beenjammin0421: Glad the story got you interested. I'm planning on pairing Miguel with Robin actually, but that's something down the line. I just couldn't figure out how to work the story tabs to make the pairing clear before. Miguel's description is over in Chapter 1.
It hadn't taken Nami long to discover just how bad Luffy and Zoro were at traveling. Miguel being the only one with even the slightest bit of knowledge in navigation. To be fair to the wizard, he was actually doing quite well. She just couldn't believe they were that bad. ''Honestly, how careless can you guys be? You must've been getting by on luck before.''
''Everything's fine, isn't it? Don't worry about the small stuff.'' Luffy returned.
''It's not small stuff! Ugh, clearly Miguel's the only other one with at least a lick of common sense here...''
Aforementioned young man was examining a map to find their next possible route. Zoro made to look over his shoulder ''So we closing in on any islands yet?''
Miguel nodded ''There's one called Gecko Island, how about we stop there for supplies?''
''Sounds good. It's about time we get some booze.''
''And meat!'' Luffy added without missing a beat.
Nami groaned loudly ''There's more to it than that, you idiots!''
''Well...at least we agree on the general idea, let's just make sure we get there.'' Miguel exhaled.
As they were closing in on their destination, they took a little time to talk...
Luffy huffed ''What's with you? I just asked why you were traveling.''
''I told you before! I'm going to get a 100,000,000 berri.'' was all Nami had to say.
''Yeah but why all that money?''
''It's none of your buisness!''
''Meanie...'' Luffy pouted. ''...come to think of it, what about you, Miguel? Are you just for the money? We didn't get to ask.''
''We almost did...'' Zoro countered. ''...but someone just had to be an idiot and grab that bird.''
Miguel half-smiled ''Well, you know why I left Elysia when I did, but there was actually another reason I would've wanted to travel anyway.'' The three looked at him with varying amounts of curiosity. ''There's something I hoped to find. Have you ever heard of the Serenity Crystal?''
They responded negatively and he went on ''Come to think of it, even rare as they are, all the tales about it originated in the Grand Line...See, I read about it in some of our books. It's a legendary item that apparently belonged to our ancestors. They say that it's enchanted with powerful magic long forgotten to time, formed from a phoenix's core, so even if destroyed, it can reform again. It even glows with the seven colors of a rainbow.''
Luffy's eyes shone with the thought of such an item while Nami look on in awe. ''Amazing! What happened to make such an artifact even disappear? And to say it has special magic like that too...''
''That's part of the mystery. We don't even know if the stories about its incredible power is true but we know it was in the ancient Elysia. It was a core part of what made the nation come to be so a lot of people tried to find it, none of them even came close. Over time, people began dismissing it all together as a myth. They even call trying to find it the Phantom Quest.''
''That sounds really, really cool!'' Luffy exclaimed.
''So...you don't think it's unbelievable? You'd be one of the first not to call this idea ridiculous.''
Luffy shook his head ''No way!''
''I'm with him. If you believe it, that's good enough.'' Zoro shrugged. ''But, you already know that, right? That's why you want to find it.''
A nod ''My parents were adventurers, that's how they met. Both really enjoyed traveling and they would have kept it up if it wasn't for the battles in Elysia. That crystal was their last goal before they put a stop to it to help our people. I heard so many tales of their adventures and knowing all the difference they made, it was so inspiring. I knew I wanted to be like that and eventually, I decided I want to find it.''
''I get it, that's sweet.'' Nami smiled. So it was his way of finalizing their work, in a sense.
Things took an interesting turn just after they arrived at shore...
''Halt, pirates!'' A teen wearing brown overalls and brown shoes, his black hair held back a bandana approached. His slingshot was leveled in their direction as he stared them. ''If you're thinking of attacking the village, back away now! I have 80 million followers on the island waiting!''
''WHAT?!'' Luffy's jaw dropped. ''80 million?! That's awesome!''
His three companions were far less impressed. After all, the island seemed hardly big enough to hold even half that amount of people. Zoro spared Luffy a flat look ''You're really falling for this?''
''80 million? Nah...'' Miguel began to smirk. ''...my guess is something pretty lower than that. Right, guys?''
Nami's sly grin grew as they took note of the flags going around near the boy ''Yeah, somewhere along the lines of three, actually.''
Usopp stiffened ''Crap! They know!''
''We do now.'' Nami chirped while Miguel held back a laugh and Zoro smirked.
''He was lying?!'' Luffy exclaimed.
At this, the flags dropped and he started as three young boys came out of the bushes and ran away. ''H-hey! Gah! How could I have been so stupid?!''
''Hey, this guy's actually trying to fight with that slingshot!'' Luffy remarked.
Nami quirked a brow ''That's definitely a first...''
The captain chuckled ''You're interesting!''
Usopp frowned ''Don't mock me, I'm a man of great pride! Usopp the Proud! My skills with a slingshot is greater than that of a pistol!''
