One Piece: All Scope Adventure

by JayH120

A dream can become real if a person follows it. Kusari Jou has got a dream. A dream to go to the Grand Line and find the All Scope. As he travels with the Straw Hat Pirates, he will face many dangers, going against those threats will make him become stronger and honor a promise he made with his mother. A promise is a promise after all.

21. An Adventure Begins!

I do not own One Piece

It is owned by Oda

I just the OC's

Enjoy!

Loguetown opening: Silhouette - KANA-BOON, Naruto Shippuden OP 16

"Excuse me," a voice got everyone's attention, even Daddy and Carol turned the voice when they were previously leaving. Nami saw a young woman with wine-colored red hair and green eyes with a pair of short swords on her back. Nami couldn't help but notice Jou's eyes seem to widen when he saw her and wondered why that was. Nami will admit she was pretty. but has no clue what kind of girl caught Jou's eye.

"Rana...?" Jou said.

"Hey, Jou," Rana waved as she approached them.

So, they do know each other... Nami thought as she stared between the two. Before anything else can happen, Carol ran toward Rana and wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Rana!" Carol exclaimed happily.

"Hi, Carol," Rana laughed as she hugged the girl back. "You look nice today."

"Thank you," Carol smiled.

"Didn't know you were buddy-buddy with Daddy the Father's daughter?" Jou questioned with a smirk.

"I sometimes look after Carol here while her father's busy hunting down a pirate," Rana informed. "Speaking of which..." Rana turned to Daddy the Father. "People told me about a gunshot that was heard in this area, Masterson. Would you happen to know anything about that?"

"I was just testing this kid," Daddy pointed at Usopp. "He proved his skill and I didn't have to shoot him."

"What did you want to shoot him for?" Rana wondered as Jou was quick to interject.

"Well, that's kind of a long story," Jou stated as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I see," Rana nodded. "I'll take your word for it, Jou." Nami figured Rana trusted Jou which meant she knew him well enough to take him up on his word.

"We'll be leaving," Daddy said. "Come along, Carol. Let's go."

"Okay, Papa," Carol smiled. "Bye, Rana! Can we play again some other day?"

"We'll have to see if I'm not so busy," Rana promised. "But we will." The two shared one more hug as Carol ran to join Daddy as they departed. It was now just Nami, Jou, Usopp, and Jou's new mystery friend, Rana.

"I didn't think I'd see you again so soon," Jou stated as he walked up to Rana.

"Neither did I," Rana shrugged as the two smiled at each other. Nami didn't know what was coming over her as she felt a sudden twitch in her eyebrow.

"Ahem!" Nami cleared her throat as Jou and Rana turned from each other to look at her. "Jou?" Nami forced a smile. "You mind introducing us?"

"Oh, haha," Jou chuckled rubbing the back of his neck. "You're right. Nami, Usopp? This is an old friend of mine from my hometown, Rana."

"Heya," Rana waved at the two with a smile. "You two must be part of the crew Jou's talked about? He told me he's the lookout. What do you guys do?"

"I'm Captain Usopp," Usopp quickly introduced. "That's right. Jou's a member of my loyal crew-"

"He's just our sniper," Jou told Rana.

"Wha-" Usopp frowned. "Jou, why did you go and say that?"

"You really think she's going to fall for your lies?" Jou wondered. "Rana's smarter than that. Usopp's a good shot. He just proved just showed how good he was to Daddy the Father."

"Jou..." Usopp seemed touched by the praise from Jou.

"Really?" Rana asked. "It takes a lot to impress Daddy Masterson. You must be proud."

"Heh," Usopp snorted as he smiled. "Yep, I sure am."

"And this is-" Jou was interrupted as Nami walked past him and brushed against his arm. "Okay, I guess she can introduce herself." Nami didn't mean to do that and didn't know why she's acting this way but didn't question it and put a hand toward Rana.

"I'm Nami," Nami introduced. "Nice to meet you, Rana." Rana smiled and took Nami's hand as they shook.

"Nami's our navigator," Jou mentioned. Nami turned her head and gave Jou an irritated look and folded her arms under her chest.

"I could have said that myself, you know," Nami narrowed her eyes. Jou blinked as he seemed confused by her cold attitude toward him.

