A/N: I'm back everyone. Hope you enjoy this next chapter. Also, if Luffy wasn't OP already then he sure is now.
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. Duh.
"Well, I think I'll stop the story for now," proclaimed Luffy, who had begun to sit up. This was met with groans and sounds of protest from his crew as they had become quite invested in the flashback. Even Zoro didn't want it to end.
"C'mon Luffy! You can't just start an amazing story like that and not finish it!" Shouted Usopp, who was the most upset of them all. As a story teller himself he would have loved to hear the whole thing.
"Yeah Big Bro! Luffy You can't leave us high and dry!" Whined Johnny and Yosaku with tears in their eyes.
"Don't worry, I'll pick back up another day but for now it's getting late."
This seemed to snap the inhabitants of the deck out of whatever trance the story had them in. It had in fact become late afternoon and the day would soon become night. Amazing how time flies. Everyone more or less started to go about their normal nocturnal routines. Luffy decided to get dinner started for everyone, Usopp went outside to work under the stars, Nami followed suit but for the purpose of finding their position and guessing how far until they reached the Baratie, and Zoro, Johnny, and Yosaku went beck to training (mostly Zoro though).
Zoro had in fact been deeply affected by what Luffy had told him yesterday. That being said, he had told Johnny and Yosaku to show him absolutely no mercy in the sparring matches that followed. To bad they weren't exactly worthy opponents that could push him to his limits. Yes, no mattered how hard they swung or how quick they were, even together Zoro completely trumped them. It also meant this wasn't going to get him anywhere. The swordsman went to go get Luffy in hopes they could spar together.
"Yo, Luffy," called Zoro, peeking into the kitchen. He saw that the captain had switch out his usual wear for a long sleeve thermal shirt, red scarf, black jeans, black boots, straw hat, fingerless red gloves, and a pink 'kiss the cook' apron. It also appeared as if he was still in the process of cooking some type of curry that smelled quite nice.
Luffy turned and smiled at the swordsman. "Hey Zoro, what's up?"
"I was hoping we could train a little after dinner."
"Hmm, ok then, I've been meaning to get a good workout in anyway," responded Luffy, still smiling and stirring a pot of curry. The swordsman nodded and went to leave but was stopped by Luffy. "Oh and Zoro, could you tell the rest of the crew dinner is ready?" Zoro nodded and walked away. He walked downstairs to Nami's room and knocked because there was no way in hell he was just walking in. The only person who did that and lived was Luffy. "Oi, dinner is almost ready."
"Thanks Zoro, I'll be right out." That was probably the nicest interaction between the two ever.
Next Zoro found Usopp in the guy's room, tinkering with some chemicals the swordsman probably didn't understand. "Oi, dinner is almost ready Usopp."
"Thanks, I'll be there in a second," spoke the sniper while carefully pouring two chemicals together. Zoro nodded and headed back to the kitchen. As he walked in he saw that Luffy was laying out plates of curry and rice for everyone, whistling a nice tune and smiling real big like. It was kinda creepy. The swordsman shrugged and sat down deciding to ignore the weird behavior.
"Zoro, would you be okay if I challenged Hawkeye to a dual," asked Luffy, shading his eyes from view. "Technically it wouldn't interfere with your dream. If I lose then nothing will have changed, if I win then you can just strive to beat me. Either way I want see how strong I've gotten and if I'm truly ready for the Grand Line. Please allow me this."
The moss head considered it. He had made a good point that technically nothing would change, it would just be a change in rival.
"Yes Luffy, you can fight him but only after I've had my way first with him. If I'm killed then I guess it wouldn't matter if you challenged him or not," spoke Zoro, not enjoying the turn this conversation took. He was smart enough to know that Luffy wasn't trying to interfere with his dream but he was still pretty upset. "Listen Luffy, is Hawkeye really as strong as you say and if so why do you want to fight him?"
Luffy looked up and grinned, "I'm reckless like that sometimes."
Zoro felt like there might be some other motive but let it slide. The crew had all started to converge in the kitchen anyway. Soon a lively conversation about sea monsters was struck up and the former topic was forgotten for the moment. Usopp had begun to tell about the 500 foot sea king he defeated in battle with only a tooth pick and a grain of sand. The story was only ended when Luffy suggested they go to the Calm Belt so he could recreate the moment. After that Johnny and Yosaku began to tell of their exploits when they and Zoro were partners in bounty hunting. None of the names they brought in were impressive to say the least and most of the stories ended with Zoro saving their skin, but still everyone at the table humored them.
