beenjammin: Glad you like it. And thanks for pointing the typo out. To answer your question, I mentioned this in the first chapter but the whole reason this story came together was that I was asked to write it. The person who gave me the idea to come up with Miguel in the first place wanted me to pair the original character with Robin. Personally, I like her and the idea interested me. I have a few ideas for Miguel's interactions with her and you'll see when the time comes.
''I was wondering what took so long...and I find you being held back by children. Truly pitiful...Has my crew grown that weak?''
''C-captain...'' Jango floundered under his frigid gaze.
His crew however, was no so easily cowed.
''We're not weak!'' Buchi, one of the remnants who had yet to be hypnotized, cried. ''You've got some nerve talking like that!''
''Yeah, we're the ones doing all the work!'' Another pirate cried.
''C-Calm down!'' Jango waved his hands, did they forget Kuro's strength?! ''It's not that easy! One of them is Roronoa Zoro. I don't know who the other two are but the Strawhat kid and the second swordsman are really tough too.''
''Yeah, you don't get to talk, you've just been sitting around all this time!'' A third one spoke. ''We'll show you weak!''
With that, a number of the remnants charged, ignoring Jango's cries for them to stop. His concerns were soon proven valid after Kuro's counterattack, practically vanishing then. He reappeared behind the pirates, one strike enough to send them to the ground, revealing his bladed gloves for all to see.
''What the...?''
''...You were right, you have shown me weak.'' Kuro grunted. ''Pathetic. Now I'll give you one last chance, you have 5 minutes to kill these brats. If you can't, I'll kill you. Understood?''
Jango had once again used this time to act and motivate the crew. ''It's okay, we can do it in five minutes! Let's go!''
''R-right!'' The remnants were exceedingly glad they'd chosen to listen to him, immediately switching to attacking their enemies again.
Zoro appeared unfazed ''...Idiots. Three Sword Style: Tiger Hunt!''
Kuro's eyes narrowed while Jango recoiled upon seeing the three he targeted fall apart as a result. The butler's anger only grew watched as the Black Cats continued to fight, Miguel using Gravity magic to knock more of them out. He then ducked to avoid a pirate trying to attack him from above, intensifying the gravity on his sheathed blade and slamming him to the ground.
Whatever the Black Cats tried, they were thwarted at every turn. Even the ones who tried to get to Nami and Usopp fared no better, the two also able to fend for themselves well.
''T-this is really bad...'' Jango knew from experience that Kuro would be looking for retribution from everyone for this.
And the man quickly proved him right again ''...Actually, since it seems I have to take matters into my own hands why don't I start with you, Usopp?'' The sniper froze. ''I merely let you punch me earlier but now even the mention of this is rather irritating. I'm going to pay you back...''
Usopp hurried to avoid Kuro's attack without much thought as the pirate tried to slash at him. This however led to another problem. Kuro noted, his eyes landing on the vulnerable Nami. ''No matter, I planned to kill everyone here anyway...''
The girl stifled a scream of shock as his blades threatened to hurt her. Both were left very much surprised when Nami and Usopp were suddenly lifted off the ground by a violet aura, bringing them away from the man. Nami blinked twice as they landed behind Zoro and Miguel, recognizing the Telekinesis spell before she spared Miguel a grateful look.
''H-how...'' Jango started.
Kuro's expression darkened ''More and more obstacles...but it won't deter me.'' As he attacked again, he was met with a flying leg that hit his arm before a recovered Luffy landed before him.
''You're fighting me now!''
''Hmph, suit yourself.'' The two attacked, but neither hit their mark.
''Klahadore!''
Both started at the familiar voice, Usopp paling as they looked find Kaya standing on the hill, with a pistol at the ready.
''Kaya, why are you here?!''
''Usopp-san, I know the truth now...I'm so sorry I didn't believe you...'' The girl's shoulders shook as she bit back tears, her faith in her butler completely shattered. She wished she let those marines arrest him and yet, despite 'Klahadore' not wanting to speak of his past, she simply had so much faith in him that she wouldn't hear of anything else.
