Chapter 14: A Fateful Encounter and An Unexpected Development
The inn was quiet as Draven, Nami, and Nojiko stepped out into the cool night air. The building was modest, nestled on the outskirts of the Goa Kingdom, but it served its purpose well enough. The three of them had been using it as a temporary base for months now, returning each night after a day of grueling training in the jungle and mountains nearby.
Every day was the same—mornings and afternoons filled with intense physical conditioning, brutal combat exercises, and honing their Haki. They pushed themselves to the brink, breaking down their bodies, only to build them back up stronger. As night fell, they would trek back to the inn, exhausted. The inn provided a brief respite—a place to shower, eat, and rest.
The group rented two separate rooms: one for Draven and another shared by Nami and Nojiko. It wasn't much—just enough space to stretch out and catch a few hours of sleep before the cycle began again. They'd rise before dawn, muscles still aching from the previous day, ready to push themselves even harder.
They moved silently through the dense foliage, making their way toward their usual training spot. The jungle was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, but the trio had grown accustomed to the symphony of the forest. They navigated the winding paths with ease, the route familiar. They were only a few minutes away from their clearing when Nami suddenly felt it—a flicker of awareness, a tingling at the edge of her senses.
Her heart skipped a beat as the sensation grew stronger. She didn't know why, but she knew something was coming. Her budding Observation Haki, though still in its early stages, was sending warning signals to her brain.
Without a moment's hesitation, Nami instinctively leaped back a few feet.
A split second later, an impossibly stretched arm shot through the spot where she had just been standing. The extended limb whipped through the air with a rubbery snap, missing her by mere inches. Nami's eyes widened in surprise as she realized just how close she had come to getting hit. The arm seemed to stretch impossibly far, and just as quickly, it retracted back to its owner.
Draven and Nojiko whipped around, their eyes locking onto the figure emerging from the trees. A boy, around their age, stepped into the clearing, his face lit up with a sheepish grin. The most distinctive feature about him was the worn straw hat sitting atop his head, which immediately caught the group's attention.
"Shishishi!" the boy laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry about that! I'm still getting used to my rubber attacks."
Draven's heart raced, the weight of the moment sinking in. He knew exactly who stood before them. The straw hat, the carefree grin, the boundless energy—it all clicked into place. The rubbery arm snapping back like a whip only confirmed it. This wasn't just a boy; this was the one destined to shake the world. The supposed future Pirate King—Monkey D. Luffy. But Draven's grin turned sharp. Pirate King? Maybe. But not if Draven had anything to say about it.
Before Draven could speak, another figure emerged from the shadows—a slightly older boy with messy black hair and a sticking cap. His expression was stern as he walked over and smacked the straw hat-wearing boy upside the head.
"Oi, Luffy! Be careful with your stupid Gum-Gum Pistol!" the older boy scolded, his voice full of exasperation. "You need to learn how to control it."
Luffy rubbed his head, still grinning. "Sorry, Ace!"
Draven's gaze shifted to the older boy—Portgas D. Ace. Even in his teens, Ace had a commanding presence. His face was freckled, and his black hair fell around his sharp eyes, which carried a mix of annoyance and amusement as he looked at his brother. His build was already more muscular and toned than Luffy's, hinting at the rigorous training he'd put himself through.
Ace turned his attention to the group, his expression softening a bit. "Sorry about my brother," he said with a sigh. "He's reckless and doesn't know his own strength sometimes."
Draven sized them both up. Ace and Luffy—the brothers destined to make waves across the seas. This was an encounter he hadn't expected so early, but he would be lying if he said this isn't what he wanted.
Before Luffy and Ace could continue into the forest, Draven came forward with an easy stride, though it held an undercurrent of excitement and a knowing glint in his eyes.
"Are you in the forest training?" Draven asked, his tone curious.
Luffy and Ace turned back, a questioning look in their eyes.
"Yeah," Luffy said, his grin widening. "We train out here all the time! It's way more fun than training at home!"
Ace nodded, though he remained cautious. "And who are you guys?"
