This will wrap up the Romance Dawn Arc!
I do not own One Piece
It is owned by Oda
I just own my OC's that may appear
Enjoy!
One Piece: All Scope Adventure Pt.3
At the Marine Base of Shells Town and sitting in his office was the Marine Captain of the base was none other than Captain 'Ax-hand' Morgan. He sat in his chair, staring out the large window that was in his office that over-looked the town.
"I am... great!" Morgan declared.
"Yessir!" saluted a Marine. "You're right, Captain Morgan, sir!"
"And yet the taxes we collect don't even compare to my sheer degree of greatness," Morgan remarked
"Yes, right sir," the Marine sweat-dropped. "I guess that the citizen's wallets just aren't very deep these days, sir."
"The issue at hand at hand here is that level of respect for me," Morgan stated taking his cigar out of his mouth. "Wouldn't you agree?"
The doors to Morgan's office burst open to reveal Helmeppo. He was holding his cheek where Luffy slugged him in the face earlier.
"Daddy!" Helmeppo shouted. Morgan's only response was a quiet grunt of irritation. "There are some people I want you to slaughter! And I want it done now!"
-X-
Zoro was still strung up from post he's tied to. The heat of the sun was shining down on him. Memories of the swordsman's past started to flood his mind. He could hear the sounds of wooden training swords smacking against each other. He was a child, battling a dark blue-haired girl, she bested him always when it came to swordsmanship.
"You're weak, Zoro. Nothing ever changes."
'I made a promise to her,' Zoro thought. 'And I can't afford to die in a place like this.' his eyes snapped open as he brought his back up. He saw the shadows of two people.
He saw Luffy and Jou standing in front of him. "You both again? Don't you have things to do? And shouldn't you be off working at that restaurant?" this question was pointed at Jou.
"I'm here to get you out of here," Jou replied. "Though, I'm helping him do it since he wants to ask you something."
"I'll untie you," Luffy promised. "But only if you join my crew."
"Your what?" Zoro asked.
"I run a Pirate crew and I'm looking for people to join up," Luffy claimed as he approached the bound swordsman.
"No way!" Zoro yelled. "I'd never to stoop to joining up with a criminal. Screw that business."
"And what's wrong with being a Pirate?" Luffy questioned.
"They're despicable," Zoro said. "Like I'd ever want to join up with one."
Jou folded his arms hearing Zoro's thoughts on Pirates. It's understandable since a lot of Pirates just like to cause trouble for other people, but that's not entirely true. Jou's mother was a Pirate and during her travels, she would always want to help and look out for other people who were having a tough time out at sea. It was just the kind of person she was.
"Actually, most Pirates aren't bad people, you know?" Jou chimed.
"Oh, yeah?" Zoro responded. "How do you know?"
"I just do, that's all," Jou remarked. "Honestly, if I were you, I'd take what Luffy here is offering."
"Oh!" Luffy grinned toward Jou. "Does that you're finally gonna join my crew, too?"
Jou remembered earlier when Luffy asked him to join his crew once gets Zoro. Jou was honestly still surprised he would ask him even though they just met. But Luffy seemed like the type of person to ask if the person seemed interesting. Jou didn't see himself as interesting. He was just a simple guy on a big journey. So, he wasn't going to agree to join Luffy's crew just because that's what he wants.
"Luffy, I said I'd talk to you later about this," Jou reminded.
"You're becoming a Pirate, too?" Zoro asked.
"No," Jou shook his head with a sigh. "Listen Zoro, what I mean is that joining Luffy right now will definitely help you. Besides, pretty much the entire town is afraid of you."
"So what?" Zoro declared. "I don't care if they fear me or not."
"And everybody already knows you as some vicious bounty hunter always out for blood," Luffy smiled.
"People can say whatever they want about me," Zoro commented. "But I've never done a single thing in my life that I regret," he smirked with determination in his eyes. "I will make it through this challenge. And after that, I'll accomplish what I want."
"Yeah... that's great." Luffy said slowly as he crossed his arms. "But I've already decided that you're going to be on my crew."
"What!?" Zoro shouted at him. "You can't do that!"
"Here your one of the best swordsman around," Luffy smiled folding his arms.
"Well, I am!" Zoro quickly stated. "But that idiot captain's son took mine away."
"I see," Jou said scratching his chin. "A swordsman isn't a swordsman without his sword."
"Guess I'll just have to get it back for you," Luffy said to Zoro.
"What?" questioned Zoro.
"So, if you want your sword, you're just going to have to join my crew!" Luffy claimed with a wide grin.
"NOW, YOU'RE REALLY PISSING ME OFF!" Zoro expressed in anger. Luffy laughed as he ran off.
"Interesting," Jou smirked at Luffy. "If he manages to get your swords, then you'll have no choice but to join his crew," Jou stated to Zoro. "Though..." Jou frowned at Luffy. "I don't know where he's going. The base is that way."
"Yeah," Zoro muttered. "Hey, 'genius'!" he called Luffy. "The base in the other direction!"
"Where are you even going, Luffy?" Jou asked. "I promised I'd help you get Zoro out of here so he can join your crew. If you want to find his swords, you need to head toward the base." Jou pointed a thumb behind himself at the Marine Base.
The next thing that happened completely made Jou's eyes pop out of his head. First, Luffy turned around and made his arms stretch to a much farther length. Jou moved when Luffy's arms flexed passed him. Jou and Zoro's eyes widened in appall at the same time seeing Luffy perform such a feat.
'Is that what I think it is...' Jou thought in shocked amazement. 'A Devil Fruit?' Jou has heard of Devil Fruits from his mother. But he never imagined he'd see one of the fruit's powers first hand. Much less Luffy being a Devil Fruit user himself.
"Gum-Gum Rocket!" Luffy propelled himself toward the Marine Base.
"W-What the hell is this guy...?" Zoro wondered aloud.
"My question exactly," Jou said and then cleared his throat. "Anyway, back to the task at hand. I'm sure Luffy might need help finding your swords. So, I'm going in there with him. You're not gonna go anywhere, right?" Jou smirked at the still tied up Zoro. The green-haired man just simply glared at Jou and his obvious joke. "I take your angry scowl as a no. Just sit tight and we'll find your swords." Jou gave Zoro the two-fingered salute and ran off to catch up to Luffy.
High atop the Marine Base, Captain Morgan was having his Marines pull a large statue of the Marine Captain himself. A statue to show off the Captain's greatness and his authority so that no one will ever disobey him.
"That's it stop right there!" Morgan halted his men. "Now stand it up in one final pull!"
"Well, Dad!" Helmeppo spoke. "Are you going to get revenge on those guys or what!? I mean they just outright struck me and threatened me in public! You never hit me before? Why should one of them be able to!"
"Do you have a remote idea as to why I never hit you?" Morgan questioned his son. "Well...?"
"Is it because you think I'm great?" Helmeppo guessed with a smile.
"No," Morgana claimed. "It's because..." he quickly punched Helmeppo causing him to crash into the roof's barricade. "You're a stupid fool." Morgan declared placing a hand on his ax-hand. "Who isn't even worthy. I don't want you to get the wrong idea." Morgan growled as he stepped closer to his son.
