This chapter is a beast. It kind of got away from me, oops.

Thank you for all your reviews I have appreciated each and every one as well as all the favorites and people who have taken the time to read my work.


Luffy kept his eyes on the sky above as they sailed onwards, he was worried about what he would find when they arrived at Orange Town. He knew that this Nami was not the girl who had come to love and trust them as family. No. This Nami was distrusting and angry, abused by the person who murdered her family and yet loyal to fulfilling the empty bargain Arlong had offered her years before. Luffy was terrified the smallest error would send Nami running for the hills, he had to be perfect.

He was thankful for the sleep he had managed to get, that it had given him more control over his volatile emotions.

He could do this; he would do this. Nami's happiness was non-negotiable, he would have his navigator back.

Luffy allowed a small grin to burst across his face, there it was, the seagull who would carry him to destiny.

With a grin to his swordsman, Luffy catapulted himself to his goal.

Zoro spluttered as he watched Luffy fly through the sky, rowing the little boat as fast as he could to try and catch up to his captain.


Luffy observed his surroundings as they flew over Orange Town, he could feel Nami's aura lighting up his Haki. Her fear was palatable as she was confronted by Buggy's crew, but even now he could sense her strength, her determination to make it. His Nami was always a survivor.

Luffy was distracted by the sudden blast from a cannon, a ball being thrown his way. Covering his hand in Haki he quickly redirected the shot, sending it back to Buggy. With a thanks to the bird Luffy launched himself off ready to protect his Navigator from the mad clown's crew.

As he landed, he couldn't help but grin over at Nami who was quivering in front of him. Finally, she was there, within arm's reach.

Luffy could feel a warmth spreading as he looked to Nami, it started in his chest bursting through his body, uncontainable, Luffy began to laugh in exuberance. He could almost hear the drumbeats of his chest.

Nami looked to him in fear, who was this strange being that had fallen from the sky? Was he another member of Buggy's crew- no, he's too young she thought, and the grin was not a sinister sneer, in fact it almost made Nami feel warm, comforted, something she hadn't felt in a long time.

Luffy took account of what was happening around him, the two pirates starting to recover from his sudden appearance, Nami who had gone from fear to calculation, of course it would only take her a moment to plan a scheme to escape.

"Are you okay?" he asked addressing the redhead, his eyes checking for any signs of injury.

"Oh gee boss, thanks for coming to save me!" Nami grinned looking relieved that he had turned up, but under the relief was a sense of shame, he knew Nami never wished harm on others, she must have been desperate to escape.

"Yup, here I am, to save you." Luffy grinned much to Nami's shock.

Why would this random kid follow her scheme? Making her escape Nami glanced back at the boy, silently thanking him for being there to save her.

She only hoped he would be able to escape without getting to hurt.

"There all yours now boss, have fun!"

"There's my navigator." Luffy thought to himself, throwing himself into battle so she could escape. He would protect her with everything he had.

Luffy looked to the pirates for the first time, they were obviously low-ranking members of Buggy's crew. They had no real strength, not offering much of a challenge to Luffy even back the first time he encountered them, however what they lacked in skill they made up for in irritation.

One of the pirates manage to sneak past Luffy's defences laying a hand on his precious hat. Now that would not do, Luffy quickly caught the hand as it tried to pull away, throwing him quickly to the floor and pinning his face between his foot and the ground. The pirate was out cold as soon as his head slammed against the floor.

The remaining pirate recovered from his shock quickly raising his sword in revenge, Luffy quickly downed him with a single Gum Gum Pistol.

"Wow, you're really strong." Nami called from a balcony of a nearby building. "Even though both of them had sabres you beat them barehanded."

"Hey, it's you!" Luffy called back, grinning widely. "I thought you'd have run while you had the chance."

Nami looked guilty, biting her lip softly. "Yeah, about that... thanks for taking care of those stupid pirates."

"Anytime." Luffy promised, he meant it, all Nami had to do was ask and Luffy would take care of anyone and anything in her way. He could still remember her last moments, how she had spent them sending a message to her captain, thanking him even as she faded from reality. He had to remind himself to remain in the moment, remember this Nami didn't know him, he didn't know her. He'd have to be careful if he ever wanted the chance.

Forcing his face into his trademark grin Luffy looked to the red head. "So, now those people chasing you are out of the way, who are you?"

"I'm a talented thief who steals strictly from pirates. The names Nami!" She smiled leaning over the balcony, her face carefree and easy while her eyes narrowed calculating her next move. "Hey, want to team up with me?"

Part of Luffy wanted to jump for the hills, agreeing to Nami's every request, but that wasn't what she needed. "What's in it for me? Got any meat?" Luffy grinned.

"Meat?" Nami asked incredulously, her eyebrows rising in shock.

"I'm so hungry." Luffy whined wrapping his arms around his stomach, playing into the act. He needed time to get Nami to begin to see him for him, before she found out he was a pirate and could only see the title.

"So, I help you find food and you'll team up with me?" Nami asked, easily leaping from the balcony landing in front of the rubber boy. "Come on then, one feast coming right up!"


Luffy happily munched down the meal Nami provided, a bonus to his stated condition, Nami's cooking, it wasn't Sanji's food, but it still tasted of home, it had always been her that had cooked when Sanji was unable to. Over the years they had travelled the world Luffy had come to appreciate the red heads cooking, especially any recipes that used tangerines.

They kept conversation light as Nami cooked, Luffy savouring every laugh Nami gave, even if they didn't have the same freedom as his Nami each one shone a light in the shadows of Luffy's soul.

"So, you live here by yourself?" Luffy asked between bites, turning the conversation from trivial matters to the more personal.

"This isn't my house; I'm just staying here for the time being. Everyone has left this town because of Captain Buggy." Nami explained acting casual, he knew it must hurt seeing a town so like her own.

"So, you're just a thief?" Luffy asked wanting to move the conversation away from anything that could cause Nami pain.

"How rude, I only steal from people who deserve it, pirates, so don't compare me to some scumbag petty thief." Nami whined. Luffy was relieved to see that Nami was less tense, but to hear her so vehement against all pirates, well that wouldn't do.

"Hmm, and only pirates deserve it? How about criminals, murderers, marines who abuse their power?" Luffy queried, his tone calculated carefully focusing on the food in front of him allowing Nami the opportunity to process his words.

Nami's face went red, how dare this kid question her.