Draven gave a slight smile. "I'm Draven, captain of this crew." He gestured toward Nami and Nojiko, who both gave polite nods. "These are my crewmates, Nami and Nojiko. We're just starting out, training to get stronger."
Luffy's eyes widened with excitement, but Ace looked skeptical. "Pirates? You guys don't look old enough to be pirates."
Draven chuckled softly. "Looks can be deceiving." Without another word, he casually threw a punch at a nearby tree. He didn't use Haki, and he didn't even put much force into it—but the impact was enough. The wood cracked and splintered loudly, nearly splitting the tree in two from a single, casual blow.
Luffy's face lit up with awe, his eyes turning into literal stars. "Wow! That was so cool!" he exclaimed, bouncing on his feet with uncontainable energy. "You're really strong!"
Ace's expression shifted from skepticism to genuine interest. He crossed his arms, nodding approvingly. "Not bad. You've got some power behind ya."
Draven's smirk widened, his voice filled with a subtle challenge. "If you're looking to get stronger, you should think about joining my crew. I could use strong allies like you two."
Luffy's excitement faded slightly, and he shook his head with a determined smile. "No way! The Pirate King has to be the captain of his own crew!" His grin widened again. "And that's gonna be me!"
Draven couldn't help but smirk, his eyes narrowing with amusement. He had expected Luffy's response, but hearing it in person was still interesting. Ace, on the other hand, hesitated—just for a moment. Draven could see the wheels turning in his mind, but Ace quickly dismissed the thought. He was the type who preferred to carve his own path. Besides, he was still suspicious of Draven—a person he had only just met.
Finally, Ace shook his head. "Thanks, but no thanks. I've got my own path to follow," he said firmly. "I want to see the world on my own terms."
Draven wasn't surprised by their answers. He knew the nature of the brothers and their ambitions. Still, he could see potential in training alongside them, and that opportunity wasn't something to be dismissed lightly.
"Well, you're welcome to train with us if you want," Draven said, his tone casual. "We've got a good spot deeper in the jungle. Maybe you'll pick up a thing or two."
Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement again, and he turned to Ace, practically bouncing in place. "Can we, Ace? Can we? Please?"
Ace sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright, alright. Just don't get in the way."
Luffy cheered, throwing his fists into the air. "Yay! New training buddies!"
Draven watched the two brothers closely. This could be a unique opportunity—to learn from each other, to see the potential that lay dormant in these two future legends. He nodded to them, gesturing deeper into the jungle.
"Follow us," Draven said, trying to contain his excitement. "Let's see what you're made of."
As the group made their way into the dense foliage, Draven couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was more than just chance. This day was alive with possibilities, and he was ready for whatever came next.
The jungle would soon bear witness to the clash of dreams, strength, and unwavering willpower.
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The jungle clearing was alive with the sounds of combat. The cool night air was filled with the clash of fists, the thud of bodies hitting the ground, and the occasional burst of laughter or a grunt of exertion. This was no ordinary training session—today, Draven and his crew were sparring with the infamous brothers, Ace and Luffy.
Ace, with his metal pipe in hand, and Luffy, with his wild, unpredictable rubber attacks, were formidable opponents even at such a young age. At 15, Ace was already showing signs of the pirate he would become—strong, fast, and fiercely determined. Luffy, only 13, was a ball of chaotic energy, his Gum-Gum powers adding a level of unpredictability that kept everyone on their toes.
While the girls focused on their own sparring and physical training, Draven had suggested something a bit more challenging: a two-on-one spar between him and the two brothers.
"You sure about this?" Ace asked, gripping his metal pipe and eyeing Draven with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
Draven smirked, stretching his arms as he prepared himself. "I wouldn't suggest it if I wasn't," he replied calmly. "Let's see what you two can do."
The sparring began explosively. Luffy charged in first, his movements wild but determined, stretching his limbs from unpredictable angles. "Gum-Gum Pistol!" he shouted, his fist rocketing toward Draven with startling speed.
Draven barely moved, sidestepping just as the rubbery fist blurred past his face. He retaliated instantly, his knuckles meeting Luffy's stretched arm with a strong punch. The force sent Luffy hurtling sideways, bouncing across the ground like a rubber ball, only to spring back to his feet with that trademark grin plastered across his face.