Helmeppo screamed as Morgan lifted him up with his ax hand. "The only great one around here is the man you call your father." he dropped his son on the ground. "Which reminds me, I heard a rat snuck into the crucifixion yard."
"Yes!" Helmeppo answered quickly. "That's right, the little girl! I had her dealt with!"
"I hope that means killed," Morgan said.
"No, I-I didn't kill her," Helmeppo stated. "She's just a kid."
"You there!" Morgan pointed at one of his Marines. "Go into town! Find this girl and kill her!"
"But, sir!" the Marine tried to argue. "You can't be serious! She's just a little girl, sir!"
"I don't care if she's a child or not!" Morgan declared. "Anyone who disobeys my orders is a traitor!" he started to advance toward the Marine.
"No, sir..." the Marine uttered. "I can't do it!"
Morgan, angered that one of his own men is disobeying him held up his ax hand. He struck the Marine down with it as the soldier fell on the ground lifeless.
"Lieutenant!" two Marines called in worry for their downed officer.
"You... You killed him!?" Helmeppo yelled in frightful surprise.
"My strength is what I used to rise to the rank of Captain!" Morgan mentioned. "Listen? In this world, titles are what matter! That means that being the Captain of this base and the highest-ranking officer, I am the most superior person as far as the eye can see!" Helmeppo and the Marines were staring at Morgan fearfully. "This means, that I do everything right! Am I correct, men!"
"Sir!" the Marines quickly saluted. "You are correct, sir!"
"Lets put killing the girl on hold for now," Morgan insisted. "Observe, the greatest symbol of my unending authority," he commented on his statue. "It took years to complete, but here it is! Now, stand it up! Display my greatness at the top of his base for all to see!"
The Marines continued to raise Morgan's statue. Down below on the ground was Luffy and Jou who had caught up to him earlier, both running around and were both seemingly lost.
"That's weird," Luffy wondered. "There's nobody here. Do you know where to go, Jou?"
"You're telling me?" Jou rose an eyebrow. "The whole time I've been staying here I've never set foot inside this place."
"Hmm," Luffy hummed folding his arms. "I got an idea. We need to look for that crazy idiot son so we can get Zoro's swords back for him."
"That seems like a good idea," Jou agreed. "In order to do that we need to find a way into a base. Maybe we can go through a window?" Jou looked from side to side to check if he can spot an open window. Luffy looked up at the very top of the base and heard the noises coming from up top.
"Pull men!" Morgan ordered. "Harder!" while pulling, one of the Marines pulling the right arm of the statue accidentally bumped the arm against the building. "You there." Morgan was right behind the Marine who let out a short yell of fear. "You bumped it."
"Sounds like something's going on up there?" Luffy wondered looking up.
"Must be," Jou said as he placed a hand on his hip. Jou pulled out his telescope and looked through it to see what they were doing up there. He got a closer look and saw that they were picking up a huge stone statue with ropes. "They're lifting up something big on top of there. A statue, I think?"
The Marine that accidentally bumped the statue stared fearfully at Captain Morgan. "I-I'm sorry, sir!" the Marine declared. "I was reckless, I didn't mean it!"
Morgan glared at the Marine menacingly. "I consider the slightest scratch on this... NOTHING LESS THAN A TRAITOROUS ACTIVITY THAT IS PUNISHABLE BY DEATH!"
"A statue?" Luffy questioned as Jou put away his telescope. Luffy smiled as he internally made his decision. "I guess we'll have to check it out!"
"Yeah," Jou nodded until he realized what he just said. He felt Luffy's stretchy arm wrap around his torso. "Uh, Luffy...! W-We don't need to check it out! We should just find that window! Do we really need to see what's up there!?" Jou kept up his suggestions but Luffy was grinning like he didn't hear any of Jou's pleas.
"Gum-Gum...!" Luffy exclaimed as his other arm stretched far enough to reach toward the building and managed to grab it. "Rocket!"
"HOOOOOLLLLLLLLY CRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAP!" Jou screamed as he was sent flying with Luffy pulling him through the air to the top of the building.
Morgan was about to kill the Marine for almost damaging his prized statue as Luffy and Jou went right past the top of the building as everyone present saw them pretty much flying in the sky.
"Ah, I flew too far!" Luffy screamed.
"OH, YA THINK!?" Jou yelled.
Luffy latched onto one of the ropes that were attached to Morgan's statue. "Got it!" in doing so, the statue fell on the edge of the building. The top half of the statue split apart when colliding with the building's edge. The Marines were doing their best to keep the statues top half steady but were unable to, causing it to fall to the ground below as Luffy and Jou landed on the building. This scene caused Captain Morgan's eyes to go white in shock seeing his prized statue immediately break apart.
"Sorry about that," Luffy stated softly.
"Well, damn," Jou sighed. "I'll admit, that must really suck."
"SEIZE THEM AND HOLD THEM SO THAT I CAN KILL THEM MYSELF!" Morgan ordered his Marines.
"Yessir! Right away!"
"That's them!" Helmeppo shouted pointing at Luffy. "Those are the guys! They're the ones that threatened and punched me, Daddy!"
"Oh, I guess coming up here wasn't such a bad idea," Jou remarked seeing Helmeppo. "We found just the guy we were looking for."
"Hey, it's you," Luffy said smiling at Helmeppo. The Captain's son screamed as Luffy grabbed him by the shoulder. "I've been looking for you all over the place! You have something that we really need to get back!" Luffy wrapped an arm around Helmeppo's neck and then ran into the base, dragging Morgan's son with him as Jou ran beside Luffy inside of the base.
"Helmeppo!" yelled the Marines.
"Do not let those two escape!" ordered Morgan.
"Captain! There's someone in the crucifixion yard!" Morgan's attention was brought to the yard as he saw Coby running toward Zoro.
"I'm surrounded by traitors."
-X-
Jou and Luffy, who was dragging a screaming Helmeppo across the floor were running through the base. Neither of them knew where they were going as the base felt like a maze to them.
"Looks like now would be a good time to ask where the swords are, Luffy?" Jou asked.
"Right," Luffy agreed. "Okay, so tell me where Zoro's sword is?" he asked Helmeppo who was still fearfully shouting.
"I'll tell you!" Helmeppo yelled. "I promise! Just please stop dragging me across the carpet!" Luffy and Jou both stopped running and stared at the rattled, blonde man.
"So, where are they?" Jou asked as soon as they paused the running.
"In my room," Helmeppo pointed the direction toward his room. "We just passed it. Behind you on the left."
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Luffy questioned him. "Now we have to go all the way back," Luffy noted as he turned around.
"Don't move!" shouted a Marine along with two others as they pointed rifles at Luffy and Jou.
"Except for letting Helmeppo go!"
"No way," Luffy stated. "But you can try shooting me if you want!" Luffy mentioned as he held out in front of himself using him like he were a human shield.
"Oh, for the love of..." Jou rolled his eyes. "I'll just clear us a path." Jou flicked his wrist, taking hold of both of his chains. He ran at the Marines as they aimed their guns at him. They never got a chance to fire as Jou slashed them all down quickly in the blink of an eye as they all fell to the ground. "Luffy, let's hurry and find this guys room."
