The Navy was quick to act after Doflamingo's defeat. They snatched up all the executives of the family, and bound them all up in Sea Stone chains and cuffs before escorting them from Dressrosa. But that wasn't all they did. Admrial Fujitora actually prostrated himself before King Riku and the people and issued a formal apology which was broad-cast by the Marines themselves. No matter what happens now it isn't going to go over well at Navy Headquarters. So, they quickly stole away from the crowd and the Navy, hiding out to recover in Kyros' home. But with Luffy, Robin, Franky, Usopp, Zoro, Run, Law, Kin'emon, Kanjuro and Bellamy crammed into the man's home, it's quite a tight fit.
"So, you live on top of a hill?" Run questions him, turning his attention out the window with a grin. "Aah, I can't say I blame you with scenery like this."
"It was convenient for me and Scarlet," Kyros tells him, hopping in their direction with his arms full of blankets. "I'm sorry but my place isn't as nice as the palace. Here. There's one for each of you." After that he hops away and lies down on the floor. "Sorry, but I'm going to turn in first. If you're hungry, help yourselves to anything in the house. I believe I only have dried meat, though."
"Thank you, Kyros."
"When Luffy wakes up, it's gonna be gone in a second," laughs Usopp, watching their Captain turn in his sleep and continue his loud snoring. Unfortunately, his words fall on deaf ears as Kyros has already fallen fast asleep. "You fell asleep too quick!" Law is the next to go, and finally Usopp follows.
"Guess they're not gonna wake up for a while," sighs Franky.
"We should let them have a good rest," Robin tells him. Zoro, meanwhile, has been rummaging through all of Kyros' cabinets but so far he hasn't turned up a single drop of alcohol stashed away in any of them...much to his displeasure. Footsteps outside the door instantly put Zoro on edge who turn towards it quickly as it opens.
"Aah, would it kill ya to knock, Sabo?" Run asks him with a grin. "I mean, what if I had been naked?"
"Why would you have been naked?" Sabo questions him, tossing a bottle in Zoro's direction. He quickly snatches it from the air and looks at the label before smirking. "Wait. That's not the issue here. I came to return this, after all." Sabo steps into Kyros' home, and holds Run's cutlass out. "You dropped it in town, Run." He crosses the room and takes the sword from him before shoving it back into it's sheath. He'd combed the area after the fight with Doflamingo but hadn't managed to turn anything up...and with the area quickly filling with Marine's he'd been forced to beat a hasty retreat empty handed or risk stirring up the hornets nest.
"Thanks. I was afraid someone had made off with it in the confusion."
"You know this guy?" Zoro asks.
"He's my and Luffy's brother." Franky and Zoro stare at the man in surprise as Sabo closes the door behind him and walks across the room to take a seat on the edge of the bed. "He's out cold, unfortunately. We could wake him up like we used to if-"
"It's alright," Sabo tells him quickly. "You don't have to wake him up. I just came to see your faces before I leave."
"Leaving already? We haven't even had a drink to celebrate your return."
"I know. Unfortunately, some troublesome people are headed back here."
"Who?"
"CP-0. They played a part in Doflamingo's deception. They're targeting us. Dressrosa is going to get crowded in a day or so. You guys should leave as soon as you can." Sabo turns to look at the red head. "Doflamingo blew the lid on your secret, Run, and it's already spreading like wild-fire among the Navy. You should be ready for whatever may come."
"Aah, I guess these things are bound to happen. I-"
"That's right," Franky suddenly says. "You were one of the five star targets during the 'game'...what was it he called you? Figerland Runelle?"
"Yes, that is my full name."
"Isn't 'Runelle' a girls name, red hair?"
"What of it?" Robin suddenly asks him. "I think it's a beautiful name."
"Was hopin' for 'devilishly handsome' but I'll take what I can get," Run says with a grin. "Anyway, Runelle is reserved for people very close to me in private, Franky. Feel free to use it on the Sunny but anywhere else...'Run' works just fine."
"I didn't know you two had another brother," Zoro says. "First I'm hearing of it, actually."
"That's not a surprise," Sabo says. "I was presumed dead for quite a while. I'm sure it was quite a shock for them to see me again." He sighs softly. "I was always with Luffy, Ace and Run when we were kids. We ran around like wild-men, and always had a tough time because of that old man, Garp. We always dreamed of becoming pirates...and we exchanged cups of sake to become brothers." Sabo goes on to explain exactly what happened to them all. How he was presumed dead, how he joined the Revolutionary Army...how he regained his memory after the death of Ace.
