Everyday Life with the Straw Hats
Author's notes: this chapter is one that I'm sure many have been waiting for. The fighting is finally going down this chapter. And on top of that, the release day of this chapter (12/01/2020) marks the official 5 year anniversary of when I first started this story! How time flies. I'm happy to be back in the swing of things and I'm grateful to anyone that has stuck around with this story over the years, even when I was on breaks. Now on to the action!
Chapter 8: The Battle Begins
Once Luffy and Miia were through with their encounter with Lycan. They made their way back to the central hall where Smith was waiting for them along with the other straw hats.
"So, when is the tournament beginning?" Luffy asked enthusiastically.
"Soon, but first I want to introduce some of my colleagues to you" replied Smith
Zoro and Cerea arrive moments later. "My apologies for causing anyone to wait." Cerea said humbly.
"This whole place is one big maze, how is anyone expected to know there way around here?" Zoro said in an irritated tone.
"Don't blame the architecture, you would get lost going in a straight line..in an open field...with arrows telling you where to go!" harassed Sanji.
Mero, who was in her wheelchair beside Sanji, adds "Oh my, a warrior, looking for a purpose, but is bound to an eternal cycle of being lost with no guidance to their goal, ending up back where they first began…how tragic." her eyes look deeply saddened.
Sanji had a smug smile, because now he even got his girlfriend to view Zoro as pitiful.
"Master, you are more than welcome to ride on me, centaurs are great at navigational skills and memorizing our trails. That is..." Cerea clasped her hands together shyly "If you would be interested in riding upon me"
Zoro got a flustered look on his face, especially embarrassed since his other crew mates were around to see it.
"Heh, I knew centaurs were vegetarian, but I didn't know they had a preference for moss." Sanji said mockingly, giving his rival a cheeky glare.
Cerea raised an eyebrow at Sanji's remark towards Zoro.
"Sh-shut up! Eyebrows!" Zoro roared back. Then coughed nervously to regain his composure. "Uh, sure…Cerea. I wouldn't mind riding with you. From one honorable warrior to another"
Cerea smiled back.
"Enough chit chat, remember, we are on a mission. These fine individuals with me are apart of my team, they are known as the MON squad." Smith informed.
Standing beside smith was a read-headed zombie, who had a toothy grin. Named Zombina, an ogre with blonde hair, and she was significantly taller than many others, that was Tio. A short, shy girl with a single eye, Manako was her name. And a dark skinned women with silver hair that wrapped around her body, which was last but not least, Doppel.
"Howdy, I'm Zombina, nice to meet ya!" Zombina greeted and shook hands with Luffy.
"You remind me of this old guy with serious injuries I met back on a place called Thriller Bark"
"THAT TOO WAS A ZOMBIE! DUMB ASS!" Zoro and Sanji scolded in unison towards their captain
"Oh yeah, but I put him back in the ground, so everything worked out well, right?" replied Luffy in a matter-of-fact sort of way.
Zoro and Sanji turn to each other, and facepalm. If there was one thing those two could agree on, it was how dense their captain could be at times.
"Oh my, your clothes, so lovely!" said Tio, admiring Nami's outfit.
"I'll tell you where you can get them, and I can give you a few pointer on how to haggle the price down." offered Nami.
Manako shyly stepped forward and waved her hand to the straw hats, "H-Hello, its nice...to meet...you all."
Usopp noticed her sniper rifle, "You're a fellow sniper, aren't you, well from one pro sharp shooter to another. Its nice to meet you. I'm the great Usopp, son of a legendary sniper, and a world renowned warrior!"
"Only half of that is true..." Nami said dryly.
"Your tall tales are quite extraordinary, aren't they honey?" Rachnera quipped, licking her licks. "But if you like making stories, perhaps we can make a few stories of our own sometime...and they can be all real"
Usopp had a shiver go down his spine, and took a gulp, "Knowing you Rachnera, it would probably involve me being tied up, wouldn't it?" Usopp asked hesitantly
"Now you're getting the picture" Rachnera replied back seductively
"Hey Smith, I thought we were on a tight schedule?" Doppel asked her superior teasingly.
Smith coughed into her fist to get everyone's attention. "Yes...well. Now that introductions are out of the way. It is time we officially put the plan into action! Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Centorea. I think it is time for you to make your way down to the waiting rooms where all the combatants will be. The tournament is going to begin any minute now. Nami, Chopper, Robin, Miia, and Mero, you will be in the spectator stands, being our eyes and ears if you see anything suspicious going on. And let us know on the advancements of everyone in the tournament.
"With my power, I can handle that job quite literally." robin stated. Holding up a transponder snail communicator "We'll keep you posted."
"Now everyone in MON, with Usopp, Rachnera, Franky, and Brook, along with myself. Its time we put our infiltration mission into action." Smith commanded. As people were starting to line up in their seats, Smith and her group discretely started blending in with the massive crowds until they were completely lost, as the crowds started to lessen, they were nowhere to be seen, not a trace to be found. They were on the move.