What a fool she'd been...
It was when she tried to find the butler this morning that she discovered Merry, her second butler, bleeding badly in the hall. Like her, he'd trusted the man only to learn this morning. He'd been trying to warn Kaya when the pirate caught him. Even in his terrible state, he'd pleaded with Kaya to leave first, to get to safety. But she couldn't, not like this...
''Who cares about that? Get out of here! You're their target!''
Usopp's words nearly broke her restraint, feeling lower than dirt. Even after they treated him so terribly, Usopp was still looking out for them ''I can't...I can't simply just sit back after all this. Klahadore, please...if you want my fortune, you can have it. Just leave, don't hurt anyone!''
''How kind, Lady Kaya...but it's not that simple. Your fortune wouldn't get me what I desire most after all.''
''W-what's that?'' She couldn't help but ask.
''Tranquility.'' He replied simply. ''That plan was a last resort but it led to something I never expected...peace. I felt so peaceful after settling down here. I don't want any anything to ruin that, this plan is my solution. That's why it will continue. The pirates will attack and I'll have you write a will to leave me your fortune...''
''N-no...you're not Klahadore...'' Kaya trembled, the image of her caretaker truly done and gone. She leveled her pistol at him. ''...leave this island!''
''Hey, stop!'' Nami was suddenly reminded of meeting Usopp yesterday. While Luffy had made a joke out of Usopp threatening them, it wouldn't work anywhere as well now.
Usopp began running up to her ''Yeah, just get out of here!''
Unlike them, Kuro was surprisingly calm. He reflected on the times they shared for the last three years, musing on how Kaya grew up. She was depressed due to her parents' death but he would tend to her and try to cheer her up. While that seemed odd at first, the effect on Kaya made his goal clear. Kuro was pointedly bringing this up to play on her emotions. And it was working...
''I've endured all those times, the humiliation of serving you...just so I can kill you.'' Kuro threw the gun aside, not even blinking as Usopp shielded Kaya. ''Fool, you think you can make a difference?''
He proceeded to knee the sniper in the gut before slashing at his arm, leaving him to fall to his knees as Kaya screamed his name. Kuro was about to advance only to be interrupted again.
''Gum Gum Pistol!''
Kuro barely got around to avoiding the oncoming fist, but it gave Luffy enough time to get in between and the pirate's targets. He punched the pirate again, this time nailing a hit.''I told you, you're fighting me! Leave them alone!''
''So you want to die so badly?'' Kuro hissed.
Then, one of the last things anyone expected happened.
''The Usopp Pirates have arrived!''
Ninjin, Piiman and Tamanegi ran out of the bushes and faced Kuro, attacking the pirate with a bat, a hammer and a frying pan. The three had followed Kaya upon noticing her on her own this morning, rather puzzled since she rarely left the mansion. Even scared as they were now, they were glad they made this choice.
''What the-they're here too?!'' Zoro exclaimed.
''Oh no...stop that, you guys!'' Usopp shouted.
''You have to leave!'' Miguel called.
''Yes, please get out of here!'' Kaya's expression turned desperate with the kids ignoring them, continiuing their attempts to whale on Kuro.
Piiman stopped after a few moments, panting ''We can't...just not do anything...''
''Yeah, Captain's been fighting this whole time...'' Tamanegi added.
''Why didn't you tell us?'' Ninjin demanded.
''That doesn't matter, just go!'' Usopp retorted.
''No!''d.
''We'll fight too! Our crew's honor demands it!''
Zoro's eyes widened upon seeing Kuro stand ''Oi, watch out!''
The kids turned around at the warning only to be alarmed as they caught on. They froze in fear as Kuro stared them down, preparing to attack them and Usopp, who was already trying to get over and help them...