"Uh, right," Jou said. "Sorry." Jou rubbed the back of his head. Nami felt bad about the way she acted toward him. She had no clue as to why she was doing this now when Jou's friend just showed up.

"So, Rana?" Nami said. "How long have you and Jou known each other?"

"How long?" Rana wondered. "Let's see...?" She seemed to be figuring it out in her head. "We've known each other since we were kids, so about 12 years."

"We were 7 when we met," Jou mentioned.

"We're the same age," Rana added. "Of course, I was born a month before so that makes me the oldest." She gave Jou a victorious smirk.

"You just love to rub that in my face," Jou sighed as he placed his hands on his hips as Rana laughed.

"How about we go somewhere and talk," Rana suggested. "I mean if you guys want to?"

"I'm okay with that," Jou said. "How about you guys?" He asked Nami and Usopp.

"Sure," Usopp nodded as Jou's eyes went to Nami. He seemed to be asking her with his eyes for her to join them. Nami gave a nod and forced a smile.

"Yeah, okay," Nami said. "We can do that."

"Perfect," Rana smiled. "Follow me. I know a place."

Rana lead them through the streets as she and Jou chatted the whole way toward their destination. They spoke and reminisced about the days when they were kids. Nami was silent the whole way there as she listened to Jou and Rana recall memories together with fond smiles on their faces. Nami hasn't known Jou as long as Rana obviously has, but Nami hoped someday, she and Jou can look back on memories they've made together.

"Hey, Nami," Nami looked to her side at Usopp, who whispered trying to get her attention.

"What do you want?" Nami whispered back.

"Are you alright?" Usopp questioned. "You don't seem like yourself right now?"

"I'm just fine," Nami declared.

"You seem a little... distant," Usopp figured. "Like ever since Rana showed up you've been quiet and honestly a bit cold to Jou. Why are you-" Usopp let out a gasp. "Why didn't I see before?" He gave a teasing smirk. "You're jealous."

"What?" Nami almost showed she was taken aback by Usopp's statement. But she managed to keep a straight face. "I am not."

"You can't trick a liar, Nami," Usopp wagged his finger. "It's written all over your face. Why didn't see it before? You're jealous of Rana because she's close to Jou."

"I'm not jealous, Usopp," Nami dismissed. Even if she was jealous, which she's not, Nami wouldn't let anyone know. But her claims didn't stop the sniper from grinning.

"It's okay, there's no need to deny it anymore," Usopp's remarked. "Man, this is too good. I've known since the beginning there was something going between you and Jou-" The only thing Nami could think of to shut this moron up was to stamp on his foot with the heel of her sandal.

"Oh-Owowowow!" Usopp hollered in pain which caused onlookers, Jou and Rana to stare at them.

"Everything alright?" Jou questioned. "Couldn't help but notice you two having quite the "whisper-argument" back there?" Nami moved her foot off Usopp's and gave a cheerful smile to assure that nothing was wrong.

"Everything's peachy!" Nami stated. "Just tripped and stepped on Usopp's foot on accident."

"Accident?" Usopp repeated with shark teeth. "You did that purpose!"

"We almost there?" Nami asked Rana. Rana's lips curled in an amused smile.

"Yep, nearly there," Rana assured and kept walking with Jou beside her. "They like that all the time?" She asked them.

"You could say that," Jou replied with a smile

Rana brought them to a cafe and they sat at an outside table. Nami and Usopp sat on one side and Jou and Rana on the other. A waitress came to take their orders but each of them decided to only order drinks. Rana was very generous and claimed the drinks were on her. The other three spoke while Nami stayed quiet, only twirling her drink with a straw.

"Hey, Nami...?" Nami looked up to find Rana was talking to her.

"Yeah?" Nami wondered.

"On the way here, Jou was telling me what a great navigator you are," Rana mentioned with a smile.

"She's an amazing navigator," Jou brought up. "One of, if not, the best navigator in this sea."

"Well, if Jou says so then it must be true," Rana said.

"It is true," Nami remarked and stared at Jou. "You told her that?"

"Just telling the truth," Jou stated. "We've gotten into some bad sea storms and never would've made it out without Nami and her weather predicting. She's incredible." Jou smirked at Nami which caused Nami to smile back.

Nami blushed in pride from the compliment, it was nice Jou appreciated her skills. Nami saw Usopp sneering at her in the seat beside her own. She had another urge to step on his foot again but refrained from doing so and instead took a sip of her drink.

