A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long. My usual grammar checker wasn't up to reading at the moment so go easy on the criticism. I made sure to jam pack this chapter with teasers and foreshadowing, so I would read twice over if I were you.
Next chapter this story will officially become M rated.
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. Duh.
The Crew of the Going Merry had finally reached the the sea restaurant Baratie after many days of sailing. It was currently night time in the East Blue and all were asleep. Of course this excluded the pirate Captain Monkey D. Luffy who rarely slept more than 5 minutes at any given week for a number of reasons. The polite person in side of Luffy told him to wait for everyone to wake up well rested and ready for the day before entering the Baratie. To bad the polite side of Luffy wasn't in charge here. Instead the rubber man sucked in as much air as possible (which is a lot) and screamed...
"Oi! Lousy bunch of shit sea cook scum! Get the hell out here!
The peaceful silence was shattered into a billion pieces and proceeded to get thoroughly annihilated when the Baratie erupted in an orchestra of noise and dynamic activity. The Going Merry, which had also been resting on gentle waves, exploded with sounds of people yelling and trying to get to the deck, thinking that they were under attack. Zoro was the first to enter the fray, no shirt or shoes, swords drawn and ready to fight. Sanji burst from the restaurant with no shirt as well, ready to take on whatever enemy had dare mess with the cooks that fight. Because of the dark and lack of knowledge, Zoro assumed that the Baratie was a enemy pirate ship and Sanji couldn't see who was the one that screamed, so as soon as Zoro boarded the fins a epic battle began.
Zoro blocked a kick to the ribs with the blunt end of the katana and proceeded to lash out with horizontal slash to the torso. Sanji being quick to react, jumped backwards before the blade could connect, then dropping low, leg swiped the swordsman, causing Zoro to stumble and fall backwards into the dark water. Feeling pretty good about his small victory over the interloper, Sanji turned to face the next enemy, which once again were swordsmen. The pair didn't seem as skilled as the first though, as Sanji was easily able to round house the first one in the face hard enough to send the stupid shades flying, honestly who wears shades in the middle of the night, and then dispatch the first second one just as simply with a kick to the stomach. Both men flew from the fins and into the water below to join their friend. Sanji was three for three. Or so he thought. Like a whale surfacing for air, a figure leaped from the water and landed on the deck, three swords gleaming in the cloudy night. Wasting no time Zoro attack with new energy, swinging his swords with deadly accuracy like a man possessed. Sanji proceed to duck, weave, and twist out the way almost as if he was lighter than air, much to the annoyance of Zoro. Then without warning Sanji went on the offensive with multiply round houses to the head, legs, neck, torso, and back. Although for all the effort he couldn't land a single hit on the three style user, in fact it seemed like a very even match. Changing his strategy, Sanji jumped high into the air and let the darkness surround him, dismaying Zoro in the process because he could no longer see the opponent. Sanji somersaulted in midair and fell back to earth ready to hit with a devastating drop kick to the skull.
Zoro looked up just in time to see a dark shadow moving downward quickly. Reacting just in time, Zoro brought up his swords and blocked the devastating blow. The force of the attack pushed him through the wooden planks of the fins and cracked the blade on two of his swords.
Dammit, I'll have to finish this with one last attack. These swords won't hold up otherwise.
Sanji pushed off and preformed a back flip, putting a good distance between the swordsman. At this time, the rest of the cooks had came out of the restaurant brandishing knives, fist, and guns. Patty had some sort of handheld cannon shaped like a lobster. They began circling around Zoro, closing in with weapons raised. Looking around, Zoro began sizing up each of the cooks not liking his odds, especially that cannon.
"Last words pirate," asked Patty, aiming the cannon the best he could in the dark. It would soon become impossible see, making aiming impossible.
"Zoro close your eyes," yelled Usopp, who had perched himself on the Going Merry's mast. Not waiting to question what Usopp was up to, Zoro followed the command, squeezing his eyes shut. "Excellent. Sure shot: Flash Star!" Usopp shoot three pellets into the circle of disgruntled chiefs causing a flash brighter than the sun, effectively blinding everyone in the vicinity. While the cooks were disoriented Zoro backpedaled and jumped back to the Going Merry to regroup. Usopp slid down the mast and raised his hand for a high-five. Zoro high-fived him and patted the snipers shoulder, "nice job Usopp."
"Damn, shitty freaking flash bomb," muttered Sanji as he tried to regain his sight along with the other cooks. At this point, Zeff had come out the Baratie, annoyed that there was still a commotion. Nami had similarly walked out the lower deck completely pissed at the lack of sleep she had got.
"What the heck are you doing out here Sanji?"
"Shut up geezer," shouted Sanji still rubbing his eyes, "I'm handling it!"
"Doesn't look like it."
