Drago Cresta: …
Vixen: What is on your mind Drago?
D.C.: Well someone left a review that only said crap. I'm not sure if it was meant as a flame or if he is talking about the way I write.
Vixen: Are you going to let that effect you.
D.C.: No. but I was effective enough to make me delay this chapter.
Vixen: (walks up to Drago and begins to rub his back) There, there you knew when you started writing you would run into people that will not like or understand your writing.
D.C.: Well its water under the bridge. If people don't like the story they are free to their own opinions. Now where were we?
OH! Right! Thank you to everyone who left a review. *The good ones so you all know.*
And as a special treat for you all, this chapter will have a few flashbacks. *Mostly about Kuina and Vixen's past.*
Kuina: Didn't you say you don't like to give away spoilers?
D.C.: Yes I did, but what makes you think I will give away the full story.
Kuina & Vixen: (stare at Drago with raised eyebrows)
D.C.: I got a couple of reviews with people asking about Kuina's survival of her accident.
Kuina & Vixen: Ohhh.
D.C.: And some people wanted to know what exactly is Vixen.
Vixen: Oh that's easy I'm…
D.C.: (covers Vixen's mouth) Not here, in the story.
Vixen: Have it you way. (said as she drapes herself on Drago)
D.C.: Will you stop that. It very distracting!
Kuina: You do realize that you are arguing with yourself right.
D.C.: Yes I know that is what makes it more fun. Now will you two do us the honors?
Vixen: Drago does not own One piece.
Kuina: He only owns the creation of his OC like Vixen-Sensai.
Vixen & Kuina: Please Enjoy and Review!
Chapter 5: The past of the Vixen and the Apprentice
Vixen had reappeared on top of a chimney looking over Buggy's camp. She simply sat on top of it with her legs crossed in a lady like fashion. From what she could see her latest apprentice was moving to confront her old friend.
"My how you have grown from the little girl I saved from falling down a stair case." said Vixen to herself.
TMTBTF Flashback Begin TMTBTF
Vixen was in Shimotsuki Village visiting her old friend Kioshiro at his dojo. Vixen as always came unannounced and just walked in without knocking. As she came near the stair case she heard the sound of someone slipping and a gasp. Acting on instinct alone she bound up the stairs in a single leap and caught the person that was about to fall. Unfortunately Vixen did not catch herself in time; curling around what she now new was Kioshiro's daughter so that she would be safe from the fall. When Vixen hit the bottom of the stairs she knew that she would be hurting for a few days by the mere force and their combined weight. To her though what mattered was that the child in her arms was safe.
"Are you alright Kit? Nothing broken I hope." asked Vixen with a small smile.
Kuina on the other hand was a bit shaken by the whole situation. She could have died the way she was falling, but thanks to this woman she was safe. "Hai I'm fine. And you?" she asked timidly.
"Right as rain, but I believe my back will be sore for a while." said Vixen with a smile.
"Gomen." Kuina replied with a frown.
"Don't do that. Things happen outside of our control what matters is that you're safe and unharmed. Everything else is water under the bridge." said Vixen in a motherly way while stroking the girl's hair.
Just then Kioshiro came running into the hall with a confused look.
"About time you showed up Kioshiro. I was afraid you gone deft on me and not heard my back meeting the bottom of your stairs." Vixen said with a sarcastic tone.
"Kuina what happened?" asked a worried Kioshiro noticing his daughter in the arms of his old friend.
"I slipped at the top of the stairs when she caught me, and we both fell." answered Kuina as she and Vixen got up.
"Indeed it would have been worse if I had not stepped in, and took the blunt of the fall." replied Vixen.
"Thank you Vixen. I fear to think what would have happened if you had not come when you did. Again I am in you dept." Kioshiro said as he bowed.
"Well glad to help, and speaking of depts. I need a favor. I'm in need of a new apprentice." said Vixen with a serious tone.
TMTBTF Scene Change TMTBTF
Vixen was sitting with Kioshio watching his students go through their stances and sparing. But she was not really paying any attention to the students. She was pondering what Kioshio's daughter was thinking. As soon as the students came in she just sat next to her father, and even declined an offer to spar from a young boy with moss colored hair.
Speaking of said boy he clearly was the strongest of the class, and showed much potential. That is when it hit Vixen; Kuina was making sure that she noticed the moss haired boy.
"So you want me to take him Kuina." thought Vixen as she looked over to Kuina. "Let see if he has what it takes." She thought as she stood up and caught all of the student's attention.
"You child with the green hair what is your name." she said as she approached the stand holding the Bokken.
"Roronoa Zoro." Zoro replied evenly.
"Defend yourself." said Vixen as she grabbed a Bokken and lunged at Zoro.
On pure instinct alone Zoro deflected the thrust to his left and slashed at Vixen only to have her block and push him back. As Zoro slid back Vixen jumped and slashed down at him. Zoro rolled to his left and returned to his stance in preparation for another attack.
"Zoro catch!" yelled a student as he tossed another Bokken to Zoro. Zoro did not take his eyes off of Vixen, not even when he caught the wooden sword.
"Good instincts and awareness, lots of strength and almost perfect reaction time. But I look for speed, skill and cunning. Let's see if he has It." thought Vixen as she placed the wooden sword to her said as if she held a sheathed sword.
She then dashed to Zoro in a blur of speed in two steps she was in front of Zoro and slashed at him. Zoro manage to block in time only to be thrown off balance by a second slash and knocked to the ground. In an instant Vixen appeared above Zoro spinning so fast she looked like a saw blade. Zoro rolled away and pushed himself back into his ready stance trying to ignore the now splintered floor where is head was. Vixen just hopped back and got back into her Iaido stance. As if know what the other was thinking they charged each other and in a flash they ended up backs facing each other.
Vixen simply sheathed her Bokken like one would a katana as she stood straight. Zoro then fell back with a loud groan from having a Bokken slammed into his chest.
"Not fast enough." thought Vixen as looked at Kuina. "I still need to see what you can do." Vixen thought as she came up with a plan that would hopefully allow her to decide on an apprentice.
"My, I expected more from you young Zoro, but you're like everyone else. No your worse. You don't deserve to even learn the way of the sword. So I'll end it here and now so you don't embarrass yourself to the world." Vixen said as the Bakken in her left hand glowed white and turned into an actual Katana.
