Weakness of the Devil Fruit Users? Luffy's Stand against Icon
(Syrup Village, Kaya's Manor)(Dining Room)
"You will regret this." Kuro said, sitting tied up to a chair, completely bound and unable to move. He was sitting at a dining table with two guards right behind him, weapons in their hands if he somehow broke free. Across from him was Rukido, sitting patiently while waiting for the food. "If you think I'll tell you anything-"
"Oh, I doubted you actually knew anything knowledgeably that I hadn't figured out already." Rukido said dismissively. Kuro scowled at him for that until the man continued. 'Besides, Kaya wanted to ensure that you were well fed all the same."
"She what?" Kuro questioned, before shaking his head. No, how could he be surprised? That girl was sickeningly kind to everyone. It made his heart ache all the same, much to his annoyance. "How I am not surprised. That girl's naivety goes so far."
He felt one of the guards press a weapon on his back, deepening his scowl.
"...You know, you and I aren't all that different." Rukido said, catching them off guard. "When it comes to what's happening currently that is."
"And pray tell, what could make us similar?" Kuro asked, mockingly.
"We never know how good we have something until it's taken away from us." Rukido said, his tone unchanging. Seeing his confused expression. "I'm not exactly youthful, you know. I'm 28, believe it or not. I've had my own fair share of experiences."
"Is there any reason I should care?" Kuro growled.
"No, not really. I'm just making some small talk." Rukido said. "But moving on. Before I had joined Luffy, I was part of another group. Not something I want to share with my current company, but it left me busy. Too busy to be with my wife. My child..."
Kuro instantly took note of that.
"Long story short, I had wanted something better for ourselves and worked endless nights and days until I could accomplish a great place for us to live. Unfortunately, that required a lot of my time putting into my position." Rukido explained, chuckling a little as he continued. "My wife however never minded, she understood that it was the only way to have something greater in the future. Not for ourselves, but for our child."
"Then just as I learned she was going to have a child of mine, I got the assignment of the lifetime. It would have been more than enough to ensure our own lifestyle to be luxurious as well as safe for us in the future. Unfortunately, it would have required me to be away for well over a year. As you can imagine, we fought about it. Hours at a time, yelling to the top of our lungs until we got...physical. It was a rather intense, intimate night after that. Full of activity, mixed together by anger and excitement."
The guards blushed upon hearing the very clear make-up sex, but Kuro remained impassive.
"After that, I left with my new job in mind. I worked endlessly for people unable to comprehend basic common sense about agendas and wouldn't put in their own effort through the work. I did it all with the biggest fake smile I could muster up. Oh, that was before the mask was used to cover my ugly mug." Rukido said, an eye smile appearing on said mask while he waved in front of it. "Anyway, I kept it up for a while, wondering when this little nightmarish hell can end and then-"
"And then you received a message from your wife that it was over, that the child belonged to another man and to simply kill yourself." Kuro said, a sick gleam on his face as he spoke. If he could have anything it would be getting rage from his man.
"Well, you're pretty far off actually. My wife died while giving birth to my son." Rukido stated, his tone charging slightly, tilting his head doing so. "Of course if that wasn't enough, my Son wasn't able to last a month after being born, lost to sickness I'm afraid." Then he suddenly perked up, almost as if he didn't seem bothered by what he had said himself. "But it's been a long time since then. I've made peace these past...huh, it'll be six years soon enough."
"What...what does this even have to do with me?" Kuro questioned, a sweat dripping down his face. He already felt unnerved before, but this calmness about death was unsettling. Even if it had been some time, he expected to hear some form of hatred or vengeance, but he got nothing. Just...an emotion he couldn't truly describe.
"Think about it. You actually had it pretty good here when you put it into perspective. A well paying job, a stable home, friendly people and little to no worries about dangers coming to the Island. You were also pretty well liked and would have likely stayed that way if you didn't go through with this...well, extra plan of yours." Rukido happily pointed out. "Honestly, maybe if you had just killed off that old crew of yours and just enjoyed the simple life of a butler, you could have retired officially within a couple of years or so. Instead, you will likely be given to the Marines at the end. Killed if you're really lucky."
