A/N: And here's the next chapter. This is where Luffy and Nami meet one another, but with a little bit different results, and at a faster time, too.
One Piece: Adventures of the East Blue Sea
Chapter 6: "A Terrifying, Mysterious Power!; Captain Buggy, the Clown Pirate!
Act I
Nami was being chased by Buggy's pirates with the map to the Grand Line in hand.
"You better give us that map back or else!", one pirate urged.
"Get back here!", another shouted.
Nami was running as fast as she could when an explosion suddenly caught her attention and the others'.
"What's that?", one of the pirates asked.
Then, they all saw Luffy falling down with a scream from the smoke. He then landed right in-between Nami and the Buggy Pirates.
"What... was that?!", Nami exclaimed, shielding herself from the dust.
"What the heck?", a pirate puzzled.
"A guy fell from the sky.", another added, just as puzzled.
"Dang it... Why were there cannonballs flying at me...?", Luffy groaned before Nami gasped upon realizing who it is, especially as the smoke cleared, revealing that it was, in fact, Luffy, who spoke as he stood up.
"At least I'm safe now. AND what just happened to me was awesome. Geez, I'm so hungry...", Luffy said, astonishing everyone nearby, Nami, most of all, at least for a moment until she then smirked as Luffy turned to her.
"Oh, hey, Nami. What's up?", Luffy greeted.
"Oh, hey, boss! Thanks for coming to save me.", Nami "thanked".
"I did?", Luffy puzzled, prompting Nami to elbow him.
"Just play along.", Nami whispered.
"Play along with what?", Luffy puzzled.
But the pirates just looked confused as Nami just ignored him and took off.
"They're all yours now, boss. Have fun!", Nami called as she ran off and darted to the left.
"Am I just dumb or do you guys have no idea what's going on either?", one pirate puzzled.
"Both.", the 2nd responded.
Then, Luffy turned to the pirates behind him as they went from confused to serious.
"You guys know of anywhere good to eat around here?", Luffy asked.
"Food's the least of your worries now.", one of the pirates responded before he gave Luffy an uppercut.
It may not have done much, but it certainly sent his hat flying, much to Luffy's shock. This provoked Luffy into punching the pirate who hit him face-first. Not long after, the hat landed in his free hand and he put it back on.
"You'd better keep your hands off my hat.", Luffy warned.
"WHY, YOU LITTLE...!", the two remaining pirates shouted.
Meanwhile, Nami was climbing up the roof of a house.
"Odds are, he's bound to have taken care of 'em by now.", Nami said to herself.
Sure enough, the two pirates were charging Luffy.
"Gum-Gum PISTOL!", Luffy shouted, lurching his two fists right at them, hitting them in the faces before they both passed out.
"You're really strong, Luffy!", Nami shouted before he turned to see her as Nami got off the roof.
"Even both of them had sabers, you beat them with bare-handed.", Nami said.
"Yeah, they really weren't all that great.", Luffy responded bluntly.
"Well, aren't you a humble person.", Nami responded sarcastically as she started to leave, puzzling Luffy.
"Hey, where are you going?", Luffy puzzled as he followed after her.
Meanwhile, Buggy's pirates reported back to the clown pirate himself.
"You're telling me they still haven't caught the thief?", Buggy asked.
"Uh..., n-not yet, but... but they should be in pursuit right now, Captain, sir.", the pirate assured nervously.
"Now, explain to me how in the world did she manage to get her hand son that chart, huh?", Buggy asked, spooking the captain.
"If we're preparing to enter the Grand Line and go on a rampage, then why wasn't the chart properly guarded?", Buggy asked.
"I don't know, sir. The map was just sitting out, plain as the nose on your face.", the pirate reported, inadvertently, angering Buggy, who tensed with a snort.
"What did you say?", Buggy asked.
"I mean it was easy for her to find and take it.", the pirate responded.
But still, it didn't sit well with Buggy at all.
"DID YOU SAY SOMETHING ABOUT MY NOSE?!", Buggy snapped before he went closer to the pirate and placed his nose on the pirate's.
"So...! Are you trying to tell me you find my nose funny? Is my nose amusing?", Buggy asked.
"No, sir! You misunderstood!", the pirate shouted.
