This is NOT my story. I have changed and added parts from various other One Piece Fem!Luffy and Luffy x Zoro stories along with my own writing to create a full one.
As I get further into the story, about chapters 5 and 6 it will start becoming more of my own writing mixed in with everything else I have added. I'm looking forward to posting up Luffy's background with Shanks. Most of the flashback scene was written entirely by me and the rest was heavily edited by me and it was a lot of fun!
Sorry Pizzafan123, Shanks' chapter will be the next one. But I can guarantee it will be lots of fun with some adorable ZoLu moments.
Shirani-Chan - Thanks so much for the review. Glad you like it and stay tuned for more!
The authors I have borrowed from are: Pen-Woman, ChemGirl, and Killjou. (If someone thinks I have added some of their story, I apologize for not listing you. PM me and I will add you)
Beta reader for Pen-Woman is TheBlackSeaReaper.
One Piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda
The Unlikely Pair: The Pirate & The Pirate Hunter
Together we can face our fear, together we can make all the sadness disappear, together we can make no more tears, all the dreams can be true if we are together my dear. Together there is nothing to worry about, together we can go anywhere in or out, together we can make lot of beautiful things to be proud, and together everything can be found
SO GO AHEAD TO BE AS ONE HAND….by Angelica Ayman.
Zoro and Coby watched in horror as the marines took their aim, waiting at the command of the ruthless, tyrant Captain Morgan. Coby had started crying and was frozen in fear; he didn't want to die after finally having the courage to escape from that brute of a woman, Captain Alvida. He wanted to become a marine, he didn't want to die at the hands of marines. Zoro had similar thought. He certainty didn't want to die, he had a promise to keep and if he died, he'd die as a failure. He refused to die before accomplishing his and her dream.
"FIRE!" as Morgan shouted, the Marines pulled the trigger and everything seemed to move in slow motion. As the bullets left the barrels a girl dropped from the sky, right in the trajectory of the shots, standing to shield the two original targets from harm. As the bullets ricocheted, the girl straightened her hat and began to laugh, a wide and bright smile on her face.
"That won't work on me!" She giggled. "I told you I was strong." Then she began to laugh harder, bending over at the waist as she clutched her stomach, laughing like an insane person because of the looks she was getting. In all their years of hardship and experiences, the marines had never seen such a power display from one so small right in front of their eyes. Morgan was the only one who didn't seem to be fazed, but Zoro wasn't doing much better than the marines, his eyes wide and face showing a mixture of shock, disbelief, amazement, and slight anger for the fact that she scared him half to death. He didn't know why he cared so much. They had only known each other for a few hours and he had already thought that he was going to lose her. But this crazy, aggravating girl had some sort of insane ability that can protect her from anything and she hadn't told him!
"JUST WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU COULD DO THAT?!" Zoro shouted at her. Luffy turned her head to Zoro and softened her manic smile.
"I'm Monkey D. Luffyko and I'm gonna be Queen of the Pirates!"
"You're gonna be Queen of the Pirates? Yeah right, you're even more crazy than I thought; do you have any idea what that means?" Zoro asked. He was even more worried now. Was this girl ok, or was she totally insane?
"Queen of the Pirates means Queen of the Pirates. how can it mean anything other than that?" she answered him, head tilted to the side as if the answer was as simple as that. Then Coby chuckled softly and elaborated.
"Yeah, when she first told me that, it was shocking but she's completely serious. That's how she is, of course, she has every intention of becoming Queen of the Pirates and obtaining the greatest treasure of them all, the One Piece." Zoro stared back at the small girl in shock, he respected her a little more now after learning that she was willing to die to achieve her dream. Luffy's grin widened again as Coby talked about the One Piece and even though he could respect her, Zoro still wondered if she had gotten hit on the head too many time as an infant.
He was brought back to the present when Luffy stepped in front of him and held out the three swords she had brought. "Here you go, just like I promised. There's three of them but I couldn't tell which one was yours so I brought all of them."
"All of them belong to me." Zoro explained, sighing. "I use Santoryuu, the Three Sword Style Technique."
