Luffy grinned as he enjoyed the winds passing as the boat sailed forth ''It's lucky you came along. This is great!''
Zoro could hardly blame Miguel for his clear exasperation with his next words providing the reason. ''...how exactly were you planning on getting around if neither of you can navigate?''
Zoro didn't like to admit it but that was indeed a problem. He mostly didn't care where he traveled depending on circumstance but it was something to think about it.
Luffy on the other hand...well...
''Don't sweat the small stuff.''
It wasn't small stuff but neither swordsman felt like pushing the point. Keeping in mind what Coby mentioned about the teen shrugging off sailing into a whirlpool, they knew he wouldn't listen.
Zoro decided to change the subject ''Come to think of it, did you actually come all the way from home to get money for Elysia? Did you have any other plans, Miguel?''
The wizard took a few moments to think on his answer ''If you asked a few years ago, my answer might have been a little different but yeah. That's pretty much why I came. It was a long shot but it paid off pretty well. I've been wanting to travel for a long time, my parents were adventurers before they got married and even well into it. I've heard plenty of stories from those days, I wanted to make some of my own.''
''Heeh, well that's something. So wait, how do you even send the treasures anyway? You must have or you would've been pretty loaded now.''
''Oh, that's...'' Miguel was distracted by a growl which made him look back to Luffy as he slumped.
''I'm hungry...''
''Already?'' Zoro cocked his head. ''Well, seeing as he ate almost all the food this morning, how about you give him the part you saved, Miguel?''
''I wouldn't mind but he already ate that.''
Zoro's eye twitched as he glared at his new captain, who suddenly appeared cowed.
As he wondered what to do, Luffy noticed a bird flying nearby. ''Hey, look at that! I'll catch it.''
Following his line of sight, Miguel immediately spotted a problem ''Wait, that's actually...!'' The words died in his mouth, Luffy already having been propelled high thanks to his rubber powers.
Zoro had a bad feeling this was something he would be getting used to ''How does the idiot expect to pull this off when we're in the middle of the ocean?''
''Somehow, I think that minor detail escaped him...'' Miguel sighed ''...also, the bird's almost three times his size.''
Following his line of sight, Zoro did a double take ''...Shit, you're right. Do you have any spell or something to get him back?''
''One but that bird's already out of my range. We better follow them.''
''I think I really see the kind of fear you instill in people just by being there now...''
Zoro snorted, they'd just encountered three pirates working for Buggy the Clown. The trio had wasted no time in attempting to rob them, only for all their bravado to evaprate the moment they figured out who Zoro was. One threat from the swordsman was more than to cow them into cooperating, leading to the reveal that they had seen the bird and it was heading towards a nearby settlement called Orange Town.
''Lucky you guys don't scare easy though.''
''I've seen worse and the same probably goes for Luffy did too. It's just that I'm kind of really seeing what effect your reputation has here.''
''Oh that stuff? Eh, most of it is overblown...''
Miguel raised an eye as he looked around the town ''Why's it so empty?''
Zoro couldn't help but wonder the same. They had yet to see a single soul anywhere. And judging by the complete silence, the town seemed to be abandoned. ''Anyway, let's not get distracted here. From the looks of Luffy, he does that enough for all of us.''
''Good point, well...'' Miguel paused as he noticed a man walking out of an alley, he seemed surprised to see them.
''Who are you kids? I thought I saw people before...'' He suddenly frowned. ''...are you pirates as well?''
''As well? You've dealt with some before?''
Miguel's honest curiosity was clear and the man understood that they had no idea what he was talking about.
''Yeah...you must've seen how empty the town is. Everyone's in hiding.''
''Hiding? Why?'' Zoro demanded.
''A pirate crew took over these parts, it's run by Buggy the clown.''
Luffy had no idea what was going on.
One moment he'd been dragged away with that bird and then there was some sort of explosion and they crashed down, landing over what used to be a house. The teen's eyebrows went up as he took in the devastation around them, practically half the street was ruined.
There was no way the bird falling did all that, right?
''Oh ho ho, what do we have here?''
''Eh?'' He turned back in time to see a few large shadows looming over him.
The man, who had introduced himself as Boodle, the mayor of Orange Town, nodded as Zoro described Luffy. After learning what was going on here, both swordsmen agreed that it was wise to leave out the fact that Luffy and Zoro were pirates.
''Ah, so you were seperated from your friend and you think he's here? Well, I wouldn't recommend staying for long. You'd best get your friend and leave.''
''What? Because of those pirates?'' Zoro scoffed. ''It doesn't matter. We'll deal with them.''
