Finally ! After about ten chapters which have slowed down the pace of the dynamism of the story, the third arc will begin from the next chapter and I will try to do my best to please everyone! And if I manage to write what I have in mind, I promise you will like it.
At Luffy's crew apartment
Returning to the apartment, Jinbei seemed unhappy with his day.
"It was actually the biggest pool in this town? It was barely the size of a puddle."
at that moment, the fish-man was surprised to see Robin, Brook and Franky, who seemed to be deep in conversation.
"Jinbei?" The trio wondered, not seeming to expect him to return anytime soon.
"Huh?" The man wondered. " What's up ? "
Looking at Robin, Franky and Brook didn't know what to say. Finally, the young woman turned to Jinbei and motioned him not to say a word.
Then, Robin then went around the apartment and closed all the windows, doors and turned up the volume on the TV because if anyone tried to interfere in her conversation, he might not get anything. Meanwhile, Jinbei seemed to be very confused.
''Robin, what the…?'' he asked.
But Robin stopped him.
"We're being watched." She said, very serious.
''What?'' Shouted the fish-man. "Is it All For One again?"
"No! I think it's the Hero Association."
''Are you sure?'' Asked Franky.
''Yes. At first I thought it was just my mind that was crazy! But then I started getting anxious because of a gift we got from a hero the other day." She said.
"What do you mean?" Brook asked.
Robin then went to her and Nami's room and picked out the "Best Jeanist" jeans given to her by the hero. She didn't use them because she smelled something fishy in those pants, so she decided to leave them in the back of a closet. And now it was time to check.
"Me and Nami were walking the other day when the number four hero named Best Jeanist gave us these jeans for free. Knowing Nami, she accepted them immediately, but I still felt a bit uncomfortable for a very high level hero to give us this expensive gift out of nowhere. '' Robin said, putting the pants on a table.
"I understand your reaction." Jinbei affirmed thoughtfully. "But that doesn't necessarily mean that these clothes are really trapped.
"Franky can you check them?" Asked Robin.
"No problem." Franky said, examining the pants.
The cyborg looks with some of his gadgets at the pants. And while he didn't like pants, he found something he didn't like even more.
''Well well ... What we have here.'' Franky said, something off the pants.
Franky then shows his friends mini cameras. So small that they could be mistaken for accessories for the pants.
''What is it?'' Asked Brook.
''Cameras. Probably to spy on us.'' Franky said.
Hearing this, Jinbei frowned.
"So they were actually spying on us."
"But why?" Brook asked. "We haven't done anything wrong in the past few days! Or else those heroes are still angry because of what Luffy did during the tournament."
"These guys sure won't forget that we're pirates." Franky growled. "Damn it! We really can't trust anyone."
"Did you feel the presence of any people around you?" Robin asked. "Or did some hero try to strike up a conversation with you?"
"No one approached me." Jinbei affirmed.
"Me too." Franky said.
Seeming to think, Brook said.
"I think we may have a problem."
" For what ? "
"Luffy, Usopp and Chopper are hanging out with a new friend who they say is 'great'. '' said Brook. "From what I understand, it's about Hawks."
"Hero number 3?" Franky wondered. "Why did he become Luffy's friend?"
"To take advantage of his lack of intelligence and get the information he needs." Robin understood.
"Do you think this is Nezu's idea?" Jinbei asked. "After all, he was the one who offered to let us live here."
''No ! Nezu-kun doesn't seem like the kind of person to betray people like this. " Affirmed Robin. " After years of living alongside unsocial people, I know how to recognize them. "
"So who could it be?" Brook asked. "Why is the Hero Federation trying to harm us? I thought they were counting on us to help them defeat All For One. "
"Perhaps they never considered us their allies. " Franky said.
Maybe it was.
''They think they can hit us and arrest us? " Jinbei asked. "Yet many of them saw Luffy's power! Certainly, he was not at his maximum! But this should force them to recognize that fighting him would not be the best idea. "
"Maybe it's because of that." Robin retorted. "If Luffy's strength scares the heroes, they will surely try to capture him, before he plans to do anything that can harm them."
