One Piece: The Unreal Adventure Chapter 11, an one piece fanfic

"Oh, you have eaten a devil fruit… and what might be." Luffy asked.

Morgan grinned, "I have eaten the smooth smooth fruit… now no one can attack me. Dahahaha…"

Luffy blinked, before laughing. Now it made sense, so maybe Alvida got her fruit from Nezumi… and it seemed that that didn't occur because of Luffy's current actions.

'Yeah, I'm pretty sure that Alvida is kind of dead… I did knock her out pretty bad and then split the ship in two… her surviving would be pretty rare.' Luffy thought. 'But it's kind of funny seeing Morgan eat that fruit… still not bad, I wouldn't give it to any of my crewmates, but selling it would fetch a good price.'

"That's really impressive, but I don't really like you… so please die." Luffy said, before returning his Horn's edge to his back. And the big man suddenly found himself split in half, vertically, before falling backward. No devil fruit can stop the power of haki.

Anchor who was on the side was wide-eyed. He could barely see the movement. How did a brat that was a decade younger than him be this strong… and that was certainly Armament Haki.

Anchor didn't know Haki yet, so he opted to use his anchor —that was laced with sea stone— against devil fruit users that could negate physical damage. But seeing someone in the East Blue use Haki… but then he suddenly remembered. Didn't the paper suggest that he was the grandson of Garp. 'If he's related to Vice Admiral Garp, then I can see that happening.' He thought, 'Also that naginata…'

"Is that… hey, where did you get that blade… the metal one with chains," The anchor said pointing at Luffy, and his nameless naginata.

Luffy blinked, "Uh… I was given it by someone…" Luffy said. "Why? You don't look like a blade user to me…" he said eyeing the anchor that Anchor held. It was kind of ironic, how a man named Anchor was using an anchor as a hammer weapon.

"Because I have worked on that particular weapon when it was still in the hands of the marines… But it seems that wild blade found itself in the hands of a pirate again." He said, "I'm not a swordsman, but I do come from a smith family… My anchor isn't only for combat, it's also for smiting… I don't care either way. "

Luffy blinked, a weapon smith… now wasn't that interesting. He wanted the man on his crew… who knows what kind of fun weapon he could make. And he already knew about his blade, that is quite impressive…

"You might as well be bluffing." Luffy shot back, but he wasn't just going to take his word for it.

"The blade shortened to your size, didn't it… because the height of the naginata doesn't add up." He said, rubbing his chin, "Also that chain… it's from one of the compartments that I wasn't able to open… the weapon only allowed me to fix its blade, nothing more… it didn't deem me worthy to be its wielder… not that I wanted to of course. Its good to see that someone was finally able to wield that blade… it was quite impressive." More so when you add the fact that it was not broken by Vice Admiral Garp's fist. Just only got bent and dented. But he didn't say that out loud.

He was also curious as to how this Luffy fellow was able to get his hand on the weapon. Maybe Garp gave it to him… nah, he wouldn't do that.

Luffy was impressed, but he didn't show it. "Well, you aren't lying… before I wasn't even able to carry it… it was quite heavy, but after I was able to speak to it, and make it mine, it became almost weightless… and shortened to my size."

"So, you were able to tame that wild blade…" The ex-marine mumbled, impressed. As a blacksmith he wouldn't be able to ignore that… "Tell you what… you give me some time to study your other blade… the bone blade and, I will give you something in return…"

That wasn't a bad deal. His Horn's Edge wasn't a ranked blade… so he could let the man see it. Especially since he was the one that fixed his nameless naginata. Maybe he could even upgrade the blade…

'If I am not able to get him on my crew… I will still have to keep good relation with him. His skills will be valuable.' Luffy thought.

"Why not join my crew?" Luffy mused. A person who can fight of both Kuro and Morgan at the same time with their full crew… being able to stop the Krieg pirates, taking down their ships… and not to mention he had some skills in the forging department … that kind of skill was needed for his crew.

From his observation of Haki it became obvious Anchor's status was. He was strong, but it seemed that Anchor lacked the intuition and speed that a fighter needs. He was more like an unbalanced character in a video game, having maxed status in strength while lacking in others.

If not for his sea-stone-laced weapon, he was sure that Coby or even Gin would be able to handle him in a drawn-out fight. Unless of course he was able to get the drop on them.

But when it came to strength, Luffy wasn't sure just how strong he was. But he might be even able to contend with him in raw power.

'He's kind of like that Elizabello fellow… who is able to destroy a fortress with his strength if he has enough time to charge it up. But other than that he's weak, in other aspects.'

Anchor gave Luffy a deadpan. "No, but I will grant you some other request…"

"Didn't you say this island has a broken Skillful Grade Blade… did you already find it?"

Anchor didn't say anything, but his eyes narrowed a bit.

Luffy put his hands up, "Hey, I'm not going to take it from you or anything like that… in fact, I'm willing to buy it from you… but have you fixed it?" Anchor looked at Luffy for a while, he found no signs of lying so he answered.

"No, but it shouldn't take time… and I don't mind giving it to someone who can wield the blade… but I also need some cash for that… just for the repair charge would be enough." He said, as a proud swordsmith he would love to see weapons made by him, or in this case repaired by him go on to skillful users.

"Then when you are done, you can it to Zoro over there… you might know him as the man that challenged Mihawk. A foolish man I tell you… foolish enough to join the crew that will be the strongest in the future. And follow me, the man who one day will be the king of the pirates. Shishishi…"

The blacksmith looked at Luffy, quite a bold goal. Some would call the boy foolish, yet his feats so far said otherwise.

Anchor then looked at Zoro. He also recognized him, the pirate hunter Zoro. "Well, it depends if the sword actually acknowledged him…" he smirked. "Though fixing it might take a whole day. Your nameless Naginata was just had a bent blade, so I was able to fix that… but the sword is cracked in several places, so it will take some time to put all the parts back together… also, do one more thing for me. Give me a lift to Logue Town, I need to meet a former acquaintance there…" He said, before eyeing the remaining pirate captain. Captain Kuro was actually trying to sneak from both of them.

"Sure thing." Luffy agreed, jabbing his thumb at Kuro. "But what about him…"

"I will have to deal with him and the rest of their pirate crew first. Many people died cause of them…" he said in all seriousness.

"You heard him guys, get them," Luffy called out, as the rest of the crew dawned their weapons and charged toward the pirates. The poor lackeys stood no chance, as they were getting taken out rather quickly.

Only Usopp remained in his place and he was glaring at Kuro.

Anchor who was about to charge against Kuro was stopped. "Yeah… can you give Kuro to my crewmate? They have a bit of history."

The smith frowned, before looking between Usopp and Kuro, and nodded.

"Usopp, why don't you handle this one…" Luffy said, "You did want to pay him back for betraying Kaya."