"Of course, only pirates deserve it, they are rotten criminals who ruin people lives." She snapped.

"I'm sorry you think that I've met lots of criminals who aren't pirates, and lots of pirates who are good." Luffy advised, continuing to move his food around his plate.

"There is no such thing as a good pirate."

"Sure, there is, I'm one of them!" Luffy revealed looking up to meet Nami's shocked eyes.

Nami's eyes tightened, her demeanor changing from open to hostile. "You're a pirate." She spat.

Luffy nodded, his gaze meeting Nami's own, determined to make her see that there were good pirates in the world. Even if it hurt to see her looking at him with such open hostility, he would never lie about what he was. "Yes, I made a promise to the person who gave me this hat that I would form a crew and be the world's greatest pirate." Luffy brought his hand up to stroke lovingly at his hat.

"There's nothing in this world I despise more than pirates, I only like money and tangerines." Nami glared, how had she been so kind to this boy, she cooked for him, laughed with him but he was a filthy pirate the whole time.

"That's sad." Luffy blinked breaking the eye contact with his navigator, allowing his gaze to land on his plate he considered everything he knew of Nami, how she had been hurt, how she had opened her heart and changed. What if she hadn't met him, had remained under Arlong's control bitter and afraid. If she had never come to accept the past and move forward. It made Luffy shudder to consider the life she may have had, the life she may have if Luffy didn't get this right.

"You think you don't like me because I'm a pirate. There are so many great pirates but you won't give any of them a chance, that's stupid" Luffy exclaimed thinking of all the pirates Nami would come to call friends.

Nami blinked in anger, how dare this kid question her, he was wrong, pirates brought pain and destruction everywhere they go. Walking away Nami went to the window, she needed some space, this kid was driving her insane.

Luffy felt terrible for upsetting his navigator, but he needed to push her, needed her to learn and grow. He watched as she stared out the window her eyes a storm reflecting the anger inside, as he observed he saw Nami's eyes focus on something outside. Her breathing slowed and the storm faded a look of calculation taking over.

She suddenly turned around a large grin on her face. "Maybe I am judging you to harshly, maybe I could give you a chance to be my friend."

"Really?" Luffy grinned. "I'd do anything." Even though Nami may have not really meant her words Luffy would still go to the ends of the earth for his Navigator.

Nami smirked softly, her eyes alight with joy that her plan was coming together.

"Well then I need you to come with me to pay a little visit to Buggy the clown, but first." She raised her hand to reveal the rope.

"Okay, I trust you." Luffy stated making Nami flinch softly, he ignored her shame continuing to smile back at her, offering his hands.

Wordlessly Nami tied a rope around the pirate, she made it as tight as she could not wanting the pirate to be able to escape her scheme, no matter how kind this kid he was still a pirate and deserved what would become of him.

"Right, now we are ready to go." She ordered pushing Luffy gently prompting him to leave the building.

"Awesome, I can't wait to show you what a good pirate is." Luffy flashed his signature smile to Nami watching her face fall and regret seep into her eyes.


Nami led Luffy from the safety of the building towards Buggy's base. The young pirate in front of her was surprisingly compliant, smiling away as they marched onwards, constantly babbling telling tales of his adventures on the seas, to Nami's surprise they had so often narrowly missed each other. She tried in vain to tune the boy out, to remain focused on her goal, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't help but be drawn to the boy his reckless joy in taking to a life at sea. In her mind Nami began to picture herself in another life, one where she could enjoy freedom, feel the wind in her hair as she sailed on the open seas. She shook the image from her mind, she knew better, she knew what real piracy meant pain and bloodshed.

As they came upon Buggy's base Nami grew rougher in her treatment to the Straw-hatted boy, his tales of piracy burning an already open wound. Once they were finally in front of the blue haired clown pirate Nami stuck her tongue out taunting the boy before throwing him at Buggy's feet. If the kid wanted to play pirate he would have to live with his choices, just as she had to live with hers.

"I've captured the thief Captain Buggy the clown, and here is your chart back." Nami's tone was purposely light, jovial and confident.

Buggy's face was dark as he responded instantly suspicious of this girl and her motives, but as Nami quickly weaved her story, her natural talent for manipulating a situation on show she convinced the clown to put his faith in her. She had done it, set the kid up to take the fall for her crime, now she just had to slip away. She watched with a small hint of guilt as Luffy was caged but joined the clown pirates celebrating their new member. Nami downed any drinks she could get her hand of, laughing and joking with her new 'crew', it was too easy, slipping into the detached part of her brain so she could play her part.

Until it became too real.

Buggy was an unstable insane, megalomaniac Nami thought in horror, she should have known better. A celebration with pirates always leads to people getting hurt.

As they loaded their cannon with the 'Buggy ball' Nami felt as if they had dropped the ball into the pit of her stomach. She forced her face to remain neutral, battling the tears the rose in horror as Buggy sent the cannon flying into the village. Once again standing by, helpless as a pirate destroyed the lives of the villagers as hers had once been.

She caught the eye of the kid she had sold out, he looked serious, angry a storm brewing in his eyes. It made Nami shudder, there was something in this kid something terrifying, but she found herself drawn in, even as the storm grew, she felt a small thread tie them together. They were both here with these pirates, watching helpless as they levelled parts of the village, people's lively hood, and it had been done in Nami's name, a celebration of her.

It went from bad to worse as Buggy turned to his newest member his head turned in challenge he made his first order of his newest recruit; light the fuse, end the life of the idiot kid who wanted to play pirate.

Nami stood over the cannon, and the world around her paused. She could feel the hungry excitement of bloodthirsty pirates behind her. She had fucked up, now it was kill or be killed, her victim a kid who had wanted to be her friend, she stared at the kid fear of the future gripping her in its vice, this was it the last thing she had to lose of the Nami who Bellemere had raised.

"What's the matter, your hands are shaking." Luffy's was like a knife to Nami's soul, strong and sure in the face of sure death.

Nami whimpered, could she do this, could she become a killer, or would she die here. If she fell all would be lost for her home, for her sister, the people she loved.

"That's what happens when you take on pirates with half assed resolve." Luffy cautioned, his voice wise beyond his years.

"Resolve!" Nami cried. "To do what? To kill someone like its nothing? Is that a pirates resolve? Is that what a good pirate is?" She questioned desperately pleading, she needed an answer, a solution to the war raging internally.