Kuro scowled at him, but couldn't help, but to stay silent. There were more than a few valid points. He was once well respected amongst the islanders, the loyalty of the guards and the trust of Kaya. If he had waited, he could have had the peaceful life he once envisioned for himself within time. It actually made his heart ache at such a thought and he was starting to think it wasn't because he was slammed by a boy made of rubber.
However, he couldn't wait. How could he? His plan would have been completed by now had it not been for these people. It still could be. Complete and utter silence was within reach.
"You are nothing more than a bore, someone like you could never understand that some things require some form of sacrifice in order to achieve what we want most." Kuro said, scowling all the same. He heard a small gasp and turned his head to see Kaya standing in the doorway, looking at Kuro with shock. It panged him deeply as he forced himself to look away. "Lady Kaya..."
"Seems like you're Pride sticks out. I'd respect it if you weren't so damn unlikeable." Rukido said, rather plainly. Kuro sent him a glare, but was ignored as Rukido turned to Kaya. "Thank you in advance for lunch. I doubt it'll take everyone long to deal with the rest of Kuro's crew. I wouldn't be shocked if they were making their way back as we wait."
"I...I see. I do wish you went with them." Kaya admitted, before correcting herself. "N-not to sound ungrateful for your help, but I wish for everyone to have a better chance with their battle."
"Don't worry, Usopp will be just fine." Rukido said with an eye smile while Kaya flustered.
"I-I didn't say anything about Usopp!" Kaya said, only getting a small chuckle in return. She couldn't help the blush on her face that came, much to her embarrassment. Even the guards were giving her looks!
"Regardless, they'll do just fine. I doubt anyone can actually match up to them." Rukido said. Yet he turned his head towards the doorway opposite of Kaya, hearing some noise. "Hmmm, it seems someone slipped in."
"Slipped-Someone's here?!" Kaya questioned, just as Jango came around the corner. A hostage in hand. "MERRY!"
"Jango?!" Kuro yelled in shock. The guards pointed towards Jango, who held Merry hostage with a sharp knife close to his neck
"Hold yourself, Lady Kaya! This strange man may have gotten the jump on me, but do not do as he says!" Merry said, not showing an ounce of fear. Compared to last night's revelations, this was nothing.
"Shut it you!" Jango yelled before turning to the guards. "YOU TWO! Release my captain or else this Butler gets it!"
"Don't do a single thing!" Merry yelled, his being far more demanding than Jangos. "That would only lead to our deaths should that man be let free!"
"Stop acting tough! I'm the one in charge here!" Jango declared, pulling his knife away to get face to face with the butler. A mistake unfortunately as Merry didn't hesitate to headbutt the man, causing him to go flying back with blood spilling from his nose. "GAH! WHY!"
"Oh that was a mistake." Merry declared, holding his head. He didn't know how people did that. Yet he remained up all the same and prepared to step back only for Jango to pull out a flintlock pistol. "Oh dear!"
"That's it! Either you let my captain go or else you'll get a shot in the head!" Jango said, slowly stepping forward while Merry stepped back. Kaya gasped in fright while the guards were preparing to intervene, Kuro stayed silent and Rukido...simply remained in place. "You should've done what I asked! Now you're going to regret messing with the Black-Cat Pirates! Especially you, girly! No one is gonna miss you after you sign the contract towards Captain Kuro! No be a good girl and-
"EXPLODING STAR!" Jango never finished his word as a ball struck across his face, exploding on impact. Everyone was baffled upon seeing Jango flung out of the window and out into the cart before turning to see Usopp standing in a doorway. He was breathing heavily and looked exhausted, but he still spoke. "Don't ever...DON'T EVER TALK ABOUT KAYA LIKE THAT EVER AGAIN!"
"Usopp..." Kaya said, feeling happiness burst in his chest. However she quickly remembered about Merry and rushed over to him. "Merry! Are you okay?"
"Outside of a rather harsh headache, I think I'll be fine." Jango's head was much harder than it looked. However it didn't stop him from sending a grateful look towards Usopp. "Thank you, Usopp. I fear what would have happened if you hadn't arrived."
Usopp seemed surprised by the praise, but beamed and put up a thumbs up. "Well of course, you're looking at the mighty Captain Usopp after all!"
"Easy, easy there Captain. Don't waste all your talent." Rukido said, walking up to them. "So, should we expect the others soon?"