Luffy and his group made their way to the fighters waiting room. Miia waving to Luffy "Good luck darling! I'll be cheering for you in the sidelines!" Luffy looked back at her with a determined smile, and gave her a thumbs up.
"Do your best good sir, even if something tragic happens, I'll always remember you!" Mero called out to Sanji
"I'll do my very best for you! Mero-chan!" Sanji declared back, down on one knee, arms out and hearts in his eyes.
"Keep it together, eyebrows, we're competing against some tough opponents. Maintain your battle-ready focus" Zoro said with an annoyed tone. Shaking his head.
"I look forward to battling side by side with you master. And I think I'm starting to have a better grasp at that technique you taught me about during our training." Cerea said to Zoro, feeling honored to fight with him.
"So long as you still understand the basics. I think you should be just fine." Zoro replied back.
"So with this technique, even my replica sword...will have the strength to clash with real ones?" Cerea questioned, still perplexed by how it all works.
Zoro nodded "Yes, when I learned how to use this technique, I was taught the motto 'any sword has the potential to become a black blade' and that includes even a replica blade like the one you have."
they all made their way into the fighter's room. Waiting behind a gate that would open up into the arena like an indoor coliseum. Luffy spotted lycan, who was noticed Luffy back, he gave a predatory smile and was bearing his fangs.
Luffy said to his team mates "See that wolf guy over there, don't fight him, I'll handle him myself." his three allies looked at one another, but just shrugged and agreed to not fight against him. They knew that whatever reason Luffy had, there must have been some personal conviction to it. There were plenty of fighters all crowded around, all just waiting in anticipation to cause some bloodshed. Like caged animals that haven't been fed in days, just itching to pounce the moment they taste freedom.
Suddenly, over the loud speaker. A booming voice is heard. "Now ladies and gentlemen, cutthroats and criminal scum alike. Who is ready for this year's annual liminal tournament showdown! We have 25 contestants, all ready to mutilate one another for your sick and twisted entertainment! It will be a bloody battle royale until there's only one left!"
"A battle royale?!" Luffy, Zoro and Sanji said in confusion.
"Remember what Ms. Smith said. Only one of us needs to win. So since we all will be fighting on the same side, we should actually have ourselves an advantage. We can aid each other when necessary." Cerea informed her friends.
"We get to fight all of them back to back?" the monster trio thought to themselves "This just got more interesting!" they each had their own look of determination and excitement.
"Now, without further ado" the announcer continued over the loud speaker. "LET'S. GET. READY. TO. RUMBLE!"
The gates to the battle arena swung open. Fighters of all different shapes and sizes rushed into combat with loud battle cries echoing throughout the stadium. Luffy rushed right into the fray, an Ogre swung a flaming club towards Luffy. Before Luffy could dodge
"Collier Strike!" Sanji blitzes into action and dives right into the Ogre's neck with a burning kick that had enough impact that a loud crack could be heard. Fracturing the opponent's Adams apple, as well as leaving a visible burn mark on the neck.
"Thanks Sanji" Luffy said to his comrade.
The Ogre stood right back up, coughing up some blood. "Why would they let insignificant humans like you compete in such a tournament?! There are less painful ways to commit suicide, if ya brats really wanted to die. Now feel the strength of an Elbaf dwarf Ogre, I am Kraiglor!"
"I'm surprised you can even speak, I figured I broke your wind pipe with my attack" Sanji replied casually. Before he grew a coy smile "It looks like this meat needs a bit more tenderizing. You fight someone else Luffy, I'll handle this guy."
Kraiglor and Sanji clashed with flaming sparks shooting outward, Sanji's legs were surprisingly durable enough to endure a direct attack from the flaming club. Albeit it did still hurt a lot.
"Oh my! Look at my dear Sir Sanji fighting gallantly down there, what type of fighting techniques are those? His legs are shining ever so bright!" Mero looked absolutely mesmerized by Sanji's skills. With his burning hot legs that glowed, he looked like nothing less than a shining angel in Mero's eyes, her angle. "How divine" Mero swooned.
"It's impressive, I guess. But I'm sure my Darling will be the coolest one! Ah, he's so dreamy." Miia too began too swoon for her lover. She watched in anticipation to see her Darling really cut loose and show her just how much of a man he is. "C'mon darling, show 'em who's boss!"
meanwhile on the battlefield.
"Hiya! Have at thee!" Cerea said boldly as she fended off a goblin, he was small, but fast. Attacking her with rapid succession from both sides.
"What's the matter, pony lady? You're too wide to protect yourself completely! Hehaha" the goblin man snickered.