"To be a good pirate you have to be willing to risk your own life" Luffy threw her a soft smile, the storm in his eyes calming. His words held a weight, the heavy understanding that this boy understood death in a personal way, he knew that it was inevitable and when it came for him, he would accept it.

Nami's face darkened, her brown eyes trained on Luffy's own, she could see that the storm had given way to a roaring fire, bright and strong, ready to stand against the world, his flames sparked something in Nami that she had not felt for years.

She had spent so long taking orders, losing more and more of herself as she sacrificed her very soul to save her village, but today would be different. She would not cross this final line. This was not Arlong who owned her, this was a stupid clown with a stupid red nose. He may be cruel, but Nami had endured worse.

Nami nodded to Luffy decision made, but as she went to move, she felt the matches being snatched from her hand. Instinctively she drew her ever handy bo staff, she had made her choice, and this dumb pirate was not taking that away from her. Effortlessly knocking the pirate out with a bash to the head Nami's sudden flash of bravery fled her. She looked out to the countless crew that were sneering over at her, what had she been thinking, she couldn't take on the Buggy Pirates, what magic this kid have that had made her think she stood a chance? Backtracking Nami apologised for her actions, her bo staff still held defensively in her hand.

"So you've decided to save me?" Luffy called out, reminding her of her resolve, fuck guess she was doing this, but not for a pirate, no.

"Don't be so stupid, I'm not doing this for you, you idiot. I just don't want to lower myself to the level of these inhuman pirates." There that would tell him, she didn't care what happened to him, but she would not become a killer.

"Okay, thanks anyway." Luffy grinned, his navigator was so brave, willing to die for her resolve, not that Luffy would let her, no, never again.

"Pirates took the life of a person very dear to me, I'll never be one of them." Nami passionately revealed interrupting Luffy's dark thoughts.

"I see." Luffy muttered softly, how had he missed this last time, had Nami always said this here, he couldn't remember. He had remembered Nami being closed off about her past when they first set sail, it hadn't been until it had come to a head that all had been revealed. Had Luffy missed the opportunity to allow his friend to reveal her tale before the choice was taken from her?

Luffy broke from his reminiscence he could see that the fuse was getting shorter. He could easily handle the cannon should it fire but it had to be up to Nami to save the day, with that in mind he called out to his friend letting her know of the ticking time bomb.

Nami burst into action, managing to hold off clown after clown as she made a dash to save Luffy's life. As she arrived at the cannon, she looked around desperately realising with dread there was nothing to stop it. The fuse grew ever shorter as Nami gripped tightly to her resolve; she would save this kid. Running on pure instinct Nami reached out holding the flame tightly as it burned her flesh, her scream of pain sending shards into Luffy's heart.

Luffy almost couldn't stomach it, Nami's pain felt like his own, except it was worse because he had allowed it. He knew that it needed to happen that Nami needed to learn her strength, but he would rather walk through flames then have Nami get hurt for him. "Watch out!" Luffy cried as the pirates approached the girl who had tears streaming down her face.

Zoro arrived instantly stopping the incoming attack and protecting Nami.

"Are you hurt?" He asked focusing his attention on the girl behind him as she whimpered. "I said are you hurt?" Zoro repeated his voice firm, a steady presence for the girl to concentrate on.

"Zoro" Luffy called out in glee, he had known his first mate would make it in time, he always did but he hated waiting here while Nami was attacked. He refused to remain acting so helpless, he couldn't handle his crew getting anymore injuries today. He shook of the ropes that bound him, remaining within the confines of the cage for now as he watched the situation unfold.

"No, I'm fine I think." Nami stated hiding her reddened blistered hands behind her back grinned softly at her saviour.

"Zoro, you made it!" Luffy grinned, same old Zoro, he could be lost in the middle of nowhere but if his crew was in danger he would always find his way.

"How do you get yourself into these situations, first a bird flies off with you, now I find you in a cage." Zoro griped; his captain sure was interesting.

"Talent" Luffy cheekily grinned. "Besides who said I was trapped?" The boy raised his brow.

The Buggy pirates and Nami spluttered as they realised the famous bounty hunter was stood among them casually addressing the prisoner held up in his cage.

Buggy was irritated, this was his show, not there's how dare they flashily barge in and try to steal the spotlight, no they were just like him. He would not stand for it, time for him to take centre stage.

He stepped up to the plate a dark sinister grin on his face as his aura turned dark, there was no need for Haki in these seas, but that didn't mean he couldn't use it for theatrics. These kids would soon learn not to cross the Buggy pirates.

He stepped forward baiting the swordsman who had the nerve to dismiss him, him! The adopted son of the king of the pirates, who was this jumped-up cabbage who had more swords than brain cells, oh well this should be easy.

Buggy approached allowing the swordsman to step past his defences, slicing his body to three clean chunks. The clown settled a moment allowing the feeling of victory to sink in, his crews laughter grew as the swordsman turned his back on him, but suddenly the air changed a stifling heavy Haki sat in the air. Buggy continued his path, he was imagining things, he must be, he had only met two people with this power one who was dead and the other had long since abandoned him.

He sliced his sword through the air surprised when it met residence in the form of that damned prisoner. How had he got here, and where was the pirate hunter?

He watched as the boy met his gaze, his brown eyes sparkling with power as he grinned at the clown from beneath his damned straw hat.

Buggy tried to work out what had happened, how had this boy gotten from his cage to the end of his sword. It was impossible, who was this kid, he smiled in the face of the death in a way that reminded Buggy of times better left dead.

"Luffy!" Zoro screamed; Buggy could see him on the floor his hand held out towards his captain.

"Buggy's still alive!" The red-haired girl muttered, man she was slow Buggy thought.

Buggy needed to regain control, he was the ringmaster, these kids still needed to learn that message, he would not be made a fool of in front of his crew.

"The chop-chop fruit." He manically laughed as his hand returned itself to its rightful place on his body. He shot a dirty look to the green haired swordsman who was rising from the floor. "I had wanted to kill you pirate hunter, but if this kid wants to get in my way, I'll happily take his lifefirst."

"No!" Zoro snapped anger colouring his tone, clutching his swords firm he slipped into a fighting stance.

Buggy laughed who did these children think they were, there was no way they would escape. "Try as you might but I cannot be defeated by a sword!"

"He got stabbed on purpose." Nami muttered to herself, Buggy could see her curled up on the floor in shock, her brain trying to process all she had seen. "But pirates are selfish."

