. "We got separated from our crew during a storm recently. We were hoping we'd find them here, since some of the locals were talking about a group of pirates hanging around."
By now, Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "If you guys are pirates, then you've got to tell me about some of your adventures!" he exclaimed. "What's your captain like? Have you ever been to the Grand Line? Do you have a musician?" Questions bubbled to the surface and he leaned closer to the newcomers, anxiously awaiting their tales.
"Slow down kid. One at a time." Kenta snickered at the boy's interest.
"Hey! I'm not a kid! I'm really strong!" Luffy held up a small fist. "My punches are like pistols, so don't mess with me!"
Inari smirked once more. "Is that so? Well then Pistol Man, let me tell you all about it! Before I do, though, how 'bout a couple of rounds barkeep?" He winked at Makino playfully as she handed the two pirates their drinks.
Neither hesitated in chugging the alcohol down and Luffy squirmed impatiently. Finally, Inari wiped his mouth with his sleeve and began. "Kenta and I come from one of the most powerful pirate crews in the entire East Blue, the Blankface Pirates. Our captain is Blankface Claymore, one of the most fearless and ambitious men alive. We haven't gone to the Grand Line yet, but our captain is planning on leading the crew there soon. He was born in the Grand Line, so he's got a good idea of what to expect. As for a musician," Inari hitched a thumb in the blond man's direction. "Kenta covers that role. He plays a mean harmonica."
"Hey! Don't forget my guitar skills!" Kenta interjected.
Luffy pushed his hat over his eyes, grinning. "This is so cool! You guys are just like Shanks!" The boy paused for a moment, however, in deep thought. "How do you guys know your crew is in this area?" He hoped the pirates had some cool Transponder Snails, since the little island didn't have many of its own and he had yet to see what a pirate snail looked like.
"Our captain's got some business in this part of the sea, so we think he'll be at this island soon," Inari explained.
"You might want to keep an eye out for your ship then. The people on this island are generally leery of unfamiliar pirates and might not allow your captain to come into town." Makino stepped around the bar to sit behind Luffy. "The villagers only accepted Captain Shanks after what happened with the sea king last month. Before then, they were only able to come into the bar and the port they were docked in."
Crossing his arms over his chest, Luffy pouted. "It's because Gramps and the mayor tell everyone that pirates are bad." He looked up at the two men. An idea suddenly popped into his mind. "I know! What if I help you guys watch for your ship?"
Kenta threw his head back and laughed. "That sounds like a great plan!"
"I agree," Inari added, "The more eyes watching the horizon, the quicker we'll spot them."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Luffy jumped up and the pirates followed the boy as he sped out into the street. Once she was alone, Makino bit her lip nervously. Something didn't feel right.
(Somewhere in the East Blue)
Shanks sighed, his crew adding their own moans and grunts to the mix. The ship, which was usually bustling with activity, now had a gloomy atmosphere as the men sulked on the deck. It had been this way ever since they left the tiny village of windmills for good.
At first, they had partied. They had partied about their captain's miraculous survival, about their new adventures, but mostly about a little boy who would one day be king. After a day or two, though, the pirates quickly became homesick for the small town. The invisible force was what was keeping them from leaving the East Blue.
"Boss!" Shanks jumped slightly, looking up towards the crow's nest.
"What is it?" he called to his crewmate.
The lookout paused and peered through the small telescope. "There's a small craft approaching us fast." By this point, most of the men on deck were at the railing, trying to catch a glimpse. "It looks like there's only one man on board." A deathly silence fell over the crew and the anticipation could be felt in the air.
In contrast, a wide grin spread across Shanks' face as the coffin-like vessel pulled up alongside his ship. 'Looks like another duel is in order,' the captain thought. His hand rested on the hilt of his saber, ready to block the first blow. The men stepped back, giving their visitor plenty of room to board. He leapt onto the ship with ease. His cold, focused gaze swept over the group, like a predator stalking its prey.
"Where is he?" the swordsman asked, turning to the first mate.
Before Benn could answer, Shanks strutted through the crowd. "Long time, no see, Hawkeye." The red-head didn't flinch as Hawkeye took in his new appearance, particularly the empty sleeve that fluttered in the breeze. "Here to fight, I'm assuming?"
The warlord shook his head. "I had considered it on the way here, but no. I have no interest in fighting you now. I'm simply here to talk."
Shanks merely chuckled lightly. "So you're gonna underestimate me, huh? I guess that's to be expected. Whatever you want to talk about must be important though. You're not usually the type to make social visits, especially with your enemies."
"There have been rumors about you these past two weeks. I felt I should give you fair warning. It seems someone believes they've discovered your weakness and are currently spreading word across the seas, including the Grand Line."
"I realize news about my missing arm is probably floating around, although I'm touched that you'd feel the need to tell me, Mihawk," Shanks replied cheekily.
Mihawk was not amused, continuing as if nothing had been said. "Supposedly, there's a boy in the village where you created your base that you grew rather fond of. The rumors say you even gave him your prized straw hat as a memento. Everyone is speculating if one child could be the key to your defeat." Everyone froze, horrified. Shanks swore under his breath.
"Turn the ship around!"