The long nose came forward, and this time, he wasn't shaking… much. "I'm not afraid of you anymore Kuro!" he said, taking out his new customized revolvers, that was now mixed with Adam's wood and high-quality steel that he scavenged of Zoro's broken sword. "Today, is the day I end your evil ways…"

Luffy almost cringed at that line… but didn't say anything. His long-nosed friend was trying to play it brave… and he didn't want to ruin the moment. Though it seemed like Coby, Usopp might also be suffering from eighth-grader syndrome.

Kuro clicked his tongue, "Not this idiot again… you really think you can beat me, Captin Kuro of th…" but he wasn't able to finish when one bullet went straight from Usopp's gun to Kuro's head.

The pirate was able to fling the bullet off with his claws, but the Usopp knew he was going to do that, so the second shot was aimed at his left knee. Which Kuro wasn't able to avoid or deflect. "Uh…"

"Let's give them some space to fight." Luffy mused jumping off to a nearby roof.

"Whatever… I can deal with others…" Anchor grunted before jumping to another rooftop, unlike Luffy he wasn't that interested in the fight. So he joined the other straw hats in hunting down the lackeys that attacked the island.

A/N: Anchor D. Popeye is an original character I made up, if some of you don't know. He has the potential to be strong, I mean very strong... and with good morals and a bit of complicated background, he is quite the character that will show up in the fic from time to time.

Anyway, he won't join the crew... yet. Maybe later who knows. -really, cause I don't know either-

This original story arch done for two reason. Give Usopp the backbones of a pirate, and let him grow from a boy to man, and give Zoro a named blade. Cause I like my bad ass swordsman armed with famed blades, thank you.

Some of you complained about the crew being large. Even my early readers say it, and I get that, but this is how I liked my story. This is a extended crew fic. But I won't bring along just any people. Only the best.

As for other original arcs. I'm not sure yet. I may do more in the future. Or it will just be a fic that only follows Canon. And where's the fun in that.)

Kuro grunted, his left knee busted by the sudden shot. And, he looked at Usopp with hate and annoyance. Blood poured out of his new wound, this would reduce his mobility. But even with that Kuro was confident in taking down Usopp. What made him worry was Luffy and the others… there was no doubt he would be caught again.

But right now he didn't care, he was busy dealing with the village idiot. For a while nothing happened before both of them moved.

Usopp was again the first one to attack with his dual revolvers, shooting multiple shots at the infamous pirate. Kuro might be injured, but he was still able to dive away from most of the shots, that drilled the wall behind him.

While his knee was busted he could still use his technique a few times… with gritted teeth, he moved his feet in a familiar rhythm, and kicked off the ground going towards Usopp with his claws outstretched.

But to his surprise, Usopp was able to roll away from his attack, and also shot multiple bullets at Kuro.

The black cat pirate was barely able to claw away at the bullets before they could harm him. Still, one bullet managed to puncture his chest on the right side, hitting his lungs. "Uh… why you damn fool." Kuro shouted, in rage but he was wide-eyed when Usopp tossed something near his face before diving in with hands over his head.

The long nose also took the time to reload his revolver.

It was a flashbang, and it exploded right in Kuro's face, almost breaking his eardrums and taking his eyesight.

"Uh!" Kuro said squinting his eyes as he took a couple of steps back. But Usopp wasn't finished yet as he used his slingshot to send a round-shaped object near Kuro, which bounced off the wall and landed near his legs. This one was a grenade that blew Kuro off to a nearby building, making him go through the wall.

Usopp used this chance to take cover behind a wall, keep an eye on the enemy and reload his revolvers. When he was done he waited, and for a while, nothing happened. Usopp could see Kuro's body under the rubble, and he was about to check if he was out or not when he moved out.

"I will fucking kill you!" Kuro growled animalistically, "I will kill you for that!"

Due to the sheer amount of hatred, Usopp was shocked and took a few steps back. As if locating his location Kuro jumped out of his position with his claws out near Usopp.

Kuro was in bad shape, with burn wounds and his eyes were red from Usopp's previous attack. He was in no condition to move like that… and yet he did. It seemed that hate was the driving factor.

Avoiding Usopp's shots based on pure instincts, and reaction speed —though three shots still punctured his body, two barely grazed him, while the third one hit his abdomen— he got near Usopp, avoiding a shot that would have taken his head and swiped his claws upward trying to take of Usopp's head.

While Kuro was fast, he was nowhere near the level of speed that Luffy or even Sparky used. So he was able to follow it just fine and avoid the attack.

"Face me like a man, you coward!" Kuro growled, only getting a punch to his face that knocked a few of his teeth out. Well, Usopp didn't actually punch him, but rather used the bottom of his gun barrel to take out his teeth.

"What? You really think I'm the same boy you used to look down upon back in the village… I have changed Klahadore." Usopp said his both his revolvers forward in a fighting position. He was out of bullets, man, revolvers were a pain in the ass to reload. But he still had his slingshot and another grenade, this one more compact and explosive.

The sniper didn't back off. He wouldn't be called a coward anymore. He was a brave warrior of the sea, the sniper king of the Straw Hat Pirates, he wouldn't back down now. Call it pride, but for a second his fear washed away as he held his hand up, motioning Kuro for a close combat battle.

Seeing Usopp in a fighting postion, Kuro growled, before attacking Usopp. Which the boy avoided with ease. Kuro attacked with large swings, and it was making Usopp back off to a corner. It wouldn't end well, if he was cornered.

Usopp would be lying if he told that he wasn't scared… no scratch that, he was terrified. And yet he was finding it quite easy in dealing with Kuro.

While to the normal untrained eye Kuro's movements were almost unreadable, for him it was easy to see through his acts and react in time. Compared to the harsh training Luffy put him through it was honestly child's play.

And while Kuro was scary, he was nowhere level the fear he faced in the past few days. Sea-kings, Mihawk and Luffy's haki or even trying to survive getting shot by Sparky, all of them were much more scary.

Even though Usopp was avoiding Kuro's attacks he couldn't counter either, he would need some time to reload his guns and if he didn't do something he would be backed into a corner. And Kuro's claws were hard for Usopp to get near and fight face to face.

But Kuro was getting winded as the fight went on. His bleeding was catching up to him, while Usopp didn't have any amazing stamina. The fact that he remained uninjured was helping him in the fight.

But Usopp didn't want to win this way… call it foolish, but in this fight… he needed to prove something. Usopp had seen Coby, who was comparable to him, now being able to take down multiple pirates at once.

While he was a sniper and he would much prefer fighting where the enemy couldn't reach him. He had to prove something today.

So he took the risk and rushed forward. He grabbed Kuro's left arm, surprising the pirate, and quickly twisted his arm behind him, making him fall to the ground and trying to dislocate his shoulder. A bad attempt, but it did make Usopp move away from getting cornered.

But his attempt was failed by a kick to the shin, making Usopp yelp and Kuro was able to stab the boy in his left shoulder and pin him to the wall. Well, that didn't help.

Usopp's attempt was failed by a kick to the shin, making Usopp yelp and Kuro was able to stab the boy in his left shoulder and pin him to the wall. Well, that didn't help.