"Yeah," Luffy grinned. "You're pretty tough."
"It's nothing special," Jou claimed while wrapping his chains on his wrist.
-X-
"That maniac's gonna kill you for what you're doing right now!" Zoro warned as Coby was doing best to untie Zoro restraints as quick as he can from the crucifix.
"I can't stand to watch the Marines behave like this anymore," Coby said. "A true Marine should be honorable!"
"Look, kid!" Zoro yelled. "I can't leave! I got 10 days left! And then they're..."
"Well, not quite," Coby quickly stated. "They're gonna execute you tomorrow."
"They're what!?" Zoro asked in surprise.
"Helmeppo never intended to honor your agreement," Coby informed. "He planned on killing you from the start. Which made Luffy really angry. So he just knocked him out."
"He did...?" Zoro exclaimed astonished.
"Now that the Marines are mad they're deadset on catching Luffy and Jou, "Coby gave Zoro a nervous smile. "Don't worry, I'm gonna ask you to become a Pirate though." he resumed trying to loosen the restraints. "But I hope you'll help them. You have a lot of strength you can offer."
"End of the line!" Captain Morgan announced as he appeared with a group of Marines with him. The soldiers all pointing guns at Coby and Zoro. "For the crime of treason against me... I sentence you all to die where you stand!"
"Ah!" Coby gave out a short scream in fear while Zoro had a look of dread on his face.
-X-
With Luffy and Jou...
Luffy still holding onto Helmeppo as he walked in the Blonde man's room as Jou followed him inside. Helmeppo's room was interesting if someone had to put it in their own way. Helmeppo was telling the truth that Zoro's swords were in his room and were just placed in the corner.
"Bingo!" Luffy said seeing the swords.
"There they are," Jou noted. The two walked up to the swords as Luffy seemed confused.
"Hold on, there are three here?" Luffy wondered. "Hey, weirdo? Which one of these is Zoro's?" he asked Helmeppo but the blonde seemed to out of it to answer with how much Luffy was manhandling him. "I guess he passed out."
"All three of them are his," Jou stated.
"Really?" Luffy questioned. "Does he seriously use all three?"
"Yeah," Jou nodded. "He had them all when I first saw him, so yes. These are all Zoro's swords." Jou grabbed all three of the swords. "We got the swords, so now I think it will be a good time to out of here."
"Right," Luffy nodded and looked out the window and was what was happening outside. "Coby!"
-X-
The Marines aimed their rifles, staring down their sights at Zoro and Coby who was crying tears, afraid that he was going to die.
"You've been pulling some interesting moves around here!" Morgan commented. "Some kind of poorly executed coup! Take aim!" his Marines aimed their rifles right at three.
'No!' thought Zoro. 'I can't afford to die here!'
Now, that Luffy and Jou have the swords, it was time to finally time leave the base.
"If you're gonna do something, better do it fast," Jou suggested to the Straw hat. "They're about to mow the two of them down out there."
"I'm on it!" Luffy smiled as he grabbed hold of the window. "Gum-Gum..." Luffy made a few steps back. "Rocket!" he then launched himself out of the window.
"Fire!" at this point, Morgan ordered his men to shoot. Luffy quickly shielded Zoro and Coby from the bullets that were fired.
"What!?" Zoro shouted.
"LUFFY, NO!" Coby yelled in worry. There was nothing to worry about as the bullets seemed to stretch Luffy's body. The Marines were confused as to how it was possible for Luffy to still be alive with all the bullets that hit him and how they were making his body stretch.
Luffy grinned. "SEE YA!" Luffy flexed out and sent the bullets flying in another direction, one flew past Morgan's head. Luffy laughed in victoriously. "That won't work on me! Told you I was strong!"
"What the-!?" Zoro said wide eyes. "Who the hell are you?"
"My names Monkey D. Luffy," Luffy introduced. "And I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"
"You're gonna be King of the Pirates!?" Zoro asked unbelievingly. "Right? You must be completely out of your rubbery mind. Do you have any idea what that means?"
"King of the Pirates means King of the Pirates," Luffy claimed. "How can it mean anything other than that?"
"Trust me, Zoro," Jou said as he appeared with Zoro trio of katana. "It surprised me at first when he told me. But I guess he's serious about it."
"Yeah, when he first told me it was shocking but he's completely serious!" Coby proclaimed with a big smile. "That's how he is, I suppose. Cause he actually seems to have every intention of becoming King of the Pirates and obtaining the worlds ultimate treasure, the One Piece!"
Luffy only chuckled in response since everything Coby just said was right on the money. Jou handed all of Zoro's swords over to Luffy.
"We were successful, Zoro," Jou stated walking up. "We got your swords."
"Yep!" Luffy commented. "Do you really use all of these, Zoro?"
"All of them belong to me," Zoro said. "I use Santoryu. The Three-Sword Style."
"I guess everybody got a different style when it comes to how they fight," Jou mentioned. It was kinda like how his Mom taught him Solo-Chain Style and he took and used everything she taught him and started using his Dual-Chain Style.
"Take 'em already!" Luffy declared presenting the swords to Zoro. "Just know that if you fight with me now, you'll be a government defying villain. It's either that or your left out here and killed by Marines execution-style."
"What are you the son of the devil?" Zoro asked smirking. "It doesn't matter, cause if I don't choose your side, I'll just end up dead on these sticks. So let's do it." Zoro had finally agreed to join Luffy's Pirate crew.
"So, you're finally gonna join my crew!" Luffy exclaimed raising his arms up in victory. "This is the best thing ever!"
"Would you quit celebrating already and get these ropes off me!" Zoro yelled as he tried to get Luffy to focus.
"He's right!" Jou exclaimed. "Double time, Luffy! They're going to kill us if we don't hurry!"
"Right," Luffy grinned at Jou. "Hey, Jou? Do you wanna join my crew now?"
"You're still on this!?" Jou asked incredulously. "Now!? Of all times!"
"Now would be a good time," Luffy grinned. "Since you're fighting against Marines, you'll be considered a criminal! C'mon Jou, join my Pirate crew along with me and Zoro. It'll be fun!"
'It'll be fun', he says. Jou had already thought about the possibilities. If he stayed in this town any longer, he'd put Rika and her mother in danger if he was to be considered a criminal. They might get in trouble or arrested. He didn't want that for them. So the best thing to do is to leave town and continue with his journey to find the All Scope. But, he couldn't just outright decide to join up with Luffy and become a Pirate.
"I can't, Luffy..." Jou said.
"But, why not?" Luffy frowned.
"I just can't," Jou sighed. "You can't just ask me to join your crew outright like that and just expect me to join up. Understand?"
"Oh," Luffy said looking down but looked at Jou in the eyes again. "Do you wanna join my crew now?"
'Is this kid even listening!?' Jou thought with a sweatdrop.
"Look... we'll talk about this later," Jou stated. "Let's just focus on getting Zoro out of here after we handle the situation we're in."
The Marines were still astonished when Luffy somehow managed to send the bullets flying away from him. They've never seen anything like the power of someone who had a Devil Fruit or even heard of them.
