Full Summary: Being reincarnated into the One Piece universe is not what one would expect after death. Especially when the 'character' you've been born into is someone who technically doesn't exist. Were things supposed to remain the same, or were you suppose to change them? Only time will tell, supposedly.
"I am an informant. I know things. Most of them unfortunately not pleasant." - Portgas D. Roux
Warning(s): Slash/Yaoi, Timeline Alterations, Reincarnation.
Main Pairing: Undecided
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece, obviously.
8 years before canon
Roux stretched like a satisfied cat, ignoring the teary-eyed boy who was squatting just in front of him and holding the goose eggs on his forehead.
The idiot deserved it.
Upon reaching Foosha village, Roci had made a beeline to Patys Bar whilst Roux had climbed Mt Colubo to visit his two adorable nephews. Halfway up the mountain, Luffy had, much to Roux's amused fondness, tackled him immediately upon sight. Now, Roux was a gentleman by nature, but once the kid had the balls to cheekily refer to him as 'ba-chan', he instantly gifted Luffy with his own version of the Fist of Love (having his actions be influenced by Garp was not pleasant at all).
"I-itai...!" The pre-teen pouted before he looked directly into Roux's eyes.
Luffy uses puppy eyes™!
It's not very effective...
Roux snorted, having grown used to those looks (especially since Roci would constantly use them after having broken one thing or another). Well, he supposes he could give Luffy a brownie point for trying. Maybe those private lessons in manipulation and trickery were starting to show their results?
"Hey, Luffy-kun. Where's Garp?" At Roux's question, the kid stopped his futile attack.
"Jii-chan? Don't know." Was Luffy's nonchalant reply as he dug his nose, already having forgotten his pain.
Roux raised a sceptical brow. How strange. Last he heard of the old geezer, Garp was in the area - creating havoc and more paperwork for Sengoku. The poor soul.
"Must be delayed then," he murmured to himself before he extended his hand, "let's go, Luffy-kun. You can tell me all about your adventures with Ace-kun as we walk."
Without hesitation, Luffy grabbed the offered hand, interlaced their fingers together, and started to walk to the Dadan Family base. Luffy was chatting a mile a minute, telling Roux every little thing that happened whilst he was away, their linked hands swinging back and forth relaxedly.
The kid was so cute like this.
Now, at nine years old, Luffy has stopped wearing t-shirts and was in a red sleeveless tank top. The shorts were the same, and his love for sandals was still strong as ever. Roux recalled the few times he had tried to get the boy to wear proper shoes or boots, but Luffy had complained about them being too cramped for his taste. So with a dejected sigh, he relented and allowed the idiot to run around the forest in nothing but sandals.
Sometimes, he would often forget that humans from the One Piece world weren't fragile like those back on Earth.
They defy all common sense and logic.
Small cuts and bruises would disappear in minutes, whilst broken bones would mend within a week or less. Hell, even stab wounds don't take long to heal. Some really strong ones won't even die after being shot and stabbed multiple of times (coughWhitebeardcough). Earthlings would consider those feats as nothing short of a miracle. It was too bad Roux didn't have their resilience. His body (somehow even after reincarnation) having been too attuned to Earth's.
After another few minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the mountain bandits' home. Luffy pulled him inside, a D grin on his youthful features.
He hummed in approval when he took in the condition of the place. It was good to see that Dadan had taken his words into consideration. A few years back, he had (threatened) kindly informed her that he didn't want to risk his nephews falling ill due to how sloppy they were in the cleaning department. So, of course, the bandit boss complied with his demands. As she should if she knew what was best for her.
"It's still early... but would you like something to eat, Luffy-kun?" He asked as he made his way to the kitchens, already knowing the answer from the boy's expression.
Luffy, still holding his hand, nodded eagerly with drool already leaking out from the corner of his mouth, "Meat! I want meat!"
Roux chuckled at the boy's eagerness.
"Where's your big brother?" Whilst asking, he released Luffy's hand in favor of looking through all of the ingredients.
Hm... Stew, perhaps?
"With Makino."
Roux blinked at that before he opened up his Kenbunshoku Haki.
After having sensed Ace with Roci a few seconds later, he turned it off. Usually, he would've left it on passive mode, but because this was considered to be a holiday of sorts, he preferred to let his guard down and enjoy his time with his family. Garp disapproved, of course, though Roux truly did not know why. The East Blue was only full of weaklings, after all. Uh, apart from his family. D's were all monsters.
Turning his attention back to the present, he stretched slightly before he began.
Knowing that Luffy wouldn't be leaving the kitchen anytime soon, he paid the drooling kid no mind whilst removing his fedora, overcoat, and blazer, leaving him in only his waistcoat suit and fancy dress shoes. As he made his way to the sink, he dropped those article of clothing on Luffy's straw hat wearing head - grinning when his idiot of a nephew sputtered - and he folded up his sleeves, revealing his tattoo clad forearms.
They were something he had gotten during his teenage years. In fact, all of his tattoos, not just on his arms, were the exact ones he had back on Earth (he had missed his first life, thus why he had gotten them in the first place).
On his left arm, from his inner wrist to his elbow, was a complicated and detailed drawing of two peacock feathers and the Illuminati in the middle. He kinda suspects that the reason his epithet was Thousand Eyes was due to this particular tattoo. Usually, on islands with insanely high temperatures, he would forgo his coat and blazer, rolling up his sleeves as well.
On his right arm was a sleeve of tribal lines. Simple, manly, and attractive - to him, anyway. Whoever disagrees shall receive a kick to the face.