She stood over Zoro and drew her blade ever so slowly. Once the blade was out of its scabbard she spun the blade and held it in reverse grip with the tip facing Zoro's heart. Vixen then thrusts the blade down to Zoro only for it to be stopped inches from Zoro's chest by another sword. Vixen followed the blade to its wielder to see Kuina holding her Wado Ichimonji stopping her.
Without a word Vixen jumped back and sheathed her blade. "You're fast. Let see if you have the skills to back it up." She said as she got into an Iaido stance.
Kuina's answer was to get into her family's stance. Vixen dashed to Kuina and slashed only to be surprised that the girl deflected her slash to the right. Kuina then slashed a Vixen only for the woman to lean back into avoiding the slash and get into a one handed hand stand. Using her scabbard between the floor and her hand Vixen spun with her legs out to try and hit the girl with the metal plates on her boots. Kuina blocked with her blade only to be pushed back a few feet from the attack. At the end of the spin Vixen rights herself and lunged at the girl.
Kuina and Vixen continued to trade blow for blow, but to everyone it was clear that Vixen's style was far superior. The fight ended when Vixen and Kuna dashed at each other slashing one last time as they passed, and stopped with their backs facing the other. Vixen then stood straight while she sheathed her sword the moment her guard met her scabbard a cut appeared on Kuina's left sleeve. But before Vixen could say anything she smelled blood, and felt something wet her left cheek. She reached up to the wet substance and whipped it off only for the wetness to return she then looked to her fingers that whipped it off to see blood. Her blood, clear as day on her fingers, and at the sight she just grinned.
She then turned to everyone else only to gain a gasp from the students and Kuina and wide eye shock from Kioshiro. "My, my, it's been so long since anyone was fast enough to keep up with me, skilled enough to match me blow for blow, and cunning enough to actually cut me." She said with a wide grin.
"I offer you an apprenticeship little Kuina. Don't answer, think about it and answer me tomorrow I have something to discuss with Kioshiro." said Vixen not allowing Kuina a chance to say anything.
"Right class dismissed." said Kioshiro as he and Vixen left to talk.
TMTBTF Later That Night TMTBTF
Kuina was sitting on her window sill looking out at the sea thinking about Vixen's offer of apprenticeship. She tried so hard to get Zoro to be noticed only for Vixen to choose her.
"Why me, out of everyone, and she out right denied Zoro, so why me?" she thought to herself not noticing someone sit next to her.
"Is it so hard to except my offer?" asked Vixen.
It took every ounce of self control not to jump from Vixen finally letting her presence be known. After calming her nerves down she spoke. "It just I really thought Zoro would have made a good apprentice for you." She said with complete honesty.
"He has a lot of potential I'll admit that. But he does not have what I am looking for. Speed, skill, and cunning are what my style is based off of. All of which you have in spades. Have you ever noticed despite it being you family's style you feel like you sluggish in you stances and katas, that it feels like you have to try harder than anyone else just to get it right." asked Vixen with a soft smile.
"Yes, but that's because I'm becoming a woman and women are weaker than men." Kuina said sadly.
"Now that's just sexist. So what if men are physically stronger than women. Ware you lack in physical strength I can teach you to be faster than them, teach you where to strike and drop men ten times bigger then you in a single slash. Because power is meaningless if you can't even touch your opponent." said Vixen as she watched Kuina.
"And what of Zoro?" asked Kuina.
"To be perfectly honest I think he is better off learning your family's style." said Vixen.
Kunia continued to look out to the sea. "What do you get out of all this?" she asked.
"…" Vixen did not say anything just looked out to sea. "I get lonely out there traveling the seas the way I do. To be honest I would if I could just take my son and sail forever… but he wishes to follow his own path. Maybe one day I will join him, but for now I just really need someone who could take my style and make it great. You my dear is that someone who could make it great. Someone who could make my style unforgettable even long after I am gone from this world." said Vixen as she smiled at Kuina.
"So you want me to by you Legacy?" asked an awed Kuina.
"Yes." answered Vixen keeping her smile.
TMTBTF The Next Morning TMTBTF
Zoro came into the Dojo only to find Kioshiro by himself with Wado Ichimonji in his lap. As he looked he noticed a letter in Kioshiro's hands. "Kioshiro-sensai did she leave already?"
"Yes Zoro she did. This is for you." Kioshiro said and gave Zoro the letter.
Zoro opened the letter and began to read it.
To Zoro
I have decided to take Vixen-sensai on her offer. She has told me that I could really take her style and make it great. It is hard to leave but I think this is best. I've asked my father to give you Wado Ichimonji and he agreed. I just want you to make me a promise before you take it.
Promise me that when you are strong enough come find me and meet me at the top, and we will fight again to decided who the World's Greatest Swordsmen is.
See you at the top Zoro.
Zoro just smiled at the letter he knew that he would have to keep that promise. "Kioshiro-sensai please let me wield Wado Ichimonji and let me keep my promise to Kuina." He said as he bowed before Kioshiro.
Unknown to ether of them Vixen was outside looking into a window with a knowing smile before she broke up into leaves revealing she was a clone.
TMTBTF End of Flashback TMTBTF
Vixen was brought out of her reminiscing when she heard the sound of Buggy yelling out in pain.
With Fox and his crew
Makino had her rifle drawn it's barrel still smoking from shooting Buggy's hand that held up Mayor Boodle.
"I told you Buggy that the next time I see you, you're dead!" said Makino with an edge to her voice.
Buggy just pulled his hand back and stared daggers a Makino, and the others with her. "So you actually came back to face me Makino and with a new crew it seems. I knew that dumb-ass the thief brought to me was too stupid to be her captain; I should have realized it was you the whole time." He said with venom when inside he was shaking a little.
"No you're wrong my Captain is him." said Makino motioning to Fox.
Just then Mayor Boodle spoke to them. "You outsiders should mind your own business. This is my fight. This is my town, and I will protect it!" he said as he picked up his spear. "Don't interfere!" he roared preparing to attack Buggy and his crew.
