AN:

Saw a couple of new comments and suggestions for the future of the story and I really appreciate them. I don't have everything in the story planned out so if there's something you think would be cool or would work well in with the plot don't be afraid to let me know! That being said I won't promise they will make it into the story, lol.

A particular comment asked about Luffy's future romance and to answer your question I'm going to unfortunately have to give a non-answer because I really just don't know. I'm not gonna say Luffy wont have any romantic relationship, but at the same time I can't promise he will. / I'm a very indecisive person when it comes to certain things so, if that decision needs to be made, it will be made much further down the line.

As always thank you all for the support and definitely let me know what you think of the chapter! You know how much I love reading your comments! The next one is being worked on so I'll try not to keep you guys waiting too long!

Here's Chapter 27! Hope you like it!

Chapter 27: First Mate

"You friends with the brat that did this?", Morgan asked, standing and turning toward Koby and Zoro.

The verdet looked at the large blond man and couldn't help but think he looked similar to the kid that had him arrested. He assumed it was probably the captain of the base, otherwise known as Helmeppo's 'daddy'… What a strange way for a boy to refer to their father…

Koby's knees shook violently in the face of Axe-Hand Morgan now walking in his direction. A marine had never scared him so much before… To be fair, he hadn't met many in the first place, but the sentiment was the same nonetheless. "S-orry, s-sir.", the boy stammered, "I… just don't t-think he should be… exe-executed.".

Zoro watched the interaction in boredom. He had no idea who the kid was and if the marine captain had birthed the idiot that put him there… Let's just say, he was more worried about dying from starvation than being killed outright… He shook his head and looked up to the roof. Where the hell was Luffy with his swords? His wrists were chaffed to the high heavens and he was more than ready to get out of his bindings.

Morgan shot the small pink-haired child a menacing glare, "You disrespectin' me, you pink-haired shrimp?".

Koby paled but couldn't help gaping incredulously at the same time. How was he disrespecting him?! He'd said one sentence! Sure, he disagreed with the decision to have Zoro killed, but Helmeppo made that decision! Not him! "N-no s-sir. I j-just don't thin-".

"Like I give a shit about what you think, Shrimp Boy.", the man interrupted. No one disrespected him and got away with it. If someone didn't respect him, they could die. If it was by his hand… All the better. He was the only person in the world that mattered… The marine captain continued to stare, "You're disrespectin' my authority and the consequence for that crime… Is death.".

Koby stood still as Morgan began to approach. He couldn't move. He was too scared. Was he going to die? Was he going to die before he even got the chance to become an actual marine? Was he going to be killed by the thing he admired most in the world? The thoughts kept him frozen in place, the man coming to kill him not slowing for even a moment.

"Better do something, kid. He's serious.", Zoro provided, still hanging from the wooden poles. He knew the eyes of someone ready to kill and the large blond man fit the bill perfectly.

The pinket continued to stare wide-eyed even after Zoro's words. He was just too frightened… No matter what he said to himself he couldn't make a move and it was scaring him even more, creating a never-ending cycle that continued to hold him in place.

The tied-up swordsman stared blankly at the still unmoving form, "Just gonna stand there and die?". He could see just how scared he was, it wasn't very difficult. The kid's legs were shaking so hard he thought he could feel some slight vibrations in the ground his feet stood on.

Suddenly, the quiet air was broken by the sound of glass shattering, all conscious heads in the yard looking up to see three swords flying directly toward Zoro.

One had a white sheath, its color reflecting the sun and making it the most eye-catching of the three. The next blade was wrapped in red and looked as if it'd been dyed in the blood of its enemies. The last katana was cloaked in dark black, standing in opposition to its white counterpart and seeming to suck in the light instead of reflecting it.

The three katanas hit the ground creating a triangle around the swordsman, the area remaining quiet for a moment as its three occupants watched the weapons bury themselves in the earth.

"Hey, Zoro! I found your swords!", Luffy shouted through the broken window of Helmeppo's room. Even with the distance, he could see the growing smirk on the swordsman's lips. He could jump down and help the two but, honestly, he just wanted to watch. He wanted to see his first mate become a pirate… So, that's exactly what he did, stepping up on the window sill and sitting down on it.

