I'll Protect My Friends

by Dead Bones Sam

After Leaving Fishman Island the Straw Hat Crew are called by Luffy's friend Boa Hacock to relax and enjoy themselves on an island she owns in the New World, but when she and a number of Luffy's Nakama are kidnapped by an unknown group Luffy will not allow them to keep his friends, and will do what ever it takes to get them back. My first fanfic so please dont be to harsh.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2: An Island Paradise?

"LUFFY YOU IDIOT WAIT FOR EVERYONE TO BE READY BEFORE BLASTING!" Nami yelled while being sprawled on the wall of the Thousand Sunny. The Blast from the Coup de' Burst had launched the ship into the sky and towards their destination, where you could hear Franky yelling 'SUUUPER' as the ship was being launched. Brook was still on top of the mast when he yelled "YOHOOHOOHOO oh how I love the feel of the wind on my skin. Oh, but I have no skin SKULL JOKE!" It wasn't long until he and Usopp had fallen off of the masts and were falling to the deck of the ship where they grabbed onto the swing and held on for dear life.

"COULDN'T YOU HAVE WAITED FOR US TO GET DOWN LUFFY?" Usopp yelled in panic followed by another laugh from Brook. Luffy was also laughing as he climbed to his special spot at the bow of the ship on top of the Sunny's head yelling "LETS GO." Nami was afraid that she was about to fall off when she felt a pair of hands wrap around her waist. She was about to rage and tell Sanji to let her go when she noticed that it was a pair of Robin's arms she had summoned to hold her. "Thank you Robin," Nami yelled over the roaring wind. Robin didn't say anything but gave Nami a friendly smile and a nod. Franky was busy at the helm calculating when the ship's burst would wear off and force the Sunny back to the ocean.

"Alright everyone," Franky yelled to his crew, "The ship is about to make its descent hold onto something. Everyone except Luffy had prepared themselves for impact; Luffy had turned around to face Franky and yelled, "Oi Oi Franky! Give it another blast I wanna fly again!" "No can do Luffy, there wasn't as much Cola as I would have liked back at Fishman island so we have to use what's left sparingly." The ship finally began descending back to the water where it began a small series of skips before slowing down to a drifting stop. Everyone got up from their positions where they began to adjust for the ship. Sanji came from the back of the boat and lit a cigarette. He then asked. "Oi, Franky, How much Cola do we have left?" Franky stopped to think for a few moments and finally answered, "Well after that last Burst we have about 10 or 11 barrels of cola left." Chopper began to look worried and then asked, "Well what happens if we run out?"

"Well we wouldn't be able to use the paddles, the Mini Merry, The Shark Submerge, the tank or the motorcycle and the Gaon Cannon."

"Well how are we supposed to move then?" Chopper asked panicky, where he was responded by Franky releasing a hearty laugh.

"It's still a Sail Boat Chopper, it's not like we'd be stranded." Franky said still laughing at his furry friend's innocence. Chopper just blushed in embarrassment and walked away saying "Oh right."

"Hey Nami," Zoro called to the navigator, "How far are we from that island after that burst?" Nami checked her log pose to see that two of the arrows were pointing the same way while the other one was shooting to the left and shaking violently, warning that that way would be a dangerous path. "Well two of the arrows are going straight so that will be our fastest path, assuming that the weather or wind currents don't change." She left out the part about the third arrow knowing that Luffy would want to take the more dangerous route.

"What about the third arrow Nami?" Robin asked innocently. Damn it! Nami thought "Well it's pointing a little to the left but its uh, kind of shaking a little bi-"

"YOSH, Franky hard turn to port!" Luffy yelled to the shipwright. It was then that Nami came over and punched Luffy hard on the head yelling, "YOU IDIOT! WE DON'T HAVE TO TAKE THE MOST DANGEROUS WAY EVERY TIME!" Usopp popped up saying that he agreed with Nami, while Luffy was trying to lick the new bump on his head. "But those ways are always more fun," Luffy argued trying to get his friends to see it his way. Before Nami could argue Sanji came by and said, "You know Luffy, I'm sure that Hancock is going to have a feast prepared for us."

"Huh? Feast?" Luffy's attention had been firmly redirected to the sound of a good meal by Sanji. "Oh yeah," he said with an indifferent attitude, "I'm sure there'll be a mountain of food waiting for us on the island, but… well you know."

