Luffy and Sanji had beaten the Krieg Pirates. Zoro met his future teacher. Luffy had regained an old friend, a newish nakama and prevented Nami from sailing off alone with Merry. Finally the five Straw Hats, Johnny and Yosaku were sailing off to Cocoyashi village.
It was a nice day as they were sailing to their next destination. Nami was lounging on a beach chair when someone stood over her blocking her from getting any sun.
"Nami" Luffy said
"Yeah, what do you want?" Nami asked annoyed
"I need to talk to you... In private" Luffy said
"What about?" Nami asked
"I would just like to talk to you."
"Alright" Nami said kind of irritated at Luffy. Nami got up and followed Luffy.
Luffy and Nami walked into the kitchen to talk. But people were in there.
"Can I talk to Nami in private?"
"Yeah, sure" they all said except Sanji.
"Anything you say to Nami-san you can say to us."
Luffy looked to Nami's left shoulder and that got her curious.
"Please Sanji-kun"
"Anything for you Nami-swan" Sanji said in full on love cook mode
After everyone was gone there was an awkward silence between Luffy and Nami.
"Nami, you know you can tell me anything, there is nothing that will make me angry. I am only concerned for my friends."
Nami felt strangely comfortable around Luffy for a reason she couldn't understand. But she felt she should tell him what was bothering her. She did decide to stay with them instead of betraying them like she had originally planned. She could trust Luffy.
"Alright" Nami said hesitantly. She lifted up the left sleeve of her shirt to reveal a blue sawshark tattoo, more specifically Arlong's Jolly Roger. Luffy did his best to hide his rage. He knew what Arlong had made her do for him. Last time he wasn't interested but this time he would listen to her story if she was willing to tell it.
"I recognize that symbol." Luffy said. "It belongs to the…" Nami put her hand over Luffy's mouth before he could say anything else. Nami put up one finger to her lips asking for Luffy to be quiet.
He took the hint.
"Ok Nami, it belongs to them. So why do you have one?"
"I make maps for them." Nami said with a hint of sadness in her voice
"I take it you don't like being associated with them?"
Nami shook her head side to side
"So what's wrong? What can I do to help?"
"I don't want to make maps for them anymore. I would rather stay with you and make maps whenever I feel like it."
"Do they force you to make maps for them?" Luffy asked knowing very well what they made her do. Nami just shook her head up and down as she started to get upset.
"Ok Nami, no reason to get upset. I am here for you. You have seen what we can do; we will help you with your problem. What kind of captain would I be if I couldn't help my friends with their problems?"
"Thank you Luffy."
Luffy just smiled and started laughing."What do we tell them we were talking about?"
"We could just tell them we were kissing." Nami said with a devilish smile
Luffy turned red at the thought.
"Just kidding" Nami said sticking her tongue out at Luffy.
Luffy needed some air so he just left Nami standing there thinking.
"So captain, where are we going?" A relatively back to normal Zoro asked almost as if he didn't get sliced open just yesterday.
"Huh…" Luffy said getting pulled back to reality
"You alright Luffy-aniki?" Yosaku asked
"Fine" Luffy said still thinking about what Nami said. "We are going to Cocoyashi Village." Luffy said
"That's where the Arlong Pirates have their base of operations." Yosaku said
"I know, that's why we are going there." Without another word on the subject Luffy walked off and started yelling. "SANJI, MESHI!"
"Hai, hai" Sanji said walking towards the kitchen puffing on a cigarette.
A half an hour later Sanji walked out of the kitchen
"Lunch is ready" Sanji said
Everyone stopped what they were doing and went to eat lunch. During lunch they all got to talking about where they were going next.
"Did you know that the Fishman who rules over the island we are going to was once a crew member of the Sun pirates. The name of their captain is Jinbe and he is currently a member of the Shichibukai." Yosaku said.
Luffy just got a little happy thinking about his friend who he would have to save one day not too long from now.
"What's a Shichibukai?" Usopp asked
"A Shichibukai is a government sanctioned pirate. They are allowed to do pretty much anything they please as long as a percentage of the treasure they steal goes to the World Government. They occasionally have to follow orders handed down to them by the World Government. To other pirates, they're just government dogs." Yosaku said
"The man Zoro-aniki fought was a member." Johnny said
"All of the members of the Shichibukai must be pretty damn strong." Sanji said
"Yeah, they are and there are only ever seven at one time."
"The Shichibukai, the World Government and the…" Yosaku was cut off as something had just rammed the Merry
Luffy, Zoro & Sanji ran outside to see what was happening. The other four just stayed inside. They all looked through port holes to see what was going on. That was when they saw it. It was a giant white and green sea cow.
'Mohmoo' Nami thought
'I remember you' Luffy thought
"What do you think it wants?" Zoro asked
"I bet it could smell the food." Luffy said
"IS THAT ALL YOU THINK ABOUT ?" Sanji yelled
"So what do we do about him?" Zoro asked
"I will take care of it" Luffy said as he used his Haoshoku Haki to intimidate the beast instead of beating it up this time.
"We can use him to get to Cocoyashi faster" Luffy said
Luffy and Sanji climbed on Mohmoo and tied ropes around his horns and ropes around the figurehead.
"Yosh, take us to Cocoyashi Village" Luffy said
Mohmoo did as he was told and they went back to talking. A few hours later they made it to Cocoyashi. Nami made sure that when they were approaching the island they stayed away from Arlong Park. They sailed to a point in the middle of Arlong Park and Nami's childhood house. They dropped the anchor and got off the boat and got ready to go in whichever direction they pleased. They cut Mohmoo free and sent him on his way. Nami was the last to get off the ship. She had changed into a tank top that displayed her tattoo and dark blue tights.
"Nami, I want to hear your story" Luffy said.
With everyone on the ground the group began whispering to each other about Nami's tattoo.
"Before anyone says anything to Nami about the tattoo, it is the reason we are here. We are here to take down Arlong and free this island and more specifically Nami's hometown."