The mayor seemed alarmed ''You don't know what you're talking about! Buggy's powerful!''
''Well hiding away isn't going to take care of the problem. What, you think he'll just leave and that's that?''
Miguel gave Zoro a look before addressing Boodle ''I wouldn't quite put it so bluntly but he has a point. We can take care of ourselves, sir. We wouldn't be traveling if we couldn't.''
''That too.'' His companion nodded. ''Though we might just leave Luffy hanging back to teach him a lesson for being so reckless.''
''That might be going a little too far.'' Miguel tried to pacify him.
''You're too nice to him.'' Zoro drawled before he began walking ahead. ''Come on.''
''Erm, Zoro? That's the opposite direction.''
He stiffened and turned back, ignoring Miguel's curious look and Boodle's puzzled one ''Whatever! Come on, let's go.''
Nami had chosen to find out what was causing all the ruckus since she was sure the town had been long vacated, only to come across a surprise.
''Luffy?''
The teen looked back ''Oh hey, Nami! What're you doing here?''
''That's my line!'' She didn't give the unconscious men around him a second glance, not even the least bit surprised that he could beat them so easily. ''They tried to ambush you too, huh?''
''Yeah, you know 'em?''
A scoff ''Hardly, they're part of Buggy the Clown's crew. He's taken over the town.''
''Clown...? Oh, the guy with the map!'' Luffy exclaimed in rememberance. ''Does he really have a map to the Grand Line?''
''Supposedly, I'm still trying to make sure.'' Nami arched an eye ''I didn't think you'd be so interested.''
''Well, my goal's to be Pirate King so I'll have to go to the Grand Line!''
The girl figured that made sense ''Can you even read maps though?''
''Nope!''
Rolling her eyes at his nonchalance, she asked the obvious question ''Then how do you expect to pull that off?''
''Can't you help?'' He returned at once.
''I told you, I won't become a pirate!'' was the immediate response. ''But I think we can help each other...'' Luffy gave her a quizzical look ''...are your friends here? I have an idea but it's better with all hands on deck...''
Luffy eventually wound up breaking the silence ''Say, how come you hate pirates so much anyway? Because they're supposed to be bad?''
She snorted ''You'd think that's the textbook answer, right? It's nowhere near that simple...a lot of the pirates I did run into our scum but you...''
Nami's expression turned considering ''What does being a pirate mean to you?''
''Going out and seeking adventure!'' He returned brightly ''I met an amazing pirate in the past and he taught me loads of things. Pirates aren't restrained by anything, they get to live how they want and chase their dreams. That's all I've ever wanted!''
''I'd say there's something wrong with that description...'' Her smile turned wry ''...but whatever floats your boat. Shame most pirates wouldn't be like that, things might have been much, much better then.''
The pain and sadness flickering in her eyes clued Luffy in ''...Did one of those scum hurt you?'' She looked away pointedly, the bitterness in her expression giving him the answer ''I see...''
He didn't offer any apologies or condolences, which she actually appreciated. ''So, how come you don't know where your friends are anyway?''
''Oh, I actually wanted to catch the bird back when we saw it on the boat but then we got all the way here.'' Nami stared incredulously. ''It's really something, huh?''
The girl recalled the bird she'd seen earlier ''Yeah, something amazingly stupid! How exactly were you expecting to pull that off when you're an anchor in the middle of the sea?''
''Well, we're here now!''
''...Why do I get the feeling that's going to be your answer for practically everything?''
''Because he's really that obvious.'' Zoro's droll tone offered as he, Miguel and the mayor arrived.
Luffy perked up ''There you are!''
The former looked completely unimpressed while Miguel half-smiled ''Hey, Nami-guess we should've figured you'd be here considering who's involved.''
''It just happened.'' She shrugged ''So you went and joined them now?''
''Not exactly, I just needed a ride off the island.''
''Speaking of people involved...'' Nami looked at Boodle ''...the whole town's trying to avoid the pirates, why are you out and about?''
''Oh, that's because there's something I need to do.'' Walking past them, he stopped at a nearby shop. His attention was on the dog standing before it.
Luffy blinked ''Whoa, I didn't see him there-he's so quiet. Is he yours, old man?''
''No, I'm afraid his owner passed away from an illness. Chouchou refuses to leave this place so I make it a point to check on him.''
''Because of the shop?'' Miguel guessed.
A nod ''Good eye, kid. That shop belongs to Chouchou's owner, it's been around for years. He's taken to guarding it brilliantly.''