"You are dead boy!" Kuro yelled as he tried to swipe Usopp with his other hand. But Usopp surprised him with a solid headbutt, winching when he felt his own blood. Though he did hear a sickening crunch from Kuro's nose breaking. "Uh…"

Usopp used the chance to kick Kuro off of him, kicking him on his stomach where a bullet wound was. And while this got Kuro off of him, his claws were still stabbed in Usopp's shoulder.

Well, at least he did unarm his opponent, Kuro thought, still had his other set of claws left. With a winch, Usopp was able to pull out the blades from his wounds and toss them to his side. Blood poured out of his wound, but for now, Usopp would need to ignore that.

Kuro also got up with a broken nose and a bleeding gut. He was panting heavily, and a small smile on his face. "You know you aren't half bad for a son of a lowly pirate…" Kuro was on his last leg, he was barely able to stand. The wounds were too much for him, but he wouldn't drop anytime soon.

Usopp snorted, those words didn't riot him up anymore. "We will see about that…"

While Kuro was catching his breath, Usopp used that time to reload one of his guns, while he holstered the other one.

Kuro watched the long-nosed boy as he reloaded his gun, one bullet, two bullets, three bullets… Kuro leaped forward with his only clawed hand.

Usopp ducked and rolled forward and placed another shot in Kuro's good leg. The man grunted, but he didn't need speed in close combat. So he got near Usopp and with his unarmed hand tossed his gun to the side, while swiping Usopp with his claws.

The long-nosed sniper jumped back and took his slingshot out and shot off a projectile. The shot was aimed at the ground, so Kuro ran forward thinking he was aiming wrong.

Well, Usopp didn't, and that was an oil bullet, which made the ground slippery enough to make the claw user fall and drench his clothes in it.

Usopp didn't waste time and rolled towards his gun and took aim. Putting Kuro on fire, but Kuro had anticipated this and rolled to his side and threw his jacket off.

With that Kuro rushed Usopp yet again. And this time while Usopp shot, he didn't even try to avoid the shot, taking a bullet to the chest, and giving the boy a headbutt. "Have a test of your own tricks boy." he grinned trying to use his claws to stab Usopp.

But the sniper was one step ahead.

"Uh…" Usopp grunted as he walked back, not before shooting a low shot near Kuro's groin.

"Fucking…" the informed pirate cursed, holding his groin and when he looked at Usopp he was wide-eyed… The boy quickly drew his other revolver and pointed it on his head.

By the time Kuro remembered that the other gun was empty, Usopp had something sicky near Kuro's bare abdomen. It looked as if something was inside a sticky chewing gum, and stuck on Kuro's stomach, near his bullet wound.

Kuro of course kicked the long-nosed pirate, making him go several feet away. And Kuro tried to get the thing off his stomach and it seemed to trigger the small object. Usoop didn't get up rather he held his head low.

Kuro who was trying to get it off of him was confused before suddenly an explosion occurred near his abdomen.

He looked down, and saw a good chuck of his stomach missing, his intestines on the ground. "Wha… how…" he took a few steps back before his back met a wall. He slid down, and even with all he had, his body couldn't stand up anymore with his stomach missing.

Usopp got up from his position and winched at the sight of Kuro. One-third of his stomach was missing, the explosive grenade took it out. The boy could even see the man's bone marrow and his lungs peaking out from the wound. Heck, he could almost see his beating heart from his open wound.

The sniper felt lightheaded and wanted to vomit, seeing the brutality that was done by him. But he didn't, he strengthened his resolve as he stood up, holding his shoulder wound, that would leave a scar. He dragged himself near Kuro with his revolver drawn, putting bullets in it. He would finish this, this time.

Kuro smiled, but he was in pure rage. "You don't have the balls…"

Usopp didn't let him finish and shot him on the head, cutting him off. "You talk too much." He said, before shooting a few more times just to be sure he was dead.

With that the sniper of the straw hat dropped to the floor on his ass. Winching at his shoulder wound. While Usopp had only one wound and lasting fatigue, his opponent on the other hand was littered with wounds and dismembered.

With Kuro it was never about revenge… so he wasn't glad that Kuro was dead. But he didn't regret his action either.

Now that Kuro was dead… it felt as if a good amount of weight was off his chest. Now, he didn't need to worry about Kaya anymore. Due to his new crew and captain Morgan, many people of Sakura Island were dead.

He couldn't imagine what a man like that would do if he had gained enough power and attacked his home. Now… he wouldn't need to worry about him anymore.

It almost made him remember what Luffy said a few days ago. It's better to be a warrior in the garden than a gardener in a war. Was this what Luffy meant?

If Kaya didn't stop Luffy the other time, this wouldn't have happened. They would have been far into his journey and maybe, the many people in Sakura Island wouldn't need to lose their lives.

With how Luffy was, he honestly didn't think of him as wise, but it was way back then. Now, as time passed, he respected the boy for his strength and leadership. He was proud of being a part of his crew.

He looked at the sky, it seemed that the sun was fully up now. This was going to be a long day. A small smile dawned his face, before exhaustion hit him, knocking him out.

—

A/N: I wrote this chapter a bit realistically because Usopp needed to mature from this point on.

Usopp as a character matured greatly in the Water Seven Arch and after the time skip. It was when his friends were in danger or him and his close friends lost someone.

Kuro here was a pirate in thick blood. Who didn't care about people's lives, so of course when the news of him roaming free in the East Blue reached Usopp, it scared him.

While he might be a pirate and son of a great pirate, he didn't want his village to be invaded… that's why I wrote him a bit realistically in the last few scenes.

But it doesn't mean he will be all gloom and stoic. He's still the idiotic moron that we all love, he's just matured a bit too early.

And about the gore scene… were they necessary? Nope. I kind of liked it so I added it to the part. Anyway, have a great day.

And don't forget to leave your suggestions.

Luffy grinned seeing Usopp's development, not because he just murdered a pirate, no. It's because his aura had now changed, now it was of a seasoned warrior.

For Coby, it happened gradually while he fought the pirates and looked over his goal in life, and it became firm when he finally accepted his offer and became a pirate himself. And it seemed that for Usopp, it was finally finishing of Kuro.

Usopp did view himself as inferior to the pirate butler, because of all the ridicule he had to listen to over the years.

The other straw hats and even Anchor were finished with the other pirates, but they had a bit of mixed reactions seeing Usopp's deed. Though pride was a common thing among those emotions, though some like Nami and Coby were a bit disheartened and sad about the step Usopp took. They were also a bit scared that Usopp might change for the worse.

But then again this was pirate life, sure it was filled with freedom and joy… but it also was backed by sacrifice and tough decisions.

Luffy didn't say anything as Usopp fell on the floor after finally losing his consciousness. He walked over to him and knelt down, inspecting the wound on his shoulder. "Sparky, use your powers to slow down the blood loss and get some bandages… you might have to stitch the wound close."