After dinner, Luffy said it was finally time to train and invited everyone to come. Only Zoro and the bounty pair excepted the offer unlike what was currently the weak duo (not trio yet) opted out for less dangerous endeavors. Nami actually decided to stay on deck to watch whereas Usopp went to the crows nest to watch for ships.
"Ok, lets get started," began Luffy, who had changed into his normal battle attire, "I want you three to try and kill me."
If Luffy was trying to draw the attention of everyone on the ship he succeeded. Even Usopp all the way in the crows nest heard. For a moment everyone was silent. Until Johnny busted out laughing.
"Hehehe, common Big Bro Luffy, we wouldn't kill Zoro's captain. You really shouldn't joke like that, right Big Bro Zoro? Um, Zoro?"
The swordsman in question had already drawn all three on his swords and was preparing for battle. "Don't take him lightly; if you won't fight the get out the way," spoke Zoro in a cold voice, not even bothering to turn around. The way he saw it, if he couldn't beat Luffy then how the heck was he suppose to beat Hawkeye? After placing Wado in his mouth, Zoro took fighting position and prepared to attack.
"Oni Gi-"
Zoro flew forward at blinding speeds with full intent to kill as requested. No one on the ship couldn't even follow his movements. The flash of his swords moving through the air, the green bandanna on his head, and eyes sharp as an eagle. Yet, the only person right now who could see Zoro was Luffy. In fact, the Santoryuu user might as well have been in slow motion.
*sigh*, I shouldn't have used one trump card like this. Oh well, this will be a good eye opener for him.
"Hidden Observation Technique: Mortal Draw," whispered Luffy. The captain willed his observation haki into a condensed area and enhanced it with Conquerers Haki. Luffy had learned a long time ago how to keep his observation going forever. For awhile after he escaped the doctor, he wasn't able to even think straight because of constant paranoia. What was behind that corner? What was around the next bend? After a full year of hell, he had started to develop observation haki. After three years he could keep it going indefinitely and stretch in out over 1/4 the island. Usually Luffy was constantly surveying the surrounding area for enemy ships or particularly dangerous sea kings, but whenever he was in a serious fight or in this case sparing with Zoro, Luffy would tighten the area of observation. It was like he could feel everything, see everything, and hear everything. It wasn't stopping time, but it was pretty damn close. It was also basically the only way to use Soru and Enhanced Gear Second at the same time without getting tunnel vision.
Moving quickly (an understatement), Luffy pulled his sword out, cut Zoro across the chest (not deep), took Zoro's swords, put them in the their sheaths, and laid them on the deck in a Z formation. If Zoro had Observation Haki he would have been able see him and most likely fight back, although that wasn't the case (obviously). Feeling satisfied and also getting a little winded by over using Haki, Luffy went back to normal time.
"-ri! Huh? What in the-"
The first thing everyone noticed was that Luffy was now on the opposite side of the deck. This was very disturbing because it appeared as if he teleported, vanishing into thin air and reappearing in the exact same stance. The second thing they noticed was that Zoro no longer had his swords in his hands, the swordsman's katanas were sheathed and laid in a Z formation. The moss-head wasn't just surprised but also bewildered at the thought Luffy just disarmed and cut(?) him apparently. What type of devil fruit did he eat again?
"What are you going to do Zoro?" The swordsman looked behind at the captain. "You see I'm faster and most likely stronger. So, are you going to admit defeat or keep fighting?" Zoro's face harden and a shadow fell over his eyes. He wouldn't back down to anyone, even if he was completely out classed. Turning around and running forward, Zoro rolled, grabbing his swords in the process, and stood up prepared to face off once again.
"I won't back down!"
After placing Wado in his mouth, he sprinted towards Luffy with renewed resolve. He swung with deadly accuracy, aiming at Luffy's throat and torso. The pirate captain swiftly moved out the way and punched Zoro in the gut almost forcing him to drop to his knees. Withstanding the pain, he swung to the right, too bad Luffy was already at his left. That earned him a kick to the sternum, forcing blood to come out his mouth, sight to blur, and sending him into the railing of the ship. Still he hung on to his swords and stayed planted firmly on the deck floor. Suffering from a bad case of double vision, Zoro barley even knew the punch to the face was coming, the impact knocked Wado out of his mouth and sent the man hurdling into the mast.
