"Here this will be our flag."
I say holding up a painted symbol of the Strawhat flag that looked just as bad as the one drawn by canon Luffy.
" Your drawings suck!" Usopp says, staring at the poorly drawn flag.
"Luffy I… don't wanna be.. no I'm not saying anything." Kaya says.
Nami stares at it with a hand to her chin, "Maybe it's supposed to be abstract art."
"Pirate flags are supposed to be a symbol of fear and death. I guess it's kinda scary."
"Don't kid yourself, master! It is so bad that it is scary!" Shimo replies to Zoro.
Johnnie and Yosaku were just at a complete loss for words, as usopp says. "You really suck at drawing! Fine, let me do it!"
Ussop draws his own personal jolly roger instead of the one iconic Straw Hat. Only to be smacked by both Nami and Zoro, "That's your flag, baka!"
After being smacked he quickly draws the one that I had drawn, only a thousand times better. "Great job usopp, now draw it on the sail."
I turn to Johnnie, remembering in Canon that she was the one who knew where the baratie was. "Johnnie, which way is it to the seafaring restaurant? I'm in need of a chef for my crew, and I hear the chefs there are not only skilled in cooking but in combat as well."
"Well, I don't know if you will be able to convince one to join you, but yeah I know where it is. It should be about a 2 to 3 day journey due west from here." She replies
"Right! Nami you heard the woman plot a course due west of here." Nami nods as she goes into the cabin to turn the ship west.
The two day journey was relatively quiet. When we finally see The Baratie in the distance, we also see a marine vessel approaching up from the side. It was probably Lieutenant Fullbody. His ship pulls up next to us as he steps up onto the edge of the deck. "I'm Marine Lieutenant Fullbody. Who is the captain of your ship?"
I decide to make a little bit more of a show of it then canonical Luffy does. I step onto the railing of the Going Merry, taking a slight bow to the Marine lieutenant. " Captain Strawhat Luffy at your service."
Fullbody then notices Johnnie and Yosaku, " I know the two of you. I've seen you in the bounty offices. How pitiful you must be at your bounty hunting job. To be captured by pirates like that is so shameful."
Johnnie and Yosaku look at each other for a second and say something to each other before attacking. Fullbody simply smacks them both with one good punch sending the two of them crashing back onto the deck of the Merry. As they do their wanted posters fly out of their bag scattering across the deck. Nami picks up one of the posters, which I instantly knew belonged to Arlong.
"Nami," I jump back down next to her, before putting my hands on her shoulder. " I fully intend to keep my promise, but right now I need you to stay focused. We are under attack by marines."
Just as I say that Usopp yells" They're going to fire at us, they just pointed the cannons towards us." Just as he finishes saying that a cannon shoots, causing Usopp to freak out, "they fired."
"Don't worry I've got this I say before yelling. "Gomu Gomu no: Ballon!"
I actually take the time to aim the cannonball back at the water in front of his ship. Fullbody stares at me in disbelief." Just what kind of monster are you?! You've eaten of the devil's fruit haven't you? "
"Yep! The Gomu Gomu no Mi, I'm a rubber man."
"Monster!!!"
" Yes I suppose I am a monster, but do you really want to find out? I'm guessing from the direction that you're sailing you are headed to the same place as we are, the sea restaurant known as The Baratie. You don't mess with us and we won't mess with you!" I say knowing full well that Gin was on his ship. I needed Gin in order to convince Sanji to join.
We continue sailing towards the restaurant, docking up alongside it and tying it to the mooring post on The Baratie. We walk in and find a seat by the large spiral staircase in the middle.
I look around the room and notice Fullbody sitting in the corner by the window with a relatively attractive blonde girl that was revealed to be human according to the system.
That's when I see a man with short blonde hair, pass by our table. He is wearing a black suit with a light blue dress shirt and black tie. He is carrying a bottle of wine, and heading over to the table of Fullbody and his date. There was no mistaking it, the man was Sanji.
After a moment or two he then beats the shit out of Fullbody, only for a man that I clearly recognize as Patty to yell. You can't just beat up the paying customers."
Some of the chefs run out with him and hold Sanji back, as struggles to try to break free so he can beat the marine to death. The rest play out the same as canon, the only difference being that Zeff comes down the central staircase instead of through the ceiling.
The doors suddenly fly open, revealing a low ranking marine. " I'm sorry sir… but the prisoner escaped, The Krieg pirate we had captive broke free from his cell."
