A/N: Sorry that I haven't updated in a while, I have been flooded with Chemistry and Physics homework and I haven't found the time to write =/. Also I'd like to apologize for the short chapter, but after this, it's a new ark so expect bigger chapters in the future :) And special thanks to Shikimaru's babygirl and others for helping me with names of Luffy's attacks. It really helped me out :). So yeah, I hope you enjoy this chapter :D.
DISCLAIMER: ODA owns OnePiece, I just write stories on it.
Chapter 6: Climax and New Nakama
"Hey Kuro… I've got a little offer for you." Luffy said coolly.
"Oh… and what would that be?" Kuro asked, gaining interest.
"Well… how about a little wager." Luffy said with a devilish grin implanted on his face.
"And what would the stakes be?"
"If I win, you and your crew will join me, no questions asked. And if you win I will personally help you kill Kaya and take her treasure." Luffy said, fully knowing that there was no way he was ever going to lose.
"Alright… and the rules?"
"No killing each other's crew, and the victory goes to the last one conscious." Luffy said.
"And what makes you think that I would be suitable for your crew or that I would obey you?" Kuro asked.
"I can tell you're not that bad of a person, you just need a more fun and relaxed environment, and it doesn't get more relaxing and fun than my crew, shihihi. So, what do you say… do we have a deal?" Luffy said as he brought out his hand.
"Very well… I accept your offer…?" Kuro gave him a questioning look as he shook his hand.
"Oh… the name's Monkey D. Luffy." Luffy said while grinning.
"Alright Luffy."
"Haha great… now we'll start in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…" Luffy said as he lunged forward and unsheathed his katana, attacking Kuro. Kuro managed to predict this and block the attack.
"Hehe, you're pretty fast if you can keep up with me." Luffy said while grinning.
"Don't get too cocky kid, it may be your downfall." Kuro said while grinning back.
"Whatever let's get started." Luffy said as he leaped back, onto the slope.
Kuro lunged towards Luffy with his claw outstretched and ready to impale him. Luffy saw this coming and grabbed one of the huge boulders that were scattered around and put it into the path of Kuro's blade. Kuro couldn't stop in time and found his blade stuck in the boulder.
"He… looks like you can do more than just turn into water." Kuro smirked.
"Of course, I'm well trained… to be a pirate!" Luffy said as he crushed the boulder from both sides, grabbed it, and twisted it so Kuro's blades snapped.
"Take this!" Luffy yelled as he swung the boulder hitting Kuro square in the jaw.
Kuro was knocked down and looked as if he was down for the count. Luffy was still holding the boulder while looking down at Kuro with a grin.
"Oh come on… I know you're not knocked out, get up." Luffy said while still holding the boulder with one hand.
"Heh… that was pretty good if I do say so myself…" Kuro said while getting up.
"Hehe, it seems like you only have 5 claws left." Luffy said while dropping the boulder. He was grinning like a madman, which irritated Kuro a little.
"I assume that is not all there is to your strength, right?" Kuro said while staring at Luffy.
"Sure it isn't… I'm waaaay stronger than this. After all, I'm going to be the Pirate King so I have to be strong. Duh…" Luffy smirked devilishly.
"Heh… I'm not going to lose… Stealth foot." Kuro said as he quickly moved his feet and disappeared.
Right before Kuro was about to slash at Luffy, Luffy blocked the attack with his katana. Kuro seemed extremely surprised by this and stared wide eyed at Luffy.
"How? No human should be able to keep up with my Stealth Foot." Kuro said, still shocked.
"I told you I'm well trained, and I can think of someone other than me who could easily surpass you in speed." Luffy said with a smirk as he deflected Kuro's claws away.
"Oh wait… If I use my sword, I might kill you…" Luffy sheathed his katana as he got into a fighting stance.
"Hmpf, you seem pretty confident, perhaps a little too overconfident…" Kuro prepared for his next attack.
"It doesn't matter; I know I'm not going to lose here."
"I'm going to end this really quick. So you will join my crew! Shihihi." Luffy gave his trademark grin while snickering.