"So, I noticed a huge bag of clothes you got there, Nami," Rana said.

"Yeah, what of it?" Nami questioned.

"Nothing," Rana shrugged. "Loguetown has a variety of great clothing stores." Nami didn't take Rana as the kind of girl that enjoyed shopping for clothes.

"It does," Nami smiled. "But I've only been to about a few of them."

"What, really?" Rana wondered. "You've only been to a few shops and you managed to buy that many?" Rana seemed surprised by that news.

"You mean these?" Nami gestured to the sack beside her. "This all came from after haggling over the prices," Nami stated with a smirk.

"Damn, wish I had your skills..." Rana commented. Nami noticed Jou's risen brows as he gave Rana a puzzled look.

"What's with that face?" Rana noticed him.

"Since when do you chat about clothes?" Jou asked. "I didn't think you were the kind of person to ever do that?" Rana responded with a chuckle.

"It's a girl thing," Rana replied. "What am I supposed to do? Talk to you about clothes?" she asked Jou. "Plus, it's not like Bouy village was known for its variety its clothing stores."

It was at this point, Nami decided she actually liked Rana and was wrong to feel any sort of disdain toward her because of Jou. Things really started to become lively between the four as Jou and Rana told a story about how they came across a huge bear on their home island when they 14-years-old.

"Alright, I'm up in a tree watching him try to hold onto the bear's back..." Rana explained as Nami and Usopp were both laughing midway through the tale.

"Yeah, she's up there..." Jou took over the story. "Shouting at me: "let go, let go". While I'm busy hanging on for dear life, I shout back: "Are you kidding? There's teeth in the other end!" Nami and Usopp couldn't hold it any longer as the laughter became uncontrollable.

"W-Wait?" Usopp wondered as he caught his breath, wiping a tear. "How did you get off its back?" Jou leaned in his chair in downed the rest of his drink.

"It eventually hurled me off it and sent me flying into the sky," Jou mentioned nonchalantly.

"Wait a minute?" Nami interjected. "How did you even survive?"

"I landed in a tree," Jou remarked and soon cupped his chin in thought. "Or did I crash through the tree?"

"Are you sure you're even normal?" Nami asked unbelievably. She didn't know why she even bothered with that question. If Jou could survive an entire fight with Arlong along with the addition of a building crumbling on top of him then Jou being normal was definitely not the best way to describe him.

"Later he came back to the village covered head to toe in leaves and branches," Rana chuckled.

"You just laughed when you saw me," Jou said to Rana. "You didn't even feel bad for me."

"I felt bad..." Rana remarked. "For the tree." Laughter was heard at the table again.

"Uh, excuse me?" the laughing faded as there was a man beside them, trying to get Rana's attention. The way he was dressed, he likely worked at the cafe they were at.

"Oh, sorry," Rana said. "Are we being too loud?"

"Not at all," the man smiled. "I may be the manager, but I just wanted to say thanks for clearing those rowdy pirates the other day."

"It was no problem at all," Rana smiled. "I'm glad I could be of help. It is my duty, after all." The manager smiled and told them to enjoy themselves before leaving. Nami wondered what Rana did for a job at Loguetown. There were only two she could think of that dealt with pirates.

"Are you bounty hunter or something, Rana?" Usopp asked as Rana laughed in response. This caused Usopp to share a look with Nami.

"Good guess, but no," Rana shook her head. "I'm a Marine." Usopp was taking a drink out of his glass and aimed a spit-take at the ground when hearing that.

"A Marine?!" Nami and Usopp exclaimed together. Nami was as surprised a Usopp was, her eyes widening.

"Uh, yes...?" Rana wondered with a raised brow. "Why are you guys so surprised?" Nami noticed Jou was unusually quiet as he was sipping his drink, his eyes wandering to the side. Nami figured Jou had to have known Rana's profession all along which was why he was being so unusually silent.

"Oh, uh-" Nami smiled at Rana. "We didn't know what you did for a job and Jou never mentioned he had a friend in the Marines." Jou stopped drinking and stared at Nami. Nami noticed he probably felt guilty about this whole thing, with Nami and Usopp having no clue they were talking to a Marine.

"Yep, it's true," Rana said proudly. "I'm a Marine. Being a Marine is more than just a job for me. It's my sworn duty to catch Pirates and protect others from them. I made that life's goal when I signed on a few years back and since then I worked to get where I am."