"Luffy we are pirates; pirates don't do this kind of thing." Zoro said
"I know that but as far as I am concerned Nami is one of us and I would do anything for my friends. That's all the reason I need to kick Arlong's ass. I am going with her to hear how Arlong came to rule over this island. Anyone who wants to hear is free to tag along."
Nami began walking away discreetly trying to wipe a tear away from her eye. Luffy was not too far behind. The rest of the group looked at each other and only Zoro, Sanji and Usopp followed Luffy and Nami.
"This is where we part ways Zoro-aniki."
"It's been fun." Zoro said
Johnny and Yosaku walked off in the opposite direction of the Straw Hats. Not too long after they parted ways the bounty hunters changed their minds and decided they wanted to hear the whole story so they did their best to tail the five who were headed towards Nami's house. They didn't know the extent of Luffy's powers and they didn't know he knew they were following them the whole time.
After a long walk they arrived at Nami and her sister's house.
"Hold on one second." Nami said
She walked in the front door and to her surpise Nojiko was scolding a boy for attempting to go after Arlong.
"It's the witch" the boy said
"Nami, I didn't expect you back so soon." Nojiko said
"Yeah, I brought some friends to deal with our Fishman problem." Nami said laughing
"I haven't seen you laugh in a long time Nami. I also haven't heard you use that word in a long time either. Wait…hold on a second, did I hear that right? You think you found someone who can beat Arlong and his crew?"
"I know they can" Nami said
"I brought them here my captain wants to hear our story. I hope it's okay." Nami said with a wicked smile. Nojiko agreed and Nami went to the door.
"Guys you can come in."
Luffy, Zoro, Sanji and Usopp walked into the house.
"Guys this is my older sister Nojiko."
"Your older sister?" Sanji said going into his Casanova routine again
"Don't start Sanji-kun" Nami said hitting Sanji on the head
"So who is the captain?" Nojiko asked
"That would be me Captain Usopp!"
"Be serious idiot." Sanji said kicking Usopp in the back of the head
"I am the captain." Luffy said
Nami introduced the rest of the crew to her sister
"Nice to meet you all" Nojiko said
"Would you tell them our story?"
"Fine" Nojiko said
Nojiko, Nami, Sanji and Usopp sat at the table. Luffy sat on the counter behind Sanji and Usopp. Zoro sat on the floor against a wall, resting his sword on his shoulder like always.
"Nami and I were found by our mother Belle-mere on an island that had been ravaged by war. She quit the marines and braved a storm to get us here. She raised us until I was 12 and Nami was 10. One day Arlong and his crew showed up in town and told the villagers that they were taking over. He demanded we pay him. He demanded 100,000 beri for an adult and 50,000 for a child. We have to pay him every month. If someone can't pay that months tribute they are killed. Our mother only had 100,000 beri saved up. She sacrificed herself so that we could live. One of Arlong's crew members saw a map and Nami told them it was hers. They took her and she was forced to join their crew and draw maps for them. Later that day she came back to town with a stack of cash and that tattoo on her. That was eight years ago."
After hearing that story they were all upset. Johnny and Yosaku were outside listening the whole time. Sanji was taking out a new cigarette. Usopp was shocked. Zoro was indifferent but they figured that was his own way of dealing with things. Luffy on the other hand was furious.
"THAT BASTARD" Luffy yelled
"He is not going to know what hit him when I am done with him. I am going to get some air" Luffy said having calmed down a little.
"Luffy whatever you do save some for us." Zoro said
"Don't worry, I am just going outside. I'm not going to fight them yet."
Luffy didn't make it far outside before he saw the old man with the pinwheel and a Marine walking toward Nami's house through the field of tangerines.
"Nami, come out here." Luffy said
Nami and the others ran outside and they were greeted by a marine along with his troops.
"I am Captain Nezumi." The man with whiskers said
"You must be the cat burglar Nami if I'm not mistaken. I am here on orders of the government to collect money that you confiscated from pirates. Legally it belongs to the government so we are really only here to collect what is ours. Men, begin searching Tear this place up if you have to. We are looking for 100 million beri it will be hard to miss."
"How do you know how much you are looking for?" Genzo screamed at the Marine. That is for the village"
"Gen-san how did you know that?" Nami asked shocked
"I questioned Nojiko and she told me everything. We have known about it since you came back with that tattoo. We didn't tell you that we knew so that in case you wanted to run our hopes wouldn't get in the way."
Nami stood there for a little while. She was shocked to find out that everyone had known what she was up to for years. The fact that they lived under Arlong's rule for so long and without saying a word meant a lot, it meant that they had faith that Nami could do it.
"Arlong sent you here didn't he?" Nami asked the Marine as she feared that Arlong had planned all of this.
"Who knows?"
"Captain we found it." One of the Marines screamed
Nezumi walked over and opened up the large box full of cash and gold. He began looking at all of the money that Nami had stolen over the years. A lot of it was covered in blood but money was money.
"Don't you dare touch my treasure." Nami screamed as she took out her bow staff and headed for Nezumi.
Nezumi put down the money and took out a pistol. He fired the pistol at Nami but Nojiko got in the way and almost got shot in the shoulder.
Seconds earlier Luffy vanished and reappeared right in front of Nojiko with a bullet in the palm of his hand.
"What happened?" Nezumi looked puzzled to say the least. "Why aren't you on the ground in pain?"
"Looking for this?" Luffy asked
Nojiko turned around to see Luffy right in front of her
'He's fast, I didn't see him move and now he's right in front of me.' Nojiko thought.
"How did you do that?" Nezumi asked
"Doesn't matter, all that matters is that you tried to hurt Nami." Luffy said irritated
Sanji walked up behind him and put his hand on Luffy's shoulder. "Can I take care of them?"
"Nami?" Luffy asked.
Nami just waved them off.
"Looks like a yes to me. But leave the captain for Nami. I'm sure she's got some stress built up and needs a punching bag."
Sanji just nodded and walked away taking a puff of his cigarette. He beat the marine soldiers in no time flat.