The six-armed monkey nodded and fired off his slow beam at Usopp, making the blood flow slow down to a crawl… When Sparky got his powers he could only use it to slow down objects for thirty seconds. Now he could do it for over a minute and control what aspect he wanted to slow down.

In theory, Sparky could one day slow someone's heart with his beams, only the heart, knock out or kill the enemy due to cardiac failure. And wasn't that just scary… it just showed how some fruit powers were underdeveloped in the series.

Luffy shook his head, he was a bit concerned about Usopp.

The stab went right through the muscles, missing the bones, it would be a bit difficult to use that arm for a while… but he should make a full recovery. 'We really need a doctor… Sparky should be able to handle this wound, but I need to be more careful, and not let my crew get critically hurt.' Luffy thought. He almost wanted to stop the fight when Usopp was about to get stabbed.

But he saw a fire in Usopp's aura, a passion and dream to prove his worth. It would be a crime to take it away from his friend. It was a good thing that Sparky was knowledgeable enough to deal with this kind of wound… still he would find the doctors in the island and let them check Usopp up, before going to Logue Town.

Sparky quickly came back with the necessary things and got to work.

Now that the two pirate crews were dealt with the people of Sakura Island came back to their port town. And celebrated that a hero like Mario came to save them. Luffy didn't even bother with them.

Instead used that fame to pull the Island doctors in to check on Usopp. It seemed that Usopp was in good condition. But needed a small injection in case an iron infection occurred. All in all, it was good that it worked out.

Even though the town celebrated the victory over the pirates and the fact that the pirate group didn't steal all their livelihood… there were still some who lost their family members. And quite a few graves were dug to burry the unfortunate.

Coby, Johnny and Yosaku were mainly who helped with that. The pirates that were still alive were executed by the small-time law enforcement in the Port town, and along with the rest of the pirates they were given a sea burial… for a few days, sea kings and big fishes would be very lively around the island.

It might seem cruel, but for lawless criminals that took away people's lives and ruined others Luffy didn't make the effort to stop them. And besides, it was their laws… he didn't want to shove his view on them.

On a lighter note,

Nami was almost drolling from the seventy-five million berries they collected from Nezumi. Speaking of that rat, he wasn't needed anymore so Sparky made him walk the plank… sad. But anyways…

Luffy told the crew to search for any odd-shaped fruit around the Island. And Johnny and Yosaku found the smooth smooth fruit. Both former bounty hunters were eager to eat the fruit for its powers. And even decided to play a game of rock paper sizers to decide the victor…

But Luffy told them off. The fruit's powers were garbage. Then again a creative mind might be able to come up with better ways to use the fruit's abilities.

But Johnny and Yosaku sucked in their swordplay, period. Of course, they were way better than your average marine or pirate with a sword. Still, they had much room to improve… Unless they got better in that aspect, he wouldn't let them gain another power. Heck, Coby was above them in terms of strength, and he barely started training one month ago.

Sure Coby was a natural talent and had a devil fruit that boosted his capabilities. But Johnny and Yosaku also had talents in other aspects. Mainly controlling their bodies, they could easily get down Tekkie and Kami-e with enough training… and those two techniques alone would set them apart from most of the pirates that were in the grandline. For now, Luffy would polish their swordsmanship and teach them Roskuhiki skills.

Only after then, he might think of giving them another power. Though it might change if they find a better fruit. For now, Luffy promised to sell the fruit and give the money to them so they could buy better gear or named swords if they got the chance.

Both former bounty hunters were depressed that they were told off from the fruit. But they were eager in gaining strength, so they didn't think that much. And the option of gaining a named blade also piqued their interest. Well, that and both of them Idolised Zoro and Kuina. Who didn't have any powers related to that.

With things done, Luffy and a few members of the crew went a bit deep inside the island, where Anchor was setting up things for his smithy. It seemed that the Popeye also had the same idea of docking the boat inside the island, on land.

Anchor had carried his medium-sized boat to land so that it wouldn't get stolen. Nami almost found it funny how much Luffy and Anchor thought alike. They almost seemed like typical muscle heads… but in truth, she knew they just played it that way.

"So, you set up old man?" Luffy asked.

"You do know, I'm only a decade older than you…" Anchor deadpanned.

"See, practically my grandpa…" Luffy waved him off.

Anchor shrugged, it wasn't an insult in his books to be compared to someone like Garp. Even if that was by ridicule.

"So, is the thing ready?"

Anchor didn't say anything and took them to a nearby table beside the fire where a broken sword was placed. The blade of the sword was oddly red in color, broken in multiple places, yet still attached. The hilt of the sword was a vibrant green that contrasted well with the crimson-red blade.

"The blade will need to be fully reforged and that will take a few hours… It good that you had added material, or we would have to gone to Logue town before I can fix your sword." Anchor said, getting fully serious about his work. Now that he was wearing a black shirt and a handkerchief around his neck, he really looked like Popeye.

Luffy nodded. The added material were Zoro's blade that were broken by Mihawk. Usopp had collected them and worked with a few pieces, but there was still a lot of them left to use as good material.

Well, it's a brainer, if someone knew who made the swords, to begin with. And Anchor seemed to figure it out himself.

"You guys can leave, it will get loud from this point on. And I don't want some kids ruining my work." Anchor said shooing them away, mainly looking at Luffy. Who stuck his tongue out in a very mature way.

"I'll stay," Zoro said. The green-headed swordsman refused to leave.

Anchor shrugged, "Sure suit yourself." He then proceeded to wear a big bulky piece of headgear, mainly for noise cancelation. It also had a glass front so that nothing got near his face… his anchor which he used as a weapon now looked much smaller and looked like a proper hammer now… of course, a smith like him would have a named weapon. "This will get loud… I mean very loud." He said as he picked up the sword with iron-gloved hands.

With that he began to work.

And God was it loud. The townspeople thought that another pirate group was attacking the island. As each hammer was like a canon shot even from that distance.

Luffy and the rest of the crew had to calm down the town and tell them what it was. They could barely hold off for a few minutes and this would take five hours. It was a good thing they left Anchor's temporary forge.

Well, other than Zoro of course. The swordsman with the Iron will didn't back of from the sound.

While he was watching the sword forge.

While the Zoro was waiting for his sword… Kunia was practicing her sword with Sanji.

The chef was reluctant to hurt a lady, more so when it was a friend. Of course, like the original, he was opposed to harming a woman. Some things never change.

But it pissed Kuina off a bit, as she viewed herself as a proud and capable warrior. So Sanji was getting a good workout by getting run down by the White Lady.

Heh, Sanji running away from ladies, now wasn't that something you don't see everyday.

With how Kuina strong was, not all attacks could be avoided or ignored. Sanji had to desperately use his diable jambe, soru if he didn't want to get hurt.

Kuina was also learning the leg-based movement so chasing Sanji was a good workout for her.