''Well then...'' Taking on a serious tone, Luffy stared up at him ''...you should bet your life on it. That's not an object you can just scare people with.''
Zoro's smirk widened, drawing a sword. He suspected where Luffy was going with this and so wanted to see the results. ''The man who stands before you is a real pirate.''
Usopp, who had already been shaking and starting to sweat at Luffy's tone, practically quaked at Zoro's words.''I-I knew it...a real pirate talking is much more intimidating...wow...''
The laughter that followed this made him stop, Luffy's next words catching his attention. ''I just repeated something that Shanks, the pirate I admire said.''
Usopp blinked ''Wait, Shanks? That amazing pirate? You know him?''
''Sure do! You're Yasopp's son, right?''
''What?! How do you know my father?''
Very much interested in hearing more and wanting to make up for what he did, Usopp took the group of four to a restaurant. Soon they were settled and happily eating and chatting away.
''Your dad talked about you a lot, almost enough to make my ears bleed.'' Luffy stated. ''That's why I figured it was you back at the beach. You look a lot like him, except for the nose.''
''Whoa...I knew why he left but I never thought he was part of Shanks' crew...'' Usopp trailed off, grinning ''...my dad's one of Red Hair Shanks' officers-that's incredible!''
The quartet gave him a bit to let this sink in, his admiration for Yasopp quite clear as day. It was a bit surprising since he'd never even met the man but on the other hand, Yasopp clearly loved his son very much. Usopp seemed to be as enthralled with the idea of pirates as Luffy had been.
''Say, you know where we can find a ship in this town?'' Nami inquired.
''You can't. This is just a small village. I'm sorry but it just won't work.''
''Are you sure? I was thinking we could ask the people in that big mansion on that hill. What're they...?''
Nami had just been probing for information, wondering what the people who lived there were even like, but Usopp shot up in his seat ''Stay away from there!''
''What...?''
Usopp laughed awkwardly ''Ah, I just remembered there's something I need to do!' He left.
''What was that about?'' Zoro cocked his head, the others exchanging puzzled looks.
It wasn't long before the four were found by the three kids they had glimpsed earlier. They were Usopp's friends and pirate crew, Ninjin, Piiman and Tamanegi.
''We found you!'' Ninjin scowled.
''What have you done with our captain, you fiends?!'' Tamanegi demanded.
Luffy hadn't paid them much mind ''That was real good food!''
''Ah, you just missed him.'' Miguel remarked idly, the three stiffened as a horrible thought occurred to them.
Zoro seemed to guess what the kids were thinking, letting a wicked grin settle on his face ''What he means is that if you're looking for your captain, we ate him!''
''What?!''
Nami and Miguel were clearly struggling not to laugh as one of them cried ''You savages!''
''Cannibals!''
''How could you?!''
''Why are you looking at me?!'' Nami demanded while the boys' restraint broke and they laughed.
Chuckling, Miguel shook his head ''All right, all right, I meant it. You just missed him. Usopp said he had something important to do. It looked like he went up to that mansion on the hill.''
Piiman blinked ''Oh...then he's going up to lie again.''
Zoro raised an eye ''Lie?''
''Again? Wait, that's a bad thing, you know.'' Nami pointed out.
''No, it's really good!''
''Oh yeah? How?'' Luffy asked then.
The trio smiled as Piiman replied ''Come on, we'll show you!''
Along the way, the three kids explained how they wound up becoming Usopp's crew and a little about their adventures. They clearly admired Usopp a great deal, it looked like they just had a few adventures around the island but they took their role as part of his crew seriously.
Usopp was actually friends with Kaya, the heiress who lived in the mansion. The girl had been sickly since the death of her parents died, thus Usopp occasionally to the mansion to cheer her up by telling her stories.
''Heeeh, that really is nice of him.'' Miguel remarked.
''Right?'' Piiman grinned. ''Captain's the best!''
The kids proceeded to show them a way to sneak in, since they doubted they would be allowed otherwise. Just when it looked like they could be found, Luffy acted.
''Gomu Gomu...Sorry to intrude!'' He grabbed the others and stretched, catapulting them over the fence, to their shock.
Fortunately, Miguel was able to do something about this before they would land and really get hurt, using gravity magic to slow down their descent and land safely.
''What was that for?!'' Nami slapped Luffy on the back of his head. ''We don't all have rubber bodies, you jerk! That could've gotten really bad!''
''Rubber bodies?'' Piiman echoed.
Zoro fixed Luffy a dark look before grunting ''Next time, we're trying Miguel's methods.''
Nami agreed at once ''Absolutely, Luffy's are hazardous to everyone's health.''
''You guys are mean...'' He sulked.
''Shut up!'' They snapped.
''A devil fruit? Oh, so that's how...'' Ninijin blinked as Miguel told them how that happened. ''...those things are real...''
''Mmhm, pretty rare around these parts though.''