"What? Know what?" Luffy asked panicked at the sound of losing the feast he was just promised.

"Well Luffy if we take the longer way the food might be cold by the time we get there, and who knows, those Amazonians may decide that they want to eat everything before we get there," He turns around in order to look at Nami and throws her a smile and a wink, "Isn't that right Nami?"

"Oh, Uh Yeah-yes definitely you know how those Amazonian women love to eat, right Luf- wait where'd he go?" Sanji turned around only to see that Luffy was no longer behind him. The two looked around frantically wondering how they could have lost their captain from right under their noses. They then heard the sound of the sails being lowered; they turned around to see Luffy stretching to lower the remaining Mast.

"Oi Luffy," Franky called out, "What are you doing?"

"TO THE FEAST!" Luffy yells with a giant smile as he lowers the final mast. He then put his thumb to his mouth and said, "Gear Third."

"LUFFY DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID!" Sanji called panicked, worried that he'd made a mistake in fooling Luffy with a feast. His protests were ignored as Luffy began blowing into his thumb in order to begin growing his body.

"LUFFY WHAT ARE YOU DOING? STOP!" Usopp yelled panicked grabbing onto the swing again with the strength to hold on for dear life. Everyone grabbed onto some part of the ship unable to guess what he was about to do. It was then that they heard Luffy yell, "Gomu Gomu No Gigant Balloon!" He then inhaled air to grow himself into his balloon form which when used with Gear Third allowed him to easily grow bigger than the entire boat. Franky realized what he was about to do and yelled, "Oi DON'T YOU DARE BREAK MY BOAT LUFFY!"

"Hold on everyone," Luffy said while still full of a lot of air, before any of his crew mates had the chance to object Luffy exhaled all the air he had taken in and blew it at the mast. All the air pushed on the mast blasted the Sunny almost as fast as the Coup de' Burst but without lifting it off of the water. The boat was easily sailing at 3 times its original sailing speed and the Straw Hats were making good time, which is until something came out in front of the ship. A Sea King that looked like a giant zebra with fins rose in front of the Sunny. Everyone but Zoro and Luffy were freaking out by the entrance of the giant sea monster. They were moving too fast for anyone to man the cannons and they couldn't turn the ship around in time. Just when they all thought they were about to crash they sailed right through (literally) the Sea King who, at the last second, had been cut in half by Zoro. A large chunk of the Sea King had fallen onto the ship which had surprised Luffy and caused him to release the rest of his air. When he fell back to the ground he was now the size of a young child. After landing he yelled in a high pitched voice

"Oi Sanji! Can you cook this? I'm hungry." He was then punched in the head by Nami, Sanji, Franky, Usopp and Zoro with them all yelling "YOU IDIOT!"

"What were you thinking?" Nami demanded. "You could have totaled the ship!" Franky scolded. "How can you be hungry?" Sanji yelled. "We could have died!" Usopp wept in between his sobs. Zorro didn't say anything out loud but to himself he thought the ride was pretty interesting, and it had brought them closer to their destination. "Oi Nami how much farther do we have to go now?" Zoro asked the navigator. Nami, still angry at Luffy, checked the log pose to see that all three of the arrows were now going straight with no shaking involved at all. "We should be close maybe an 8 hour trip if SOMEONE," she says while smashing Luffy in the head again, "doesn't try anymore ridiculous stunts.

"Owwwww Naaaamiii," the tiny Luffy wailed, "How are we gonna get to the feast in time then?" Nami walks past the crew in order to get to her room, on the way she smashes Sanji in the head muttering "it's your fricken fault," before she went into her room she turned around to address the crew.

"Listen everyone so long as we sail like normal pirates we should be able to make it to the island in about 8 hours or so depending on the weather. I am going to my room to rest for a while if I find out that Luffy did another of his stunts I'LL KILL YOU ALL MY SELF!" and on that final note Nami left the deck and went into the women's dorm.

"Nami is scary when she is upset," Brook says with what the group believed was fear on his face. "Yup," Chopper, Usopp, Franky and mini Luffy nodded in agreement. For the next several hours everyone but Nami went back to their duties sailing the boat and keeping an eye on Luffy to keep him from doing something stupid. "Taking shifts" as Sanji called it. Sanji ended up cooking the hunk of Sea King for Luffy while Brook was playing Bink's Sake on the piano. While Franky was making sure the Sunny wasn't damaged by Luffy's balloon trick when he took a long look on the horizon.