"How dare you do that to Marines!"
"I don't care" Sanji said
Nami had seen enough. She walked over to Captain Nezumi and beat the piss out of him. Nezumi was just barely able to stand up, he couldn't get a word in before Luffy spoke up.
"The name is Monkey D. Luffy by the way. Gomu Gomu no… Pistol"
Luffy punched Nezumi so hard he went flying backwards. The others just saw him disappear and he didn't come back.
"Retreat." The marines said as they ran away with their tails between their legs.
"That was impressive kid." Genzo said
By now Nami was feeling better and her head was clear.
"You think that was impressive just wait" Nami said cracking a smile
"We've got to go" Luffy said
"Wait what?" Nami said
"I didn't mean it like that. I was just going to say that the villagers are headed for Arlong Park and we have to stop them before they get themselves killed."
"How could you possibly know that?" Nojiko asked
"If he says it it's most likely true, he's got a sixth sense for stuff like this." Zoro said poking at Luffy with the hilt of his sword.
Luffy, Zoro, Sanji and Usopp began to walk off but before they got too far Luffy went back and put his straw hat on Nami's head. He just cracked a smile and ran to catch up to the trio ahead of him.
"He cares about you." Nojiko said
Nami blushed a little and just hit Nojiko in the shoulder
"The villagers are going to get there before them, hopefully they don't do anything to foolish." Nami said
"We have to get there to talk them down." Nojiko said
"Let's go" Genzo said as the three began heading for Arlong Park.
In front of Arlong Park Johnny and Yosaku were sitting in front of the gate.
"Are you guys okay?" a villager asked
"Were you beaten by Arlong?" another villager asked
"Let us through" one of the villagers said
"You won't stand a chance against Arlong." Johnny said
"We are waiting for those guys to show up."
"Those guys?" another villager said
"Yeah if they can't beat Arlong then the entire East Blue is in trouble." Johnny said
Almost like clockwork Johnny and Yosaku saw the Straw Hats in the distance.
"They're here" they said standing up in front of the crowd of people. "Out of the way." Luffy said and the crowd of people began parting until finally the four male straw hats were in front of the gate to Arlong Park.
"Gear Third" Luffy said then he bit down on this thumb and only inflated his arm to four or five times its regular size. He obliterated the doors and walked inside not shrinking down to his chibi form. Everyone behind him was just standing there with there with their mouths wide open not knowing what the hell they had just seen.
"Alright, that is a new one." Zoro said rubbing the back of his head.
"I assume that you are Arlong?"
"That's me, who the hell are you?"
"My name is Luffy and I am here to kick your ass."
"Really, you are going to kick my ass?"
Luffy began walking towards Arlong but two of his nakama were standing in the way as body guards to try and stop Luffy from getting to their boss. Luffy effortlessly knocked out the guards. He kept walking up to Arlong and he punched him and he went flying into the wall creating a large hole. Everyone was shocked to see someone was able to send Arlong flying so easily.
"Incredible" One of the villagers said. "That isn't something a normal human should be able to do but I guess he isn't normal."
"Idiot" Sanji said. "Don't hog all the fun for yourself."
"Sorry, I will try to leave a few for you guys."
"U…Uh… I don't really mind if you hog them all." Usopp said walking in terrified
Nami, Nojiko and Gen walked up to Arlong Park to see Arlong go flying into a wall.
"I was right" Nami said. "I'm glad I came here with them."
"Nami" some of the villagers said. They were surprised to see her back so soon, but they were more surprised she brought help.
"What you brought those guys here?" other villagers said
"Sort of" Nami said cracking a smile. "These guys will take care of our Fishman problem."
"I was skeptical but seeing the boy in the red vest send Arlong flying like that…" Genzo said.
"Just wait, what you have seen is just the beginning."
"So you have seen his arm grow to five times its normal size?" Dr. Nako asked
"What are you talking about?"
"He put his thumb in his mouth and all of the sudden his arm was huge and there was this hole in the wall." Dr. Nako said
"I've never seen him do that."
"Arlong-san doesn't need to waste his time on you. He will be more than enough to deal with the likes of you." Hachi said as he was walking towards the male straw hats. He used his mouth as a trumpet and began calling for something.
"He's coming" Nojiko said scared
"Don't worry Nojiko." Nami said putting a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.
Nothing happened for a little while but soon a huge white and green sea cow rose out of the ocean about twenty feet from Hachi.
"This guy again." Sanji said smoking on his cigarette
Mohmoo came out of the water and started looking around. He saw the boy who had frightened him so terribly. He had turned away to swim off but was interrupted.
"Mohmoo" Arlong said irritated. "Where do you think you are going?"
Mohmoo was more scared of Arlong than he was of Luffy. He went to attack the straw hats but Luffy wasn't going to let that happen. Luffy held out his hand high up in front of him staring straight at Mohmoo he unleashed his Haoshoku Haki and knocked Mohmoo out cold this time as opposed to just intimidating him.
'Maybe we can get him to take us to Fishman Island whenever we go next time. However that would mean that we would have to find him first and that could be a pain. Oh well.'
"I didn't see him even touch him" One villager said
"What did he do this time?" Another villager asked
"What the hell did you do to Mohmoo." Arlong asked confused.
"What does it matter, soon you are going to be unconscious just like him." Luffy said
"How dare you, you inferior human." Arlong was angry now
"Bring it on" Luffy said holding his hand up motioning for Arlong to make the first move.
"Sanji, Zoro, Usopp"
"You guys want me to handle the small fry or do want to have some fun?"
"We got them." Zoro and Sanji said in unison which irritated them.
"You can take care of them." Usopp said with his knees shaking wildly.
"Chicken" Zoro said
"You can handle yourself." Sanji said trying to bolster Usopp's confidence a little.
"Tako you are mine" Zoro said to Hachi
Sanji walked over to Kuroobi getting ready to fight.