"Ok, take them already, but just so you know if you fight with me now, the government will consider you a villain. So it's either that or get killed by the marines, execution style." Luffy stared at him seriously, and Zoro snorted.
"What are you, the Devil's daughter? It doesn't matter because if I don't choose your side I'll be dead on these sticks, so let's do it." Then he smirked darkly, a face that could make anyone cry like a tiny school girl but seemed to have no effect on Luffy. She just whooped and did a small jump of joy.
"YAHOOO~ My first mate! This is going to be so awesome, thank you so~ much~!" And then she gave Zoro a big hug, eyes sparkling. Zoro was petrified for a second from the sudden cuddle and the warmth of his new captain pressed against him made him feel almost light inside. He quickly snapped out of it and glared down at her angrily.
"WILL YOU STOP HUGGING ME AND START CUTTING THESE ROPES ALREADY!" She removed herself from Zoro, giggling, and moved to do what he said. The marines just continued to stare at the trio, baffled and frightened by the girl's powers.
"What the…what is she?" one shocked Marine asked, not expecting an answer, barely even believing his eyes. "The bullets just bounced right off her."
Morgan stepped forward, supporting his large ax-hand. "The Straw Hat is no ordinary girl; she must've eaten one of those devil fruits that we've heard so much about." The marines began to whisper back and forth to each other.
"The Devil Fruit?"
"The hidden treasure of the sea!"
Morgan quickly silenced them. "The Devil Fruits, they say who ever eats one of those can gain extraordinary, other-worldly abilities. The power to breath fire, the power to cause tsunamis, rumors persist that they are many types of these Fruits but next to nothing is known about them. It is said that the secret lies somewhere in the Grand Line, and there's no doubt about it that the Straw Hat girl has shown her Devil power." While Morgan described the fruits to his men, Luffy was busy trying to untie the ropes holding Zoro to the post, and in the end only making them tighter. Both Zoro and Coby began to get more anxious and hissed at her to hurry it up.
"It doesn't matter what abilities she has, all who oppose me are traitors. If guns won't work then CHOP THEM!" Morgan shouted this order to his marines and all of the soldiers quickly drew their swords before charging at the trio. Coby began to panic even more and even Zoro was starting to get a little worried. He glanced down Luffy but the young captain didn't even seem to notice the approaching marines.
"This is actually a lot harder than it looks,: she scratched her head in confusion.
"GIVE ME MY DAMNED SWORDS NOW!"
"LUFFY!" Luffy turned to see the marines bearing down on them and reacted. Coby watched their approach with terror before closing his eyes, not wanting to see the gruesome sight. He heard a loud clanging of metal and cracked one eye curiously before gaping at the sight in front of him. Zoro was free and had stopped the coming marines with his three swords, one in each hand and the last, with the white handle, rested between his teeth. With his incredible strength, he had succeed in blocking every one of the marine's swords. Captain Morgan stared at Zoro shocked, brows furrowing and teeth grinding together in anger. Luffy had been pushed back as Zoro moved, feet tangling underneath her and sending her back onto her ass. She stared up at her first mate, amazed at his speed and power, her ever present wide smile showing him how impressed she was. Some of the marines gasped and tried to move but before they could take a single step Zoro slid his eyes to the side and said to them in his most intimidating manner.
"Make one move and you die." His expression was so dark that most of the marines had to fight the urge to drop their swords and run.
"He's so scary," one of them whispered, voice cracking with fear.
"Today I officially become a criminal for having fought the marines. So I'll become a Pirate, that I promise you…BUT, I want to let you know one thing. While I'm with you, the only thing I dedicate myself to is to fulfill my ambition." Zoro's voice was muffled by the sword in his mouth but Luffy understood him and saw in his eyes that this was important.
"Which is?" She asked, adopting her own serious gaze and nodding at him to show she would honor whatever he said.
"To be nothing less than the World's Greatest Swordsman. If something should have happen along the way that stops me from reaching my dream then you take full responsibility for it. I will ki-" He stumbled, almost hesitating, before continuing. "Afterward, you have to apologize to me directly." His tone showed that he was completely serious and his expression mirrored his tone.
