"I am hot." Luffy complained, pulling a long stick to move forward.

Walking in the middle of an endless desert, the captain and his crew were attacked by the sun and its oppressive heat. To put it simply, each of them felt like they were melting.

"Stop complaining." Cried Nami. "You are just wasting your energy."

" You do the same by answering him. " Gin retorted.

For his part, Zoro was pulling a small sled where Chopper and Menma were.

" I cannot stand it anymore. " The reindeer saddened. " The cold suits me perfectly but I can't stand the heat. "

" Take off your fur. " Usopp advised him.

'' Because you think I can do this ? "

Drinking some water, Lucy turned to her two spirits.

" Loke, Virgo… do you want to drink ? "

" Hum ? " Loke wondered, hands in his pockets.

Advancing at the same pace as the pirates, the two spirits seemed to suffer less from the heat than they did, especially Virgo, who was now carrying a large bag on her back.

" Don't worry about us ! We can handle the heat perfectly. "

Looking next to her, Virgo saw Raynare walking while struggling against the heat. Usually in a petty or teasing mood, Raynare remained silent, while her every step seemed heavy.

" Are you okay, Raynare-sama ? "

" Perfectly. " The fallen angel simply assured.

Touching his crown on his head, Neni winced.

" Ouch ! The metal of my crown has become hot ! No more question of having that on my head. "

" What idea here to wear this ridiculous thing on your head. " Sanji remarked.

" Hey! It's my personality. "

Wiping his forehead, Neni noticed.

" Princess Wednesday was not lying ! Even the animals cannot survive here. "

" There are some. " Vivi retorted. " And some are very dangerous or poisonous ! You will have to beware. "

" My concern, my worst enemy has become the sun. " Yosaku asserted, his tongue sticking out.

" Me, it's the sand. " Johnny asserted, while feeling his feet sink into the ground. " I hate to have it in my shoes. "

" Think of the inhabitants of this country who have been deprived of water for three years. " Cried Bruno, passing between them.

Running a handkerchief over his face, Bruno tried to remain neutral. But even someone like him had never known such oppressive heat. For his part, Ace walked forward, remaining silent.

" Why are these sand dunes so high ? " Said Usopp.

" They ? " Vivi wondered. " It's nothing ! The largest dunes can reach a height of 300 meters. "

" 300 ? We are gonna die. "

" It's too hot. " Luffy repeated. " To drink, please. "

Sighing, Nami gave him some water.

" Just a sip. "

Grabbing his barrel immediately, Luffy poured water into his mouth which swelled so much that Luffy looked like a hamster. There was at least half of the contents of the barrel. Immediately, Nami, Usopp and Gin hit him.

" You drank too much, selfish. " Nami growled.

" You have at least taken 18 sips. " Usopp roared, grabbing the barrel. " It's my turn. "

" You just had a drink " Gin retorted. " Think of others. "

The trio then began to fight.

" Boys, please stop! " Vivi cried.

But as everyone started to surround the trio, Bruno continued to walk while once again grumbling at Luffy's stupidity.

" He is not made to be a captain. "

Hearing footsteps, he saw Ace walking beside him. Looking at him, Bruno said.

" What I just said, I really mean it, even if he's your brother. "

" I said nothing. " Ace asserted. " You're not the first to see Luffy as a moron and hate him. "

" I don't hate him. " Bruno retorted. " I just find it stupid that he is the leader of our party as we go up against an army strong enough to overthrow an entire country! He seems unable to understand the danger that is coming. "

" It is true. " Ace confessed, before walking away from Bruno.

Seeing him do it, Bruno wondered.

"Is Luffy-san really from the same family ? "

" It's cold. " Luffy complained.

" SHUT UP ! " Nami roared, wrapped in a blanket.

" AHHHHH, I re-live. " Chopper asserted. " The temperature has finally become pleasant. "

" I hate deserts. " Menma affirmed, while she will be Chopper in her arms. " It's too hot during the day and too cold at night. "

" Take this as a training. " Zoro retorted. " You must be strong enough to face our enemies but also nature ! It is unpredictable, so you have to know how to adapt. "

" Why is it so cold ? " Wanted to know Usopp, chattering his teeth.

" In the deserts, the days are scorching, and at night, the temperature often drops below zero. "

Shivering, Lucy looked at Raynare having folded her wings around her to protect herself from the cold.