"Yea Sanji, you couldn't even take out one guy," imputed Luffy, adding fuel to the fire.
"Keep out of this Lu-," the curly brow turned around in the direction of the ship, befuddlement clear on his face. "Luffy?"
Luffy busted out laughing and geppo'd over to the fins of the Baratie. He landed a few feet from Sanji and opened his arms out for a hug. "Its been a long time huh?" Sanji, despite himself, smiled a wide grin and met Luffy with a three second hug, any longer would have been weird. Some of the newer cooks who didn't know Luffy were a bit confused at what was even happening but lowered their weapons.
Luffy turned back to the Going Merry, "hey guys, this is Sanji of the Baratie! Yo Sanji, that's my crew over there!" Sanji nodded and lit a cigarette to relax a little, then invited the Going Merry crew inside for some food. While walking inside of the restaurant, Nami hit Luffy over the head for waking her up in the middle of the night. And it actually kinda stung.
Dang, did she just use armament haki? I'll have to train her later.
The chiefs began cooking up multiply dishes and entrees, appetizers and desserts, entire animals were deep fried. Zoro had already started drinking the building the dry, starting a drinking contest with some of the chiefs, even Nami had entered in. Usopp was telling the greatest hits of 'The Greatest Adventurer to Live: Captain Usopp', which was moderately entertaining to anyone who had starting drinking. Coincidentally, it also made the ones who weren't drinking start, so by the fourth story, everyone was laughing like they were at the Apollo Theater. Johnny and Yokasu had tried (and failed) to join in on Zoro's drinking game, so they were on the floor past out, face down. Luffy smiled and sipped his tea, digesting the 30 pounds of food he just consumed. Maybe I should go in for fifths? But just before the captain could rise and head to the kitchen, Sanji sat down next to him.
"Hey Luffy." Sanji paused to lit his cigarette then continued. "Nice to see you found a crew, even if it is pretty small now. I was a little afraid that you would be alone when you showed back up here." Luffy chuckled a little.
"Yea, I guess I can be intense sometime. So how have you been?"
"Hold that thought Luffy. It appears that Nami's drink is almost empty, I better refill it." With that, the blond went and got the bottle of wine. Same old Sanji.
Sanji walked over to the table, being as chill as possible. "Hello my fair maiden, I saw your glass was almost empty so I took it upon myself to refill it." Nami smiled and placed a hand on his cheek. "Thank you Sanji-kun," the theif sighed in the best seductive voice she could muster. Because the food was on the house (Luffy was going to pay anyway), there was no need for the flirtation, but it couldn't hurt to get Sanji wrapped tightly around her finger just for future reference.
"I shall make a special desert to satisfy your delicate palate." With that, it was back to the kitchen for curly brow. Nami loved guys like him, easy to manipulate and easy to control. Now it wasn't like she didn't think Sanji was a genuinely nice guy because he probably was. If his intent was to get some sort of sexual reward by being nice, Nami would have caught on almost instantaneously, but there was no deceit found. It also seemed he was really close to Luffy. Speaking of Luffy, for all he put on, the captain was hiding things and kept his secrets to himself. It was possible that he opened up to the cook, defiantly wasn't impossible considering the history. Was at least worth some investigating.
The air was quiet and still except for the loud snoring coming from the dinning room of the Baratie. Multiply bodies were laying on the floor, completely dead to the world, past out drunk or from exhaustion. Only a few were acually in a bed and even less were still awake. Nami was sleeping quite soundly her room, deciding the floor wasn't a nice resting place. Of the male members in the crew, all were sleeping on the thin carpet drooling like babies. All except Luffy, who was currently having a proper catch up with Sanji.
"So that's what happened after you left with Smoker," breathed Sanji in between a drag of his cigarette. Luffy nodded and took sip of tea, scratching the back of his head. Sanji looked at the rubber man with a little concern. Right now Luffy had his guard down considerably, letting his tiredness show, head slump more, eyes bloodshot, and even his straw hat was removed at the moment. "Are you getting enough sleep?" Luffy looked up and attempted to give a okay smile but it fell a bit flat. Sanji just shook his head and inhaled another puff of smoke. "You did more in a few months than I've done in 2 years. Got to say I'm a little jealous."
"Hmm, it wasn't that great of a story. I'll have plenty better ones to tell once I become Pirate King." There was a short pause filled unspoken questions. Luffy asked the most prevalent one. "Will you come make those stories with me? It would be a shame if I have to explain the All Blue to you when I get back," spoke Luffy with a touch of humor. The chief lowered his head and averted his eyes from Luffy's. There would be no problem with leaving, heck he would be more than happy to join the Straw Hat crew, but the only thing in the way was Zeff. Despite Sanji's best efforts, the head chef refused to acknowledge him and continued to insult his cooking. No matter how much he wanted to go, he needed that approval from the man who saved his life. From the person who he respected. To bad it didn't look like it would ever come, no matter what Sanji did.