"Pirates?" Buggy taunted, his laugh becoming dark and sinister. "You kids are going to die here for daring to cross me!"

Luffy rolled his eyes, this Buggy was annoying, cheap tricks and empty threats. Sat in his ivory tower punching down on those that couldn't fight back. He hadn't even been able to detect Luffy breaking from his cage appearing in front of Zoro in a burst of Haki that made it seem he had teleported. Buggy needed a reminder of who he was and Luffy was going to make it hurt!

"You are a disgrace of a pirate." Luffy spat bitterly his anger seeping through every word. He allowed his wound to bleed sluggishly the tar like blood running down his chest from the wound in his shoulder. "Challenging an opponent to a sword fight only to try to stab them in the back using a cheap trick? It is against the rules."

Buggy regarded the boy, glaring at him as he stood there. He was almost impressed at how the child stood his ground not allowing any sign to show his shoulder bothered him. "We're pirates, we don't follow the rules."

"We might not follow the rules," Luffy stood strong raising a hand to that blasted hat. "But good pirates follow a code. You are not a good pirate!"

Luffy allowed the words to register across Buggy's mind, he had been raised by the best of pirates, surely he understood this was wrong? Well if he didn't Luffy would be sure to show him. "I'm going to kick your ass."

"Kick my ass?" Buggy laughed angry, this kid had no shame, he was the best pirate, loyal to his crew in the way no one had been for him. He would pay for his words"I'm afraid all three of you are going to die today."

"We're doomed" Nami cried her feet stomping the ground as she sobbed.

Luffy laughed joyfully, they would never die to this clown. "I don't think so big nose! Zoro!"

Zoro shot an angry glance to his captain who smiled back at him shamelessly, he would have to address why his captain felt the need to interrupt his fight later. Zoro nodded understanding his captain's plan.

"You two had better have a really good plan to get us out of this." Nami begged finally pulling herself to her feet.

"I got this." Zoro nodded to his captain, stepping forward with ease to intercept Buggy's oncoming onslaught, it was barely a challenge to keep the clown focused on him, perfectly lining the clown up in front of his crew. He held his position waiting for Luffy to aim the cannon, once he could see the shot was aimed and the fuse lit, he quickly retreated from battle scooping up the Navigator as he passed, he joined his captain as they ran from the scene, Buggy's crews scream of terror following in their wake.


Luffy watched Zoro as they ran side by side back to the village. His anger was palatable, he could feel the pressure of it thick in the air. He'd messed up, he knew but he hadn't been able to stand by and allow Buggy to get a cheap shot in to leave Zoro with a scar on his back he would carry with shame.

"You okay Zoro?" Luffy gently enquired, he would face this conversation head on, ensure Zoro knew from the start how much he was worth to his captain, that Luffy would always have his back as he knew the swordsman would have his.

Zoro gave his captain the side-eye, he respected that Luffy had the gall to ask, to not run from the conversation they both knew had to happen. He slowed to a stop placing the redhead on the ground he faced his captain. "You stepped into my fight, took a sword that was meant for me."

Luffy nodded, meeting Zoro's enraged eyes. "I did" He confirmed voice confident and honest daring the swordsman to challenge him."I won't apologise for protecting my crew."

Zoro regarded his captain his anger simmering. "You asked me to be your swordsman, yet you don't trust me to win in a battle?"

Luffy bit his lip, he knew how important honour was to Zoro, he understood he had messed up, but he couldn't face allowing Zoro to be injured so soon after Nami had burned her hands protecting him.

"If you don't trust me then I'll walk away right now." Zoro spat, he had trusted Luffy to believe in him but maybe he was wrong.

"I know Zoro is strong" Luffy cried out desperate. "Zoro would have won but he was aiming for Zoro's back which is mine to protect, like you protect mine!"

Zoro thought back to Marineford how Luffy had stood there still as the marines had charged him, how Zoro had intercepted without thought protecting his captain. How Luffy had been vulnerable trusting Zoro to watch over him as he slept. How small he had felt within his arms,

"We protect each other." Luffy pleaded, his tone hinging on desperation. "That's what a crew is, a family."

Nami watched on in bewilderment, just who was this kid?He was unlike any pirate she had ever met.

Zoro looked into Luffy's eyes, in them he found unwavering trust and devotion, it made Zoro unsteady to see the depths the captain would go to for him. "Okay Captain" He accepted. "You'll have my back, and I will have yours."

Zoro nodded to the redhead who had stopped to watch them as they settled matters. "Who's the girl?"

"Oh yeah, she's my new friend." Luffy grinned, glad he had come to an agreement with Zoro, he would have to take care to allow Zoro to grow in his own way, even if the thoughts of what injuries were to come made him shudder.

"I'm not sure about that yet." Nami states nervously. She conceded the two didn't seem to be out to hurt her, but they still professed to be pirates. "Who are you two anyway?"

"I already told you I'm Luffy, and this here is Zoro."Luffy exclaimed showing off his swordsman.

"The pirate hunter?"

"Formally" Zoro grunted not offering any further information. He turned to his captain. "Luffy we should get you cleaned up."

Luffy looked down to see that his blood had started to dry, congealed clumps sticking to his skin, he nodded his acceptance leading the crew onwards.


The town was abandoned and silent as they approached, the only sign of life a dog who was perched on guard outside of the pet store.

"Doggy!" Luffy grinned as he laid his eyes on ChouChou he respected this dog who was so focused on protecting his treasure, he only hoped he would be able to remain that determined when guarding his own.

He rushed over to stroke the dogs head, surprised the dog allowed the touch even leaning in momentarily before returning to his guarding position. Luffy smiled at the dog taking a seat beside the animal grinning at his friends.

"Luffy, shouldn't you rest?" Nami asked concerned, how was he still standing after losing so much blood.

"I'm good. I want to stay and help doggy" Luffy grinned at the girl brightly.

Zoro approached the boy and ChouChou. "What's this dog doing anyway, the place is abandoned and yet it's sat here like a ghost."

Having seen the dog allow Luffy's touch Zoro tried to prod the dog into moving but got bitten for his efforts. Luffy laughed jovially as Zoro jumped around trying to displace the determined pup from his arm, glad it wasn't him this time.

"Hey, leave poor ChouChou alone!" An old man called out as he approached.

Zoro and ChouChou paused mid fight, Zoro looking round to the old guy.