"Oi Usopp,"

"Yeah Franky?"

"Hand me your binoculars for a second." Usopp tossed the binoculars to Franky who took a look again passed the horizon. He then called out to Luffy who came out with a mouthful of Sea King meat.

"Hey Luffy is that your friends symbol over there?" Franky asked while handing him the binoculars. Luffy took the binoculars and looked into the binoculars.

"I can't tell it's too far away," Franky took the binoculars from Luffy and turned them around.

"Try it now,"

"Yosh," Luffy now looks into the binoculars again and smiles and laughs in joy. "Hahaha, that's it! That's Hancock's roger over there!" Luffy was about to put his thumb in his mouth when Brook and Usopp jumped him. "No Luffy san you mustn't," Brook pleaded. "What, why?" Luffy asked innocently, "I have some Sea King juice on my thumb." By the time the crew was back in order Nami had come out of her room to help direct the ship into the islands dock. "Alright Luffy, is there anything we should know about these people?" Nami asked.

"Huh? What do you mean Nami?

"Well, you know is there anything different about them that might scare anyone?" Luffy thought for a moment and then thinking he knew what she meant says, "Well there aren't any men on their island and they like to pull on guys to see if they stretch."

"ACTIVATE THE COUP DE' BURST!" Sanji yells with that love struck look in his eye. Nami sighs and proceeds to get the ship into the dock, giving orders to Franky when need be. It took about 20 minutes to get the ship into the make shift harbor made by the Amazonians, it was of good quality and structure but Franky insisted it needed a "man's touch" to liven it up. As they set anchor and prepared the ship for landing a group of women from the Kuja tribe all armed with their snake bows. The bows were loaded but they were not aimed at the Straw Hats. The group of Women approached the Sunny obviously showing signs of nervousness and the willingness to open fire, from the front of the group a young blonde woman with a green snake on her back approached the bow of the sunny and looked up at the crew. When she spoke her voice was hard and composed as if she was a commanding officer over the crew. "This island is under the protection of the Kuja tribe of Amazon Lilly if you have no business here then I demand you leave immediately. The voice sounding familiar, Luffy looks up from the ship and stares at the woman who had addressed them. "Huh? Marguerite?" At hearing her name Marguerite looks up at Luffy and smiles to an excited grin.

"Luffy chin? Is that really you?" Luffy jumped off the ship to land in front of her where she laughed and gave him a hug, much to the jealousy of Sanji.

"We weren't expecting you for at least a day how did you get here so quickly?" she asked with delight in her voice.

"Our ship is just awesome," Luffy said with one of his trademark grins. He then yells to his crew to get off the boat so they can meet everyone. As soon as they were off the boat the other warriors had unstrung their snakes at the sight of Luffy being the intruder and proceeded to greeting him and the crew, mostly by pulling on all of the men's skin to see if they could stretch like Luffy. Nami and Robin were met by Marguerite's friends Sweat Pea and Aphelandra who lead them behind the mob of woman carrying and pulling the men. Sanji was love struck as he said "This place is almost as good as Fishman Island! Thaaank yoooou CAPTAAAAIIIIN," He yelled while the women continued to pull on him. Of the men in the crew they tended to avoid Franky and Usopp and many of them wanted to pet and carry Chopper, who was constantly saying, "Just because you think I'm adorable doesn't mean I like you, you bitch," with a goofy smile on his face. The women also recognized Brook as Soul Brook and paid him as much attention as they did Chopper, only worried slightly that he was a skeleton. As the group was being led to the center of the island Marguerite said, "Hebihime will be happy to know that you've arrived Luffy although the preparations for the feast may not be ready yet."