"Listen Luffy, I would like to join you bu-"
"Hold it right there brat." Luffy and Sanji turned and looked at the door way just in time see Zeff walk in, wearing nothing but pants and a thermal undershirt. Nobody spoke for a few moments until Zeff started back up again. "Before you turn down that kids request I want to tell you something." The ex pirate sighed heavily and began. "Sanji, you're a good for nothing brat who has been nothing but a pain in my ass since day one." Sanji's mood turned sour on a dime, face already red with anger. What was with this old man.
"Listen you geezer! If that's what you came then fu-"
"Shut up and let me finish!" The blond stopped talking but loss none of the hatred in his eyes.
"Like I was saying, you're a terrible co worker who makes my life a nightmare. There isn't a day that goes by I don't regret saving you." There was a very long pause where no one even made eye contact, the sound of snoring engulfed the room for a full minute until Zeff finally broke the silence. "But your one hell of a cook."
Sanji and Luffy nearly broke their necks turning to look at Zeff. Luff with a look of surprise and happiness. Sanji with a look of surprise, happiness, pain, and sadness. Before the curly brow could come to tears, Zeff left the the room to spare him the shame and to hide his own tears. Luffy turned back to his friend and place hand on his shoulder, trying to be of some comfort. However this gesture completely broke the cook who began to let the tears fall like rain, emotions stirring like a mixer. For a unspecified amount of time, Sanji allowed himself to weep and be comforted. However it didn't last very long. After the tears dried, Sanji stayed hunched over, still and silent, making Luffy think he fell asleep until he stirred and looked up.
"Hey Luffy, is the position still open?"
It had been three days since the Straw Hat crew made it to the Baratie. Sanji had officially joined the crew but asked if he could stay a few more days while the restaurant was short staffed; of course Luffy saw no problem with this. While the days went on, Sanji slowly got to know his new crewmates, learning who he liked and disliked. Of course Luffy was alright, Nami was the embodiment of a angel, and Usopp seemed okay. Johnny and Yosaku weren't permanent members so they weren't of any consideration to him, plus the two were still slightly upset at the beating they got at his hands. So all and all, not that bad. Except for one. No matter how Sanji looked at the future, he couldn't see him and Zoro getting along. For instance, the first day they got into a argument over who was going to win that fight between them even though it was clearly going to be him. To bad Zoro kept saying that if the fight continued he would have won, refusing to see reason. Another reason was the swordsman constantly mocked his gentleman ways, making fun every time he catered to Nami's need before the others. Bull headed idiot.
Currently Zoro was outside on the Merry, training and lightly sparing with Luffy. The captain had invited the cook to train with them but he declined, opting to condition himself after the work had died down a little. Usopp and Nami were currently in the Baratie, having a light lunch of soup and greek salad, discussing what would be their next move when they left the sea restaurant. Nami told the sniper that she had already talked to Luffy and confirmed they would be heading to Conomi Islands. Usopp didn't mine in the least but he at least wanted to know if there was a particular reason behind it.
"Well, it's kinda my hometown and there is are a few things that I need to take care of before heading to the Grand Line," explained Nami to Usopp. That was good enough for him, so he dropped the subject for a different one. Whispering so as not to heard, Usopp asked the thief what she thought of Sanji. There was a long pause, filled with the chatter emanating from other tables. Finally, after some thought, she replied. "I don't hate him I guess and Luffy seems to trust him. Plus have you tried his food, it's pretty amazing if you ask me. When we leave tomorrow, I'm sure he'll fit right in."
Usopp scratched his chin, considering what Nami said. "Yea your probably right. But what about him and Zoro? I don't think they get along very well." Nami rolled her eyes.
"They are just being idiots with to much testosterone is what that is. All it means is that they like each other," told the girl, taking a sip of the smoothie Sanji had prepared for her. Usopp nodded and sipped his water. He had want to get a smoothie like Nami but Sanji said they ran out. The two went back to eating for a few minutes in silent before Luffy and Zoro came in from training. Zoro was sweating a bit and panting, Luffy didn't seem tired in the least. The green haired swordsman sat down, more than ready to begin eating. Luffy on the other walked to the kitchen, shrugging off his captain jacket and putting on a white coat like the other cooks at the Baratie.
"What is Luffy doing," asked Nami totally baffled. Zoro sighed and put the bread stick bowl down.
"He said the Baratie was a little short staffed so after the sparing he would be the waiter until the lunch rush was over." As Zoro finished his sentence, the pirate captain walked out the kitchen and to a table filled with noblemen who had been waiting slightly longer than tolerated apparently. In fact the fine gentlemen were making a huge ruckus just because of a few minutes without being pampered. Luffy took out a pad and asked them for their order.