"Hold on," Zoro finally says, stopping the story.
"Don't interrupt such a sad story!" complains Kin'emon. Zoro lunges at the man quickly and grasps him by the front of his kimono.
"You finished the bottle, you damn glutton! You ate all the meat, too!"
"I can't listen to such a sad story without drinking!"
"We don't need alcohol," sighs Robin. "But we'll be in trouble without food when Luffy wakes up." Kanjuro offers to go get some groceries when Kyros' wakes up, and Zoro quickly tells him to get some booze when they go as well.
"Your friends are pretty funny, Run," Sabo says.
"Dahaha~. Well, they're not boring!" Run laughs. Sabo continues his story, telling them about going to Corrida to meet with the two of them, and even how he and Run competed for the Flare-Flare Fruit. When he's finished he stands and digs into his pocket to produce a Vivre Card that belongs to Luffy. He tears a piece off and hands it to Run for safe keeping before finally heading for the door.
"Alright...Luffy and Run might be a bit hard to handle but please take care of them. Especially look after Run. He has a habit of wandering off when he spots a pretty-" Run moves in an instant, grasping Sabo's shoulders and spinning the man before marching him out the door.
"Alright, go on! Get outta here, you! Ya come back and yer already out here spreadin' these lies and slander!"
"Ahahaha~! Alright! I'm going, I'm going! Take care, Run." The red head closes the door behind him with a sigh.
"Take care, Sabo," Run mutters, turning away from the door. "He came all this way to see us, and Luffy's still fast asleep." The red head bends down and picks up Luffy's straw hat from the floor. Tears stream down Franky's face as he goes on and on about how good of a brother Sabo is to the two of them.
"I agree," adds Kyros, surprising them all. The man sits up slowly and turns to face them.
"You were listening?"
"Yes, from about halfway through."
"Should we wake him?" Zoro asks.
"No, let him sleep as much as he likes. I brought him here just for that reason. Zoroland, maybe there is alcohol in the cellar under the kitchen floor." That's all Zoro needs to hear as the man goes running off through the house. "No matter how much I thank Luffyland, it could never be enough. There's no way of knowing how much he encouraged the people of Dressrosa. This country will change. Thanks to all of you, of course. The pain from the wounds that you're all suffering from...is the result of the injuries that you sustained on behalf of us, the citizens of Dressrosa. We have to repay you somehow..."
Three days of rest, and some relative quiet on the Navy's end. While the crew has spent the majority of this time recovering, Run has been...'borrowing' Zoro's help in figuring out a bit more about his Devil Fruit's abilities. During this time he's more or less figured out the strengths and weaknesses of the wolves that seem to be at his beck and call. Firstly, the frost that they bring with them seems to function as a sort of armor against attacks, and if left to their own devices for a long enough period it will eventually grow into full blown ice. Second, the wolves themselves seem to possess an intangibility not unlike Logia Fruit eaters. Third, the wolves don't seem to 'die' so long as Run remains conscious; in fact, they seem to pick themselves up and knit themselves back together with ease even after being cut with Busoshoku. Finally, maintaining their presence depends heavily on his own stamina.
"What has you so engrossed in thought?" Robin asks, snapping the red head out of his thoughts. The red head turns his attention to the woman, who approaches with arms occupied by bags of groceries full to bursting.
"Aah, just thinking about that Devil Fruit of mine," Run tells her, taking the bags from her. "I haven't even figured out who to change shape and I've already got a small army at my disposal. Makes me wonder what else its capable of." He grins at her as they begin walking down the street. "But enough about that! It's not often we get a chance to go out alone like this. So, maybe we take the scenic route back? Maybe we even get...a little delayed on the way?"
"Delayed?"
"Of course. These things happen occasionally."
"Mm, I suppose they do." The ringing of a transponder snail sounds and the red head sighs heavily.
"Why? Why can't we..." His words trail off as the ringing continues. "Aah, I don't suppose you'd mind? Left pocket of my coat." Robin giggles and reaches into the pocket of his coat, and pulls out a thin square package seconds later rather than a transponder snail. "Whoops! That's definitely the wrong pocket. Ignore that."
"I'm sure." Robin reaches into the opposite pocket of his coat and pulls out a transponder snail. "Hello. What's-"
"Robin!" shouts the familiar voice of Usopp. "It's the Navy! The Navy is finally on the move! Is Run there with you?"