''Well then, how...'' Tamanegi was distracted when he saw Usopp sitting on a tree branch. ''...hey, there's the captain!''
Usopp was facing a girl sitting on a bed near the window, both looked surprised to see them. The blonde girl was confused ''Who are they?''
''Oh, ah...you know, Kaya, I told you about my crew before. Those guys came looking to join us.''
''Let's not get carried away here.'' Zoro warned, leaving the teen sheepish.
''Never mind that.'' Luffy looked at Kaya. ''Excuse me, we're looking to find a ship. Can you help us?''
''Oh...'' Kaya blinked. ''...no, I'm sorry. I wouldn't mind but I don't think we have any.''
''Awww...''
Usopp spared him an annoyed look ''I told you, you wouldn't find any.''
''Well, I had to try! And...'' Luffy made to go on but then a new voice called out.
''I thought I heard something.''
A man with glossy black hair in a fancy suit and golden glasses came around the corner. His eyes narrowed ''You're trespassing, leave at once!''
''Klahadore, they're...'' Kaya started.
''It's fine, Miss Kaya. I'll take care of this. We can talk later.'' Klahadore cut her off. ''I want you all to leave. Is that understood?''
Kaya's brow furrowed ''No, it's okay-they didn't do anything...''
''We were just looking for a ship...'' Luffy offered.
''Then go somewhere else!'' Klahadore glared. ''I see Usopp-kun with you...no wonder you seemed like a troublesome bunch.'' He looked at the teen. ''Come down from there!''
His tone nearly made Usopp jump, resulting in him falling a second later. ''Oww...''
''You've garnered quite the impressive reputation, Usopp.'' Klahadore remarked. ''Famous for braving many dangers, no?''
''You bet!'' Usopp grinned proudly. ''You can call me Captain Usopp!''
Klahadore chuckled darkly ''That's quite the big talk for someone with such a family...''
''What?''
Kaya's eyes widened ''Klahadore, stop it!''
But he ignored her once again ''I know about your father. He's nothing but a low life pirate who selfishly pursued his ambitions.''
''What did you say?!'' Usopp scowled, Luffy's eyes narrowed at the insults toward a friend
''It's only the truth.''
''Klahadore, that's enough!'' Kaya cried.
Nami had seen quite a few rich people in her travels, including those with servants. Thus having quite enough examples to go by and that was why she knew without a doubt, Klahadore was being incredibly rude to the girl he served. Not to mention, she could've sworn she saw the same derisive look he used on them aimed at the girl. Besides, Usopp was clearly helping Kaya, the blonde heiress seemed quite happy. Even if he disliked the boy, he could at least respect that. Or at least listen to her...
Something about this man rubbed her wrong...that sneering expression was tugging at her mind. Why?
''So what do you want from the young miss? Money? You must take after him, that's the only reason I can see for that proclamation you just made. It's just something a no good scoundrel would do.''
''Cease this at once!'' Kaya called.
Usopp ground his teeth ''Take that back!''
''I won't. You've always been such a liar, I would imagine it would be easy for you to make up some elaborate story to hide the truth about your father.'' The butler went on relentlessly. ''An apple doesn't fall far from the tree, after all...they're the same rotten...''
He was momentarily cut off with the swift fist that knocked him to the ground. Sitting up, he narrowed his eyes ''I was right! Just resorting to violence...like father, like son...''
''I don't know about that.'' Miguel interjected. ''I'd say it's a fair reaction when you're insulting his family. One might even consider this provocation. You're hardly coming off as a saint here.''
''Yeah, lay off!'' Luffy snapped. ''Yasopp isn't like that at all!''
''That's right. I am proud that my father is a pirate!'' Usopp declared. ''He's a brave warrior of the sea! It's true that I am a liar but his blood runs through my veins, I'm not going to let anyone ruin that honor!''
''Such foolishness...'' Klahadore scoffed. ''...brave warriors? Absurd. You just lie and become violent when the need suits you. I don't want you influencing the young miss, you're a danger to her. The fact that your father is a pirate is enough proof!''
''That does it...!'' Usopp lifted him by the collar.
But Kaya then intervened ''Usopp-san, stop! Please! Don't fight...he...he's not the bad person those people made him out to be. He's just overprotective...''
Usopp grimaced and released his fists after a few moments. Klahadore stood, seeming unimpressed ''Leave. Do not ever come back.''
''...I wasn't going to anyway.'' He walked away.
''Stupid butler!'' The Usopp pirates glared at the man. ''Captain Usopp isn't like that!''
''Yeah, Baka!''
''Baka!'' The kids called together, with Luffy joining in after a moment.
''Don't play along with this.'' Zoro chided.
Nami frowned at Klahadore for a moment before looking at them ''Come on, guys, let's go.''
As they walked away, Miguel paused and looked up at Kaya. ''...You shouldn't listen to him. A person's life and worth aren't things so simple that can be decided by who their parents are. I really don't think Usopp cares about your money.''