Oh, and the latest tattoo he acquired was on his left chest. A mini cowboy hat on an ace of spades, a straw hat with a 'scar' at the bottom left, and a top hat with goggles on it. On the topic of Sabo... he should inform Luffy and Ace that their brother was still alive. He heard from one of his 'Revolutionary bugs' that they found a boy matching Sabo's description.
After he prepares the food, of course. Gotta concentrate.
"Uncle Roux!"
At the sound of his other nephew's voice, he turned his head to look over his shoulder, his hands not once stopping their activities of chopping vegetables.
For a twelve-year-old teen, Ace was pretty tall. Almost reaching Roux's chin, in fact. Ace was wearing a blue open front shirt, black shorts, and boots. This one Roux managed to coax into wearing proper covered shoes, much to his inner glee. Now, all that was missing was the cowboy hat. Which was currently on his ship since he had forgotten to take it with him.
By complete coincidence, on his way here, Roux had spotted a familiar looking orange cowboy hat with two blue smileys, one grinning and the other frowning. Not even thinking of anything else, he bought the hat.
He was snapped out of his musings when Ace all but wrapped him in a hug. Due to the difference in body build and muscle mass, Roux's slender frame was completely engulfed. And was that his manly pride he heard shattering? Yep.
Ignoring the slight envy of his nephew's more manly body, Roux leaned back into the firm chest, his grin almost splitting his face in two with how wide it was.
"Heya, Ace-kun. You've grown bigger." He turned back to the half cut-up vegetables, not minding that his cheek brushed lightly against an equally freckled one.
"I'll soon be taller than you, Rou-oji." The cheeky brat replied, not even hinting at letting go any time soon. In fact, if Ace had been shorter, he would've clung to Roux's back like a demented monkey. Or a koala.
Ah, now he kinda wanted to have Ace go back to being a little brat. The freckled pre-teen was so cute back then, always clinging onto Roux. Garp would always get insanely jealous and hit Roux with those dreadful Fists of Love. And when he got scolded by Ace for being violent, calling the old man a shitty geezer, Roux would be the one who got pouted at.
Mou, that old man was beyond childish.
"I know you will." He agreed in a knowing and indulgent tone.
"... No fair! I want a hug too!" Luffy pouted before he jumped onto Ace's back, causing Roux to stumble at the added weight. He grunted at that but made no move to shake his precious nephews off, only cheating secretly by using Haki to filter through his muscles. He, unlike the others of his small family, wasn't built for physical strength. Even Luffy would be able to KO him with pure strength alone.
"Get off, Luffy!" Ace unwrapped one arm around Roux in order to push against Luffy's cheek, causing the youngest D's neck to stretch.
"No!" Luffy blew a raspberry.
It made Ace huff out in exasperation, but even though his expression was grumpy, he couldn't quite hide the fondness dancing in his eyes.
Roux only chuckled at his two nephews. He loved seeing them happy and unburdened. When he heard Luffy's stomach roar furiously, however, a demand for food, he shook his shoulders slightly.
"Alright, boys. Get off. How am I supposed to cook with you two monkeys hanging off my back?" That seemed to do the trick. The two had practically flown off of him, drool leaking out from the corner of their lips as they stared at him with stars in their eyes.
Such gluttons... Why was everyone who he considered to be family all have black holes for a stomach, anyway?
... speaking of which. Where was Roci?
"Ace-kun? Weren't you with Roci? I don't see him anywhere."
Ace wiped the drool from his lips before answering, "Not sure, uncle. Last I saw him, he's in Makino's bar - being swarmed by girls."
Roux's eyebrows raised a notch.
"... He's popular with the ladies?" Him? The Clumsy Idiot who couldn't even take a shower whilst standing up?
Ace and Luffy looked at each other as if they had also come to the same conclusion as him. They then shrugged.
"I didn't know being an idiot would get you popular with girls." Ace said to Luffy, his left eyebrow raised in scepticism.
"Is the meat ready yet?" Luffy asked rather than replied, one of his pinkies digging into his nose to show his disinterest in anything that wasn't meat.
t took them a total of seven months before they managed to reach the outskirts of Totto Land. They got delayed greatly thanks to his busy schedule and Roci's general clumsiness... And then there was also that one incident when Luffy had snuck onboard his ship and eaten all of their food, thus causing them to stay for another few days to re-stock.
Since his 'team' only composed of the two of them, with Roci being his PA only in name, work and ship maintenance all fell into Roux's hands. His daily life on the sea was hectic and something like the following:
5 AM: Wake up, check on overnight bug recordings + paperwork
6 AM: Daily training
8 AM: Shower and get ready for the day
8.30 AM: Cook breakfast
9 AM: Wake Roci then eat breakfast together whilst reading the newspaper
9.30AM: Check scheduled business appointments and continue doing paperwork
11 AM: Make sure Roci had not burned down the mast then navigate
1 PM: Cook lunch whilst checking on bug recordings with Roci
1.30PM: Have lunch with Roci whilst doing unfinished paperwork
2 PM: Clean up a portion of the vessel then take a break steer the ship
3 PM: Overview Roci's training
6 PM: Drop the anchor then cook dinner
6.30 PM: Have dinner with Roci whilst doing any unfinished paperwork
7 PM: Check remaining bug recordings with Roci
11 PM: Check if Roci has fallen asleep or fell overboard, then review all information collected from the bugs
12 AM: Take a shower
12.30 AM: Do the rest of the unfinished paperwork and sleep afterward at whatever time (usually 2 or 3 AM)
Heh. It was no wonder he preferred to slack off at the Marine HQ with Garp and annoy Sengoku by playing poker in the Fleet Admiral's office.