"I'll have the Lobster Frittata with a side of shusi."
"Will you be having wasabi with that?"
"Mhm, what do you think sweetie," asked the slightly obese noble to who Luffy guessed was his wife. The women turned up her unusually long, witch like nose in repulse, shaking her head with a firm no. "Ok, no wasabi for me then. My dearest will have the oyster stew and a side dish of red snapper with extra white wine sauce." Luffy looked up from his scribbling with an eyebrow raised, his training with Sanji coming to mine.
"May I add that extra sauce will ruin that dish? You see, preparing a dish with such a high quality fish is a fine balan-"
"Did I ask for your opinion peasant," shouted the nobleman, face becoming red as an apple, and drawing attention from everyone in the restaurant, "Do your fucking job and take my order!" Spit flew everywhere, including on the very unhappy pirate captain, straw hat shadowing his eyes. Memories flooded Luffy's mine for a brief moment.
Flashback
"I'm done with the basement and ready to finish the kitchen."
A very smug looking noblewomen turned around, shimmering gold dress hugging her a bit to tight around the waist, three inch black high heels allowing the women to tower over the painter that was redoing her home. The painter was apparently very famous on the art scene in the North Blue, know for bold and amazing work. Needless say, he had taken the entire Goa Kingdom by storm, everyone wanting to get a paint job by the man. Even though he was still a teenager, the kid was really known to be a wonder.
"Very good...what was your name again? Redding, correct?" The teen nodded with a grin. "Okay Redding, finish the kitchen before you leave today. Chop chop," commanded the noble, clapping her hands in the boy's face.
"May I suggest a nice lavender for the-"
"Shut your mouth commoner! Just because you are a talented decorator do not forget who is truly superior. My bloodline alone makes me leagues above you." The 'artist' looked down, eyes being shadowed by his straw hat, a smile that would make Akainu run away forming on his lips.
"Of course madame. What color do you want."
"I think crimson would do nicely," spoke the noblewomen turning on her heels and looking through the window. The painters smile became even more twisted and warped.
Shishishi, how appropriate.
"Of course sir," replied Luffy to the nobleman sporting a smile faker than the Marines sense of justice. The raven haired teen walked to the kitchen, the whole building stayed silent for a few more moments before the patrons slowly began conversation among themselves again. The Straw Hat crew were still in a state of shock over what the heck just happened.
"Wow. I honestly thought I was going to witness a disemboweling just now," admitted Usopp, breathing slightly heavier than normal. Nami, who had also been holding her breath, lightly hit the sniper in the back of the head.
"Luffy isn't some monster Usopp," the thief said firmly, "he can just be intense at times." More than anyone else on the ship, Nami had seen the captain's gentler side and wanted to defend him as such. Surprising Zoro nodded in agreement with Nami in between bites of food. Once again, another rare moment when the two were in the same thought pattern.
"Luffy is smarter than that," is all he said, reasoning being slightly (really) different from Nami's.
"You're right about that Marimo." Everyone looked up from the bubble of conversation and noticed Sanji standing behind them, taking a drag from a lit cigarette. Pulling up a seat to the table, the blond plopped down between Usopp and Nami. The newest crew mate appeared as if he would elaborate, but nothing more was spoken. The group continued to eat in silence until Sanji spoke up again.
"Oh yea, Luffy told me to tell you that we are leaving tomorrow morning. Also, he said something about-"
A very loud scream was heard from outside, the voices sounding a lot like Johnny and Yosaku. A few seconds later, the pirate hunting duo rushed into the building, tears and snot flying everywhere, wanted papers clutched in Johnny's hand. Yosaku tripped on the way to the Straw Hats and crashed head long into the table sending food flying in all directions.
"K-Kr-Kr-KRIEG!" Johnny kept yelling the name "Krieg" while running around the restaurant and holding Don Krieg's wanted poster. In the commotion customers started getting scared and yelling too, especially when a giant galleon started to form on the horizon. Everyone who wasn't a worker or the Staw Hats rushed from the establishment and to their various vessels, attempting to flee arguably the most feared pirate in the East Blue. Luffy walked out the kitchen holding multiple plates of food on his arms and head completely unaware of what the problem was.
"Ok, I got the Lobster...what the heck happened here?" Almost all the chairs were flipped as a testament to how fast everyone left, and even the table with his friends was smashed with the body of Yosaku on top. Shrugging, the rubber man dumped the food in his mouth, not wanting it to go to waste and headed back to the kitchen to fetch his captain jacket. After putting on his signature apparel, Luffy walked back to dinning room, hitting Johhny in the head while on his way to his crew so as to shut the man up.
"So I'm guessing Krieg showed up?" Zoro stood up with the rest on the crew.
"Apparently," spoke the swordsman, subconsciously touching the hilt of Wando. Luffy noticed the anxiety in the air and decided to put everyone's mine at rest. To bad Sanji beat him to it.
