A/N: Thank you for the likes and reviews. I value reviews over money so please review. Some of you might ask where are the Usopp pirates in this chapter, so here is your answer. In the manga, they got to Syrup village sometime in the morning. As you can see from the first sentence, Luffy and crew arrived later in the afternoon when the Usopp pirates were home. That is my logic anyway. Also the Black Cat Pirates came sometime at night and confirmed the attack would happen in the morning. Kuro didn't see anything wrong with his crew because it was dark. Also, Luffy cannot pick out individuals from very far distances. The only reason he can do it in this chapter is because of the massive strength of the persons. Ok, I think thats it.

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. Duh.

The boats washed up on the island late afternoon. The crew of three dragged them ashore and hid them in a cove.

"Ok, let's get to the village before it gets dark," Suggested Luffy.

Zoro agreed saying he could go for some booze and food. Nami nodded in agreement and stated that hopefully there will be a place to buy a ship here.

Trekking deeper into the island, Luffy used Observation Haki to find the village. He used his nose too find whre the food was being served.

It was a small tavern like building that served as the only restaurant in the small town. When they walked in it became apparent that closing time was near, what with the few people there beginning to leave. Now that Luffy thought about it, the reason they were leaving was probably because of him. The crew sat down at a booth in the back and waited to be served.

Luffy had decided to sit beside Zoro for obvious reasons, felt like he was being watched. Looking around he spotted a long nosed guy staring at him from a table near the front. When eye contact was made, the guy looked down quickly. Luffy narrowed his eyes at this but before he could get up and talk to the guy, the odd looking fellow left.

Luffy stood up and shuffled out of the booth. "Hey guys, I'll be right back. If the waitress comes just order everything."

Luffy then walked out the door and walked in the direction the kid he saw walk off in. The two people he left behind looked awkwardly at each other not knowing how to act.

"Soooo," began Zoro, "How are you liking the crew?"

"It's not much of a crew," Answered Nami, "Just three people as of now." She sighed, "You and Luffy are cool I guess, but the captain can still be a little over whelming."

"What, haven't you ever seen a powerhouse before?" Asked Zoro adding a bit of sarcasm.

Nami sipped her water nervously. She had seen powerhouses, a lot of them actually. The only difference was that they were not human, she previously thought that fishmen were the only ones to posses strength of the caliber Luffy showed. At this point, an Arlong vs Luffy fight could go either way in her mind.

"Zoro, you use to be a bounty hunter right?"

"I never called myself a bounty hunter. All I did was collect bounties so I could eat and have shelter."

"Ok, ok. But did you ever consider going after Arlong's bounty?"

Zoro raised a eyebrow as he sipped his booze. "Of course not, I only needed enough to eat off, no reason to go for some big bounty when there were other easier and closer bounties."

"Good point," Agreed Nami with a fake smile. A few moments later, the waitress came and took up the orders.

WITH LUFFY

"Hey, long nose guy! Where are you?"

Luffy had been looking for this guy for 15 minutes with no luck. His Observation Haki had pin pointed an aura in these woods but it kept moving around and hiding.

Then, like a sixth sense, he felt an attack coming from behind. Dodging to the right, a pellet came three inches close to his face. This brought a smile to Luffy's face. He was surrounded by trees, in near darkness, yet, if he had not moved he would have been hit. It remained him of another man he knew.

"What's your game pirate! Are you here to ransack this village? If so you can answer to my 8,000 followers!"

"Shishishi. No I'm not here to ransack the village buddy." Luffy looked into the dark brush using his Haki to see now that the sun had went down. "Your name wouldn't be Usopp, would it?"

"Wha-, I mean yes it is me Captain Usopp! You must have heard of my dashing exploits!"

"Na, I just know your father. If you come out, I'll tell you about him."

Luffy waited for about thirty seconds then heard a tussling in the bushes until out emerged 'Captain Usopp' in all his glory. Underwhelming to say the least.

"That was some pretty good shooting Usopp. You nearly got me in a dark wooded area. Almost thought it was your dad shooting at me."

You could visibly see the pride swell up in the sniper's chest. "I am the best shot in the East Blue after all! Hey, how do you know my dad?"

"10 years ago when I was 7, the pirate Red Haired Shanks came to my island for awhile. Your dad was on his crew and would never shut up about you."