"I guess I will fight you." Sanji said to the Ray Fishman
"You think you will be able to beat me you inferior human. I'm a 40th Level master of Fishman Karate."
"Oh, sounds impressive." Sanji said sarcastically
"Guess that leaves me with the trembling shrimp." Chew said. "Huh where did he go?"
"I'm over here." Usopp said to Chew. He was outside of Arlong Park. "Catch me if you can." Usopp said and he took off running
"What the hell?" Chew said kind of annoyed that he would have to catch him before he could beat him up. Chew ran after Usopp through the hole in the wall where the door used to be.
"You know I am going to make this easier for you guys." Luffy said "There is no reason for you to waste your energy fighting these guys."
"You think you are superior to us?" Arlong said
"I don't think that. I think it would be awesome to be able to breath underwater. But I do know I am a lot stronger than you." Without another word Luffy knocked out all of the remaining Arlong Pirates aside from the top four fighters.
"You knocked them all out." Arlong said. "You are going to pay for that."
While this was going on Sanji and Zoro's fights had gotten underway. They weren't going to say it but they were glad and annoyed that at the same time all the small fry were taken out so effortlessly. They were fighting the top brass in the Arlong Pirates so Luffy was right they would need their energy especially with Zoro being hurt. They both decided that they were going to beat him up for not letting them have a little more fun.
Zoro began to attack a weaponless Hachi.
"Tako Hachi Black" ink came out of Hachi's mouth and Zoro avoided getting sprayed. Zoro countered but Hachi ducked and got some of his hair chopped off.
"You bastard! I'm gonna forgive you, it's only hair. It'll grow back."
Sanji's fight with Kuroobi had started. Sanji noticed how Zoro was having a difficult time just catching his breath.
"Getting distracted will get you killed." Kuroobi said to the cook
"The fish fighting against the cook this should be fun."
Zoro went to attack Hachi but he jumped up and used his suction cups to hold on to a pillar while upside down.
"Get your ass down here!" Zoro said getting annoyed.
Neither Sanji's kicks nor Kuroobi's punches were too effective as neither could make direct contact.
"You freakin' fish bastard!"
"You use three swords to fight so why are you only using one?"
"One is enough. You're still gonna lose! I haven't gotten serious yet." 'My fever must have gone up. I'm having trouble standing up straight.' Zoro thought to himself.
"Shit I knew it. You haven't recovered from the wound Hawkeye gave you."
"What is he talking about?" Dr. Nako asked
"Yesterday he fought a Shichibukai and lost badly. He has a very large wound across his entire chest." Yosaku said
"He's got a what?" the doctor asked.
Johnny told the doctor about the location of the wound. The doctor went visibly pale for a few seconds along with anyone close enough to hear the description.
"Just based on your description a wound of that size would leave someone bedridden for months or more likely dead. It's a miracle he's conscious let alone standing at all."
"Pretending to be sick is a very good strategy. But I'm not going to fall for it." Hachi said. "I'm going to show you my roktoryu." Hachi said as he disappeared into Arlong Park and a few moments later emerged with six swords. Hachi walked out on to the roof and Zoro fell over.
"Hey, don't fall over its insulting"
"It was only a matter of time." Nako said. "To be perfectly honest I am surprised he was able to stay standing that long."
"How could he fight with such a straight face?" Sanji asked himself. "Stupid bastard…"
Kuroobi took advantage of Sanji looking away and punched him right in the stomach sending him through the wall surrounding Arlong Park.
"Didn't I tell you to pay attention? I told you I am a 40th level master of fishman karate." Sanji just stayed their lying down on the ground for a little while.
"Looks like you are all alone now Straw Hat."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that. Roktoryu, huh?" Zoro said as he was getting up
"I don't know how he can still get up." Nako said. "I have never seen someone so determined to fight off passing out from such a serious injury."
"How are you feeling Zoro?"
"Never better captain"
"Let me make one thing clear, Tako. There is someone that I must meet again. And until that day… Not even Death himself can take my life away."
Meanwhile Usopp was still running and Chew was still chasing after him.
"He's really fast. His speed and stamina are incredible." Chew said
As Usopp was running he thought about how he had made promises to Kaya and the former Usopp Pirates. He decided that he would try his hardest to be a brave warrior of the sea. He had run far enough and ran and hid behind a tree in the woods. Chew had made up enough ground on Usopp to see him duck into the woods opposite the rice fields.
'That little pep talk from Sanji was surprisingly effective.' Usopp thought as something appeared in front of him.
It was a bag with a black slingshot, projectiles of varying colors, & a color coded guide with short descriptions of what each little pellet did.
'This feels oddly familiar' Usopp thought. Usopp flipped through the booklet really quick and did his best to try and memorize the colors of the pellets and the names of the attacks.
'You know, this looks kinda like my handwriting.' He thought. Usopp turned the bag inside out and a little note fell out. Usopp picked up it up and read it to himself.
From a friend,
This care package will help you on your journey as you travel the Grand Line and in your travels beyond that. It is filled with plants from an "island" chain in the Grand Line. They are not like your normal stars. They are a lot more powerful and the first time you use one you will be surprised. I have provided you with a half dozen of each kind I use. This will be a good start, make sure not to run out.
In the guide I included a list of the ingredients you will need to make an insecticide. As well as everything you will need to know on how to grow these. Build yourself a garden so that you can plant these and grow more. You will need a constant supply of these.
Finally take care of Merry for me. Don't let anything get in the way of you and your friends. Not even Merry is worth losing your friends over. Also don't let the gap in strength between you and the monster trio be a deterrent or make you think you are not needed. Use your smarts to out think your opponents. You may never fight the big bad. Don't worry about that. Find what you can do and work to be the best at that.
WARNINGS :
Do not use all of these Pop Greens.
Only use one at a time. You will see why.
Don't go crazy and fire a lot of them no matter how crazy the situation gets.
Don't let your supply run out. You won't just come across these like you would normal iron pellets.
You will be a brave man of the sea one day.