A vein began popping out of Kuro's head as he began fuming in anger at his simplicity. Why he accepted his offer was beyond him, but it didn't seem that bad of an offer. Kuro had been stressed beyond measure these past 3 years, maybe he did need some relaxing time. However, that doesn't mean he's just going to surrender and back down without putting up a fight.
"Take this!" Kuro said as he swing his claw at Luffy's chest.
Just when he thought it would connect it phased right through Luffy and he found his claws dripping wet.
"What…?" Kuro questioned, confused.
"The reason I knew I wasn't going to lose, was because I knew you couldn't even touch me! Shihihi."
"I see… so it seems I had lost from the get go." Kuro said as a smile formed on his lips.
"Mizu Mizu no Gathering…" Luffy said as he raised his hand into the air as water from the ocean and air started forming into a blob above his hand. Once the ball had reached a reasonable size for Luffy, he launched it a couple hundred meters into the air.
Mizu Mizu no Suikyu" Luffy swung his arm downwards and the ball of water began plummeting at incredible speeds.
'I wonder what it's going to be like, serving under a simple minded guy like him. I guess time will tell. You really interest me… Monkey D. Luffy.' Kuro though right before that ball of water collided with his head, knocking him out and then some.
Luffy made sure not to put too much power into his attack, for obvious reasons. After Kuro got hit with the ball, Luffy began walking towards Kuro and knelt down beside him.
"Even though you're going to be having fun and relaxing in my crew… you might also go crazy. Shihihi." Luffy gave his trademark grin and began laughing.
Nami was still sleeping after Luffy won the fight. Luffy went over to her to wake her up and tell her the fight is over. He shook her gently and she began stirring awake.
"What is it?" She asked while rubbing her eye.
"Fight's over, I kicked ass, and now it's time to get up, you can't expect to sleep all day and let me handle everything…" Luffy said.
"Oh and why is that? You are the captain after all…" Nami said with her arms crossed while looking the other way.
"Naaaaammiiii~" Luffy whined.
"Alright… I'm getting up." Nami said as she began to get up. However she soon froze as she looked at Luffy and noticed he was still shirtless.
"But first put a shirt on…" Nami said while looking the other way, doing her best to keep an enormous blush out of sight and at bay.
"Well… that was kind of my only one, so I'll be like this until I get a new one or you sew it. And since I don't have any money, and you obviously need it more than I do, I guess it will be the 2nd option." Luffy grinned.
Nami huffed but then sighed. "Fine… since you did get me more treasure I guess I could sew your shirt back up. But first I'll have to clean it, unless you want blood stains all over your shirt."
"Thanks Nami!" Luffy exclaimed while giving her a hug.
Nami blushed profusely and found herself unable to breath due to his crushing grip. Luffy saw her blue face and let up on the hug as he rubbed the back of his head. "Hehe, sorry."
"Whatever… we should go and find Zoro and Usopp."
"No need, Zoro's right over there, and Usopp is probably not with him cause he has that whole 'villagers-running-him-out-of-the-village issue to deal with." Luffy said, pointing a finger to the top of the slope, where Zoro was casually walking.
When Zoro got to them he sat down at the other side of the slope and leaned against the wall. He took one good look at Luffy then immediately closed his eyes.
"Luffy… put on a shirt." Zoro muttered.
"Don't like what you see?" Luffy smirked evilly at Zoro.
"Shut up!" Zoro yelled with a vein popping from his forehead.
"I kid, I kid. Anyways, how is Usopp doing?" Luffy asked.
"He's with Kaya and the kids. I didn't know what they were talking about though." Zoro still said with his eyes closed.
"I see well that's good to hear."
"Hey kid! What are you going to do with us?" The Kuroneko pirates yelled at Luffy.
"Just wait there, I'll talk to you guys when your Captain wakes up." Luffy yelled back.
"Luffy what do you mean you'll 'talk' to them?" Nami asked.
"Aa, I'll explain when Usopp comes back."
After Usopp got back, Luffy began explaining his little deal with Kuro.
"YOU WHAT! YOU WAGERED KAYA'S LIFE, JUST SO THAT MADMAN COULD JOIN YOUR CREW!?" Usopp yelled. He was pretty mad.