Helmeppo slowly backed away from his captor, quietly trying to sneak out of his room, but was apparently still too loud.

A hand reached back and grabbed the blond by the collar, wrenching him forward. "Nope! You're not going anywhere girly boy.", the straw-hatted pirate captain laughed, slamming Helmeppo into place beside him. Unfortunately, however, he ended up being a little enthusiastic about it.

As soon as the Helmeppo's rear end touched wood, Luffy let his hand go. However, he hadn't accounted for the cushiness of his buttocks and he hit the windowsill, bouncing into the air before his very eyes. He watched in amusement as the blond stilled for a moment, his eyes as wide as saucers.

Helmeppo looked down and immediately started screaming when he saw the ground far below him. He began to fall and realized that his father was almost directly in the place he was going to land. Surely his daddy would save him! Even though he now knew he'd be safe, he still couldn't stop his screams. "Daddy! Please save me! That devil hit me and then threw me out of the window!", he cried, somehow managing to point in Luffy's direction as he continued to fall, "Kill him for hitting me and kidnapping me! Please, Daddy! He made fu-".

Axe Hand Morgan stepped out of the way of his son's falling form and let the boy slam into the ground, face first, his body making a crunch. Honestly, none of the people in the yard, and even Nami watching from the wall, were sure he was still alive…

Helmeppo groaned in pain before he began to cry, "Daddy! Why didn't you catch me! I'm your son!". He began to roll on the ground in absolute agony before he was roughly picked up, gasping when he felt his windpipe tighten and his body being lifted into the air.

"You're not allowed to call me that anymore.", Axe Hand Morgan spat in the face of his son, "You chose to disrespect me when you let that little girl live… And anyone who disrespects me… Dies.". He stared at the wide eyes of the boy he no longer considered family and continued to hold him there while he brought the axe replacing his right hand to his neck. "I sentence you to death, the same as these two.", his eyes glanced up at the others who'd be following in Helmeppo's footsteps and they widened slightly, his hand pausing in the act of taking his son's life.

The green-haired boy was gone… And so were his swords.

"Listen to me, Luffy.", Zoro stated, a click echoing in the air as Kitetsu slid back into its sheath. He looked up at the boy sitting on the window sill from his position now in the middle of the yard. "We met almost a year ago.", he said, his eyes never leaving his soon-to-be captain's, "Do you remember what I said back then, when I agreed to sail with you?".

Luffy didn't reply, his smile growing larger as he listened to the words being spoken.

"I told you that if you ever got in the way of my dream, I'd kill you myself.", the swordsman's smile grew just as large as Luffy's when he saw the boy land in front of him, dust swirling all around his form, "If you're still alright with that… I have no problem becoming the worst criminal in history, if you asked it of me. If it means achieving my dream, I'll do anything… I'm gonna become the greatest swordsman this world has ever seen even if it kills me.".

Axe Hand Morgan watched the two interact with a scowl on his face. How had the green-haired one escaped from his bindings? He hadn't even heard anything… He went to yell at the two to shut their soon-to-be-dead mouths, but couldn't find his voice no matter how hard he tried. His grip on his son's neck began to loosen and the man wasn't exactly sure why… He wasn't doing it on purpose…

"I've said it once, and I'll say it again…", Luffy shot a manic grin in the direction of his first mate, "The Pirate King would have no less on his crew.". His grin widened even further as Helmeppo fell to the ground and scrambled away from his father, "How about we go turn this world upside down together?".

Axe Hand Morgan, of the One Hundred and Fifty-Third Marine Branch, attempted to take a step in the direction of his enemies and found that his vision had somehow turned upside down, his eyes being met with an impossibility… Was that... His own body?…

Zoro's grin turned devilish as a head rolled to his feet, the body it belonged to crashing into the earth while Helmeppo screamed bloody murder in the background, "You got it… Captain.".