''I know.'' Kaya returned. ''I'm worried about Usopp-san...could you please help him?''
Miguel nodded and left.
When he caught up with them, Miguel was curious to find only Nami, Zoro and the Usopp pirates.
''Hey, where'd Luffy and Usopp go?''
''Captain always goes to the cliff when he's upset. That rubber guy went after him.'' Tamanegi replied.
''We'll go look for him!'' With that, the kids took off.
''How about we go look for the supplies like we agreed?'' Nami suggested.
''All right.'' Miguel answered.
Zoro nodded ''I've been looking forward to getting some booze.''
''Is that all you think about?!'' Sighing, the girl decided this was a lost cause.
''Sheesh, that brat...''
Zoro looked at the shop owner as he walked back in ''Hey, what's going on? There was a whole lot of ruckus before.''
''Hm? Oh nothing for you to concerned about. Usopp's just trying to mess with us again.'' The man replied. ''Honestly, making that up, it was bad enough when the marines came the other day. That was completely unnecessary.''
''The marines came recently?'' Nami clarified.
''Yeah, a few paranoid guys who thought Klahadore-san was some pirate.'' He snorted ''As if, the guy they they were after died three years ago. It just happens that Klahadore-san looked like him. The poor guy's already been through a lot to get as far as he did and he doesn't need this kind of crap. He takes such good care of Kaya-sama, he's been so good to us.''
Having seen the man in action, Nami had her doubts. She'd learned quite well that people could project quite the masks if they wanted to after all. This did leave her wondering about one thing ''That dead pirate...what's his name?''
The shopkeeper thought for a bit ''Oh! Yeah, it was Kuro. They called him Kuro of a Thousand Plans!''
Now that was interesting...very interesting...
''So Usopp thinks he's a pirate now too?'' Miguel clarified.
''Yeah, he came in running around, telling us about a pirate attack tomorrow. We know Klahadore-san doesn't like him and we didn't really have much trouble with the lies.'' He sighed ''The kid started it to help Banchina-san after all, I can respect that. It just became something we got used to-but he doesn't get to slander a good man like that!''
The three exchanged curious looks, something was wrong. Wrapping up the shopping, the three left ''How about we go find Usopp? Luffy was with him too...something's up.'' Miguel stated and the other two nodded.
''From his story, Usopp seemed awfully sure that the attack was tomorrow but he never said anything the whole time we were together. He doesn't seem like the sort who could hide something like that for long.'' Nami mused aloud.
Zoro nodded ''So something happened after he left, question is where would he be. Probably not in the village if that guy's reaction was anything to go by.''
The girl readily agreed ''Miguel, before we go find them, do you have anyway that could get us to the boats fast? There's something I want to check.''
Giving her a curious look, he nodded ''Sure, I can probably fly you both there. Actually, it might help if you guys could keep an eye out for either of them then.''
Both nodded, Miguel requipped his sword before creating a sphere of rotating wind which had a hole that allowed them entry. Nami looked amazed ''So this thing really can carry us?''
''Yeah, I have a couple of other means but this is the most useful now. It's okay, I've done this loads of times and if anything happens, I'm ready.''
Shrugging to himself, Zoro entered, Nami slowly following suit. The two could only look in wonder as Miguel was surrounded in a golden aura and flew, willing the sphere to fly after him. Any bit of trepidation Nami had was long gone, fascination filling her at the sights. This was incredible!
Zoro wore a small smile of his own, similarly impressed. He'd never really desired the ability himself but it was easy to see why anyone would want to fly. It was quite the useful ability.
His thoughts came to a halt upon spotting a familiar teen hopping out of a grove towards the village. The flash of bright red and elongated limbs confirmed it for him-at least now they had an idea where Luffy was...
They arrived in minutes, landing smoothly before Nami bounded to her boat. Zoro smiled at Miguel ''So, you've obviously got plenty of experience with this. Guessing you really wanted to fly at some point?''
A laugh ''That obvious, huh? Yeah, something about it was so fascinating, being able to fly in the sky and get a much better look at the stars was one of my biggest goals when I was a kid. Discovering my Heavenly Body magic just left me wanting to know more about it and about what I can do. I just kept working at it from there.''
''Nice...'' The former trailed off as Nami returned, holding a few papers.
''I was right!'' She looked up at the cuious pair. ''...something about that butler seemed familiar but I couldn't place it. Look!''
Nami held up a wanted poster, one of a dark haired men with a cold expression. His black eyes held a superior look that shone through his glasses. This was none other than Captain Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates.
Zoro's eyebrows went up ''No wonder those marines were here, that looks exactly like the butler.''
''He was a real menace going by his reputation, almost like Buggy that way. Supposedly, he died three years ago shortly after being arrested. Get this, the one who arrested him? None other than a certain marine called Axe-Hand Morgan.'' Nami recounted.
Miguel guessed it wasn't that simple ''It doesn't end there, huh?''