Sometimes, on unlucky days, pirates would spot his rectangular bright red flag (not a Jolly Roger) with a dark red smiley face right in the middle and a hashtag on the top left, and try to make a den den mushi connection or signal to get ahold of his services. Other times, they simply started to fire cannons and make threats.
The former was troublesome if he cared to admit it out loud. For pirates who have honor amongst thieves, things would flow smoothly. But if they were those demanding and arrogant low lives, Roux would often get headaches. Especially when he gets stupid questions and requests like 'tell me where One Piece is!' or 'spread rumors about my crew being undefeatable!'.
It causes migraines.
For those who opened fire without a cause, they were easier to deal with. He would simply send his PA over to kick their collective asses. And if they have a bounty on their heads? All the better!
Even though Roci was insanely clumsy, he was insanely strong as well. With the help of Roux's training menu from hell (One Piece knowledge was handy like that), Roci was probably on par with canon Jinbei right now. Though because of innate clumsiness, fighting for a long period of time wasn't something Roux could recommend.
Many might think that Roci's Devil Fruit Power was useless in battle. But as a certain wise man had said: "there are no useless Devil Fruit Powers, only useless users". The Nagi Nagi no Mi could hide their presence and Haki completely, thus the reason for why they were able to sneak around the Revolutionary Army's base for five whole days without someone detecting them.
With the right use, Roci could become a godly assassin.
Too bad he was such a klutz...
"Do we have business with Big Mom, Boss?" Roci questioned from underneath the patio umbrella.
He was currently seated on the bigger of the two relaxers and leisurely sipping juice from a swirly straw, a bluetooth earpiece hooked on his right ear as he listened to one of the bug recordings. His legs were crossed and his eyes covered by aviator shades, looking far too relaxed for someone that was working.
Roux's eyebrow twitched at the sight.
"You call me boss, yet I'm the one steering the ship." He deadpanned behind the wheel.
"I wouldn't mind steering, Boss, but you banned me from even going near it," Roci answered honestly, having pushed his shades down the bridge of his nose to look up at Roux.
"Has Doflamingo ever allowed you to steer his ship, Roci?" At the younger man's slowly reddening cheeks, Roux continued without a change of expression. "I figured. Ah, forget it. No, we don't have any business with Charlotte Linlin. In fact, I'd rather we avoid her."
"Then why are we here?" Roci flusteredly changed the subject.
"For another Charlotte." He answered with amusement. Seeing that there were about thirty or so smaller islands surrounding Whole Cake Island, he tapped his chin in thought. Which one was it again...?
"... You're a pirate?" At Roci's uncertain tone, Roux wanted to drop kick him. What did the Clumsy Idiot think he would do? Kidnap and ask for ransom?! Roux was a gentleman - he would never fall to such a level.
"And how - pray tell - did you come to that ridiculous conclusion? Have I ever done anything remotely dastardly?" When Roci opened his mouth as if to say yes, Roux quickly added with a grimace, "Don't answer that. I'm not a pirate, and neither are you. I'm an informant and you're my PA. Simple."
Roci blinked owlishly before he plopped his fist onto his hand in an 'aha, I got it!' way. Sometimes, he truly wanted to see what was going on inside that Clumsy Idiot's head. Maybe a book that contains 101 ways to have an embarrassing death?
"Then what do you mean by that, Boss?"
"You'll see soon, my dear PA," Roux smirked, causing Roci to shiver.
"That expression... I have a bad feeling...!" Roci mumbled softly, but not soft enough. "Uh, Boss? Can I stay on the ship?"
"Rejected." Instant reply.
"Why?!" Roci whined as he placed his glass of fruit juice down to light up a cigarette, for once, not setting his scarf on fire.
Roux was deeply impressed.
"You'll definitely destroy it whilst I'm gone."
"... Somehow, I can't deny it..." His PA slumped further into his relaxer (almost toppling completely backward before he managed to catch himself at the very last second) and pouted, the lit cigarette dangling loosely between his lips.
He chuckled, "Acceptance to your faults is a good mindset to have. It's a road to improvement."
"... So which Island are we visiting?"
Roux snorted at the blatant change of topic.
"Komugi. And careful not to drop your-" Roci's cigarette fell onto his scarf and caught fire, causing the taller man to yelp and stand up - only to slip and faceplant onto the floor. "-cigarette. Idiot."
When they docked at Komugi island's port, Roux almost died from the aroma alone. Many might not know this, but he has a major sweet tooth.
After making sure that the ship was truly anchored, he spotted Roci making his way over, the other having gone silent with a sober expression on his face - the fluffy scarf actually making him look deadly with the combination of his pristine navy blue three-piece suit and fedora. This was what he liked about Roci. The younger man knew exactly when to act serious and when to have fun. It was no wonder Sengoku sent him to infiltrate the Donquixote Family.
As soon as Roci was beside of him, Roux strode into a random direction, acting as if he had a destination in mind - which he did, kind of. He didn't exactly know how to actually get to Hakuriki Town. He might know most of the future and all that jazz thanks to his One Piece knowledge, but fiction could never beat reality.
Manga readers would simply flip a page and the main character would already be on the next island. In reality, it takes weeks, or even months, to travel to specific islands. Especially if that island was located on the Grand Line; what with their unpredictable weather. The same could be said for towns and villages on islands.
The citizens didn't look at all worried about their arrival, only smiling with friendly intentions whilst trying to sell them pastries and the likes. The reason? Roux managed to get intel of a grand party being hosted by Big Mom.