"AHHHHH FEAAAAST," Luffy said while drooling at the mouth followed by a growling in his stomach. Marguerite laughed at Luffy's simplicity and continued to lead them. They soon reached the center of the island that was meant to take place as the main area for the hospitalities. There was a group of tables with plates piled with food down the center of each table, a waterfall that led to a lake at the far left and what seemed to be an apartment complex(most likely for the Amazonians) to the far right. Down the middle passed the tables with food there was what seemed to be a giant throne architecture with a seat a large pillow, and a small laughable folding chair. Boa Hancock was seen in the middle seat with her snake Salome on the pillow next to her and Elder Nylon on the folding chair, obviously not happy about it. When Hancock first sees the group of warriors approaching the area she stands up ready to scold them for leaving their posts, but then she sees Luffy. She goes from angry Snake Empress, to love sick teenager in a matter of seconds, proven by her high pitched "LUFFY CHAN!" The three on the throne structure walk down to the group, Hancock muttering something to Nylon and nylon responded by yelling, "That's nyot a proposal!" As she goes to approach Luffy, Sanji comes between the two and looks at Hancock with that romantic tick in his eye. " My lady, your all-encompassing beauty is un-measureable by any means that we lower humans have, if only you would tell me my name so I may have some meaning to my insufficient life." He waited in silence for a few moments but when he didn't get a response he opened his eyes to see that Hancock had rushed to fawn over Luffy. "Ohh Luffy I'm so glad to see you it hasn't been the same since you left."

"It's good to see you to Hancock. Huh? Sanji what's wrong?" Sanji was in the corner sulking crying "The most beautiful woman on the island and she falls for Luffy," T-T

"Well Luffy, introduce me to your crew," Hancock insisted

"Right, well this is Franky (Hello beautiful), Robin (a pleasure to meet you), Zoro (yo), Usopp (habahabahaba), Brook and Nami (B: May I see your panties please. N: YOU DON'T ASK THAT TO AN EMPRESS!) and this is Chopper." Before Chopper could even greet Hancock she had an evil scowl and said, "who left this raccoon," kicked Chopper into the group of warriors, "IN MY PATH?" One of the warriors grabbed the struggling Chopper and said, "I apologize Hebihime I take responsibility for this raccoon." Chopper who was now angered by being called a raccoon yells, "I'M NOT A RACCOON IM A REINDEER!" Where he then turned into his heavy point sending the warrior on top of him flying away along with three others. Once the introductions had been made Hancock announced,

"I am very glad to see Luffy *in a hushed girly voice*my future husband*voice ended* and his crew here on the island may they relax and enjoy themselves in this safe haven for as long as they'd like." As soon as she finished her speech she turned to Luffy and said, in her shy girly voice, "Luffy, would you like me to show you around the island there are some great views here,"

"Sure," Luffy announced, "Just as soon as I've eaten. FOOOOOOOOOOOOD!" and on that note he ran to the nearest table and began to stuff his face followed by Franky, Chopper and Brook. The Nami, Robin and Sanji went to the waterfall to go for a swim while Zoro and Usopp went to their rooms to get themselves situated. While Luffy and his group were shoveling there food down Brook stood up and released a belch. "This food settles so well in my stomach, oh but I have no stomach, YOHOOHOOHOO. There is only one thing that could make this meal better." He reaches under the table and pulls out his violin case he then takes out his violin and begins playing Bink's Sake. "Luffy your friend plays such excellent music," Hancock said with a flushed expression, "Would you like to dance?"

"Eh? Dance? Ok!" Luffy gets up and grabs Hancock up off her seat just as Brook starts singing the music. The warriors, who recognize it from when Luffy had sung it on Amazon Lily began singing along with Brook and the other Straw Hats at the table.

Yohohoho, Yohohoho!

Yohohoho, Yohohoho!

Yohohoho, Yohohoho!

Yohohoho, Yohohoho

Binksuno Sake wo,todokeni yuku yo, Umikaze kimakase namimakase

Shio no mukou de yuhi wo sawagu Sora Nya wao kaku tori no uta

Sayonara minato tsumugi ni satay o DON to ichou utao funade no uta

Kinpa-ginpa mo, shibuki ni kaete Oretachi yuku so, umi no kagiri

All of the people at the center were dancing and singing and having a great time, even Hancock had a big grin while watching a dancing and singing Luffy. The Crew hadn't had such a relaxing time together in who knows how long. They were on the island for a good few days, just relaxing enjoying everyone's company and swapping stories about their separation for the past 2 years, it was agreed that Sanji had the roughest time in Kamabakka Kingdom. Everyone was having a fun time but Luffy found it strange that Hancock was always within arm's reach of him and that her face was constantly flushed. Worried that she might be sick he asks Chopper to examine her.

"Luffy I don't think that's a good idea, I don't wanna get kicked again."