"The World's Greatest Swordsman sounds good to me." Luffy nodded before continuing. "The Queen of the Pirates wouldn't have anything less than the best on her crew." Then she smiled in glee and Zoro knew that he had chosen to follow the right person.
"You've got guts for a little girl. From this point on, no matter if I'm criminal or not, my name shall spread throughout the world and to the heavens above," Zoro exclaimed.
Captain Morgan had had enough of their exchange and the lack of motion in his troops and he began to shout again.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING STANDING THERE FROZEN?! KILL THEM ALREADY! RIGHT NOW!" The marines flinched at their Captain's voice. They had completely forgotten what they were supposed to do, but Luffy was already two steps ahead of them.
"You might wanna duck, Zoro," She warned, rising to her feet. She lifted her right leg up and placed a bracing hand on it. Zoro's eyes widened in understanding and he quickly pushed back the marine's swords before dropping to his stomach.
"Gum-Gum Leg Sweeper!" She lashed out with her leg as it stretched, becoming almost like a long whip. It struck the marines Zoro had been holding back and sent them flying into the wall 10 feet away. Captain Morgan gawked in surprise to see his men defeated by a girl with just with one hit.
"Wow, that's amazing! You knocked them all down," Coby cheered as Luffy's leg snapped back into its original position; even Zoro looked impressed.
"What are you, Luffy?"
"I'm a rubber human. I ate the gum-gum devil fruit," She laughed, wiggling her leg playfully before standing straight. The marines she had hit were collapsed on the ground, groaning, and watched as the frightening girl relaxed out of a fighting stance and turned to the two others she was with. Some began to speak up, knowing there was no way they could beat them.
"Captain, we don't stand a chance against them."
"He's right, just look at them! They're insane."
"We couldn't even take on Zoro by himself."
Morgan gritted his teeth in fury and a vein began to pulse on his forehead. "This is a direct order, every Marine that just showed weakness and spoke, pull out your guns and shoot yourself. You're nothing but cowardly and incompetent soldiers who can't even carry out one simple order."
Luffy turned to glare at Morgan as she heard the order, watching some of the marines lift their guns to their heads. They had been insulted and humiliated by their commanding officer one too many times in her opinion.
"Hey Zoro? let's end this," she said sternly.
"You got it."
They both charged past the kneeling marines, ready to pound Morgan to submission. The captain saw their approach and raised his ax-hand to his chest, blocking Luffy's fist and Zoro's swords.
"Rank-less, low-life bums! You have no rights to defy my superiority. I'm Marine Captain Ax-hand Morgan," Morgan shouted as he removed his coat and threw it.
"Tsk, as if I care who you are." Zoro rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"And my name is Luffy," she said at the same time. "Nice to meet you, asshole!" Her eyes were dark with anger as she jumped back slightly. "Zoro? I've got this guy."
"Go to hell!" Morgan shouted, sweeping his ax in front of him and just missing Luffy as she jumped, one hand holding onto her hat. The swing cut the fence to Morgan's right in half, forcing Zoro to take a few steps back. In midair, Luffy straightened out of her jump and planted both feet on Morgan's face, sending the captain back onto the ground with a thud.
"The captain...!" The marines stared in shock as Morgan rose back to his feet and glared down at Luffy angrily.
"Go to HELL!" This time Morgan swept his ax in a downward motion. Luffy stepped to the side, barely missing the sharp blade, twisting her hip as she did and kicking out with her right leg. Her leg stretched into a shorter version of the whip she had used earlier and her foot hooked over Morgan's head before slamming him face first into the ground.
"He's being kicked around like a rag doll," Some of the marines whispered, watching the fight with wide eyes.
Luffy placed one foot square on Morgan's back and held him down, still glaring angrily at the larger man. "Some great marine you are. Abusing your men; ruining Coby's dream. She raised her fist to punch Morgan one last time but froze at a loud shout.
"WAIT!"
Luffy turned her head to see Helmeppo standing next to Coby, a gun pointed at the pink haired boy. She followed through with her punch, knocking Morgan out before stepping away from the marine captain.
"I SAID TO WAIT!" Helmeppo whined. "NOBODY MOVE OR I'LL KILL HIM!"