While Sanji's exoskeleton might be hard. Unlike his brothers, it wasn't unbreakable, in fact, a skilled blade user like Kuina who could cut steal, was able to cut through Sanji's exoskeleton. So even while Sanji was trying to defend himself.

Also due to Sanji's use of flames, Kuina's frost ability was getting a bit of training as well. While Sanji got his supernatural due to being a Vinsmoke experimentation, where he could bring out fire from inside his body

From Luffy's observation haki, it looked like a bright yellow core… no one else but Sanji had that… so that should be the key to his flames but it could be a whole different kind of organ. He was a vinsmoke experiment after all. And this Sanji was different from the original.

The original Sanji didn't get his vinsmoke genetics unlocked much later in the series, and they were much stronger than this current Sanji. So Sanji's flames were part of the so-called 'gift' that his father gave… which the cook hated to admit. But he promised to use the same flames to burn Judge down one day.

Anyway, in Sanji's core, it was almost as if there was a sleeping sun, where the fire was stored and Sanji was able to use it. Because even in the world of one piece, energy can't be created, just transformed from one form to another. His body absorbed the heat around him and when he used diable jambe his legs heated up to the point that they catch fire from the nearby oxygen and helium… it was whacky science, but it worked. Sanji told Luffy that himself.

In some ways, Sanji's powers were a bit like Escanor's except he didn't bulking giant every time he used his flames.

And no, Sanji couldn't control what his flames burned, his shoes and pants were just flame resistance. He could however contorl the temperature of the flame… but too much and he would even burn himself. His exoskeleton wasn't tough enough to handle hotter flames, or flames that burned blue.

But from what Sanji said, his exoskeleton was getting stronger over the years from training with sea kings… so he might be able to handle stronger flames in the future.

On the other, Kuina's frost worked totally differently. In a way, Kuina's frost attacks were literally Ice summoning… like how Luffy's mass increased when using his devil fruit powers, Kuina was able to summon her element from a different place altogether.

Of course, there was an aspect of limitation to it, as she couldn't just summon chunks of ice. Only a limited amount… but her Ice wasn't normal either. It would inflict pain over the wounds and it was so cold to the point a normal person would get frostbite from just good amount. But of course she wouldn't be fighting normal people in the grandline so she needed to improve that as wel.

Even without devil fruit how she was able to use that kind of power was beyond Luffy's imagination. Though Luffy saw her attacks being a variant of her haki.

Kuina didn't fully explain her powers to Luffy like Sanji… so Luffy was going from his own theories. It wasn't like Kuina had trust issues or anything, it would seem she had to keep her lips tight because of the original user of the technique and the promise she made with her.

Haki is willpower in energized form. The most common form is Armament and Observation. Conqueror's being an outlier. But it doesn't mean it's only that.

Now that Luffy knew armament he found that cutting steel, flying slashes, Rokugan could be considered as haki as well. Sure they wouldn't even tickle a logia user… but in a way it was a pre version of armament haki. And with observation, haki Luffy came to that conclusion.

Maybe devil fruit powers and haki came from the same source-based energy, most probably. As far as Luffy remembered there was Kinemon who could summon fire from his blade, and there was discussion in the online community about his fire being a kind of haki. Elemental Haki… like Luffy's Red Hawk or Luffy's electricity-based attack one time he used… or even Miss Goldenweek's hypnosis-based powers.

So most probably Kuina's powers worked the same way. Kind of like summoning.

While Sanji's flames were part of his biology like the electricity of minks or the flames of Lunarian.

Anyway, while they trained, Luffy was mostly checking out the island. Trying his luck to find another fruit. Sparky was with Usopp tending to his injuries and so Luffy was alone in his search. But alas even with observation haki and communicating with small animals he couldn't find any other odd-shaped fruits.

The island that was filled with Sakura trees were quite beautiful… but all the animals on the island were on edge because of the constant noise pollution that was happening due to Anchor hammering in his smithy.

But Luffy didn't mind it that much, he did shut off his ears with his Semi Keiken. What… he still had his trusty Observation Haki to go by, his paranoia wouldn't let him go by unguarded. And in a way, it was also training.

Speaking of training Luffy was currently overseeing Coby, Johnny and Yosaku's training. They were currently pushing their bodies to the extreme with weighted exercises.

All exercises that Luffy had to do when gaining a body fit for rokushiki. They had started following the training plans before barratie, still, they improved very fast.

It seemed that seeing and fighting in constant danger had brought up their potential. Heck, Johnny and Yosaku barely had any near-death battles, and yet they were able to keep up with Coby.

But then again they had been in the bounty-hunting business for many years. And already had an impressive physique. In an all-out fight, Coby would be able to beat them, but in training, they weren't behind Coby… even if his devil fruit gave him a physical boost in abilities.

While Luffy's powers of having a rubber body was bad for his strength gain, Coby's fruit was totally the opposite. Helping him gain strength because of the fast recovery.

Gin would have also joined on training, but Nami had other ideas for shopping. So the poor pirate was used to scare off local vendors to buy products at a cheap price. However it wasn't needed that much anyway, as after saving the port town from Kuro and Morgan the townspeople were happy to sell them stuff at a discount.

So the man-demon was used more or less as a carrying man for the outlandish shopping spree that Nami went on. Of course, most of the things she brought were for the ship and the crewmates, but she also had quite a bit of her own shopping.

While Luffy was overseeing the training of three pirates suddenly an explosion went off… and it came from where Anchor and Zoro were.

"Hey! What was that?" Johnny asked looking up the mushroom cloud that was going off in a distance.

"Wasn't that where Anchor set up his smithy?" Coby asked, frowning.

"Did someone attack them?" Yosaku said.

"No," Luffy said as a small smile dawned his face. "It seems that Popeye is done with his work." He could clearly see it with his observation haki… the sword it was giving of power and radiance like no other. "Let's go. Zoro should be happy with his new partner…"

Heck, even the nameless naginata on Luffy's back was reacted to the other sword's awakening.

—

A/N: Zoro is getting a new friend.

I'm sorry to say but Popeye won't be on the crew, at least for now, but I won't remove him from the story. He will make appearances from time to time.

We never saw any blacksmiths (that were alive) in the early part of the story. So I wanted Popeye to be one… some would know that smiths usually have very overdeveloped forearms… and so only Popeye came to mind. So I added him to the story.

Anyway, thanks for all the support guys. Love ya all.

Have a great day. Buy!

When Luffy and the rest of the crew got near the location, Zoro was by the smithy, his body was in flames, mainly his arms were on fire.

"We have to stop him…" Coby said wide-eyed, but was stopped by Luffy.

"Look carefully… the flames aren't hurting him." Luffy said, "They are testing him…"

Coby blinked and he and the rest looked carefully… it didn't seem like Zoro was struggling with flames. No, they were going over his body, wrapping around his right arm that held the blade…

With one swipe the flames were gone, and stood the bare sword in Zoro's hands. Zoro cryptically looked at the blade for a few moments. It was as if he was having a conversation with the blade.