"Who are you, old man." Zoro spluttered, that was the second fight today that had been interrupted.

"I'm the mayor of this town. Who are you and why are you hurting ChouChou" He replied, pausing when he looked to the straw hatted captain. He could see the blood still slowly leaking from his exposed wound. "Why that quite an injury you have there, I take it you had a run in with captain Buggy, we need to get you to a doctor."

"I'm okay, but thanks old man" Luffy grinned. "I will just wait here with this dog."

The man tried to insist the boy seek medical help, but the boy was determined to keep guard with the dog.

The young female who accompanied them enquired what ChouChou was doing, and why he had been so defensive. The mayor settled down, explaining what had happened to cause ChouChou to take up guard of his beloved shop.

"He's protecting his treasure." Luffy declared gently nudging his uninjured shoulder into the dog's fur. ChouChou barked in understanding giving Luffy a quick lick in thanks for joining him in his stand.

They were interrupted from their musings by a rumbling coming from the ground, panicked the mayor implored the kids to run but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

Looking to ChouChou Luffy smiled gently. "You're not going to run, are you?" He questioned. "You won't leave your treasure unprotected, but I want to help,I promise to protect your treasure, but I don't want you to get hurt. Will you allow me to protect your treasure while you wait inside?"

ChouChou turned his head gazing at the young boy, deciphering his secrets, when he made his decision, he barked once picking up his bowl and wandering inside the shop. Should the boy fail ChouChou would go down with his treasure.

"Guy's let me handle this one, I'm going to make sure nothing happens to this shop!" Luffy turned to his companions, gripping his fists tightly as he implored them.

"You sure Captain, you're still injured?" Zoro asked while Nami happily ran for cover.

"Yup, I got this Zoro, and if it goes bad, I trust you to have my back" Luffy grinned causing Zoro to blush slightly.

Zoro nodded stepping into the shadows and out of sight.

As Mohji and Richi approached Luffy did his best to slump down, placing his hand over the wound on his shoulder.

"So, your friends abandoned you?" Mohji sneered looming over the boy from his perch on Richi. "And after you sacrificed yourself to save the pirate hunters life."

Luffy looked up allowing his hand to fall revealing the bloodied trail. "W-who are you?" he asked forcing his voice to tremble.

"I'm known as the beast tamer, Mohji of the Buggy pirates."

"That's a weird animal suit you've got on." Luffy blinked up internally grinning at insulting the older pirate.

"How dare you this is manly hair." Success Luffy grinned as the pirate got riled up.

"Weird." Luffy exclaimed stumbling to his feet, allowing his stance to be unsteady and his arms loose.

"You're not worth my time weakling!" Mohji raised his brow, unimpressed by the child that stood before him. "I have no interest in killing you but tell me where Roronoa Zoro is before I change my mind."

Luffy paused as if he was considering the offer before allowing his grin to overcome his face. "I'll pass!"

"Richie attack" Mohji ordered, if the kid wanted death he'd get it.

As Richie raised his paw to bat the boy he felt the wind change. His attack that had been aimed directly for the boy missed instead clamouring through the air. The lion tamer and his lion heard an eerie laugh on the wind.

Two things happened consecutively, the first was an outcry of 'Gum Gum hammer' as Richi felt a force around his neck swinging him to the ground. The second was a foot meeting its perch in the centre of Mohji's chest displacing him from his seat.

As Mohji rolled to the floor he could see his beloved pet sprawled out in front of the pet store. He heard the swish of katanas being removed from there sheath looking up to see Zoro stood in front of him.

"Heard you were looking for me?" Zoro grinned coldly, his tone challenging.

Mohji panicked looking up in fear. "Sorry." he begged. "I don't want any trouble."

"You should have thought about that before you tried to attack my captain." Zoro made quick work of the man leaving him out cold on floor with a whack of the blunt end of his sword.

Luffy approached the pet store calling out to the dog within. "ChouChou, you can come out. Your treasure is safe."

Nami watched as the dog sprinted out of the building into Luffy's arms. The dog yipped as the rubber boy pet him lovingly. She had never seen a pirate so dedicated to helping protect the weak, maybe there was something to these 'good pirates'.

Approaching gingerly Nami called out. "Sorry about earlier, I judged you before I even knew you, and I tried to sell you out for treasure."

Luffy looked over meeting Nami's gaze, his eyes knowing. "It's okay, you are under a lot of pressure." He smiled softly. "If pirates killed someone, I cared for I'd probably have a tough time believing they could be good as well."

Nami looked away ashamed.

"It's okay, I know what it's like." Luffy dropped his voice ensuring Zoro could not overhear.

"Wait you-" Nami begun vulnerably.

"These young ones have done so much to protect this town." The mayor interrupted ranting to himself, frustrated. "Yet me, the mayor has done nothing."

Luffy rolled his eyes frustrated the old man had interrupted an important conversation.

"Calm down, it's not that bad." Nami tried to sooth the old man.

"Not too long ago this land was nothing but barren fields. We worked hard to cultivate the land, and for what, to let some big nosed pirate take it from us." The mayors fist clenched. "Well, I say enough is enough!"

As the mayor ranted Luffy saw the special Buggy ball thundering towards town lighting up the sky as it flew. Reacting quickly Luffy stretched his body to intercept, hardening the point of impact he ricocheted the ball back to where it came from. The three onlookers looked on shocked at the action.

"How are you alive?" Nami questioned confused.

"Haven't I said, I'm a rubber man!" Luffy stated pulling at his face, grinning widely, he never got over the shock on people's faces when he did that for the first time. The opportunities to do it had slowed the more infamous they had become.

"Enough is enough, I'm the mayor of this town, I need to stop these pirates in their tracks." Nami tried to physically hold him back telling him he couldn't fight Buggy. "Maybe so, but there are some fights you can't run from, isn't that right?" The man looked to Luffy for support.

"That's right old man!" Luffy grinned, he had a point even if the rubber boy would never actually let him fight.

"Shut up, don't egg him on Luffy it's dangerous for him to fight Buggy." Nami struggled as the man finally slipped her grip.

"I know it's dangerous, but I'm coming for you Buggy the clown." He called as he ran off.

"Well we had best get going if we're going to save that old man." Luffy giggled, the anticipation of a fight overflowing from his bones, Buggy may even offer some challenge.

"Looks like this party is just getting started." Zoro returned Luffy's grin as he placed his headscarf on.