The marines stared in shock at the normally timid son of the captain, almost holding their breath as they waited to see what the girl would do. Zoro's expression was blank but he too was curious as to what Luffy would do.
"Luffy! Don't worry about me!" Coby shouted, fists clenching. "I don't want to be in your way. I'm not afraid of death!"
"QUICKLY GUYS! CAPTURE HER AND ZORO!"
Luffy removed her hat with a sigh and began to slowly walk towards Helmeppo. The marines watched her, stupefied at her actions, did she want the boy to die? Zoro just fell into step a few feet behind her. For some reason he almost knew that she would be able to save Coby.
"I SAID, STAY BACK! I'LL KILL HIM! I SWEAR I'LL KILL HIM!" Helmeppo kept threatening Luffy as she neared him, grabbing onto Coby's arm and holding the boy tighter against himself. Finally, Luffy stopped only a few centimeters from Helmeppo, Zoro standing a few feet behind her; muscles tensed and ready for anything.
"Do you really intend to take someone's life, Helmeppo?" She asked quietly, lowering her face and letting her bangs fall into her eyes. Helmeppo opened his mouth to reply but Luffy continued talking softly.
"I don't think you can, because you've never taken someone's life before. You've always let your Father do the killing for you…isn't that right?"
"YOU'RE WRONG AND I'LL SHOW I CAN KILL HIM!" Helmeppo pressed his gun on Coby's head harder but didn't pull the trigger as if his index finger had froze.
"Helmeppo...what exactly are you going to do after you kill Coby? Do you think your Father will be proud of you, is that it? You may have many bad qualities, Helmeppo, but you are not a murderer. If you kill Coby, you'll regret it for the rest of your life." Luffy's voice never changed from the soft, calm tone and she smiled sadly at the blonde boy. Helmeppo was shaking with tremors and his eyes welled up with tears. He sniffed and tried to come up with an answer but he had nothing, her words echoing through his head over and over. Did he really want to kill the boy? Would it going to prove that he was man enough for his Father to be proud of him? All his questions would forever be unanswered because…because the thought of murdering the boy made him sick. It wouldn't make him a man, it would make him…
He raised his eyes to see Luffy smiling kindly at him, her hand outstretched towards him. "Just this once, do what is right, Helmeppo. Be a better man than your father. It's going to be okay, Helmeppo, it'll be over soon. Just hand over the gun to me very slowly and this nightmare is going to end." She continued to soothe him with soft words, smile never leaving her face. Helmeppo stared at her hand, the frightened expression still on his face as everyone waited in silence to see what would happen next. Finally, to everyone's surprise, Helmeppo slowly placed his gun in Luffy's hand. The exchange seemed to take forever but she closed her fingers around it and smiled in accomplishment.
"Thank you, Helmeppo. Now this is going to hurt a little." Helmeppo didn't get chance to reply as she jabbed lightly between Helmeppo's shoulder and neck causing him collapse on the ground in a heap, freeing Coby. The pink haired boy let out a slight sigh of relief before glancing over Luffy's shoulder, eyes widening.
"LUFFY! Behind you!"
Luffy turned to see Morgan running towards her, ax-hand raised and eyes wild. "I am...the great Marine Captain Ax-hand Morgan!" His arm swung down in its arc and Luffy knew it would hit her, she didn't have time to counter-attack and if she dodged his attack would hit Coby.
Suddenly Zoro was there, swords crossed, blocking the attack, his eyes flashing with anger. With a growl he pushed Morgan back before slicing him with all three blades and knocking the marine away from his captain. With a final swing, Zoro sent Morgan crashing to the ground and everyone around knew he wouldn't be getting back up again for a while.
Luffy watched as Zoro slipped his swords back into their sheathes before facing her.
"Thank you," She whispered softly.
"I'm just doing my job…Captain," Zoro replied with a grin. Luffy grinned widely, hearing the word "Captain" from Zoro made her feel good and bubbly inside.
"Are you ok Luffy?" Coby asked worried, stepping up next to her. When she nodded happily he sighed with relief before continuing. "Thanks, Luffy. you saved my life again."