"In that case, we have no choice." Affirmed Franky. "Let's warn the others and attack these heroes first."
"No way." Robin retorted.
" Why ? "
"I understand you're angry. But if we anger them, our freedom and our chances of going home will disappear. There are thousands of heroes in this country alone. It's like an army of marines all with Devil Fruit powers and Haki! I know we could win, but let's not forget that other people could take advantage of the situation to try to kill us. '' Robin said underlining her reasons.
"She's right." Brook agreed. "Honestly, All Might is powerful enough to defeat some of us! If he is accompanied by several hundred heroes, the situation could become critical for us! Not to mention the people working for All For One."
Noticing that the pair were right, Franky growled somewhat. Finally, he asked.
"So, Robin, what's your plan? Don't you think we should at least warn Luffy to watch out for Hawks? "
''No ! It is better that we are the only ones to know. "
''Why ? "
"Because if the whole crew got involved equally, it might get all the attention from those heroes. If we all start acting suspicious, that's when they start attacking, but if it's just part of the crew, they'll just be watching us. '' Robin said.
And that made sense, if they had all heard of that, they must be really lying to Luffy and he was horrible at that.
''Okay, okay. I don't like to keep secrets but if it causes less confusion and problems for us right now, I will go ahead. Still no word on how to get back to our world and I like to live in a comfortable apartment. '' Franky said.
'' The same. '' Brook and Jinbei said.
"Thank you very much," She told him with a smile.
Now she has to start strategizing against the heroes and Jinbei, Frank and Brook will be her only allies. Soon, Sanji arrived with tons of grocery bags in his hands, while Zoro followed him, growling.
"BAKAYARO!" The blond roared. "Fortunately I ran into you on my way back here! You were still lost."
" I didn't ask you anything. " Zoro growled. "I knew exactly where I was going."
Then, seeing the quartet watching them, the swordsman questioned them.
" There is a problem ? "
"No, nothing." Franky and Brook assured.
" Huh ? "
Soon the rest of the crew appeared. Nami came back with a ton of new clothes that she bought from stores using the UA credit card. Then it was Usopp who arrived, while he whistled cheerfully, without anyone knowing the reason. Eventually, Luffy and Chopper came back, very happy.
"Hey, guys." Luffy said.
"Hi Luffy, did you have fun today?" Robin asked.
"You bet we also brought a new friend for dinner. '' Chopper said.
''Really? Who?'' Asked Franky.
Soon a new guy appeared in the apartment, which shocked everyone (including the members who knew what the heroes were up to too). Waving to greet the gang, Hawks appeared while flashing a smile.
"Guys, it's Hawks. '' said Luffy, introducing the hero with a smile.
''Nice to meet you all.'' Said Hawks bowing.
Robin's team was now frozen, not knowing how to react to this. Hawks in their apartment? It could only be suspicious. Now they had to be careful not to attract attention.
''Oh, a hero is dining with us? "Sanji wondered, with two knives in hand. " I think I have to make more food! I had planned to cook poultry! Is our guest against that?"
''Of course not ! I love chicken.'' Hawks said.
"Get ready, Hawks! You'll see that Sanji is the best cook in the whole universe." Luffy assured.
"I can't wait to see that."
"Hey, Usopp." Chopper called. "Where did you go?"
Just continuing to whistle happily, his friend didn't even seem to have heard him, while he put on a real dreamy face.
Later, dinner was served for the Straw Hats. But the tension was still super dense around everyone.
"So, Hawks, you're very young for a hero. How old are you?'' Asked Robin.
"I'm only 22," Hawks said, scratching the back of his head.
"Only?" Nami wondered. "I felt like you were almost thirty."
"OUCH! My self-esteem takes a hit." Hawks stated, pretending to be outraged.
"Dude, you're so young and you're already in the top five." Sanji said, genuinely impressed.
"Oh yes, I trained like crazy to get this job! Some said I was born to be a hero, but I don't buy into that story.'' Hawks said, with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Brook questioned.
"No one is born destined to be a hero! To become a hero, you have to earn it."