''Even if it's just him now?'' Nami asked hesitantly.
''I don't think that matters to this little guy.'' The mayor patted Chouchou's head, the dog nodding at him before gazing at the sky. ''His owner was a really good friend, looking out for Chouchou is the least I can do for him.''
''But staying now just seems pointless...''
''Where'd you get that idea? He's here because it means a lot to him.'' Luffy cut her off.
Nami blinked, taken aback as Miguel continued ''...It's his treasure. This might have started for Chouchou's owner but now this place is important to him.'' Boodle nodded, watching as Miguel approached the subject of their conversation and held out a hand to him. Chouchou sniffed it a couple of times before approaching the young man, who stroked his head then. The dog began to smile and wag his tail ''You're one loyal little guy, I bet your owner's proud of you. Anyone would want to protect what's important to them but it still takes plenty of courage.''
''Yeah, that's cool!'' Luffy was quick to join in the petting Chouchou, the hound's response was to try biting him. ''Hey, what was that for?!''
''You're going about it wrong, kid...'' Boodle began only for a new voice to interject.
''I found you!''
The group started at the new voice, following it to the source to find a man with fluffy white hair that somewhat resembled a dog with a lion next to him.
Zoro raised a brow as Boodle flinched ''Who's that?''
''Beast Tamer Mohji, Buggy's second mate!''
Now that he didn't expect, really? He looked completely ridiculous. That hair alone reminded Zoro of those little yappy dogs people could carry around on one hand. What kind of self-respecting man went out and about like that? ''Really? That guy?''
Boodle's fear clearly pleased the new arrival ''That's right! I've been ordered to capture the thief who stole from our treasure. Captain Buggy was furious when he found out, he won't let you get away, little girl.''
Nami grit her teeth but remained silent. She had actually taken some of the treasure when she tricked the pirates into thinking she wanted to join them before, it never occured to her that they would catch on so quickly.
''Relax, I won't let that weirdo get to you.'' Luffy assured.
''Who're you calling a weirdo?!'' Mohji snapped.
''You are.'' was the simple response ''Jeez, you're dumb too. I mean, look at your hair.''
''Now that's just rude! This is a good hairstyle!''
''That's exactly what he's talking about.'' Zoro was glad he wasn't the only one who felt that way.
''Grr, I'll show you brats a thing or two! But first, hand the treasure over, girl!'' Mohji commanded.
''No way! It's my treasure!''
''Spoken like a true thief! Well then, I'll just have to teach you a lesson. Don't underestimate me, I can tame any beast out there.'' Mohji stood in front of Chouchou. ''Watch. Dog, Sit!'' No response. ''All right, shake!'' Again, no response. Now annoyed, Mohji began trying to force him but Chouchou responded by biting his hand, making him yelp.
''Well, if the captain's apparently a clown, it figures he'd have people that ridiculous.'' Miguel hadn't realized he'd verbalized the thought until Luffy burst out laughing at this, Zoro smirking along.
Mohji's attention was still on Chouchou ''Fine then, Richie, sic that dog!''
Luffy tried to intervene, pushing the lion back. But then Richie smacked him back, making him hit a wall. Just as the teen's comrades were about to step in, Mohji spoke ''What's with you?'' He noted how the lion seemed to be looking at the pet shop. ''Oh, so you're hungry? Well, have at it.''
Richie needed no further prompting, jumping at the shop at once. Chouchou reacted then, biting the lion's leg in an attempt to stop him. Growling, Richie swatted him aside and kept going.
''Stop!'' Nami cried out.
''Ah-ah,'' Mohji wagged a finger, now standing close to Chouchou, hand on a rock nearby. One push and it would hurt Chouchou badly. Luffy, who had been about to jump in, also froze. ''One move and the dog gets it.''
Zoro scowled ''Coward...''
He sneered in return ''Say what you want, what matters is that I'm winning here.''
Miguel's eyes narrowed as the store begin to fall apart ''Not for long...''
Before he could question this, Mohji and Richie were thrown up into the air by an unseen force. The pirate cried out in shock while his pet flailed helplessly. Miguel snapped his fingers and the two crashed down.
Nami's eyes went wide and Boodle seemed stunned, Zoro nodding ''Nice.''
Luffy scowled ''You're going to pay for that!''
''Oh, big time.'' Miguel agreed and they attacked. The first proceeded to aim a punch at Mohji, who scampered out of the way to dodge it but he was easily kicked right into a wall a second later. Miguel rounded on Richie, the lion tried to pounce on him. ''Re-equip.''