"That was nothing. You were pretty brave Coby, willing to risk your life for your friends. You're going to be one heck of Marine," she praised, smiling happily. Coby blushed and scratched his head in embarrassment as the marines threw up their hats and cheered. Morgan's reign of terror over them had finally ended! Luffy giggled and grabbed Coby's arm before pulling him into the crowd where some marines were starting to dance. She smiled back at Zoro and waved for him to join but he shook his head before smiling. He smiled, not because they won, he was smiling at Luffy. She wasn't some ordinary girl and he knew joining up with her would be one hell of an adventure. Suddenly his vision began to swim and he let out a soft grunt before falling backwards onto the ground. Both Luffy and Coby gasped with worry and quickly ran over to where Zoro lay, spread out, on his back.
"Zoro… Zoro, are you okay? What's wrong!" Coby asked panic causing his voice to crack. Zoro opened one eye slowly and glanced up at the two teens leaning over him.
"…I'm so hungry." His tone was hoarse with hunger and completely worn-out, and Luffy sat back and blinked comically before throwing her head back and laughing.
Meanwhile, outside the now "Ex"Captain Morgan's office, two Marines sat tied up, their mouths covered with cloth which muffled their curses. Within the office, the intruder is none other than the mysteries and familiar orange hair girl. She was rummaging every nook and cranny, looking for some unknown object but hadn't found it as of yet.
She cursed, she still hasn't found it, and she glanced around the room one last time to see if anything stood out, it had to be hidden in plain sight, then she spotted a safe behind some barrels.
"Jackpot," she exclaimed happily. She pushed the barrel away and bent down to place her ear to the door, intending to crack it but the door swung open on its own, surprising her. She peeked inside and smiled, the object she had been looking for, a ripped piece of a rolled map, laying inside.
"That it, the chart of the Grand Line! I knew they were hiding it in here." As she said that, she unrolled the chart to have a look but what she saw on the paper was not a chart of land and sea but a funny looking Jolly Roger with a big red nose. She gasped as she recognized the Jolly Roger.
"So it's Buggy…also known on the seas as Buggy the immortal." She clenched the paper angrily, knowing that the map of the Grand Line she had been searching for was in the hands of Captain Buggy. Going to his base of operations to steal the chart from him would be suicidal but she was willing to take that risk...she had to.
Outside Rika's restaurant, people gathered around the windows to watch as the two heroes who had saved them stuffed themselves silly on countless amounts of food.
"Oh, ah boy, am I stuffed! I haven't eaten in three weeks, I was ready to eat my own clothes." Zoro rubbed his bulging belly happily as Rika, Coby, and Rika's mom watched and laughed. Zoro had already finished five plates of the delicious homemade food while Luffy sat across from him, holding out her empty plate and asking for more.
"Hey, how the hell can you have a bigger appetite than a guy who hasn't eaten in three weeks?" Zoro asked, his eyes wide with surprise. "Aren't girls supposed to eat light and have a good figure?"
"It's good food. I guess it just tastes good, right Coby?" Luffy said simply, digging into the fresh pile of food in front of her.
"Yeah, it's great! Thank you for the meal," Coby turned to express his gratitude to Rika's mom.
"My pleasure," She replied, cleaning a glass at the bar. "After all, you three saved this town. We owe you all a great debt." Her words echoed the sentiment that many citizens held towards the heroes of Shells Town.
"You're the coolest girl I've ever met! When I grow up I wanna be just like you," Rika said admiring her new found idol from her seat next to the she-captain.
"Thanks!" Luffy replied cheerfully. "And I'll be even cooler when I become Queen of the Pirates and finds the One Piece and, of course, get the best crew on the seas!"
"So how many crew members do you have besides me?" Zoro asked. She took a bite of a piece of steak and answered.
"Just you."
"Wait you mean its just you and…me?" he pointed at her then himself with a dumbfounded expression on his face.
"Yep, it just us." Luffy smiled cheerfully, taking another bite of the food.
"You know that doesn't count as a whole crew."
"So what? We're strong enough to take on anything."
"Fine. But do you at least have a decent ship?" Zoro sighed, conceding that point. They were both really strong. Luffy pointed past him, this time with her fork, and he turned to follow her line of sight to the small dingy moored at the waterfront.