Miguel leveled his sword in their direction ''Frost Shield!'' A pale blue spell circle flashed before the trio was surrounded in a dome of ice that easily repelled Kuro's claws.
''All right!'' Luffy grinned, Kaya letting out a big sigh of relief.
''W-whoa...'' Ninjin poked the ice dome. ''...how did he do that?''
''Worry about that later, get away from there!'' Nami cried.
Kuro steadied himself ''...So you're just going to keep getting in the way...''
''You bet!'' Luffy retorted.
''It took you long enough to notice.'' Zoro drawled.
''Jango, proceed with the plan. I'll handle them.'' Kuro commanded.
The man readied his bladed pendulums ''Yes sir.''
Seeing him head towards Kaya, Usopp acted ''Usopp's Pirates! I'll give you our most important mission yet, protect Kaya! Remember this: our crew wasn't merely formed because of our love for adventure, we also work hard to protect the people we treasure. That's why I know you can do it!''
''...That was some speech.'' Miguel remarked with a small smile.
''You said it.'' Zoro cracked a grin ''Not everyone can make running away sound brave.''
As expected, Usopp's crew was more than up for this.
''Understood, Captain!'' They proceeded to guide Kaya away from the battlefield, Jango going after them.
''What a waste...'' Kuro scoffed. ''...that girl's just a weakling, she'll only slow the brats down. Jango will finish them all off.''
''You bastard...don't you care about her at all?! You lived with her all this time!'' Usopp snapped.
''Not in the slightest.'' He replied smoothly. ''She's just a pawn, just like everyone in that village!''
''I won't let you hurt them!'' Usopp shouted back.
Luffy really liked how the teen's resolve continued burning bright even now ''Just leave him to me...''
Usopp looked back at the forest, determined to help Kaya and the kids. Zoro glanced at him before speaking up ''Oi, Luffy! I'll go with Usopp just in case, you mind?''
''Yeah, that's a great idea!'' Luffy returned brightly.
He turned to Miguel ''...Look out for them, all right?'' The wizard nodded. ''You know the way in there, just point me in the right direction.'' Zoro told Usopp.
''Got it!''
''What're you all doing?'' Kuro demanded of the still conscious Black Cats. ''Make yourselves useful and fight! Don't let them leave!''
Since the remnants were too frightened to do anything else, they complied with the order and made to attack Zoro and Usopp.
''Look out!'' Nami called.
''Meteor.'' Meteor body was surrounded in a golden aura and he flew to meet to obstruct the pirates' path, re-equipping his wind sword in the process.''Get going, I'll make sure no one interferes.''
''Right!''
''How is he doing this stuff?! I thought he had some devil fruit too but there's no way...'' A pirate uttered in shock.
''He's a wizard, you idiot.'' Kuro stated. ''How strange, to see someone like him and a a devil fruit user around these parts...''
''C-come on, we've gotta fight!'' Another pirate led the charge.
Miguel met them head on, with his speed enhanced greatly by Meteor, he easily repelled the first strikes. One pirate tried to stab him and another aimed for a punch but he merely flew out of the way, leaving them to hit each other. Hearing a pirate running behind him, Miguel sidestepped his oncoming strike and hit back with his sword's sheath, stunning the pirate before knocking him out. He proceeded to slash another pirate on the side to knock him out of the fight and used his wind sword to throw two more at the wall.
''Gale Maw!'' A bright green spell circle flashed into existence, conjuring fierce biting winds that threw the pirates back and caused plenty of damage.
Kuro snarled ''You really are hopeless...''
''Way to go, Miguel!'' Luffy was always happy to see his friends succeed. ''Now, Gum Gum Spear!''
Kuro dodged the attack and tried to slash his leg but Luffy knew better than to wait and he quickly pulled it back. ''Why are outsiders even involved in this? None of it concerns you.''
''There's someone here who I don't want to see die.'' Luffy answered readily.
So did Miguel ''I can't just stand back and ignore something like this. Besides, we saw how far Usopp's willing to go and it's only natural to help him. Right, Luffy?''