A crimson spell circle flashed into existence before a sheathed sword with his sword appeared in his hand.
Jumping high, Miguel slammed the lion's head with the sheathed sword before uttering ''Wind burst.''
A myriad of strong gales sent Richie careening into a wall and he collapsed in moments, down and out.
Mohji recoiled in shock and fear as Luffy and Miguel turned to face him ''N-no way...''
''They beat them up just like that?'' Boodle's awe colored every word.
Zoro's amusement and satisfaction were evident ''I told you we can take care of ourselves,''
''I-I'm sorry!'' Mohji cowered as Miguel made a point of kicking him before heading to the shop.
''You really a coward! That's not going to fix anything.'' Luffy glared down at him ''If it wasn't for Miguel you would have destroyed the whole shop, you jerks.''
''P-p-please forgive me!''
''Apologize to the dog!'' Luffy ordered.
The man momentarily forgot his sadness in favor of incredulousness ''You can't be serious...''
But he most certainly was ''Now!''
''S-sorry...'' Mohji cringed at Luffy's glare. ''...I'm really sorry!'' He ran off.
Boodle frowned as he looked at Chouchou, whose head was lowered as he stared at the shop ''They really are terrible.''
Nami scowled ''Pirates are all the same...they just take what's important to people...''
''If only it were that simple...'' Miguel walked out from the shop, a sphere of wind behind him holding what they realized was some of the merchandise. He went to Chouchou and lowered the sphere till it disappeared. ''...Sorry, this was the best I could salvage.'' He placed a hand on the dog's head, Chouchou was surrounded with silvery white light then. It took the observers a moment to see that it was healing his injuries.
Miguel looked back at the others ''I put up a shield to help keep it steady. It'll hold for a while.''
''It's more than enough, thank you.'' Boodle assured.
Chouchou seemed to agree as he proceeded to bark happily and lick the wizard then. Luffy and Zoro exchanged amused looks while Nami took the whole thing in, looking from Luffy to Miguel and back, having understood that they had done all this for Chouchou.
Boodle couldn't help smiling as he watched the dog thank a now laughing Miguel. Something the young man said had him curious though''Say, what did he mean if only it were that simple?''
''Let's just say Miguel and the people of Elysia had to deal with more than their fair share of assholes.'' Zoro offered. ''And they weren't all pirates.''
''He's from Elysia? Now it makes sense...''
''So what happens now?'' Zoro went on.
''We're taking Buggy down.'' He was very much satisfied with Luffy's answer, the teen turning to Chouchou ''Just hang back and wait for the good news, they're not getting away with this anymore.'' He grinned as the dog barked back and nodded, heading to stand in front of the shop.
Nami could only look at him in wonder. He was furious enough for Chouchou to kick Mohji's butt and force him to apologize and now he was going to fight...all because of this? Just like back when he fought Morgan, he'd done it for someone else...he really cared that much. It was so different from all she knew of pirates...
Boodle started ''Are you sure about this? I admit, you kids are strong but Buggy's pretty tough.''
''It'll be fine, you'll see.'' Luffy remembered something ''Oh, Nami-what about your plan?''
''Oh, right-that...''.
Nami confessed that her plan had been for them to make an alliance since they shared a common goal. Her entire plan had been to trick Buggy so she can steal his treasure but now that he'd figured her out. She also had an idea of how they could help but now it was a no-go.
''We can still work together though!'' Luffy assured brightly.
''You're awfully trusting, aren't you?'' Boodle wondered.
''I'll say...'' Nami was wondering what anyone could've talked the rubber teen into with this mindset.
Zoro gave her a speculative look ''So, apparently you've been going after pirates for a long time. but you're not a bounty hunter, are you?''
''No. I steal from those scumbags for my goal, it's my only choice. I don't care how dangerous it is, I'll do anything to make it happen.''
The sheer determination in her tone was a surprise. But he supposed it did make sense, one would have to be very motivated to take the lengths she was now. After all, initally, she had been willing to deal with Buggy and his crew alone.
Which left another question, what on earth would drive someone to such extremes?
It soon became clear that Mohji wasn't the only one sent to find Nami and get what she stole back as many pirates had spread out through the city to search. Luffy, Zoro and Miguel were able to beat them without much preamble.
''Wow, you guys really are tough...'' Nami had the distinct feeling they hadn't even bothered to use much of their strength either.
''I told you!'' Luffy grinned brightly.
''You guys sure you want to come though?'' Zoro looked at Nami and the mayor. ''Neither of you wanted to fight.''