"Aah, I'm here," Run says. "Also..." The red head pauses briefly as he turns his attention to the dozens of Marines swarming the streets in their direction. "...while appreciated, I think it might be a bit late for a heads up." Robin glances over her shoulder at the rapidly approaching Marines just in time for them all to suddenly stiffen and then collapse in a heap of tangled limbs and fallen weapons. "I don't suppose there's a plan?"
"We're heading for the east port! There's a ship waiting there!"
"Alright, we'll make our way there immediately," Robin tells him. She disconnects the transponder snail as the sound of sprinting footsteps once more begin to fill the air. They begin moving immediately, finding the streets swarming with Marines. It seems that the Navy intends to spare no effort in their capture! The two of them cut a winding path through the town, dodging Marines where possible or knocking them out as necessary in their rush to the eastern port. It isn't long before they find themselves sprinting in tandem with the rest of the crew as well as Bartolomeo. Unfortunately, while they're quickly joined by the gladiators who'd fought at their side days before they're still missing Luffy and Law.
"Aah, where's Luffy gone off to?" Run questions them. "Don't tell me he-" The red head glances over his shoulder quickly as he senses someone fast approaching, and watches as Fujitora makes his appearance. The admiral rides a large chunk of floating stone in their direction while sitting cross-legged. "Well, fancy meeting you here, Fujitora!"
"Waaaah! "Wh-Wh-What should we do?!" screams Usopp.
"I'd say that's pretty obvious. I hate sneak attacks but..." Run grasps the hilt of his cutlass with a grin. Energy crackles from the blade as he draws it quickly. "...Sundering Tide." With a single motion he sends a wave of energy racing in the admiral's direction. The man quickly abandons the large chunk of stone he's riding on, allowing it to be sliced cleanly in two and disappearing into the resulting large cloud of resulting dust. Several long moments pass as it slowly clears to reveal a massive gash cut deep into the earth and stone, and Fujitora standing several meters from it. "...Aah, boy, I really hate fighting Kenbunshoku users."
"Figerland Runelle," Fujitora says, calmly walking in their direction. "Your attacks are surprisingly difficult to anticipate."
"Run, we don't need to fight him," Robin tells him. "We-"
"Tell that to HIM, Robin. Aah, as for my attacks...Kenbunshoku can be nullified when facing another user of equal or greater ability."
"By your words, can I assume that you mean your abilities do exceed my own?" Fujitora and Run speak in unison. The admiral's brow furrows slightly while Run grins from ear to ear in response.
"All I did for the last two years with train my own Haki, Fujitora. Nothing more and nothing less...so I'm pretty confident in it these days."
"Rune- Run!" shouts Bartolomeo, catching his slip of the tongue quickly. "You and your friends should stand back! Leave this...up to us!" Bartolomeo raises his hands quickly. "Barrier!" A giant barrier forms between them and the Admiral, which gives the man pause for a moment.
"A barrier?" asks Fujitora. "It seems like this will be quite tough." The Admiral raises his sword, and the whole island starts shaking violently. They watch as the rubble across the island begins to raise slowly into the air, forming a massive ball of rubble.
"Oi! Don't stand there!" screams Law, finally reappearing. "Wherever you are, we're all at risk! Go to the port and set sail!" While Cavendish is upset with the man, the majority of those present sprint towards the port without a second thought.
"I don't mind running to the ship," begins Zoro. "But I don't think he'll let us go that easily." In the distance, they finally spot Luffy sprinting as fast as he can in their direction. But rather than avoid Fujitora, he instead sprints head long at the man and launches a punch at him.
"Don't fight him!" bellows Bartolomeo. "He's a Navy Admiral!"
"Why should I run away?" Luffy asks. "Until two years ago, I would have done that but not anymore! Yonko or Admiral, I have to be them all or else I'll never become King of the Pirates!" Luffy charges into the battle with Fujitora, making sure to call out every one of his attacks. It seems Luffy doesn't want an unfair advantage of the man simply because he's blind...and it seems to anger the Admiral to be looked down on. At least until Luffy tells him he's only doing it because he kind of likes him.
A pirate and an Admiral as friends...if anyone else had suggested it, Run would have said it was impossible. But in Luffy's case...he may just end up befriending Fujitora before all is said and done. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that his words are going to affect Fujitora who sends their Captain flying with one of his attacks. Before he's blown away, however, he's snatched from the air by the giant Hajrudin who immediately starts moving for the ship in port.
"Alright, Luffy, it's my turn now!" calls Zoro.
"I'll toss my hat into that ring, too," Run adds. Usopp smacks them both in the back of the head quickly.