Robin watched Hawks' every move and saw if there were any that indicated he was a spy. She could tell he wasn't trustworthy at all. There's no way the country's number three hero will pull out of his busy schedule to dine with a group of people who have caused controversy at the UA Sports Festival.
" He is hiding something. That smile doesn't fool me. »
Hawks then looked around and each Straw Hat. They either smiled or had nonsensical dialogue. And from what he saw, none of them seemed to suspect him.
'' Nothing major so far. It's hard to read their expressions, but I made sure to be friendly and polite with each one of them! This will make good grades for later. He thought taking mental notes.
Continuing to think, he ate a piece of chicken, before widening his eyes. at that moment, he understood that Luffy had not exaggerated anything.
''SUGOI ! "
"Do you want something?" Asked Sanji.
"This chicken is amazing. It's probably the best I've ever eaten." Hawks said to Sanji.
"Oh, don't be so honest, that makes me blush." Sanji said, with a smile.
''But it's really good! Man, seriously, with a talent like yours, I don't understand how you passed up your chance to open a restaurant. "
"Honestly, owning a restaurant isn't really one of my goals." Sanji retorted. "If I cook, it's only to make sure that no one around me can starve! I don't do it to get money."
Surprised, hearing him behave like the opposite of a pirate, Hawks affirmed.
"I see… Say, do you mind if I can bring some leftovers? I'm sure some of my friends will like it."
"Well, if you like it a lot, I can give you the recipe." Sanji said, making Hawks smile.
Seeing the two men discussing, Jinbei, arms crossed, only stared intently at Hawks, with a wary gaze. Seeming to notice, Hawks questioned him.
"Do I have something on my face?"
"Hawks-san, can I ask you a question? "
''I'm listening to you. "Assured Hawks.
"Why do you work so hard to be a hero?"
Seeing him ask this question seriously, the hero saw that it was not a trivial question. It was a test. It was therefore out of the question to use an expeditious response, which would only increase the mistrust of the man against him.
''Because I think a pro-hero should set an example for society. As the youngest hero in the top 10, I have to lead my generation by example, and show my elders that young people like me can take over and ensure the protection of civilians! I want to show how far children are willing to go to become heroes. ''
"Wow awesome." Nami said, a little surprised.
For his part, Jinbei nodded his head slightly, while displaying a slightly less oppressive gaze.
" I see ... "
"Yeah, soon I will fight with Endeavor in the most important missions in the country. said Hawks.
"Endeavor?" Sanji asked. "You work as a team with that bully? "
'' Not really ! to tell the truth, I doubt he would agree to work with anyone! He always wants to show others that he can achieve anything, without anyone's help! But, I must admit that he was a great inspiration to me when I was a child. I wanted to be like him.''
" If you want advice, don't follow his lead too much. " Sanji retorted.
''And what is your ideal to do in the world?'' Asked Robin.
''I want to create a society where no one has to worry. Where a pro can just relax and have a good time.'' Hawks said, with a smile that most of the table had as well.
But while Franky and Brook gradually seemed to appreciate the friendly demeanor of the guest, Jinbei and Robin continued to experience a slight sense of unease. Hawks seemed to be outspoken but...would he be willing to make sacrifices or betrayals to achieve his goals? For him, how far a government had the right to go, to obtain peace?
"This guy...is he like Smoker or more like a member of CP9?" Robin wondered.
"Wow Hawks I had an idea. Once we get home, how about…'' said Luffy excitedly.
Knowing his question, Zoro was the one who stuffed a whole loaf into his mouth.
" Luffy, we won't be taking anyone with us when we return home." The swordsman retorted. "So there's no need to ask him to join our crew."
Hearing this, Hawks laughed, before putting on a sorry face.
"Sorry Luffy, but...I don't intend to become a pirate! I don't think I'll be able to leave Japan and live a life like yours! Besides, I still have a lot of things to achieve here."
"Speaking of which, don't you have to be in an agency or somewhere else?" Nami asked. "From what I understand, heroes like you or All Might are constantly busy."
"OH, don't worry, I have my sidekick taking care of my agency." Hawks said calmly.
"Do you run your own agency?" Franky asked.