Fullbody lets out a retort, before the marine is shot in the back. A man stands in the doorway with a pistol pointed out. He was wearing a white tracksuit, blood dripping down the left side of his face. A man that could only be Gin of the Don Kreig Pirates. 'System deep observe'
Gin the Man Demon
First mate of Don Krieg Armada
Level 12
Str: 55
Con: 30
Dex:65
Int:15
Wis: 25
Cha:20
Mood: murderous(everyone)
Species: Human
Health: weak(injured and starving)
He plops down onto a chair, "this a restaurant isn't it? Go get me some food now!"
Just like conon Patty walks up, and smashes him into the table when he threatens to shoot him instead of paying. As Patty throws him out, I look at Sanji who simply takes his cigarette out of his mouth. He blows some smoke before putting it back in as silently walks towards the kitchen. I didn't need to see him do it, but knew he was going to the kitchen to cook a meal for Gin.
I turn to look at my crew, "this looks like a good place to recruit a chef don't you think?"
"What?!" Usopp yells, " the chefs here are all a bunch of crazy people. "
"Yes but it looks like they are also strong fighters. "
As I finish Nami Excuses herself from the table to use the restroom. I was wondering if she was still planning on betraying me and this was just an excuse to get away. But I had planted a seed of trust, within and it was time to whether or not it would bear fruit.
"Welcome to The Baratie, my name is Patty." He lays 5 menus down as he claps his hands together while showing a kind of creepy smile.
"Yea! You're going to have to give us a few minutes. Someone with us went to the bathroom. "
"No problem!" He says before turning and walking away.
Eventually after about 10 minutes Nami returns, and sits back down at the table. This was a good sign, it meant that my words had gotten through to her. Just then a familiar person approaches our table.
"Welcome to The Baratie. My name is Sanji, how may I… wow such beautiful ladies. It must be fate to have met you all here." He says completely ignoring Usopp, Zoro, and myself. I quickly use observe on Sanji.
Vinsmoke Sanji
Baratie Sous Chef
Level: 13
Str: 50
Con: 31
Dex:72
Int:15
Wis: 15
Cha:30
Mood: lustful(Nami), lustful(Kaya) lustful(Shimo)
Species: Human
Health: Healthy
" Excuse me… but I'm hungry. Don't just attend to the women only." Zoro says. "
"Sanji," I say, catching his attention. " I saw what a good person you are!" He just gives me a weird look as I continue. " I saw you slip out when that big guy kicked out the starving pirate. You went to go feed him, didn't you?"
"Yea! But why do you care?"
" because I'm a pirate and I'm here looking for a chef to join my crew. When I saw that I knew that you were the one I wanted."
" Sorry, but I have no intention of becoming a pirate!"
It's then that a voice sounds from beside us, "go on brat! This is your chance to fulfill your dream. Go out and become a pirate, we don't want you here anymore!"
Leaning against the staircase is a slightly short man, with a long blonde braided mustache and short blonde hair. He wears a typical Chef get up with an exceptionally large hat and is missing one leg, he was no doubt Chef Zeff.
"What the hell geezer?! I am the sous chef of this restaurant. What the hell do you mean that you don't want me here anymore?"
Sanji and Zeff continue to argue until Sanji gets slammed into the table. As he gets up he yells," listen geezer! I don't care how many times you tell me to leave, I will remain at this restaurant forever. You got a problem with that? I will remain here until you die."
Zeff walks off as he says, "good luck with that! I won't die for another hundred years. "
"See you can join," I say. "Your boss gave you permission. "
"I SAID NO!" He yells before immediately turning to dote on Nami, Shimo, and Kaya. One he had taken everyone's order she ran off into the kitchen.
As he does Zeff walks up to our table, "sorry about that brat!"
"It's ok," I reply, turning towards him." He is a good person. I saw him go off to feed that hungry pirate earlier."
"Yea, kid knows what it's like to go hungry, but I want you to take him with you. His potential is wasted here."
"And do you really think it would be better on the crew of a pirate?" Shimo asks.
"Honestly yes, there is nothing wrong with being a pirate. I used to be a famous one in my youth, but that didn't stop me from living my dream. If you take him with you not only will he get a chance to learn amazing new recipes from around the world, but also a chance to fulfill his dream of finding The All Blue."
"I will stay and try to convince him. Mind if we stay a few days!" I say as Zeff nods. There were a couple of reasons to stay, one to convince Sanji and the other being Gin would be back with Don Krieg soon.
"Stay as long as needed."
[0000000000000000000000000]
2 days later
I had spent the last 2 days trying to convince Sanji to join the crew. As well as biding my time, I knew that Don Krieg would be here soon. Sanji had spent almost every moment playing servant boy to the girls, much to the dismay of Usopp and Zoro.
Nami was also still here so if she was still thinking about leaving she had not done it yet. There was still a thought in the back of my mind that believed she would when the fighting gets rough, but that would remain to be seen.