''Bingo. I heard all sorts of rumors surrounding his death but no one ever got the facts. Apparently even some of the marine authorities doubted that he died because of all the mystery around that day, that's why his bounty's still in circulation.'' Having made it a point to target pirates all those years, Nami had made it a point to gather all the information she could about them. That certainly included Kuro, who was one of the big names in East Blue. Information was power after all.
''There's no way all this is a coincidence, we need to find Usopp and Luffy-have you see either of them?'' The girl carried on.
''I did, actually...'' Zoro began to explain.
It was a little while later that they finally found the pair, finally spotting Luffy near the village's entrance. Usopp stood a bit of a distance away with the kids. One look at the unusually serious faced rubber teen confirmed it, something was off.
''...We believe you!'' They heard Piiman say. ''Something about that butler was always fishy, this explains why! We can help!''
''Yeah, let's tell everyone!'' Ninjin added.
Piiman noticed the new arrivals. ''Captain overhead that jerk butler talking to this weird hypnotist, they're pirates! They're going to attack the village tomorrow!''
The three exchanged grim looks of understanding, the pieces falling in place now. All the oddities around Kuro's supposed death were likely because he planned it, somehow he'd pulled the wool over everyone's eyes and lay in hiding all this time. The resemblance between Klahadore and Kuro was far too great to be a coincidence, the shop keeper had specifically mentioned his reluctance to talk about the past. While it could mean anything, the fact that he never talked about what happened before the last three years stuck out.
Usopp just gone to the cliff to calm down and Luffy followed him. The two had just had a little chat where Usopp explained just how much the earlier exchange upset him. All he'd had growing up was his mother Banchina, but then she grew sick and he tried telling her that his dad was coming to help so she'd feel better. Banchina had always rolled along with it but clearly knew he was lying. Despite Yasopp having long left, his mother never said a bad word about him. In fact, all the good things, all the stories she told him made him admire Yasopp all the more. It was one of his dreams to meet his father.
Then they spotted Klahadore with that strange hypnotist Jango, who was apparently the acting captain of the Black Cat pirates. It reminded Usopp of the marines' visit a few days ago, where they'd gotten word that the man may be here. Apparently there was some sort of debacle involving a marine branch and some incompetence that left them wanting to do better. The group suspected Klahadore of being Kuro (while he'd never liked the butler even he had his doubts). It didn't help that they had no clue except the wanted poster and eventually, they had to leave. Kaya had been sure they were wrong, despite everything she cared for the man a great deal.
He honestly never understood that. People had generally assumed the butler was simply overprotective but he always gave Usopp grief during his visits even when his stories had seemed to help her feel better. Once the rest of the househould came to realize this, they were quick to try and help him do what he could to cheer Kaya up. They'd long told him he could come by through the front door when he wanted but Usopp prefered using the tree, it also came with the bonus of letting him avoid Klahadore.
No...he reminded himself, Kuro. If he was that calculating schemer, it meant 'Klahadore' was nothing but a mask. He was an evil pirate who was about to sic his crew on them tomorrow! Only why, what was he after?
''Captain? We can just stand here!'' Piiman pressed.
But what was the point? He tried to warn the villagers no one listened. His lies had truly backfired on him this time, he'd just made it a habit but before even realizing it, his crediblity was shot. Even Kaya wouldn't even give him a chance...
What was he going to do? There had to be some way to stop this! There just had to be...
''Can you help us fight the pirates?'' He heard Ninjin ask Zoro and the others.
The green haired swordsman's response was cut off before it began by Usopp's laughter ''It's fine, it's fine, you guys! Don't worry, I went too far...that butler really pissed me off so I wanted to get back at him.''
''Wait, so you mean...'' Piiman started.
''...pirates aren't coming?'' Tamanegi finished.
Usopp continued to laugh, perhaps if they'd paid closer attention they would've noticed how fake it was ''Nope! It was all just a lie.''
But now...
''How could you, Captain?'' Ninjin frowned.
''I'm starting to lose respect for you. Even though Klahadore was a jerk, making up lies like that is wrong...'' Tamanegi looked at his friends. ''...let's go home.''
Silence settled as the kids walked away, Usopp's head lowering. Luffy spoke after almost a minute ''Usopp?''
''You're alive?!''
''Yeah, why wouldn't I be?'' He asked simply.
''Uh, but...I thought...'' Usopp was stumped, considering that the last he had seen of Luffy was after he'd fallen down the cliff.
But Luffy wasn't listening, turning to the others ''Guys, we heard that butler...''
''Is a pirate long thought dead with the name of Kuro. We know.'' Nami explained what happened on their end.
''Oh, that's smart!'' He chirped.
The girl's attention was on Usopp now ''Then why did you lie?'' .
''...It's for the best.'' His crew's words stung but he didn't blame them, he'd brought this on himself. ''No one believed me...but I can't put those three at risk. They all think it's a lie and I'll make sure it stays as one! I'll stop those pirates! They tried to attack me and but this is my home and I love it! I'll protect them!''