"Oh, no. You were quite clear.", Buggy argued before the pirate landed on his behind and scooted as far away from him as possible very quickly.
"Help me...!", the pirate squeaked.
But the rest of the crew was frightened.
"This isn't good. He's... gonna use a Devil Fruit Power.", one of the crewmates realized.
Buggy growled as suddenly, the unlucky pirate was grabbed by the throat by some invisible force, choking him.
"Tell me. Who am I?", Buggy asked.
"Cap... tain... Buggy!", the pirate choked as he was brought closer to him.
"And what happens if someone defies me?", Buggy asked.
"Flashy.. death awaits... them! Please... forgive me...!", the pirate choked before Buggy opened his left hand, releasing the pirate and letting him fall to the ground, able to breathe again.
"Quit your groveling. I'll overlook your slip-up and forgive you this time. But you better get that chart back. Don't screw up again! Or else...", Buggy warned.
"Yes, Captain Buggy!", the crew shouted in response.
Meanwhile, in a different building, Luffy was eating a big sandwich while Nami was only eating a small amount.
"Yum. So, you live in this big house all by yourself?", Luffy asked.
"This isn't my house. I'm just staying here for the time being. Everyone's left this town because of Captain Buggy.", Nami explained.
"So, you're just a petty thief?", Luffy guessed.
"How rude! I only steal from people who deserve it: pirates. So, don't compare me to some scumbag petty thief.", Nami responded before Luffy swallowed.
"Then, why are you already in a pirate crew? It doesn't make sense.", Luffy responded, making Nami gasp in shock before getting furious.
"How did you know that?! Did Salvia tell you?!", Nami asked furiously.
"No. I overheard you two, actually.", Luffy responded.
"Wait, you did? But how?", Nami puzzled.
Then, it went to a flashback of Nami and Salvia talking.
"So, what's a nice girl like you doing with a jerk like him?", Salvia asked.
"Because it's none of your business, okay?! Now do us both a favor and pretend you never saw it, got that?", Nami asked whisperingly, both unaware that Luffy's stretched-out ear was peering over the roof above them before it went back to the present.
By that point, Nami was aghast, her mouth wide open and her struggling to breathe, with her pupils almost completely gone.
"W-Where are Zoro and Salvia now...?", Nami asked.
"Oh, yeah. They're probably on their way. Big sis is enroute here as we speak.", Luffy responded.
"So, Salvia's a navigator?", Nami asked.
"Yeah, but not too great at it.", Luffy responded.
"Well, I'm pretty great at navigating myself.", Nami responded.
"Really?", Luffy asked.
"I'm the most skilled navigator you're ever likely to meet.", Nami responded, making Luffy stand up in surprise.
"Oh, wow, that's perfect! Then, how about you join my crew? I've been looking to recruit a navigator. You can be our newest crew member.", Luffy responded.
But given Luffy's status as a pirate, Nami vehemently refused as she slammed her hands against the table.
"No! There's nothing in this world that I despise more than pirates! I only like money and tangerines!", Nami refused.
"Ironic, but... your loss.", Luffy responded before eating as Nami headed out to the window.
"Why do you even need me in your crew anyway?", Nami asked as Luffy swallowed.
"I made a solemn promise. I promised the guy who gave me this hat that I'd form a crew and become the greatest pirate ever.", Luffy responded.
"Who gave that hat to you, anyway?", Nami asked.
"A guy named Red-Haired Shanks. Why?", Luffy responded.
This response left Nami shocked again.
"Red-Haired Shanks really gave his hat to you?!", Nami asked.
"Yeah. That's right.", Luffy responded.
"I don't... believe it...!", Nami gasped.
But then, she overheard a conversation from nearby.
"Did you find her or what?", one pirate asked.
"No, I can't find her anywhere!", another replied.
"Where could she be hiding?", the first asked.
"I don't know, but we're gonna be in big trouble if we don't get that chart back!", the other pirate urged as he and his partner took off.
"I gotta do something about them.", Nami thought before giving a grin and speaking to him.
"I guess I might consider joining you, but only if you'll agree to certain conditions.", assured Nami.
"Really? I'll do anything.", Luffy responded.
"Well, then, I want you to pay a little visit to Buggy the Pirate. But first...", Nami began.