"Shitty pirate can try something if he wants to. The cooks here fight," and as if that was the magical signal, all the cooks came out the kitchen sporting knives and large cast-iron pans. Some even holding guns. Zeff walked downstairs with a scowl on his face, mustache twitching with anger and tension. Luffy could understand the troubled look of the older man. Krieg was known to be a underhanded but powerful man, whiling to do what ever it took to win. Bastard gave all pirates a bad name. The rubberman took it upon himself to rid the world of the rat forever. Without anymore contemplation, Luffy walked outside and drew his sword, commanding everyone to stand back.
"Krieg! Turn back and your life will be spared! Don't and I'll kill you!" A few moments pasted before a thunderous laughter came from the ship. A very large and imposing man jumped from the deck of the massive ship (which everyone noticed was in great disrepair) and landed on the fins of the Baratie. Another figure jumped down with him, this one being very familiar to only Luffy.
"Oh, hey Gin."
Gin, who had been very stoic up to this point, turned in the direction of Luffy and loss all color in the face. Images of the pirate's actions still very fresh in his mine, Gin tripped and fell, trying to scramble backwards. Don Krieg turned and looked at his first mate in surprise. On all accounts this was the first time Gin the "Cold Hearted Demon" showed any sort of fear and it wasn't as if there was anything remotely haunting about this place. In fact Gin himself had been the one that suggested coming to this particular restaurant when he had first shown up at the hideout the Krieg Pirates were laying low at, bringing enough food for only him and Don Krieg. Apparently the captain aboard the Navy vessel had been bragging all around the ship about going to the fanciest restaurant in the whole East Blue for days on end, giving the first mate the idea to bring his crew, seeing that it was far away from any Navy base and was filled to the brim with food. Plus it could even double as a replacement ship.
Ignoring the first mate for now, Krieg addressed the Baratie staff, "I'm not here to cause trouble! I only need 100 meals for my starving crew is all." This was met with some high skepticism from those present that knew anything about the pirate captain, especially Luffy.
"So you're telling me that after your men are all well and good, you will leave? In that busted up piece of shit? I don't buy that for one second, and hopefully no one else does," stated Luffy like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Mostly because it was. Krieg looked down on the young man who had spoken up and smirked to himself. This must be the man Gin called 'Satan on the battlefield'. I expected more. Although, before a conflict could arise, Zeff, who had gone into the kitchen a few minutes ago, arrived on the fins again with a good smelling sack.
"Here you go. One hundred meals," said the aging ex pirate, lifting the bag and throwing it beside Krieg. Luffy just shook his head and glanced at his crew behind him. The stare was clear to Zoro and Sanji. Be prepared to fight. The Straw Hats ignored the roar of disapproval from the cooks as they debated giving the enemy pirates food, which prompted Krieg to make it very clear this was never a request but a command. No, the Straw Hats were going into action at the moment to prepare for the inevitable showdown. Usopp and Nami boarded the Going Merry (Johnny and Yosaku were already on the boat) and began to move it about 100 meters out, as to not be in the splash zone of violence and to have the Straw Hat's sniper doing some suppressing fire. Luffy then stationed Sanji and Zoro near the front of the fins to be the first line of defense. Just as the raven haired captain finished arranging his crew in the most tactical method, a war cry came from the deck of Kriegs galleon. Apparently the once starving crew was now full of vitality.
Not even 15 seconds later after the enemy crew recovered, Don Krieg spoke up from the top of the ship. "You know what? I could use a new ship after all and a guide of the Grand Line would help too. Good thing both are right here for easy pick up. Isn't that right, Red Foot Zeff?" There was a deep silence after the threat was received. The quiet was then shattered by very loud laughing.
"Shishishishishi! Shishishishishi! So that's what happened to you and your crew! You went to the Grand Line and couldn't handle the heat. Now that's pathetic! What, could your gigantic crew not tackle it? Oh man now this is pure comedy gold! Shishishi, oh boy," Luffy wiped a tear that had formed below his eye. After recovering from the bout of hysteria, the Straw Hat captain pulled Green Destiny out of the sheath and raised it high in the air. "Hey, pops! Are these guys still customers?"
"Hell no."
"Cool beans," spoke Luffy through a smile. Then he turned back to Krieg's ship, sword still raised to the heavens. "Doctors orders!" Luffy then did a downward strike, cutting through the air with practiced precision, then followed up with a horizontal strike. Satisfied, Luffy put his sword back in the sheath, leaving everyone who hadn't seen this attack before in complete confusion.