Lucky, right?
Anyone and everyone strong enough to come here was allowed entry. Since she was one of the Yonko, she didn't even worry about assassination attempts.
The party would be in a week's time. And after that party was over and done with, locals would be suspicious of any outsiders who remained behind.
Thus, within this short period of seven days, Roux has to successfully recruit Charlotte Katakuri into his small team. Screw the plot. He wanted someone who could babysit Roci-ahem, he meant, he wanted someone who could help out on the ship.
Two people, no matter how awesome, can't do everything on their own. Roux was severely overworked and dreaded sailing for another day without at least getting someone to navigate and steer the god damn vessel!
"Boss?" Roci called softly, causing Roux to look up at the taller man in question, tilting his fedora upwards so that he was able to see the idiot's face properly. Curse his lack of height. Or rather, curse all those who are taller than him.
"What is it, Dame-Dapple? Do you need the toilet?"
"N-no." The ex-Marine blushed slightly at that, which only made Roux smirk all the more. "Is it ok if I buy some snacks, Boss?"
"I don't mind. Pick whatever you want." He responded with a nod.
Roci immediately brightened, though Roux couldn't really see it due to the ex-Marine's face being covered by that fluffy pink scarf. He utilized those long legs of his to briskly head towards the nearest food stall, with Roux following at a more sedated pace.
The reason why Roci needed to ask permission was simple. Roux didn't allow the klutz to hold onto anything resembling that of money. Not because he was stingy, no. Simply because whenever he did give the other pocket money, the idiot would end up losing it all. Somehow. Roux suspected that the idiot had tripped one too many times and ended up dropping the pouch.
Anyway, other than the no holding money rule, Roux didn't even mind if Roci wanted to buy a branded pack of cigarettes that cost up to a hundred million beli. Being an Informant made him rich, that's why he could ignore the 2.5 billion beli worth of information and unhesitantly offered to seal the deal at the price of Doflamingo's favors.
Favors don't come easy, after all. Especially favors that could not be rejected or denied.
So the two went store to store, buying as many things as they wanted without even batting an eyelid. The merchants and stallkeepers who noticed their riches were soon swarming them, fighting with one another to outdo the other.
"Nii-san, yo, we sell the best mocha doughnuts here!"
"Hahh?! What are you talking about old man?! We, at MMK, sell the best doughnuts!"
"Stop dreaming you both! Nii-san, don't listen to them. You can buy this heart heart chocolate doughnut for your lover there. She would definitely fall more in love with you."
"Ah! That's unfair! Come to mine! I use only the best ingredients!"
"Hold on! If you want to impress the lass, you would buy my shop's mochi! We come in all different shapes and flavors! They're cute, too!"
...
On Roux's forehead, hidden by the shadows of his fedora, a vein bulged. Just like Doflamingo's.
Oh, don't get him wrong. There was absolutely nothing wrong with being a woman, but as a man, he preferred not to be mistaken for one. Do they not see that Roux was as flat as a board?!
Even though he was wearing a fucking suit, people would often disregard that because of his face. It made him want to kick Roci. Why Roci, you ask? Because next to this tall idiot, Roux looked twice as delicate. And he refused to call himself delicate even in his own mind!
Roci, on the other hand, didn't know whether to laugh or cry. If he laughed or show any outward reactions, he would definitely be beaten to a bloodied pulp. So inwardly, he cried rivers of blood as the vendors fought to gain his attention by using his Boss as a focal point. Just by looking at Roux's expression, Roci felt the instinct to cower away. The PA, not wanting to aggravate his Boss more than he already was, decided to continue his 'cool' PA facade and ignore the vendors, purposely bending his head forward so that his fedora's badge was seen glinting against the sunlight.
"I-isn't that the T-Thousand Eyes's emblem?"
When someone from the crowd stuttered out those words, their voice shaky and full of fear, the streets became instantly devoid of sounds and activity.
It caused a domino effect as many began to whisper and point at the red smiley badge pinned at the left side of Roux and Roci's fedora. Ah, he had completely forgotten about that. The badge was something similar to his business card. If someone had wanted to hire him for his services, they would know what to look for. And if someone were to use this symbol of his to fake their identity... Well, let's just they would be well acquainted with the Sea Kings from the Calm Belt.
The vendors had all scattered, nobody now daring to even step in front of their path. This kind of scene was a familiar one. One that he sees often at Sabaody. To be more specific, it was when those disgusting Celestial Dragons would appear. This made Roux shudder. The horror of others treating him like those damn Nobles... he hated it. Though thankfully, they didn't bow or kneel or do something equally as repulsive.
Knowing that they would not be able to continue shopping for doughy treats after having been recognized, Roux tilted his fedora to shadow his eyes, his lips slightly pursed.
And here he thought them being at Totto Land would change the civilians' reaction to them. They were, after all, protected by one of the Yonko.
On the bright side, at least it became less crowded here. With a shrug, Roux continued walking, paying no heed to the fearful looks they were getting. Roci too had gotten used to this reaction, so the klutz merely sighed before straightening his back and following after his boss like the dutiful shadow he often portrayed himself to be.
It was about ten minutes later did they finally manage to find a hotel. Sure, they could sleep onboard the ship without any issues, but Roux wanted to see all there was to see on this island.
... and maybe lick the walls of his hotel room as well.
Don't judge him. He was sure anybody from Earth would have done the same thing.
Well, that could have gone worst.
The hotel receptionist was a mess. Having recognized his 'business card', the poor soul had almost fainted right there and then. Thankfully, other than the somewhat hilarious first impression, booking a suite was smooth sailing.