''I can't just...'' Boodle never got to finish because of what happened next.
A loud bang reached their ears before they were able to see a few houses blown away. The mayor grit his teeth, this was just too much ''...that bastard! I won't let him get away with this!''
He almost took off when Miguel grabbed his arm ''Hold it. What do you think rushing off is going to do now?''
''How can I just stay back and do nothing? I've had it with those pirates!'' The mayor exclaimed. ''Don't you understand that I want to protect my home?''
''I understand what that feeling more than most, believe me. And that's exactly why I won't let you do this. Sorry to be blunt but it's true, you weren't even willing to entertain the idea of fighting Buggy before, I can't see you changing much of anything now.''
Nami did agree but he didn't have to word it like that. ''Hey, wait...''
But he hadn't heard her ''This isn't the way to safeguard the town. Just think, you're the mayor, people count on you to keep the town going, are you going to let them down now?''
Knowing he was right, Boodle's head lowered. The wizard's stance on this helped him calm down somewhat. He still really wanted to do something about Buggy and his crew but the question was, could he?
''It's okay, we're going to fight those jerks anyway.'' Luffy chipped in. ''We need to get the map too. We can just make them leave.''
''Why not? Sounds good to me.'' Zoro added.
''...Thank you.'' Boodle closed his eyes for a moment. ''We heard that the bastard's staying at the Drinker's Pub. It's not too far from here.''
''All right, lead the way.''
''Since you're going for the treasure, you might want to take your chance soon, Nami. I think it's going to get pretty chaotic here.'' Miguel advised.
Nodding, the girl slowly began to head off, fading out of sight with the sound of loud laughter from their destination. The source turned out to be a man with long blue hair and a big red nose sitting near a cannon, which seemed to be the source of the devastation they had seen before. A number of men were crowded near him.
''That's more like it! With my powers, I'm sure to conquer the Grand Line!'' He crowed.
''That's right, Captain Buggy!'' The pirates returned.
Mohji happened to be the first to see the group of five making their way through. ''A-ah! Captain, it's them!''
''Hm?'' The man turned, sneering. ''Well, so you're the troublemakers I've heard about. You've even got the traitorous thief with you.''
''I guess your little lackeys came back crying to you after all.'' Zoro stated.
Buggy scoffed ''If it isn't Roronoa Zoro! Have you come for my bounty?''
''No, I left the bounty hunting business. That doesn't matter to me.''
''Really? Well, defeating you would matter to me. It's sure to raise my reputation.'' Buggy smirked.
Zoro looked unimpressed ''You can try but you'll fail.''
''Oh yeah? See what you make of this! Men, load the Buggy ball!''
Nami's eyes widened when she saw a few pirates preparing a cannon ball. ''Wait, is he going to use that blast from before? That's crazy!''
Buggy seemed pleased by her fear ''Have you learned who you crossed, little girl? You're going to pay!''
''Nami, old man, stay back.'' Luffy stepped up.
The cannon fired a second later and Luffy smirked ''Gum Gum...Balloon!'' He inflated himself and jumped to block the cannon ball, sending it flying away.
Boodle's jaw dropped while Zoro let out a whistle ''Huh, so his powers work that way too?''
''I guess rubber powers are a lot more useful than it seems.'' Nami mused.
''So he was a devil fruit user like the Captain?'' Mohji muttered.
''Devil fruits really are insane...'' Boodle trailed off.
Nami was about to agree when Miguel spoke ''I guess they would pretty bizarre but you really haven't seen much of what's out there if that's enough to faze you.''
Well, considering he was from the Grand Line and apparently even grew up around magic, Nami supposed it was natural for him to be pretty open-minded.
Buggy growled ''I didn't expect that but it doesn't matter. I'll take you all down!''
''Hold on, captain,'' a new voice said as a man with long hair that was shaved on one side and dark eyes appeared. ''I want to fight first, I'll teach them a lesson. Let me defeat Roronoa Zoro.''
A smirk ''Go wild, Cabaji.''
Zoro's eyes narrowed ''You heard him, Luffy. Any problem with me going first?''
''Nope, kick his butt!'' was his answer.
''I plan to.''
''That's Buggy's first mate.'' Nami remarked. ''Are you sure this is okay?''
''Zoro can do it. No one should interfere.'' Luffy stated.
''Yeah! We get to see Cabaji's Acrobatic Show!'' The surrounding pirates cheered.
This left some of the observers confused but things started to make sense when they saw the man draw his sword while riding on a unicycle.