"D-daddy?", the blond stuttered, eyeing his father's headless form, blood gushing from the open wound that was his neck. He didn't know what to think. Technically, the green-haired swordsman he'd sentenced to death had saved him. At the same time, however, he'd also just killed the only family he knew… Apparently, his mind couldn't decide whether to be grateful or upset because his body went limp and he passed out on the spot.

Footsteps came rumbling into the yard from the entrance of the base and suddenly everyone in the area was surrounded by men in white uniforms.

Whispers began to break out amongst the soldiers while they looked at all the bodies scattered around the yard, their eyes ultimately ending up on their deceased superior... They honestly had no idea whether to arrest the three or praise them for saving them from the tyranny of Axe Hand Morgan...

The whispers eventually stopped, however, the men continued to stare at the sight of their captain's headless body staining the dirt crimson with wide eyes, none of them knowing what to do.

After a time of silence, a brave marine, now the current commanding officer, stepped forward and addressed the figures staring back at them.

The man went to speak but didn't know exactly who he should be talking to. The boy with the straw hat looked to be the one in charge, but he was sure the one carrying the three swords had killed their captain. He didn't know what to think about the pink-haired one… The kid just looked like he'd rather be anywhere but there at the moment... He eventually decided to address the boy in the straw hat, but he still honestly had no idea what to say…

Luffy looked at the marine who'd stepped forward, curiously. It looked like he wanted to say something but couldn't figure out if it was the right thing to say. He waited for another moment before turning to Zoro. "Think we should get outta here?", he whispered, turning further to look over at the wall. He smiled when he saw a head of orange hair and a pair of brown eyes peeking over it.

"Yeah, I guess so.", replied the swordsman, still looking at the man who'd stepped forward and waiting for him to say something. Was he just going to keep blankly staring at them?… He didn't really want to have to kill them all, but if they weren't gonna let them go quietly...

The marine watched the two converse as if they didn't care that they were surrounded and it only made him more wary of his decision. However, he'd been standing there long enough. He didn't know if it was the right decision but it was the one his heart wanted him to make.

"The three of you are pirates, yes?", the man finally asked. It was the only assumption he could make. They didn't look like straight-up murderers and piracy was popular amongst the younger generations. He thought it was the most likely assumption.

"I'm not a pirate… I want to be a marine!", Koby squeaked from his position behind Zoro and Luffy. The boy bowed to the man he'd spoken to, "Please let me join you here at this base!". All heads turned in his direction and made him want to shrink into a tiny ball. He hadn't meant to bring so much attention to himself but he wasn't just going to sit by and let others determine the course of his life anymore! This was his life to live, not anyone else's, and he was going to live it chasing his dream!

The marine stared at the boy for a moment, "But you obviously know these two… You're not with them?". He wasn't convinced. All three of them looked pretty friendly with each other.

Zoro shrugged to the man, "I've never met this kid before." He turned and eyed his captain. He assumed he was a friend of Luffy's considering the two showed up together.

"Oh I know him alright!", Luffy said with a grin, "You'll never guess where I met him!".

Koby's eyes widened at the words. Surely he wasn't going to tell them…

"There was this huge ugly pink pirate ship!", Luffy started, using his hands to better tell the story.

"Luffy!", the aspiring marine tried to interrupt, panicking internally. Why was he telling them this?!

The pirate captain ignored his friend's pleading and continued. "And you'll never guess what he told me! He said he'd been stu-", he stopped before he could finish, Koby's fist slamming into the side of his face and staggering him slightly. He recovered quickly and grinned, rubbing his cheek, "That all you got, Coward?". His smile only seemed to provoke the pinket further.

"How could you?!", Koby screamed sending his fist in Luffy's direction again. He'd said they were friends! How could he try and ruin his dream like that?! If they knew he was on Alvida's ship for over two years, he probably wouldn't be able to join the Marines at any base, let alone this one!

Luffy easily dodged the punch and sent his own in Koby's direction, the smile never leaving his face.

As the appendage connected with his face, the smaller teen's body went flying toward the circle of soldiers and he groaned when his body hit the ground, rolling to the feet of the man who'd addressed them.