The suite was on the top floor, giving them a spectacular view of the whole island. The size was decent enough, with many comfortable sofas, a small open kitchen, a dining table, a wide flat screen with a den den mushi projector, and all other ridiculous luxury items and decoration (like that edible chandelier, and yes, he took a bite out of it. It was delicious).
Now, as Roci was on the balcony smoking, Roux undressed and changed into casual wear. It wasn't often that he did.
In fact, he doubted that anybody but Garp has ever seen him in something other than his suits. Roci was always the first to sleep and the last to wake up, so Roux was uncertain if the other had seen him out of his suits before. For his nephews, the most they have seen him being 'casual' was without his coat and blazer when he was cooking for them. And for his business clients and colleagues, he always appeared formal and neat, not a crease in sight.
So now, he squirmed slightly when he looked at the full-length mirror, apprehension pulling his muscles taut. He was nervous at being seen in anything but his suits.
Damn it... He looked overly feminine without his suit, he mentally whined, his lips twisting into a grimace.
He has on a white beanie with a yellow smiley face emoji badge, a beige colored loose fisherman turtleneck sweater, a pair of ripped knee black jeans and sneakers, followed by a mailman messenger bag that contained a few miscellaneous items.
He huffed, tugging the dangling wavy locks that were brushing against his freckled cheeks in annoyance. Oh, wait. He could use that to cover up a portion of his face.
"Roci!" He barked, his eyes not once looking away from the mirror as he fought to tuck his messy curls into the beanie, knowing that he would look less girly without his strawberry blonde hair showing.
The younger man's footsteps grew nearer in response to his call.
"What is it, Bos-... Y-you, uh, look... Different?" Roci straightened unintentionally from his lazy slouch as he blinked owlishly at Roux.
"Hand me your scarf." He demanded.
"Eh?" At Roci's intelligent reply, Roux could not help but to roll his eyes as he turned to his PA, already having given up on his hair. They were uncooperative.
"Your scarf, Roci. I need your scarf." When he repeated his words in a slower manner as if talking to a retarded child, Roci stuttered out something in reply. Roux didn't quite catch the words due to the low volume, but he shrugged it away as unimportant, impatiently waiting for Roci to unwind the scarf that was currently wrapped around his neck and lower face.
When Roux reached out a hand for the item in question, Roci made no move to hand said item over and did something completely unexpected. The PA stepped closer so that they were standing just a few centimeters apart, already in the process of wrapping his scarf around Roux's neck gently.
With a huff, he grumbled about not being a child but still allowed the other to help him. When Roci was done, Roux turned back to the mirror, completely missing the soft expression on Roci's face.
Now, he happily noted, he didn't look all that (delicate) feminine after having the bottom half of his face covered. Twirling slightly around, he nodded a few times in satisfaction.
"Boss? Where are you going?" Roci asked, his face strangely blank.
"Out. I want to fill this whole place with bugs whilst we're here. We might never get another opportunity like this. Fu fu fu... Now I can finally keep tabs on the Charlotte family personally without relying on my moles!" Roux gleefully replied as he smirked, already he could picture all the juicy details he could get on the Charlotte family.
After he was done on this island, he would go to the other 34 islands to place bugs there as well. And whilst at the party, he would plant his dear bugs everywhere around Whole Cake Island. Ah, chances like these don't come very often. Overconfidence was truly the key to many's downfalls. Linlin should have known better.
"Should I change out of my suit as well?" At the question, Roux turned to Roci with a shake of his head.
"No. I need you to walk around and shop for supplies. It would be suspicious if the both of us were to completely go off the radar." He went up onto his tippy toes and patted the ex-Noble's shoulder lightly. "And have fun. I already left some pocket money for you on the bed. Make sure to not lose it, alright, Roci?"
"..."
At the silence, Roux frowned as he tilted his head to look at Roci.
"Roci? Rocinante?"
Having been called by his full name, the younger man flinched before making eye contact with Roux - as if just realizing that Roux had yet to leave.
"Aye, boss. Be careful out there." Roci's smile was a little off, but Roux paid it no mind, too excited to 'bug' this whole island up.
"I'm always careful. See you later, Roci~"
With that, Roux left the suite with a bounce in his steps.
Strange.
Even after having changed out of his suit and unpinning his red smiley face badge, he was still being stared at. The gazes felt different somehow too (more sharp? Eager?), but he couldn't quite put a finger on it. With a slight crease on his forehead, he buried his nose deeper into Roci's scarf, the smell of tobacco and Roci's unique scent coaxing his muscles to relax.
After managing to push those disturbing stares aside, he began to subtly and discreetly plant bugs under the streets and roads. Why didn't he put them in and on buildings? Because he knew that there would be a reconstruction of the cake buildings once every few years. Only the streets were left untouched, thus leaving him no choice but to dig a hole and put his bugs inside, before thoroughly covering his tracks.
It was completely by chance that he saw his prime target a few hours later.
Charlotte Katakuri was insanely tall and muscular. In fact, the Sweet Commander was at least three times Roux's size. For someone who was supposedly four years older than Roux, the big guy didn't look a day over twenty-five - though those sharp and intense red eyes did make him appear wiser beyond his years (and a whole lotta intimidating). He was wearing his signature ragged scarf that covered the lower half of his face to his shoulders, an open leather vest with CHARLOTTE written at the back, and biker-cowboy pants and boots combi.
He was domineering as he was handsome. The pink tattoos only added to his masculine charms... somehow. Roux doubted that he would ever appear masculine with pink tattoos.