"But your injured." Nami spluttered.

"Oh this." Luffy gestured his stomach. "It's just a flesh wound, you should see the ones my Dad and Grandpa gave me" Luffy grinned as Nami looked on shocked. "We better steal your chart back if we are going to get to the grand line." Looking to Nami Luffy gave a half smile. "So, how about it ready to join our crew?" He held out his hand.

Nami smirked slapping the hand away.

"I already told you, I'll never sink so low as to become a pirate, but I suppose we could team up in order to achieve our common goal." She smiled as Luffy laughed.

The team arrived just in time to intercept Buggy's hand from killing the mayor, innocently smiling as Buggy spluttered in annoyance.

"I'm here to kick your ass just like I said I would, Buggy." Luffy threatened grinning at the clown.


Buggy was filled with disappointment as they lowered the anchor on Laugh Tale, he'd finally made it, the island he had only seen in his dreams within reach. He scoffed bitterly as he looked out to the shore.

"Well, Dad, I'm finally here." The clown looked to the heavens, tears silently streaming from his eyes. "I never thought I'd make it, but here I am the end of the line. When you died all I wanted was to prove that we were worth it, that me and Shanks would continue your legacy." Buggy wiped away his tears allowing the wind to blow them out to sea he took a deep breath. "It was never mine to take was it?"

The wind softly billowed, gently caressing his loose hair in its breeze.

"When Rayleigh turned up, I thought finally, finally I had done enough to impress you, but it was never me, that boy the one Shanks crowned, he's your successor?" Buggy felt like screaming, raging against the world, but it wouldn't help. Not anymore.

"Buggy." A soft voice called announcing his presence.

Buggy didn't turn to look at his company, his tearful face grimaced in pain as they approached his left side, standing close enough that their elbows touched gently on the banister.

Buggy continued to look over the bow to the island that stood below them, it was peaceful and silent, yet untouched by the war raging in the rest of the world, Buggy knew it wouldn't last long. He reflected on everything that had brought him to this moment, the young man who they had come to rally behind that had spurned him into action.

"You know, I never told anyone of my dream to be king of the pirates. To follow in fathers' shoes" He began slowly. "I never thought it mattered enough when Shanks was there right beside me, proving me to be the weak one with every step." Buggy's lip quivered. "I finally got brave enough to voice what I wanted, but it didn't matter."

"You were never weak Buggy" Rayleigh leaned against the rails. "I think the last few day shave shown you got all the brains, I'm sorry you felt secondary, but we loved you just the same."

"Yet you ask me yet again to abandon my dream in order to serve it to another." Buggy looked to his last remaining father figure letting him see the tears running from his eyes. "Do you have any idea what I have endured? The way they treated me?" He gestured to the captains' quarters where he knew Mihawk and Crocodile were sleeping.

"You are strong my boy, strong enough to step aside when called for." Rayleigh advised placing a hand on Buggy's shoulder. "I wouldn't ask this of you if it wasn't important."

"That stupid Straw Hat was the start of everything" Buggy grumbled wiping at his eyes. "I was happy in the East Blue, I had everything I could want and yet he barraged through ruining everything."

"You were stewing in your resentment." Rayleigh countered. "Then he came along and changed your world, you got stronger, became the man me and Rodger raised. I'm sorry, but Luffy is the wind of change, one we shouldn't resist." Rayleigh raised his other hand to rest on the clown's face. "I brought you here because it's time to take a stand, to fight for freedom. You are free to choose how you want to fight Buggy." Rayleigh nodded to the shore. "The Straw hats are on the other side of the island, should you want to take the treasure yourself your welcome to try, I'll give you the directions myself, but ask yourself, do you want to be king?"

Buggy considered his options, deep down he knew he didn't have what it to change the world, heck without Rayleigh they never would have made it this far. He considered his crew, the family that had chosen him, one that wouldn't leave him. He knew that a war was being raged across the world, everyone had been affected, lost innocents they had left behind. Celestial dragons burning down the world in the hunt to eradicate any who opposed them. Buggy knew he didn't have the same will as Monkey D Luffy, he would not be the one to bring in the winds of revolution, to stop the corruption and bring freedom to the lost. He couldn't be king, but he could help the boy who would, have a small part in the story. Maybe that was enough.

"Do you really think he'll come?" Buggy asked changing the subject.

Rayleigh dropped his hands, his sharp eyes seeking the sea as if he could feel his lost son getting closer. "Undoubtedly."

"We can't stop him."Buggy stated, he knew his brother, the power he held.

Rayleigh drew a deep breath; he'd been shocked at the news when he heard it, had hoped it was lies, but deep down he knew the son he had raised had died a long time ago."I know, but we can hopefully give him pause, maybe he'll see sense."

"Can you really fight him?"Rayleigh could hear the layers in the question, Buggy had always revered his brother, although he had acted annoyed, he had always put his brother above his own life believing he was unworthy compared to Shanks. He would never be able to stop him, it would fall to Rayleigh should the worst happen.

"I'm not sure he was ever really my son; it seems we never even knew him." Rayleigh's eyes were dark stuck in the past. "It's late, the war could find us at any time, you should get some rest."

"You first, old man" Buggy grumbled at his father, who turned to leave.

"Buggy" Rayleigh paused. "Promise me one thing, stay away from Shanks, if he is who they say he is there will be no reasoning with him."

Buggy raised his hands defensively. "Trust me, I don't have a wish to die."

Rayleigh nodded taking his leave.

Buggy continued to watch the island, worried for the family reunion that was sure to come. Shanks was one of the strongest pirates on the sea's, his haki the most powerful on record, he was worried what the future held.

'I hate that damn straw hat'


"Damn you straw hat!" Buggy stated returning his hand to his wrist. "How dare you, you can't just waltz up to me and treat me like this. I'm Captain Buggy the flashiest pirate on the sea and I won't stand for it."

"Captain Buggy?" Luffy queried his voice mocking. "I think I've heard that name before, hmmm, nope can't be, he'd never know a weakling like you."

"What are you guys doing this is my fight?" The mayor interrupted looking to the three kids in shock.

Luffy looked back at him, this guy was interrupting another moment, it was a good thing he was a nice Mayor who cared about his village. Luffy extended his hand pretending to hit the elderly man, while he subtly sent a wave of conquerors haki forward to make him sleep. There that should stop any interruptions.