"The others? CRAP THAT'S RIGHT!" Usopp yelled, his bravado going into panic. "There's some random guy here and he's hunting Luffy!"
"Luffy?" Rukido questioned, his eyes flaring purple as he tilted his head. "How...interesting..." He then reverted back to normal and couldn't help, but look cheerful. "All well, I'm sure he can handle it. Now come, I smell Lunch is about to be served."
"You're kidding...right?" Usopp questioned as Rukido walked back. However, not before sending a sudden strike in the back of Kuro's head, knocking him out. "...Not that I'm complaining, but why?"
"I felt like it, he can eat later when he deserves it." Rukido said nonchalantly as he sat down. They could only sweatdrop, unable to comprehend the masked man in the slightest.
(Syrup Island, Beachside)(With Luffy and Nami)
"Nami! I'm bored!" Luffy whined out loud, getting an annoyed sigh from the girl. They were waiting on this side of the beach to see if the Black Cat pirates would appear on their side. So far there has been no activity at all. Nami was drawing something while Luffy walked around out of boredom.
"Luffy, just be quiet and wait for a few more minutes. If we don't see any signs of ships then we can go." Nami said, thinking about hitting him to get her point across. Then another came across her mind. "And after we're done, we can go out to eat."
"Really?" Luffy asked, excitement clear in his eyes.
"Yup." Nami said, giving him a smile as she said this. As expected he cheered out loud, making her shake her head yet unable to keep the smile off her face.
She soon turned back to her work, a focused expression upon her. It was a rough draft of a map, sketched that of Syrup Island. While she had been here in the past, she never had the opportunity to stay long enough to draw the map due to...complications of marines following her trail. Now that she had explored the whole island, she could finally finish it.
"Whatcha doing?" Nami shrieked in fright and immediately clobbered Luffy across his head. "OW! What was that for!"
"For sneaking up on me like that! What else!" Nami yelled, more than pissed at him. "What do you want anyway? I told you to wait!"
"I just wanted to see what you were drawing." Luffy said with a pout. Nami could rub her forehead before deciding to show him if only to get him to calm down. "Eh? Are you making a map? Do you plan to bury your treasure here or something?"
"Of course not. Don't be silly." Nami said, ignoring the horrifying thought. Burying treasure, who does that! "Listen, don't interrupt me while I'm doing this. Just go fishing or something." She turned away, wanting to get back to work, but noticed Luffy peering over her shoulder. "What did I just say!"
"I just wanted to watch you draw." Luffy said, a pout forming as he looked at her. She scowled at him before sighing in defeat. Luffy grinned not a second later, knowing he had won.
"Just don't annoy me or else you can forget about any meals out of me." Nami said sternly. Luffy seemed horrified by the prospect and clamped his mouth shut instantly. Satisfied with herself, she turned back to her work, finding herself able to work in peace despite Luffy's presence.
There was a comfortable silence oddly enough that came as they awaited for the Black Cat Pirates inevitable arrival. Of course, that isn't their only concern any longer.
"Well, well, well, look upon these close fellows~" Nami and Luffy perked up, seeing that up above the Hill was a man. "A pleasure to meet you! My name is Icon, I've come to collect the one who's called Luffy!"
'Who is this guy? A Bounty Hunter?' Nami thought worried.
"Yeah, that's me." Luffy said as he stood up.
"DON'T JUST TELL HIM THAT!" Nami yelled while standing up.
"Good, good, I don't need to keep running around in hope to find you." Icon said before he started walking down. "I hope you don't mind me bringing you in. You see, I need you for the Devil you carry."
"Eh?"
"He means your Devil Fruit, Luffy!" Nami said, feeling herself glare at the man approaching them.
"Huh? He can't take it. I think?" Luffy said, not caring much about the man now standing across from them.
"Oh believe you me, we Devil Hunters have our methods to ensure we get the Fruit we want." Icon said, his cheerful expression never fading. It seemed to grow upon his next words. "Of course it'll involve your death one way or another, but I doubt there's many in the world who will care for the disappearance of some nameless wannabe Pirate."
"Hey! I'm not a nobody!" Luffy declared, before taking a deep breath and exclaiming. "I'm the one who's gonna become the King of the Pirates!"