Roux was curious why the Sweet Commander was at an outdoor cafe at such a time, sitting with his legs crossed elegantly, as he stared unblinkingly at the man seated opposite of him. The other man was of average size and wore a dark suit and a matching fedora. Roux couldn't make out anything else since the guy has his back to him.
Seeing that this was the perfect time for a snack break, he took the opportunity and seated himself as close as possible to their table without being suspicious and ordered a cup of espresso and a plateful of pastries, making sure to tip the waiter afterward. He also made sure he was facing the two men. Due to his positioning, he could only see the left side of Katakuri's face, and the right side of the other man's face.
Katakuri looked as fierce as ever (like a gangster boss), whilst the other man had a creepy smile on his very average features. Surprisingly, Roux didn't recognize the stranger. That must mean he wasn't a pirate with a bounty, a memorable marine, or someone important. How odd. Why on earth would Katakuri be seated with someone entirely nameless?
As he pondered, he took a sip from his cup. He couldn't help but hum in delight when the bitter beverage met his tongue. Ah, he should stock up on their espresso before leaving. He desperately needed the caffeine boost.
Wanting to stay for as long as Katakuri was here, he took out a thick book from his messenger bag and pretended to read whilst distractingly nibbling on the heavenly matcha mochi.
"So what do you think, Mister Katakuri? I don't usually offer my services for free, but for the Big Mom Pirates, I can make an exception." The stranger's words were thick with confidence as he smiled simperingly. It was a smile greedy businessmen would often use.
Katakuri, on the other hand, simply continued to remain silent, flipping a jellybean up and down in the air leisurely. Only Roux felt wary of the jellybean (even if that sounded dumb) - knowing full well from his foreknowledge that it could be used as a bullet at any given moment.
Roux was straining his brain to try and remember if he ever saw this stranger before. He pushed aside Pirates and Marines, focusing more on businessmen - both legit and not legit ones. This time, he didn't anchor his train of thoughts to only the New World or the Grand Line. All four seas were shuffled through with clarity.
There was one thing Roux was blessed (and cursed) with. And that was his memory. He suspects that his ability to recall even the smallest of details has something to do with him being a reincarnator. It was hard for him to forget something, thus the reason why even after more than three decades, he was still able to recall the whole of One Piece, both the manga and anime. It was only because of the brutal side effects that he was forced to lock any and all useless memories away, only to be recalled when needed lest he overdo and burnt his brain and become a drooling sack of meat.
After shuffling through all of the businessmen in his mind, he finally came to a stop. Like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces fit together and created a younger version of the stranger with a cabin boy's uniform. Not a pirate's or a marine's. A cruise ship, then. A memory of a certain cabin boy slash dealer selling some skank weed to young and naive second-generation rich kids on the cruise played through his mind like some kind of third-rate black and white film.
Peculiar.
How did a no-name drug merchant from the East Blue travel all the way here? These waters could not be traversed half-heartedly by weaklings. Those merchandise the stranger sold were all low-class shit. Meaning no big shots would want such a shady dealer to be seen with them.
Roux tilted his head slightly to the side, putting down a half-eaten doughnut so that he could turn a page and took a sip of his espresso, looking deceitful at ease as he enjoyed his book.
Wait... Was this shitty dealer trying to sell those shit to the Charlotte Family?! No no. Don't assume anything, Roux. Katakuri was known for his Kenbunshoku Haki and unbeatable record. That kind of monster didn't need steroids or some other shit to boost his strength.
The whole scenario seemed... off... somehow. Something just didn't add up.
"Is that so?" Katakuri spoke, those deadly phoenix eyes not once moving away from the skank dealer.
Oh. Wao. Katakuri's deep voice almost made Roux quiver in his seat. They have a magnetic quality to it. His inner fanboy squealed, begging him to get the mochi man's autograph. Roux quickly slapped his inner self and continued to play the part of a random passerby.
Ok, so... Roux might have been a Katakuri fanboy in his previous life. He used to gush to his friends about Oda outdoing himself in designing such a badass character.
Don't get him wrong. He wasn't going to recruit Katakuri because of that (he wasn't shallow). Especially after that life-changing decision of not treating everyone like a manga character. He wanted Katakuri due to the man's prowess in Kenbunshoku Haki. Business transactions would be much safer with Katakuri around to deal with possible threats. And with Roci, it wouldn't hurt to have someone babysit the klutz.
Hell, maybe he could ship them together? KataRoci... Hm. Doesn't sound too bad. He was already planning to ship Ace with Marco, and Sabo with Koala, anyway. One more pairing wouldn't hurt, yeah?
Ah? Luffy? No no. His youngest nephew can't be paired with anyone. In fact, Roux would kill whoever dared to make a move on his dear Luffy-kun. Such innocence should not be tainted by the evils of this world. Be they Law, Hancock, Nami, or Bartolomeo... Roux would not approve of anyone!
"Yes yes. So do you agree? I'm a busy man with a lot of appointments." Skank Dealer pushed, his fingers tapping impatiently against the table top.
... Damn boy. The trash was looking to be killed! Within seven or so years, Katakuri's total bounty would exceed a billion beli. Even Roux won't dare to disrespect such a man. Especially when said man could look far enough into the future to weigh the options of simply killing someone or not.
"Know your place," Katakuri raised his chin slightly as if looking down on the Skank Dealer, "small fry." Ouch. He swore he heard someone's pride shattering into a billion pieces at that comment.
Skank Dealer's face turned an ugly shade of red with anger, those beady eyes narrowing as he gritted his teeth.