"What are you doing, why did you knock out the mayor!" Nami questioned frustrated at the straw hat.

"I thought you wanted him safe?" Luffy asked confused, he'd done good got the mayor out of the way.

"If he'd have fought, he'd have died." Zoro advised smirking as he stepped forward swords extended.

"Now come on big nose!" Luffy taunted the other Captain. Time to teach Buggy not to underestimate him.

Buggy saw red, this kid was making fun of him, he aimed a buggy ball Buggy ball at the trio spluttering in shock as Luffy inflated deflecting it back easily. The clown captain had only a moment to grab his nearest crew to use as a shield.

"How dare you try and flashily do me in" Buggy snapped throwing his men to one side once the smoke cleared.

"Typical pirate, using his men as a shield." The red haired girl grumbled her arms crossed in front of her. The straw hat pirate threw a disappointed look her way, sad that she was still putting all pirates in the same box.

"So you have a devil fruit too?" Buggy stated, it explained why the cockroach was proving unusually difficult to stomp under foot. Now he knew he could easily counter the boy, after all he had already made him bleed.

"A devil fruit!" Nami muttered relieved she had an answer to what the hell was going on with this kid.

"Yup the Gum Gum fruit!" Luffy announced proudly pulling his cheeks out in his trademark grin.

"How do you plan to respond to this insult, Captain." Cabaji asked revealing himself from the shadows his knives at the ready.

"Oh Cabaji, I don't know I'm too angry to think." Buggy moaned, everything this kid did rubbed him the wrong way and that grin was too familiar, it reminded him of another hat wearing fool.

"Then allow me to avenge you." Cabaji requested always at the ready to support his captain.

"Fine but make it a good show for everyone." Buggy requested, after all they had to remind everyone, they were in charge here.

"Captain." Luffy heard from his right. "Allow me to repay your sacrifice earlier and stop this fool."

Luffy smiled to Zoro nodding before stepping back into line with Nami, he would show Zoro how much trust he had in him to defend his captain.

The two swordsmen clashed, the difference in skill obvious, without his injury Zoro had no issue fighting the acrobat toying with him as he tried to find a weakness in Zoro's defence.

Nami watched on impressed by both the resolve Zoro showed and the support coming from Luffy who had been cheering him on from the sideline. Nami found herself getting carried away even allowing a singular cheer to escape her lips, which snapped her back to reality, these pirates were too dangerous, they made her feel things she hadn't felt in years. It was time to leave before she got to attached. Making her excuses to Luffy she left heading towards her goal, treasure.

Luffy watched the battle excited to see his swordsman at work, getting frustrated at the blue haired pirate when he had to intercept another trick from him, how was this fool related to Shanks again? Tt was hard to remember the pirate Buggy had become when faced with this spineless fool who disregarded the pirates code.

Challenging Buggy with a grin, Luffy turned from his first mates battle confident Zoro would come out on top, he smiled as he heard Zoro's signature 'Oni-giri' followed by Cabaji's defeat.

"Luffy, you got this guy" his swordsman asked regarding the clown pirate with boredom.

"Yup" Luffy grinned raising his thumbs at his first mate, he was excited to teach Shanks brother a lesson.

"Good, I need a nap." Zoro settled down in the shade of the pub, his head leaned down as he pretended to sleep, watching his captain intently.

"I'm looking forward to this!" Luffy grinned turning to his prey.

"What is your problem!" Buggy asked looking at the rubber boy as he advanced.

"Your giving pirates a bad name." Luffy shrugged standing casually awaiting Buggy's attack. "That and I owe my Dad to help you be better."

Buggy chuckled, this kid was insane. "Pirates a bad name? We are pirates that is what we do!"

"Is this what Roger would do?" Luffy questioned his eyes sharpening as he met Buggy's own.

"What!" Buggy spluttered, this kid couldn't possibly know, his own crew didn't know how some random kid would.

"I don't think it is." Luffy advised his hand coming up to his hat, tapping his fingers against it trying to ignite Buggy's memory, it was frustrating that the blue haired pirate didn't seem to recognise the hat he had spent his whole childhood around.

"How would a stupid kid like you know anything about that?" Questioned Buggy sharply, this child was starting to fuck him off, it had been years since he had heard his father's name. He had worked hard to bury the painful memories, running from the trauma of his past, how dare this kid bring up the past so casually, Buggy would have revenge.

"Because I'm going to be the next king of the pirates!" Luffy stated confidence exuding with every word.

"What? If you're the next king of the pirates does that make me God?"Buggy laughed, relieved the kid was just spouting fanboy nonsense of course he didn't know how his father would feel.

"You think you can beat me? Then bring it, I'll prove to everyone that I'm the King of the Pirates." Luffy challenged with a smile, clenching his fist in front of him.

Buggy paused his anger boiling over as his brain connected the dots, he knew what it was that annoyed him so much about this kid, an image unwillingly coming to the forefront of his mind of another pirate who had worn a similar hat with a strikingly similar attitude.

"Looking at you makes me think of another pirate, that stupid red head."

"Shanks?" Luffy queried, his lips upturning tauntingly as Buggy flinched, time to make this pirate confront his past.. "I remember now he mentioned an old friend in the East Blue, a once promising pirate who had given up."

"What did you say you moron!" Buggy snapped raising his various blades and rushing into battle.

As he approached the kid he found only air as the boy stretched to the other side of the field. "Not bad." He acknowledged. "But not good enough." He aimed back at the kid this time making contact, one of his knifes finding purchase on that damned hat.

"You bastard!" Luffy shouted. Granted he may have allowed the hit to connect knowing how important it was somethings remained unchanged, but it didn't mean he wasn't annoyed at the blue haired pirate. "No one damages my lucky hat and walks away alive. This hat is my treasure and anyone who lays a finger on my treasures will not get away."

"Woah." Nami muttered watching from a safe distance. "Here I thought nothing could phase him but here he is getting worked up over a hat?"

"Your hat is that special?" Buggy taunted bitterly, maybe he was finally getting under the boys skin.

"You should know Big Nose, you recognise it don't you?" Luffy growled his voice low, demanding that Buggy make the connection, he had all the pieces it was only sheer ignorance that he didn't realise the truth of the hat.

"The only thing I see is a reminder of something unpleasant, but if your hat is that special, then you should protect it." Buggy sneered aiming his attacks for the top of the boys head.