Ace was on Draven before Luffy had even landed. The crack of his metal pipe echoed through the clearing as it sliced toward Draven's ribs. Draven reacted on instinct, raising his forearm to block, but the impact bit deep. The vibration from the pipe shot up his arm, but he held firm, pushing Ace back with raw strength.
"Not bad," Draven muttered, flexing his arm as he absorbed the pain. His eyes narrowed, locking onto Ace. "But it's gonna take more than that."
Ace's response was a blur of motion. He attacked with a series of rapid, precise strikes, his body flowing like water. Draven stood his ground, taking each hit, the pipe rattling against his muscles and bones. Every strike left a sting, but Draven embraced the pain—each blow toughened him more.
Luffy wasn't far behind. "Gum-Gum Whip!" he yelled, his leg snapping out like a whip, aiming to sweep Draven's legs out from under him.
Draven leapt, narrowly avoiding the attack. But the moment he was airborne, Ace moved in with perfect timing, his pipe coming down in a brutal arc. Draven barely managed to raise his arm to block, the force of the strike reverberating down to his core. He gritted his teeth, twisted his body mid-air, and delivered a swift kick to Ace's midsection, sending him staggering backward.
They were good—better than he expected. Luffy's rubbery body absorbed his punches with ease, and Ace's relentless strikes would eventually wear him down. But Draven hadn't even tapped into his Haki. It wouldn't be much of a spar if he did. This was a test of pure strength and combat prowess.
Draven's mind began to analyze their movements. Luffy was reckless, throwing himself into attacks without thought, relying on his devil fruit to save him. Ace, on the other hand, was calculating—his strikes deliberate and well-practiced. If Draven wanted to gain the upper hand, he'd have to neutralize one of them quickly.
He waited for the next attack. Luffy came first, his arms stretching out as he yelled, "Gum-Gum Rocket!" He launched himself at Draven like a slingshot.
Perfect.
Draven sidestepped the incoming Luffy and, with a powerful shove, sent the boy tumbling off-course. His attention snapped back to Ace, who was already closing the gap, the pipe spinning in his hands. Draven met Ace head-on, blocking the pipe with his forearm, gritting his teeth as the metal dug into his skin. He twisted his body, closing the distance between them to nullify Ace's reach advantage.
In a fluid motion, Draven grabbed the pipe with his bare hand, his grip like iron. Ace's eyes widened, but before he could react, Draven wrenched the pipe from his grasp and spun it around, sweeping Ace's legs out from under him in one smooth move. Ace hit the ground hard, the breath knocked from his lungs.
But there was no time to revel in the victory—Luffy was already rebounding. "Gum-Gum Bazooka!" Luffy roared, thrusting both hands forward, his stretched arms hurtling toward Draven with devastating force.
This time, Draven was ready. He sidestepped, grabbed Luffy's extended arms mid-attack, and, with a twist, used the boy's own momentum to wrap his rubbery limbs around Ace, tying the two brothers together in a tangle of limbs.
"Wha—? Hey! What's going on?!" Luffy squirmed, trying to free himself, his legs kicking uselessly. Ace struggled too, gritting his teeth as he tried to break free of the rubbery binds, but Draven's grip was too strong.
Draven grinned, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "Got ya," he said, his tone full of satisfaction.
After a few seconds, he released them, Luffy's limbs snapping back to normal with a rubbery twang. The three boys collapsed into the grass, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their brows.
"That was fun!" Luffy said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "You're really strong, Draven!"
Ace nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah, you've got some serious strength. I'm impressed."
Draven just chuckled, leaning back against a tree as he watched Nami and Nojiko spar nearby. The girls were evenly matched, each using their strengths to counter the other's. Nami, with her agility and flexibility, danced around Nojiko's attacks, while Nojiko, with slightly more power and speed, pushed back with quick, decisive strikes. Neither using observation haki or devil fruit.