"Wow! Red Haired Shank's crew! I didn't know my dad was on a such a notorious ship."

"Hey Usopp can we go back to that restaurant now and talk more there. We are kinda in the woods at night, which is fine, just not the kinda place to have a conversation."

Usopp nodded in agreement and the two began walking back while having idle chit chat. When they got back, Luffy did a short introduction and proceeded to begin eating. Because they had ordered everything on the menu like Luffy asked, plates were still coming.

The meal was basically a free for all because there was so many meals before them. If you saw something that looked tasty then you took it. Needless to say, this caused some pretty chaotic moments. Usopp was a little out of his wheel house but still enjoyed the meal. For the first time, other than the Usopp pirates and Kayla, people listened and laughed at his stories. He could cut loose and still not be the craziest one at the table. It felt nice.

Around 1 AM was when everyone called it a night. Luffy pulled out a stack of money and gave in to owner to pay for food then left with everyone. Usopp asked everyone where they were staying, after hearing that they were most likely going to sleep in the boats he pointed them in the direction of a cottage that acted as a hotel for visitors. Thanking him and saying goodbye, they went into the hotel and bought two rooms (Nami insisted on having her own) and went to bed.

Luffy, who was by all definitions not sleeping, got up one hour after he was sure Zoro was passed out. He slowly and quietly made his way out the room. Tip toeing through the hallway, he made it to the front door and went into the open air.

After a quick sprint, Luffy was back to the woods on the outskirts of the town. Finally, he trained again. After looking around the entire forest, he found a giant boulder about the size of a house. Tapping on it confirmed that it was partially made of iron. This would do.

Luffy began to dig under the massive rock until there was enough room to move his fingers under it. Then with a huge burst of strength, he lifted it over his head.

"Grrrr!"

Then Luffy began doing squats with the boulder over his body. After a few minutes the strain became a hinderance. After a few hours the strain became down right exhausting. The rubber man although no longer felt pain, could still understand what was happening to his body.

Sweat was pouring off him in buckets, muscles were starting to tear ever so slowly. The rock was at least 3 tons. After another 30 minutes, he dropped the rock to the side and took a breather.

Before Luffy can recover, he feels something that almost stops his heart.

What in the name of...

He sensed four very power auras coming near this island. They were not even attempting to hide it whoever they were. This could be very bad or very good. Luffy ran to the cove and pulled his boat out to sea.

Getting in he started to paddle like crazy to meet the strong auras head on. It seemed as if they had stopped right in the middle of the ocean. After 3 hours of intense rowing, a small ship came into view. The sea was very foggy making it hard to make out shapes.

"Luffy is that you?" Inquired a voice from the deck.

"Yes! Are you from Wano Country? Is it finally ready for me?"

Luffys boat was now five feet away from the right side of the boat. Yet the fog was so dense that he could only see silhouettes of the ship and people on it. So mysterious.

The sea was also unusually still. Like, the East Blue was calm but this was almost supernatural how inanimate and silent the sea was the moment.

A long object was tossed at Luffy from the deck of the ship, he caught it with his left hand. With his right he picked up the 5 large sacks of money and threw them on to the deck. With the transaction complete, the samurai began to pull up anchor and leave.

"Wait! There are only three of you on this boat, yet I felt four massive powers enter the East Blue."

"The fourth is not one of us Luffy-chan, you would do well to avoid him."

"I'll try my best. Have a safe journey home."

"Luffy-chan, when can we expect you in Wado Country?"

Luffy couldn't help but grin. "I can't say when, but I will be there one day."

"Good luck." With that the ship disappeared into the thick mist. Luffy sat down in his boat to think. To bad that got interrupted when he sensed something bad was headed to his friends.

Grabbing the oars, he commenced the journey back to the island, praying that if he didn't get there in time Zoro would be able to handle it alone.

WITH ZORO

Zoro was sleeping peacefully until someone yelled in his ear.

"Wake! Up! Now!"

Zoro's eyes shot open and instinctively went for his swords. Then he realized it was just Usopp, who wasn't looking to hot.

"What the heck do you want Usopp?" Asked Zoro sleepily, "This better be good."

"Pirates are attacking the village! I need your help to defend it. Please, I'll do anything." Usopp was grabbing at Zoro's shirt and crying bitter tears.

"Get off of me for starters," demanded Zoro pushing the long nosed man off, "And yes I'll help you."

