Here's the next chapter. Sorry about the wait, but with school and everything be glad, it's out so soon.
Also this chapter is beta'd by wonderful ninjabunny11, like always.
shinjojin – Thanks, and I'll try to keep up my game.
Ubermarine – Not telling~
Pikachu17 – Thank you I appreciate it.
anewwonderland – Now, now,… do you really know? (*sly smile*)
Cinnamon-Fudg3 – Yeah, that was fun to write. Also, like before, not telling :D
stella-pon – Thank you. And of course I will continue writing.
Also good news and bad news. (Not sure which is good and which is bad – depends on person.) We're slowly reaching the end of this story. Also it seems that from chapter 23 the rating will change to M, so I'm giving you head ups. And now of with the story~
Last time:
"I think we've had enough excitement for one day. Besides, tomorrow the second and forth divisions are going on the island for provisions, and the first division will be on standby," Pops said, ending our discussion.
Luffy's POV
When I woke up, it was to a still-warm bed, even though I was the only one in it. Ace and Sabo must have sneaked out a little while ago. I didn't care. I was hungry so after I changed clothes and went to the bathroom, I headed toward the kitchen. Sanji was already waiting for me with breakfast, and I quickly devoured it.
Zoro appeared as well. He ate breakfast really fast before going out. But not before stealing a kiss from Sanji.
Those two had been together for a while, and after I caught them having sex one night, they started to display their affections even if I was in the room. I don't think the others know, sans Robin; she knows everything.
Next, I jumped onto the Moby. I wanted to look for my brothers, but I spotted Namur and made my way to him instead. "Hey, Namur," I said to him brightly and he jumped at my sudden appearance.
"Luffy. Is there something you wanted?" he asked and I tilted my head. "Do I need a reason to speak with you?"
"I don't understand why you would want to talk with me, after all I said to you."
"You apologized to me, so it's fine. Besides, you're my friend." I beamed at him and he looked surprised at my words before nodding.
"I suppose I am," he said, and we had a moment of understanding.
I started asking Namur about Fishman Island and he happily obliged. I liked his stories about his home; they were different from Jimbei's.
"Are you staying on the ship, or will you go on the island?" I asked him.
"I am. Do you want to go with me?" he asked me uncertainly.
"Yeah, I would love to! Can we go now?" I pleaded.
Namur's POV
This girl was different; she accepted me just like my family had, not caring that I wasn't exactly human. So when she said yes, I was happy. She was a troublemaker, so this island could prove to be interesting with her around.
We said our goodbyes to the crews and started leaving, but we were stopped by Jozu who wanted to come with us. I didn't have any problem with it and agreed, and Luffy didn't seem against it. What could I say, she was a people person.
Once we landed on the island, Luffy started leading us, and I hoped she had a better sense of direction than Zoro. How someone could get lost in a straight line, is something that we will never know.
"Is there somewhere you wanted to go, or did you just want to get off the ship?" Luffy asked us.
"Nothing special to look for," I shook my head and Jozu copied my gesture.
"In that case we're going to eat; I'm getting hungry!" she said, pumping her fist in the air and taking off. Jozu and I had to speed up so we wouldn't lose her.
"Is there ever a time when you aren't hungry? And how do you know where you're going?" I asked her once I matched her pace.
"I'm always hungry. And I know because I took Sabo here recently," Luffy answered and laughed. "Okay, here we are."
I glanced at the bar. It was shady looking and I wondered why Luffy had to pick this one. "Oi, ossan! It's me!" the girl yelled after kicking the door open.
"Luffy, don't scream 'it's me'. Do you think he would remember you-"
"Ahh, Luffy! What a nice surprise! I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon," said the old guy behind the counter, correcting my assumption.
"Guys, this is meat-ossan. Meat-ossan, these are my friends Namur and Jozu," she introduced us and we nodded our hello's to each other.
"My name's Red. Luffy's friends are my friends as well. Stop standing outside and come on in," he said.
Inside, there were a few people eating lunch or drinking beer. We sat in one of the corners and made our orders.
"Here you go." In a flash, the guy was already back with meals and drinks. It looked good and tasted even better. No wonder Luffy took us here.