"…you're kidding, right?" his voice was tinged with exasperation and he glanced back at her in disbelief.
"Nope." Luffy chuckled, popping her lips on the p sound. "But we'll have a huge ship soon, just you wait and see." She threw her arms up in the air like a happy child getting a new toy. Zoro laughed at her antics and said.
"And how are you going to do that?"
"With a great big Pirate flag on top," she answered.
…
…
…THUD, Zoro sat back in his chair heavily, one hand covering his eyes.
"How I got sucked into this is beyond me."
"Don't be like that, Zoro! We'll have tons of fun and get more nakama soon," Luffy huffed, waving her fork in exaggerated motions trying to convince Zoro then she heard Rika question.
"Luffy, where will you and your crew be traveling when you leave here?"
"Isn't it obvious? We're heading straight to the Grand Line!" Before Rika can utter a word, Coby spit out his juice and slammed the cup on the table before standing up and yelling.
"WHAT?! Have you completely lost it?! You CAN'T go to the Grand Line with just you and Zoro; that place is the hell of all four seas!"
"I heard about this place, but I just thought it was an awful place," said Rika, glancing at Luffy worriedly.
"It's worse than you think!" Coby cleared a space on the table and began to draw a diagram on a napkin. "As you all know, this world has two oceans. We all live on one ocean that has been separated into 4 seas. Separating the north and south seas is the current known as the Grand Line, home to the roughest seas ever found anywhere. And separating the east and west seas is an enormous land mass called the Red Line. Legend tells that there is a town placed dead center on the Red Line, right where the Grand Line cuts through it on its path. Captain Gol D. Roger sailed the Grand Line and made it past the land mass of the Red Line. He traveled to the ocean that no one has ever documented and obtained the World's greatest treasure, the One Piece and made it back out alive. Shortly after he died, but his final words said that he had hidden his treasure somewhere in the Grand Line. Ever since then, pirates have traveled to the Grand Line searching for the One Piece. Today that place is a war zone with pirates ruthlessly killing one other. People have taken to calling it the Pirate's Graveyard." he finished his lecture, a grim look on his face as he stared down at his makeshift diagram.
"Well, that too bad, because that where we're going, right Zoro?" Luffy asked, glancing at her first mate and completely ignoring the glaring threat that said they might both end up dead. Zoro just leaned back in his chair.
"I guess we have to live with it." He grinned.
"NO, you can't!" Coby shouted in panic.
"What do you care? It's not like you're coming with us," Zoro exclaimed, raising one eyebrow.
"No, but I still worry for you and Luffy. Even though Luffy and I have only known each other for a couple of days, I still consider her a friend, right Luffy?" Coby asked timidly.
"Of course we're friends. Even if we part ways we'll always be friends," she said with smile, Coby was silent for a moment then a smile spread across his face.
"When I was just a little kid I didn't have any friends, much less anyone willing to fight on my behalf, so I never tried to fight for anything myself." Coby started by telling Luffy and the others about his past life, and the time he endured alone before his eyes filled with hope and determination.
"But the two of you have taught me a lesson that couldn't have learned on my own; how to stand up for what I believe in and live my life the way I want. So, I will make my childhood dream a reality, I will join the marines!" Rika and Luffy both grinned at Coby's declaration and resolve. They were proud of him, especially Luffy, she remembered how when she first met Coby he was nothing but a stupid and useless crybaby but now... Coby has grown into the opposite of what he was before, a brave and confident boy that will one day be a fine marine. Before she can respond to him, Zoro cuts her off.
"That all well and good but…I think you should be more worried about your current situation." Coby didn't get what Zoro meant, and the swordsman sighed before continuing.
"I mean you did say you spent two years serving under Captain Alvida's Pirate ship. Even if you were a Cabin boy, there against your own will, the Marine's information gatherers are top notch. Once they find out you were one of Captain Alvida's crew they'll never let you join."
"I…I never thought of that," Coby had totally forgotten about that and Zoro was right; after spending years with Alvida as her Cabin boy, serving her… He clenched his fists, he couldn't let it end like this, not after everything that had happened so far. Suddenly a group of Marines entered Rika's restaurant startling everyone in it. One Marine stepped forward probably the next commanding officer after Morgan's defeat.