"What is he?"
"Bullets just fly right off him?"
"Straw hat's no ordinary human like the rest of us," Morgan noted. "He must've eaten one of those Devil Fruits that we've heard all those rumors about. The Devil Fruits. Those who eat them are said to gain extraordinary power, otherworldly abilities. The power to breath fire, the power to cause tsunami's, rumors persist that there are many types of these fruits but next to nothing is known about them." Morgan explained. "It is said that the secrets to them lie somewhere in the Grand Line. And there's no question about it, that Straw hat has just showed us his Devil power!"
While Morgan shed some light on what Devil Fruits were, Luffy was trying to untie Zoro from the sticks and was having a hard time with it.
"Come on, hurry!" Coby insisted on Luffy.
"They got these things on here tight!" Luffy struggled.
"You look like you're making them tighter on your own!" Jou affirmed.
"C'mon, quit screwing around!" Zoro tried to hurry him.
"It doesn't matter what abilities they have!" Morgan exclaimed. "All who oppose me are executed! If the guns won't work we CHOOOOOOOOOP!" he drawled on the last word as he ordered his men to charge at Luffy and the other three.
"Here they come..." Jou said. Coby squeaked in fear as Luffy stopped untying Zoro's ropes.
"That's funny," Luffy remarked. "The knots got tighter instead of looser."
"I told you," Jou commented.
"JUST GIVE ME ONE MY DAMN SWORDS NOW!" Zoro ordered with shark teeth.
"Coming right up!" Jou shouted as he tossed all of Zoro's katana at him. The Marines closed in on them fast but Zoro was much faster as he was able to cut himself out of his bindings. He blocked all the swords from Morgan's Marines, two katana in each hand and the third one with the white handle was in his mouth.
"Roronoa Zoro," Morgan uttered out. Coby, Luffy, and Jou were all amazed by Zoro's strength and skill.
"Wow!" Luffy excitedly expressed. "That's so cool!"
"I agree," Jou said. "I think it's impressive that he can hold one in his teeth like that. He must have one strong jaw."
"Make one move and you die," Zoro warned the Marines who became fearful from his terrifying glare and only cried.
"Today, I officially become a criminal having fought the Marines," Zoro stated. "So, I'll be become a Pirate, that I can promise you. But I want you to know one thing?" he asked Luffy. "While I'm with you the only thing I dedicate myself to is fulfilling my ambition."
"Which is?" Luffy questioned.
"To be nothing less than the World's Greatest Swordsman," Zoro avowed. "If somewhere along the way I have to give that up, then I want you to accept responsibility. After which, you get to apologize to me."
"The World's Greatest Swordsman," Luffy repeated smiling. "Sounds pretty good. The King of the Pirates wouldn't have any less than the best on his crew."
"Big talker," Zoro smiled in response. "From this point on, no matter if I'm a criminal or not, I will spread the name Zoro throughout the world."
"Wow, you guys have some pretty big goals you wish to accomplish," Jou smiled. Jou couldn't believe he found two guys out here who had different dreams they want to fulfill. Luffy wanting to be the King of the Pirates. Zoro wanting to become the World's Greatest Swordsman. They both sounded just tough as him wanting to find the All Scope, though like them Jou was going to find the All Scope no matter how hard it will be to accomplish himself.
"What are you standing there frozen for!?" Morgan shouted at his Marines. "I want you to kill all 4 of them right now!"
"I got this one!" Jou declared taking his chains off of his wrists. "Zoro, you might want to get down for this!" Jou warned as he got closer as he twirled his chains. "Dual-Chain Revolver!" Jou swung both of his chains and slashed all the Marines at once, knocking them all back as they all hit the ground.
"So, you fight with those?" Zoro asked Jou. "Not bad."
"Thanks," Jou smirked. The Marines Jou had knocked back were all not down for the count yet.
"You might wanna duck!" Luffy warned Zoro and Jou. "Gum-Gum Whip!" Luffy reeled his leg back as it stretched and he swung right at the Marines. Zoro and Jou ducked under Luffy's leg and knocked away all of the Marines. They went flying backward and landed on the ground much to Morgan's shock.
"Yes!" Coby cheered. "You knocked 'em all down!"
"You wanna tell me what you are?" Zoro asked.
"I admit, I'm curious myself," Jou commented.
"I'm just a guy who ate the Gum-Gum Fruit," Luffy announced.
"What's the 'Gum-Gum Fruit'?" Zoro asked in confusion.
"He's able to stretch body parts...?" Jou wondered. "So, he's made of rubber?"
"That's right!" Luffy grinned.
"A rubber person?" a Marine said.
"Captain, we don't stand a chance against them!"
"Yeah, just look at them! They're insane!"
"We couldn't even take on Zoro by himself!"
"This is a direct order!" Morgan said. "Every Marine that just spouted weakness, pull your gun out and shoot yourself! I can't do anything with weak soldiers!"
"What babies," Zoro declared. "This'll be easy."
"Right," Jou agreed. "I guess there is a chance for us to get out of here alive, after all." Jou and Zoro got ready with their own weapons as Luffy immediately dashed toward Morgan.
"Luffy!" Coby yelled. "Bring those Marines crumbling to their knees!"
Luffy threw a punch at Morgan, as the Captain blocked it with the flat of his ax. Morgan threw his coat off as it was time to get serious.
"Rankless, low-life bums!" Morgan shouted. "You have no right to defy my superiority! I am Marine Captain Ax-hand Morgan!"
"And I'm Luffy," Luffy stated. "Nice to meetcha."
Morgan with a roar jumped at Luffy to slice at him with his ax-hand. Luffy hopped over the attack as he got behind him. Morgan turned around and made a downward attack causing Luffy to jump out of the way and Morgan's ax making a huge crevice in the ground. Luffy while in the air kicked Morgan in the face with both feet. From the attack, Morgan rolled on the ground into a crouch.
"Look, he's been hit!" said a Marine. The Marines were surprised to see their feared Marine Captain had taken a hit from an attack.
"You runt!" Morgan growled at Luffy. Luffy roared as he jumped toward Morgan to attack. "Now, die!" Morgan slammed his ax down as Luffy jumped and spun himself in the air to avoid the attack.
"I don't think so!" Luffy remarked and then followed up with a kick into Morgan's face.
"The Captain's getting pummeled out there?"
"It's embarrassing!"
"You call yourself a Marine!" Luffy said as he grabbed Morgan by the shirt. "But you destroyed my friend Coby's dream!" Luffy punched the Captain across the face and went to strike him a second time.
"Straw hat! Stop right there! Look at what I've got!"
Luffy didn't listen and didn't notice since he was too busy beating up Morgan to even notice that Helmeppo was holding Coby at gunpoint.
"Are you stupid or something!" Helmeppo warned. "I said stop! If you pay attention to me, I have a hostage you might wanna look at!"
"Helmeppo's crazy!" a Marine commented.
"Hey," Zoro said getting Luffy attention.
"Luffy, you might want to look at this," Jou stated.
"Hmm?" Luffy looked up and saw what was happening.