"Hahaha! Is that what you call a att-" Don Krieg was cut off because his ship was currently splitting into fourths. Unfortunately, the ship wasn't the only thing splitting apart as members of the crew had been caught in the flying blade attack. Some split in two while others just lost limbs. Krieg himself had his ring and middle finger amputated off his left hand in the process. Even the ones who avoid the cut were injured from falling down in awkward positions, breaking bones, twisting tendons, bruising skin, and dislocating appendages. In fact the only one to avoid harm completely was Gin, who had jumped ship the very moment Luffy raised his sword, not waiting to see what was going to happen.
The massive ship crumbled into multiple pieces as it hit the water sending wreckage and debris everywhere, some unlucky pirates even got trapped under the rubble, drowning in the warm waters of the East Blue. Gin swam around the remains looking for his captain, found him, and helped Krieg to a platform that was still afloat. After surfacing, the Don coughed and sputtered out water and having just enough strength, pulled himself from the water and onto what use to be the deck. Gin too climb on the platform, finally able to take the time to check the status of what remained of his once great crew. Many started surfacing from below the watery depths, and moving towards pieces of the ship still floating. About 90 members made it. Only 80 of them could probably still fight efficiently. Looking at his side, the first mate saw that even Don Krieg, the strongest man in the world, had sustained injury to his left hand. It was all a bit surreal.
"Don Krieg." Gin shook the captain attempting to get any sort of response. After about a minute, the man spoke.
"I'm...going...t-to...kil-l...him." Gaining his second wind, Krieg stood at full stature and spit out some blood. "Ok pirate, lets dance."
Meanwhile Luffy was looking around the area, trying to spot the enemy captain. Maybe I killed him.
"Damn Luffy," spoke Patty, voicing what everyone was thinking. Some still had their mouth agape in shock. The rubber man smiled and chuckled a bit until something disturbed his observation. There was killing intent coming from the water near Zoro.
"Hey Zoro, watch out for-," before he could finish, a large man with giant pearl embedded iron plates strapped to his person burst from the water and on to the fins of the Baratie. Then without hesitating struck Zoro in the chest with a smaller pearl embedded iron plate strapped to his hand.
"Cho Tennen Pearl Present!" The green haired swordsman coughed out blood, and was sent hurtling through the wall of the Baratie. The large man, who was surprisingly light on his feet, moved forward and struck Carne in the face with the iron plate, breaking the mans nose, jaw, and eye socket. Carne was sent into the planks of the wood, unrecognizable to even the people who worked along side him. Sanji upon seeing this, was in such a state of shock that the warning call from Luffy about a incoming attack went unnoticed. The tonfa hit Sanji square in the stomach, knocking the wind and daylights out of the chief, bringing him to a knee.
"Attack men!" yelled Krieg, indicating that a counter attack had begun. All the men who had survived the Luffys show of power rushed towards the Baratie, guns and weapons drawn in attack formation. The first man, other than Gin and Pearl, to get on the fins of the Baratie face exploded in flames, causing him to lose footing and fall in the water. The next man went down in a similar way, face erupting in fire. Another had smoke coming out of his mouth and eyes. Fire started shooting out of yet another mans ear. It seemed any one who got close to the Baratie had a unfortunate event befall them. Luffy smiled to himself, knowing very well who was the cause of this oppressing fire.
Good job Usopp.
Meanwhile on the fins, Sanji had successfully recovered from the hit he took and was going at it with Gin, dodging and weaving around each tonfa strike with a perfectly neutral face, even though inside he was burning with furry. Pearl was going against basically all the cooks, each looking to avenge their fallen brother Carne, who had been taken into the Baratie for treatment by Patty and Zeff. Sadly the cooks were not fairing to hot against Pearl, some even sustaining damage similar to the afore mentioned fallen brother. This only ended when Patty came rushing out the restaurant with a weird looking lobster bazooka. Tears still fresh on his face and voice spilling in emotion.
"Take this you bastard! Shokuatari Meatball!"
Patty fired the powerful weapon, aiming it directly at Pearls torso, intending to break the pirate's iron plated armor. Everyone in the line of fire jumped out the way, screaming cheers of success and victory, all thinking that the cannonball would surely take out this most worthy adversary. A large fire ball hit Pearl, engulfing his front in flames and smoke much to the glee of the defending Baratie members, believing this to be a victory. Sadly their delusions were revealed when a thunderous laughter sounded out.
"Hahahaha! You honestly thought a toy could hurt me, much less beat me! My mighty armor can tank cannon balls from ships! In fact I have not shed even one drop of blood ever in battle. I'm invincible! None of you could possibly-"
A very swift moving figure brushed past the audience of cooks, barely visible to the eye. Although the killing intent was clear as a bell. A green haired swordsman placed a sword in his mouth, preparing to unleash the most impressive Santoryu attack available.
"Three-Sword Style Secret Technique..."
By the time Pearl noticed the spinning blades, it was far to late.
"...Three Thousand Worlds!"