The complete blade now stood magnificently in Zoro's hands. Red blade that had a few silver lines —mainly where the blade was missing parts, where Anchor had reforged them with spear parts— still it didn't look like a flaw. No, it looked like a unique pattern instead. Along the green grip of the blade, it looked magnificent.

But it was just a showpiece either, Luffy could feel the aura of the blade… and it was definitely strong. Even his nameless Naginata wanted to clash with it and judge it's strength.

"Dirty bastard didn't even like me when it awakened…" Anchor grumbled, his clothes were scorched, but he was already wearing protective gear and so he didn't get injured. "I'll have to buy new gear… But it seems that he likes you… Heh, it seems like I don't have to test you either, since the blade already took a liking to you…"

Zoro looked at Anchor and nodded gratefully. Anchor tossed a green sheet which the swordsman caught. "Use this… and treat him with care. Akaiittou Nozarashi, that's the name… the red blade that can stand anything… a mighty name, but the previous user left it broken mess. Hope you don't do the same thing."

Others also seemed to arrive, mainly Kuina and Sanji.

Zoro sheathed the blade. "I will treat him with care… but he's stubborn." He said smiling at the new blade. "And I don't back off from the challenge. I will make you acknowledge me. Akaiittou Nozarashi. And together we will one day take the place of the strongest swordsman." As if hearing Zoro's call the blade hummed softly.

"Wait Nozarashi… as in the madman's blade Nozarashi?" Kuina was the first one to ask. She recognizes the name. Though the legend was old… scratch that… it was considered a fairy tail. Her grandfather used to tell her about it once in a while.

How every user of it was a mad man.

Luffy rubbed his chin. 'Nozarashi… why does that name sound familiar.'

Anchor puffed his chest with pride. "Yes, but this isn't the original Nozarashi… it was made by the same man who made the famed Nozarashi blade. But this one was the first, unrefined, and unbalanced… yet a mighty blade that holds the power of a devil fruit. Of course, I would know… it was my granduncle who made the blade."

"Wait, a sword with the power of an elemental devil fruit?" Luffy blinked… "Is that even possible?"

Popeye bit his tongue, but his face turned serious. "Me and my big mouth… Don't tell anyone else this… but yes… this sword possesses an unknown flame-based fruit. Anyway, I'm already thankful for being here and reforging the sword… with this, I know the secret of forging a devil fruit-based weapon." He said with pride. "And soon enough I will able to make one… hey, I'm willing to trade the fruit you have got I might be able to make a good weapon out of it."

Luffy wanted to so badly persuade him to join his crew. But he stopped himself, he didn't want to ruin the relationship between him and the crew. He would be helpful much later. "Sure… but I'm willing to give it to you anyway, just remember you owe me a favor."

"I hate owing people favors… but fine. I will take this as an token of friendship." Anchor said.

Luffy just smiled. It would be better this way… no amount of money would be able to what Anchor was capable of. But…

"Hey just so you know… it would be pretty bad if you share the secrets with the Marines." Luffy said, thoughtfully. "But then again they might give you your captain position back." Luffy casually said. While he was judging Popeye's reaction.

He would rather kill him than let that kind of secret be in the hands of marines. Fuck being a good guy… giving that kind of secret to the marines was handing them over to the world government.

Anchor snorted. "I like my job as it is… and besides with what I did. I'm lucky to be even alive… luck and because of the help of a certain marine," he said thinking of Garp. He would die rather than reveal the secrets to the marines.

As a former member of the SWORD he knew the corruption of the marines. And there was no way, he would do anything that would serve the pigs on the red line.

Coby was sympathizing with the man. As he also was someone who wanted to be a marine.

"So… does that mean if we bring you a devil fruit and a sword you can make them combine?" Johnny was the one to ask. And all heads moved towards him before moving towards Popeye.

He shook his head. "It has to be some kind of element-based power… be it logia and Paramecia. That's the only requirement fruit-wise… as for the weapon. It should be at least a named blade." With that Popeye shrugged. "But to use that… one must be very tuned in with the blade. It was a good thing that the Akaiittou Nozarashi took a liking to Zoro… maybe it's due to it bearing the formerly broken swords of Zoro. But I would recommend you to use a weapon that you are familiar with. For the payment… I will just say it will be pricy."

Now that brought both Kuina and Luffy to look at their blades. Each having their own thoughts in their mind.

"Hey…" Popeye was the one to break Luffy out of his thoughts. "You know the deal."

Luffy nodded, taking out his first-ever naginata, Horn's Edge. It might not be a named sword, but this one was the first formal weapon he used. So he was a bit sentimental about the blade… But a deal was a deal, so for the next few hours, Popeye inspected the bone blade very carefully.

Hours passed by, Zoro had left trying to find out more about his new blade. Others also did their own things. While Luffy was around Popeye as he inspected the blade.

Finding out how it was made was quite hard for him. From what he found out, this blade might be old… well it was made from bones. And upgrading the blade would be challenge for any normal smith. But he loved the challenge.

"To tell you what… Find me again in a few months later… I might be able to upgrade the blade." Anchor said. "You might not know this… but your blade has a hidden ability of its own. It's able to regrow itself with the iron in blood… so it might not be the most durable blade, like the graded blades. But don't worry if you break it… it should be able to regrow itself."

Luffy blinked… he didn't know that… but now that he mentioned it. While doing his routine cleanup on his blade, the scars on Horn's edge would always go away a day or two later. He didn't think of it that much, but now it kind of made sense.

"While it might be a bonus… it's also a drawback in upgrading the weapon. Without proper material and the proper way, even I won't be able to keep the blade's ability intact… But I should be fine now that I have had a better look at it." Popeye grinned. "You know coming to this Island isn't all bad."

Luffy also grinned. "You can say that again…" but then he frowned. And suddenly looked towards the port, his eyes were hardened.

"What happened?"

"An enemy… and a strong one," Luffy said, picking up the bone blade before jumping in air. Mid-air, Sparky who was around the jungle jumped on Luffy's shoulder.

Popeye blinked. "Did he use Geppo… nah, must be some kind of wind devil fruit." He shook his head, there's no way a non-marine would be able to use that. Even he took a few years to learn that… but then again, he was weak in his leg area anyways. Speed was his downfall.

Anchor also took his weapon in his hand. "But I might need to check who's trying to cause trouble." he said, "I don't want the kid to die on me now."

Anchor found Luffy's character quite likable, similar to the vice admiral he respected. But then again they were related… so he didn't want the kid to die, in case a tough opponent arrived.

He knew Luffy was strong. But he would rather be safe than sorry… also the town's people need to clear out if another fight were to break loose.

When Luffy dropped down near the port he saw the scene, Nami looked horrified. Gin was knocked out with some splashes of green on his clothes, the green liquid looked like acid as they burned through his shirt, and his mouth foamed… while his body was struggling in agony.

The same for Hatchan and Mommo, who were on the water floating unconscious.