Luffy grinned, impressed with the resolve ''It's really good to hear you say that.''
Zoro began to smirk ''Well, well, never knew you were like this...''
''We'll help!'' Luffy added enthusiastically. ''We're not leaving like this now.''
Usopp stared at them ''...Why?...I don't want any pity you know!''
''It's nothing like that.'' Miguel informed. ''We've got our own reasons to do it. I'd rather not turn away from something like this. Partly because Kaya asked me to help you before. I doubt we can just leave things as they are, especially after what you just said.''
''Besides, you really think we'd put our lives on the line for something like pity? Get real.'' Nami huffed.
Usopp stared at the four, who merely smiled back. Nami rubbed her chin in thought ''I might even be able to get some good treasure from the Black Cat pirates...''
''Figures you'd say that...''
''Shut it!''
Luffy just grinned ''You heard everyone. We're fighting, and that's that!''
''Y-you guys...'' He couldn't help biting back tears, he was just so moved...those strangers he met today were willing to help him through what was likely the most dire time in his life. That meant a lot. ''...thanks!''
With that sorted, they began making plans for the coming day. Usopp believed that they would invade the hill after landing at that beach, stating that they would have to stop the pirates there. For if they go far, beyond the hill, the village was done for.
Miguel had a thought ''Wait...Usopp, you know the island better than any of us. Are you sure the beach is where they'll strike?''
''Yeah, that's where they met...''
''It doesn't have to mean anything. Kuro's known to be sneaky and crafty, remember? He knows you overheard him too, you never know what to expect with people like that.''
Zoro considered that ''You know, he's got a point. You sure we're not missing anything here?''
''Well...'' Usopp thought this over. ''...wah! Wait a minute, I forgot! There's another beach on the south side!''
''Now you remember?'' Nami spared Miguel a grateful look. ''Thank you for that quick thinking. Have I mentioned that I'm glad you're here?'' He half-smiled, patting her back.
''Hey, give me a break! I've been through a lot here.'' Usopp whined. ''Moving on! What can you guys do best?''
''Stretching.'' Luffy stated.
''Slicing.'' was Zoro's answer.
Nami went next ''Stealing.''
''Casting.'' Miguel offered.
Usopp blinked ''What do you...?''
''Oh, right-Meteor.'' Miguel flew up. ''Does this help?''
It did. ''T-that doesn't look like some devil fruit...so you're a...''
He just nodded back ''Anyway, how about I stay at a vantage point to scout them? I can easily get any of you to the right place if need be.''
Usopp perked up ''Good idea, that'll be a big help.''
''Hey wait, what can you do best, Usopp?'' Nami inquired.
''Oh...um, hiding...Can I try that?''
''FAT CHANCE!'' Luffy, Zoro and Nami barked at once, Miguel couldn't help biting back a laugh.
Usopp grinned weakly ''Aw...come on, I was just kidding...''
A disbelieving snort came from Nami as Luffy looked ahead. ''All right, let's get ready to fight those pirates!''
As per their agreement, the four split up and headed towards the two beaches while Miguel tried to keep a vantage point that would let him observe the area. It doesn't take him long to find that he had been right to be cautious, the Black Cats were heading to the second beach. The other one that Usopp remembered later, which was where the long nosed teen and Zoro lay in wait.
Miguel flew to meet Luffy and Nami with Meteor ''Guys, I saw them. They're going to land at the other side.''
While relieved that their concerns were proven accurate, Nami realized a much bigger problem ''Wait, our boats are there. They could find my treasure!'' Nami exclaimed.
''Let's go!'' Before either knew it, Luffy took off into the forest as Miguel called out to him.
Nami groaned ''I'm not even sure he's going to the right direction! Anyway, let's just stick with the plan. He'll have to deal with the consequences of his own actions. We've got to go!''
''Right.'' The first picked her up and cast Meteor again, speeding towards the other cliff.
When they arrived, it was to hear Usopp attempting a negotiation. ''...so I'll let you have all of the treasure on the boat if you go away!''
Nami socked him hard ''What was that?! Excuse me, your treasure?''
Usopp held the back of his head, wondering when they got here ''W-well, I had to do something!''
''Why is giving away MY treasure all you have, you coward?! It's not happening!''
Zoro turned to Miguel ''Where's Luffy?''
''He took off before we could stop him.''
The answer made him groan ''That idiot! Doesn't he ever learn?''
''L-look, we can avoid all this...'' Usopp stuttered.
Keeping an eye on the enemies, Miguel pointed out the facts ''I really don't think they'll be that cooperative. They have no reason to be.''
Zoro was thinking along the same lines ''Yeah, whose to say they wouldn't take the treasure and follow the original plan?''
Usopp cringed, having indeed not thought of that. The fact that the Black Cats were all smirking up at them only reinforced the situation. Zoro only prepared his swords ''Nami's actually right about one thing. We agreed to fight so giving the treasure away isn't a choice.''