Icon looked at him for a moment before he started laughing. Not even in a simple way, completely over the top and mocking. "King of the Pirates? You? Please, that's nothing more than a story made up by a foolish man who tried to go against the world." He gave Luffy a rather sinister look as suddenly put on a pair of gloves with it's palms coated with a rather particular material. "Honestly, I had a feeling you were silly once I heard of your Devil Fruit, but you're no different from an idiot jester. Entertaining, yet a fool all the same."
"Alright, do you wanna fight now?" Luffy asked, already gearing himself. He wasn't the least bit phased, only slightly annoying Icon, but he forced out a chuckle instead.
"You truly have no idea what you're up against do you? I am a Devil Hunter! Hailed from the great land of Kage! We specialize in dealing with your kind through your weaknesses!" Icon declared before suddenly charging forward. The sudden speed caught Luffy off guard as he was punched across his face and sent Luffy flying back, blood spilling from his nose. "That includes the use of Sea Stone equipment!"
"Luffy!" Nami screamed while running over to him. Yet Luffy flipped back and landed on his feet.
"Ow!" Luffy said, wiping the blood off his face. He seemed surprised for a moment before simlily getting ready once again.
"Now do you understand? We Devil Hunters-" Icon was forced to stop himself as Luffy suddenly cut the distance and threw a fist. Icon managed to dodge it, but Luffy kicked his side and sent him back. He actually found himself clutching his stomach, wincing in pain. 'T-that strength is insane! How? Someone from the East Blue shouldn't be that strong?'
"I don't care about any of that. I can fight." Luffy said, readying his fist again. Icon barely had time to react to it as Luffy didn't hesitate to swing at him effortlessly. Unlike what he had been expecting, Luffy was far more of a fighter than someone who was reliant on their Devil Fruit alone.
That being said, his entire style is based around it.
"Don't act so arrogant, boy! I have many other means to deal with your kind." Icon said, a smirk being forced on his face. He pulled out a pair of revolvers from his holsters and fired. Luffy managed to dodge them, ever so barely as he was forced to keep his distance. "Don't fret too hard! This isn't all I can do after all!"
Nami couldn't help, but grit her teeth as she hid behind a rock to avoid the shots. She could tell that Luffy could really handle this Icon, but one bad move with the Seastone Tools would have proved to be fatal. No, not for Luffy. She doubted he would be killed, just captured, but she couldn't stand by and watch that happen.
Right?
Icon kept firing without hesitation until he ran out of ammo. Yet as Luffy was gonna try to close in, the Devil Hunter tossed them away in favor of another pair and started shooting once more. He wasn't aiming to kill, but to merely incapacitate the boy for capture. "Run all you want, your fate is sealed, Devil User!" Then he noticed a rock thrown his way and shot it on instinct. He then spotted Nami, who had quickly ducked for cover. "Did you just throw a roc-"
He didn't get to finish as Luffy came flying at him, implanting his foot into the man's stomach. The impact was hard enough to force him backwards with his guns flying from his hands. Luffy then harshly headbutted directly on top of his head, slamming his face first into the sand.
"Way to go Luffy!" Nami cheered, getting a smile from him in return. Unfortunately they missed Icon's hand reaching underneath his belt and pulled out a ball. He dropped in front of Luffy as smoke suddenly released from it.
"Wha? Bleh!" Luffy said, coughing out smoke as he stepped back. He managed to get out of the smoke only for a pair of chains to suddenly wrap around his body, binding his arms down and making him fall over. "Hey!"
"Seastone chains. These are great for dealing with your kind." Icon said, stepping out from the smoke. He was hurting badly from those last two strikes, had it not been for his training a single blow of Luffy's would have knocked him out clean. "Unfortunately for you, that means you'll pretty much be weak from here on out." Luffy glared at him while feeling his stamina begin to drain. "But before I deal with you, I'll make sure that girl is done first."
"Eep!" Nami yelped upon seeing Icon set her gaze upon her. She took a step back as he pulled out a knife and approached her. She pulled out her staff to defend herself while Icon laughed.
"Oh you foolish girl. Do you really think you stand a chance against me?" Icon said, not stopping in the slightest. He then lunged forward, making Nmai jump back in fright. A wide 'friendly' smile came on soon after. "How about you do me a grand, grand favor in running away while you still can."