"You better have some very good reason for attacking my friends there," Luffy said, with his hands crossed on his chest. His two naginata crossed on his back. He could have started the fight if it was anyone else, but Luffy recognized the man. And he wasn't an easy opponent.

Luffy was already a foot taller in hight with more muscular definition, his hair swaying wildly like a dark mane of a lion, and most of all. He was pissed. And yet he was trying to be as calm as possible.

"Hmm…" the man looked at Luffy, before rubbing his chin as he took a drag from his cigarette. The man was tall, even taller than Garp, and had a really eerily carefree expression. "Oh, aren't you so-called hero of this part of the sea… my my, I hope you don't mind if I cash in the bounty of these two?"

Of course, he was cashing in the bounty of Gin and Hatchan. Honestly, Luffy didn't even know if Hatchan had any bounty on his or not.

"I do actually," Luffy said, "They work for me now… and as you can see they weren't causing any trouble around here… so I hope we can end this without a fight."

The tall man laughed. "You might not to fight me… but I'm very eager to fight you. You have had quite the reputation as a bounty hunter… I have been at this job for years now brat… and I don't like your gain to sudden fame. So maybe you will have to fight me after all. I wouldn't mind a good fight… and how strong could someone from the weakest sea be?"

The man was none other than Aramaki. Or better known as his allies as Green Bull Ryokugyu… a current bounty hunter who hunts down pirates. In the original, he was appointed as an Admiral in the marines after the war. During the World Military Draft in the two years time skip he along with Fujitora became marine Admirals.

So this wasn't just an easy opponent that Luffy could fight through. Still, Luffy was confident in killing the freak if it came down to a fight. In Luffy's estimation he should be still around Admiral level, then why did he believe that… well, he never said it was going to be a fair fight.

Still, Luffy might end up losing a limb or two if a fight occurred… and not the mention. He might end up losing one or more of his crew members. That's why he wanted to avoid having a fight.

However, what bothered Luffy was that Armaki's devil fruit is different from what he remembered from the series. He wasn't seeing any outgrown vines or trees anywhere, but what he could see was green acid-like liquid dripping down from Gin and Hatchan's wounds. Shit… it also means he would need to be ready for something unexpected.

Luffy had kept tabs on Aramaki and Fujotiro with the few underground connections he had back in dawn Island. Like Sakura Island, Dawn Island was also a notable spot in East blue where ships from other parts of the Blue or even the Grandline docked from time to time.

So buying some info from the merchants was a good way to get up to date on news there. Still, while contributions of the Marines and pirates were always on the front page of the newspaper. Luffy was able to find some news on Aramaki there. And this man was dangerous. More so now that with observation Haki Luffy could sense that the man also had haki himself.

Luffy looked at Aramaki, "I still don't want to fight you… I'm a bounty hunter like you. If we fought many civilians will die… And we might actually be categorized as criminals then…"

Luffy wasn't fully spouting bullshit, he didn't want innocent people to die, but that wasn't his main plan. He was taking advantage of the situation that Aramaki still thought of him as a bounty hunter. If they fought here, there was a chance that his crewmates would try to help in the fight, not to mention the Going Marry was docked near. It might get destroyed.

Or Aramaki might even target them to get through Luffy. So he wanted to fight him in an isolated area if possible.

The whole crew except Usopp and those who were knocked out were now here. And seeing Luffy's face off against the tall man, they prepared for a battle.

The tension was high. Kuina was able to recognize who the man was and was on guard. Sanji and Zoro also wanted to act, but Luffy looked at them and shook his head. It wasn't a fight even all three of them together could win.

Coby who was on the side with Johnny and Yosaku also stood in tension, knowing they couldn't help their captain.

"Rahahaha… now I don't want that do I? Mr. Hero." The tall man said, putting on his black-sunglasses, taking a drag from his cigarette and dropping it to the ground, and stepping on it. "But that is only if, the news gets out that I was here… I don't mind killing the whole Island and putting the blame on some random pirates… Rahahaha… I mean just a few days ago I was in the North Blue… who would blame me."

Now the surrounding citizens who heard his words screamed and started running from the area.

"Rahaha… bunch of headless chickens," Aramaki said with some sort of mad expression behind those glasses. Even though the man was a bounty hunter he looked like a pirate. Bare chest with his shirt unbuttoned, uncombed messy hair, black tight pants, and boots. He also had a sword on his side.

Luffy crossed his arms and didn't say anything. Luffy couldn't get a read on him. If he was an non-observation haki user then, Aramaki would be easy to read. But he isn't.

How the fuck did he get into the marines… oh yeah Aakinu was in charge. The same fucker who didn't mind killing civilians if it served his version of justice. So of course that kind of man would be recruited.

"Now, where were we…" Aramaki then looked at Luffy with a challenging grin. "You see actually I was planning on a short vacation in the blue… but that's when I heard that a certain Island was getting attacked by two separate groups of pirates… and color me surprised when I came here and the attack was already dealt with." He said, glancing back to Gin, Hatchan and the knocked out sea king.

"But then I see them, the right-hand man of Krieg pirates and one of the officers of Arlong pirates roaming around the island… I mean I'm really short of money… and taking their bounty will give me some good booze money for a while…"

"If it's money that you want… I can buy you a couple of drinks." Luffy said, "Just leave the Island, already many people died here… the locals won't like any more trouble here."

Seeing Luffy act like this made all his crewmates feel the seriousness of the situation. It was just like Mihawk.

But in fact, it was much more dangerous. While the opponent here was weaker than Mihawk. He was a well-known bounty hunter in the New World, a man that should be just below the strength of an Admiral, right now. And to top it all off, this person wasn't like Hawkeye Mihawke, he wasn't here to test Luffy or any other in the crew.

So this might end up in a death battle. Which Luffy wanted to avoid right now. Personally, it was very tempting to just throw caution to the wind and take the challenge.

It will make Luffy stronger, fighting an opponent like him. But the downfall was so many. There was no guarantee that he could win. He didn't want his crewmates to get hurt. Especially with that unknown devil fruit.

If it was just green acid then Luffy wouldn't be so cautious. But it could be just like Magellan, like some sort of venom or poison fruit if so… then even a drop of that could kill his crewmates. Maybe only Sparky and Coby would be able to survive… with so many unknown factors he really wanted to avoid the fight…

Also he was worried about Gin and Hatchan… if it was a fight. Then they should move elsewhere, then maybe Sparky would be able to do something to their wounds. Luckily only Gin had the green liquid covering his body. Hatchan looked like he was wounded with a sword, same with Momoo, the sea king…

"Spoke like a true hero… the papers have your name all over it. And so I'm really eager to fight you, hope you don't disappoint."

"But I don't want to fight you though," Luffy said, that was a total lie. He wanted nothing more to smash that smug face of the man's face. But he had to be rational here.

"Yeah, bub you should listen to the kid." Anchor said, with his weapon resting on his shoulder. He jabbed his thumb to his side, "See that ship… I'm sure you won't be able to get your way, now that the marine's are here."