Today was a particularly busy day, I look around taking in all of the sites that the baratie has to offer. The heavenly aroma of the various dishes, being brought out from the kitchen. The various customers that are conversing all around us.
So many little details that Oda never included into the manga. There was even a young boy who was celebrating his birthday, his tenth one judging by the large candles in the shape of a ten.
It is such an amazing place to be, too bad all good things have to come to an end.
One of the customers happens to look out the window and see a very large imposing vessel slowly sailing towards the restaurant. He yells "pirates" and starts freaking out once they realize that it was the Dreadnought Saber, flagship of the Don Krieg Pirates.
Once the ship stops there is silence, everyone in the restaurant turns to look at the doors to the dining area. The anticipation goes on and on for what feels like an eternity, till a large silhouette of a man appears in the doorway. He slowly shambles in, walking with a slight limp, his head down as he's slowly walked in with Gin at his side.
He has slicked back light blue hair and is at least 240 cm tall. He's wearing a large brown overcoat with an abundant amount of white fur. Under which is a yellow shirt with hoof print marks on it and lilac colored pants.
He takes about ten steps in before collapsing to the ground. "Noooo! Captain Kreig! Please, you have to help him! If he doesn't get something to eat he will die!"
What follows is a sequence of events, with Patty trying to turn him in and everyone cheering him on for doing. Krieg begs for food but to no avail , until Patty is finally kicked straight in the jaw by Sanji. He is handed a plate of food by the blonde hair chef, which he graciously eats. However, just as I predict things quickly turn South as Sanji is body slammed to the ground by a now fed Krieg.
"This it's such a wonderful vessel you've got here, I think I'll take it." Don Krieg says as I perform a deep observe on him.
Don Krieg
Pirate Fleet Admiral
Level: 17
Str: 80
Con: 50
Dex:66
Int:15
Wis: 20
Cha:27
Mood: murderous (everyone), possessive (Baratie),
Species: Human
Health: recovering from starvation
This is the moment where Krieg would demand food for his men and Zeff would make it for him. I decided to make a slight alteration to that plan. "Gomu Gomu no: Pistol!"
My fist launches forward, making contact with Krieg's face. " Yo asshole! I won't let you take this ship.
"How dare you strike me! Insolent little brat, you must have a death wish!"
I hit him again," how dare you make demands of these kind chefs that fed you! They could have left you to die and instead you are making them give up their livelihood, their home."
" You're just a worthless brat who knows nothing. The world in a very cruel place, it's kill or be killed out there and only the strong survive."
"Glad you see it that way, because I'm about to show you how weak you really are."
Just then a loud eardrum shattering crash echoes through the restaurant. The people looking outside start yelling that Krieg's ship has been split in two. Oh good, Hawkeye is here.
Gin runs outside, before returning a moment later." Captain he followed here! The Hawk eyed man. "
I quickly look to Zorro who had perked up at that time. All of the Pirates and the chefs from the restaurant quickly rush out. A small boat is slowly sailing towards the entrance to the restaurant. I notice two people on the boat. The first one was clearly Dracule "Hawkeye" Mihawk, but the second was a girl in slightly skimpy armor with long platinum blonde hair. "
'System deep observe Hawkeye' I say wanting to get a good feel of how strong those were that stood on the top."
Dracule "Hawkeye" Mihawk
World's greatest Swordsman
Level: 277
Str: 863
Con: 835
Dex:866
Int:827
Wis: 889
Cha:807
Mood: murderous (Don Krieg), pissed( Disturbed nap)
Species: Human
Health: healthy
Wow so this is what someone on top looks like. Seeing his stats I wonder what the level cap of the world is, probably somewhere around 300, assuming there even was a level cap. I turn to look at the girl, she is wearing rather revealing armor that pushes up her chest. I can imagine it was roughly around a D-cup. She has long pointed ears and long flowing blonde hair, and bright green eyes. Considering that this girl was traveling with him she is probably his pokegirl.
Saya
Proud Elven warrior
Level: 267
Str: 831
Con: 825
Dex:846
Int:807
Wis: 799
Cha:807
Mood: murderous (Don Krieg), fiercely loyal(Mihawk)
Species: Pokegirl
(Gardelfwhor:Fighting/Magic/Electric)
Health: healthy
I quickly look towards Zoro and Shimo while they had leveled up, they were still only level 16 and 11 respectively. They stood no chance against Hawkeye and his girl. They didn't stand a chance, still though I know how this fight will end. A couple of Krieg's men try to shoot him, but he simply reflects the bullets with his iconic black blade.
Zoro immediately rushes out to fight him. Everyone, even Krieg and his stop to see this man with enough balls to challenge Hawkeye. "I challenge you Dracule "Hawkeye" Mihawk to a Sword fight!