Fox acted quickly getting in front of Boodle and with a concentrated blast of Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki) made the Mayor pass out. Unfortunately the blast was strong enough that everyone felt it.
Zoro was could not put to words at the intense pressure around him. As for Nami and Makino they had already felt this from earlier. As for Buggy and his crew some of the weaker minded ones were knocked unconscious just by the small burst alone others were sweating gallons. For Buggy on the outside he reminds calm but on the inside Buggy was panicking a little.
"Oh god he gives off the same presence as that damn Red Hair, Death-Seeker and Captain Roger. What the hell is this kid and did I just fuck myself over thinking him as harmless. No! I'll be Pirate King! Even if he has that he is no match for my Akuma no Mi (Devil Fruit)." He thought to himself.
"What did you do to the Mayor and what was that?" asked a curious and shocked Nami.
"What I used to make the Mayor pass out, I'll only discuss once we are far away from here. It's something I would prefer that only us know as a crew, its best we have some sort of edge that no one will know of until we get into the Grand Line. As for why I knocked out the Mayor it's simple; he was in the way. If the old man fought he would have got himself killed." said Fox simply.
Nami and Zoro were taken back with their captain, again thinking that he was truly smarter then he cared to show.
"Now let get it started." Fox said as he walked up to the pub. "BIG NOSE YOU READY TO FIGHT!" he yelled with a smirk.
"What the hell are you doing Baka!" Nami said as she freaked out.
"You're pissing me off, asshole. You dare call me that? Fire the Buggy Bomb now!" ordered Buggy with rage. His men aimed at Fox and his crew.
"Why did you go and say that you Baka." Nami said as she ran.
"Hey Fox, run!" said Zoro as he waited for his captain to move.
"Don't worry that won't work on me!" said Fox with a smirk.
The cannon fired the bomb straight at Fox who just caught the cannon ball like a ball in one hand. Everyone but Makino was shocked at what Fox had done. Fox just smiled wide as he reared the cannon ball back like one would before they throw a ball.
"Whirlwind Cannon!" roared Fox as he used his control over wind to puss the bomb faster than when it was fired.
"He caught it and threw it back!" yelled Buggy and his crew as the Buggy Bomb came back to them.
The bomb exploded as it impacted the roof of the pub coving it in smoke and dust. The only sound heard was the sound of stone and wood falling to the ground and groaning of some of the men.
"And that's a hit." said Fox with a wide grin.
"Ten for the catch, but five for the release it should have been lower for the maximum amount of damage." replied Makino who had her rifle laid on her shoulder in a relaxed manner and standing behind Fox.
"Don't encouraged him he might do it again just to spite them!" roared Nami.
"You should have told us beforehand that you were going to do that. Don't surprise people like that." said a calm Zoro.
As the smoke and dust settled to reveal the now levelled pub Nami got on Fox's case. "What the hell you seem really smart sometime and then you do something so stupid, it's ridiculous that it work out somehow. At this rate it won't be pirates that kill me but you giving me a heart attack!" she roared to Fox.
Just then the sound of someone get up out of the rubble caught their attention. Fox and his crew look to the remains of the pub, only to see that Buggy who had used two of his crew members to protect himself from the blast.
"How dare you do that to us." He said stoically as he dropped the men he used as a shield.
"He used his underlings as a shield, eh?" stated Nami with a disgust at the Pirate Clowns actions. While Fox, Zoro, and Makino felt the same way.
Just them Mohji popped out of the rubble and freaked out at the sight of Fox. "Ah! It's you!" he yelled.
Fox spotted him immediately and waved. "Yo!" he replied with a smile.
"C-c-c-captain be careful. He's strong and I think he has the power of a Akuma no Mi!
"You don't say." was Buggy simple reply.
"Yup I'm a Tempest Man." said Fox with a wide grin.
"A Akuma no Mi, eh. That would explain the wind that sent the Buggy Bomb back with such force." said Buggy as another crew member emerged from the rubble that had used Mohji's lion Richie as a shield.
"This is our greatest humiliation ever, Shencho." said the now reviled Cabaji who was a bit brused up from his fight earlier with Kuina and Zoro.
"Ohh, Cabaji. I can't suppress my anger anymore." stated Buggy.
Back with Fox and his crew (by the way the banter between Mohji and Cabaji is the same as in canon just that Cabaji didn't kick Mohji to Fox)
Just then the sound of someone dropping behind them made Fox and his crew turn and look. Standing behind them was Kuina with her coat's hood still up.
"Roronoa Zoro you and I have some unfinished business to deal with." she said only to flash away and appear to stop Cabaji's attack on Fox. "It's impolite to interrupt my business with others Cabaji." said Kuina using her scabbard to block Cabaji's sword.
"You and Zoro will pay for beating me up. Acrobatic Special, Old Man's Flame!" he announced as he blew fire into Kuina's face. Cabaji then tried to kick her side only to have it stopped by the blunt side of one of Zoro's Swords.
Kuina shoved Cabaji back with her scabbard alone. The force was enough to actually send the unicyclist back several feet. She then turned to look at Cabaji showing that the fire attack didn't even singe her coat's hood.
Cabaji surprised that his attack didn't even leave a mark on the woman's coat, continued to attack. He stabbed his sword into the ground and announced. "Acrobatic Special, Murder Under a Cloud of Smoke!" he then began to spin his sword creating a smoke screen.
As Zoro and Kuina waited for the man to attack a sword came out of the smoke in a downward arc to Zoro who stopped it with his sword. Cabaji then aimed to kick Zoro's wound he received from Buggy during their fight from when Nami first stole the map. This time Kuina stopped it with her scabbard and kick the man back several feet.
"You to fight well, are you two working together?" asked a curious Cabaji at how well they fought as a team.
Zoro and Kuina looked at each other and scuffed.
"Like it would take both of us to defeat you, you're just small fry compared to some of the swordsmen I've face and defeated." stated Kuina.
"I want to be the World's Greatest Swordsman; I can't be defeated by someone like you. It's just embarrassing to even think about." Zoro stated in the same tone as Kuina.
"You…" said Cabaji as he began to get angry about being brushed off by both of them.
Back with Fox Makino and Nami
"Well looks like they got him I'm going to go get Buggy's treasure." said Nami as she ran down an ally.