"It'll be fine Chopper just be your big point thing and check her up." Chopper sighed and reluctantly agreed to give Hancock a checkup. Luffy then brought Chopper to Hancock who was reluctant to let the reindeer/man hybrid to inspect her, but agreed if it would make Luffy happy. Chopper began examining Hancock checking her pulse, blood pressure and so on to see if there was any negative effect with her. After a few minutes of prodding Chopper thanks her for her cooperation and drags Luffy aside to speak with him.

"Luffy I can't tell that there's anything medically wrong with her but she seems to have a version of Sanji's problem for when he sees a woman." Luffy determined to find out what was wrong with Hancock goes off to find Sanji. He finds him at the waterfall still with Nami, Robin and a number of the warriors swimming and diving into the water.

"WAIT FOR ME NAMI-SAAAAAN, ROBIN-CHWAAAAAN," He's about to jump into the lake when Luffy and Chopper approach and stop him.

"Luffy do you mind? There's a lake full of beautiful women waiting for me and I don't want to keep them waiting." Chopper explains the situation concerning Hancock to Sanji and threw out the whole time Sanji is trying very hard not to laugh.

"This is nothing to laugh about Sanji we can't figure out what's wrong with her!" Chopper said with concern for his new patient.

"Relax Chopper," Sanji said getting a hold on himself. "I know exactly what's wrong with Hancock, and I'll tell Luffy what he needs to do."

"What can I do to help Sanji?" Chopper asked anxiously only to be answered by a shaking of Sanji's head. "Nope, only Luffy can do this Chopper. But don't worry I'll help him, you just go get some cotton candy." A little disappointed that he couldn't help any further Chopper nodded and headed back to the tables with the food. Luffy turned to Sanji and asked, "Alright what is it I have to do to make Hancock feel better?"

"It's actually very simple," Sanji explained to Luffy. "You only need to do one thing."

"Eh really? What is it?" Luffy asked anxious to help Hancock.

"All you have to do is put your hands on her shoulders…."

"Yeah, Yeah"

"Pull her in close to you and…"

"AND WHAT?"

"….. and kiss her,"

Luffy was about to say something else entirely when he heard Sanji say kiss her. He was obviously confused and repeated what Sanji had just said to him.

"Eh, kiss her?

"That's all it'll take, she should feel better after that," Sanji replied taking a drag from his newly lit cigarette.

"But what's kissing her going to do Sanji?" Luffy asked Genuinely confused.

"ARE YOU REALLY THAT BLIND STUPID?" Sanji yells at Luffy "HAVE YOU NEVER HAD A GIRL FRIEND BEFORE?"

"WHEN WOULD I EVER HAVE TIME FOR A GIRL FRIEND YOU BASTARD? I GREW UP IN THE MOUNTAINS MOST OF MY LIFE!" Sanji stopped surprised at what he'd just heard.

"So wait no one's ever taught you about what to do when you like a girl? Or if they like you?" Luffy thought for a minute and then finally nodded, "Well there was this one time when I caught Shanks and Makino at the bar."

FLASHBACK

Approximately 12 years ago after Luffy had just eaten the Gum Gum fruit he had been waiting at the bar for Makino, which seemed to last forever, to serve him some food. Finally following the dark thoughts of his stomach, Luffy walked under the bar and headed to the food storage closet behind the office. As he opened the door he noticed that two figures were inside the closet. Unsure of who they were Luffy turned on the light to see that Shanks was making out with Makino on top of an unopened crate of fruit. Luffy didn't want to interrupt the two but he was getting more and more hungry waiting for them to finish whatever they were doing, when suddenly Luffy's stomach growled louder than any sea king in the world. This resulted in Shanks and Makino to look up from what they were doing and yell at him.

"LUFFY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE?" Shanks yelled at the young Luffy. Luffy got angry at Shanks yelling at him and responded "TRYING TO GET SOME FRUIT YOU JERK I'M HUNGRY!

"DON'T YOU KNOCK BEFORE OPENING A DOOR?"

"WHO KNOCKS ON A CLOSET DOOR?" 20 minutes later Shanks had sat Luffy down trying to think of a good way to explain to him what he had just observed.

"Listen Luffy, about what you just saw between me and Makino, It's not what you think."

"Eh, you and Makino weren't making out then?"

Shanks laughed at his young friend's blunt analysis, "No I guess we definitely were Luffy, but listen Makino and I both like each other very much so it's ok."