"Thank you!"

Usopp grabbed Zoro's hand and ran out the room and the tavern as quick as possible. Going outside the swordsman noticed that the pirates had already made it to the outskirts of the village. Zoro also noticed these were the same jokers from before. As he got closer though, he realized most weren't doing so good.

Of the thirty people, five had already collapsed from over exertion, ten were hunched in pain, six looked confused (most likely got hit in the head to hard), and the rest were mildly to severely disfigured. The worst of all though was the captain. He was being carried by the two who looked the healthiest towards some big house in the distance.

"Explosive Star!"

One of the guys, holding up the captain, face exploded in flames. This caused the other one to scream, dropping the captain in the process. Before he could apologize, his face was also exploded.

"You won't go anywhere near Kaya, pirate!"

Zoro was impressed at the sniper. That had been at least 50 feet away. The cat men turned around to see what had transpired. Getting an eye full of Pirate Hunter Zoro was all it took for everyone to lose hope. Sham was in critical condition so Buchi wouldn't leave his side. With the trump card out of commission, all they could do was wait to be killed by Kuro or Zoro.

"Why haven't I heard the screams of villagers yet?"

Speak of the devil! It was Kuro dressed in his standard suit and weird stripped shoes. Cat claws already on and bloodily.

"Klahadore? What are you talking about? Why do you have claws on? Where is Kaya?"

Kuro looked in Usopp's direction then burst out laughing. "Don't tell me these guys are so incapable that they got beaten by scum like you."

Usopp kept looking at Kuro, confusion slowly becoming disbelief. He started gasping for air like there was a shortage.

"Y-y-you! You hired these guys! But why?!"

"I might as well tell you since you aren't going to live." Then Kuro told the boring story that was his plan. Anger couldn't begin to describe how Usopp felt.

"You're a evil, sick, monster! I won't forgive you for this ever! Lead Star!"

Kuro disappeared before the pellet could connect. The coward looked around confused before he felt someone behind him. Turning around, he saw five knives quickly descending towards his face.

"Oni Giri!"

The claws were only a centimeter from Usopp's nose be for they stopped dead.

Usopp stopped shaking and looked at Kuro in bewilderment. There was three large slashes across his chest and blood dripping from his mouth.

"No, ack!" Kuro coughed out some blood. "My plan cannot fail, ack!" More blood. Kuro collapsed in a heap, unable to lift himself.

It was at this time Nami came out from the cottage they were staying at because she had realized Luffy and Zoro were gone. Walking until the outskirts of town she saw a commotion and picked up the pace.

"Hey, what's going on here? And why are these losers here?" To illiterate her point, she kick one of the passed out pirates in the side.

Zoro gave a annoyed look. "That butler guy over there was the captain and planned to destroy village to get inheritance or whatever."

Nami gave a confused look. "What butler guy?"

"That butler g-," When Zoro turned around he didn't see anyone where Kuro use to be laying. Before he could process what was happening, the vice captain started yelling at all the men to look at him. It was amazing that the man could walk, much less talk. Luffy had really beaten his head in good.

"On the count of Jango you will get stronger and your wounds will heal! One, two, Jango!"

All of a sudden it was like the Black Cat pirates were resurrected from the grave. They rose and gave a mighty war cry. Everyone basically attacked Zoro at once, giving him no time to rest. It was like they were 4 times stronger than before. Zoro was still was able to defend him self, side stepping, striding, parrying, and blocking. While this happened Jango slipped away toward the mansion. This did not go unnoticed by Usopp.

"Hey wait right there you punk!" With that, the honorable lier gave chase.

"Hey Nami," called out Zoro who was still fighting, "Go help Usopp."

She nodded and ran toward the house on the hill. Now don't get me wrong, Nami wasn't being selfless or anything. She just put two and two together and realized big house equals rich.

WITH USOPP

He had to run faster. Kaya could be in deep trouble. Who was he kidding, she was most likely being hypnotized right now and signing a will against her will.

Having no time to use the secret entrance, he cleared the fence instead. Amazing what adrenaline can do. Noticing that Kaya's window was open, he scaled the tree next to it and climbed in the house. Hearing voices, Usopp began to tip toe.

"Just hypnotize her already."

"I'm about to, just wait! *Sigh*, ok on the count of Jango you will sign a will giving Kuro all your wealth in the event of your death. One, two, Jango... Dammit don't close your eyes brat!"