"Calm down Usopp. It was barely a wager, there was no way I could lose. Besides, it's in the past, Kaya is alive and that's all that matters." Luffy stated.
"Ugh… just don't go making deals behind people's backs…" Usopp sighed.
"Oi Luffy, you sure about this? I mean he seems like a pretty bad guy." Zoro questioned.
"Don't worry Zoro, I think he's just stressed and needs some time to relax. I can sense that he isn't that bad deep down." Luffy said.
"Whatever, you are the captain." Zoro muttered.
"Well, I guess I should go wake him up." Luffy stood up and began walking towards the unconscious Kuro.
He knelt down and started poking his face. "Hey Kuro, wake up." He said as he kept poking him in the face.
Kuro stirred awake and smacked Luffy's hand away. "Stop poking me." He muttered as he grabbed his head in pain.
"I see you're as lively as ever." Luffy smirked.
"Anyways… go tell your crew that you joined my crew and whatnot. We'll be leaving soon, so if there is anything you need to do, I suggest doing it now."
"Yeah, whatever." Kuro muttered and got up to tell his crew.
"So yeah, I lost a bet and now we are part of that kid's crew." Kuro said while still clutching his head.
"WHAT?!" The crew yelled which Kuro did not appreciate one bit.
"Shut up! I have a massive headache right now and your yelling is not helping!" Kuro yelled.
"Sorry." The crew whimpered.
"So what, does that mean you're not our Captain anymore?" One of the crew members asked.
"I don't know we'll see." Kuro said while walking away towards Luffy and the others.
"Okay kid, they know we're joining your crew, now what?" Kuro asked.
"Well, I guess it's time to welcome you to our crew as the head of intelligence and commander of the Kuroneko division." Luffy said with a grin.
"Oi, what the hell, why can't I have a cool position like that!?" Zoro yelled while pointing an accusing finger at Luffy.
"Well, you're the first mate of the Strawhat Pirates, essentially the second in command. Which means, when I'm not around you're in charge of the entire crew." Luffy stated.
"Ha, sounds like a fitting role for me." Zoro nodded as he leaned back against the wall.
"Sure… Anyways let's go back into town, I'm starving!" Luffy began walking up the slope, the others except Kuro following.
"Hey aren't you coming?" Luffy asked.
"No… there's something I need to do." Kuro said while looking away.
"I understand." Luffy nodded.
- In town -
Luffy, Zoro and Nami had just finished eating, and were planning on leaving. Luffy finally remembered what he was here for in the first place.
"Crap, we don't have a ship…" Luffy muttered.
Just then, Kaya walked in and saw Luffy and the others sitting at a table and walked up to them.
Nami noticed her. "Is it okay for you to be up and about?" Nami asked.
"Yeah, my illness was caused by my depressed state over my parent's deaths. Usopp-san took so much effort to cheer me up… I can't just stay that way anymore now can I?" Kaya said with a soft smile.
"I've caused you a lot of trouble. Thank you. And I also prepared a present that you all will like."
- At the Beach -
Luffy, Nami and Zoro were surprised to see the present Kaya had prepared for them.
It was a small, but beautiful ship. A caravel to be exact.
"Is this really for us?!" Luffy exclaimed.
"Yes, please accept it." Kaya said with a smile.
"It's somewhat old fashioned, but I was the one who designed it. Although I made a few adjustments. I changed the steering column into a steering wheel so it's easier to steer. Also, I added an extra multipurpose room which can be used for living space or entertainment etc. I call it the 'Going Merry'! I hope you like it." Merry beamed.
"First let me tell you how to operate it, things such as turning and adjusting the power…" Merry began but was interrupted by Nami.
"No No, you only have to tell me how to operate it!"
"Sure is a cool ship… I like the figure head!" Luffy exclaimed while staring at it.
"I've prepared everything that you would need for sailing." Kaya said with a kind smile.
"Arigato! That's really nice of you!" Luffy exclaimed.
Luffy heard screaming coming from the slope and looked over to see Usopp stuck to a giant bag, rolling downhill.
Luffy said and walked up to where Usopp was going to roll towards. He stuck out his fist and waited while whistling and checking his fingernails. Usopp rolled right into his fist, face first.