"I see," Nami replied. Rana seemed to really have the drive to be a Marine. Bell-mère must've had that confidence, too, when she was with the Marines before she decided to raise Nami and her sister. Even if Rana was with the Marines, Nami wasn't going to change her attitude toward her, that'll just make her suspicious. Nami was more worried about Jou since it was obvious he and Rana are great friends. Nami cast a worried glance at him as he returned an equal expression at her.

"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you both," Rana said to Nami and Usopp and stood from her seat. "I covered the drinks. And you..." she looked at Jou. "Let me know when you leave, I want to say bye before you set sail."

"Yeah, sure," Jou nodded.

"See you later," Rana waved and left down the street. Jou sighed once Rana was out of earshot and turned to Nami and Usopp.

"Listen, guys, I can explain..." Jou said and was immediately seized by the shirt from Usopp.

"You better explain!" Usopp screamed while pushing his nose against Jou's. "You didn't think to tell us your friend is a Marine?!" Jou took Usopp's wrist and shoved him back in his chair.

"I know it looks bad," Jou said looking at the ground. If it was any other juncture, Nami would be furious if Jou didn't think to share with them Rana was a Marine. But she can tell Jou already felt bad enough and looked on the bright side of this concern.

"The way she acts toward us, it seems like she has no idea you or any of us are Pirates," Nami deduced. "Not yet, anyway. That indicates she hasn't seen your bounty yet."

"Yeah, it does," Jou said.

"She'll find out eventually," Usopp mentioned whilst shaking. "And when she does find out you're a Pirate..." Usopp noted to Jou. "Or worse, see's your bounty. Jou, the only place you'll be saying bye to her from is behind bars in a Marine prison. Since she knows we're in the same crew, they'll for sure arrest all of us."

"Would you calm down!" Nami exclaimed bonking Usopp over the head. "Can't you see you're making Jou even more worried!"

I'm not going to let that happen," Jou stated as he stood from his seat. Nami noticed his firm expression. "Look, if she finds out, just leave it between me and her. I'm gonna take a walk." Jou left the table and before he could leave Nami sprung from her chair and grabbed his arm.

"I... I'll go with you," Nami proposed.

"Why?" Jou wondered. "You worried about me?" Nami didn't say anything and only frowned at him. Jou seemed to force a reassuring smile. "Thanks, but I'll be fine. Besides, I wouldn't you and Usopp in danger in case there's anyone who saw my bounty." Nami gently released Jou's arm as she watched him leave down the street.

"Boy, this must be hard on him," Usopp mentioned. "I can only imagine what this must feel like for him."

Nami didn't answer the sniper and kept her eyes on Jou. Despite everything, he was still putting them before himself. Nami admired that Jou wants to protect them, showing that he still cares about the crew. Speaking of, Nami was concerned Jou might be having second thoughts being on the crew since this might put him and Rana at odds. What if he ended up leaving the crew? Nami didn't want Jou to leave, not after everything they've been through so far and what he had done for her. The thought of that was... heartbreaking for Nami.

---

Jou, who'd been alone eventually came across Luffy and Zoro on the street. Jou decided to join them and they went to eat at a restaurant. It was nice on the inside, fancy for something in the East Blue with music being played on a record player. The boys finish their meal as Luffy let out a satisfied sigh, his belly bloated from the food.

"Man, I'm stuffed," Luffy commented. "Loguetown might be our last chance to get a good meal for a while. I was starving."

"You got me there," Jou agreed. "Can't believe I haven't eaten a thing since we arrived in town."

"Same here," Zoro said as he poured himself another drink in his glass. "But I was also completely out of money. I'm glad I ran into you guys." Zoro stated with a smirk.

"Huh, but I don't have any money," Luffy mentioned. Zoro was close to choking on his drink and quickly swallowed it.

"You don't?!" Zoro questioned.

"Are you sure you don't?" Luffy wondered.

"Of course not," Zoro argued. "Where would I get any money!" Luffy responded with a chuckle while smacking the table.

"You are always broke!" Luffy laughed as Zoro grunted and looked at Jou.

"Jou, think you can help us out here?" Zoro asked, almost pleading. "You must have some money, don't you?"