"Obasan can you keep her out of trouble." Fox said without looking away from the fight.
"Hai Shencho!" said Makino as she followed after Nami.
Back with Kuina & Zoro Vs Cabaji
"Now for my best acrobatic special." said Cabaji as he held some tops in his hand and threw them as well as a bunch more. "Acrobatic Special, Hundred Spin Tops Wind Attack!" he announced.
With Nami
Nami had found what was left of the storage room and entered. Leaning on some of the barrels of rum was a passed out Buggy pirate, but none the less Nami continued on to the back room. She then broke the lock and went into where the Buggy Pirates kept their loot for the time being.
Makino watching this remained in the shadow not letting Nami see her and keeping an eye on the passed out pirate.
Back with Zoro and Kuina
Zoro was cutting and slashing at every top that came his way, while Kuina just batted them away with her still sheathed sword.
Cabaji just smirked at the spectacle. "Acrobatic Special, Climbing the Mountain!" he announced as he rode up the side of a building.
As he went into the air he roared. "Acrobatic Special, Rising Fireworks!" as he descended to Zoro and Kuina he announced.
"Single Flower Vase!" as he aim his sword downwards towards Zoro.
At this moment Buggy aimed his had to Kuina. "Crawling Bara Bara Cannon!" he announced as his hand shot to Kuina while saying close to the ground.
Cabaji! I'll keep the Bitch still while you finish off Zoro!" said Buggy.
Just as Cabaji sword was about to stab Zoro, Fox had stepped onto Buggy's hand, as the sound of metal meeting metal echoed in the air.
Fox just looked a buggy with a glare and stated. "This is Zoro's, and Kuina's fight, don't interrupt."
Back with Nami
Nami lit a lantern and looked around and found what she was looking for a large pile of treasure now lay before her. She couldn't help herself as she leaned down and scooped up two handfuls and let it slip through her fingers.
"Amazing this much, and all of it is mine!" she said with glee as she reached down grabbed a crown and placed it on her head.
Her bliss was interrupted when she felt the edge of a blade placed onto her shoulder. "What are you doing to our treasure?!" said the Pirate that was passed out in the room.
"Oh shit, he woke up!" thought Nami as she tried to think of a way to get out of this situation. Just as she thought of a way out the sound of a gunshot was heard throughout the room.
Nami tuned to see the pirate with a rubber bullet embedded into his forehead and fall over. Behind the man was none other than Makino with her pistol drawn and the barrel still smoking.
"Those stories that Mom use to tell us all the time about her were true. 'Sure Shot' Makino the woman that can curve and bounce bullets, the woman that never misses a target, the woman that can stop a bullet with her own. She just fucking made a rubber bullet curve in a hundred and eighty degree angle and hit this drunken dumbass's forehead right before my eye. No more doubts about that, not one person I'm going to make an enemy of anytime soon." Nami thought as she looked over the pirate and found the key to the chest in the room.
She took it and opened the chest and found the map to the Grand Line. "Here it is!" she announced and looked over to see Makino caring a bag of treasure.
"Good, that's you're half." she said as she walked away.
Nami was a little upset at that but got over it quickly. "Well that's the cost of doing business with Fox I guess." Name said to herself as she picked up her half and followed Makino.
Back outside with Fox and the others
Buggy just glared intensely at Fox as he smirked at him.
Cabaji on the other hand just had the shocked out of his wits. He now held a bladeless sword, behind him his blade lay on the ground shattered into pieces and further back was Kuina with her blade drawn. She then flicked her blade as if there was blood on it and sheathed her sword.
"I was getting tired of your useless acrobatic specials, to the point I drew Yamato on you. That sword of yours is just as useless as you, but if you want to show off so much me and Zoro will be sure to finish you off in a flashy way." Kuina stated as she got into her Iaido stance.
"Couldn't have said it better myself!" said Zoro with a smile as he got into his three sword stance by gripping Wado Ichimonji's hilt with his mouth.
Unknown to anyone but Vixen from her possession Kuina had lifted a brow at what Zoro did. Kuina and Zoro charged at Cabaji calling out their attacks as they passed him.
"Oni Giri!" roared Zoro as he passed
"Unseen Slash!" announced Kuina as she passed.
The two now stood where the other had been standing Cabaji still between them. As the light shined onto Zoro blade three cuts opened up on Cabaji blood flying out of his wounds. Kuina had most of her sword already sheathed she finally sheathed the last inch with a resounding click. As if waiting for the sound another cut opened up on Cabaji spewing even more of his blood. The man finally having enough fell like a sack of potatoes.
"Your blade you called it Yamato. As in the legendary Yamato first wielded by the 'Death-Seeker' Vixen, a blade so sharp it doesn't cut until the blade is sheathed?" asked Zoro.
"Yes, the very same one. I earned the right to wield it when I finished learning the basic of her style." answered Kuina as she held the sword out to Zoro and showed some of its blade by pushing the guard with her thumb (for how it looks, look up Devil May Cry Yamato replica that is how this sword looks like).
TMTBTF Flash Back TMTBTF
Somewhere in the South Blue
Kuina was going though many of the katas that Vixen-sensai was teaching her, and striking a tree with an Iaito. This Iaito was not like most, this was made of actual metal alloy to actually be used to strike at dummies or practice poles, and is weighs twice as much as an actual sword.
"It's been almost a year since I first decided to become Vixen-sensai's apprentice. It was hard to completely adapt to her style, but already it feels natural." Kuina thought as she continued to practice until footsteps made her stop.
Vixen had come back from checking her spy network. "You've come so far Kuina I believe you have learned all that I could teach you in the basics. Now you are ready to take the test to see if you are ready to advance in my style." said Vixen as she reached for the katana on her side.
"Catch you'll need this." She said as she tossed the katana to Kuina.
Kuina caught the sword and looked it over. To her surprise it was the legendary Yamato. "So what is the test Vixen-sensai?" she asked.
"Simple." said Vixen as she got on all fours. "Survive." she stated as the sound of bones cracking filled the air.
Kuina just watched as her sensai's form began to shift and fill in her coat. Vixen hands started to become paws and eight tails sprouted out of her where her tail bone was. When the transformation stopped Vixen lifted her head to reveal that the coats hood was actually a head, snout and all. The fox before her actually opened its mouth showing real fangs and razor sharp teeth. When Vixen opened her eye she revealed the silted light blue eyes of her Master.