"T-thanks…" Usopp muttered under Luffy's fist.
-With Usopp and Kaya-
"So… you really are leaving… Usopp-san." Kaya said quietly.
"Yeah… I should leave before I change my mind… Don't try and stop me."
"I'm not going to. I had a feeling you would be leaving."
"That's disappointing, when I return to the village, I'll be able to tell you lot's of tales of my heroic adventures, and this time they will be true." Usopp said cheerfully.
Kaya nodded. "I'll be looking forward to them."
Usopp looked up to Luffy and the others who were on the Going Merry. "You guys take care too, I'll see you again someday."
"Why?" Luffy questioned.
"You're really slow… I'll be a pirate like you, so we may meet up on the sea someday!" Usopp yelled.
"The hell are you talking about? Get on board. Everyone is on except you." Zoro said.
"We're already nakama." Luffy said blankly.
"I… I'm the Captain!" Usopp yelled while jumping up.
"Don't be stupid, I'm already the Captain!" Luffy yelled.
"Wait Usopp-san… before you go…" Kaya said quietly with a blush.
"What is it Kaya?" Usopp turned around to face her.
However, Usopp was in for quite a shock. Kaya had leaned up and kissed Usopp on the cheek. Both were blushing furiously as the looked away from each other. Usopp found the courage to wrap his arms around Kaya and pulled her into a hug.
"I'll miss you." Usopp muttered.
"Un… I'll miss you too, Usopp-san." Kaya said with tears in her eyes.
They pulled away and Usopp got on board the Going Merry as both ships, the Going Merry and the Kuroneko Pirate ship sailed away.
"Usopp has a giiirrllllfrieennnddd~" Everyone chorused, causing the sniper to blush in embarrassment.
They all started laughing, even Kuro was chuckling quietly.
- With Kaya and Meri -
"He really left… that Usopp." Meri said.
"Meri…" Kaya said quietly.
"It's really hard to lie…"
"Are you referring to Kurahadol?" Meri asked.
Kaya shook her head.
"Ah… so you're implying you really did want to stop Usopp-kun from leaving, am I right?"
"Also… I found this letter on the kitchen table a few hours ago. It's directed towards you, but it doesn't have a name on the envelope." Meri handed her the envelope with the letter inside.
Kaya opened the envelope and began to read the letter.
'Dear Kaya ojou-sama,
I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you, even though this apology falls on deaf ears. I hope that you will somehow be able to remember the good times we had back when I was still your caretaker. I have decided I would join up with Luffy's crew and be their nakama. I hope to find relaxation and inner peace during my travels with them. I just wanted to say goodbye.
Love,
Kurahadol.
Kaya now had tears in her eyes as she read the letter and held it close to her chest.
'Of course I won't forget you, how could I.' She thought.
-Back on the ship-
"Hey Kuro, can I talk to you in private for a second." Luffy whispered.
"Sure." Kuro followed Luffy into the main room.
"Since you're the head of intelligence I thought you should know what I have planned ahead." Luffy said.
"And… what is that?" Kuro asked intently.
"I plan on destroying the World Government." Luffy said in a cool voice.
Kuro stared at him in shock for a second before chuckling a little.
"What's so funny?" Luffy asked.
"Nothing… it's just you remind me of something I read in the newspaper a while back. A guy named Dragon is supposedly trying to do the same thing and the Government has labelled him the most wanted man in the world." Kuro said with a grin.
"Well I plan to be that and more. Shihihi." Luffy said as he strolled out the door.
"It seems I have found myself an interesting Captain to follow." Kuro grinned then sighed as he went out the door as well.
A/N: Bam! done. Anyways, I've made a new goal for this story. And that is to surpass the Will of D. That means more reviews, favs and follows. But I need your help to do so, so if it isn't too much trouble, just hit the favorite and follow button if you will, and if you have time, review! Criticism is always welcome. :D But yeah, nothing else really happens in this chapter. But you all may be wondering, but Viraj, who the hell is that other person Luffy said is faster than Kuro? Well just wait and you'll find out! Until Next Time! BYE!