"I... I do not," Jou remarked and sighed. "I sort of spent it all on parts for my telescope. So, at the moment I'm flat broke, just like you, Zoro."

"Haha!" Luffy kept laughing. "Both of you guys are broke! That's too good!"

"That means you too, jackass," Jou frowned at his captain.

"Then how are we gonna pay for this meal?" Zoro asked as he sweated.

"Maybe we just won't pay," Luffy suggested.

"Considering what we are..." Jou added. "Not paying seems doable. Although it would only tack on more problems..." As if by a miracle, a pouch landed on the brim of Luffy's hat. Something fell out of the pouch as Luffy clasped it in his hands, it happened to be a berri coin.

"Oh, that's cool!" Luffy grinned staring at the coin. He turned to the cloaked man at the table behind him, the pouch had apparently come from him. "Hey, you didn't have to buy us our lunch. But thanks!" Luffy stepped toward the man and placed the pouch on the table.

"You're the best," Luffy commented as he flipped the coin and caught it. Jou wanted to say thanks as well and believed it would be polite to do so.

"Thanks, man," Jou smiled and bowed his head. "Appreciate it." He left following after Luffy as Zoro approached the man after them.

"Yeah, thanks a lot, buddy," Zoro said touching the man's shoulder.

"Yeah, whatever, you're welcome," the man grumbled as Jou, Luffy, and Zoro left the restaurant.

"Come again!" a waiter called to them.

"We will!" Luffy called back as they went out the entrance. Jou and the other two were walking along the street as Jou felt the wind increase.

Sure is getting drafty, Jou thought. I'm certain wherever Nami is, she can definitely tell. The wind caused Luffy's straw hat to be blown off his head.

"My hat!" Luffy shouted. "Wait!" He gave chase after his hat that drifted around the corner. Jou and Zoro followed Luffy but unfortunately lost sight of him.

"Uh, Luffy?" Zoro called as he looked around.

"Looks like we lost him," Jou figured. "Think we should split to try and find him?"

"Nah," Zoro shook his head. "I'm sure he'll turn up. Just stick together."

"Right," Jou agreed with a smile. "Stick together because you'll just end up getting lost, Zoro."

"Shut up," Zoro grumbled as Jou smirked at him. "Come on." Zoro started walking as Jou followed. Jou had a strange feeling something was about to go down and the crew was gonna be right in the middle of it. Speaking of the rest of the crew, Jou and Zoro spotted them right ahead of them. Jou was curious as to why Usopp and Sanji were holding a huge fish on their shoulders. Nami stared intently at her compass. Jou had a feeling she knew something was different about the weather.

"The barometric pressure is falling fast," Nami commented and looked at the sky. "I've never seen such a sharp drop before?"

"You know I thought I felt something strange," Sanji stated

"There's a storm headed straight for the island," Nami informed.

"A storm?" Usopp wondered.

"Yeah, we better hurry back to the ship or we'll be in trouble," Nami suggested.

"Is it gonna be big?" Usopp asked with obvious fear in his voice.

"Hey!" Zoro called to get their attention.

"Glad we found you guys," Jou stated as the others noticed them.

"Jou, Zoro," Nami called them.

"Where is he?" Zoro wondered scratching his head. "Have you guys seen Luffy around?"

"Luffy...?" Usopp repeated.

"We lost sight of him," Jou said. "The wind sent his hat flying off his head. I'm getting a bad feeling."

"So, it's wasn't just me," Zoro said as he stared at Jou. "It usually means that something bad is gonna happen." Jou looked around and noticed dark clouds start making their way over Loguetown. Panic spread over the town but it wasn't about the approaching storm.

"Pirates are here!" a citizen screamed. "It's Buggy the Clown!" The people started running down the street in fear as the 5 teens watched them sprint away in fear.

"What'd they say?" Nami asked.

"I think they said Buggy?" Zoro wondered.

"So, Buggy's here in Loguetown," Jou figured. Buggy likely wasn't happy after he and Luffy's fight and was sent flying out of Orange Town. Probably felt humiliated after that and wanted to even the score as that would be the only explanation why he's in here now. The rumbling noise was heard as the dark clouds slowly floated over the city.

"It's time for the execution!" Someone shouted.

"Buggy the Clown is gonna kill 'Straw hat' Luffy!" another called out.

"They're gonna execute him!?" Usopp sweat-dropped.