The acting marine captain bent down and winced at the fist imprint on the kid's cheek. Alright… It was safe to assume they weren't friends. "Stand up, Kid. I get the picture. You're not with these two.". He helped Koby stand to his feet and didn't quite understand when he shot a wide-eyed look at the boy who'd punched him, "And as for your request about joining this branch… Well… I guess I'm technically in charge now so… I hope you're ready kid. I'm gonna work you to the bone.".

Koby's eyes seemed to widen even further at the man's words. It was only now hitting him… Luffy said that to provoke him… He said that get him riled up enough to throw that punch and make it seem like they weren't friends. Even now Luffy was pushing him toward his dream and it made the corners of his eyes water. He'd been blessed to meet such an amazing person… Such an amazing friend.

Luffy made to approach Koby once again, his fist barred, but Zoro held him in place, the swordsman sending his captain a knowing smile. He didn't really understand what was going on but he could tell Luffy was acting… It wasn't that hard… He wasn't very good at it…

"Alright! Alright! I get it!", the man shouted, now standing in front of Koby in a protective manner… Time to get this over with… "As for you two.", he pointed in Luffy and Zoro's direction before looking at the men surrounding them apologetically, "I don't know how these men feel, but personally… I want to thank you.".

The marine proceeded to bow at the waist in a gesture of thanks, "The man you killed wasn't a good person or a good commanding officer… He was about as selfish and corrupt as it gets. I don't necessarily condone his death but… At the same time… I can't help but be glad he's gone.". He stood back straight and looked both the boys in the eye, "Because of you two, I can do what I joined the force to do… Protect and serve. And for that… You have my gratitude.".

The man faced the rest of the marines surrounding the two boys and addressed them, "I'm sorry men. I understand if you can't look up to me as a commanding officer because of my words…". His eyes widened when he saw all of the marines in the circle bowing to the two pirates they had trapped.

"Thank you very much!", the men yelled in unison.

The acting captain smiled at the group before turning back to Luffy and Zoro. "As thankful as I-", he cut himself off, looking at his men beginning to stand from their bows with a smile, "As thankful as WE are for being freed from the tyranny of our late captain... The two of you are still pirates and I must ask you to leave this island, otherwise I will be forced to arrest you.".

Luffy looked at Zoro with a smile, the verdet shrugging in response. "Thanks! Ya know, for marines, you guys are alright!", exclaimed the pirate captain, turning back toward the wall, "Let's go say bye to Rika before we leave, Zoro!".

"I'm afraid I can't let yo-", the man stopped when he saw the glare the green-haired swordsman was shooting him… "You know what…", he paused when he realized he was shaking... Maybe it was best to just let the two do as they pleased… "Just don't stay too long, please.", he eventually finished, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Satisfied, Zoro released the man from his gaze and turned, following his captain to the gate. He still needed to thank Rika for the food.

Koby watched the two leave in silence. He wanted to thank Luffy more than anything at the moment but held himself back. He was grateful for the boy that had helped him start pursuing his dream... He hoped he got to see him again someday.

The pinket shook his head, smiling, and turned away from the retreating figures. He'd surely be seeing his friend in the newspaper sometime soon.

"Alright men! First things first! We chose to let pirates go after they killed our commanding officer! As pence… No food for the next three weeks!… I assume there will be no complaints?", the acting marine captain said, eyes searching his surrounding men.

Koby rose his hand to his head in a salute, just as the other marines around him did, and they all replied with the same words, "Sir, no sir!".

"Good!", the man pointed at the body of the person he'd replaced, "Now! Even though he may have been a terrible man, he was still our commanding officer! We will give him the proper send-off he deserves for having held that title! Gather the body and prepare it for burial!".

The pink-haired boy spared one last glance at Zoro and Luffy's forms slowly growing smaller, his smile becoming more determined as he turned back to his new captain and saluted once more, "Sir, yes sir!".

"I ate every bite, Rika", Zoro smiled, "It was delicious.".

The smaller girl's eyes brightened at the words and she rushed the green-haired boy, wrapping her arms around his middle. "I'm happy you liked them, Zoro!", she exclaimed. Rika pulled back and frowned up at one of the boys she considered a big brother, "I tried to bring you food earlier, but momma wouldn't let me!".