''Yup!''
Kuro scoffed ''You're willing to risk your lives for such ridiculous reasons?''
''I'm not afraid of death. I'm the one who's going to be the next Pirate King!'' Luffy declared.
He dodged Kuro's oncoming, trying stop him with a Gum Gum Whip but Kuro was too fast, leaving him vulnerable for a slash that hit his arm. ''Pirate King? Absurd...you will die today!''
The Black Cats were beginning to feel relief, some even cheering for Kuro. But this soon proved to be a mistake.
''STOP! When are you going to understand?! I'm doing all this to get rid of the name Kuro of a Thousand Plans! I'm tired of all it brought me...being chased by marines, dealing with you imbeciles...I've had it! I finally made the world think I was dead and that's why my plan will work! Instead of blabbering on, do something useful and get rid of that wizard!''
He tried to attack again but Luffy got out of the way, resulting in his claw getting stuck in a rock.
''...If you're that scared of your fame than you don't deserve to be a pirate!'' Luffy punctuated the statement by hurling the rock at Kuro, sending him flying and breaking one of his cat claws.
The pirates were in shock at the sight, though they still tried to believe in Kuro. Considering his words, one called out ''Go, Kura-san, you can win! Kill him!''
''Kura-san? Oh yeah, we can't call him by name...'' A pirate noted. ''...works for me, go Captain Kura-san!''
Kuro was only all the more aggravated with the renewed cheers, thinking it reinforced his opinion of their idiocy. ''Be silent! I'm going to finish you all off later!''
''What?!''
''Didn't you hear me before? No one is supposed to know I'm alive, that's why I intend to kill everyone who knows about me. Including you imbeciles and Jango once he takes care of the girl.''
''B-but...''
''You meant for us to die all along?''
Luffy didn't get why they were so shocked. Kuro had no issues knocking out their allies just a few minutes ago after all ''These guys are dumb.''
''What're you talking about? This is how a crew should be. They can't do anything without a leader and even then, it'd be lucky if they don't mess everything up. They're mere pawns in my schemes, their lives are in my hands and they should die for me if the need arises.'' Kuro explained.
Miguel didn't bother pointing out everything wrong with those words, only settling with ''...You're a failure of a captain.''
Luffy couldn't have said it better himself. If anyone was pathetic here, it was definitely Kuro.
The former butler growled at the sight of their expressions ''This is a pirate's fate, don't you lecture me, you damn brats!''
''It doesn't matter how many men you have, you'll never compare to Usopp.'' Luffy declared.
Kuro hadn't expected that ''You think I lose to that pretend pirate?''
''That's right! Usopp's got way more heart than you ever would. He fought when he was scared and he never backed down!'' The captain fired back. ''It just proves he's got things that make him better. Like composure.''
''What?'' Kuro stopped in his confusion, only to be punched into the ground.
''You don't know the real meaning of being a pirate!''
One of the few conscious Black Cats looked at Miguel, who had sheathed his blade after beating them. ''W-why aren't you fighting? You're just going to watch?''
''From what I'm standing, the fight's over. Besides...Luffy doesn't need help.''
Kuro got up, more riled than ever ''Why you...you think I don't know what it means to be a pirate?! Stop underestimating me! I'll show you power! The power of someone who's been to hell and back.''
He took an odd stance, his head was lowered and his body swayed back and forth. For some reason, this terrified his crew.
''W-wait, that's...!''
''N-no, he wouldn't...''
''He...he said he'd kill us all...that's definitely it...''
Luffy and Miguel were bewildered, just what was going on?
''Out of the Bag Attack!'' Kuro disappeared. The sudden quiet that fell upon them was broken by a sudden scream.
It brought attention to a pirate as he fell, a massive gash on his chest which killed him.