"Are you guys by any chance, Pirates?" he asked respectfully.
"You got it! Zoro is the first member of my crew so this whole thing is official now," Luffy replied, pointing happily at the swordsman.
"We appreciate what you all did to save us from the vicious tyrant Morgan who terrorized our town; however, now that we know you're both pirates, as marines we cannot sit idly by and let you do your business… Therefore you and your crew need to leave this town immediately. Out of respect for what you've done we will not report you to HQ." As he finished, Coby could hear the people of the town shouting in disapproval, stating that the marines were being unfair to them and that if it wasn't for them they would still be living in fear under Morgan's rule. Before they could protest any more, Luffy lifted a large sack filled with food over her shoulder and grinned.
"Very well. Time to go, Zoro." She turned to Rika's mother and bowed respectfully. "Thanks for the food and everything."
"Wait, you can't leave now," Rika cried, grabbing onto Luffy's shirt, saddened to see them go. Luffy nodded seriously and patted Rika's head before following Zoro to the door. She passed by Coby without a word and the pink haired boy stared at the ground, frozen in place. The new commander of the marines stared at Coby before turning to face Luffy.
"Wait, isn't he with you?" Both Zoro and Luffy halted, their hands on the door and glanced back at Coby. The she-Captain stared at Coby seriously for a minute before grinning widely and saying.
"What I can tell is what is he's been doing up to this point." Coby spun around to gape at Luffy.
'LUFFY! NOO!'
"Yeah, he was serving under this big fat lady, I think her name was Alvodo or something."
'No, if they find out that I worked under Alvida, I'll never join the Marines!'
"She used to carry this huge mace around and let me tell you, she was the nastiest woman I have ever met. For two years, this wimpy kid was her private cabin boy." Then all of a sudden Coby charged at Luffy, hand clenched and ready to punch her, to stop her from talking any more but before he could Zoro was there, blocking Coby's punch with his open palm. Zoro curled his fingers over Coby's small fist before grabbing the front of the pink haired boy's shirt with his other hand and throwing the boy back into the wall of the bar. The commander and marines were shocked to see the fearsome pirate hunter attack the poor boy and quickly stepped between them.
"That enough! It's obvious that this boy is not one of your crew so stop this fight and leave town this instant." Luffy placed her hand on Zoro's arm and he nodded before leaving the restaurant. Luffy took one last look at Coby and the boy saw a playful smirk spread across her face and he suddenly realized what they had done.
'She did it on purpose…Luffy did that just to help me out…she made me so mad that I tried to hit her. She probably would have let me punch her, but Zoro knew I'd feel terrible if I did so he stepped in to help. Even now, at the end, I'm still relying on the both of them so much. I couldn't do anything for myself, nothing's changed at all…I'm such an idiot!' With that last thought he picked himself up from the ground and faced the marine commander.
"Sir, please let me join the Marines." He begged, bowing forward in a proper military bow. "I'll cook, clean, scrub, I'll do anything you ask. I'll do anything to become a Marine." He said all of this without any signs of hesitation, he wouldn't back down, no matter what. The Commander stared at the boy, slight admiration in his eyes, and then his second in command stepped forward and whispered in his ear.
"Sir, I'm not sure if we should trust this kid. I think it might be best if we do a quick background check first," he suggests, eying Coby suspiciously.
Coby straightened up to his full height and clenched his fists at his side. "No matter what you find I'm the man who will become a Marine." Fire shone in his eyes and everyone around could tell that he was serious and dead set on doing this. He would become what he always wanted to be- a Marine, to save people and bring justice to all. Everyone stared at the boy in astonishment, then the Commander walked slowly past Coby and said.
"I can't tell you how many of our comrades have killed by Pirates over the years…but, permission to join granted." Coby smiled happily at him and turned to salute his new Commander.
Meanwhile, Zoro and Luffy were walking at a leisurely pace towards their temporary ship, both ready to set sail and begin the new adventure that awaited them.