Saya turns towards Zoro with a look of disgust. "Shall I dispose of this trash master?"
Hawkeye puts his hand out to stop her," no! This man has a lot of guts challenging me or a death wish. I really feel sorry for you, weakling. Even the greatest swordsman in the world won't fight me, because they can estimate their power and compare it to mine. That strong will that wants to challenge me either comes from your braveness or from simple foolishness."
"It is my dream, and a promise I made to an old friend! I just never thought I'd find you so soon!" Zoro replies as he readies his swords.
"That does not make you any better." Hawkeye says, pulling a knife from out of his cross necklace. Zoro questions him and he simply replies, "you think I'm stupid enough to use all that I have against a simple rabbit. There are many who wish to become famous and the East blue is the weakest of the five Seas. Unfortunately this is the smallest knife I carry."
Zoro can't take his words anymore and charges, all three of his swords are blocked by the knife. After a moment of being sword locked with the knife. Zoro breaks free and proceeds to use a series of rapid slices that are almost too fast to see. They are still no match for Hawkeye, as he effortlessly blocks each one of them with the knife.
"What is your goal? What do you hope to achieve from obtaining ultimate power? Weakling!"
Johnnie and Yosaku try to rush in to help Zoro, I'm about to grab them but Shimo beats me to it. "I know how you feel! You want to step in and stop him from disrespecting master. But what can you really do? You will simply get in the way or suffer the same fate. Besides, even if you did somehow win, how do you think Master would feel? This is his dream and it's something he must do alone."
Zoro continues to attempt to slice Hawkeye but to no avail. Till Hawkeye stabs him in the chest, but Zoro doesn't flinch. After a small talk about his convictions, Hawkeye asks him a simple question.
"What is your name, kid?"
"Roronoa Zoro!"
"Very well, I'll remember that! I must admit I have not seen someone with your conviction in a long time! So as a courtesy, I will use the world's strongest "black sword" to finish you!"
Zoro winds up his ultimate attack." Santoryu Ogi: Three Thousand Worlds!"
He charges while Hawkeye does the same. The sound of clanging metal Echoes through the air as Zoro's swords shatter. Zoro turns quickly to face Hawkeye, his arms outstretched. This gains a questioning look from Hawkeye." What are you doing?"
"Scars on the back are a swordsman's shame!"
"Well said!"
Hawkeye slices Zoro across the chest with a nice clean vertical cut. He falls backwards and into the water, as Shimo and Johnnie jump in to save him. Hawkeye waits a few minutes for them to pull his head above the water, and set him in Yosaku's boat.'
"Roronoa Zoro! I Dracule Mihawk declare that it is too soon for you to die! You still have much to learn about the world, you must discover your true self! You must become stronger Roronoa Zoro! No matter how long it takes, I will always be at the top waiting for you as the world's greatest swordsman. Practice with both your body and your heart then, dare to challenge me again!"
After a few moments of silence Zoro put his sword to the air. "Lu-Luffy! I'm sorry for making you worry about me! I can't become the world's strongest if you worry!"
I couldn't believe it, I was about to hear Zoro's iconic never lose again line, and he was saying it to me.
"So from now on I vow TO NEVER LOSE AGAIN! Until I can defeat that man and become the world's strongest! Is that okay King of the Pirates?"
I just give him my biggest luffy smile and say, "of course!"
Hawkeye turns to me, "that's some friend you've got there kid. You aim to be the pirate king? That's good! It's a good goal, you both have a long road ahead of you. I hope to see you both again. "
" Are you going to take my head now Hawkeye?" Krieg asks as Hawkeye turns to walk away.
"No I couldn't care less, now I've had enough fun. I'm going to go home and go back to sleep! Saya let's go!"
Krieg tries to attack him as he walks away but a magic barrier stops him. "You are a weakling and are not worth my master's time! Die!"
Saya holds her sword into the air, a sudden lightning bolt comes from the sky striking Krieg. A quick scan reveals he is just unconscious, still getting me the chance to kick his ass. Saya boards her master's coffin boat, before it sails off into the distance.
I turn to zeff, "hey old man! I don't think that took out Krieg. I have a feeling he's going to wake up, and when he does he will try to attack this ship. If I kick his ass for you, please allow Sanji to go with me!"
Zeff lets out a small chuckle, "you've got yourself a deal brat!"
Sanji suddenly yells out Zeff, " what the fuck geezer?! You can't just use me as a bargaining chip."
As he knows that large platforms come up from under the water, giving me plenty of room to fight Krieg. As they rise Creek gets up, I take notice of it and yell, " Don Krieg! I challenge you to a duel for the fate of this restaurant. Winner takes all!"