"Absolutely not!" screams Usopp. "We've got to go!" After a few moments of absolute confusion, they finally turn to flee with everyone else. The east port is absolutely packed with ships, that stretch out into the sea along-side a floating wooden bridge. It's like they've hidden a small fleet here in the port! Unfortunately for them it seems that Fujitora isn't willing to give up his pursuit of them, and the rubble that's been gathered over Dressrosa begins to hover in their direction, rapidly over-taking their position, and then spreading out to blanket the sky.
"Aww, c'mon, Fujitora! It's not that serious! Just let us go!"
"I don't wanna be killed by garbage!" But, even though it spreads out, it doesn't rain down on their heads. Hearing what sounds like a stampede behind them, they look by the find thousands of people sprinting towards the port and slowly gathering at the rocks. As more and more gather they all begin to wave them off rather than give chase. It's one of the few times that they actually haven't been chased out of a place by the people living there...and it's a strange feeling. When they finally reach the end of the bridge they're treated to the sight of a gigantic and beautiful ship, the Yontamaria which they quickly board.
"Straw Hat, I have four giant mercenary friends," Hajrudin tells them. "I wanna pull together all the Giant tribes with them eventually, and we'll revive the Giant Pirates that once terrorized the world!"
"The Giant Pirates!" gushes Usopp. "Those were the glory days of Master Dorry and Brogy!"
"Oh, yeah!" chirps Luffy. "They'll be tough to fight! I guess we'll see you around someday somewhere!"
"Our Yontamaria Fleet numbers fifty-six ships!" Orlumbus tells them. "I'm sure we can really help you out!"
"Luffyland!" calls Leo, appearing on the bridge. "We got permission from Chief Tonta! Let us join, too!"
"We won't lose in a fair fight!" Ideo and Blue Gilly announce. "We can't say we're champions without fighting pirates, too!" Jeet and Abdulla are quick to throw their hats in with the two men, as well. The whole situation is beginning to dawn quickly on the red head. They men intend to throw themselves in with the Straw Hat Pirates!
"This fool is gonna let me on board," Suleiman says, earning a tongue lashing from Cavendish in response.
"What are you guys talking about?" Luffy asks, crossing his arms. "Just do whatever you want!" To their surprise, the men gathered quickly lay out their plans. First are the Beautiful Pirates with seventy-five members. The representative of which is 'White Horse' Cavendish. Second is the Barto Club with fifty-six members and Bartolomeo as the representative. Third is the Happosui Army with about one-thousand members. The representative of which is Sai. Forth is the XXX Fighting Alliance with four members with Ideo as representative. Fifth is the Tontatta's Tonta Corps with two-hundred members and Leo as the representative. Sixth is the future Giant Pirates with five members, and Hajrudin as the representative. Finally is the Yontamaria Fleet with forth-three hundred members, and Orlumbus as the representative. When they've finished, Bartolomeo steps forward and drops to a knee.
"A big troop of fifty-six hundred people!" announces Bartolomeo. "Luffy, will you exchange cups of sake as father and sons...with us seven representatives?!"
"Father and sons?!"
"That's right! You'll be the boss and we'll be your followers! Will you take us under the umbrella of the Straw Hats?!" Without waiting for his reply, Bartolomeo quickly goes about setting out cups and filling them all with sake before turning to face Luffy once more. "Alright! We'll exchange our vows now to inaugurate Luffy as our boss and us seven as his followers..." His words trail off as Luffy stares at the large cup set in front of him. "Please take the cup, Luffy."
"I'm not gonna drink this. I don't like this sake much."
"It's not about the taste, it's about the vow! From now on you'll be targeted by big names because of the incident on this island! When that happens it doesn't matter how strong you are it's going to be a tough battle! But since you saved us we can help you out at those times!"
"That's correct. If you have fifty-six hundred subordinates in total, you'll finally be one of the greatest pirates! You're gonna become King of the Pirates! If you wanna conquer the world, this won't be enough!"
"Dahahaha~! Trust me when I say that line of reasoning will just fall flat!" Run laughs, stepping closer to the large cup of sake. "Well, if you're not going to drink it, then I'll help myself!"
"I don't want a grand fleet," Luffy huffs. "I need my space!" Luffy sniffs the air and then grins. "That aside, aren't they preparing a banquet in the back!" This starts an argument between those gathered in front of them and Luffy finally sighs heavily. "Listen! I just wanna become King of the Pirates! I don't want to be someone so important!" Run picks up the cup and takes a sip from it before lowering it with a grin.
"Oh-ho! That's pretty good stuff! Zoro, have a taste of this!" He holds the cup out in offer to Zoro who takes it and takes a long drink.