"That freaking idiot!" Nami said angrily.

"Let's go!" Zoro said as he started running off.

"Hold this!" Sanji practically threw his part of the huge fish at Usopp, much to the sniper's own protest, and went to follow Zoro.

"Hey, Sanji!" Usopp shouted as he struggled to hold the fish.

"Treat it like a lady, you got that!" Sanji ordered the sniper.

"Time to rescue the captain," Jou sighed. "Nami?" Jou got the navigator's attention. "Can you do me favor and take my bag to the ship for me?" Jou asked as he handed his backpack to her.

"Fine, but you owe me," Nami said as she took Jou's bag.

"Thanks a bunch," Jou smiled and ran to catch up to the cook and swordsman. The lookout followed Zoro and Sanji toward the execution platform in hopes of getting to their captain in time. Usopp struggled to carry the fish in his hold as Nami grabbed him and yanked him along as she walked.

"C'mon, we gotta hurry!" She told him.

"Where are we going, Nami?" Usopp asked.

"The harbor, you numbskull!" Nami snapped and kept dragging him away as bystanders watched them.

"The harbor?" Usopp repeated. "Oh yeah, I knew that."

---

Rana followed a squad of marine soldiers up a yellow tower. They told her that Captain Smoker was on the top floor and she should report to him. Rana heard there was some kind of commotion going on in Loguetown and hoped Jou and his crew weren't in the middle of it. Rana found Smoker and Tashigi looking across town, both with binoculars over their eyes.

"Captain Smoker, look," a Marine pointed out. "Things're getting weird."

"It's that kid?" Smoker said. "What's he doing out there?"

"Well, if I didn't know any better..." Tashigi stated. "I would say Monkey D. Luffy is about to be executed."

"Did you say Monkey D. Luffy...?" Rana asked as she made herself known.

"Rana..." Tashigi turned around to Rana with her glasses on her forehead. "I assume you know by now that pirates have taken over the square?"

"I heard something about that," Rana said as she stepped beside the Sergeant Major. "Tashigi, think I can have a look?" She pointed at the binoculars.

"Sure, all yours," Tashigi handed off the binoculars. Rana peered through them and got a look at the crowd of pirates.

"Look at them all," Rana muttered. "They got the square completely overrun. Damn pirates." She brought the binoculars up to the execution platform. "There's Buggy the Clown and Straw hat." Buggy seemed to have Straw hat right where he wanted him. "If Buggy kills him, that'll be one less Pirate to deal with." Rana took the binoculars off her eyes and turned to Smoker. "When do we intervene, Captain?"

"You're right, Rana," Smoker answered her. "One pirate is about to kill another. Let them fight it out first. That'll save us the trouble." Smoker turned to address the rest of the men. "Listen, once that straw hat loses his head, we surround Buggy, Alvida, and their gang and do it fast!" There was a boom from the thunder clouds as Smoker made his declaration.

Rana thought Captain Smoker was an honorable man with an admirable sense of justice. That's the reason Rana has a lot of respect for her captain. Smoker was much different than her previous CO in the Marines, more strict and not at all laidback. Maybe he could tone it down with the use of those cigars, but she doubted he would stop using them. Besides that point, Rana knew where the captain was coming from. If Buggy kills Straw hat right now, then that'll make capturing Buggy and his crew easier.

---

Buggy had the annoying straw hat brat right where he wanted him. Luffy's head and arms were restrained in the execution pillory as Buggy held a sword in his hand with a foot planted on Luffy's head.

"I'm so sorry," Luffy remarked in a bored tone. "Really I am. Please spare my life."

WHY WOULD I SPARE YOUR LIFE!" Buggy yelled. Ringo held a bowling pin against his shoulder as he had his attention toward the execution platform like the other members of the Buggy Pirates.

"And so begins the last chapter for 'Straw hat' Luffy," Ringo commented.

"This is what happens when you go against us," Cabaji muttered.

"I guess this is it for the man I had my eye on," Alvida stated sadly.

"You got quite a big audience here today, Straw hat?" Buggy asked as a humongous crowd gathered at the execution platform. "You wanna say a few words before you die?" Luffy didn't say anything. "Oh, cat got your tongue?" Buggy chuckled. "That's alright. Stay quiet or say a few words, it doesn't matter, you're still gonna die!"