"If you value your scrawny, little friends life you won't move a muscle!" Helmeppo warned. "I'm serious! One move and I'll shoot him, I swear!"
Luffy only had a blank stare as Coby seemed a little scared by the situation right now but the pink-haired knew he had to keep a brave face. A grin only etched its way onto Luffy's face.
"Luffy, listen!" Coby yelled. "Don't let anything that happens to me stop you, no matter what!? Even if I die-"
"Of course, you got it!" Luffy said. "You hear that, you big idiot? Coby is ready to die by your hand." Luffy had an arm up as he slowly approached Coby and Helmeppo.
"Don't you move!" Helmeppo shouted. "I said don't move or I'll shoot!"
"Hey, Luffy?" Jou whispered.
"What?" Luffy wondered.
"You mind if I take this jackass out?" Jou suggested. "It's just that he really gets on my nerves. Don't worry, I won't let a thing happen to Coby. You mind if I take a crack at the daddy's boy?"
"Hmm?" Luffy hummed in thought. "I don't care. Go for it, Jou."
"Thanks," Jou nodded and got himself ready to run at Helmeppo. Morgan had finally gotten up, standing behind Luffy and was holding his ax-hand up to bring it down on the straw hat.
"Luffy!" Coby yelled worriedly.
"Take him down, Jou," Luffy smiled as he wasn't even worried that Morgan was behind him, getting ready to attack with his ax.
"Times up!" Morgan announced. "For am fearless Marine Captain Ax-hand Morgan!"
Zoro placed his katana from the white scabbard in his mouth. Jou readied both of his chains and used Fade-Step.
"Daddy, hurry up and kill him already!" Helmeppo had taken hold of Coby, still pointing the pistol to the boy's temple.
He didn't notice that Jou had gotten behind him and wrapped a chain around his wrist. Jou pulled Helmeppo's wrist, causing him to drop the gun and to let go of Coby and yanked him hard enough toward him. Jou clenched his fist and threw a punch at him. Helmeppo screamed as Jou's fist collided into his face and slammed right into the ground, rendering him unconscious.
Morgan's ax had stopped half-way onto a Luffy's head. Luffy was only grinning as Zoro had slashed Morgan across the body. The Captain fell over on his back, unconscious just like his son.
"Thank you," Luffy said to Zoro.
"I'm just doing my job, Captain," Zoro said with a smirk.
"It's over now," Jou sighed wrapping his chains around his wrist. He extended a hand to Coby. "You okay, Coby? Can you stand?"
"Y-Yeah, thanks Jou," Coby said as he took Jou's hand, standing back up.
"You were very brave, Coby," Jou smirked at the pink-haired boy.
"Oh, it was nothing," Coby smiled shyly as he rubbed the back of his head rubbing away his tears. "I wasn't strong like Luffy and you guys."
"Being strong has nothing to do with being brave," Jou stated. Jou had made his way up to Luffy and Zoro, the swordsman sheathing his blades.
"Captain Morgan's been beaten!"
"Unbelievable!"
"Those guys are unreal!"
"If there's anyone who wants to step forward and fight us, then do it now," Zoro stated to the Marines.
The soldiers all looked at each other and then cheered and danced and threw their swords, rifles, and hats into the air in celebration. Their tyrant of a Captain had been defeated which now meant they didn't have to fear being executed by him.
"That's weird," Luffy commented. "Looks like their all happy that their Captain was beaten."
"They must've been afraid of them for a long time before we showed up!" Coby exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Let them have their celebration," Jou shrugged. "They've probably been waiting for something like this to happen."
"Hey, Jou?" Luffy said.
"What is it?" Jou wondered and sighed. "Luffy, if you're gonna ask me to join your crew-"
"No," Luffy shook his head with a smile. "I just want to say thanks."
"Thanks?" Jou questioned.
"Yeah, I couldn't have rescued Zoro without your help," Luffy mentioned.
"No, you could've," Jou stated. "You seem plenty strong to do it all by yourself."
"But still, I appreciate the help," Luffy grinned. "Now, back to it. Do you wanna join my crew now?"
"Why did I ever think you forgot about that?" Jou frowned. With how Jou's been about Luffy's question, Jou assumed Luffy forgot about him asking him to join his crew. Maybe later he'll have to come clean on telling him what he's on a journey for. He hopes that Luffy won't think him talking about the All Scope is ridiculous and laugh at him just like in the past. Jou didn't have to answer Luffy now as Zoro groaned from a few feet away and fell over on his back, most likely from not eating.
"Zoro!" Coby screamed in worry. "Are you okay!? What's wrong!?"
"I'm just... hungry..."
-X-
"I am stuffed!" cheered a grinning Zoro as he patted his stomach. "Having not eaten for three weeks I was ready to gnaw through my bootstraps!"
Ririka and Rika who had taken the four to their house prepared food for them, more specifically for Zoro who went half a month without any food. The Mother, daughter, Coby chuckled at Zoro while Jou just quietly snickered himself.
"Heh, I can't believe your finished," Luffy remarked with a mouth full of food. "Light-weight."
"How the hell can you have a bigger appetite than a guy who hasn't eaten in weeks?" Zoro asked Luffy.
"Yeah, and didn't you already eat when you got here?" Jou asked. "Back at the restaurant?"
"It just tastes too good, I guess?" Luffy stated. "Right, Coby?"
"Y-Yeah, it's great," Coby agreed with a smile. "Thanks for fixing it for us."
"My pleasure," Ririka declared. "After all, you guys did save the town. This is such a great day I could just hug you all. Oh, who am I kidding!" Ririka ran from behind her kitchen counter and gave a hug to each of Luffy, Coby, Jou, and Zoro. The latter three becoming flustered from the woman's hug of gratitude.
"You're the most amazing man I've ever met!" Rika smiled up at Luffy.
"Yeah, I am," Luffy smiled back. "I'll be even more amazing when I have the One Piece. Oh, and the best crew on the seas," he stated looking at Zoro.
"So, how many others in your crew have you gathered besides me?" Zoro asked. "You told me you were in the middle of gathering a crew for your ship? And if you're gonna be king of the Pirates, I already assume you already have some waiting in the wings?"
"Nope," Luffy simply said. "Just you."
Zoro's eyes shot open wide hearing Luffy's answer. "Just...?" he pointed at Luffy his hand went back to himself.
"Yep," Luffy stated. "It's just us." Luffy realized as he looked at Jou who was eating his own food. "Oh, and Jou's joining the crew, too."
Hearing that, Jou's eyes widened as he spat out all the food he was eating in a random direction. The direction being the face of Zoro. The swordsman only scowled at Jou as he had bits of food on his face. Jou only gave Luffy an annoyed look.
"What are you talking about?" Jou asked. "I never said I'd join your crew, Luffy."
"You said we'd talk about it after we rescued, Zoro," Luffy reminded. "So, do you wanna join my crew now, Jou?"
"You just don't know when to quit, do you?" Jou asked Luffy who just grinned. "Why do you want me to join anyway? You hardly know me, at all."
"I hardly know Zoro and I recruited him and you seem like you're a good guy," Luffy said. "You're a good fighter and you said you said you were looking for something but you didn't say what."