Now before her was a being only told in stories and myths, an eight tailed Kitsune the size of a bear. Kuina had only one emotion run through her fear. Without warning Vixen lunged at her with an animalistic growl. At the last second Kuina used the scabbard to stop the huge fox from biting her head off. She kicked at the vixen's side desperately trying to get the monstrous beast off her. The whole time her fear clouding her judgment. In a stroke of pure luck she finally got the mythical beast off her and she ran tears running down her face at nearly being killed by the woman that trained her.
"Why do you run? You were given an order. To pass this test you need to survive." said Vixen with a demonic like voice that just increased Kuina's fear.
Hiding behind a tree Kuina was in a near panicked state she did not know what to do. She was scared if she ran she would be hunted like and animal, and if she tried to fight she would be mauled and ripped apart. Just then Vixen voice filled the area again.
"There you are." said Vixen to Kuina's terror clinging to the trunk of the tree above her head. The fox lunged again her maw wide open with a roar.
Kuina dodge just narrowly escaping a horrible death but now fast enough to dodge the clawed paw slash at her right arm. "So all this time you've trained me for what?! Just so you can have a bit of fun, a challenge for when you finally decided to kill me!" roared an angry Kuina.
"Still thinking like a naive child. To take the next step in my style you must be willing to kill even if it is someone you once known. To find the strength to survive no matter what it takes. I cannot teach you how to find this strength nor can it be learned, this is something you need to find on your own and from within." said Vixen as she circled around the young girl like a predator.
Kuina still trebling in fear began to think and search for the strength that her sensai spoke of. Until she remembered something that Vixen-sensai said when she first started.
"Kuina before we start what do you think courage is?" asked Vixen.
"Courage is to be brave and have no fear." She said simply.
"No. Courage is willingness to continue on…"
Kuina was brought out of the memory by a loud roar. Now with a new sense of strength she readied herself into her Iaido stance and waited for the right moment to strike. Vixen lunged at her once more but this time Kuina charged at the fox as the two met each other the sound of claw's and metal meeting flesh was heard throughout the area. As the two came to a stop their backs facing each other Kuina clearly had been slashed on the left side of her abdomen. Despite the gruesome wound Kuina stood up straight from her crouched stance she flick blood off her new blade and sheathed it with a resounding click. As if commanded a long shallow gash opened up along Vixen's left side bleeding moderately.
"Good you figured out what you needed to pass this test." said Vixen as she reverted back to her human form.
"Yes sensai. Courage the willingness to continue on despite the presence of one's fear, the willingness to do what is need even in the face of fear." said Kuina with a smile.
"That's my girl." answered an equally smiling Vixen.
"Vixen-sensai, are you really…" Kuina trailed on not knowing how to ask.
"Yes kit. I am a Kitsune. A PeaceKeeper Watcher assigned to watch over this world for the last 300 years." said Vixen.
TMTBTF End of Flashback TMTBTF
The memory faded from Kuina's mind as she remembers where she was and what she wanted to do.
"Do you still remember the score Zoro?" she asked.
"2001 to 0." he answered plainly.
"You still remember. Why?" she asked.
"Have you forgotten? I told you after the last time I will beat you with my skill and not because I'm a boy." He said.
Kuina just smiled at his answer. "Three swords and you have my family's Wado Ichimonji in your mouth, how interesting." She stated with a giggle.
Zoro had the decency to blush a little.
"But like the first time no matter how many swords you use it skill that will win." She said as she got into her Iaido stance.
Zoro then moved into his own stance as well. "My skills are much better than that time. I will not lose this time." He said as he winced a little form his wound.
"You wound is bothering you?" she asked a little concern for her old friend.
"No! I can keep going." He stated with a look of determination.
"Your best move against mine." She stated.
Zoro wanted to fully fight her but from the look he could see she probably ignore him anyways. "Fine!" he said as he got into the right stance.
As the two faced off the air became tense as the two waited for some sort of signal to charge at each other. A single leaf came floating into the center of the two as it landed they called out their attacks.
"Santoryu Ogi, Sanzen Sekai!" announced Zoro as he began to spin his swords.
"Art of the Final Cut, Triple Slash!" Kuina called as two to spectral copies appeared to her sides and all three charged at Zoro.
The two were blurs as they passed each other, and reappeared from each other's staring points. Kuina stood straight and sheathed the blade making a loud click. Three cuts appeared on Zoro's clothes.
"Nice try Zoro, but I win." stated Kuina.
"Not this time." Zoro said as he turned to Kuina and smirked.
Kuina felt something wet on her left arm and looked down. To her surprise three shallow cuts on her arm were staining her sleeve with blood.
"I told you I would not lose this time, it's a draw." He said as he fell and passed out.
"Indeed it is." she said with a smile and walked away.
Fox was himself was smiling at his first mates fight. "Well looks like it's left to me to face Buggy." he said as he started to limber up.
Buggy just started to laugh at fox. "You're going to fight me. For what, better yet where are you even going?" asked Buggy still believing Fox was not a threat.
"To the Grand Line!" said Fox casually.
"hahaha! The Grand Line, for what site seeing?" Buggy laughed thinking all this was a joke.
"To become Pirate King." said Fox plainly.
Buggy face froze up for a second at the blunt answer. "Stop fooling around you idiot! You're going to be Pirate King. Then I'm god! The one who will become the Pirate King and own all the treasure in the world is me! Stop dreaming!" roared an angry Buggy.
"You talk too much. Just bring it on." said Fox as he popped his knuckles.
"When I look at your straw hat, it reminds me of that man and it piss me off! That despicable redheaded bastard!" growled an angry Buggy.
Fox just smirked. "It should it belongs to Shanks." He stated.
"Oh and the next thing you're going to say is that your coat belongs to 'Death-Seeker' Vixen." joked Buggy.
"No but she gave it to me." Fox said bluntly.
Buggy facefalts at Fox actually answering him for a moment and recovers. "Why the hell would she give that to you?!" he asked uneasily.
"Not for you to know. Are you going to just ask questions all day or you going to let me beat you up." said Fox with a cocky grin.