"Yeah, I opened my agency when I was 18 and it's now become a stronghold. Almost as big as All Might and Endeavor agencies.'' said Hawks, trying to be cool.
"Pretty impressive. '' said Brook.
"But do you have enough people to take care of this place?" Nami asked.
''Yeah. I have over 20 heroes working there and over 30 sidekicks.'' Hawks said.
"Wow, that's cool." Luffy said excitedly.
"Yes! Nevertheless, in a few days, I will be a little busier! I will be training a student of UA."
"Oh, you have to talk about their training period." Robin observed, "Nezu mentioned that."
"That's it! Every student will have to find an agency where they will be trained to learn the real basics of becoming a hero."
"Have you decided to train Deku?" Luffy questioned him.
"No! The person who was accepted into my agency is Tokoyami! I saw great potential in him."
"Black-Crow?" Luffy wondered. "He doesn't seem like a very fun person."
"What about Endeavor and All Might?" Sanji asked. "Who are the students they have decided to train?"
"Right now, All Might is far too busy to be able to train a student." Hawks retorted. "Because of this, the school asked Endeavor to be able to train two students! They are his own son, Todoroki, as well as Galadriel."
"Shoto?" Sanji wondered.
"Jelly is also going to be in training?" Luffy wondered.
"Of course! This training is mandatory."
"Boo." Said Luffy. "Since Jelly is powerful, I thought she wouldn't need this training! Too bad! I like to eat with her! She's fun."
"It's not like this training is going to last several months." Hawks retorted. "And then, if she wants to be a hero, she needs that."
" That's completely stupid. " Luffy retorted. "This training is useless! Someone like Deku doesn't need training or clearance to save people in danger."
" Huh ? "
"A person doesn't need a card to be a hero! A hero is someone who wants to save people! And the best heroes are those who risk their lives to protect them."
Staring at Hawks, he assured him.
"That's the only test they have to pass! If these kids are willing to put themselves in harm's way to save people, then they'll be worthy heroes."
The next day
The heroes of the surveillance mission were now in the hero association building where they were about to give their report on this week's investigation that Hawks was at the front. He was the first to speak.
"Madam President, I have good information this time. '' Hawks said.
"Any news?" She asked him.
''They have a good leader and an imaginative child. Apart from that, they spread a bunch of random stories which I managed to save for future analysis. '' Hawks said.
''Excellent. Keep hanging out with them. We might find something.'' She said.
''Okay.'' Said the three heroes.
"Why do you look tired?" Hawks asked Edgeshot.
"I'm doing my best to keep them on track." He said with a tired nod.
''You know it's hard to do this mission and have trainees at the same time.'' Said Best Jeannist.
''Alright. I will make sure that all of you can balance your missions and duties at the same time," the president said.
''Thank you'' said the heroes.
"You know we could actually form a team after this is done. '' said Hawks laughing.
"You can't be serious. '' Said Best Jeannist.
"I'm really serious. It's kind fun and serious at the same time.'' He said intrigued.
''Hawks, I'm already on my own team. I must have given a thousand explanations for why I'm not here with them.'' Edgeshot said.
"Speaking of who, where are your interns? Hawks asked.
''They are on duty. Kind impressive, I have to admit.'' said Edgeshot.
"Good to hear. '' Hawks said.
"Just stay on mission guys. I know we are about to catch these criminals. Now go back to the field.'' Said the president.
''Yes, Madam President.'' Said the three raising the desk.
Hawks nods and flies back into the air. Ready to observe everything, a part of him didn't like to do that but for the safety of the Japanese people who needed it. Even if he has to kill one of the Straw Hats, he is a man who sticks to his mission.
Saitama, Japan
Looking at an address marked on a piece of paper, Sebas narrowed his eyes as he stared at the building indicated.
"Is it here?" Solution asked.
"I have my doubts." The butler confessed.
Opposite the duo was a neighborhood made up almost entirely of dilapidated buildings that gave this area of Saitama a grim look. However, according to the package, the address of the person who sent this horrible "gift" to Galadriel was here.
"Does anyone actually live here?" Solution wondered.