" Ray-chan !" The blonde called her by trying her hands towards her. " I'm cold. "

Seeming to regain her motivation to tease the blonde, Raynare gave her a simple smile, before spreading her wings and folding them around Virgo.

" Are you cold, my little Virgo ? "

Feeling Raynare's body press against her, Virgo immediately began to blush, still loving the situation. For her part, Lucy began to sob.

" You are too mean. "

" Lucy-san ! "

Turning around, Lucy saw Loke with a huge coat, and having her arms wide open.

" Come in my arms so that I can warm you. "

" Get out, pervert. "

" I want the hug. " Johnny asserted, while having snot dripping from his nose.

" I'm the next one. " Yosaku cried, before sneezing.

" I didn't ask you anything. " Loke roared.

Lying on the ground, Bruno opened his eyes to see a starry sky above him.

" Despite the dangers of the desert, we must admit that this starry sky is great. "

Hearing it, Luffy suddenly cried out.

" By the way, I would like us to talk about something very important. "

" Hum ? " Everyone wondered.

For once, Bruno stood up immediately, while Ace gave his little brother a curious look.

" Luffy going to say something important ? "

Pointing at Bruno, Luffy cried out.

" Bruno, I want you to be part of my crew. "

A long silence followed his statement. Then, finally, several people began to sigh. Luffy just wanted the man to be in the team. And to be fair, his crew didn't find it necessary to insist. Even though Bruno was a strong and intelligent person, he looked nothing like a pirate.

His serious side would prevent Bruno from feeling good about being under Luffy's orders.

Grumbling, Bruno lay down again, while retorting.

" As soon as I defeated Crocodile, I would go back to Little Garden ! This is the deal we have decided. "

" No, it's only you who decided that. " Luffy retorted. " Me, from the start, I want you in my crew. "

" Why ? " Asked Bruno. " Sorry to tell you, but I would never see you as my captain ! You are someone naive and candid, not to say moron and stupid ! I could never bear the thought of being under your command ! Ever since I've been with you, always thinking about everything, while you just eat and laugh bothers me a lot! Have you at least thought of a strategy to defeat Crocodile ? "

" Yes of course ! I'm going to kick his butt. "

Staring at him, Bruno lay down again while whispering.

" Fool. "

Then pretending to sleep, Bruno heard.

" GOMU GOMU ... "

Getting up in time Bruno dodged a punch in extremis which hit the sand where he was.

" What … ? "

Facing him, Luffy cried out.

" If you don't want to be part of my crew, I'll force you to show you that I'm a real captain. "

" What ? "

" I know perfectly well that I am not intelligent. " Luffy asserted. " But I don't care ! For me, a captain is someone strong enough to protect his crew. "

" Tsss ! As if the role of a captain was just that! And even if it was, do you think you are strong enough to defeat Crocodile and his 2000 men ? "

" I would defeat anyone who dared to hurt my friends. " Luffy assured, with a serious look.

Staring at him, Bruno was surprised by the intensity of Luffy's gaze. The pirate was confident in his every word. Remaining motionless, Bruno finally sighed.

" You annoy me ! But, I might consider joining your crew. "

" It is true ? " Luffy rejoices.

" I have a condition. " Bruno retorted. " You tell yourself you can beat anyone, don't you ? "

" Yes ! Why ? "

" I refuse to be under the orders of someone weaker than me ! In this case, here is my condition! If you can beat me in a fight, I will join your crew without arguing. "

Listening to him, the rest of the crew saw Luffy think. Finally, cracking his knuckles.

" Very well ! I take up your challenge. "

" A second ! For starters, the challenge will last until we win against Crocodile ! Every day, we can do a fight, but only after dark, so as not to waste time on the march ! Since Vivi-san said the trip is 10 days, that gives you ten chances to defeat me ! However, if during these ten days you did not beat me, I would not join your crew and my decision will be categorical ! Understood ? "

" Understood. " Luffy assured. " In this case, let's go for our first fight. "

Immediately he ran towards Bruno, his fist already back.

" GOMU GOMU… "

" ZIPPER-MAN ! "

In an instant, the rest of the crew opened their eyes wide. Startled, Luffy saw his arm drop to the ground, while his body had been cut in half. Before he could attack, Zipper-man had appeared in front of the captain and hit him several times. So many zippers appeared on his body and opened. Then, Luffy's body had split into several pieces, knocking him to the ground.

