The silence was thick as the Red Haired Pirates slipped through the streets of Windmill Village, the captain's footsteps matching the shorter strides of the town's mayor. The destruction they had seen near the docks only worsened the closer they got to the village's main square. Splinters of wood and brick dust littered the ground under their feet like a hurricane had blown through, while buildings glowed with embers like a freshly snuffed campfire. Could this really have been the same place the sailors had returned to fondly for so long? It felt so foreign now.
"We're getting close," Woop Slap warned, his voice in a low whisper. "They've been making a lot of ruckus from the fish monger's shop."
"I would have assumed that they'd raid the bar instead," one of the pirates muttered softly.
The mayor shot the younger man a piercing glare, scoffing. "Pirates like you would think that, of course. Be thankful. If they had known about it, Makino could have gotten into as much trouble as Luffy did. Regardless, it's clear that they're using the shop's supplies to restock their provisions." Woop Slap's expression became troubled and he hung his head in defeat. "I just hope that that poor boy is alright. He may be too curious for his own good, but he's still only a child."
Shanks' hand remained locked around his sword, his fist tight around the metal. "He'll be fine. I'll make sure of it." The usually light-hearted man could hear his heart thundering in his chest. He wasn't the type to go searching for a fight, but right now all he could think of was cutting down the one responsible for all of the chaos and fear surrounding him. Whoever dared to mess with the ones he held dear would regret it in their final moments.
Beside him, Woop Slap paused, raising a hand to bring the group to a halt. The crew froze, listening intently. At first, everything seemed calm. The shouts and banter that one would expect from raiding pirates couldn't be heard and there was no sign of a guard anywhere. Suddenly, however, from around the next corner, a small, pained yelp rang through the square. "Make some noise, pup," a gruff voice ordered, "I didn't go to all the trouble of finding you just to have you lay there like some kind of useless doll. Now, get up and scream."
Cautiously, the captain and mayor peeked around the corner's edge and, instantly, Shanks felt his fury flourish into unbridled rage. Huddled on the ground was Luffy, beaten and battered in the looming shadow of a tall, dark-haired man. The little boy clutched his prized strawhat, tugging it over his eyes, which were most likely filled with frightened tears. The towering stature of his captor easily dwarfed him in comparison and a large leather boot lodged itself in his rubbery stomach again, earning more pain-filled whimpers. "I told you to scream, boy. Do not make me repeat myself a second time." The deep voice kept an even, monotonous tone.
"Yeah, you better listen, brat!" a more energetic pirate echoed. "The captain doesn't like to be kept waiting!"
"Shut…up…" Luffy coughed weakly. "I-I'm not sc-scared of guys like you…"
Another swift kick tossed the boy aside and he tumbled to the dirt in front of some of the pirates. A sharp pang stabbed at Shanks' heart, witnessing the child's attempt to resist. 'This has gone on long enough,' he thought decisively. With a quick nod of his head and a ferocious cry, the Red Haired Pirates charged, weapons at the ready.
Gravel scraped against Luffy's hands and face as he was thrown to the ground. The cackling of his captors echoed like thunder as they surrounded him. They were enjoying watching their captain's violent rampage. The boy cursed under his breath, hating that he had played any part in aiding these monsters.
(Earlier that morning)
Luffy had been sitting on the beach, lazily watching the horizon as he had every morning since he had met Inari and Kenta at Party's Bar. Each day he'd rush out to the shore, hoping to spot the pirate ship that his new friends had described to him. He was anxious to know if the sailors had any word on Shanks and his crew, but a small part of him began to fear that the Blankface Pirates would never arrive. His patience was wearing thin!
Suddenly, however, where the sea met the sky, was a vessel with dark purple sails. The wood was stained dark, looking almost black against the pale sky. As it rocked closer to the island, Luffy could make out a red flag fluttering with the proud mark of a Jolly Roger. The boy squinted, desperately trying to see the smiling skull. 'Huh, that's weird,' he thought. 'I can only see the white shape. Oh well. I must be too far away.'