As Draven watched Nami and Nojiko spar, an idea flickered in the back of his mind. His eyes drifted to Luffy and Ace, both leaning against a tree, clearly entertained by the scene before them. Draven couldn't resist the urge to pique their curiosity, especially after witnessing Luffy's boundless energy.
"Hey," Draven called out, drawing their attention. "Wanna see something interesting?"
Luffy and Ace both looked over, curiosity lighting up their faces. Without another word, Draven clenched his fist and took a deep breath, focusing inward. He let his willpower surge, pushing it through his body until it manifested. Slowly, his fist turned black, a thin sheen of Armament Haki coating his knuckles. It lasted only a few seconds before fading, but it was enough.
Luffy's eyes went wide with awe. "Whoa!" he gasped, his whole body bouncing with excitement. "How'd you do that?!"
Ace's reaction was quieter, but his sharp gaze was locked on Draven's hand. "Yeah, what was that?" he asked, his voice low, but his interest clear.
Draven smirked, leaning forward slightly, intrigued by their different reactions. "It's called Haki. It's like making your willpower a physical force. You envision your body becoming unstoppable, unbreakable, and if your will is strong enough, you can turn that into reality."
Luffy scratched his head, his expression full of innocent confusion. "Willpower? So I just think hard, and it happens?"
Ace, however, was more focused, trying to understand the deeper layers of Draven's explanation. "So, it's not just about strength… it's about believing you're invincible?" he asked, his tone reflecting the deeper understanding that already brewed in his mind.
"Something like that," Draven said, nodding. "But it's not as simple as just thinking about it. Only those with truly strong wills can even begin to use Haki. It's a force that only a few can tap into."
Ace pondered Draven's words, his expression thoughtful. But Luffy's face lit up with a confident grin, his hands curling into fists. "Well, if that's what it takes to be King of the Pirates, then my willpower is the strongest there is!" He clenched his fist tighter, his voice ringing with determination.
Draven almost chuckled at the familiar boldness. But then, to his horror, something happened that wiped the grin right off his face.
Before his very eyes, Luffy's arm began to darken. A sleek, glossy black coating crawled over his skin, spreading across his arm like liquid steel. It wasn't just a flicker—it held, sustained for five full seconds. The clearing fell deathly silent as the glossy sheen shimmered in the dim light before it faded away, Luffy's fist returning to normal.
Draven's heart skipped a beat. Ace, too, was frozen, his jaw clenched as his eyes darted between Luffy's arm and Draven's face, both stunned into silence.
Luffy blinked, glancing between the two, clearly unaware of the enormity of what had just occurred. "Did I do it right?" he asked, grinning like a fool.
But Draven didn't respond. His mind was in a tailspin. This kid… how? How did he awaken Armament Haki so easily? He thought about how long it had taken him to get to this point—the years of grueling training, the endless battles—and yet, this boy had just done it without even trying. Was it some hidden power of his Devil Fruit? Could it be the will of Joyboy showing itself already?
A cold sweat prickled at the back of Draven's neck. Could this Luffy have more access to those things this early on? The idea sent a shiver down his spine. He had spent years learning to control his Haki, years to even begin tapping into its power—and Luffy had just effortlessly displayed a mastery that took others decades to achieve.
Draven clenched his fists, trying to suppress the wave of inadequacy that crashed over him. Was I wrong about him? He had known Luffy had potential, but this? This was something else entirely. His thoughts swirled with doubt. Is this the power of a god-like fruit? Or something more ancient, more dangerous?
Ace stood nearby, still stunned, his usually sharp eyes clouded with uncertainty. He had always been the protective older brother, but now, for the first time, Draven saw a flicker of doubt in him as well.
Draven forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, Luffy," he said, voice strained but steady. "You did it."
Luffy's grin widened, still blissfully unaware of the weight of his accomplishment. "Shishishi! I knew I could do it!"
Draven watched him laugh, the carefree nature of Luffy's spirit both awe-inspiring and terrifying. This boy doesn't even know what he's capable of, Draven thought, his hands trembling ever so slightly. And that's the most dangerous part.
What have I just awakened?
