Chapter 23: The Fight Begins

Crocodile prided himself on his intelligence. Once becoming a Warlord of the sea Crocodile had decided that it just wasn't enough. Finding the right people to pull this off was the hard part, but when Nico Robin a.k.a. Miss all Sunday had come into his group things seem to have fallen into place very quickly. Oh the woman thought he didn't know who she was but he did and he had plans. First and foremost, he had to find the ancient weapon that Alabasta had and the poneglyph would tell where it was.

Allowing the people of this Kingdom to think that their king had betrayed them was just a ruse he had set up as a diversion. His true intentions were quite well hidden. As long as Bon Clay kept up the ruse that he was King Cobra, things would work out as they should.

He narrowed his eyes as he stared out the window of his hideaway in the capital. However, he was no idiot. He knew Strawhat would reappear soon. That boy reminded him of that man and if he was anything like him, Strawhat wouldn't be giving up any time soon.

A tall, imposing dark skinned man with medium length black hair and a long broad nose resembling that of a jackal carrying a massive sword, with a blue hilt and sheath, on his right hip. Walked down the palace courtyard and came to a group of nervous looking palace guards. "What is going on here?" He demanded, his deep voice causing the guards to turn quickly towards him.

"Sir Chaka!" One gasped. "We can't seem to find the King."

"What!?" Chaka gasped. At a time like this!?

"We've looked everywhere!" Another told him. "We have scoured every inch of the palace to find him, but he's vanished!"

"As if that's not bad enough," another began nervously. "Only about twelve miles from here the rebels have been spotted along with a revolutionary!"

Chaka felt his nerves begin to crack slightly but held it together for his men. "Whatever you do, do not let the rebels inside the capital!" He ordered the men his voice causing their backs to straighten at the order. "And defend all the gates to the death!"

"Yes sir!" The guards yelled as they rushed to complete his orders.

Sabo stood watching the rebels began to tear down their encampments and leave to go fight. He had been unable to convince the rebel leadership that this fight with the Nobel family would be in vain and to wait until his spies returned, spies being Luffy and his crew. However Ace's little stunt had spooked them a bit and now things were advancing too quickly. If these men went forward with their plans they would surely all be killed!

Seas help me. He thought as he pulled the brim of his top hat down a bit. It was a habit he had when upset or his nerves were getting to him. Being smart he had sent Ussop on ahead, hoping he would find the straw hats before anyone got hurt. The boy seemed relieved to go. What he didn't know was that Sabo had sent him to stop any fighting before it got out of hand which meant being on the frontlines. Something the sniper knew nothing about and probably for the best.

Usopp rode the camel as fast as he could. Hopefully I can get everyone out of harms way before the fighting actually starts! He thought as his cowardly instincts were telling him that he was going the wrong way. What am I talking about? They'll want to fight! They'll protect Vivi no matter what! He felt his bones shake at the thought of having to fight someone stronger than himself. I wanted to be a brave warrior of the sea! Well I guess it's now or never! Gritting his teeth he snapped the raines on the camels bridle.

As the city came into view he saw Chopper in his big form preparing to fight two individuals. However, he could see from where he was that the rebels were attacking from the opposite side from him and that there was somebody stupid enough to stand between them and the city. Why do I have a feeling that's Luffy? He thought as he decided helping Chopper may be the safer bet than assisting Luffy in being stupid. Two against two is better than two against an army! He mentally yelled at himself. Of course it might be better if I could find the right weapon for my skills! Without knowing it, Usopp was about to enter a battle that would take every skill he had in order to survive it.

M-Angel: Sorry for long wait on this chapter and it being so short. My ADHD brain decided to go on vacation and pop out another story that I have posted on another site. So this is what a sleep deprived and coffee fueled brain comes up with for you guys in a thirty minute time slot. ^_^

Mighty ranger 1 - I'll take that into consideration. Thanks for the review!

KHARAKI TAKEN - Ace is a good brother. He'll forgive them, after he gets revenge.