"Yeah let see you try!" said Buggy as a knife popped out of the tip of his shoe. "Bara Bara Japanese Cracker!" roared Buggy as he sent his lower half to Fox like a buzz saw.
Fox jumped straight up to avoid it.
"If you go up, I can predict your movement!" said Buggy as he threw the knives he held at Fox.
"You just don't get it do you." said Fox simply as the knives passed through him. His body had turned into water.
"I see. Interesting." Replied Buggy as his lower half returned.
"You haven't seen anything yet." said Fox as he prepared to use his long shot. "Lightning Long Shot!" roared Fox as he let the lightning bolt fly.
To Fox surprise Buggy actually dodged the bolt of lightning. "That's an interesting and frighteningly familiar skill." He started only to slightly panic when Fox disappeared in a flash of light.
Fox reappeared above Buggy his foot turned into solid Ice. "Arctic Sledgehammer!" he announced as he fell.
"Bara Bara, Emergency Escape!" Buggy said quickly before breaking into pieces and narrowly escaping Fox attack.
A small crater was made where Buggy was a moment ago with Fox standing in the center of it.
"Hahaha! I have to admit it scary how you fruit mimics the tricks the 'Death-Seeker' Vixen tends to use. Honestly if she was anything like you I don't understand why everyone fears her."
With Nami and Makino
Nami was watching the fight from around a corner and shocked at what she had seen so far. "What kind of fight is this? It's like a dream." She said as she watched.
"That is usually how fights are between Akuma no Mi user." said Makino as she checked her ammo.
With Vixen
Kuina appeared in a blur next to Vixen. "Did you have fun dear." Vixen said without looking away from the fight.
"Yes, Sensai. Are we leaving now?" asked Kuina.
"Not yet. I wish to see how far my Luffy has come." replied Vixen.
Back with Fox
"Bara Bara, Cannon!" roared Buggy as his hand went flying at Fox with knives clutched between his fingers.
To Fox surprise the hand flew faster than earlier. By sheer chance and luck Fox caught it before the blades stabbed him in the throat. Unfortunately his grip slipped and the hand zoomed by his face cutting it and his hat.
"Hahaha! How did you like that kid?!" roared an esthetic Buggy. Only to stop as he felt the boy's Haki leak out a bit.
Fox simply took his hat off and looked it over; on its brim was a long and jagged cut. "You Bastard! This hat is my treasure and you just cut it. I'm going to kick your ass!" roared an angry Fox.
In his moment of rage he did not notice Buggy's hand from earlier raise form behind him. "If it that important to you; you should protect it better!" Buggy yelled as his hand threw one of the knives to Fox backside.
Out of instinct Fox had dodge only to leave his hat open for Buggy's hand to skewer it with the three knives still in its grip. Buggy's hand returned to him allowing him to look over the hat and scuffed. "This old and worn out straw hat is your treasure. And it belonged to Shanks no less. Disgusting!" he said as he threw it down. "Gold and silver, hell even precious gems are better than any hat from that redheaded bastard!"
To Buggy's surprise Fox remained calm. "What's your problem you and Shanks were Nakama before. What did he do to make you despise him so much?" asked Fox.
With Makino and Nami
"Baka-Buggy, you just signed you own death warrant." said Makino as she watched.
"That hat is that important to him?" asked Nami.
"Yes." Makino replied.
With Vixen and Kuina
Vixen could not help but to think back to when she first met Luffy after the death of his friend died.
TMTBTF Flash Back TMTBTF
Vixen had heard from Makino that Garp had sent Luffy to live with the Dadan Family. "Sometimes I wonder if the old Marine has gone senile." She said to herself as she approached where she heard the bandits lived. When she got within viewing distance of the bandits hide out she saw two young boys run out.
"Come on Luffy." said the clearly older boy to the younger boy following him.
"I'm coming Ace. Dadan me and Ace are going training!" yelled Luffy.
Vixen had followed them to a clearing where they trained for a while until Ace accidently sent Luffy's hat flying in the wind. The boy made a mad chase after it. This is when Vixen finally made her presence known. She flashed in front of the hat and caught it.
"What are you doing with this?" she said as she examined the hat. "This doesn't belong to you." she stated.
"Hey give it back lady. That hat belongs to Red Hair Shanks he gave it to me to hold and I'm going to return it one day." roared Luffy.
"You know it impolite to talk women like that little boy." she said with a grin.
"Gomen. My name is Fox, Monkey D. Fox. Now can I please have my hat back." said Fox.
Vixen lifted her eye brow at the name Luffy had given her. "He changed his name." she thought as she gave the hat back to Luffy. "I am the 'Death-Seeker' Vixen." She introduced herself and got the best reaction yet both Ace and Luffy with slackjawed expressions.
"You were friends with Gol D. Roger!" yelled the two in unison.
"Yes I was. If you want I could give you tips on how to improve your skills." said Vixen with a face spiting smile.
"Really! Sugoi!" they yelled together.
TMTBTF End Flashback TMTBTF
Vixen was again interrupted from her memories by Buggy yelling in agony.
Back with Fox
Buggy upper half was riddled with welts from rubber bullets while his lower half was trembling form Fox kick to the groin. "Nami you should be going before he recovers." said Fox plainly.
"Hai. Don't need to tell me twice." Nami answered quickly.
"You're not leaving with my treasure. Bara Bara, Festival!" roared a now recovered Buggy as he spit into many pieces and attacked Nami.
Makino to Buggy surprise appeared in front of him holding a blunderbuss. He was in such a panicked state he did not notice Fox flash next to his head and kicked him. Buggy head went to the ground with so much force he made a long gash in the stone ground. His body parts lay on the ground unmoving as he was knocked unconscious.
"You can take that kick as a gift from the Mayor." said Fox as he smirked at the downed Buggy.
"Thank you, you both saved my life." said a grateful Nami.
"No problem." Fox said nonchalantly.
"We thieves have to stick together." Makino said with a smile.
"This is not over!" said a recovered Buggy.
"Wow! This guy is resilient isn't he." said an actually impressed Fox.
"Much more then I remember him to be." said Makino in a flat tone.