Moments later, Nami had already tied Luffy up.
"Why did you have to tie me up?", Luffy asked.
"The rope's just for appearances.", Nami explained before Luffy grinned.
"Well, okay, then. I've been looking forward to meeting some other pirates, so let's get going.", Luffy grinned.
"Just hold your horses. What's the big rush?", Nami asked as she led Luffy outside.
Meanwhile, Buggy was not only shocked, but outright livid.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?! ARE YOU TELLING ME THE THIEF GOT AWAY?!", Buggy shouted, frightening his crew.
"Please forgive us, Captain Buggy!", the crew pleaded.
"I'VE NEVER SEEN A MORE PATHETIC GROUP THAN YOU THREE! TIME TO DIE!", Buggy roared, making his crew scream in panic.
But before the death threat could be carried out, another pirate reported to Buggy.
"Captain Buggy, I have news!", the pirate shouted.
"What is it?", Buggy asked.
"The girl who stole our chart is back; and with a prisoner.", the pirate reported.
"What?!", Buggy asked in surprise.
Buggy's crew mumbled in puzzlement and surprise as Nami led Luffy forward.
"It's her!", one pirate said.
"That's the sneaky thief who stole the chart!", another added before Nami pushed Luffy to the ground from behind with her hands and stuck out her tongue briefly before walking up to Buggy with said chart.
"I've captured the thief, Captain Buggy the Clown. And here's your chart back.", Nami offered.
"Not that I don't appreciate it, but... why the sudden change of heart, little girl?", Buggy asked as Nami handed said chart back to him.
"I had another fight with my boss and I just can't take it anymore. So, I thought I'd see if I can join your crew.", Nami responded.
"Really?", Luffy puzzled as Buggy gave a glare with a snort.
"Captain Buggy sure does look angry, doesn't he?", one pirate asked.
"He's going to use a devil fruit power.", another feared.
"Hold on, that doesn't make any sense. Aren't you already in a crew, Nami?", Luffy puzzled, shocking not only Nami, but also Buggy and the entirety of his crew.
"That idiot...! Why'd he have to go and blab it out loud...?!", Nami thought to herself in fear.
Then, Buggy growled as a few veins here and there popped up in appearance.
"Oh, really...?", Buggy asked calmly despite the building anger.
"Oh, well, not anymore...! I'm switching over to a new crew!", Nami fibbed nervously.
"And just whose crew is she aligned to, boy?", Buggy asked, ignoring Nami.
"Arlong.", Luffy bluntly responded, shocking him.
This one word sent chills to Buggy like he wouldn't believe! He widened his eyes in visible terror, his pupils almost completely gone. Even his crew is shocked.
"She's from Arlong's crew?!", one pirate said.
"Not good...!", another added.
For a moment, Buggy was visibly terrified, but then, he became visibly angry.
"So, that's your game, huh, Arlong?! Send one of your little crew members here to spy on me and steal my valuable treasure?! WELL, YOU CAN FORGET IT, YOU HIGH-AND-MIGHTY FISHMAN! And as for you, what do you call yourself?", Buggy asked.
"Uh..., I'm Nami.", Nami responded, nervous.
"Well, then, Nami... Consider your request to join my crew... DENIED! But, you're more than welcome to join your friend... IN THE CAGE!", Buggy shouted.
Moments later, both Luffy and Nami were inside the cage.
"Nice going, blabbermouth...!", Nami scolded.
"Hey, guys, why are we in a cage?", Luffy asked before Buggy chuckled.
"It's a great day to be a pirate.", Buggy smirked before turning to his crew.
"Men! The chart to the Grand Line has finally been returned! Let's celebrate!", Buggy shouted before laughing as everyone else (except Luffy and Nami cheered).
Soon, the party had already started with some pirates eating and drinking while others were amusing themselves with their own, individual brand of entertainment. As for Luffy, he tried to reach for reach for the meat on a plate with a struggle.
"Have to... Almost there...!", Luffy grunted.
Unfortunately for him, he couldn't quite reach the meat and then his rubber arm finally gave out and retracted back to him.
"Dang it...!", Luffy grunted.
"All you had to do was keep your mouth shut, but instead, you had to say something stupid and get us both killed.", Nami scolded angrily.