Usopp had to wipe a tear away from his eye after reading the note. It felt like the person who sent this was trying to teach him a lesson about something that shouldn't be repeated.
'Well I am not going to use too many of these until I am familiar with them. This is a really stressful time for something like this to fall into my lap.'
"I found you." Chew said as he went to suck up all of the water in one of the many fields.
"Oh shit." Usopp said as water bullets began destroying the tree he was hiding behind as well as many of the surrounding trees. "It stopped" Usopp said as he got up after the water stopped flying past him. Usopp pulled back the bands on his mysterious black slingshot and fired a Pop Green.
"Midori Boshi Rafflesia"
It landed near Chew and a giant flower emerged
"What the hell is that?" Chew said before the stench took effect. "That stinks" Chew said holding his nose
"Here catch this" Usopp said as he threw a bottle at Chew.
"Sake? Why would you throw sake?"
"Hissatsu Namari Boshi" Usopp said as he fired a pellet and hit the bottle
The bottle shattered and the sake landed all over Chew
"Hissatsu Kaen Boshi" and the sake ignited
Chew took off running for the water to put out the fire. But Usopp caught up to him. "Usopp Hammer" he said as he hit Chew and he was sent into the water. He continued to hit Chew on the head with the hammer until he was sure he was unconscious.
"Wow, that went really well." Usopp said as he started to walk back to Arlong Park. "I have a feeling I should hide this stuff for a little while."
Back at Arlong Park Sanji was lighting a cigarette and took a puff before he got back up.
"He's alive" One of the villagers said
"That fish bastard's punch is level forty? Then the kicks I always took from that old man must've been level four hundred."
"Why do you keep pushing yourself?" Hachi asked. "You won't be able to defeat my roktoryu."
'I have to finish this fast.' Zoro thought as he was tying his bandana around his head.
"Johnny, Yosaku I need to borrow your swords."
"No problem Zoro-aniki." They said as they tossed Zoro their swords
"Now you'll see the barrier that you humans will never surpass. Roktoryu" Hachi said as he was preparing to attack. Zoro caught the swords in between his blades as Hachi was beginning his attack. "Tako Ashi Kiken!" Hachi began swinging his swords around trying to hurt Zoro. But Zoro was able to avoid every blade and counter attack.
"Santoryu…Tourou Nagashi!" Zoro said as he was out of range of Hachi's attacks for the moment. Zoro had managed to cut a large X into Hachi's chest
"Think about it logically, would you? You can't match six swords when you can only carry three yourself."
"Numbers don't matter! I may only have three swords, but yours will never be as heavy as mine!"
"If its weight we're taking about my swords weigh 300 kg each."
"It's useless talking to an idiot."
"Roktoryu, Tako Tsubo no Kamae!" Hachi said as he put the ends of the six blades together. "Shin shun!" He said as he ran forward towards Zoro.
Zoro managed to stop the attack but Hachi used the six swords to force Zoro's two swords apart leaving him wide open. Hachi ran head first into Zoro and knocked him backwards. He went back and barely managed to stay standing.
"That probably opened up his wound again." Nako said
'A wound that'd make an ordinary man fall unconscious… I won't lose to it.'
"Roktoryu, Tako Tsubo no Kamae!"
'A wound that'd make an ordinary man fall unconscious… I won't lose to it.'
"Shin Shun" Hachi tried his attack again
'To face one who is as extraordinary as Hawk Eye, I can't allow myself to be ordinary!' Zoro got ready for another attack. He positioned the sword in his right hand blade facing out and the sword in his left hand blade facing in towards himself. Zoro began spinning and broke all of Hachi's swords.
"Tatsumaki" Zoro sent Hachi flying up into the air. Now do you understand how much heavier my swords are?" Zoro walked over to the wall and sat down. He wasn't going to be of any more help today.
"Nice work Zoro." Luffy said
Kuroobi went to attack Zoro but was stopped by Sanji. "You thought you could get rid of me that easily?"
"I didn't think there was anyone in the East Blue who could stand up to my punch."
"Oh, I am sure you would find a few, especially in a certain restaurant."
"You really think so?"
"Well I will show you a stronger version of the move that blew you out of the park."
"It's called the Senmaigawara Seiken. Your chance of survival is ZERO!" While Kuroobi was distracted Sanji took advantage of that.
"Collier" Sanji said and kicked Kuroobi in the face. The force of the kick broke the concrete surrounding Kuroobi."Epaule" in the shoulder while trying to get up. "Cotelette" kicked in the ribs. "Selle" Sanji kicked him in the lower back. "Poitirine" kicked in the chest. "Gigot" kicked in the legs.
"Why you bastard!" Kuroobi said as he was trying to get up after that barrage.
"Mutton Shot" Sanji said kicking Kuroobi into Arlong Park and through to the back wall of Arlong Park.
"How dare you hurt my brethren" Arlong said getting really pissed off.
"Now that they have had their fun it looks like it's just you and me now." Luffy said
"Why you."
"Luffy finish this" Usopp said sitting on top of the wall
"Usopp, how did it go?" Usopp held up a peace sign. "I guess I do need to end this if my crew has already won their fights."
Arlong secreted water from his skin
"Move out of the way" Luffy yelled to the crowd of people behind him. They did as they were told and either watched through the hole made by Sanjji or climbed up on the wall to join Usopp.
"Yabusame" Arlong said and began throwing lots of drops of water at Luffy.
"Is that the best you can do?" Luffy said as he easily dodged every single droplet.
"How are you doing that? How can you avoid all of them?"
"Haki" Luffy stated simply
"Haki?"
"Yeah, let me show you. Busoshoku koka" Luffy said as his right hand and forearm turned black. "Gomu Gomu no… Pistol." It hit Arlong right in the stomach.
"That hurt you bastard" Arlong said
"Really, well how about this? Gear Second" Luffy said as steam started flowing off of his right arm.
"Gomu Gomu no… Jet Pistol."
Arlong was sent flying backwards and crashed through the wall. Soon enough Arlong got up and walked out clutching his stomach in pain.