"Such rude behavior!" Cerea exclaimed, taken aback from his remark. "I will not be bested by the likes of you!" Cerea swung her sword at the goblin, he was startled by her making such a direct attack all of a sudden. He was able to dodge it, but looses his balance. Cerea takes the opportunity to strike at his jaw. Her blade was not very sharp, since it was a replica blade. But if swung with enough force and precision, it could still do some serious damage if attacking the right places. "Merlin's silence!"
"GHAA!" the goblin shrieked. His jaw swung to the opposite side with a few teeth flying out. "You horse bitch! I'm gonna brand you when I'm through with you!" he screeched as he lunged at her with his short sword.
Cerea went to block his incoming attack. However he didn't try to strike. He quickly darted to the side around her to try and attack her from behind.
"You can't sword fight me now, Idiot!" he laughed. Unfortunately for him, its never a smart idea to try and attack a centaur from behind.
WHAM! Cerea's rear legs shot up in the air and bucked the ever living shit out of this crazy fellow. His face was fully indented, his teeth were shattered, broken nose. He was out cold.
"Well, it seems we have our first contestant defeated! Centorea has knocked out Greble the goblin. He is unable to fight!" the announcer declared over the loud speaker.
"Good job Centorea!" Nami and Chopper cheered from the sidelines. Robin gave a subtle hand clap. Miia and Mero were stunned by how strong she actually was.
"Wow, I knew Centorea was strong, but not that strong." said Miia.
"Quite, Centaurs do truly live up to their status as proud warriors, don't they?" Mero added.
"Impressive work, Cerea." said Zoro, who was close by blocking incoming attacks from various other combatants nearby.
"Thank you, Master.." receiving such praise from her master was too much, she wanted to clasp her hands on her face to hide her blush. But this was a battle, there was no time for things like that.
"That strike to the jaw, I've never seen an attack like that before" Zoro noted.
"Oh, yes, well. Its 'Merlin's silence'. it's not that difficult to do." Cerea responded modestly
"Merlin's silence?" Zoro questioned, he had a perplexed look on his face.
"Well, you see. I've noticed you had names for some of your attacks during training. I thought it might be nice to do the same as well." Cerea explained, she had a bit of an embarrassed look on her face.
Zoro grinned, "At least you know how to be a badass in style. Now lets keep this momentum going!"
"R-Right!"
after their talk, Zoro and Cerea were right back at it, kicking ass and taking names side by side.
Luffy was jumping from sparring partner to sparring partner, not really paying much mind to most of them, just a few punches and kicks here and there. Until he saw Lycan, Luffy charged right towards him, cocking back his rubber arm behind him. "Gomu Gomu no..."
Lycan noticed Luffy in the corner of his eyes, "You're not gonna have permission to land a hit on me this early in the tournament, Straw Hat. You should really be watching your surroundings" Lycan smirked.
"Red Haw-kyaah?" Luffy's sides were struck by some sort of appendage, but he didn't know from who. Luffy gets knocked into a wall but he quickly recovers.
"Darling! Are you alright?" Miia cried out from the sidelines.
Luffy turned to see where the attack came from. it was a reptilian fighter, vertical pupils, a long, green serpent tail for the lower half of their body, but what was most surprising was the physique of the upper half. He was a lean, muscular Lamia.
"W-W-What?! Male Lamia's don't exist!" Miia blurted out from the sidelines, this revelation shocked and confused her the most. "what? How? I don't...understand"
Luffy and Chopper both noticed the upper body, although it had the same shape and anatomical structure of a human, he didn't have human skin from the waist up, it was still completely scaly. Which was not the case for how lamias were, let alone most liminals. their upper halves were usually near-identical to that of humans in most species, with human-like skin. Luffy and Chopper both recognized what he actually was pretty quickly.
"So….what fruit did you eat?" Luffy asked coldly, not letting his guard down.
The male Lamia seemed impressed by Luffy's intuition. "So you can tell, impressive. Most people wouldn't be able to know the difference. I ate the snake-snake fruit: model Basilisk. Allowing me to take on a hybrid form like that of a snake and a man, many are always shocked to see me. Even among liminals, the idea of a male Lamia is quite the shocker."
"So that's what you are" spoke Luffy with a stern, aggravated tone. "A fraud"
The male Lamia got pissed at that remark. "I assure you, my strength and skills are the real deal! Speak your name, boy!" he uttered that last line quite vehemently.
"I'm Luffy, and I'm gonna kick your ass-er, tail? Both!...I'll kick both" declared the rubber captain.
The male Lamia chuckled in amusement, "You got guts, I'll give you that, but bravery without strength is the mark of a fool. Allow me, Hydranak, to show you what real strength is." He rushed towards Luffy and used his tail to launch himself forward like a spring. With his mouth wide open, his fangs coated in armament haki, ready to strike. Luffy quickly bit into himself to ready a counter attack.
Hydranak was closing distance fast and was moments away from landing his attack on Luffy, both of their incoming attacks collide with each other and cause a massive shock wave.
"Serpent King Crunch!"
"Gomu Gomu no…..Elephant Gun!"