"BIG BRO!" Shouted Johnny and Yosaku, snapping out of the stupor they were in just a few seconds ago. Johnny pulled out his sword and imposed himself between the sparing pair, while Yosaku went to help up Zoro. "What the hell do you think your doing?! This fight was over a long time ago and yet you kept hitting hi-!" Johnny was cut off with a surprise fist to the stomach. Unlike Zoro, this sent him to the ground crying like a 5 year old.
"Shut up, you clearly know nothing of real life and death combat. The enemy wont show mercy and neither will I until Zoro either tells me he wants to stop or if he can't stand anymore. As of now none have happened," explained Luffy, voice cold and level. Despite the efforts of Yosaku to keep Zoro from standing back up, the three sword style user rose to his feet yet again and prepared his swords. As soon as he was up and Wado was once again in his mouth, Luffy began the hunt yet again.
Yosaku ran at Luffy with a sword raised high in the air, preparing to strike, "Leave him alone!" His valiant efforts were rewarded with a backhand to the face so hard he flew off the ship. If his jaw was still perfectly fine it would be a surprise.
"Whoops, I think hit him a little to hard. Can someone go get Yosaku, I can't swim." Usopp jumped over board to save the bounty hunter on Luffys behalf. While he was being rescued, Luffy stopped the sparring match and told Zoro to go wash up, which he did mumbling "weak" and "more training" all the way to the bathroom. Nami, who had been quiet throughout the fight left for her room, feeling even more confidant that Arlong wouldn't last five minutes fighting Luffy. The bounty hunting pair went to bed early, something about feeling close to death. Before Usopp could go to the guy's bedrooms, Luffy intercepted him.
"Hey Usopp, can you do something for me?"
"Umm sure, what's up Luffy?"
"Tonight at one in the morning can you come to the deck," asked Luffy even though it sounded more like a command.
"Uh yeah. Why?"
"You'll see."
It was currently two o clock in the morning. The only person still awake other than Luffy was a lone stowaway in the storage room. He had been there for almost three days, waiting for the perfect time to escape. Normally the feared right hand man of the Krieg Pirates wouldn't show any hesitation in trying to take over this ship and steering it back to his Captain but this was different.
Every time Gin closed his eyes, flashbacks of a crazed man ripping arms off Navy soldiers came to mind. Punches so hard the wind coming off broken ribs. Blood, the crimson red flying everywhere. The cannonball that crippled the Navy vessel ripped right through the holding cell nearly killing him. In all the fuss afterwards he made it off the ship, avoiding death at every turn. After making it into sea water, the experienced pirate swam to the attacking ship and got inside using the cannon doors. Ever since he was biding the time until he could steal the spare rowboat and leave.
Did that guy fly? What the actual fuck?
Gin then tensed when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. He slipped behind a crate in the back and waited for the person to go away.
"Come out. I know you're there."
Seeing no point in waiting for the inevitable, Gin rose, ready to fight to the death, even though after three days with no food he was in no shape to try. Good thing there would be no fighting involved. The straw hat wearing man had a plate of fried rice, chicken, dumplings, with a side of soy sauce in one hand and a large glass of water in the other. It might as well have been gold nuggets.
"Thought you might be hungry. Eat up."
Slowly the Krieg Pirate walked towards Luffy, not entirely sure about the whole situation. In fact, Gin wasn't going to except the food at first, pride over taking hunger, but only for a split second. Luffy placed the food on the floor and stepped back while Gin lowered himself and viciously tore into the meal. After the pain of starvation had subsided, tears began to fall from the normally stoic pirate.
"Thank you. Thank you so much for your kindness," spoke Gin through grateful tears, still on his knees. Luffy smiled at the Krieg Pirate, remembering a time when he too would gladly gave up his pride for a decent meal. The pirate captain turned and began walking towards the doorway.
"Take the spare rowboat and get the hell off my ship," commanded Luffy good naturally. Luffy might have offered him position on the ship but the man belonged to a different crew. And naturally pirates were enemies to other pirates.
"Wait. What's your name?" Asked Gin, yearning to know who had saved his life.
"Luffy, Monkey D. Luffy."
A/N: For anyone who didn't catch it, I did say Enhanced Gear 2nd. That will be explained later. Also Luffy looks pretty power right about now but will it be enough to contend with the Worlds Greatest Swordsman? What did Luffy want Usopp for? All questions will be answered in time. Next chapter we see our favorite cook. But will he join?
Next Chapter: Hello Hawkeye