The swordsman laughed at the words, ruffling the girl's hair, much to her chagrin, "She was just trying to keep you safe, Rika.".

Ririka watched the two with an affectionate smile. She was very glad that her little girl was ok and she had Luffy to thank for that apparently. Her daughter had come storming into the bar and when she'd asked what happened, Rika gave the full rundown…

She'd had some choice words for the blond boy who'd ordered her to be thrown over the wall… When the story was finished, the older woman realized that she was mostly just upset about her food being ruined… She'd raised quite the spitfire and she hadn't even known it…

"Just keep sailing with us, Nami!", begged Luffy from his place next to the girl, at the bar, "Being all alone is no fun!".

Nami's stomach dropped at the word 'alone', and she turned away from him. His words were making her unbelievably anxious, the reason being how compelling they were. After spending time on the Merry for the first time in what felt like forever, it was hard to leave again... "Luffy… I…", she couldn't finish… She just didn't know how to respond.

"Why can't you?", the straw-hatted teen asked, seriously. He knew the girl was reluctant for some reason, but he could also see just how much she wanted to say yes. What was keeping her from doing that?…

"Also,", he yawned, "I like making new friends. And I like to think that's a pretty good reason.".

"Well… I think that's stupid.", the unnamed girl said, a frown in her voice.

"Well, why do you think it's stupid?", Luffy asked, curiously. He was too tired to get mad that she had, in a way, called him stupid.

"Because I can't TRUST you. Being friends is all about trust.", she began, "You say you like making friends, but, that doesn't make me trust you.".

Luffy's mind was getting foggier by the second. "So, until you can trust me… We can't be friends?", he asked. The girl could do whatever she wanted. She wasn't gonna hurt him. He just had a feeling. He didn't have anything to say about all this trust business right now. He'd figure it out when he woke up.

"That's exactly right.".

Was that it?… Was it because she still didn't trust him?… The thought made Luffy's heart ache slightly. Even after everything they'd been through, she still didn't trust him enough to tell him what was bothering her…

The bad feelings were quickly wiped from the boy's mind. He was never one to mope about things. He'd already decided that Nami would be his navigator and she would be. He didn't care what he had to do.

"I… Because…", the words just wouldn't come out of her mouth. The orangette continued to stare at the wooden bar while she fiddled with her hands. She'd thought about telling him, even before now… She just knew that If there was one person that could save her from Arlong… It was Luffy…

Nami laughed internally, remembering the dreams she'd had about hiring Merry's Terrible Trio to hunt the fishman down... Seemed like her subconscious thought along the same lines... But, the part of her that was still hurt over losing her mother to the monster, the part that couldn't bear to see someone else close to her heart taken… It wouldn't let the words come out… She couldn't take seeing her friend die… It would break her… And if it was because of her… Because she asked him to save her… She didn't know if she could live with herself after something like that.

Luffy stared at the orangette while she continued to avoid his gaze, "Nami.". He reached over and grasped her hand softly, her brown eyes finally coming back up to meet his black ones. "I don't know why you feel like you can't trust me. If it's because I'm a pirate now… Well, I'm not gonna say sorry for that… But if it's for some other reason…", he bowed his head in her direction, "If I did something wrong… I'm truly sorry and I hope you'll allow me some way to fix it.".

Nami's eyes widened and she shook her free hand in front of herself, "Luffy, stop! You didn't do anything wrong!". Seeing the boy who had only ever helped her bow his head made her stomach curl. It made her realize how her reluctance might be making him feel. "Luffy, my decision has nothing to do with you… Or even the fact that you're a pirate.", she placated, seeing him raise his head.

Luffy looked at her curiously but saw that she had more to say so didn't interrupt.

The orange-haired girl went to continue but suddenly lost the will. She didn't have it in her to argue with him anymore. Besides, she didn't even know if she could get a boat in Shells, and waiting for one to be built didn't appeal to her… Maybe traveling with him a Zoro for a little while longer wouldn't be so bad… They may even be able to help her steal from Buggy the Clown. "Fine.", she sighed. She saw Luffy perk up at the words and sent him a sad smile, "But, I can't stay, Luffy.".