''Roronoa Zoro, as one great swordsman to another, it will be an honor to cut you down. Acrobatics: Old Man's Flame!'' Cabaji let out a big burst of fire from his mouth, which Zoro tried to avoid. Cabaji tried to stab him but Zoro was quick to match the move and push him back.
''Acrobatics: Climbing the Mountain!'' He quickly began riding up a wall and leapt off to attack Zoro from behind.
He was surprised when Zoro easily avoided the move and cut him with a couple of quick slashes. The two soon quickly clashed time and again, meeting each strike from their adversary.
''Whoa, he's really matching blades with Cabaji!'' A pirate exclaimed.
''Wow!''
''I wouldn't be so sure.'' Miguel's lips twitched.
It soon turned out that he was right. Cabaji may have been able to meet Zoro's attacks for the most part but it was clear who had the upper hand here.
''Is that all you got?'' Zoro demanded.
''Grr...I won't lose! Acrobatics: Theatre of One Hundred Kamikaze Tops!'' Cabaji launched a bundle of metal tops that began spinning around them. A few flew at Zoro but he quickly cut them down. More came at him, spinning fast, leaving him with no choice but to cut them up.
This was nothing but a distraction as Cabaji went to attack again ''Acrobatics: Murder Case in the Steam Bath!'' He twirled his sword the ground, creating a cloud of dust.
''You know, you keep calling it something like acrobatics but all you're doing is a bunch of pathetic tricks!'' Zoro taunted.
''Oh yeah? How's this for pathetic? Sting of the Unicycle!''
Then, something strange happened. The two felt an unseen force nearby before hearing a pirate cry out.
''Hey, is that...?''
'That' turned out to be a hand holding a knife, one that was dangerously close to Zoro. Said hand was surrounded in a strange violet aura that seemed to be keeping it from moving.
Catching on, Luffy looked at Miguel questioningly.
''Sorry guys, I know your policy on fighting your own battles...'' He leveled a glare at a stunned Buggy. ''...but I'm not about to sit back and watch this. Stop, or else.''
Zoro made a mental note to thank him later ''So that's what the supposedly powerful Captain Buggy is about? Dirty tricks?''
''That's low, you big nose!'' Luffy snapped.
''Who are you calling a big nose, you bastard?!'' Buggy retorted before looking at Miguel. ''And you, who do you think you're threatening?!''
''A coward.''
''Yeah, that's right!'' Luffy added.
''What was that?!'' Buggy snarled. ''What do you think you can do to me, huh?''
''You really want to find out?'' Miguel raised a hand and Buggy's trapped hand was elevated with it a moment later.
''T-that's telekinesis...'' He was clearly struggling to wrench his hand free. ''...you, you were a wizard all along!?''
''Zoro, he won't be interfering again. You're free to finish this.'' Miguel stated.
He smirked in return ''Gladly...''
''Finish this? Don't be absurd!'' Cabaji snapped. ''He's not about to beat me!''
''Says the guy who needed his captain to hold his hand in a duel.'' The swordsman retorted. ''Cowardly tricks aren't about to stop me. I'll show you the difference between us!''
Zoro leveled his three swords before charging at Cabaji, who also attacked at the same time. ''Oni-giri!''
A cut appeared on his chest before he began to fall as the wounds became clear for all to see.
''Cabaji!''
''How...could we lose...to thieves?'' He wheezed as he collapsed.
''See, that's where you're wrong.'' Zoro retorted. ''We're pirates!''
''All right, Zoro won!'' Luffy cheered, Miguel looked on with a growing smile.
Boodle appeared stunned. ''They're really defeating Buggy's crew...''
Said pirate was livid ''That does it! I'll show those bastards!''
''I'll fight you!'' Luffy declared. ''My crew already fought and won against your guys, it's my turn!''
''His crew, huh? I think he's counting you along.'' Zoro told Miguel, who shrugged with an amused look.
''Just leave it at that for now.''
''Oh? So you were a pirate this whole time?'' Buggy smirked as Luffy had Miguel cancel his spell to make the fight fair. ''Fine, I'll take you on.''
Boodle had had his doubts, considering some of the comments they shared on the way here. He wasn't as angry as he thought he'd be with the reveal that they'd been pirates all along, they were nothing like the people terrorizing his home. In fact, they were clearly good people-just look what they'd done with Chouchou just for a start.
''Just looking at you irritates me, what with that straw hat that looks like that Red Hair...just looking at you now brings back all sorts of memories...'' Buggy started.
The teen cocked his head ''Red Hair? You mean Shanks?''
''So what if I do?''