"LISTEN!" Luffy screamed. "I'M THE MAN WHO WILL BE KING OF THE PIRATES!" His claim echoed throughout the streets of Loguetown which caused surprise among the civilians.

"He said he's gonna be King of The Pirates?"

"In this town of all places? That's a crazy thing to say."

"We're finally getting to the best part of the show," Buggy grinned. "Bye-bye now." Buggy giggled as Luffy struggled to get out of the pillory but it was no use.

---

Jou saw Buggy up on the execution platform. He looked rather smug like he'd won already with Luffy trapped. Luffy couldn't move or do anything to get out of the bind he was in. If Jou and the others were going to save their captain, they had to act now. But Jou wanted to have a little fun and destroy Buggy's ego.

"I know how to get Buggy's attention," Jou smirked, flicking his red chain off his wrist. He stepped forward, took a long breath, and shouted:

"BIG NOSE!" Jou shouted which brought the attention of the Buggy Pirates, the bystanders, and Buggy himself to bring his eyes toward him, Zoro, and Sanji. Jou smirked as he saw the clown's face turn red with anger, matching the color of his nose.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!" Buggy exclaimed furiously.

"Hahahaha!" Luffy chuckled as he smiled at his three crewmen.

"THIS EXECUTION...!" Jou called.

"IS OVER!" Zoro and Sanji shouted together.

"JOU! SANJI! ZORO!" Luffy grinned as he was over-joyed that they showed up to get him out of this.

---

Rana's eyes widened as she couldn't believe what she heard. Did 'Straw hat' Luffy just shout Jou's name? Rana with the binoculars in her hands moved them to the spot where supposedly Jou was. She was hoping it wasn't true and it was a whole other person. Rana pleaded for it to be a coincidence but her hopes were crumbled when she spotted Jou, her friend back when they were kids standing in-between a blonde young man and who she guessed to be the Pirate Hunter Zoro. Each of them was ready for a fight but Rana was confused. Was Jou here to stop the execution and save Straw hat?

"Straw hat is a pirate..." Rana mumbled. "Why would you be here trying to save him, Jou?"

"That's 'Dual-Chain' Jou, ma'am," a Marine said beside her. "He's a member of 'Straw hat' Luffy's crew." The Marine showed Rana Jou's wanted poster. Rana grabbed it as this was the first she's ever seen of it.

"Jou..." Rana breathed as her eyes fell on the amount placed on him. "25 million...?" Rana moved her eyes away from the poster and looked to her childhood friend standing on the street, his red chain on his shoulder. "Jou..." Rana murmured as she released Jou's poster at her feet. "Are you really part of Straw hat's crew?"

---

"Luffy, you idiot," Zoro grinned as he grabbed his white katana. "Guess all that fooling around finally caught up with ya, huh?"

"Can't walk more than two steps without getting into trouble," Jou commented.

"You startin' a sideshow?" Sanji added. "Or is that just how you look? Pretty sad. What we've gotta do is drive these goons away." The crowd that was watching Luffy's execution saw Jou, Zoro, Sanji. The crowd seemed to take immediate notice to Jou and Zoro.

"No!" a citizen shouted. "It's 'Dual-Chain' Jou and the Pirate Hunter Zoro!" The sight of them caused the crowd to clear out and scream as they scampered in fear.

"Nice that our own reputations caused to riffraff to scatter," Jou stated. "That'll make getting to Luffy much easier." Jou looked and saw Luffy giving them his trademark grin.

"Hey, guys!" Luffy greeted happily.

"Zoro, 'Dual-Chain', you both made it!" Buggy exclaimed. "But you're just a little too late!" Buggy rose his sword in the air. Jou, Zoro, and Sanji took that as their cue to make a dash toward Buggy's Pirates.

"What's the plan?" Jou asked. "Save Luffy, I know that! But Buggy's guys are standing in our way!"

"All we gotta do is bring down the platform!" Zoro figured. Jou noticed an unfamiliar dark-haired and slender woman carrying a large mace who rose her hand out toward him, Zoro, and Sanji.

"Okay, boys!" She commanded Buggy's Pirates. "Get 'em!" The Buggy pirates did as they were told and gave out battle cries as they sprinted at the three. The rest of the citizens ran to get away from the carnage about to happen while most watched from a distance. Zoro sliced any Pirate that came close to him, Sanji kicked other's who attacked him, he knocked away multiple pirates standing on his hands while delivering kicks.