"Shut up! How dare you inflict so much pain upon me! Reassemble! Bara Bara, Parts!" roared Buggy as only his hands head and feet returned to him.
All was silent as Buggy slowly register that he was missing a lot of his parts. "What where is the rest of my parts?!" Buggy freaked out.
"Are you looking for these?" said Nami as she put one a foot on the tied up pile that was Buggy's parts.
"Ahh! My parts!" yelled a freaked out Buggy.
Fox, Makino, as well as Kuina and Vixen were laughing at what the young thief had done.
"hahaha! No wonder you're a thief." said Fox said as he reared his hand back like he did when he caught the Buggy Bomb. "Makino-Obasan lets send him packing!" announced Fox with a face splitting grin.
"Hai, Sencho!" said Makino as she spun the blunderbuss and aimed at Buggy. "Sayonara!" she yelled as she fired.
"Whirlwind Cannon!" roared Fox as he used gale force winds to push the blunderbuss style rubber bullet three times faster.
The bullets impact was so powerful it send Buggy skyward until he became nothing but a glinting speck in the sky.
"Shishishi! I win." said Fox as he watched Buggy's rapidly disappearing form. Fox without another word picked up his damaged hat and looked it over a frown growing longer as he continued to stare at it.
"Your straw hat is all torn up." stated Nami.
"That's alright, I can still wear it. Also since we got Buggy I'm not mad anymore." He said as he placed his hat back on his head.
"Don't worry. I'll help you patch it up later." said Nami in an almost quiet tone.
Fox approached Nami and reached for her bag of treasure. Out of instinct Nami pulled it closer to herself. "Do you want to carry it all the way to the boat?" he asked with a smirk.
Nami blushed at thinking Fox was intending to do something else. She was going to turn her head away to hide her bush until he placed his hat on her head.
"Do what you can. I'll figure out how to fix what you can't. I'm trusting you with my most precious treasure be sure to return it when you're done." He said with a big smile.
Without another word Fox turned to check on Zoro.
"Wait! Here, have it." She said as she handed the map to the Grand Line to him.
Fox just looked at it for a moment and turned back. "No you keep it. If anything I'll probably steal a copy from the Marines myself." He said without hesitation.
"But…" Nami started to say only for Fox to cut in.
"It was part of the deal remember." He said with a grin as he looked over his shoulder.
"The map and half the treasure." clarified Makino as she to when up to Zoro's prone form.
"Right, I'll work for you." Nami said with a smile.
"Zoro. Wake up Zoro." said Fox as he poked him with his foot.
With a groan Zoro sat up."What the Fights over all ready?" he asked.
"Yup, we beat Buggy his crew and sealed the deal with Nami. Not a bad day in the life of a pirate." Fox said without a care in the world.
Zoro glared at Nami for a moment before he let out a loud sigh. "Shit, I'm going to faint. I can't move either." He said as he put his head in his left hand and propped it on his left knee.
"Of course, if you could move you guys wouldn't be human." She said as she sweatdropped.
"Why am I included?" asked an oblivious Fox.
"You're the strangest of them all! Anyways, we should take a look at the Mayor." She said after yelling at Fox.
"Oh, right. We should wake the old man up." said Fox just before a voice called to them.
With Vixen and Kuina
Both Vixen and Kuina could not help but to laugh at how brutally honest Luffy was. Apparently Nami was the only one that was laughing. She continued to watch as the towns folk chased after them as they ran. Luffy somehow holding a bag of treasure and carrying Zoro while running.
"He has a good point when it comes to this town." said Vixen with a smile.
"He does." replied Kuina.
Vixen's smile got bigger as a small white dog stopped the towns folk form pursuing Fox and his crew, and laughed at the stupidity of the three Buggy Pirates trying to get them back.
"He's very generous to give his half of the treasure to the town." said a surprised Kuina.
"Of course, he's half Kitsune. We will always put our friends and good people first before ourselves." said Vixen with pride at her son giving money so these good people could rebuild their town.
Kuina just watched as Fox and his crew sailed away to their next adventure.
"We'll see them again Kuina. Maybe then we will join them." Vixen said easily reading her apprentice as she to walk away.
"Maybe, but then again it might not be so bad." said Kuina as she followed Vixen.
Drago Cresta: Oh my god! I really made a lot of people wait for wait for this chapter. I feel horrible!
Nami: You're taking this chapter delay way to seriously.
D.C.: What kind of writer keeps their readers waiting nearly forever for an update?! (said in a very dramatic way)
Luffy: A Fanfiction writer?
D.C.: (O.O) Luffy that was borderline insulting. Oh god I've corrupted the integrity of Luffy's personality! I shall cleanse you! (pulls out a bible and a bottle of holy water)
The power of Christ compels you! (sprays holy water)
The Power of Christ Compels You! (sprays more holy water)
Be Gone Satan!
S.H.C.: … (0.0) (~.~) ?
D.C.: (laughs out loud rolling on the floor) You should see you're faces!
S.H.C.: WHAT WRONG WITH YOU!
D.C.: Sorry I've just been seeing the preview for Annabelle a lot on TV. Almost every time I sit to relax I see it. That and you're faces were priceless!
S.H.C.: BAKA! (Luffy though is laughing his ass off)
D.C.: So on to the move list.
Fox
Whirlwind Cannon: To replace Luffy's Goum Goum Baloon and Bazuka I came up with a very versatile technique.
When Fox throws, shoots, or his allies' shoots ammunition and such; Fox pushes it faster with the power of gale force winds.
The same principle applies to when he stops cannon balls, bullets, throwing knives, etc. by having the winds pushing against it. Keep in mind that this might not work for everything thrown his way.
Kuina
Art of the Final Cut: This style was created and perfected by the 'Death-Seeker' Vixen. This style is based heavily on a combination of Iaido and Virgel's (form Devil May Cry 3) dark slayer style. With the exception that Kuina will only draw her sword for four reasons. To disarm, incapacitate, maim, or kill. This style takes pride in the fact that one can win in a fight with very few strikes and slashes.
Unseen Slash: In a feat of pure speed Kuina slashes an opponent so fast that no one can even tell if she had drew her blade or not.
Art of the Final Cut, Triple Slash: Kuina moves so fast that two spectral like after images seem to appear beside her. So when she attacks an opponent she is actually just slashing from three different angles.