For answer, Sebas began to venture into the neighborhood. But immediately, a voice stopped him.
"You have no right to come here."
Quietly seated in a chair, an older man dressed in a lookout uniform was staring at the pair as they drank a beer. at his feet, a dog looking as old as him was dozing.
"Excuse me, sir." Sebas said, approaching him. "Why can't we come here?"
"You don't know that?" asked the old security guard. "This neighborhood is categorized as a 'demolition district'! All the buildings in it must be destroyed! According to what is said, many traces of asbestos have been found! Because of this, all the residents were forced to leave this neighborhood and the government undertook to destroy these buildings to rebuild new ones."
"Huh?" Solution said, barely interested. "So nobody lives here anymore?"
"Absolutely." assured the old security guard, taking a sip of beer. " Truth be told, don't even think about seeing these buildings being destroyed for a long time! Due to the recent pandemic and the economic crisis, the industry sector is frozen! It has already been almost two years since these buildings were supposed to be destroyed. be destroyed."
"I see." Sebas said. "Still, it's strange."
Showing the paper to the old security guard, he questioned him.
"Is this address in this neighborhood?"
"Yes." Assured the security guard. "Why? Friends of yours lived here?"
"We received a strange package." The butler stated. "We think it was a sender error! So we came to give it back! Still, if what you say is true, it should be two years since anyone lived here."
Hearing this, the old guard heaved a weary sigh.
" It starts again. "
" Huh ? "
"There is a person who takes advantage of the absence of the former tenants of these places to come here! I have often heard suspicious voices and noises! But I have never seen anything! to believe that this person is haunted . "
" This strange package seems to prove otherwise. " The butler affirmed. "Can you lead us to the address given? The man who lives unequally here could be there."
Thinking that might be right, the old guard decided to get up, before asserting.
"It would suit me if you could make this squatter go with you."
"That could be arranged." Solution asserted, barely hiding his sadistic smile.
Finally, the trio was inside a building and the security guard stopped in front of a door.
"It's here." He affirmed, grabbing his keychain.
Then opening the door, the old man looked inside the apartment, before declaring.
" It's empty. "
Indeed, nothing showed the slightest sign of any resident living here. The apartment was empty. There wasn't even a single piece of furniture. Just a floor covered with parquet and windows whose shutters were closed.
" That doesn't surprise me at all. " The old guard affirmed.
However, he was surprised, seeing Sebas and Solution entering the apartment. Pausing in the center, the duo remained still, just staring at the walls around them, feeling a strange feeling.
"There's no point in staying here." The security guard retorted, approaching them. "It's empty! Even if he was here, the squatter had to find another place."
"An illusion." Sebas retorted.
" Huh ? "
Suddenly, the guard was surprised to see the walls begin to twist.
" What ? "
Then the air began to vibrate, and eventually the entire room transformed. And in place of an empty apartment was now a huge room where dozens of corpses were piled up, most of which were seriously mutilated.
The walls were covered with pictures of women and men with blond hair, as well as many religious symbols.
A few tables and cupboards were now visible, covered with objects used for torture.
Clearly, there was nothing trivial about this apartment.
"What the... What the...?" Panicked the security guard.
"The package is from here." Solution affirmed.
"You just have to know where its last resident is."
"So this is UA school."
Displaying an evil smile, one person let his/her long chameleon tongue stick out of his/her mouth, while he/she stared at the building in front of him/her.
"This is where I might run into Galadriel-sama."
Suddenly, feeling a sensation inside him/her, he/she noticed.
"My quirk...my illusion in Saitama has been broken."
Yet, despite having lost one of his/her hiding places, he/she continued to smile. After all, that was why he/she had sent that package. He/She wanted Galadriel to be able to see his/her work. All the corpses inside his/her hiding place belonged to people practicing evil religion. Clearly, they were demons.
And he/she was going to kill them all. He/She was going to eradicate the demons to allow them resurrection and kill the angels to allow them to return to paradise. It was his/her fate. And he/she already had his/her next target in mind.
Finally, he/she left, his/her hands in his/her pockets, continuing to display a mournful smile.
"I can't wait to see the Supreme Angel."