"Oh, I'm surprised you remembered that part," Jou noted. "I always expect what I say to just float over people's heads." Jou only looked down at the table.
"What are you looking for?" Zoro spoke up causing Jou to look in his direction. "You're looking for something? So, what is it?"
Jou again looked down at the table. He was asked what he was looking for. He knew what he was looking for. He was hesitant because he was afraid if everyone would think he's crazy for believing something that sounded like a complete myth. But, just this once, he was going to trust them to not laugh even though he was probably asking for too much. So, he might as well just get it over with.
"I'm..." Jou sighed. "I'm looking for the All Scope."
"'All Scope'?" Luffy repeated. "What's that?"
"The All Scope is a telescope," Jou mentioned with a smile. "But it isn't just any old telescope. It's a legendary telescope that lets the person using it see all around the world."
"The All Scope, huh?" Luffy smiled. "Sounds cool."
"The only problem is that it's in the Grand Line," Jou sighed.
"The Grand Line!?" Coby sputtered out. "Jou, the Grand Line is the most dangerous sea there is! It's suicide if you were planning on going there alone!"
"I know," Jou said. "I've heard plenty of stories. And I believe them on how dangerous it is. But, I have to go there. I need to find the All Scope. I made a promise to someone. Someone very important to me."
"Who?" Zoro wondered. "Who's the person you made a promise to?"
"My mother," Jou said. "She was a Pirate. She wasn't a very popular one but she was plenty strong. The strongest person I knew. She trained me." Jou put a hand on his red chain. "Trained so I can be strong enough to handle any obstacle I fight against. Then... Jou sighed. "She... passed away." the room went quiet as Jou said that. Ririka, Rika, and Coby gave him sad looks. "Before she passed away, I promised. Since it's something that she wasn't able to do when she was a Pirate. I decided to pick up the pieces for her because I believe in the All Scope. I'm going to find the All Scope as a promise to my mom." Jou brought his head up with a smirk.
Once he picked up his head, he didn't expect everyone in the house to have smiles on their faces. He took the smiles as a sign that everyone was going to start laughing at him. He averted his eyes away as he cleared his throat.
"Sorry," Jou sighed. "It looks like I said too much. You all probably now think I'm crazy for believing in something that sounds like a myth. Go on ahead and laugh." He believed that this was the part when people would start laughing at him.
"Nope," Luffy said simply.
"What?" Jou questioned bringing his head up.
"You worry too much about what people think instead of what you believe in," Luffy stated. "If you believe in what you believe that 'scope' you talked about exists? Great! People can say whatever they want, it doesn't matter."
Jou was honestly surprised by what Luffy had said. It sounded like something his mom would say to him. Jou just met Luffy today and here he was telling him to not worry about what people say. Jou had to admit, he was impressed that he had met someone like Luffy while on the ocean. He was much different than anyone else he has met. The thought of that caused t Jou laugh, he was so worried that everyone was going to laugh at him that he began to chuckle himself.
"You know what, Luffy?" Jou smiled at the Straw hat. "You're alright." Jou folded his arms across his chest. "Although, since I helped you free Zoro from the Marine base and fought Marines, too, I guess this means I'll have to leave town now."
"You can still come with us," Luffy commented grinning.
Jou looked up at both Luffy and Zoro. Both men giving him welcoming smiles.
"You mean to go with you and be a Pirate, right?" Jou asked.
"That's right," Luffy said. "If you come with me, you can find the 'scope' you were talking about. So, I'm gonna ask again, Jou. Do you wanna join my crew?"
This time Jou felt nervous to answer the question. This can be the decision of his life. He could continue and find a boat that can take him to the Grand Line. Or he can join Luffy's crew and become a Pirate. He'd be a criminal of the seas and will probably be chased by my Marines the whole voyage. When he really thought about it, did his mom care if she was chased by Marines? Probably not and she was a Pirate Captain. It was pretty much in his blood. So, Jou decided to make a decision that he felt would probably change his life for the better. Or worse.
"I'll join," Jou smirked at Luffy. "Luffy, I, Kusari Jou will join your Pirate crew so that I can find the All Scope. Do you agree? Will you have me?"
"Yep!" Luffy grinned. "Welcome aboard!" Luffy cheered raising his arms in the air. "Man, this is great! I got only not one but two new crewmembers! Man, I'm so awesome!" Coby, Rika, and Ririka chuckle at Luffy's enthusiasm.
"I guess having at least three people is not that bad," Zoro stated leaning back on his chair. "But this means that if it's only us three that it's you, him, and I are what amounts to an entire Pirate crew?" he gestured to Luffy, Jou, and himself.
"Yeah, and when you think about it, we're not exactly much of a crew," Jou commented. "We'll just be three guys sailing on the ocean. Sounds like the plot to a sitcom."
"What's a sitcom?" Zoro asked raising an eyebrow.
"Don't worry about it," Jou said. "Though, it'll be dangerous if it's just the three of us."
"What's wrong with that?" Luffy wondered. "We're all strong guys."
"Okay, but please tell me you have a ship?" Zoro asked.
"Sure do," Luffy stated as he pointed outside the window. "It's right there." Outside at the dock was Luffy's sailboat. A little dog by the dock was taking a leak right on it.
"You're kidding," Zoro frowned.
"I honestly wasn't really expecting much," Jou remarked. "It's something, I guess."
"But we'll have an enormous one before long!" Luffy exclaimed. "Just you wait and see!"
Zoro chuckled loudly. "And how is that?"
"With a great big Pirate flag on top," Luffy smiled as he began to daydream that he had his own huge Pirate ship with his own Jolly Rodger plastered on the sail and the crow's nest. "I can't wait!"
"I think Luffy was born that part of the brain that allows the rest of us to plan out what we have to do," Coby stated.
"I can't I let myself get suckered into having him as my Captain," Zoro muttered as he placed on his face in irritation.
"You don't think it's too late for me to resign, do you?" Jou asked Zoro.
"Hey, we'll have a ton more crewmembers in no time," Luffy said.
"Luffy, where are you and your crew planning on traveling when you leave here?" Rika asked.
"You mean it's not obvious?" Luffy grinned at her. "We're headed straight for the Grand Line!"
At this point, the juice that Coby was drinking was spat out of his nose and mouth.
"No!" Coby shouted. "Have you completely lost your mind! You have three crewmembers! No way you're equipped to handle the Grand Line, Luffy!"
"I've heard about it," Rika said. "But I never knew it was such an awful place."
"It's worse than you think," Coby looked down. "You know that's world has two oceans, I'm sure. There's is an enormous landmass that cuts across both of them. This is called the Red Line. Legend tells of a town that sits dead center on the Red Line. The Grand Line is set to cut through this town at a right angle and stretch all the way around the rest of the world. The story goes on to say that Gold Roger, the King of the Pirates had once obtained everything this world had had to offer. Before he died, he said he left the great One Piece treasure at this location. Ever since, Pirates have set sail for the Grand Line. Today, the place is nothing but a battlefield and some even call it the 'Pirate Graveyard'."
"I've heard stories about it from people passing through," Ririka mentioned. "The customers say that no one who has ever entered the Grand Line comes out of that place alive."