''You know where he is?'' Luffy asked.
''Maybe I do and maybe I don't, what does it matter?'' Buggy huffed.
Luffy frowned ''Are you some kind of idiot?''
''You think I'm just going to tell you like that?!''
Miguel wound up voicing the question most of those present had in mind ''As in 'Red Hair' Shanks, the Yonkou? Luffy knows him?''
''Yup!'' The teen, who happened to overhear him, answered. ''He gave me this hat!''
Zoro raised an eye, similarly surprised. His captain had mentioned that a pirate gave him the hat but to think it was someone like that...
''What did you say?! That's Shanks' hat?'' Buggy exclaimed. ''No wonder it looked familiar!''
''So you do know him!'' Luffy returned.
''Yeah, I do...'' Buggy ground his teeth. ''...and I'll never forgive that flashy bastard! He just got lucky but I'll get him...!'' Luffy punched him.
''Don't talk about Shanks like that! He's a great man!''
''I'll say whatever I want about him!''
''What happened between you two?'' Miguel looked between the two pirates. This was strange. Luffy seemed to admire the man but Buggy clearly despised him. What was going on?
''Yeah, spit it out! What's your problem with Shanks?'' Luffy added.
''You want to know? Fine!''
And that was when they learned how Shanks and Buggy were apprentices on the same pirate crew. They were actually friends as they trained together, despite their numerous spats, many of which bordered on ridiculous.
Shanks had wanted to start a crew of his own once they were done being apprentices and so did Buggy. They were clearly going to be rivals as they definitely couldn't work together. One day, the crew found a Devil Fruit and Buggy heard they were very valuable so he decided to sell it. He tricked the crew into think it was just a normal fruit but then his trick backfired as Shanks came across him that night and he hid the fruit in his mouth to hide it. Shanks ended up startling Buggy so much that he swallowed the fruit.
When he tried to get back at his fellow apprentice, he ended up dropping a valuable treasure map and so he dove after it. But the devil fruit's effect quickly kicked in and he couldn't swim. Shanks saved him but Buggy had lost the chance to get the treasure from the map, which happened to be underwater.
''That's why I'll never forgive him! Not only did he delay my plans for ten years, now I'll have to settle for taking treasures on the sea with my Chop Chop fruit!'' Buggy finished.
Miguel felt that there was only one appropriate response to this. ''...Luffy, Zoro, I think we can agree that this guy's a certified idiot.''
''Yup.''
''Definitely.''
''What?!''
Miguel didn't even give the angry red nosed pirate another glance. The man had not only schemed to trick his friends but he also had the gall to blame all his misfortune on the one who saved him. He wasn't earning any sympathy here.
''You keep trying to make excuses but the fact is you ate a devil fruit and jumped into the ocean. That's asking for trouble.''
Boodle couldn't help but nod in agreement, dumbfounded by the sheer ridiculousness here. Was this really the pirate who scared them so much.
''It wasn't like that!'' Buggy exclaimed. ''It's that bastard's fault!''
''Miguel's right, if anything, one might say this was karma. You've got no business talking like that.'' Zoro stated.
''Yeah, Shanks saved your life!'' Luffy added.
He was gnashing his teeth at this point ''Were you even listening to me?! Grr, enough of this! I'll beat you right here! Bara Bara...Rice Cracker!''
Buggy's body seemed to break apart and then spin rapidly as it floated towards Luffy. The teen dodged the segments, looking confused. ''Is that what his devil fruit let him do?''
''That's right!'' Buggy crowed. ''I'm a splitting man, I can split my body apart and control it easily.''
'''Kay, that's really weird.'' Luffy stated.
''You're one to talk, Rubber man.'' Zoro suddenly started as he realized that some of Buggy's Rice Cracker attack was coming at them. He began drawing his blades only to discover that there was no need.
Miguel held up his sword ''Storm Wind.''
A green magic circle appeared in front of him before unleashing a blistering gale that had Buggy crying out as he tried and failed to get away, leaving his parts to be sent flying back.
''Luffy, fair warning, if this keeps up, I'm fighting too.'' Miguel informed.
''Gotcha. It's fine though, I'll beat him! Gum Gum Whip!'' Luffy didn't like anyone interfering with fights but this one he could understand. His friends were free to defend themselves after all. Buggy quickly moved to dodge Luffy's oncoming foot but the teen simply moved it along till it got him, leaving him to fall down. He got to move as Luffy attacked again
''Bara bara Quick Escape!''
Buggy quickly gathered his remaining segments and flew back. ''Now, Bara Bara Cannon!''