Luffy had to hold back the instinct to stop the daggers as they tore through the straw of his hat ripping it from reach, it had to happen for his Nakama he chanted internally as he gasped. Shanks would understand, but just because he had to allow it didn't mean he wouldn't avenge it.

As Buggy ranted about treasure Luffy grimaced, if the clown hadn't made the connection he would throw it in his face. "That's my hat, when Shanks gave it to me, I made a promise..."

"What?" Buggy queried throwing the hat to the ground in disgust. "So, this used to be Shanks' hat, no wonder it looked so familiar, he always wore it when I knew him."

Luffy raised a brow, part of his brain realising that the blue haired pirate must have been more traumatised than even Shanks had realised, even as he recognised the hat as Shank's his mind blanked on where the red head had received it. Things had gotten more difficult, but the rubber boy had to make Buggy face his past, to get him to start to move forward.

"How could you treat the hat that way? the hat of your old captain. Do you have no respect?" Luffy asked angrily shoving Buggy to the ground, he would get through to him if he had to force it.

"What? Shanks wasn't my captain." Buggy protested his brain fighting to keep the truth out of reach.

Luffy lowered his voice as he lent over the pirate so as not to be overheard by his crew. "No, but Shanks didn't always own the hat!"

Buggy spluttered shame suddenly settling in his stomach as he finally thought about his past, flashed of the man who had originally wore the hat he had so cruelly disregarded. Buggy gasped in pain as the truth he had spent years avoiding settled around him. He had surrounded himself in envy and hatred so he didn't have to feel the despair of losing his family.

"How dare you tear up my treasured hat." Luffy shouted as he pulled and scratched at the other captain.

Shaking himself out of his memories Buggy glared at the small captain, shrouding himself back in his hatred. "That hat is everything I despise, it reminds me of that dratted Shanks and how I'll never forgive him."

"What did Shanks do to make you like this?" Luffy spat, he knew the truth but didn't think Buggy would ever willingly tell him.

Buggy told the tale of what had lead up to him eating the Chop Chop fruit.

"So, he saved your life?" Luffy queried raising his eyebrow, knowing that was not the truth of what had occurred between the brothers.

"That's not the point!" Buggy screamed. "He took my dream from me."

"It seems to me that you got too greedy and threw your dream away." Luffy countered. "Beside surely if you were that dedicated you would find a way?"

"What, no!" Buggy spluttered. "Since that day I vowed I would never let anyone take my treasure again. So, I'll be having that back!" Buggy stated before launching himself at Nami away from the difficult questions Luffy was asking.

Luffy responded in the only way he could, hitting Buggy in his jewels. He smirked as buggy fell to the ground.

"Hey, you better drop that treasure and get out of here Nami, you don't want him coming after you again!" Luffy said grinning at the red head, he knew she would never willingly walk away from hard earned gold.

"No!" Nami said desperately. "I'm not dropping my treasure. Why should I leave it behind?"

"Did you just call it your treasure?" Buggy sneered recovering from his pain.

"That's right, you heard me I'm a thief who steals from pirates, and I just stole all this treasure from a really annoying one so that makes this mine, understand?"

Luffy shook his head amused, no matter when they were on the timeline Nami would always love her treasure.

Buggy started ranting at Nami annoyed before threatening her and launching his separated body at the thief. Luffy impeded the attack by tickling the pirate's foot, as Nami aimed her bag of treasure at the blue haired pirate Luffy knew it was time to finish this charade.

He threw aside the foot launching himself at the blue haired pirate he subtly covered his hand in haki as he placed his fist into the clown's nose. The last thing they saw of the clown was his eyes widened in surprised recognition as he flew away from Orange Town.

"Thanks a lot, I owe you one." Nami muttered, blushing as she glanced at the pirate who had saved her countless times.

"Don't be silly Nami, you owe me nothing, we're friends remember? Friends don't let friends get hurt." Luffy determined looking deeply into Nami's eyes.

Nami looked away ashamed.

"You should get your treasure." Luffy prompted seeing Nami's downturned face. Nami smiled slightly before catching sight of Luffy's hat trampled into the ground.

She frowned to herself picking it up and offering it to the boy.

"Sorry your hat got all torn up." Nami sympathised, her voice gentle, he had seemed protective of the thing.

"Don't worry, I can still put it on, no matter how scratched and bruised my treasure gets what's important is that it lives to fight another day." Luffy had a small smile on his face as he turned towards Zoro who was watching his captain closely.

"When I have time I'll fix it for you, if you'd like?" Nami murmured, shocking herself with the offer.

"That would be nice, thanks."Luffy smiled softly understanding how vulnerable the offer would make Nami feel.

"Oh, erm, no problem." Nami muttered ashamed. "Look I separated the treasure into two bags, you can carry one of them."

"That sure is a lot!" Luffy exclaimed.

"Yup for a stupid clown he sure had some good treasure. Here you can have this." Nami held out the map of the grand line.

"No thanks!"Luffy shook his head, that map would never be his.

"I thought you wanted to get to the Grand line." Nami questioned curious, why wouldn't he take it? he had seemed so interested in it earlier.

"I can't get there without the best navigator, and they aren't ready yet, so you should keep hold of it for now." Luffy advised reaching out to gently push Nami's hand down, he wouldn't force her to pretend to be a Straw hat, this time when Nami officially joined it would be because she was ready, until then she would be his friend.

"If you're sure." Nami was confused as she pocketed the map, she had thought for sure the pirate would be leaping at the opportunity to snatch the map.

"Look, don't get any ideas but if you're staying in the east blue for the time being then you can tag along with me for a while. It might be nice to get to know some good pirates" Nami smiled softly at her new friend, he would be company for her until she had to return to Arlong, it would be nice to see some good in the world.

"That would be great, thanks Nami, Zoro wake up we're leaving." Luffy smiled as they headed on to the next place, ready to find his sniper.


Rewatching the episodes shows so many little details I missed first watch through.

Buggy will probably be the first character Luffy throws off of his cannon path, mainly because I love Buggy fics where he's like an exasperated uncle to Luffy and I think the earliest I can do it without completely throwing off the plot is Lounge town after he tries to execute Luffy.

I had a comment about leaning away from romance and just wanted to confirm that while I won't promise not to touch on any relationships this is first and foremost a family fic also I see as Luffy as Ace and not having any traditional relationships so there won't be any deep romances in this.

Thanks again x