"How many times have you been here?" Jozu asked, probably thinking the same as me.
"Just once. I was following the smell of meat," Luffy said, touching the tip of her nose. I wanted to take it as a joke, but she looked serious. Red was back once again, asking if we wanted anything, so I ordered another bottle of sake.
"I'm a little curious. Are you Whitebeard pirates?" we tensed a little, not wanting to get the marines on our heels.
"Yup, they are," Luffy answered without a care, cleaning another plate. The bartender laughed.
"Ah, I thought you looked familiar," he said and then left, just like that.
I went back to my meal and Jozu to his drink, but then Luffy suddenly stood up. "I'm going out for a bit. If I don't come back soon, then I'll see you on the ship," she said and before we could ask more she was gone. I wondered if we should go after her.
"Leave her be, she can take care of herself," Jozu said and I agreed with him.
Luffy's POV
I was enjoying myself, talking with Namur and Jozu, but then I felt them with my Haki. I left my friends in the bar and went out to the alley.
"No! Give it back! That belonged to my mother! It's the only thing I have left of her!" cried out the little girl trying to reach the necklace the 'bastard' was holding. He was taunting her until he had enough of her.
"Get out of my eyes, trash!" he yelled at her, getting ready to punch her.
I decided it's time for me to act. This guy was seriously making me mad. I stopped the punch directed at her and gave the girl her necklace I took back from the man. "You should go," I said to her and she didn't waste time getting out of here.
"Who the hell do you think you are, bitch?!" he screamed, enraged.
"Me? I'm Luffy and I already told you. Or did you forget me?" I asked, and felt him paling. This guy had pretty bad luck. This was the second time I kicked his ass in one week.
After taking care of him, I went back to the bar, but Namur and Jozu were already gone. I asked meat-ossan for food again and he happily obliged. I finished the meal quickly and stood up, intent on going to Moby Dick, but that was before I picked with my Haki three very familiar presences.
I started smiling. 'I can't wait for them to meet my family.' (A/N: Because of Luffy's unpredictable nature, even the author herself isn't sure if she meant only Strawhats or if she considers Whitebeard pirates family as well.)
Sabo's POV
This was unfair. Just because we beat up a few of our nakama, (read: dozens; hey they were the ones trying to flirt with Luffy!) the 'flaming turkey' decided to punish us and we weren't allowed to get off the ship. So Luffy is somewhere out there, having the time of her life, while Ace and I are bored out of our minds.
That was before Luffy's nakama approached us, gesturing for us to follow. They took us to Pops, Marco and Thatch.
"What did you wanted to talk about?" Pops asked.
"You see," Nami started, "Luffy's birthday was a while ago and we had promised to celebrate once we were together. However, because of everything that happened, we didn't have a chance."
Pops caught on. "So you wondered if we would celebrate with you. I don't see any problem with it. All my sons love an excuse for getting drunk, and I can tell they have come to see Luffy as their own sister. They won't have a problem with throwing her a party."
Ace and I started panicking. We needed to get her a present! But we couldn't get off the ship! "MARCO!" we cried out, pleading.
"I get it. I'll let you guys off easy this time, but only because of Luffy," he said to us.
"Thanks Marco!"
"When do you want this celebration to happen?" Thatch asked.
"We'll leave the decision to the cooks. You're the ones who will have to provide the cakes, food and booze." answered Usopp.
Thatch glanced at Pops before answering, "Today it is, then." Everyone nodded, satisfied, and went back to what they had been doing before. Meaning: Pops continued drinking sake while the nurses scolded him, Thatch went back to cooking, Marco went to… I'm not sure about that one… and Ace and I went to find a present for Luffy.
Once in the town we split up, hoping that at least one of us would find something for her. This proved surprisingly hard to do. Really, what was the best gift for Luffy? She liked meat, but that wasn't something I was going to give her, it was too… temporary.
It was then that my eye caught something in a shop window. I went inside, surprised when I found Ace already there, sharing my thoughts. 'This was going to be perfect gift for Luffy.'
Ace's POV
After we bought the present, I could barely keep the grin off my face. I was sure Luffy was going to love this, and Sabo has the same thought.