"Are you two gonna get married now?" Shanks choked on his sake and had to clear his throat a few times before he could answer, "What would make you think that Luffy?"

"Grandad Garp told me that if I ever put my hands on a woman like you just did I'd have to marry her, is that wrong?"

"Well, no Luffy it's not wrong," Shanks replied trying not to ruin what his grandfather had told him. "But Makino and I love each other and that's why it was ok for us to do that." Luffy looked at the pile of fruit Makino had brought him earlier and started to look a little sad.

"Hey Shanks,"

"Eh?"

"Do you think I could ever find love like you and Makino?" Shanks sat up a little straighter,

"What brought this up Luffy?"

"I don't know; guess it would just be nice to have someone who loves you huh?" Luffy answered with a goofy grin on his face. Whether or not he forced the smile or not Shanks couldn't tell so he smiled and rubbed his youngest friends head, "I'm sure you will one day Luffy, I'm sure you will."

End Flashback

"How did that teach you anything about if you loved a girl Luffy?" Sanji asked surprised by the story of his Captains youth. "All I know is it's supposed to be what I'm supposed to do." Luffy turned to Sanji looking, surprising as it may seem, a little scared.

"Am I supposed to do that with Hancock?" Sanji took another long draft from his cigarette before flicking it away. He then answered, "Well if you care about her eventually, but do you care for her?" Luffy didn't answer Sanji's question but he saw Luffy's cheeks blush slightly so he could tell that he did.

"Well Luffy it's obvious that Hancock does like you, and I think it's safe to say that you like her?" When Luffy didn't say he was wrong Sanji stood up and held his hand down for his Captain, "The only reasonable thing to do would be to get you two together then and I'll help you." Luffy looked up at Sanji and took his hand to hoist himself up.

"Do you think you could do that Sanji?"

"Hey what kind of Nakama could I be if I couldn't help get my Captain the girl, now listen this is all you have to do…."

"Were doing WHAT?" Usopp demanded surprisingly at what Sanji had suggested to him and the other men of the crew. "Luffys in love? WITH A WOMAN?"

"Were all as surprised as you are Usopp but yell any louder and the whole island will know what we're up to," Zoro rebutted. Sanji had called him Usopp, Chopper, Franky and Brook after talking to Luffy about Hancock. For once Zoro was willing to work under the shitty chef if it meant Luffy could be happy. "What's your plan shitty cook?" he asked with his usual cockiness. Sanji nodded in thanks for giving him the lead on this and turned to the other men in the meeting. "Alright, here's the deal; I told Luffy to invite Hancock to a special evening dinner in two days, it's up to us to insure that nothing goes wrong and everything goes right for him on that night." The others nodded in agreement. Franky then raised his hand and asked, "So Oi, what's the plan here just a dinner? There isn't much the rest of us can help with there Sanji, you're the only one who can cook." Sanji walked passed Franky for a moment and lit a cigarette. After taking a long draft he exhaled and said, "We need to create the greatest romantic atmosphere that has ever been created by a man."

"What are we going to do?" Chopper asked ready to do what was needed.

"Here's my idea," Sanji started. "We're all going to have to do our part in order to make this work out. Brook, you're going to handle the romantic music during the dinner (It would be my honor Sanji kun), Franky I need you and Usopp to make anything that could be used to make the outside more romantic, whether it's a fog machine, a rainbow maker or a sunset enhancer I don't care just get something done (U: I'm not a miracle worker Sanji what am I supposed to make? F: You got it Sanji it'll be SUUUPER!), Zoro go find some flowers in the forest I saw some big ones surrounded by some giant animals; try not to get killed you shitty marimo (don't push your luck), and Chopper I need you to find some of the prettiest animals you can find in the forest convince them to fly or swim in front of them to get them to enjoy themselves (got it!).

"ALRIGHT EVERYONE LETS GET PUR CAPTAIN LAID!"

*Everyone else* "YOSH"

2 days later

Two Days after Sanji and the others began to create the perfect environment Sanji told Luffy it was time to ask Hancock out for the dinner.

"Make sure to tell her to meet you at sunset in 1 hour Luffy its very important,"

"Sanji I'm not sure about this, what if it goes wrong?" Luffy asked, it was the first time Sanji had ever seen him scared about anything.