"You ate a devil fruit didn't you?"
"Yup, I ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi." Luffy said stretching his cheek unnaturally far. "Go get whatever you want to fight me with, I'll wait"
"You are going to regret that"
"No, No, I won't"
Arlong went over to a wall and put his arm through it grabbing his weapon of choice.
"Kiribachi" Nami said
Arlong began attacking Luffy. Luffy once again dodged every attack Arlong sent his way. Luffy was making his way up Arlong Park level by level with every attack he dodged. That was until he made it to the top level of Arlong Park and made his way into the room where Nami spent her time making maps for them.
"Top floor…left window" Nami said to herself. "That is the cartography room!"
"You have nowhere left to go. This is the top floor of Arlong Park"
"What is this room?" Luffy asked playing dumb. "It's full of paper."
"Not just any ordinary paper! This is the room for that girl to draw her maps."
'This room has to go' Luffy thought to himself
"All of them are sea maps the Nami drew for me. It's impressive isn't it? Eight years of work. It's my treasure. We know the oceans like the back of our hands but we can't draw the charts. That girl is a genius. She is too good for the likes of you humans."
"Nami is our nakama. You force her to make all of these maps and you call her a nakama. Nami deserves a lot better than you. Nami is our Navigator. And just so you know this whole damn building is going to come down and their isn't a thing you can do to stop it."
"What did you say?"
"I said I am going to destroy this room, all of the charts inside and then I am going to destroy your precious Arlong Park."
"You think you will defeat me and destroy this room? That's hilarious."
"No it's true."
"One last thing before this building goes is that it is a nice stand in for Sabaody Park."
"What did you say?"
"Oh nothing"
Arlong snapped and began swinging the Kiribachi around trying to kill Luffy. The only damage he ended up doing was to multiple stacks of sea charts in the room.
"You bastard"
"What, I am not the one slicing up Nami's charts."
Luffy kicked the desk through the wall. As people were trying to figure out what was falling out of the sky, Nami was looking up just watching the desk fall.
"Luffy?"
"Why you! What the hell are you doing?"
"I already told you, I'm destroying this room."
Next came a bookcase followed by a stacks of sea charts
"It took eight years to make all of these."
"Thank you." Nami said crying as she was watching all of the charts fall to the ground.
"Gear Second" Luffy said as steam began flowing off of his arms. "Gomu Gomu no Jet Gattling." Luffy said as he began to punch Arlong. At first Arlong tried to stop the barrage of punches but it was to no avail. They were too fast. Soon Arlong fell over unconscious.
"It's time this whole building comes down." Luffy said to himself. Luffy jumped up through the ceiling and in doing so he knocked the flag pole off the roof. Soon he was high above Arlong park. "Gear Third" Luffy said as he bit down and began blowing air into his arm soon his right fist was about half the size of top level of the park. "Busoshoku koka" Luffy said as his giant right fist and forearm turned black. "Gomu Gomu no Elephant Gun" Luffy said as he punched the roof of Arlong Park. This caused the top floor to collapse, followed by all of the other floors below.
All of the villagers ran for cover as the debris started falling to the ground.
"Arlong Park was demolished" Dr. Nako said
Everyone was watching as Luffy's arm shrunk and he landed on the rubble.
"Luffy!" Nami said excited.
"NAMI! YOU'RE MY NAKAMA!"
Nami just nodded her head and started crying a little.
"He won! I can't believe this day has finally come!"
Luffy made his way off of the rubble and over to all the people. Everyone started celebrating and tossing Luffy up in the air. That was until they missed him and he fell on the ground. Nami walked up behind Luffy and put his hat back on his head and started laughing.
"That's enough, scumbags!" Captain Nezumi said. "Well, this must be my lucky day! Good work."
"I thought Nami already beat the crap out of you once." Nojiko said
"I enjoyed the show, but I never would have thought that these fishmen would be defeated by the likes of you silly pirates. But thanks to you, Arlong's bounty, as well as all of Arlong Parks's riches will be mine. Everyone, put down your weapons! Because I Captain Nezumi will…" He was cut off
"Zoro!" Usopp said surprised that he was up and about.
"Don't spoil the mood when people are trying to celebrate."
Sanji, Zoro and Luffy proceeded to beat up all of the Marines.
"If you dare hit me just one more time, I won't let you live."
"He's still talking?" Sanji asked
Nami walked up to Nezumi. "This is for trying to hurt Nojiko and poking your nose where it doesn't belong." She hit him as hard as she could with her bow staff and sent him head first into the water.
"Thanks Nami, that makes me feel better."
"And there's a thousand more where that came from, jerk!" Genzo yelled. Nezumi pulled himself up out of the water only for Nami to be there waiting. She grabbed his whiskers and started making demands.
"Now. You guys will take care of cleaning up after the fishmen and help reconstruct Gosa village. And you will not touch any of the fishmen's treasure. They belong to the people of this island. Understand?"
"Ow, ow! I'll do as you say." Soon after the Marines began swimming away.
"This won't be forgotten, you lousy pirates! Straw Hat! Your name's Luffy! You're the captain! Don't forget this! You're gonna be big, after messing with me! I'll make you sorry"
"He said we're gonna be big." Sanji said
"How does he know I am going to be King of the Pirates"
"He wasn't talking about that, you numbskull." Zoro said
"If we become notorious, what'll happen to us? What'll we do?"
"Now everyone we can't just celebrate this by ourselves!" Tell the news to the whole island!" The Dr. said
"Arlong Park has fallen!" the villagers yelled as they began running to spread the word.
The five Straw Hats were more or less left alone to just laugh
"Who would've thought that we'd be saved by pirates?" Genzo said. What's the world coming to? At long last, Belle-mere can rest in peace."
Later the same day the party began and not long after Luffy began eating. After Arlong Park fell Zoro was taken to Dr. Nako's clinic to get his wound cleaned and stitched properly.