"E-eh?"
"I could care less about you, I just need the boy." Icon said, jabbing a thumb over to the struggling Luffy. "I'm still a professional after all. Plus due to our contract with the World Government, we're only allowed to go after outlaws, pirates, and other undesirables within the world. Avoiding civilian casualties is an absolute unless they act against us."
Nami had gone silent after hearing that, lowering her staff slowly. The Devil Hunter made no move towards her, his honesty showing as a devilish smirk came on his face. Slowly, but surely, Nami calmly walked past the man while not even glancing at Luffy. Icon could only smirk as he settled his gaze upon the trapped boy, who was trying to break through with all his might.
"It seems like you're all out of luck." Icon said, chuckling a little bit. He then put away his knife and took out a baton with a gleeful smile. "I wonder how many bashes it'll take in order to knock you out?" Luffy grinded his teeth at him, not halting his attempts to escape. The Devil Hunter moved closer only for a bullet to shoot between his feet, making him jump violently. "What the-"
"Next time, you shouldn't be so quick to leave your weapon on the floor." Nami said, standing a good feet away from Icon while keeping a revolver pointed at him. "I don't know much about how Sea Stone affects normal people, but I'm willing to bet it'll hurt all the same when shot at someone."
"You little-You would risk your life over an idiotic, wannabe pirate?" Icon questioned, his gaze focused on her.
"He may be a Pirate. Definitely an Idiot, but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I just abandoned him to someone." Nami said, keeping a close eye on Icon if he pulled any sudden moves. "Now, let us go and I won't shoot you."
"You really think you have me, girly?" Icon asked before suddenly dashing forward. Caught off guard, Nami had shot, but the Hunter had managed to avoid it before tackling the girl to the ground. She tried to break free from his grip, but Icon held her hands above her head while using his free hand to pull out his knife. "You seem to not understand exactly what me and my fellow Hunters are capable of. Unfortunately for you, you're about to find out.
Nami could only struggle against his grip as he brought the knife down at her eye. Just as Icon was about to pierce clean through, a scream halted him short.
"GUM-GUM STAMP!" A sandal foot slammed into the side of Icon's check and sent him flying far off Nami and into a boulder. It stretched back showing a free Luffy, looking far from pleased. In fact, he seemed mad. "Don't you ever hurt my friend!"
"Luffy!" Nami exclaimed, quickly hopping off the ground and running towards Luffy. She couldn't help, but to hug him for the quick save with the biggest smile on her face. She pulled away a moment after, her smile never fading. "But how did you break free?"
"I rolled." Luffy said, pointing over the chains. Despite the fact they were sapping at his strength, the chains themselves weren't actually secured and were only wrapped around his body. He just rolled on the ground where Icon was focused on Nami.
"Seriously…?" Nami questioned, feeling a bit disappointed in the Devil Hunter now. Speaking of him, Icon was forcing himself to stand up, the implant still well on his formerly good looking face. He picked up his knife once more and chucked it at the back of Nami's head. Luffy noticed it at the last second and quickly pulled Nami away while it struck him, tilting his head back. "LUFFY!"
"Damnit!" Icon yelled, worried he had killed his target. However Luffy brought his head back up, showing he had caught the blade between his teeth, much to their shock. "...What the fuc-"
He didn't get to finish as Luffy sent another kick into his face, this time sending him clean through the boulder.
"Bleh." Luffy let the knife drop into the sand, looking annoyed. "That guy was annoying."
"Yeah." Nami said, unable to stop her own smile. Even if it was Luffy being himself, he saved her once again and she couldn't help, but to appreciate it. "We should go see if those pirates went over to the other side. They might need some help in dealing with them."
"Naw, they got it. Zoro's there after all." Luffy said, having full confidence in his first mate. "Let's head back and eat! You promised!"
"Fine, but let's head into town for it." Nami said, deciding to drag Luffy by his arm. She made sure to kick Icon's downed form along the way, getting a whine of pain from the man. She'd tell the guards about him later.