As the thought echoed in his mind, a sinking feeling began to settle in Draven's chest. It wasn't just the shock of Luffy's raw power—it was the stark realization of the differences between them.
Luffy had everything. A powerful lineage, A Devil Fruit that made him into a god, one that could eventually turn him into Nika.
I don't have any of that.
Draven had always prided himself on his strength, on his willpower, but now… now, he felt a chill of inadequacy. Even the Devil Fruit he aimed to acquire wouldn't measure up to Luffy's.
Luffy's Devil fruit wasn't just powerful—he had the backing of something ancient. Draven's mind drifted to the mysterious legends surrounding Joyboy, to the fate tied to the Will of D, forces that had shaped the world long before Draven had set foot in it.
I don't have that either. I don't have the will of some ancient Pirate King or a dangerous legacy tied to my name.
Draven hated to admit it, but he couldn't help but feel outclassed. Luffy wasn't just destined to stir things up—he was born for it. The name alone was enough to send ripples through the world. Everywhere the "D." appeared, change followed.
And me? What do I have? I'm just a man with a bit of willpower—and even that seems to pale compared to Luffy's effortless power.
Draven felt a gnawing frustration. I've trained for years, bled, and broken myself for a fraction of this power, and this kid… He looked at Luffy, grinning as if he hadn't just done something that would take others years to achieve. He just does it, like it's nothing.
The gap between them felt insurmountable. Draven had always believed in hard work, in pushing his limits, but what was the point of working so hard when someone like Luffy could simply bypass the struggle? Draven didn't have fate or destiny on his side. He didn't have the inherent, world-altering potential that Luffy carried so effortlessly.
I'm fighting to survive in this world, and Luffy… he was born to change it.
A hollow feeling settled in his gut, a rare moment of doubt gnawing at the edges of his usually unshakable resolve. For the first time, Draven questioned if his ambition—his dream of conquering the seas—was truly within his grasp. Could he ever hope to match someone like Luffy? Someone born for greatness, with a destiny so intertwined with the very fabric of this world?
But then, as the cold dread settled, something inside Draven snapped.
No.
He wasn't going to let this bother him. Luffy had all the advantages—a God-like Devil Fruit, an ancient legacy.
I don't fucking need any of that.
In that moment, deep within Draven, something stirred—something powerful. The bubbling energy that represented his Conqueror's Haki seemed to swell in excitement, expanding rapidly inside him, growing more intense. It wasn't unleashed on the outside world, but it almost cracked. It seemed like it was becoming something greater.
Draven didn't notice it, didn't even feel the subtle shift. But a faint, barely perceptible pressure began to leak from him, rippling outward. It was so small, so subdued, that even the two boys standing beside him didn't feel it. But something had changed. Something profound had just happened within Draven.
In an instant, the doubt had vanished and was no longer there—banished to the edges of his mind where it could no longer take hold. Luffy might have the blessings of fate and power handed to him, but I'll carve out my own path.
The anger of the injustice simmered into nothingness.
Luffy could awaken his fruit right now, and it wouldn't matter to me any longer… I will take that same destiny and use my own two hands to shape it in any way I desire. Draven thought solemnly as he looked at the celebrating Luffy, Ace having to hold him down from bouncing around too excitedly.
AN: Alright! Luffy has entered the story! Now remember, anything is bound to change and be altered. Nothing is set in stone in this world…
In this universe, Luffy's lineage and his fruit mean a lot. And my theory is that Luffy was using his fruit in crazy ways way before he awakened it. (being rubber doesn't account for half the shit he pulls) and with the Will of D AND Joyboy's Will ontop of that… its not far-fetched to think that he could awaken his Haki at the mere mention of it. (this is the same kid that looked at CP9 do Soru a few times and instantly copied it.)
Remember ladies and gentlemen. Luffy NEVER had the gum-gum fruit… it doesn't exist. He has always had a mythical zoan fruit.
And last, Haki is visible. There is a huge debate whether it is or not, and nothing is canon confirmed… so I decided as long as the skin turns visibly black, it can be seen by anyone.
Had a ton of fun with this chapter. It's an important one.