The effects were instantaneous. Each iron plate strapped to Pearls waist and torso shattered into millions of pieces. Blood sprayed high into the air and in multiple directions, raining down on those closest to the slaughter zone. The cuts along Pearls chest were so severe that bone was showing, giving everyone a lesson in human anatomy. The worst though had to be the fact that each collar bone was cut all the way through. Yes, Peal had more than made up for all the battles where he had escape unscathed. Zoro, quite proud of his work, sheathed each sword, carefully wiping the blood off each one.
The remaining pirates still standing, which weren't many because of Usopp, looked in shock as their second commander fell face forward on the planks. Lifeless. It appeared as if the hopes of the Krieg pirates were up to Gin and Don Krieg himself. The former was still in a heated battle with Sanji, and a losing battle at that. Though the two had started out evenly matched, Sanji was slowly taking the reins. Instead of attacking, it was now the blond curly brow on the offensive. It came to its climax when Sanji faked out Gin with a kick that seemed aimed at his right leg but was pulled back quickly and was replaced with a kick to Gins right side. Being the experienced fighter he was, Gin moved with the strike, nullifying much of the attacks strength. Still feeling the effects of fatigue, he pulled back from the fight to regain his breath.
Looking around Gin saw that cooks were regrouping along with Luffy's crew members. The man that slayed Pear leveled a glare at Krieg's first commander, daring him to continue the fight. Sanji lit a cigarette, looking as if this fight was already over. Then there was Monkey D. Luffy, who had barley even done anything yet, oozing with power. Yes, it had become clear to Gin that there was no way to win this fight alone. Looking back at his captain, the first mate called out for possibly some backup.
"Don Krieg! I can't beat them on my own. I need assistance." Don Krieg visible shook with frustration and anger. What was this? Had Gin lost his spine recently? It didn't matter right now concluded Don Krieg. What was important was amassing a new crew and taking over the Grand Line. But to do that, these pest needed to die first.
The pirate captain clutched his left hand, still feeling the pain of having two fingers cut off. In time Krieg would heal and be able to fight melee style again, but for now a quick long range weapon would be most efficient. To be completely honest, the Don had been a little nervous about this fight, seeing that these were (albeit still insects) the toughest opponents to be found in the East Blue and that Hawkeye had effectively cut his crew by over 95 percent. Despite this, a cocky grin took over Kriegs face because he knew this attack wouldn't fail. There was also the added benefit of seeing his enemies wither and struggle to take their last breath.
Every Krieg pirate still conscious began placing mask over their face including Gin who personally hated to win this way. Still his faith in Krieg was unwavering, respect over flowing. Although it was a shame Luffy would have to die to.
"It's been fun," yelled Don Krieg to Luffy and crew, "but now it is time to die at my superior hand." The pirate captain place a gas mask on his face. "This nerve gas will send you straight to hell! MH5 bomb!"
The cooks loss their complete shit. Some running towards the Baratie entrance in hopes of living, others jumped in the water praying it would save them from the gas. Luffy shook his head in disgust. How many people have you killed like this? How many fights have you won using such a dirty method, bastard. It's time to pay up. The Straw Hat captain disappeared from view, activating Soru and Geppo, enabling him to soar through the air at jet like speed at which even an observation user would have a hard time seeing him. The rubber man stretched an hand out, intercepting MH5 with his right hand, then slowing down in speed, he used his other hand to rip Kriegs mask off, and to end it all, Luffy shoved the whole thing down Don Kriegs throat, breaking his jaw in the process. Right before the bomb went off in the pirate's windpipe, Luffy pulled him close and whispered in Kriegs ear.
"Rot in hell Krieg. Don't worry, I'll be there soon enough." Then with that, Luffy jumped, kicking off Krieg chest and back flipping onto a floating platform. When he looked back up, the sight of Krieg looked downright horrific. There was a gigantic bulge in his neck as the bomb tried to detonate in the compressed area of Kriegs pharynx. Tiny pockets of gas were slowly seeping out of Dons mouth, nose, ears, and even eyes. Speaking which, his eyes seemed to be inflating, blood squirting out the pupils, blood leaking from the ears as well. The color of Kriegs skill was deep purple, a by product of a lack of oxygen causing blue and blood filling his pores causing red.
Above all else though, the worst of all was Krieg's neck area. The only way to describe it is to picture a frog. Now picture a frogs throat when they croak. See the way their throat expands outwards. Well, now you know what Krieg looks like. But because human skin does have a elastic limit, the pressure soon became far to great. First, his eyes swelled and exploded like water balloons. Next, his skin bubbled up like contusions, each one bursting in rapid succession. Then, last of all, the top of Don Kriegs head swelled to the point where it appeared to be a watermelon and... exploded, sending gray matter and gas high in the air. The results were immediate, as the once mighty Don fell forward in the water, sinking into the East Blue water. Dead.