"Which is really too bad," Luffy claimed. "'Cause that's where the One Piece is said to be in and that's exactly where we're going."
"I guess we have to live with it," Zoro stated sitting back.
"I guess you're right," Jou agreed as he leaned his chin on his palm. The Grand Line is where Jou is heading. He supposed it'd be better than just going there all alone.
"No!" Coby shouted getting up from his chair. "You can't agree!"
"Relax, Coby," Jou said. "Why are you so defensive about it?"
"And what do you care?" Zoro questioned. "You're not going with us, are you?"
"No, but I still worry," Coby replied. "Is it so wrong to care about the three of you? Luffy and I haven't known each other for years or anything but I still consider him a friend." he looked at Luffy. "Wouldn't you say?"
"Of course," Luffy grinned. "We may have to part ways but we'll always be friends." Coby smiled and looked at the ground.
"When I was just a little kid..." Coby started his tale. "I never had any friends. Much less anyone who would bother fighting on my behalf. So I always tried my hardest never to fight for anything." Coby picked his head up with a smile at Luffy, Zoro, and Jou. "But the three of you had taught me a lesson I could have never learn on my own. How to live for what I believe in, so I decided to make my one childhood dream a reality and I'm going to join the Marines."
"Then, don't you think you should be a little more concerned with your situation?" Zoro asked. "I mean, you did spend two years on Alvida's Pirate ship even if you were nothing but a cabin boy."
"Yeah, they could run a background check on you and find out you were on a Pirate crew," Jou mentioned.
"The Marines information gathering is top-notch," Zoro stated. "They'll find out about your time with Alvida and you'll never join."
"I never thought of that...?" Coby voiced with wide eyes. The door opened to reveal the Marines as the one leading them, Lieutenant Ripper stepped inside.
"Hey, you there," said the Marine. "We heard that you fellas are actually Pirates. Is this rumor true?"
"Right and I just added the first two members of my crew," Luffy stated proudly. "So, pretty much the whole thing just became official."
"We appreciate everything you did to save our town from that horrible tyrant who terrorized us all for so long," Ripper said. "However, now that we know that you're Pirates, as Marines we can not sit idly by and watch you go about your business. Therefore, you and crew will need to leave this town immediately. But out of respect for what you've done, we will not report you to headquarters."
The townspeople were upset with what Ripper had just said. The townspeople were grateful for Luffy, Zoro, and Jou saving their town from Morgan and disagreed that they just outright have to leave since that's what Ripper wanted.
"Well..." Luffy grinned. "Time to go." Luffy stood up from his chair and swung a sack of food over his shoulder. "Thanks for all of the food, lady."
"Hey, wait a second?" Rika said. "You're leaving already?"
"Yeah," Luffy nodded and walked off, followed by Zoro. Jou had walked up knelt down to Rika's level.
"Do you really have to go too, Jou?" Rika asked with sad and hopeful eyes.
"I have to go, Rika," Jou smiled. "Besides, I'm a Pirate now. I'm really sorry that I have to leave so suddenly."
"But..." Rika choked out and looked down at the floor as a few tears leaked out of her eyes. "I'll miss you."
Jou's eyes widened until he smiled again and nodded. He was gonna miss Rika, too. During his first week here in the town he felt out of place but this little girl and her mother made him feel welcome. He won't forget their kindness.
"I'll miss you too, kiddo," Jou said as Rika cried and ran into Jou to hug him. He wrapped his arms around her. Ririka and some townspeople couldn't help but smile and 'aww' at the scene, even some Marines couldn't help but 'aww' as well until Ripper glared at them which caused them to nervously stop what they were doing. Jou finished hug with Rika and walked up to Ririka. "Thank you," Jou said to her. "For all of your help." he extended a hand to her.
"No," Ririka smiled. "Thank you." she gave a Jou a handshake.
Jou became surprised when Ririka approached him, taking him by the shoulder and kissing him on the cheek. Jou's cheeks turned a light red as he nervously chuckled and cleared his throat.
"Bye, Ririka," Jou smiled and then walked up to Luffy and Zoro who waited for him. "I'm ready to go, guys." Jou grabbed his shoulder-strapped backpack. "Let's get out of here."
The three Pirates began walking out of the house as Coby just stood there unmoving. Coby's eyes were wide, he could feel the eyes of Ripper on his back.
"Aren't you part of the crew as well?" Ripper asked the pink-haired boy. Coby jolted from where he was standing.
"W-Well, I uh-" Coby stammered out. Luffy turned around to look at Coby without saying anything and was about to leave.
"Hold it," Ripper stopped him. "Is he with you or what?" Luffy turned to Ripper with a smile
"What I can is what he's been doing at this point," Luffy declared. Coby turned around and stared at Luffy in complete shock. "Yeah! There was this fantastically fat Pirate lady. I think her name was Alvida."
"Luffy...?" Coby breathed out.
"She carried around this huge iron club and boy she was the nastiest-looking woman I've ever seen," Luffy said as he approached Coby and poked his head. "This wimpy-kid was her own private cabin boy."
Coby knew this was going to be bad. He won't be able to join the Marines at this rate if Luffy keeps this up. Coby roared as he threw a punch into Luffy's face. The sudden action caused some people to gasp. Jou was honestly surprised himself until he saw Zoro smirk. Jou figured out Luffy's plan here and simply smirked as well.
"Now, that was a dumb move!" Luffy said as he threw a punch into Coby's face. Luffy started to beat up Coby while shouting insults out at him.
"Get out of here now!" Ripper warned. "We can't have you, Pirates, ripping up this town any more than you already have, you hear me!"
"Enough!" Zoro stated as he grabbed Luffy by the back of his vest. "You made your point. Now let him fall to the ground."
"Annnnnnd..." Jou drawled and walked up as Coby fell down to the ground on his back. "He's down. Ring the bell."
"It's obvious you're not crewmates!" Ripper pointed at the three Pirates. "So, stop battering the poor kid and take your leave of our town this instant!"
Luffy smirked and grabbed his hat and then left with Zoro and Jou. The townspeople watch the three left on their way to dock.
'That was on purpose?' Coby thought. 'Luffy did that just to help me out... he worked me up and got me so mad that I had and looked like I wasn't on his side... even at the very end of our journey together I wound up continuing to rely on him. I couldn't do anything for myself... nothing's changed for me at all! I am such an idiot!'
Coby stood back up and looked directly at Ripper.
"Sir!" Coby said. "Please, sir! Please, you have to let me join the Marines! I'll clean and scrub and do any chores that you'd like me to! I'll do anything to become a Marine!"
"Lieutenant," another Marine said. "I can't say I fully trust this kid. I wouldn't be against the idea if there weren't clear cases of certain Marines actually being Pirate spies. I say we should conduct a background check first."
"No matter what you say!" Coby shouted. "I am a man that will become a Marine!" Ripper and Coby stared each other down until Ripper walked passed Coby.
"I can't tell you how many of our comrades have been killed by Pirate over the years," Ripper stated. "This is a big step you're taking. Permission to join: Granted."
Coby smiled as he turned around and saluted. "Sir!"