Chaos broke out as all the Black Cats tried to get away but it was useless, a number of them died just like that pirate. Luffy and Miguel could only look in shock and growing horror as some of the pirates tried to plead with the butler to stop but Kuro was merciless, taking down everyone and everything in his way.
Luffy ground his teeth in anger, cursing their enemy ''WHAT DO YOU TAKE YOUR CREW FOR?!''
Images of people dying in flames, many laid out on the ground, reeling in pain from their nijuries and others soon dying. Of so much blood and destruction, screams of pain and anger, cries of help that went unanswered, cannons and guns going off and much more flashed before Miguel's mind. His fists nearly drew blood as he shook in barely suppressed rage. He knew Kuro was scum but the utter dismissal of all those lives left him wishing Luffy would finish this fast, he didn't think he could hold himself back for long ''...He really is trash...''
A moment later, Luffy's side was ripped up but the furious teen didn't even blink, throwing Kuro down with one swift move ''Got you!''
''Look what you did! My men are half dead, it'd be more humane to put them down...'' Kuro arched an eye at the glares coming his way. ''...you have something to say?!''
''Yeah...I'll never become like you!'' Luffy declared.
''Oh? Well, you can't anyway. You don't have the skill. I'll finish you off before killing that wizard and then all of your friends will be next! Out of the Bag Attack!''
Luffy's first two attempts to stop him failed but the third one successfully grabbed Kuro, wrapping his limbs around the man.
''I'll end this now! Your plans are screwed!'' Luffy reared back his head, his neck stretching backwards.
''THAT CAN'T BE!'' Kuro shouted.
''Gomu Gomu Bell!'' Luffy's head slammed into Kuro's at great speed, sending the man flying backwards and leaving him knocked out.
''He won?!''
''Captain lost?!''
The pirates were all silenced when Luffy glared at them ''I'd never to a coward who ran from the sea. Get lost, all of you!''
They were all too happy to obey the command, with some picking Kuro up and hurrying away.
Luffy sat down with a sigh, looking up slightly as Miguel walked over. The young man bent on a knee and began healing him ''...You did great.''
''This is all wrong...I hate that guy. Pirates shouldn't be like this.''
''Mm, sad to say people like you are the minority. I'm glad you'd never turn out like him though.'' Miguel admitted.
Luffy smiled at that ''That feels nice...I'm tired.''
''Makes sense...''
''No kidding...'' They were joined Nami, hosting a big bag of treasure over her shoulder. Miguel had seen her sneak into the Black Cats' ship earlier, knowing she'd helped herself to the treasure. ''...why did you get so mad though, Luffy?''
''That guy's attitude is horrible...pirates shouldn't treat their nakama like that.''
She scoffed ''Pirates aren't as noble as you think they are. That's pretty normal for them.''
Miguel shook his head. ''...It's not about him being a pirate, Nami. That's just Kuro's nature. People can be cruel and heartless no matter who they are or what they do.''
Nami easily conceded the point, having learned more of the situation in Elysia, she felt he'd understand better than most. ''Don't waste your time feeling sorry for those scumbags though, they deserve what they got. They sure as heck wouldn't have had any problems kililng the villagers.''
''Maybe...but thinking of all those lives just fading like that, it's hard to swallow.'' He knew she was right and that their crimes could see them killed, that wasn't the problem though. ''And I wouldn't go so far as to say anyone deserves something like that either.''
The girl held back a wince, realizing how that sounded. As much as she despised people like them, that was uncalled for. It was the kind of thinking they'd employ and she would always be better than that. Miguel seemed to hold the value of life in high regard, something she could certainly appreciate ''Yeah, my mistake...I tried to pick up as much I could but there's still more treasure on their ship. So you know, if you want to...''
While normally she wouldn't even think of making such an offer, she couldn't help sympathizing with someone trying to look out for his home and people. Miguel gave her a small smile, his response cut off by the sound of a growling stomach.
''I'm hungry.''
Miguel appeared amused as Nami gave the rubber teen a dry look ''We can tell.''