Even without heightened Kenbunshoku Haki, Roux knew that the stranger was going to do something stupid. The moment Skank Dealer snarled - no doubt to spew insults - Katakuri spoke with such clear contempt in his voice that even a deaf person would've heard it.
"I am Charlotte Katakuri. One of the three Sweet Commanders. I will not have you disrespect me, small fry... That is my reply to your... [Who do you think you're speaking with]."
Fascinating. Utterly fascinating. To witness the legendary precognition at work was simply enthralling.
Skank Dealer apparently disagreed with Roux's internal praises.
The man slammed his palms onto the tabletop and pushed himself up, knocking the chair backward and causing the majority of the customers and waitstaff to look at the cause of the disruption. All of them had an incredulous expression on their faces. Roux couldn't blame them. He was speechless at the stranger's guts as well. Should he give the man a gold star for sheer bravery or stupidity?
"Who do you think you're speaking with?!" Skank Dealer all but roared, spittle flying out everywhere.
Roux, who had been quietly sipping his espresso, almost spat the bitter liquid out in shock at the man's recklessness.
Was the dealer daft?! His words and action have just been predicted, yet he still continues to act so ballsy?! The customers and waitstaff all apparently agreed with his inner judgment going by the shakes of their heads, clearly indicating how much they disapproved of Skank Dealer's holier-than-thou attitude. Furthermore, they were natives of this island, causing them to side with the Charlotte Family more often than not.
Unlike Roux, the Dealer evidently didn't do his prep work before coming to Big Mom's territory. Everyone born here was loyal to Charlotte Linlin (despite the fear of her as well), and by extension, her children. Especially the strongest of all her children - Katakuri, the Minister of Flour who governs over this particular island within Totto Land.
Well, who wouldn't be loyal? Big Mom might be crazy with that disorder of hers, but her dreams are pure. She wants a nation where everyone of all races could live together in peace, thus why the 'land' was filled with people of different races with little to no discrimination. Even the Celestial Dragons and the World Government would not be able to touch Totto Land.
Heh. Even Roux could imagine living a happy life here. If Roux and Rouge had been born here, they would, undoubtedly, be protected from the Marines. That would've been enough for Roux to join the Big Mom Pirates - and maybe he did in an alternate universe somewhere.
"I am THE 'Thousand Eyes' Daemon Red! The demon Informant! Are you sure you want to take such a tone with me?!" Skank Dealer yelled, having tilted his fedora until a red smiley badge could be seen by everyone, causing the entire cafe to suck in a sharp breath of disbelief.
Now, unable to stop himself, Roux did spit out his drink. All over the table. He gagged and pounded on his chest as some of the bitter liquid had entered his airways, causing the nearby customers to stare at him with disgust. Inwardly, Roux sincerely apologizes to Roci for staining the ex-Noble's fluffy pink scarf.
He must've been too loud because the imposter had turned to him, his expression full of justified rage as he spat, "What?! You have a problem with ore-sama?!"
Roux glared, the veins on his forehead bulging. Oh god. How many had already been tricked by this idiot?! Roux's reputation would be ruined beyond repair if he did not feed this asshole to the Sea Kings!
Firstly, Daemon Red has never talked so rudely before!
Secondly, Daemon Red would never NOT smile politely at anyone!
Thirdly, Daemon Red has never broken his gentlemanly demeanor unless angered!
Lastly, Daemon Red was not an ugly mother fucking bastard like this guy!
Not being able to endure it anymore, Roux tugged the (steaming wet) scarf away from his skin and smiled sharply at the guy, his expression gentle yet ominous at the same time.
"Not at all, Thousand Eyes Red-sama." He said politely as he stood up, his book lay forgotten on the soaked tabletop. If anyone missed the sharp sarcasm in his voice, they must be deaf and daft. "I've heard many things about you. Such a... charming informant. After your talk with Charlotte-sama, would it be a terrible imposition for you to escort me to the harbor? I would like a chat as well."
The imposter blinked dazedly for a few seconds before a leer took over his features, those beady eyes roaming Roux's body up and down and his lips curled into a smirk.
What a slimy feeling. He shuddered inwardly.
With a slight tick on his left eyebrow, he tugged the scarf to cover the bottom half of his face, ignoring how his skin turned warm at the heat. As soon as his lips were out of sight, he sneered. Fuck. He was so tempted to drag this mother fucking... No, wait. Why shouldn't he? Everyone knows how furious Daemon Red would be if he met an imposter.
As if a switch had been turned, he grinned dementedly and approached the imposter, his vision tunneling as he ignored all the whispers from his surroundings. Ah... He truly hated having his reputation soiled.
"My lady." The bastard tried to purr, but he ended up sounding desperate instead, "I would escort you anywhere you want. I am a gentleman, after all-" Before Skank Dealer could utter another word, Roux had reached up to grab ahold of the imposter's collar, making sure to keep his eyes gentle and friendly.
Without further ado, he swiftly tugged the man down and introduced his knee to the fucker's nose, loving the howl of agony the other produced. After letting go, the imposter fell to his knees, grabbing his broken nose as he glared at Roux with murder in those beady little eyes.
"You b-biwtch! W-who doh yoh thwink yoh-"
"Silence, you in repulsive wanker." He snarled, a foot having pushed the imposter's shoulder so that the man lay on his back. Roux refused to remove his foot, further applying pressure so that the asshole would squirm. "I am polite. I am magnanimous. I am a gentleman to the highest degree... I am also unforgiving to those who tarnish my reputation."