" That … ? That … ? " Luffy wondered, as his head ended up being separated from the rest of his body.

" LUFFFFYYYYYYY ! " Chopper scared, pretending to go help him.

However, Zoo positioned his arm in front of him to order him not to move. It was a fight between Luffy and Bruno. Moreover, each of the pirates knew that Luffy was far from in danger.

Despite his torso cut in half, his arms and legs separated from the rest of his body, just like his head, Luffy didn't have the slightest damage. He was just unable to keep fighting.

"DAMN IT." Luffy roared, trying to move. "Bruno ! This is no game."

"Why that ?" Asked Bruno. "Do you know the power of Crocodile ? No ? In that case, what will you do if ever his power is similar to mine? Mugiwara, it's my way of fighting and you know it very well ! If you keep acting this way, you won't have a chance to defeat me. "

Bruno then left and went back to bed.

"You are unable to continue fighting ! So I won ! Wait until tomorrow night to come back and fight me."

"Grrr ! Motherfucker!" Luffy roared.

Still unable to move, the captain ordered.

" Come help me put my body back together. "

Seeing some of her friends walk over to Luffy for help, Vivi saw Ace staring at his brother without saying a word. Not knowing what the man might be thinking, Vivi finally walks towards him.

" Do you have a problem, Ace-san ? "

" Hum ? " Ace wondered.

" About Luffy-sa n! I must admit that he also surprised me at the start ! As Bruno says, Luffy-san doesn't act like a captain ! In fact, he is even less mature than Menma ! However, a captain must know how to be respected by all his crew ! That's what makes him weird. "

" All the crew is strange. " Gin retorted.

Sitting cross-legged on a rock, Gin explained.

" Why does a crew that does not respect its captain continue to stay with him ? It's simple ! Luffy is respected by everyon e! It has nothing to do with strength or intelligence! It is Luffy's personality that allowed him to form a crew like ours. "

Smiling, Gin asserted.

" Concerning intelligence, Krieg was much smarter than Luffy ! He even had a more impressive build and everyone considered him worthy of being the captain of any crew ! However, I don't regret having joined Luffy in any way. "

Smiling, Vivi nodded.

" Luffy is a good captain because he respects each member of his crew. "

Smiling in turn, Ace asserted.

" That's Luffy's way of being ! He hasn't changed at all since he was little! Although he is as he is, he always brings people together ! He's a not very smart little brother but his charm works strangely. "

" So you knew it. " Vivi understood.

" Everyone realizes it rather easily. " Gin remarked.

Having heard them, while pretending to sleep, Bruno ends up turning around, while not being able to prevent himself from asking new questions about Luffy.

" Why is it always so hot ? " Luffy complained, on the second day of the walk.

" Stop complaining ! " The other pirates roared, exasperated by his moans.

" Damn it. " Neni growled. " To say that this morning, we had to face a sandstorm…! Seriously, how do the 300,000 rebels manage to live and organize themselves in the middle of a desert ? "

" This desert is in fact a powerful fortress against an attack by the army of Alabasta. " Lucy retorted. " The dangers of the desert would kill thousands of people before they could reach Yuba. "

" Especially since I doubt this country has the ability to provide enough water and food for all the soldiers volunteering to attack Yuba. " Loke remarked.

Remaining silent, Virgo finally looks behind her, only to see Raynare lagging behind again. Seeming to be suffering from the heat, the fallen angel walked more slowly than the others. Stopping, Virgo questioned her.

'' Do you want me to carry you, Raynare-sama ? "

With only a smile, seeing Virgo's huge bag, Raynare retorted.

" I would be too afraid to tire you. "

" No problem. "

Suddenly transforming, Virgo took on her 'Gorilla Maid' form, causing her size to grow larger.

" AHHHH, what is this horror ? " Wanted to know Sanji, while his heart broke.

" Can your spirits be transformed, Lucy ?" Raynare wondered.

" Huh, they take the desired aspect of their owners. " Explained the blonde, while having a pearl of sweat behind her head. " The previous owner of his key enjoyed seeing Virgo in this form. "

" He's crazy. " Johnny and Yosaku cried.