"He's been working on that wound for a while now." Sanji said
"That really doesn't sound like fun." Usopp said
"Yeah, well he was in pretty rough shape." Sanji said. "Anyone else would need at least a year to heal after an injury like that."
Inside the doctor's office.
"Idiot! You tried to handle an injury this serious by yourself?"
"It hurts"
"Of course it's going to hurt, you're lucky no ribs or organs were damaged. Are you guys really pirates? Do you guys even have a doctor for your ship?"
"We don't have one now but that's a good idea." Luffy said while he was hanging in the window.
"Hey doctor what is up on the cliff overlooking the ocean?"
"It's a grave." The doctor said not knowing that Luffy knew the whole story of this island.
Nami was up on the cliff sitting in front of Belle-mere's grave.
"What's with you Nami?" What are you still doing here?"
"He's looking for you, your boyfriend."
"What are you taking about Nojiko?"
"The captain, what was his name? Oh yeah, it's Luffy right?"
"What makes you think he's my boyfriend?"
"Why else would he do something so crazy? He obviously cares about you. And you don't want to admit it but you kind of like him as well."
By now Genzo was picking himself up off the ground. He had basically passed out when Nojiko said boyfriend.
"Nami what's this about a boyfriend?" Genzo asked
"Nothing"
"He's not, he's just a friend." Nami said kind of blushing
"If that's what you want to believe."
"Nojiko, Gen-san"
"If Belle-mere-san was still alive do you think she would stop me from becoming a pirate?"
"A pirate? Are you kidding? There is no way she'd ever let her little girl become a pirate!"
"She wouldn't stop you."
"NOJIKO"
"And if she did say no, would you listen?"
"No way!"
"You two are definitely, Belle-mere's daughters."
"Nami, you've made up your mind already? So just do what you fell is right. Just like your mother did. She wouldn't have expected any less" Genzo said walking away.
"Nami, whether he is your boyfriend or not. Just make sure you thank him." Nojiko said turning back to walk to the party
Later that night Nami was walking around looking for Luffy. She was thinking about what Nojiko said, about Luffy being her boyfriend. She didn't believe he was but he was special to her. He was the one who set the village free after eight long years.
"Zoro" Nami said. "Have you seen Luffy anywhere?"
"Nope, I lost track of that idiot after he left to go look around the island while I was getting stitched up. He mentioned something about a cliff looking out on to the ocean."
"Oh did he now?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh, no reason. Now that I think about it should you even be out of bed?"
"I'll be fine. Nothing some food and sake won't fix."
"That's not how that works." Nami said walking off in a huff.
Zoro got up and went to go find more sake.
Luffy was sitting in front of Belle-mere's grave when Genzo walked up behind him
"What are you doing here?"
"I was paying my respects and looking out on to the East Blue."
"Do you even know who that is for?"
"Nami's mother"
"How did you…"
"Nojiko told us what happened."
"Well, ok." Genzo said confused. Before today they didn't know these pirates and they had no reason to tell them of their painful past. "Listen, kid. Nami's going to sail with you and become a pirate. It's a dangerous journey and I know that it can't be helped. But if you ever take Nami's smile away I will find you and I will kill you."
"I don't want Nami to stop smiling either."
"JUST PROMISE ME!" Genzo yelled. Genzo poured some sake over the grave, said a few words before he walked away. After Genzo left Luffy stayed sitting alone at Belle-mere's grave.
"I don't know you but I wish you could see how this place has changed in just a few short hours. I have had a lot on my mind recently and I can't exactly talk to my crew about it so I figured this would be ok."
"To tell you the truth I have done this all once before. I became King of the Pirates and for selfish reasons I came back to the past. I often think about what I did and what I left behind to come back here. I beat Arlong once and set this village island free. Nami joined my crew after we beat Arlong and his crew the first time.
"We went on a lot of adventures and had lots of fun. But when we made it to the end of the Grand Line we were forced apart for two years. We all learned a lot and got stronger during that time. I hope we won't have to be separated again. But during that time I met a lot of people that would become allies during our travels in the New World. Hancock, Jinbe, Iva, Law & Rayleigh just to name a few. I am sure I missed a bunch but those were the people who helped me the most. It would be a shame to not get to know them this time around."
"When we finally got back together Nami used what she learned during our time apart to take us to the end of the New World. It was all to complete my goal of becoming Pirate King, but I was so focused on that. Sure, I was a fine captain but this time I am going to be a little less crazy and take the time to learn about my crew and help them become stronger."
"Even before we made it to the New World we helped a Kingdom at the bottom of the sea and gained a new ally with the help of a friend I met during our time apart. When we did make it to the New World we ran into Law on Punk Hazard. We helped some kids who were being experimented on by a Caesar clown. We went on to Dressrosa to return a king back to his thrown after he was forced out of power."
"It really does sound crazy doesn't it I am glad I could tell someone about it?"
Luffy was going to keep talking but sensed someone coming so he halted talking about the future.
"Hey Nami what's up?" Luffy stood up and walked towards Nami.
"Not much, hey I am the one asking the questions." Nami said
"Oh, sorry. I was just here paying my respects."
"That means a lot Luffy."
"I remembered the story Nojiko told us so I just started walking around the island. Eventually I found myself here."
"You know Luffy I never did get to thank you for all that you have done for us and for me."
"You don't have to thank me."
"I don't?" Nami said confused
"Nope"
"Well I still want to." Nami said walking over to Luffy. Nami stopped right in front of Luffy, grabbed his vest and pulled him in real close and kissed him on the lips. After a few nice long kiss they broke apart, both of them were bright red.
"What was that for?" Luffy asked
"Like I said it was a thank you."
"Are you going to do that to Zoro, San.." Nami stopped him mid thought and left a nice large bump on his head.
'Can't teach her Busoshoku Haki' Luffy thought
"NO" she yelled. "That was a special thank you just for you." She said as she walked off but stopped and turned half around to face Luffy. "Of course you can't mention this to them either." She said and turned back around and walked off into the night.