The boy's rising smile faltered at the words but he immediately wiped the feeling away and let it finish forming, "You let me worry about that.".

Nami was shocked to stillness by the words, silently watching Luffy stand from his seat to pick up Rika and mercilessly tickle her sides. He knew absolutely nothing about her situation and yet he somehow managed to make it sound like he would fix it. It baffled her. She wanted nothing more than to ask him then and there to save her once again… But she didn't. She held her tongue and watched the little girl in his arms laugh like she didn't have a care in the world… A part of her wished it could be her…

"Alright, Captain. Probably about time we head out.", Zoro said, finishing his conversation with Ririka. He walked over to the straw-hatted boy as he set Rika on the ground and clapped a hand on his shoulder, "Usopp's probably waiting on us.". His lips rose into a teasing grin at the thought of their long-nosed friend, "He and Kaya have had enough time to say goodbye.".

Luffy laughed at the words, "Agreed!". He patted Rika on the head and turned to Nami when she began to rise out of her seat, sending her a smile, "You and Zoro head down to the docks. I'll be right behind you guys.".

The words confused the orange-haired girl but she didn't voice her curiosity. If she wasn't going to share her business with him… What right did she have to ask about his?… She nodded and stepped in the swordsman's direction, turning to face Ririka when her feet found themselves next to his, "It was nice to meet you, Ririka.". She looked down at the little girl now standing next to her mother, "You stay out of trouble Rika.".

Ririka looked at Nami with kind eyes while her daughter smiled and nodded in confirmation, "It was also a pleasure to meet you, Nami.". She turned her head in Zoro's direction, "It was nice to see you and Luffy again, Zoro. Don't stay away for too long now. I'm sure my little one will miss the two of you terribly.".

The verdet staggered when he felt Rika run into his form but quickly recovered and patted her head in a show of affection. "We'll be back someday, Rika… I think it'll be a little longer this time, but we'll see each other again.", he smiled, getting down to his knee so he could look the girl in the eye. "And again, I can't thank you enough for the food… I know someone who would have been very proud of what you did."… Even if he would have only been thinking of how she might look when she got older…

One last thing crossed Zoro's mind and he smiled at her teasingly, "I know that dumb blondie was mean... But I really do think you should try salt next time.". He laughed at the pout Rika sent him, "Don't worry, though. Even with the sugar, I'd be glad to try your onigiri again anytime.". The girl smiled again and wrapped her arms around his neck one more time before walking back to stand with her mother. He stood and turned away from them, waving over his shoulder with a smile as he walked through the doors, Nami following closely behind.

The mother and daughter watched the swinging wood for a moment before their attention was grabbed by Luffy clearing his throat, both turning to face him before he spoke.

"You wouldn't happen to have a Den Den Mushi, would you?", the straw-hatted boy asked, hopefully.

Ririka smiled and pointed to the stairs up to her and Rika's rooms, "It's on the wall, between the doors.".

Luffy grinned in return and dashed up the stairs. "Thanks!", he called over his shoulder. His feet found the top step and he searched the hallway, finding what he was looking for exactly where the woman said it would be. He removed his hat while he approached and took out a tiny piece of paper tied to the inside of the straw, smiling in slight exasperation at the memory of receiving it.

"Gimme my hat back, Gramps!", Luffy yelled. He was doing something to it and he couldn't see exactly what. He would have taken it back already but he didn't want another Fist of Love... He couldn't even use haki to soften the blows because Shanks told him to hide it from the man...

The thought made the teen laugh internally. His red-haired teacher had been quite shocked to find out what family he was a part of... Although, he didn't really know why... Sure, Gramps was a big marine, but he didn't think he had any other famous family than him... At least none that he knew of...

Garp finished what he was doing and turned to hand the hat back, "Now, if you ever need me, find a Den Den Mushi and call that number… I'll answer… Probably.".