As we made our way back on the ship, I noticed a panting pirate in front of Pops. He was a member of the fourth division and he looked like he had just come running from the island. We went immediately to him and Pops. The other crewmates were gathering there as well, wanting to know what the rush was about.
"Pops! We just overheard some villagers saying they saw the ship of the Kuja pirates, and Mihawk's boat as well. Derreck went to confirm it, so I rushed here to let you know first," said the young pirate and we looked at each other, bewildered. Since when were the Pirate Empress and Greatest Swordsman traveling together?
"It could be problematic if they've formed an alliance," said Pops, smoothing his mustache. "Have everyone come back on the ship until we find out more. I'd prefer to avoid a confrontation today of all days."
"You don't have to worry about them," said a voice behind me and I turned. "They are here to find a certain person, not to fight you. I won't let them." Jimbei smiled warmly and greeted us. "It's been a long time. I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. Truth be told, I'm as surprised as you to meet you here."
"Jimbei," Pops grinned. "Welcome back. Seem like you're traveling with them too. Last time we talked, you didn't seem to be fond of the other Shichibukai." Pops mused.
Jimbei's POV
"As unbelievable as it sounds, we have the same goal. Though everyone has a different reason, as far as I know," I said to them. Pops raised his eyebrow, obviously wanting to hear more. "I met an interesting human at Marineford. I hope you'll get to meet her sometime. I'm sure you would love her," I chuckled at the thought.
"Is that so. It's not every day that someone catches your eye," said Pops, laughing.
"When I heard you were here, I decided to visit, but I'm afraid Dracule and Boa will soon be joining me. The two are a little…eccentric, but once you get used to them, they're not as bad as they seem," I said with confidence, I had spent enough time with them to get to know them. Once I got over the surprise that Luffy had managed to befriend Mihawk as well.
I still wasn't sure why we agreed to sail together to find Luffy. That was a mystery even to Boa and Mihawk. One day, I had finished my daily training and wandered through Marineford when I met the two in a hallway. We exchanged greetings, and somehow the topic of Luffy came up. We agreed on finding the little troublemaker together. When I asked later why they were there, they only shrugged, not knowing as well. (*author smiles smugly* Mission accomplished.)
"Right, Jimbei, we have someone we want you to meet as well!" exclaimed Ace with a wide grin. The next second, all the commanders looked like they had been slapped.
"Like hell! We can't let them meet her! Jimbei may be cool with it, but the other two will want her head," yelled Thatch, panicking. Ace paled.
I watched him dumbly, wondering I was missing. It wasn't like any Shichibukai would dare to start a war with Pops by attacking his crewmates. Everyone knew better than that. "Calm down, brats," Pops said as the other pirates seemed to be panicking as well. I glanced at them, amused.
"Like hell I'll calm down! We won't let them have Luffy!" yelled Ace furiously. I stared at him, bewildered. 'Luffy?'
"Of course we won't let them have her. She's family," Pops told the hysteric men, who looked at Pops and cheered.
"Who won't have me? And why are they cheering when Pops said we're family? I thought it was obvious," said Luffy who had appeared by my side with a confused face- EEEEEEEH?! What was Luffy doing here?
"Luffy, you're back! We were worried! There are Shichibukai on the island, we have to get you away from them," started Ace as he and Sabo grabbed her hands pulling her further onto the ship.
Before they could move her, however, they were kicked in the face and flew across the deck. I sighed; the situation was getting out of control. "How dare you filthy man touch Luffy-san?!" said Hancock Boa, looking down on them so much, her head was facing the sky. The men on the board started fawning over the Pirate Empress and making heart-eyes.
"Hammock!" a yell was heard throughout the ship and everyone stilled, looking questioningly on Luffy. "You can't kick everyone just for trying to touch me, especially my family! Apologize!" she said, and even after previously seeing the two women talk to each other, this surprised me. Meanwhile, the pirates had their jaws on the floor (sans Marco and Whitebeard).
"Luffy-san~! I'm sorry for attacking your family; I didn't know. I supposed I should apologize," she said without bothering to look at Ace and Sabo. "And Luffy-san, my name is Hancock."