Meanwhile, Buggy was chuckling for a moment.
"This is such a flashy party.", Buggy said before he shouted out to his crew.
"Now, listen up! Men, it's time to prepare the Buggy Ball!", Buggy shouted before his crew cheered.
Act II
Then, a cannon was set up just in front of the cage, although moved to a different spot, as the pirate that reported to him earlier loaded a red cannonball marked with the same insignia as Buggy's flag into the cannon.
"All set, captain.", the pirate said.
"Wha... What are you doing with that thing?", Nami asked.
"Before you die, allow me to show you the awesome might of the Buggy Ball. Light it.", Buggy responded while turning to one of his crewmates before the cannon was lit.
As the string burned out little by little and grew closer to ignition, the crew covered their ears while Luffy and Nami watched anxiously and/or nervously as Buggy giggled. After a moment, the cannon finally fired, frightening Nami as the blast destroyed countless buildings in its path!
Meanwhile, Zoro and Salvia noticed the explosion nearby while in town.
"You think Luffy's there, Zoro?", Salvia asked.
"Don't know, but that was one heck of an explosion.", Zoro replied.
"It looked like it was one of the Captain's beloved Buggy Balls.", one of the Buggy Pirates guessed.
"Buggy Balls?", Salvia snickered, trying not to giggle.
But Zoro noticed something odd at a closer glance.
"That's odd. I would've thought that someone would've noticed us by now. This place looks empty.", Zoro said.
"Yeah, you're right. And it's not just because of that explosion, either. What's that about?", Salvia asked.
"It might be because of Buggy. He must've scared them away.", another Buggy Pirate guessed.
"Yeah. He and us are the only ones here.", another agreed.
"Speaking of the captain, where is he now?", Salvia asked.
"It must've come from the citadel up top.", a Buggy Pirate guessed.
"Yeah, you can't miss it.", another agreed.
"Thanks. We'll be going now. But...", Salvia began, worrying the trio.
"Before we do..., we need you to tell us everything you know about Captain Buggy.", Salvia responded with a glare.
Meanwhile, Buggy chuckled over what he considered promising results.
"That was flashy. With these Buggy Balls and my Devil Fruit Powers, I shall have no problem conquering the Grand Line.", Buggy smirked.
This puzzled Luffy before he spoke out.
"Huh? But it's MY destiny to conquer the Grand Line!", Luffy spoke up, puzzling, if not infuriating Buggy.
"And then I'm gonna become King of the Pirates!", Luffy added.
"Shut up, idiot! Haven't you said enough?", Nami scolded.
"Oh, really? A scrawny little twerp like you is going to conquer the Grand Line and become King of the Pirates? Give me a break! The only thing that awaits you and that Arlong spy is a flashy death! But don't worry, little spy. I'll send you back to your boss as ashes!", Buggy smirked before laughing maniacally.
The two were quite anxious, although only Nami was terrified enough to brace herself for the end. But after a moment, nothing happened. This puzzled everyone, even Captain Buggy himself, who turned to the crew member who lit the cannon and shouted in anger.
"Hey! You're not wimping out on me, are you?! Just light it, already!", Buggy shouted.
"I-I did.", the pirate responded, lighting said fuse only for it to be blown out just as quickly.
It happened a few more times before suddenly, he felt a bit of a breeze coming from behind.
"Hey..., wait a minute!", the pirate spoke before turning around to see Salvia, who had finished blowing at the fuse.
"Hi.", Salvia greeted before pointing up.
Puzzled, they looked up while turning around and saw Zoro too late before he slashed them with a leap, astounding everyone. Nami was surprised while Luffy grinned.
"Big sis! Zoro!", Luffy called in amazement.
"Are you two okay, Luffy?", Salvia asked.
"Yeah. We're okay. I guess.", Luffy responded as Zoro glared at the snarlin Buggy and his crew.
"Hey, now. It's not very nice of you guys to treat a poor girl like this.", Zoro sneered.
TO BE CONTINUED...
A/N: Looks like Salvia and Zoro have arrived to save Nami and Luffy. Who knows how the fight with Buggy would start off this time? Though, if you want, you can post your guesses in the reviews for this chapter. In the meantime, I'll turn my attention to other stories as well.