D.C.: As for Zoro, Buggy and Cabaji's moves. Well there still the same as in canon.
Vixen: Now that's just lazy writing.
D.C.: What purpose does it sere to explain their moves, if nothing has changed about them from the canon?
Vixen: I was talking about how you revealed what I am.
D.C.: I did say I was not going to tell the whole story.
Anyways I have a special treat for the readers to make up for the long wait.
TMTBTF Bonus Scene TMTBTF
Buggy Pirates After the Straw Hats Left
Mohji and the rest of crew had regrouped at The Big Top.
"We need to find the Captain." said Mohji form on top of Richie.
"And how do you plan to do that." said a badly beaten Cabaji.
"We will head in the direction the damn Mugirawa sent the Captain. Well search every island on the way I we have to." Mohji said gaining a groan from the crew.
As they reached the deck of the ship they saw a large box smacked down in the center of it.
"What is that?" asked Cabaji.
"I don't know. You, check it out." ordered Mohji as he told one of the Superhuman Domingos to check it.
As the man approached and circling around it he saw a large red button on the back. Like a moth to flames he pressed it without a second thought. To every ones surprised and fear it started to shake violently.
"What the hell did you do?!" roared an angry and panicking Mohji.
"I just pressed the button on it." said the S.D.
"You idiot, it might be a bomb for all we know and you just pressed the button!" roared Cabaji.
"It was big and shiny… and red." said the S.D.
"Baka!" roared the Crew.
All of a sudden a handle crank popped out of the side and began to turn itself. The tune for pop goes the weasel began to play very slowly. The Buggy Pirates were bunched up together trembling in fear at what was going to happen. As the tune reached its last five notes it slowed even more to the point that the crew were about to soil themselves in fear and anticipation. When the last note was struck the handle stopped and all became quiet. The pirates waited for a tense few minutes and nothing happened.
"Guess it was a dud." said the S.D. who was still standing next to the box.
As if on cue the box popped open with a clown puppet that looked like a cartoony version of their captain pop out with a bone chilling cackle. This caused the entire crew to scream like school girls and actually caused the Superhuman Domingo next to the box to faint out of fright.
After composing himself Mohji stood up straight. "The Fucker that played this sick joke is going to regret messing with Buggy Pirates." He said trying to regain what was left of his dignity.
Cabaji approached the puppet and looked it over. "As well as pay for this insult to our great Captain." He stated as he saw a note on the chest. He read it over and took it bringing it to Mohji.
Mohji seeing the note read it over and out loud.
A present to Buggy's crew this should be an accurate interpretation of your captain. Hope you like it.
Sighed with Love
Death-Seeker Vixen
PS. Turn Note Over!
Mohji did it as the note said and read the back.
PSS. I hope you love the new color of the ship and your clothes.
"What the hell is this suppose to mean. New color of the ship and our clothes?" questioned Mohji. He just crumpled the note and threw it down only noticing the string attached to it when he heard the sound of a pin being released.
To the crew's terror they looked at the puppet again and saw its head open. A neon pink balloon began to blow up coming out of the puppets head. As it got larger and larger so did the crews eyes until the balloon was the size of the ship. It finally gave way at this point with a resounding pop. The crew saw what had filled the balloon neon pink paint rained down on the whole ship and its crew. When they got the paint out of their eyes they saw the only part of the sails that did not have paint on them formed words.
The Vixen just made Fools of a Bunch of Fools!
As they sailed away the towns folk laughter filled the air. The Buggy Pirates Ship The Big Top and Its entire crew now neon pink.
TMTBTF End Bonus Scene TMTBTF
D.C.: (smiling wide and like a Fox) Strangely I feel satisfied that I did that. So on to the next subject at hand.
The reviews, now let's see (pulls out a bunch of papers) hmm…
(pulls one out of the bunch) Red the Revolutionary to answer your question.
1. Makino is his aunt in this story.
2. He changed his first name. So it is Monkey D. Fox.
3. It is alright to get a little lost on some things, I do as well.
(Flips to the next sheet) Jarjaxle well in the actual anime and manga Makino is a sort of Big sister/gardinan figure to Luffy when he was young. In my Fic she is the adopted daughter of Monkey D. Garp, and Luffy's Aunt.
(Next sheet) F-ckthesystem125 just so there is no confusion.
Vixen is an eight tailed Kitsune.
A PeaceKeeper Watcher is a position giving to her by the PeaceKeepers.
She is over 300 years old.
Now the PeaceKeepers are a military branch created by the Kitsune they are made up of individuals that wish to protect or bring about peace. Sorry that's all I giving about this subject I promise that the full story of Vixen's Origins will be revealed. Just not at this moment.
(Flips through the next few sheets) let's see… why have you not updated D: … (Puts sheet away) You must update… (puts it away) this could work… (puts it away) a different take on it, but you made it work well. Keep it going strong! *like this one.* (puts it away) Yeah lots of simple reviews and one says I should just trash this just because I changed the characters name and that the devil fruit I came up with is stupid and over powered. (looks at sheet, crumples it and throws it away) Well to bad this is the way I write it you don't like it well your free to your opinion.
But... YOU CAN STOP READING IT ANYTIME IF YOU CAN'T TOLERATE IT!
I'm not the only writer on this site that does this. There is a bunch and they get ten times as many reviews follows and favs I have. On this site I have read literally hundreds upon hundreds of stories on this site, and one thing is the same about all of them. This is a free writing site as in free to write the way you want to. (so long as it is within the guide lines.)
Yeah I see where you're coming from some are just too much, but I just tolerate them. There written the way their writers dictate. What right do I have to tell them how to write? None, because writing is one of many form of free expression… it is what it is.
Kuina: Wow! You really went on a rant there.
D.C.: Yes, yes I did. But now I feel a lot better that I got that off my chest. Now I just hope I did not sign my death warrant for this site. And I know that others will have opinions but it just embarrassing that someone would waste their time just to bash flame and criticize others for their quality of work. On a site that allows free expression no less.
Well let me end there before we end up in another rant. Kuina if you please.
Kuina: We hope you enjoyed this chapter, please leave a review if you please.
Drago Out