Usopp stalked down the stairs to the living room. Looking around the corner, he saw that Kaya was currently gagged and tied to a chair in the process of being hypnotized. Merry, one of the butlers, was lying face down on the carpet. They would pay.

"Listen, if you don't comply we will kill all of the villagers. Is that what you want?"

Kaya shock her head, tears forming at the edges. This had gone on far enough.

"Ok, on the count of Jango you will put Kuro in your will to inherit your entire estate. One, two, Ja-"

"Flame Star!"

The blazing hot pellet went straight down Jango's throat, erupting the mans whole face in flames. One down.

Before Usopp could take out the Black Cat's true captain, he disappeared once again. Quickly turning around and backpedaling, he caught a glimpse of the ex-pirate. To late to dodge or evade, Usopp could only watch as claws began to penetrate the skin of his chest.

However, prior to Kuro cutting his insides to ribbons, a loud crack sounded around the room. The former butler stopped dead, instead focusing on trying to stay conscious. Another crack sounded, finishing off the once great (not really that great) pirate. He slumped and fell on top of Usopp, knocking them both over.

"You owe me 100,000 berries, Usopp."

The town lier looked up at his orange haired savior. Nami wasted no time untying and de-gagging Kaya, making sure the rich girl would owe her later on. As soon as the blonde was free, she ran to where Usopp had fallen and embraced him, tears pouring from her face.

Nami sighed and sat against a wall, out of breath. This saving people thing was hard work.

WITH LUFFY

He had finally made it back to the Gecko Islands, hopefully no one was hurt. Using Soru, Luffy jetted across the island and made it to the outskirts of Syrup Village. Looking around, he noticed Zoro standing in a the middle of a pile of unconscious guys.

"Hey Zoro, are you ok? Where's Nami?"

"She's in that mansion helping Usopp beat up some quick, cat butler."

Luffy didn't know what to think of that, so he decided to check using Observation Haki. Nami and Usopp appeared to be fine, although they would need minor medical attention.

"I'm going to check on them. Will you be ok?"

Zoro had numerous cuts and bruises on him from where the hypnotized men broke through his defenses. Nothing serious.

"I'll live. Go check on them."

Giving a quick nod, Luffy sprinted to the mansion on the hill, jumped the fence, and burst through the front door. Everyone in the living room flinched at his entrance, thinking it could be a enemy pirate.

"Nami, you ok?"

The thief looked up from where she was slumped against the wall. "Peachy."

"Usopp?"

He currently had a blond haired girl hugging his neck and crying into his chest. "I'm ok."

Luffy walked over to Merry and flipped him over. There was five streaks across his chest with blood slowly oozing out.

"Can someone get me a towel or something?"

"No need, ack. I'm fine," said Merry, shocking everyone in the room. Before he could sit up, he was then tackled by Kaya.

"Well I'm going to take out the trash," Announced Luffy as he picked up Kuro and Jango, slung the men over his back, and walked out the door. Leaping the fence once again, he made his way to where Zoro was now sitting.

"Everybody up!" Luffy let out a small burst of Conqueror's Haki to get the Black Cat Pirate crew up again, the effects were instantaneous. Zoro stood up, the Black Cats stood up, the grass stood up, and the ground itself creaked at attention. Okay, maybe it wasn't as small as Luffy thought.

"Yo! Take this crap," Luffy threw the two captains at them, "And get the hell of this island."

Luffy almost thought they used Soru based on how fast they disappeared. He glanced back at Zoro, noticing the swordsman looked very dismayed.

"What's wrong Zoro?"

"Nothing captain." Zoro sighed in defeat and got up from where he sat. He began walking toward the restaurant they had eaten at the day before.

"It's only 7 AM. It might not be open, especially since no one heard the fighting."

"Whatever, are you going to come with me or not?"

"I could eat," Spoke a voice. Luffy turned around to see Nami standing behind him. He grinned and gave a thumbs up.

"Let's go then." Together the three walked towards town.

A/N: Some might wonder how Nami knocked out Kuro. First, he didn't expect the blow. Second, he had already been seriously wounded by Zoro. There is no third reason. Next chapter has that sparring match between Luffy and Zoro some of you have wanted. Im really interested to see if anyone will know the fourth aura Luffy felt. Until next chapter, peace out.