''Well, we're done here so...''
Luffy shot up where he stood ''Okay, so once Miguel gets the treasure, we can all go find food!''
The girl's expression softened, that Luffy was still willing to wait despite his obvious love of food showed how much he cared and understood the importance of his goal.
Still, she couldn't resist a bit of teasing ''I think what rubber brain here is saying he finally admits that he won't find his way to food without someone making sure he won't get lost again.''
''Hey!''
''Well, you've aptly proven her right at least two times now so...'' Miguel trailed off meaningfully, Nami smirking as he pouted at them. He couldn't help the laugh that escaped him ''...okay, okay. Food is the least you deserve after today. I should be done in a couple of minutes so how about we check on the other and then go look into that?''
''Okay!'' Luffy cheered and led them into the forest.
The people of Syrup Village were left to a surprise early in the morning. Usually, Usopp and his crew would wake everyone up by crying that pirates were coming but there was no sign of any of them today. It was something they'd grown accustomed to over the years, sympathizing with the boy who tried to make his mother happy before her death. A few of them actually wondered if anything happened to Usopp, feeling bad about the way they treated him. They hoped nothing bad happened...
The quartet composing Usopp's pirate crew were in the forest, having been brought over Usopp to talk.
''You guys were really great today!'' The trio grinned bashfully at their captain's praise.
''N-Nah, Captain...nothing like you...''
''No, I mean it!'' He cut Piiman off. ''You fought against the odds to stop the pirates, remember to keep it a secret.'' The three nodded and he went on. ''I want you guys to be the first to know, I'm heading off to the sea.''
''What?'' Piiman blinked.
''I thought you loved the village, Captain!'' Tamanegi exclaimed. ''What about us?''
''We don't want you to leave! You can't!'' Ninjin cried.
''I'm going to pursue my dream. We've had wonderful adventures ever since we formed the crew...'' The four thought back to the times they spent together during the last five years.
''Captain, don't! Please!'' Ninjin exclaimed.
''...It's time we all follow our dreams. What are yours?'' Usopp questioned.
''To be the owner of a bar!'' Ninjin replied.
''I want to be a writer!'' Tamanegi revealed.
''And I want to be a carpenter!'' Piiman admitted.
''Right. Then you have to follow those goals with all your hearts. Be determined and never give up!''
Resigned to their eventual separation, the boys nodded. Everything from Usopp's tone to his stance and demeanor told them the truth. As much as they wanted Usopp to stay, nothing would deter him.
His next statement only proved that conclusion to be completely true.
''The Usopp Pirates are disbanded!''
As agreed, the group of four went back to the restaurant. Being understandably hungry after the battle, Luffy was eating more than usual. To phrase it nicely, his table manners left much to be desired.
Nami tried her best to look away ''Can you not?''
''You know, looking at this makes me wonder if him having a rubber body also means a rubber stomach.'' Zoro mused.
Miguel looked curious ''Hey yeah, maybe...actually, that would explain a lot...''
It was then that they were approached by a surprise visitor: Kaya.
''I've been looking for you.'' She smiled.
''Are you sure you're okay to be up and about like this? You've had some morning.'' Nami remarked.
Kaya nodded ''My illness happened because of my depression over my parents' death but Usopp-san tried so hard to cheer me up. Just watching him inspired me and I don't want to stay down anymore, I'll do better from now on. But that's not why I'm here. I have a present for you.''
And what a present it was.
Kaya led them to the shore, revealing a caravel that was docked there. It was a ship with a white sail and a smaller one behind it. It had a sheep's head at the front and white guards at the deck.
''Wow!''
The four stared at the ship in wonder before Luffy asked the question they had in mind ''Can we really take it?''
''Of course! This is my way to thank for everything.'' Kaya beamed. ''We've prepared food and supplies you'll need in your travels.''
''Great, that's a big help!'' Luffy grinned.
Miguel nodded ''Thanks, that's really thoughtful of you.''