One of the Black Cats laughed at this ''You kids think you can beat us?''
Usopp couldn't help grimacing at their sheer numerical disadvantage ''...I'll back you guys up from here.''
''So much for that earlier show of courage, Captain Usopp.'' Nami couldn't help snarking at him. She was still a little mad about his suggestion, the girl had gone through a lot to get the treasure. Considering that and her reasons for gathering it, the thought of losing it was infuriating.
''Hey, I don't see you going out there to fight!''
''I'm just a girl!''
''Well, I'm just a guy!''
Truth be told Zoro thought Nami was on to something. Where did that courage Usopp had demonstrated go? His eyes traveled to the one person he figured he could have to his back here ''You ready?''
Miguel re-equipped a sword with a blue sheath and and a white and dark blue pommel. ''Whenever you are.''
''Let's go!''
Jango scowled as the two charged into the fray ''Overconfident, aren't we? Get them!''
Both swordsmen met their oncoming adversaries head on.
''Three Swords Style...Hawk Wave!''
''Blizzard Crash!'' Miguel stabbed his sword in the ground, a spell circle flashed before the pirates were struck by fierce waves of storm and snow.
Usopp stared on in shock while the two carried on, systematically taking down every enemy in their way. Nami merely smiled, expecting nothing less.
''Tiger Hunt!'' With a few powerful strikes, they were all defeated.
Miguel faced the side opposite of the green haired swordsman. He was attacked by two swordsman, side stepping the first's blade before striking the second's arm to make him drop the weapon and knocking him out. He used the sheath to stun his next attacker before striking him down with the blade and then aiming the sheath.
''White Roar!'' The pirates nearby were hit by an pale blue blast of ice boosted by frigid winds, knocking most out.
Zoro had been curious about Miguel's sword style for sometime now. It was certainly new to him but he figured it was likely something he was taught in Elysia since it meshed well with his magic.
He really needed to get around to asking Miguel for a spar.
Zoro hadn't forgotten to keep an eye on his surroundings though, proven when he calmly held up one of his blades to stop an oncoming spear. Craning his neck to look at the pirate behind the ambush, a couple of strikes were enough to knock him otu cold ''Trying to sneak up, huh? Well, that was never going to work...''
Jango could only gawk as his men continued to fall. No matter what they tried, both swordsmen took them down with skill and power, which they seemed to have in spades.''Who are those kids...?'' He thought for a bit. ''Wait, green hair and three swords...Roronoa Zoro! But him...How is someone that strong unknown?''
''If that's all they have, we're definitely finishing this before Luffy shows up.'' Zoro remarked.
''Hey, no problem with that! Go wild!'' Usopp assured.
Nami gave him an incredibly unimpressed look ''Aren't you even a little bit ashamed?''
''We're not nearly done yet!'' Jango looked back at their ship. ''Nyaban brothers, I need your help!''
Two pirates jumped down from the ship. They looked a little alike, with the first being skinny and having green hair while the other was more obese with a blanket on his back like a cape. Both had cat-shaped ears and clawed gloves.
''Sham...''
''...and Buchi. Together we're the Nyaban Brothers!''
''...That's their backup?'' Nami couldn't help but wonder, Usopp wearing a similarly incredulous. The two looked ridiculous!
''All right, take care of those brats!'' Jango ordered.
''Uh, Captain...we're just the guards...'' Sham began meekly.
Buchi nodded ''...And they look strong...''
''Just do it!'' Jango cried.
''OK! OK!''
''No need to yell...you're scaring us...''
Zoro looked unimpressed ''This is looking like a joke. I'll handle them.''
He braced himself as Sham attacked, easily fending him off. ''P-please don't hurt me!''
''Take this seriously.'' Zoro never got to attack as his opponent smirked, grabbing his swords and kicking them away. He missed Buchi coming closer in his bewildernent.
He turned around as Nami called out a warning, just in time to see the second pirate closing in to attack. A second later, the sound of metal clanging filled their air. Buchi's eyes widened as his claws were obstructed by Miguel's ice sword, the wizard standing with his back to Zoro.
''W-when did he...?'' Jango started.
Miguel's eyes narrowed, the sword glowed a little before ice began forming on Buchi's claw. Its owner then slashed Buchi destroying the claws and sending Buchi to the ground. The sight made Sham recoil in shock.
Miguel sighed in relief ''Just goes to show, Master Yuan was right...you really always have to keep your guard up in battle.''
Zoro had always believed in that philosophy as well, kicking himself for forgetting that and falling for the enemies' bait ''Can't argue with that...''
As their enemies attacked again, the two were able to fend them off, though Zoro had some trouble with only one sword. Something Nami picked up on ''I don't think Zoro can fight at full strength with that one sword...''
Usopp was looking around ''Where are his swords?'' He found the blades after a few moments, one at their far left and the other down below.