"That was some acting you pulled back there. I won't be surprised if they see right through it." Zoro chuckled, elbowing his new captain in a teasing manner.
"Haha, I had it under control." She laughed. "You didn't have to step in back there."
Zoro just shrugged nonchalantly and she continued. "Coby should able to handle the rest on his own. I have faith in him." They stepped out onto the pier and Luffy took a deep breath of the sea air, her eyes falling shut in bliss. Zoro watched her for a second before turning away and looking out at the horizon with a sigh.
"Well, it is a fitting way to leave this place. Unable to turn back with the marines after us, and the townspeople against us. Very pirate like."
"HAHAHA, yeah it sure is," as she laughed she untied the rope that anchored their ship and let Zoro get in. She was just about to jump onto her ship when she heard Coby shout. She and Zoro both turned to see Coby, Rika, and Rika's mom standing in the distance, waving.
"Thank you so much!" Coby yelled. "You have done so much for me. More than anyone else ever has." Then he raised his hand in a traditional marine salute to Luffy.
"I never heard of a Marine thanking a Pirate before. This one is going in the history book." Zoro joked, settling down into a comfortable position on the small boat and Luffy giggled in response. She put the ship's rope down and quickly ran up to Coby, and gave the boy a peck on his forehead which made Coby stumble back in embarrassment.
She giggled and said. "This is for good luck and my wish for you to succeed." Then she turned on her heel and ran back to the boat, pushing it away from the dock with her foot as she went. Coby stood watching her, a really goofy smile on his face and Zoro…he didn't know why but he didn't like the way Luffy had kissed him like that, even if it was just an innocent kiss.
They released the main sail and caught the wind, pulling away from the port and the small town. As they began to sail Luffy leaned against the main post and waved back at Coby and her new friends.
"So long, Coby! I hope we meet again someday," She called.
"Luffy…thank you." he could feel tears swelling up in his eyes and he quickly swiped at them before waving back.
"Bye Luffy! Bye Zoro!" Rika waved at them.
"ALL HANDS SAAAAAALLLLLLUUUUAAAAATTTTEEE!" Coby turned in surprise to see the entire remaining marine force saluting the retreating pirates, wishing them good luck as well.
"BYYYYYYYYEEEE" Luffy called one more time before they sailed out of eyesight. Coby smiled as he heard his Commander speak.
"That's a good friend you got there." Coby felt like crying in joy but he blinked back the tears and smiled proudly instead.
"Yeah."
"Men. Seeing that our current salute to the pirates is in violation of Marine law; we will all go without food for three days. Do I make myself clear?"
"SIR, YES SIR!"
'I know we'll meet again someday.' Coby thought happily. 'Deep inside I can feel it as much as I feel anything. Even if we are divided as pirates and marines, I still look forward to that day.'
The sunset shone brightly with many shades of yellow, orange, and purple making Luffy's smile widen even more as she and her first mate sailed across the open sea.
"At last," She sighed happily. "Our Pirate crew has finally set sail."
"I've got a feeling that some interesting adventures are waiting for us," Zoro replied leaning back against the curve of the boat and Luffy giggled at his comment.
"I'll be Queen of the Pirates, I know it!" she declared.
"You seem obsessed with this Queen of the Pirates business, is there some kinda story behind it or any reason why you want it so badly?" he asked.
"…Nothing…except…."
"Except…what?"
"Except, I promised someone I would gather the greatest crew, find the greatest treasure, and become Queen of the Pirates…and this Straw hat knows whole story." She smiled fondly as she thought back to the memory that inspired her to go to the open seas. Zoro half smiled, pleased with her answer and closed his eyes to sleep. Maybe having her as his Captain wouldn't be so bad after all.
"I see."
"Now let's go, let us set out! We're heading to the Grand Line." with that said both Luffy and Zoro sailed away towards the unknown, opening a new chapter of their grand adventure.
Thanks so much for reading!
Next chapter is the flashback with Shanks along with an adorable ZoLu scene added and edited from Killjou's 'First encounters with the stretchy type'. If you've read the original you will notice I have changed a lot and also completely changed Luffy's gender.
Have fun and look forward to the next chapter tomorrow!