'Well that was surprising' Luffy thought still blushing. He turned around as he sensed someone behind him. It was Belle-mere standing next to her grave and she was smiling. She was only there for a few seconds before she vanished. "Okay, that was weird" Luffy said aloud. He then walked off to go get more food to eat.
The party kept going for two more nights before every one had partied themselves out and passed out from the food and alcohol.
That same night Nami went to get her Arlong tattoo removed and replaced with her pinwheel and tangerine design. After that she went to the house where she grew up one last time. She left all of the money and gold she gathered over the years for the town. She thought about all of the time she spent with Belle-mere both good and bad. Nami was holding her old map of the island she drew when she was a child. Belle-mere was sitting there at the table just listening.
"It's finally over, Belle-mere-san. It took eight long years, but we're finally free. Me, and everyone else. It's just like you said Belle-mere-san, as long as you keep living, good times will eventually come again. It came true. And now, everyone in the village is smiling from the bottom of their hearts. Me? I've decided to leave the island!"
"Don't worry, I'll be okay. They're really good people, and pretty strong too! For the last eight years, I've drawn so many maps. But this is the only one I managed to save. From now on I'll only draw maps for myself. I want to see the world! Together with my nakama! That's my dream. So, I'm not sure when I'll be coming back." Nami said gripping the old map and wiping tears out of her eyes.
"I'm going now, okay." Nami said as she began walking towards the door. She opened the door and it felt like someone pushed her out kind of like nudging her on to go live her life the way she wants. She looked back surprised to see no one was there. Smiling she laughed and walked out of the door one last time.
The next morning Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp were getting Merry ready to leave. Zoro who was climbing up a rope ladder and handed Usopp a crate
"This is the last one, right?" Usopp asked
"Yeah" Zoro said making his way on to the deck of the Merry.
"They've stocked us with plenty of food. Looks like we're ready to go."
"We've only been here a few days, but I feel like we've made so many memories on this island, you know." Usopp said
"I couldn't agree more" Luffy said laughing.
Sanji began looking around for someone in particular. Johnny and Yosaku told Zoro that they were going to stay and continue working as bounty hunters.
"We owe you all so much, hopefully we'll meet again one day."
"Take care of yourselves."
"You guys as well" They said in unison
"Alright, let's get going too!" Usopp said
"Wait a minute! What about Nami-san"
"I didn't think she was coming."
"WHY NOT?!"
"What the hell did you do to her?"
"What are you talking about?"
"She doesn't have a reason to be a pirate anymore."
"Without Nami-san I lose 98.72% of my reason to be here!"
"SET SAIL" Nami yelled as she began running through the crowd of people. She made her way to the end of the pier and jumped over to the ship. She pulled up her shirt just enough to let all of the wallets she stole fall onto the deck. With everyone screaming at her the five straw hats made their way out to sea.
Back to the future Straw Hats watching through the portal
"Aside from Usopp getting his Kuro Kabuto and a wide variety of Pop Greens I think I speak for everyone when I say the most shocking part out of all of that was Nami kissing Luffy." Franky said still not exactly sure what to make of that
Sanji erupted into a fire ball when Nami kissed Luffy and he stayed like that for while.
"Nami-san" Sanji said no longer on fire and calming down. "Why did you kiss Luffy?" Sanji said annoyed
"Hey, don't look at me." She said "That wasn't what happened."
Sanji just started crying, he looked pitiful. He was acting like one of Perona's negative hollows passed through him. It was actually pretty sad.
"Don't take that the wrong way. After Arlong Park came down and Nezumi was taken care of Luffy disappeared. After the party started I think Luffy spent all of that time walking around eating as much as he could. I didn't see him at all until we left Cocoyashi."
Sanji stood up, he looked happy again.
"If that's true then why did you kiss him this time?" Brook asked
"Again, I don't know. I don't have any control over that me." She said annoyed
"But she is you, correct?" Robin asked
"Yeah, I guess. But for a little while after I met him in Orange Town I still hated pirates. I tricked him into doing what I wanted. I don't think I would have kissed him."
"He still did what you wanted in Orange Town. He knew what was going to happen and he still let you tie him up." Robin said. "I think that there is a whole other side to our captain that we have never seen before." Robin said chuckling.
"Maybe there is another side to you we haven't seen before? Is there another part of you that has had these thoughts, these fantasies about our captain? Luffy has saved you quite a few times before, has he not?" Robin asked
Sanji went back to looking pathetic.
"Well what about you Robin? You haven't had any of those thoughts after Luffy rescued you from Enies Lobby. And what about Zoro?" Sanji just got worse. He was lying on the ground crying and hitting the ground.
"What about me?" Zoro asked finally listening to the conversation. Up to this point he wasn't interested. But once he heard his name he started paying attention, trying to figure out what they were talking about.
"Luffy has saved me and tried to protect me just as many times as Zoro has done for you." Nami said bringing her train of thought to a grinding halt.
Nami looked to Robin and then to Zoro and back to Robin.
"Do you think they protected us because we are girls, crewmates or because secretly they liked us and that was their way of showing it?"
"Well Zoro?" Robin and Nami asked in unison?
"What do you want from me?"
"Do you like Robin?"
"I think no matter what I say I am going to get hit." Hesitantly Zoro said "Sure"
Sanji got up, ran over to Zoro and went to kick him but he blocked the kick with his sword. The two exchanged a few blows but neither side made any sort of progress before Nami hit them both.
"I was trying to ask a serious question" Nami said yelling at them.
"What do you think…" Nami had to stop mid-sentence when her mouth hit the floor.
Robin had walked over to Zoro grabbed his jacket to pull him closer and kissed him on the lips in front of everyone. They kissed for a few seconds before they separated. Robin giggled and Zoro just blushed a little.
"You won't get anything out of him by just asking questions. You have to take action if you want anything out of him." Robin said
The rest of the crew and the ghost just stood there mouths open wide. Then there was Sanji who was somewhere between sad and furious that Robin-chawn hadn't kissed him.
"Why did it have to be the marimo?"