''...Let's grab them.'' Nami suggested after a moment. ''Miguel knows Telekinesis magic, he can bring them back but he doesn't have time to use it with those two fighting them.''
''Right!'' They ran, avoiding all the unconscious pirates along the way. Nami was easily able to grab the sword on her end, but then she heard some yells and turned around finding that a couple of pirates were rushing at Usopp.
Thinking fast, he held out his slingshot. ''Lead Star!''
The fast projectile hit the first attacker on the jaw, leaving him dazed. Usopp moved back and fire another one at the second pirate, seeing him dodge but he fired more, nailing the pirate on the head and arm.
The sight was immensely satisfying ''All right! How do you like that?''
He realized too late that his attackers were bashed from behind by a staff, leaving them to fall, revealing Nami behind them.
''Don't start getting a big head, you idiot...'' She lashed out again, making him think she was about to hit him. But Nami's next strike had knocked out a pirate that had been trying to sneak up on them. ''...this is not over, you know that!''
''Sorry...'' Scampering quickly to pick up the sword, Usopp noticed Zoro and Miguel still battling Sham and Buchi, with the latter two dragging the fight on with underhanded tricks. ''...hey, guys, we got the swords!''
''Not for long!'' Buchi prepared to attack them.
Miguel held the sword forward, raising a wall of ice that obstructed his path. He looked back at Nami and Usopp, seeing that the latter was about to attack Sham. ''Don't!'' He used Telekinesis magic to send the swords to their owner ''That'll just make him attack you, Zoro can handle this.''
The green haired swordsman soon proved this to be true as he was able to force Sham back to dodge one of his strikes, using the chance to grab his two swords and attack their enemies. Both cried out as they hit the ground hard, Buchi giving Jango a pitiful look.
''C-Captain, they're too strong, we need you to hypnotize us.''
''Hypnosis?'' Usopp blinked.
''Oh come on, like that would work.'' Nami raised an eye.
But Jango seemed willing to go along with this, raising his rings only to be forced to the ground by an unseen force. ''Gah!''
Recognizing the gravity spell, Zoro looked at Miguel ''You think it would work?''
''I'm not up for taking any chances. When you grow up around magic you tend to learn to try preparing for anything.''
That made sense, he conceded. Zoro prepared his swords to keep fighting but as they were about to move, Luffy jumped from the trees high above them, landing between them and the Black Cats.
''Luffy?''
The teen looked back at them, frowning ''Nami, Miguel! Why didn't you tell me where the beach was?''
''And just who was it that ran off without listening to us?'' Miguel droned
To his credit, Luffy didn't even argue with that ''I just got excited, I guess...''
Nami's eye twitched ''You really are a moron, Luffy. We already checked both places yesterday, it's easy to get here!''
''I thought I could get here by going north. So I went where it seemed coldest.''
''That makes no sense!'' Usopp exclaimed.
''Yeah, you should have gone up.'' Zoro added, making Usopp give him an odd look.
Miguel wanted to correct them but this wasn't the time. ''Guys, We're still...''
The rest of the warning died in his throat as he noticed a bunch of the pirates drawing closer on them, even some they had defeated. The strange part was that all their eyes seemed empty.
''What the...?''
Nami picked up on Jango's suddenly smug attitude ''Wait, don't tell me...?''
The hypnotist was smirking ''Thanks, kid! You made my work easier. Now, attack!''
His men roared and charged. Luffy raised a fist ''I'll take you on! Gum Gum Whip!''
His stretched arm took down a bunch of the pirates together, making them hit some of their comrades. Those who wound up far away tried to attack Nami and Usopp but the two aptly fended them off with Luffy also stepping in to help. Problem was, it didn't take them long to get up.
''You might as well give up now.'' Jango called as they attacked again. ''You can't win!''
Luffy kept on attacking but they still kept getting up, leaving everyone to conclude that not only were the hypnotized pirates stronger but their sense of pain was greatly decreased.
''See? You're just wasting your time.''
But then Luffy did something that surprised everyone. Since he had wound up getting close to the Black Cats' ship in the midst of the fighting, it was easy for him to reach and break the mast. He then proceeded to use the mast as a battering ram against the enemies, easily mowing many down.
''Wha...'' Usopp's jaw dropped, that had to take massive strength but Luffy looked like he was breaking a thick twig. How strong was he?
The remnants were only saved when Jango ordered them to dodge or get away but there was no denying how effective the move was.
''Damn...''
''Oh no...'' Jango uttered.
Zoro raised an eye, at the complete change in his stance. But then he realized that the man was looking up. The swordsman tensed then, suddenly understanding just what they were missing here.
Klahadore, that is to say the pirate captain Kuro of a Thousand Plans had arrived.
Well, I hope this was good. Just to clarify, Miguel's got something kind of like Erza's ability in requipping, only with swords. So he can use elemental magic depending on the sword he has at hand.