Luffy blinked. "That's what I said; Hammock." I started laughing, joining Pops who had started cracking up the minute the Pirate Empress started apologizing. "Oh, right. These two are my brothers. The freckled one with the orange cowboy hat is Portgas D. Ace. The blond with the top hat is Outlook D. Sabo. Boys, say hi to Hammock," Luffy said, introducing them to each other, but before they could say anything, she noticed me.
"Oh, Jimbei! You're here too. I felt you with my Haki, but when I came, I only saw Hawky-chan and Hammock," Luffy said cheerfully and hugged me. I swear my eyes were popping out. 'Did this girl just called the Greatest Swordsman and a man whose mere presence had others shaking in fear, Hawky-chan?'
"Luffy, you know Jimbei? And Boa Hancock? And who the hell is Hawky-chan?!" asked Sabo, getting slowly up. That must have been some kick.
"Your sister was a marine soldier in Marineford. I would expect her to know one or two Shichibukai," said Pops wisely.
I agreed, but added, "She knows every Shichibukai, and they know her just as well. Especially after the pranks she pulled." I made a face when I remembered the painful days. Luffy was not someone to be trifled with; if they thought Thatch is bad, they had a few things coming.
"Your fault. If you didn't piss me off I wouldn't be forced to take such drastic measures," Luffy said calmly.
"That was Doflamingo's fault; I didn't do anything!" I defended myself.
"Jimbei…Don't blame Luffy-san," said Boa, emitting a scary aura. Everyone shuddered, except for Luffy who was unaffected by her.
"Not that this isn't amusing, but what is going on, yoi?" asked Marco, ignoring the underlying tension and the enraged Pirate Empress.
"I told you we were looking for one person, right? Well, we found her." I said to them nonchalantly.
"That doesn't explain anything!" They yelled at me, exasperated.
I continued, ignoring them. "When she was with the marines, we met at some of the meetings and after deciding she liked us, she began to call us her friends. I'm not even sure we had a choice in it. When we asked her why she would rather spend time with the Shichibukai and not the marines, she said: 'Most of the marines are jerks and you're not, so why would I not want to spent time with you?'" Some chuckled at Luffy's choice of words.
"Jimbei, am I right in guessing this is the young lady you wanted for us to meet?" asked Pops and I nodded.
"Yes, though I didn't think you would meet her so soon, or that she would call you Pops," I added. The ocean was such a strange place.
"Then we have your reason, but what is your reason, Boa?" he asked her.
"It's Pirate Empress to you, filthy man." Boa huffed, only for Luffy to give her a glare that clearly said 'don't be mean'.
"They are my nakama." Luffy said, and Boa nodded and turning to Pops again, flipping her hair nonchalantly.
"Luffy likes you and calls you her nakama. Because of that, you are granted the right to call me Boa, but only you and the commanders," Boa said, and Pops nodded in amusement.
"Then I thank you, Boa. That's very kind of you."
"My reason of course is to see my adorable Luffy. I wanted to wish her luck on her journey. I also want to meet the rest of Strawhats," Boa said and Luffy tilted her head.
"Speaking of my nakama, where are they?" she asked, looking around, but not seeing any of them.
"They went to fish for Sea Kings. They should be back any time now." answered Marco.
After that, we spent next 20 minutes sharing stories. Boa and I told our story about how we met Luffy, even if Boa's was a little too vague. Pops told us in return how they met Luffy themselves.
Most of the pirates, however, weren't listening to the story. They were intent on watching Luffy and Boa with hearts. Ace and Sabo, being the overprotective brothers, didn't appreciate it. As the massacre started, I was bewildered why everyone acted as this was normal. Knowing the two brothers, it probably was.
And here's the ending of today's chapter. Hoped you like it. Now Luffy only has to meet with Mihawk, her grandpa and uncle Kuzan. She will get her gift from Kuzan that was mentioned in the bonus chapter and new gifts from Ace and Sabo. Then I need to write some cliché romance and break her heart before she finally gets her prince or princes in this case. Yeah, serious cliché, this is gonna be fun. Any objections? Right, and I need to remember the plot and 'death of' Teach. Not sure how am I going to do that…