"That is pretty good," Zoro agrees. "Let's put this in some beer mugs. We shouldn't let it go to waste."
"Oi, I wanna give it a try," calls Franky. "Give me some!"
"I'd like a bit, too," adds Robin, surprising Run.
"Luffy, what did you mean by that?" Bartolomeo eventually asks.
"Look," begins Luffy. "When we think we're in trouble, we'll shout for you so come save us! I don't have to be the boss or a great pirate, do I? When you guys are in trouble, call us! We'll come help you no matter what! I'll never forget that we fought against Mingo together!" He's barely finished his speech before cannon fire fills the air, and the men on deck begin to scramble. A fleet of ships has assembled behind them and it seems they're here solely for Luffy's head. The fleet of ships gathered returns fire but they're still moored, and it won't be hard to sink them if they can't set sail. However, just as quickly as the cannon fire starts, it begins to stop as the rubble over head begins to rain down solely on the approaching ships.
"Freedom...freedom!" cries Bartolomeo. "That's what it means to be King of the Pirates! I respect you even more now, Luffy!"
"So do I!" laughs Hajrudin. "Oi! Bartolomeo, make the oath!" The men all reason that if freedom is what Luffy wants, then they're free to do as they please, too. They all take a seat across from Luffy, and raise their cups up to him.
"Luffy, allow me to make a brief oath! We now become 'Straw Hat' Luffy's followers, and we shall be his shield or pike in all weather! To repay him for what he did this time, we seven will drink out of these Sons' Cups out of our own volition, devoting our lives and souls!" They quickly wheel out the banquet onto the deck while Luffy screams at them he didn't drink the sake that they poured for him. Fortunately, he doesn't stay irritated long as the smell of the food quickly draws him to it, and they set sail.
The banquet goes on for several hours with everyone drinking and eating to their content. But all good things much come to an end, and eventually they have to part ways with everyone else after parting out a piece of Luffy's Vivre Card to the representatives. Bartolomeo is going to be giving them a ride to Zou on his ship...which is quite a sight. Every part of it seems to have been crafted as an homage to the Straw Hat Pirates. They find out quickly that not just Bartolomeo idolizes Luffy but his crew as well. They gather on the deck of the ship, sitting on the sofa's located there to rest while Bartolomeo quickly orders his crew to make for Zou.
"I wonder if Sanji and the others got to the island safely," mutters Usopp.
"Nami was with them so I'm sure they managed to find their way there fine," Franky tells him. "Although, they were being chased by Big Mom's ship."
"Aah, relax, I'm sure they'll be fine," Run tells them, reclining further into the couch. "Casanova won't let anything happen to them...at least not while Nami is close by." Zoro, who has been idly flipping through the newspaper, pauses on one of the pages.
"Oi, Luffy," calls Zoro. "It seems our bounties have gone up again."
"Ehh?! Really?!" questions Luffy, grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh, you didn't know?" asks Bartolomeo. "Here!" His men quickly roll out a red carpet leading into the ship. "I have all of your wanted posters inside! Please, come take a look! Oh, Trafalgar, I threw yours away. But yours has gone up to five-hundred million." They all head inside, and are surprised to find their bounty posters framed carefully on a wall, along with their autographs. They all turn their attention to their bounty posters eagerly, surprised to find that more has changed than just their actual bounties.
'Straw Hat' Monkey D. Luffy - 500,000,000
Figerland 'Red' Runelle - 448,000,000
'Pirate Hunter' Roronoa Zoro - 320,000,000
'Demon Child' Nico Robin - 130,000,000
'Cyborg' Franky - 94,000,000
'God' Usopp - 200,000,000
'Black Foot' Sanji - 177,000,000
'Cat Burglar' Nami - 66,000,000
'Cotten Candy Lover' Chopper - 100
'Soul King' Brook - 83,000,000
"Aww, what a bunch of dicks!" complains Run, scratching the stubble on his jaw. "They actually used my full name for my bounty! Thanks a lot Doffy, now everyone knows! Still, that's a respectable amount! It's not a billion but it'll do for now!" Robin giggles a bit in response.
"Mm, well, it was bound to happen sooner or later," Robin tells him. "At least they didn't brand you as 'Shanks' Son'."
"True. Hoh?" Run steps closer to the posters and stares at Sanji's. It's not only been changed to an actual photo but even the conditions for collecting his bounty have changed. "'Only Alive'? Dahahaha~! Guess casanova's been hanging around with a woman he shouldn't have been! Someone clearly wants to do the deed themselves..."