-X-
Luffy and his two new crewmates were walking down the road toward the dock so they can leave the island.
"That was a thin act you put on back there," Zoro commented. "I'd be surprised if they see right through it."
"I was confused first myself but I figured what you had in mind," Jou remarked. "Nicely done, Captain."
"Coby should be able to handle the rest on his own," Luffy chuckled. "I have faith in him."
"Coby's a good kid," Jou agreed. "I think he'll go far while in the Marines." Jou thinking about Coby in the Marines was brought to thinking about an old friend he once had growing up. A girl he knew once.
'I wonder what's become of her?' Jou thought. 'I'm not entirely sure if she became a Marine or not or if she's stationed anywhere in the East Blue for that matter?'
As Jou was wondering about his friend Luffy and Zoro's talking brought him out of his thoughts.
"It is a fitting way to leave this place," Zoro said. "Unable to turn back because everyone here hates us now. Very Pirate like."
"Townspeople hating Pirates is a common thing," Jou smirked folding his arms. "But you're right."
"Yeah!" Luffy laughed. "It sure is." Luffy started to untie the boat from the dock.
"Luffy!"
The three turned and saw Coby staring directly at them along with Rika and Ririka. The Pink-haired boy stood straight and saluted.
"I can never thank you enough!" Coby said. "You've done more for me than anyone ever has!"
"I've never heard of a Marine thanking a Pirate before," Zoro grinned. "That's one for the history books."
"That's a rare sight if I've seen one," Jou smirked.
Luffy only chuckled at Coby as he, Jou, and Zoro got into the sailboat and started sailing away from the island.
"We'll meet again, Coby!" Luffy exclaimed waving with both hands. "Someday!"
"Bye, Luffy," Coby said.
"Hope to see you again someday!" Rika waved. "Bye, Jou! I'll never forget you!"
"Bye, Rika!" Jou waved at the girl. "Be good and listen to your mom, alright!"
"All hands!" Ripper shouted. "Salute!"
Coby watched as the boat drifted farther and farther away as Luffy kept waving.
"Seeya!" Luffy yelled.
"That's a good friend you have there," Ripper said to Coby with a smile. Tears started to form in Coby's eyes.
"Yeah!" Coby agreed.
"Men!" Ripper exclaimed. "Seeing as our current salute is a violation of Marine law! We will all go without food for three days! Do we all understand this?"
"Yessir!" Coby and all the Marines agreed to Ripper's terms.
'I know that we'll meet again someday!' Coby thought proudly. 'Deep inside as much as I ever felt anything! Even if we are divided as Pirates and Marines! I still look forward to that day!'
Luffy, who had his foot planted on top of sailboat's front, Zoro and Jou were leaning on opposite sides of the boat.
"At last our Pirate crew finally set sail!" Luffy declared.
"I got the feeling some interesting adventures are waiting for us," Zoro noted.
"It'll be dangerous," Jou said but shrugged and smiled. "But where's the fun if there isn't a little danger, am I right?" Luffy only laughed in response as Jou and Zoro only smiled.
"I'll be King of the Pirates," Luffy said. "I know it." Zoro couldn't help frown and asked Luffy a question.
"You seem more than obsessed with this King of the Pirates business?" Zoro wondered. "Is there some kind of story behind it or any kind of reason at all?"
"No, no reason," Luffy stated. "It's just..."
"Just what?"
"I promised someone," Luffy smiled. "A while back."
"A promise, huh?" Jou said. "Sounds a little like me. So, what kind of promise was it?"
"I swore that I would gather a crew, find the worlds greatest treasure and become King of the Pirates." Luffy declared. "And this straw hat knows the whole story."
"I see," Zoro smirked.
"I hear you," Jou smiled as he leaned his back on the side of the boat. The boat was heading right toward the sun.
"Now!" Luffy yelled. "Let's go! It's time for us to set our heading for the Grand Line!"
I hoped that was fine for everyone. I hope Jou deciding to join Luffy's crew didn't seem contrived but he was gonna join anyway. Originally, Jou wasn't going to go with Luffy to find Zoro's swords. He was going to go on his own sneak mission inside. And there, he would have met Nami. I wrote the meeting out between them but it didn't really flow too well or fit. Plus, Jou's not really much of a sneaking type in my eyes. So, Jou and Nami's first meeting will have to wait when we get to Orange Town next chapter.
Reviews...
pokemonking0924: I just had Jou be the one to deliver the finishing blow on Helmeppo. In the next two arcs, there's probably not gonna be too much change.
Jou: That little toad deserved what he got.
Darkmaster10000000: Keep in mind, this is in the very beginning so it might be a bit slow compared to the original which was much farther in. For the first few arcs, it might be slow but I hope for things to pick when we reach Arlong Park.
johannvanguard: That's pretty much what I came up with for Jou's whole involvement. I hope all of it turned okay for people. I'd be okay if some people didn't like it.
Jou: Glass half-full, author?
Most the time, yeah.
Guest: I'm glad you like it.
Jou: Hope you stick around.
Yeah, I'm going to leave the original story up. I want to keep it as a way to see what I can differently for this one.
ShadowUzumaki55(1):
Jou: I wasn't taken in by some random townspeople. Vic took me in.
Easy there, Jou. Glad you liked that. I hope Jou didn't come off as too strong in that fight.
Jou: Aren't I supposed to strong?
Yeah, but as I mentioned I can't have you looking too powerful, especially during your one-on-one fights.
Chance Green G King: Yeah, I feel like I might be neglecting my other stories. My other OC's like Junpei are all turning into dust and disappearing.
Jou: Like Thanos snapped them away out of existence.
But yes, I will have to think of some kind schedule so other stories can get some attention.
ShadowUzumaki55(2):
Jou: Your wish has been granted. Knocked jackass, daddy boy's lights out!
Hawkeye: Trust me, I wish I could've at least continued the original. People might not have known but I really did have future ideas to show off in that story. But, I suppose I'll show them off here. Haven't really been watching MHA as of late. I should really go catch up now since season 4 is coming soon and it's gonna be amazing!
Drakedragon297: Once we go a bit further in the story, all that worthwhileness will all pay off.
Jou: Plus, this series is a monster for how long it is.
BlueRaptor629: I'm glad you like it, man. I believe I mentioned Rana is still in the story. I liked Rana, even though I barely showed her but I enjoyed her presence in the story. I hope to do her a little more justice here than before. I hope she didn't come off as unlikeable or according to some people, when it came to Rana, Jou came off as unlikeable.
Well, if anything, I'd like to hear peoples thoughts on how I can make this story better than the last one. You can place your suggestions through a review or if you want to be private about it, through PM.
Jou: We hope to hear from you soon.
That's all I have for this one. Next time, we're going to Orange Town.
Jou: Mmm! Is it called that because they have oranges there?
I don't think that's why they call the town that. But you are going to meet the person who will become very important to you later on.
Jou: It's obvious who you're eluding to. But I suppose it'll be nice seeing her again, even though we won't know each other at all in the story.
I'll see you guys next time and Jou will go watch every Marvel Cinematic Universe film.
Jou: I am... inevitable.
You sure are.
Jou: Jackass.
Later!