Luffy dodged Buggy's hands as they flew at him quickly, one holding a knife and the other reared up in a fist.
''Gum Gum Whip!''
Buggy cried out as one of his hands were hit, making him drop the knife. ''That does it, Bara Bara Festival!''
His body separated into segments, with his head flying up before all the segments began to attack Luffy. The teen dodged a punch only to be forced to block a kick and tank another when he heard Buggy yell.
''Hey! That's mine!''
''Eh?''
This brought attention to a nearly arrived Nami trying to sneak away with a big bag full of treasure.
''Give that back!'' Buggy charged at her, making one of his hands grab the bag.
''No way, it's mine!'' Nami retorted.
''As if!'' The two began a little tug of war and it seemed Buggy would have the upper hand as he moved his segments closer...
But suddenly, the pirate froze and let out a little squeak. Confused, everyone began looking around until they saw that Luffy had kicked the older pirate in between his legs.
''Oh...''
''...That's dirty...not that he doesn't deserve it...'' Miguel and Zoro looked equally thrown off by the sudden move.
''We're still fighting, you jerk!'' Luffy called out.
Buggy forced himself up, groaning as he glared back ''I'll kill you for that, you little brat! Bara Bara...Rice Cracker!''
''Gum Gum Muchi!''
''Hah!'' Buggy laughed as he dodged the attack. ''Too slow!''
But Luffy seemed unfazed ''Gum Gum Pistol!''
He aimed the punch at the cocky pirate's face, leaving him to cry out as he hit the rocks below and blacked out.
''N-no way...''
''Captain!''
''He lost?!''
''Yeah, he did. Feel like trying your luck next?'' Zoro demanded, placing a hand on his sword.
Cringing in fear, Buggy's crew did what they thought was best...
''Thank you, thank you!'' The mayor bowed repeatedly, more than satisfied to witness that terrible crew fleeing with their tails between their legs ''I can never thank you enough for this. We'll be able to move on and bring the town back to the way it was!''
''Good for you.'' Luffy returned.
''Oh and Miss, feel free to take what you want of that treasure. I may not know why but you clearly need it badly.''
''More than you think...'' Nami ignored the curious looks this drew. ''...thanks, Mayor.''
''Speaking of treasure, you should take these.'' Miguel gave Boodle some gems. ''I found them on our way back here. That cannon ball probably wrecked the pirates' storage. One thing you can say about Buggy is that he has an eye for treasure. You'll need something to help you start rebuilding.''
''Yes, but are you sure? I heard about Elysia, considering how your homeland needs whatever funds on hand...''
''That's just why.'' The wizard cut in. ''I've gotten my own share for that. Besides I can't just not do anything when you're going through the same kind of trouble we're facing. It's all right, I've been at this for a while. For what it's worth, the only thing I'd really expect of you now is to fix up the pet store.''
Boodle laughed ''Consider it done! Thank you, again, I wish you all good luck.''
As the four made to leave, they were startled by a familiar bark, making them look back to see that Chouchou had arrived, likely wanting to see them off with the mayor.
''Hey, good to see you!'' Luffy waved.
Zoro stretched his arms out ''Man, for being such a famous pirate, Buggy was a flat-out joke. It's even hard to make fun of him when he does such a good job of it himself.''
''You think he was bad before? You should have seen him back at their stupid celebration.'' Nami shook his head. ''He really is an idiot.''
''Oh, Nami, so are you going to be our navigator?'' Luffy asked excitedly.
''For the last time, I won't be a pirate. But I guess I can work with you guys for a while.''
''So you'll be coming with us? Cool!''
Shaking her head at the teen's enthusiasm, the girl allowed herself a smile ''Yeah, let's just see where this partnership leads...''
''Say, Zoro?''
He opened an eye to look at Nami, who was watching Luffy and Miguel talk nearby. ''I've been wondering about some of the things the mayor said...what was that about Miguel's home?''
''You don't know? Elysia's in a bad way, even worse off after that war. Miguel's looking for treasure so he can send back for them to help the relief effort.''
Her eyes widened at this 'So he really is like me...no wonder he understands...'
As it so happened, the others were talking about that. ''That was really nice of you back there.'' Luffy remarked.
Miguel smiled in return ''I thought it was for the best...Luffy?'' The teen made a questioning noise. ''Is this what being a pirate's like? Having friends and going on adventures?''
'You bet! Pirates are more free than anyone else!''
''That sounds nice...''
Well, how was it? I hope you would share your feelings on the story with me.