As he continued his words, his voice grew louder and more vicious, causing the air to grow thick with tension and Haki. The people had started to thin, making themselves scarce as to not get involved. Roux didn't care about the remaining peanut gallery. His eyes were solely on the imposter.
Skank Dealer must've somehow figured out that he was the real Daemon Red because the man's eyes were wide open with fear.
"Oh, and how you have soiled it beyond repair. I was kind enough to turn the other way at such vile arrogance... But the moment you use my name is the moment you cease to exists." When the imposter started to beg for forgiveness, Roux merely chuckled.
"Ah, do not worry. I shan't take your life just yet." As if he was waiting for the imposter to fall into a false sense of security, he went for the metaphorical jugular as soon as the bastard released a sigh of relief. "I'll do so at the harbor. I wouldn't want to ruin such a delightful sweet cafe such as this. That would've been awfully rude of me."
"A-a-ahAAAHHHHH! HELP! NOOOO! SPAWWE MEEE!"
Roux ignored the pleads and yells and quickly made work of dislocating the man's ankles and shoulders, not wanting the imposter to escape. As soon as he was done with that, he grabbed the imposter's collar and turned on his heels, dragging the man behind of him as he made his way to the harbor.
All the passerby stared in an equal amount of shock and horror as Roux passed by, a gentle look in his eyes even though his actions were anything but.
The second they reached the destined location, devoid of any life but theirs, Roux strengthened his arm with a tiny amount of Busoshoku Haki and lifted the sobbing mess of an imposter, dangling the man in the air using only a single hand.
"Tell me all the people you've dealt with, cabin boy." The imposter simply continued to bawl, causing Roux to growl. "I hate having to repeat myself."
He shook the imposter and punched him in the face, already fed up with all the crying. When fuckface didn't stop, Roux continued his abuse.
The second the other man had opened his mouth, Roux made sure to silence him via punches. The imposter seemed to learn after a while, having forced himself to keep his crying to merely tears without sound.
"I'll ask again. Who did you deal with using my name? Don't worry. I'll make sure that your punishment is lenient if you answer all my questions truthfully." He adjusted the scarf so that the imposter could see his lips curve into a polite smile.
"H-how d-do I kn-know if yoou're t-telling the t-twruth...?" The imposter asked with snot (and blood) running down his chin.
Ugh. Utterly disgusting.
"I loathe liars. It would make me a hypocrite if I were to break my own words, would it not?" He tilted his head slightly to the side, knowing how to use his soft looks to appear unthreatening.
"O-okay. J-just, please, p-put me down...!" At that, he released his hold, watching with satisfaction as the imposter landed on his ass, not even making a move to stand.
"Well?" He crossed his arms over his chest, "The names if you will. Tick tock, I am a busy man."
Without any delay, the imposter spew a shit ton of names, stuttering over a few as he tried to remember them all. Roux was quite surprised. He had expected maybe ten or fewer names, but the list continued even after reaching the three digits mark.
How long had the man been posing as him? How could he have not noticed? Was he that tired to not have realized?
Outwardly, he kept his expression neutral. Inwardly, he was boiling with rage. He knew he would have to visit each and every one of those people to correct any and all intel trades - and that would take at least a year of travel time. He would be beyond overworked if he had to sail with just Roci for a whole year.
"And Charlotte Katakuri? What were you trying to accomplish by talking to him?" That was the most important at this point in time. If it was something horrible, he would have to personally visit Big Mom to apologize for his ignorance.
The imposter hesitated, clearly not wanting to speak, but under Roux's death glare, talked reluctantly, "I, uh, I heard rumors... about one of the Charlotte children having run a-away from a political marriage with the g-giants. I wanted to u-use that chance to get i-into their good graces..."
"And how, exactly, would you get into their 'good graces'?" Roux asked monotonously.
"O-one of my guys... they found out where she is."
Roux touched his chin lightly, his brain's cogs turning at an insane speed. He was looking back into the Charlotte Family history.
"... Marriage Proposal Lola." He suddenly realized, "Captain of the Rolling Pirates and the 23rd daughter of Charlotte Linlin... and Pound. Twin sister to Charlotte Chiffon and was the previous Minister of Chocolate, overseeing Cacao Island. She was a famous chocolatier and is a great swordswoman." Roux continued to murmur, his eyes moving to the left as he tried to recall more information about her, completely missing the wide-eyed look of fear and awe the imposter was giving him.
"You really are Daemon Red..."
The worshipful whisper made Roux snap his eyes back to the imposter, a slight frown between his brows.
"Indeed. Now, since you've shown such cooperative spirit, I shall proceed with a lenient version of my punishment." As soon as those words left his lips, the imposter started to tremble.
Roux pulled out a gun from his messenger bag and pointed it at the fucker's forehead. Truly, he wanted the ass to suffer more for giving him so much future work, but he was a man of his words. Usually, he would have tortured his victims before feeding them to the sea kings. Now that he said he would be lenient, it wouldn't do to make it any more painful.
"W-wait! You said...! You gave me your word that you would be lenient!" The imposter rushed his words, a look of desperation and terror on his face.
Roux only lifted a brow at him.
"I am being lenient."
Not wanting to bother explaining his reasoning to a dead man, he pulled the trigger.
The imposter's body fell to the ground as if a puppet without strings. If Roux was still the man he had been during his first life, he would've been horrified at what he had become. Killing wasn't at all difficult after having done that over and over again. Or maybe he was just that detached with his moral compass?
Meh. Forget it.
He kicked the cooling body into the ocean as he threw the pistol back into his bag.
Ah...
"I forgot to tell Roci to buy matcha doughnuts on his way back..." He whined as he searched through his bag for some change.