Merry cleared his throat ''I designed the ship, it should sail well. The frame and triple mast are part of a stern centered system. I call it the Going Merry!''
''Just tell me and Miguel how to operate it, don't bother with those two.'' Nami had already seen how the wizard handled navigation and he was good at it. Luffy was a devil fruit user with a terrible sense of direction and if the stories she learned over their food were anything to go by, Zoro was much worse. Counting on those two would get them nowhere.
''Well then...'' Merry blinked. ''...erm, what is that?''
'That' turned out to be a large yellow ball coming in their direction. Closer inspection revealed it was actually Usopp, who was carrying the yellow ball, which was apparently his bag.
''...Why on earth does he think he can carry something like that?'' Merry wondered. The sniper stumbled suddenly and began to roll down.
''Beats me but we better do something, he's going to hit the ship.'' Zoro stated before he and Luffy held out their feet, leaving Usopp's face to collide with them moments later.
Nami couldn't help cringing in sympathy''Was that necessary?''
Miguel helped the teen up and healed his face. ''Whoa, much better...thanks!''
''So you're really leaving, Usopp-san.'' Kaya's smile was sad but resigned, clearly having expected that.
''Yeah, my mind's made up, Kaya. Don't try to stop me.''
The heiress shook her head ''...I had a feeling you might leave sometime. I'll miss you a lot but I won't stop you pursuing your dream.''
Usopp grinned back, blushing a bit ''Hey, don't feel sad. I'll have loads of stories to tell you the next time I come around!''
She beamed ''I look forward to it!''
Nami's eyebrows went up as the two continued to gaze at each other fondly, completely forgetting about anyone else. ''Oh-ho, how about that...?'' To Merry, she added ''Are they...?''
''All of us at the mansion have been waiting for them to realize it. Needless to say, it's been quite exasperating watching them dance around each other.'' Perhaps the presence of people like Kuro got in the way, that hypocrite giving poor Usopp grief so much but really, the two weren't helping themselves at all.
She laughed a bit ''I can imagine, still, looks like Usopp's got game. Who knew?''
''Game? What do you mean?'' Luffy cocked his head.
Zoro patted his shoulder ''You'll understand when you're older.''
As cute as this was, Miguel decided to interject when nothing seemed to happen ''I hate to interrupt but weren't you guys going somewhere with this?''
Both nearly jumped, Kaya flushing as she looked away and ignored Luffy wondering why she was so red all of a sudden. Usopp forced a laugh ''R-right, right, of course! You guys take care too! I'm sure we'll meet again someday!''
Luffy gave him an odd look''Why?''
The sniper sighed, disappointed ''Oh, come on! We're all going to be sailing the seas, it could happen!''
''I think you're missing the point, Usopp.'' Miguel's statement confused him.
''Yeah, we're nakama. We want you to come with us!'' Luffy stated.
''You heard him, now get moving.'' Zoro added with a smirk.
Usopp couldn't help grinning, jumping up high ''Yeah! I'm the Captain!''
''No way, I'm captain!'' Luffy refuted, the rest just laughing. Soon, the Going Merry set sail for the first time.
Miguel smiled to himself, watching Kaya and Usopp waving to each other before Nami started heckling him about their relationship. The sight of the blushing, stammering teen left Luffy and Zoro very amused. He certainly hadn't thought deciding to help Zoro would lead to all this but he was satisfied. His new friends were good people and he was glad to call them friends.
He found himself thinking back to a letter he had sent a few days ago. It would help determine a choice he needed to make, preferably soon. 'I never even considered becoming a pirate before...' His eyes traveled to the others. '...but if it's with them, I think I won't regret it.'
And let's stop here.
I hope this was good. So...just curious here, what do you think of Miguel?
I'll give a little bit of info, Luffy's actually the second pirate Miguel got to know. The first one is a canon character but he comes in later down the line. It's been years since they met so Miguel doesn't remember him well but they were fairly close.