"Trust your Nakama Luffy, we won't let anything spoil this night for you, trust us." Luffy nodded and proceeded to find Hancock. He only had to search for a few minutes he found Hancock playing a game of chess with her sister Sandersonia. It was unclear to Luffy whether Hancock was winning or not but he walked up to the two sisters hoping that they wouldn't notice him. As if reading his mind Hancock turned around and blushed the minute she saw Luffy. "LUUFFY CHAN," she waved for him to approach her. Luffy swallowed and approached Hancock. Well this is it, Luffy thought before he said to Hancock, "Er hello, lovely evening isn't it?" Hancock, suspecting something was wrong stood up and put her hands on Luffy's shoulders. "Is something wrong Luffy? You don't look well,"

"Uh N-no I'm fine, I was just wondering *Swallows* uhhh, If you weren't busy tonight." Hancock didn't know what was going on but she began to blush just at Luffy inquireing about her day.

"No I'm not busy why do you ask?" Luffy took a deep breath and tried to say what he came to ask smoothly like Sanji taught him but he ended up yelling "WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE DINNER ALONE WITH ME IN AN HOUR?" Realizing that he had shouted he covered his mouth with both hands and began to blush. Hancock just stood there wide eyed as her face began to blush an even deeper shade of red than Luffy. Did he just ask me out on a date? Hancock thought unable to move, surely this is a wedding proposal, even that old hag Nylon can't deny it. Luffy stared at the blushing Empress and took her display as being overly embarrassed.

"Right I uh- understand, I shouldn't have asked I'll just see you later….. Hancock." As Luffy turned to leave Hancock snapped back into reality and called out, "No WAIT, I'd love to have dinner with you I was just surprised that you asked." Luffy froze dead in his tracks and began to sweat profusely. He took a deep breath and turned around with one of his trademark grins and said, "That's GREAT I'll meet you here in an hour then, uhh BYE" he gave Hancock directions to the dates location and ran off before she could say another word. Luffy ran into his room to be met by Zoro and Brook.

"How'd it go?" Zoro asked a hint of worry in his one eye. Luffy told them what had happened and Brook let put a hearty "YOHOOHOOHOO, The first part of our plan is a success Luffy san, now we have to get you ready for tonight."

"I don't know how I'm going to get through this guys, I'm- I'm worried I'm gonna do the wrong thing and she'll turn me to stone, or throw me in the ocean or make me go without dinner GYAAAAAAAH this'll never work! Let's just Load the Sunny and run,"

"Since when did Straw Hat Luffy become a coward," Zoro accused his captain.

"THE SAME TIME A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN COULD POSSIBLY HAVE ME KILLED!" Luffy countered

"Touché"

"Luffy san," Brook said in his calming voice, "There is no reason to worry I will be by you at all times playing my music for you two, if it seems like things are getting bad I will intervene ok?" Luffy was to panicked to answer but he gave Brook a nod which he answered with a clap and a rub of his hands, "Good, now let's find you something suitable to wear tonight."

1 hour later at the dates location

Brook had had Luffy put on a fancy suit attire and jacket from his day of the Rumbar Pirates seeing how they were the only fancy clothes any of the men had between them all. Although Brook is a good 2 feet taller than Luffy he had to roll up the sleeves on the jacket and pants, which was fine by Luffy. He forgoes offering a top hat to Luffy knowing that he'd insist on wearing his Straw Hat. Luffy was visibly nervous as he sat down waiting for Hancock he looked up at his skeleton friend and said, "I'm scared shitless here Brook, what should I do?" Brook just chuckled at his Captain while he tuned his violin for the evening's performance.

"Just be yourself Luffy san, it's obvious that Ms Boa Hancock already has feelings for you, just enjoy each other's company and let my music take you away." Luffy visibly calmed down and said, "Thanks Brook, I owe you and the other guy's big time." Brook opened his head and pulled out one of the tone dials he had stored in there. The one with his final song with his brothers would remain untouched until he could deliver the music to Laboon, but this particular dial had music that he had prepared on several different instruments for this night's entertainment.