(Syrup Island, Shore)(With Zoro)
"...Well, that was boring." Zoro said, placing away his sword. He stood over the entirety of the Black Cat Pirates and their allies, dealing them within minutes. His only issue was those weird brothers or something, stealing his sword. Naturally he got them back. "Wonder if any of the others had any issues...nevermind." Zoro said dismissively. Both Luffy and Rukido could hold their own pretty damn well. "...I wonder how strong they are?"
Now he was itching to fight them. Wonderful.
(A Few Days Later)
"This is awesome!" Luffy exclaimed while looking at their new ship. It was called the Going Merry, a transport ship that was once used by Kaya's family. "And we don't have to pay for it!"
"Of course not!. Consider this a thank you present for saving Miss Kaya and all of Syrup Village." Merry said with a smile alongside Kaya. After they had captured all of Kuro's Crew and Icon's men, they were captured and given to the Marines after receiving a message from Merry. Kaya had earned a hefty reward, even if she really didn't do anything and gave most of the reward to the crew instead. That however didn't compare to the Merry. "I have already taken care of your current supplies as well and left a document of it within the dining room."
"Hmmmm..." Rukido hummed, looking at the ship. "It's certainly unique...has a nice charm to it actually."
"Come on!" Luffy said, stretching his way on while the others used a ladder. They had to admit that it had everything they needed. Cabins, a kitchen, a large deck, a makeshift garden in the back, and a large supply room.
"I never thought I'd be on a pirate ship with a lamb on it." Nami said, leaning on the deck along with Rukido who nodded. Zoro and Luffy were talking to Merry and Kaya one last time before they heard screaming. "Is that...Usopp?"
"SOMEBODY STOP ME!" Usopp yelled as he rolled down the hill with a large backpack on his back. He kept this up before he was stopped by Luffy and Zoro with their feet. "Thank you."
"What brings you here Usopp?" Kaya asked while he stood up with a smirk.
"Welp I've outstayed my welcome here and now I know what I need to do." Usopp said as he pointed to himself. "It's time for me to head off on my own journey across the seas. I will be sure to return once my journey is done and over with."
"You're kidding right?" Zoro asked as he and Luffy joined the others on the ship. The Lair had taken it as an insult and was about to say something before the Swordsman spoke again. "Get on up here."
"Huh? What are you talking about? I can handle this all on my own." Usopp said stubbornly while crossing his arms.
"Not that you dumby! Get on here!" Luffy said with a grin.
"What?"
"You heard me! Join our crew!"
"But-I-Why-How-"
"Enough of the sappy stuff already." Zoro said.
"I-I-...I GET TO BE THE CAPTAIN!" Usopp yelled only to get a glare from Luffy!
"LIKE HELL YOU ARE!" Luffy yelled with shark teeth. Usopp was about to say something as well, but was interrupted by Kaya.
"Usopp..." Kaya said, her face flustered. She knew that Usopp would have left one day, it was always bound to happen. However, she didn't want there to be anything left unsaid and after the past few days, she came to terms with a few things.
"Yes, Kay-MMMMM?!" He didn't get to finish as she smashed her lips onto his own.
"O-OH MY!" Merry exclaimed, unable to hold back his surprise.
"Hmm?" Luffy looked down, tilting his head a bit. Zoro had the nerve to grin alongside Nami while Rukido...well he just looked on with an eye smile.
"My, my, how good for them." Rukido said, sounding happy.
Finally, Kaya pulled away with an extremely red face. Not that Usopp was much better, his face was much more red.
"K-Kaya." Usopp could barely speak while she smiled at him.
"I...don't truly know how I feel about this, but...I don't regret it one bit." Kaya said, nearly sending him into shock. "But I know I can't be selfish and ask you to stay. Not when you've helped me for so long."
"I-I barely did anything..." Usopp muttered before gulping at her stern face. "I-I mean I did plenty! Especially for you!"
"Of course you did and I know you'll continue to do even greater things out at sea. I'll be watching every moment with you and your friends. " Kaya said, making him smile a bit. "And I'll be waiting for you to return as well. I want to hear your stories in person."
"I...I WILL!" Usopp declared, his smiling growing tenfold. "I'LL VENTURE THROUGHOUT THE SEAS AND BECOME A BRAVE WARRIOR FOR EVERYONE HERE TO SEE!"