Luffy quickly stood and spun on his heel, racing into the village. Townspeople he passed were beginning to panic, as a few of the older folks spotted the pirate flag. To Luffy, it was ridiculous to assume the worst, especially after Shanks had been so good to the people. He ducked and weaved between pairs of legs, grinning widely when he spotted a couple men leaning against a market stall. "Inari! Kenta! Did you hear? There's a group of pirates landing on the island! And I think it's your crew!" The two each took a drag of their cigarette and strutted up to the young boy.
"Yeah, sounds like they've made a commotion already." Inari chuckled and nodded towards the path that Luffy had just come from. "How's about us three go and greet them, Pistol Man? I have a feeling our boss will be glad to meet you."
"Eh? R-really? Cool!" Luffy grabbed the men's hands and tugged. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
"Alright kid, alright! We're coming!" Kenta chortled.
As the three walked back to the beach, shutters began to slam shut and the 'click' of a lock came from every home. Within minutes, the busy town market had become an empty road with not a person in sight. Luffy tried to ignore the feeling of fear that started to claw and dig at his stomach. He wasn't like the foolish villagers. He was determined to meet these pirates and learn about all of their adventures! The feeling only escalated, though, as they arrived where he had been sitting.
The ship had already met the shallow waters of the shore and from the deck came a horde of men, climbing down the ship's ladder and wading closer to them. In the middle of the pack was a large, towering man whose presence shook Luffy to the core. The man's jet black hair splayed wildly over the shoulders of his captain's coat, which wrapped itself closely to him and displayed his muscular chest. His face showed no sign of emotion, yet as his steel blue eyes stared down Luffy, the boy could feel a cold and calculating aura wash over him.
"So this is the child you told me about, hmm?" He hummed in approval. "Good work. I'll be sure to reward you for this once my plan is in motion. In the meantime…" His gaze shifted to Inari and Kenta. "Dock the ship off of the cliffs to the East. I don't want the Navy spotting us too soon and butting in. Once the Emperor makes his move, you and a few of the other men will proceed to the second stage. Understood?"
"Of course, sir!" both men cried with enthusiasm. "Whatever you say, Captain!"
"We're most honored," Inari added, beaming with pride. "And we appreciate your praise, sir!"
Luffy looked up at them, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Wait, I don't get it. What's going on?" He yelped in surprise, however, as Inari shoved him forward into the wet sand. "Hey! What's the big idea?" he shouted.
"Congratulations, boy." The captain grabbed Luffy by the back of his shirt and lifted him until he was eye-level with him. "You're quite the prize. I've been looking for an opportunity to knock that foolish Yonko off his perch for some time now and you get to be my one-way ticket there." His other hand toyed with the string that kept Luffy's straw hat around his neck. "Who would have guessed that his weakness would be a mere child."
"Captain Claymore, do we have your permission, sir?" one pirate interrupted.
Exchanging glares with Luffy, the captain nodded. "Yes. Go ahead. Tear this worthless village apart."
"N-no! Wait!"
Luffy shuddered. Ever since then, all of his senses had been bombarded with the painful realization that his once peaceful home was being destroyed. He had felt the heat from the flames that destroyed buildings, had heard the bullets that tore through innocent people, and the smoke had stung his eyes and nose, only adding to the tears he had already shed. The pain from Blankface Claymore's kicks felt like nothing compared to the fear he had for his town's safety. What he wouldn't give to be in the bar with Makino, listening to one of the Mayor's lectures. Hell, even training with his Gramps was better than this.
Most of all, though, Luffy wished for his idol to swoop in and save the day as he had before. 'Shanks,' he thoughts called, 'you wouldn't let this happen. You would have protected everyone. I couldn't do a damn thing again, but you wouldn't have let those bastards get away with this! Shanks…' Images of the red-head's smiling face flashed in his mind. 'Shanks, help me!'
Several fierce roars pulled him back to reality and his eyes widened in shock at what he saw. Charging closer was Shanks and his men, all of whom appeared enraged, and the group cut down several of their enemies instantly. Shanks stepped closer, brandishing his sword. "Back away from the boy," he demanded, his voice seething in a way Luffy had never heard.
"Red-Haired Shanks, it's about time you showed your smug face." The captains faced off, neither budging from their fighting stances. "If you want this pup left unharmed, you'd be wise to listen. I have a proposition for you."