Both Aramaki and Luffy looked at the approaching marine vessel. It was quite far but if a battle were to occur it wouldn't go the tall man's way.

"Such spoiled fun," Aramki said. "But then again… you should relax more. I never intended to fight you. Rahahaha…"

Honestly, Luffy wasn't even sure if the guy was joking or not. But he didn't care, He was just glad that this was over…

Suddenly Aramaki appeared right in front of Luffy and gave a knee right to his stomach. Luffy was able to react in time and shield himself with Armament Haki. But still, he was flung away into the sky.

Sparky who was on his shoulder was clinging on to Luffy as he flew. Luffy crash-landed in the forest behind, going through several trees before he was able to stop himself. "Tch… I should have seen the fucker coming." Luffy said spitting to his side, some blood mixed in with his spit. "Sparky go back and tell the crew to board the ship, check Gin's and the others' condition… tell them start the ship… I will be able to catch up. And come back immediately… we should be able to take fucker together. I will hold him off for the time being."

The six armed monkey was a bit hesitent, before he nodded and used soru to vanish from there. Just in time when Aramki landed on the ground with a wild smile.

"Now the marines won't stop us from having some fun… ain't that right mr. Hero." Aramaki savagely grinned, as he took out his katana. A named blade from the aura it gave, and suddenly it lit up in green flames, from Aramaki's devil fruit. It also had a tint of black in it, meaning armament haki.

Luffy also stood up, taking out his two naginatas, and coating them in haki. "Let's dance!"

A/N: Luffy is nowhere in the levels of an admiral. Heck, he has barely any experience in a death battle. He only fought with Garp, who is strong, but he won't put Luffy in any series danger. So basicly it's his first time dancing with death.

Also Aramaki didn't just randomly pop up. There's a reason for that.

If in terms of strength, Luffy is around Dressrosa Arc. With more techniques, that makes up for his lack of mastery over haki and gear four. But then how does he plan to deal with a powerhouse like Aramaki. Again Luffy has no gears gear four, no bounce man or snake man.

So can he win.

Well, who said he needed to play fair.

Anyway, I have added Ryokugyu Aramaki to the story to give Luffy a challenge. And the battle experience that he lacks. I will try to make it worthwhile.

100

"Let's dance," Luffy said before his already bulked-up body, started steaming, his skin taking a red tint. Using a combination of gear one and second, both his speed and strength increased to the maximum level.

The tall bounty hunter grinned as he charged at Luffy with his green flaming sword. His devil fruit powers and armament haki coated his sword, making it look akin to a green light-saber version of katana.

Luffy also pushed forward with his nameless Naginata, coating it with haki and both blades clashed with each other. The clash was so strong that the wind pressure cleared several meters of the forest around them. "Rahahaha… you are pretty well for a brat. Just don't die too quickly…"

With that Aramaki attacked with his sword, slashes that were too fast to see with ordinary eyes. Luffy met each slash with his own blade. Each clash creating sonic booms as their black blades meet with each other.

Even though Luffy wasn't getting harmed, each strike rattled Luffy's bones, and that was saying something for a man that was made of rubber. Heck, his arms were in a state of constant tekkie and yet the man's strength was too much for him to handle, even with armament haki.

Not to mention Luffy had to be cautious about the green flames… with Luffy's observation green flames weren't Aramaki's powers. No, it was the green liquid that was on Gin… but was able to somehow put it on flame and attack with it.

Luffy wanted to avoid the green substances at all cost, not knowing what effects they might have. But with how the grass and ground around them were sizzling. It became clear that it was some kind of acid or hot liquid. But how that was able to create flames was another factor that he didn't know.

"You have an odd power." Luffy said as he clashed another time with the bounty hunter. Both their blades meet each other. "And I have a question…"

"And that is?" The man mused pushing harder against Luffy as they struggled with their blades in strength.

"What's your devil fruit power, anyway?" Luffy asked as he struggled for strength against Aramaki. Even with this much strength, Luffy was barely able to hold him off. Just how strong was the guy?

To top it all off, Luffy knew for a fact that he wasn't fully going all out.

"Now, wouldn't you like to know?" Aramaki snorted pushing down on Luffy. His green flames almost licked Luffy's face.

But two can play this game, with a breath air, Luffy concentrated and the muscles in his arms bulged a bit giving him the strength boost needed to push Aramaki off of him. Luffy used the chance to kick the man in his face.

Aramaki was thrown away for several meters going through trees, and Luffy was already ready for his next attack. Equipping Horn's edge and the nameless naginata at the same time he slashed in a cross way. "Two-blade style: Falling Star!"

From Luffy's blades a pure dark slash embedded with haki, shot towards Aramaki. The slash went with an unimaginable speed and attacked Aramaki.

The man laughed at the face of danger and cut of Luffy's attack in half with one swing. But Luffy expected that, suddenly appearing behind him, his chains wrapping around Aramaki with armament haki.

Even the tall man was surprised.

Luffy then lifted his leg, his feet coiling inside itself like a spring with armament hardening on it. "Take a trip dipshit…" and he released all the build-up tension on his leg, giving a devastating kick to the back of the man's head, as the man went off from the chins, spinning like a top.

The man crashed onto a nearby rock formation, before getting up and dusting his clothes. Almost as if nothing happened. Luffy clicked his tongue.

The kick was hard and yet Luffy knew that it didn't do any significant damage. Aramaki was able to use his own armament haki to protect him.

Aramaki was strong, but way stronger than currently, Luffy was capable of fighting right now. And yet he felt no fear, in fact, it excited him. There was a thrill to it that Luffy couldn't describe.

"Now, wasn't that surprising… you also have a devil fruit." Aramaki said fixing his glass on his face. The man looked completely unharmed even though Luffy put almost his full strength into it.

Even if Luffy went all out there was no guarantee that he could harm Aramaki. That's why he was stalling for time.

There had to be some reason why the canon Aramaki joined the marines, and even though things in this world was different. Aramaki didn't want to get on the marine's bad side. So he was betting on that.

So Luffy was waiting for the marines to come and for Sparky to come back after dealing with the crew. Then Luffy would be able to face him off for real. He still had seastones in case he got a chance to cuff him up.

But now that he was fighting Aramaki, he had other ideas. Even with Sparky if the man fought seriously, there was minimal chance of him winning, without getting severely injured.

"That was quite the spin… now let's get serious," Aramaki said before blazing near Luffy with slashing him in the chest with his katana. Luffy at the last moment used Kami-e with observation haki to avoid the attack, and headbutted the man at the same time.

While Luffy's Armament Haki was strong, he didn't want to waste it. And while Aramaki was fast and strong, he was nowhere in the level of Garp.

So he could react just fine with his observation haki alone. Damaging the bounty hunter, on the other hand, was another deal.

Luffy avoided the strikes from Aramaki with little difficulty. He was trying to memorize and get accustomed to the man's attack patterns. He was also observing the effect of Aramaki on the environment.