Luffy looked at his grandfather with a pout, reclaiming his treasure. He hadn't even wanted the geezer to mess with it in the first place... He looked inside the straw hat and saw a white strip of paper tied into it.

"Don't worry about getting it wet and smearing the numbers… I had it laminated.", the aged marine manically grinned, "I've been planning this since Ace left. I told myself that I wouldn't let another one of my precious grandsons leave without a way to contact their loving elder.".

The teen groaned at his overbearing grandfather, "Gramps…".

"Can it, Luffy… Unless you want another Fist of Love…".

Luffy had almost forgotten the number was there because it was so small, but all the marine talk with Koby had given him an idea and he'd remembered... If he wasn't going to be the marine Gramps wanted him to be, then why not his pink-haired friend? Although, now that he was thinking about it… With the way Koby was now… If he ever got hit with a Fist of Love… He just might die.

The teen shook his head and dialed the number into the Den Den Mushi, its ringing sound echoing through the small hallway.

"Puru-Puru-Puru-Puru.".

"Puru-Puru-Puru-Pu-.".

"Gat-Cha.".

"Hello?", a deep gruff voice eventually came from the other end of the call.

"Gramps?", Luffy asked. It was strange hearing the man's voice after so long.

"Luffy?! Is that you?!", the man questioned in return, his tone tinted with anger.

There was a moment of silence before the teen responded as he braced himself for the screaming he knew was coming. "Yep.", he eventually replied, popping the p.

"YOU DAMN BRAT! WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?! EVERY TIME I COME BACK TO DAWN, NOW, YOU'RE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!", Garp raged through the line.

Luffy held the snail away from him so his eardrums didn't burst. He'd forgotten how loud Gramps could be… "Come to Shells Town, there's a kid here that I want you to meet. I think you'll like him.", he said, ignoring his grandfather's anger, or rather, being so used to it that he barely even heard it.

There was a pause for a moment before the older man responded, "Shells Town, huh?… So that's where you are… STAY RIGHT THERE AND DON'T MOVE A DAMN MUS-".

"See ya, Gramps! It was nice talking to you! And his name's Koby!", the teen interrupted, cutting the call as quickly as he could… Talking to Gramps was always a hassle… He shook the thought away with a smile and retied the number into his treasure.

Satisfied with his work, Luffy placed the hat on his head and made his way back down the stairs, passing Ririka and Rika on his way to the doors. He scooped the girl up before she could protest and gave her a tight hug. "I'll miss you Rika.", he said, softly setting her back down and sending her mother a smile, "Good to see you.".

Ririka smiled at the words and waved the boy away, "You as well. Now, go after your friends... And again... I can't thank you enough for saving my daughter.".

The straw-hatted pirate captain smiled in return, "No problem!". He turned toward the doors and walked through them toward the dock to set sail once again, waving over his shoulder, "Bye guys! Look for me in the news!". He sprinted away before a reply came and, as he let his feet carry him, he couldn't help the giddy laughs that left his mouth.

The main goal of coming to Shells Town had been achieved. The Straw Hat Pirates were now two strong instead of one…

And there were surely many more to come.

"Organ Island?", Zoro asked curiously, as the two companions stepped onto the deck of the Merry, "What's there?". What was the girl going to get them into this time?...

"Buggy the Clown.", the orangette answered. She assumed he may have heard the name while he'd been bounty hunting. The thought made her freeze while she looked at her compass. If he knew of Buggy… He probably knew of him too…

"The name's familiar… He's a pirate right?", the swordsman asked.

The girl shook her thoughts away and got back on topic. "Yeah. And he's got a map to the Grandline.", she said, "Well... He supposedly does.".

The words got Zoro's attention. Why would you need a map to sail into the Grandline?... The question must have been obvious on his face because Nami answered without him voicing it.

"It's a map to a place called Reverse Mountain. It's the only safe way into the Grandline, apparently.", she said, walking to her bag to grab one of the maps out of it.

The verdet shrugged his shoulders at the words. At the end of the day, it was the captain's choice where they went. So, he would leave it up to Luffy… But knowing him…

Let's just say, Zoro could already tell where they would most likely be heading next.