Luffy turned around, grinning of all things, to see if everything was okay with his crew. It didn't exactly seem to be so sadly. Sanji's eyes were blown wide open in shock, completely ridged with mouth agape. Zoro looked like a ghost flew through his soul, face permanently frozen in horror. Hmm, that probably wasn't a good sign. Using observation haki, Luffy could grasp very easily that Usopp was in the middle of puking and Nami had fainted from shock along with Johnny and Yosaku. The cooks seemed to be fairing worst. Each staff member was vomiting their guts out into the sea. The only cooks not effected were the ones that were inside, tending to Carne.
Gin was the worst though. Shock didn't even describe what was dancing across his face. It could be more likened to not having a soul anymore or the look a man gives when his ball are cut off. Gin fell to his knees losing any remaining will to continue living, much less fighting. Apparently the remaining crew felt similar as they to sank into kneeling position, utterly defeated. The Krieg Pirates were finished.
Luffy geppo'd over to the Baratie and began to call the Going Merry back. Upon remembering that everyone on the Merry was either fainted or still puking, Luffy shrugged and looked at Sanji. "What should we do with those guys," asked Sanji, pointing a thumb at the now Kriegless pirates who looked like a basket of loss puppies. Luffy asked for a boat that the remaining pirates could leave in, feeling slightly sorry for the men. No matter how bad he was, losing a captain was a great blow to anyone. Following his request, the cooks provided a boat and a few provisions so they could make it to the next island.
Moving like ghouls without a purpose, the thirty men that were left boarded the tiny boat and prepared to leave. Gin, who was now captain, was the last one to board but was stopped by who had placed a hand on his shoulder. Gin turned and looked at the man that killed his captain. Oddly he held no resentment.
"Hey Gin, sorry for how things turned out." The new captain gave a weak smile.
"It's okay Luffy. This is the way of pirates. If you are not strong enough to prevail in battle, then the consequences are usually a swift, painful death. You simply protected your crew and friends, how could I possibly fault you for that?" The Straw Hat's captain grinned a bit, shading his eyes with Shanks hat. Gin turned back and got in the small boat. Just before setting off Luffy once again called out to Gin.
"Hey Gin, catch!" The man reached out and caught the small rounded object that Luffy tossed at him. Opening his hand, Gin saw it was a baby den den mushi.
"Call me if you ever need help." Gin smiled at the gesture.
"Will do. And if you ever need some extra man power, give me a dial." With that, Gin and his crew set off, slowly disappearing over the horizon.
Zoro walked over to Luffy and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Oi captain, what was that all about?" Luffy grinned in response to Zoro's skeptical expression.
"You can never have enough allies Zoro. Make connections whenever possible, that's my motto among others." The swordsman nodded, agreeing somewhat with the sentiment. It was then that the Going Merry finally sailed back towards the Baratie, it's inhabitants still appeared to be shaken up though. Usopp looked very wobbly on his feet, while Nami appeared to be ready to faint again. Luffy ran to check on them.
"Yo Usopp, that was the best shooting I've ever seen! Amazing," shouted Luffy, stars in his eyes. Even Zoro and Sanji had to agree, both nodding in concurrence with Luffy. This unexpected praise snapped Usopp out of his stupor in a instant. In fact all sickness shed off and the sniper appeared to have grown 6 inches taller.
"Weeeeelllllllllllllll, they don't call me Usopp the Sniper King for nothing. In fact I once..." and that as where everyone stopped listening. It wasn't even because the following story would be outlandish and completely false. No, no, no. Because no matter how dumb, Luffy would still pay attention and laugh with Usopp, even though no one knew why. No, it was because what could be the end for one of the Straw Hat's crew just appeared on the horizon. Zoro grinned and began to unwrap his bandanna. The time has finally come. Worlds Greatest or death.
The coffin shaped boat slowly came closer and closer, somehow transferring all the rubble and wreckage. Then once it was 30 meters away from the restaurant, Hawkeye jumped from his boat and on to a platform. The very sight of the Warlord was causing some to get on their knees and begin to cry. Others simple went inside to pretend this wasn't happening. Luffy scratched his hair in neutrality. Well this is it.
"Hello Hawkeye."
A/N: Where was Usopp hiding all that skill, am I right? Yes, that flashback has great significance to the Red Phantom mystery.
Tell me in the comments if you think Krieg finally got justice. Also, tell me if I failed with the fight scenes in this chapter. Who wanted to see the end of that Zoro and Sanji fight? Haha, all in good time.
Last thing. Gin will be scene again and will play a major role.
The Patient One: Good eye. I'm a little surprised that you are the only one that caught that plot point I have not mentioned directly yet. It may or may not be revealed in the next chapter.
Next chapter: The day the East Blue boiled.