(NOTE: I found a great song I thought would go great with this scene so listen to it as you read the next part if you'd like or not, it's up to you here's the link watch?v=5reLtqske5A)

Brook could see Hancock before Luffy could, he started up the tone dial that began to play beautiful music, but before he began his violin he bent down to Luffy's ear and whispered, "And if this night goes well, remember to ask her if you may see her panties." He managed to avoid Luffy's swing and began to play the violin immediately after. His violin combined with the music coming from the dial sounded like an orchestra all on his own. Luffy stood up when he finally saw Hancock coming and was awed in what she had worn to the dinner. She was wearing a jet black satin dress that had a long slit down her legs showing him how they looked, the dress was low cut and Luffy didn't know if he'd be able to sit down any time soon. As she approached the table she gave Luffy a small smile, blushing only slightly, and proceeded to take her seat. Luffy, remembering the quick lessons Brook had drilled into him got up and pulled the chair out for Hancock. "What a gentleman," she exclaimed, much smoother then Luffy felt. He took his seat and said, "Hancock you look amazing!" Hancock blushed much more heavily and put her hands in her lap. "Oh Luffy chan thank you!" the two were served dinner by Sanji who when taking a look at Hancock thought, I'm the one who did all the planning and he gets the Pirate Empress. What a Nakama will do for his Captain. He first served the appetizers throwing a quick wink to Luffy which he took with a nod. Luffy did his best not to shovel down his food as he's accustomed to but tried to put on a good show and ate, reluctantly, with his eating utensils. As they progressed through their meal they began to talk more easily and without the worry of embarrassing themselves. When the Meal was over they got up for a walk down a path that Zoro had carved for them the previous day. As they walked down the path they saw the most beautiful flowers either had ever seen.

"I never even knew this path existed Luffy chan how did you find it?"

"Oh you know, I had a hunch." They continued down the path which circled back to where they started where a bench was 'conveniently' placed so the two could sit and stare out at the ocean and enjoy the sunset. Brook was still playing the violin admiring how well his Captain was doing when he saw the group of birds Chopper had convinced to fly around the two, Chopper had warned the birds not to fly to close to the woman or else they may be kicked out of the sky by her, so they flew a relatively safe distance away. Soon Usopp and Franky from the deck of the Sunny, began to launch fireworks to entertain the young couple. As Luffy and Hancock were watching the sunset Luffy noticed that Hancock was shivering slightly.

"Eh are you ok Hancock?" Hancock turned and smiled at Luffy and replied, "I'm alright, just a little cold is all." Mustering his courage Luffy wrapped his arm around Hancock in the attempts to keep her warm. Hancock blushed the moment Luffy had put his arm around her and lied on his chest as he held her to her. The sun finally set as the two still looked out towards the ocean.

"Thank you Luffy." Hancock said still lying on Luffy.

"For what?" She turned so that she would look up at him while still having him hold her.

"For sharing this wonderful night with me," Luffy stared at the beautiful woman who was lying and looking up at him and tried to decide what to do. Come on just as Sanji said pull her in and… kiss her. Luffy closed his eyes and bent down towards Hancock. Hancock just stared at a moment blushing heavily is he truly going to kiss me, are my dreams to come true? She to closed her eyes and raised her head moving towards Luffy's face to kiss him as the two neared Luffy felt a sensation shoot through his body, (Stop the music now) the Haki that formed his sixth sense was warning him of an oncoming attack. Forgoing the kiss Luffy grabs a now surprised Hancock and jumps out if the way making sure that she lands on top of him. Her heart is beating heavily unsure of what is going on, "Luffy why did yo-" Out of nowhere a net captured the bench they were previously sitting in and emitted an electrical shock was administered to the bench.

"I felt the net coming at us using Haki. It would have gotten us if we hadn't moved." Luffy helped her get up as the they went to examine the net. "Luffy this net… it's made with Kairoseki!"

"EHH how can you be sure?" Luffy asked startled. Hancock took Luffy's hand and put it close to the deployed net, he could slowly feel his power draining away.

"Right…. I got it." Luffy stretched out his arm in order to get a better look at the island and the ocean surrounding them. Straining his eyes he tried to see where the net had come from, but he couldn't tell. But he could feel that whoever it was, was very close by. Luffy became angry at the thought of someone on the island that wanted to bring harm to him and his friends. It was then that he heard a scream coming from the village where most of the warriors were at. Hancock heard the shriek to and her composure became cold and hostile.

"Someone's attacking the island Luffy,"

"Your right," he said getting angrier by the moment. He was about to throw whoever it was that invaded the island into the ocean and feed them to the Sea Kings. His date was over.

The island was being invaded.

End of Chapter 2