"I know you will." Kaya said brightly. They were likely not going to speak to each other for a very, very long time, it was better to make sure everything was out in the open due to how long-
"By the way, Mister Rukido? Did you set the transponder Snails for my lady to contact you whenever she pleased?" Merry asked suddenly. Both Kaya and Usopp slowly turned towards him while Rukido responded.
"Of course. We wouldn't want to have such good 'friends' to be unable to contact one another after all." Rukido said, sounding way too happily. He then turned to the stunned duo and gave a thumbs up. "Good job on that confession by the way."
"R-Ruki-Rukido..." Kaya couldn't help it. She was now officially beat red and was steaming out the ears. Usopp had to hold her and shook her to keep her awake while trying to ignore the laughter that came from the others.
"Hmmm, it appears I've forgotten something. I'll return shortly." Rukido then vanished using Shave.
"Seriously? We were just about to leave." Zoro said, sounding very annoyed.
"Awww, I wanted to set sail." Luffy groaned. He finally got his ship after all.
"Erm. A moment of your time."Merry said suddenly, catching their attention. "I hope you excuse how this may sound, but I do ask that you keep an eye on your masked friend."
"Eh? How come?" Luffy questioned along with Usopp while Nami and Zoro assumed the worst.
"To put it simply, while protecting Lady Kaya your friend had revealed a few things about himself that had left her...disturbed." Merry said while Kaya looked down. She had been very worried about Rukido after hearing him talk nonchalantly about his family being gone. Not happy, yet accepting. It caused a stir amongst the manor. "Upon her request, she wishes that you watch over him. She fears that he may not be as alright as he seems."
Meanwhile looming above the Merry was Rukido, unnoticed all the while. He glanced at them from above, his visor glowing purple as a voice spoke.
'Isn't this exciting? For once you're not a mere viewer, but an active member on this crew. And not a minor one if you know them so well. Don't stop now, I wanna see how far I can push this! I believe in you buddy!'
"..."
(Marine Ship, Open Sea)
"Damn them! How dare they think of the Black Cat Pirates as something so mediocre!" Jango yelled, furious at the capture. They were all in heavy chains, their weapons left behind and were near staved. "If I ever see that long nosed bastard again, I'll make him believe he was a fish and make him die from being on land!"
"..." Kuro remained silent, looking down the entire time. His face was completely blank, devoid of any will left within his being. He'd now only know the silence given within the walls of a prison, no doubt sharing it with the crew he long desired to leave behind for good.
Icon all the while remained patiently. He had explained the situation already to the Marines and they'd confirm once they reached a base. For now however he had to be a prisoner. That didn't matter though. No, what mattered was that info on Luffy was told. He may not have seen much of his Devil Fruit, but he knew damn well that he was gonna be a big threat in the future.
And he'd be damned if he couldn't cash in on that threat.
(Chapter End)
A/N: And we're done here. It Was not meant to be this long or take as long either, but it's done. I'll keep it brief, Icon? He's just got some craft and skill along with Seastone, but it's not an easy win against Luffy. Didn't see a point going into Zoro's fight either. The only noteworthy thing, and I hope this doesn't come off as arrogant, was just revealing some things on Rukido.
That's everything so I hope you've enjoyed and that
Review
Ushindi: Amazing chapter! I agree with you about Kuro, despite wanting to kill Kaya, he really did care about her and the rest of the villagers, but didn't realize it until he was defeated, now his peaceful life is over.
1. What do you think of Gear 5 Luffy?
2. So what do you think of Blackbeard and his crew mates?
3. If Nami ate a Devil Fruit, what powers would it be?
4. Which backstory of the Strawhats do you like?
Answers: Well I'm glad to see that I got a review.
1: It's perfect. Down the laughter of freedom itself.
2: I honestly don't have to much to say outside of Blackbeard's tactics overall being well thought out and the crew he assembled being extremely terrifying to go up against.
3: Goro-Goro, Aka Enel's Lightning Devil Fruit.
4: Honestly, Brooks. The man has a lot of will to be able to stay on the same boat where your crew die and not become violently insane is a feat rarely brought up.
Thanks as usual!
Star Wes: Finally, a new one piece OC fanfic that has potentional.
I'm looking forward to more.
Answer: It's good to hear things like that still, thank you.