" So awesome. " Luffy cried, climbing onto Virgo's head. " Go ahead, Maid-go! Let's go . "

However, seeing Raynare continue to walk, Virgo resumed her old appearance, knocking Luffy down. Her head sank into the sand, while Virgo followed Raynare who informed her.

" I intend to do this walk alone and take advantage of it to harden myself. "

" But ... you seem to be exhausted. "

" It's my training. " Affirmed the fallen angel. " If I want to become the most powerful woman in this world, it's not a desert that will scare me. "

For his part, having removed his head from the sand, Luffy began to spit kilos of sand, while coughing.

" Please take a break! I'm dying of thirst. "

" We will be able to rest once we have reached the next rocks which can provide us with shade. " Vivi promised him.

Hearing this, Luffy looked jovial and cried out.

" Guys ! Let's hurry to get to the next rocks ! And I have an idea, whoever wins at Janken will have to carry all the bags. "

" Don't decide on your own. "

" And it's not up to the loser to carry the bags, rather ? "

Turning a deaf ear, Luffy cried out.

" JAN… KEN… POOOOO ! "

And before anyone could react, he made the stone. Seeing that no one had done something, he laughed.

" HAHAHAHA! I won ! "

Getting ready to say something, Bruno heard everyone except Ace and Virgo say.

" But what a fool. "

Having to pull everyone's luggage, Luffy found the strength to complain again.

" It's heavy ! Too heavy ! Why do I have to wear them all ? "

" You won. " Nami simply reminded him.

" We should think about making him take an IQ test. " Loke remarked, walking backwards. " Being stupid like that is a unique talent! Even Natsu is smarter than him. "

" That can be discussed. " Lucy retorted.

Taking advantage of no longer having her backpack on her back, Menma walked near the group. Nevertheless, she was easily starting to tire. Much like Chopper, she had a hard time coping with the heat. However, remembering Zoro's words, she preferred to remain silent and not to complain. If she wanted to be a pirate, she had to fight against nature.

However, an object fell on her head.

" Ouch ! " She complained.

Falling at her feet, she saw Zoro's gourd.

" What … ? "

" It is useless to make efforts and then die. " The man asserted, passing the girl, while continuing to shoot Chopper. " Hydrate yourself. "

Just staring at him, Menma nodded before drinking the water. Then she returned the item to its owner, before running away from him.

Getting ready to drink in turn, Zoro quickly noticed that his gourd was empty. Menma had drunk all of his water.

" MENMA ! "

Pretending not to hear him, the child came near Usopp, who then cried out.

" Hey ! There are rocks there. "

" Great ! " Johnny rejoices, starting to run. " If there are rocks, there is shade. "

" Finally rest. " Yosaku said, following him.

However, the two men were passed by Luffy who rushed straight for the rocks, despite the heat and the baggage they were pulling.

" How does he manage to run so fast ? "

" This moron can be incredible. " Neni confessed.

Continuing to walk towards the rocks, the group nevertheless saw Luffy coming back to them, without the luggage.

" There is an emergency! Chopper! There's a bunch of injured birds out there, unable to move. "

" What ? " The animal wondered, straightening up.

" Birds ? " Vivi wondered. " Wait, Luffy! Didn't you just leave our things unattended ? "

" Hum ? "

" AHHHHHHHH! Where are our things ? " Luffy wanted to know, as the group had returned to rock level.

" No trace of birds either. " Zoro remarked.

" I swear there was. " Luffy assured. " They were all injured. "

" They were pretending. " Vivi asserted.

" What ? "

" It was surely Warusagi! They are birds that trick travelers and steal their belongings ! They are nicknamed the 'desert thieves'. "

" What ? "

" Fool. " Sanji roared, grabbing Luffy by his collar. " How do we get food and water now, eh ? "

" The lion or Maid-go can always go get some. " Luffy asserted.

" That is not the question. " Bruno retorted. " How can we, as a captain, show you so carefree ? "

" Hey, it wasn't my fault. "

Suddenly, strange stinks can be heard. Turning their faces in the same direction, everyone could see a group of birds observing them, while displaying mischievous looks. Each was carrying a bag they had just stolen from Luffy.

" You bastard. " Luffy roared, starting to chase after them.

Seeming to mock him, the birds took flight. Finally, managing to knock Luffy away, they cried out victoriously. However, one of them felt an arrow of light pierce one of its wings, making it cry out in pain. Seeing it crash to the ground, the other birds turned, to see Raynare flying towards them.

" I would have you, idiots of birds. "

And before any of them could escape, the birds were attacked by Raynare, who knocked them to the ground, one by one.

Finally, landing in her turn, Raynare saw all the provisions and the like being scattered on the ground.

" Damn it. " She roared not starting to pick up everything.

Still continuing to suffer from the heat, Raynare ended up sitting down and getting her sleeves back. So she looked at the heavy armbands she wore on her arms and also on her ankles. Each of them weighed five kilos. She had therefore been carrying twenty kilos since the start of the walk and this was the reason for her fatigue. For a moment, she wanted to remove them. Nevertheless, she stopped her gesture and ended up standing up.

" Becoming the strongest woman will be a tough fight, but I won't give up. "

Continuing to collect supplies, she filled several bags before carrying them as best she could.

" Luffy would have to explain to me how he managed to become so strong. "

Finally, bending down a last time, she directed her hand towards an apple. However, a small figure suddenly passed in front of her and managed to escape with the fruit.

" What ? " Raynare wondered.

A small animal could then be seen running, while holding the fruit in its mouth.

" Hey, come back. " Raynare ordered it, running after it.

Getting ready to fly away, the fallen angel was surprised to see the animal suddenly collapse to the ground. Approaching, Raynare saw that the animal was a strange brown fox. Breathing with difficulty, it appeared to be exhausted, as well as thirsty and hungry.

Looking at it, Raynare nonetheless took hold of the fruit and left. This fox's health was not her problem. However, she ends up turning to look at the animal. It had not moved. And lying in the bright sun, he would surely die before the end of the day.

" It's not my problem. " Raynare asserted, walking away from food.

However, as she walked, part of her consciousness told her to stop. Stopping then, Raynare felt an internal fight in her head. Looking at the animal again, the fallen angel finally growled.

" Damn it. "

Coming back to the fox, Raynare finally took out her gourd, and poured a little water into the palm of her hand.

" Hey. " She cried, crouching down next to the animal. " You are thirsty ? "

Barely able to open its eyes, the poor fox saw the fallen angel's hand right in front of its face. Being able to see the water there, he gently lifted its head and began to bark the liquid. Acting slowly at first, the animal began to drink more and more quickly. Pouring water into her hand again, Raynare then saw it stand up and move its muzzle in her hand, drinking every last drop of water.

Seeing it do it, the fallen angel couldn't help but smile a little. Finally, she even poured the rest of her gourd on the animal's head to cool it.

" It feels good ? " Wanted to know Raynare.

Taking advantage of this shower, the fox then ends up shaking himself a little. Then, raising its head to Raynare, it presented its cutest gaze, before screaming.

" EEVEE ! "

Who will join Luffy's crew?

Before Shells Town: Raynare - 9 million - (Highschool DxD) / Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)

Arc Shells Town: Roronoa Zoro

Kuro Arc: Usopp

Arc Baratie: Sanji / Gin - 13 million -

Arlong Arc: Nami / Johnny / Yosaku

Bow Drum: Chopper

Alabasta Arc: Nico Robin /? /? /? /?

Skypiea Arc:?

Arc Enies Lobby: Franky

Arc Post Enies-Lobby :?

Thriller Bark Arc: Brook

Punk Hazard Arc:?

Tesoro Arc :?

Dressrosa Bow :? /?

Wano Kuni Arc: Jinbei /?

Post Wano Kuni Arc:?

Arc Battle Teach :?

With other characters:

Buggy: Magi (OC), Bull (OC), Kuro, Morgan, Megumim -23 million- (Konosuba)

Arlong: Syra (OC)

Milhawk: Alice (OC)

Wapol: Musshuru

Crocodile: Noscula (OC), Mr 6 (OC), Miss Halloween (OC)

Garp: Sakura (Zombieland Saga)

Gold D. Roger: Igneel - 1.380 billion - (Fairy Tail), Acacia (Toriko), Bardock (Dragon ball Z)

Individual: Bruno (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure); Shinichi Kudo (Detective Conan); Menma (Anohana); Neni (Mr 9), Reiner ( Shingeki no kyojin ), Eevee (Pokemon)