Four pirates attacked Jou as he flicked his right wrist and grabbed his steel chain. One pirate attacked with a sword which Jou ducked underneath and lashed him in across the face. A second attacked and didn't land a hit as Jou rushed through him with a strike to the chest. Another leaped to bring his sword down on him as Jou wrapped both chain's around the man's ankles and tossed him into a group of other pirates waiting to attack. Jou didn't need to look or turn around as another pirate went to attack Jou from behind and lashed him in the face with his red chain, knocking him out.

"'Dual-Chain' Jou," Jou turned around and saw a man approach him. The man carried three juggling pins as he tossed each of them in the air and caught them in his hands. Jou rose his brows as the man was vaguely familiar but couldn't quite remember his name. "You remember our battle in Orange Town for the gold, yes? Of course, I never forgot it as I've been meaning to even the score." Jou only became more confused as they spoke as if they've met before.

"Have we met?" Jou frowned as he tilted his head. The man looked offended and taken aback as his face became red with fury.

"It's me!" The man shouted with shark teeth. "Ringo the Juggler?!" It still wasn't ringing a bell as Jou was lost in thought for a few seconds and finally remembered.

"Oh, yeah!" Jou realized. "You're that crappy juggler with the bad act!" Ringo was relieved Jou remembered but soon became enraged once more.

"How dare you insult my act!" Ringo seethed. "No matter! If I take you down with this crowd watching it will boost my own reputation!"

"Like that matters, jackass!" Jou remarked. "You're just in the way of me getting to my captain!" Jou sprinted toward Ringo as the so-called juggler held up a juggling pin.

"Juggler Act: Knife Toss!" Ringo threw the pin as Jou deflected it with his chain. Jou's advancement wasn't ceased as Ringo seemed to wait for Jou to come closer.

"Now, die 'Dual-Chain'!" Ringo revealed his blade rope which Jou recalled he kept in one of his bowling pins. "Juggler Act: Bladed Rope Finale!" He swung his rope and hurled the blade part at Jou. Jou didn't even need Fade-Step to avoid Ringo's weapon and easily rolled underneath it. Ringo swung his rope and brought the blade around to Jou.

Jou felt the rush of wind behind him and ducked under Ringo's weapon. Jou reached Ringo, the Juggler was about to swing his blade again but Jou knowing Ringo's moves, feeling stronger after the fight against Arlong, and his captain about to be executed wanted to finish Ringo off immediately. Jou sped through Ringo and chain-slashed him in the chest. Ringo gasped as he was sent in the air with a burst of wind, Jou wrapped his chain around his ankles and with a spin and hurled the unconscious Ringo toward Buggy on the execution platform.

---

Buggy screeched as he narrowly ducked under his Second Mate that was launched at him. Buggy watched Ringo unceremoniously peel off the wall behind him and glanced at Jou who continued dealing with his pirates like they were nothing. The way he fought with those chains reminded him of others who fought in a similar way.

Why didn't I see it before...? he thought.

Buggy remembered the first Pirate crew he a part of when he was just an apprentice. The Second Mate of that Pirate crew fought with chains. As did a girl his age around that time, she carried a red chain and it did look similar to the one 'Dual-Chain' held.

There's no way! Buggy thought. It got to be only a coincidence.

But now wasn't the time to think about the past. Buggy had this annoying straw hat brat right where he wanted him. It was time to get some payback for what this annoying punk put him through.

---

Buggy's men didn't let up, Jou kept lashing out at any who came close. Zoro and Sanji did the same, the three of them taking down pirate after pirate. Jou knocked out one more pirate, instead of using his chain he hit the pirate with a well-placed kick underneath the chin, knocking the man out. Jou stomped on the pirate's head and turned his head to the execution platform as he heard Buggy's cackling laughter

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Buggy boomed. "NOT EVEN 'DUAL-CHAIN' AND THE GREAT ZORO CAN STOP ME NOW! THERE'S NOTHING YOU THREE CAN DO! IT'S THE END FOR YOUR CAPTAIN!"

"Bastard!" Sanji cursed as he delivered another kick to a pirates' face.

---

Rana caught things were heating up down there. The whole time she kept her eyes on Jou and noticed how hard he was fighting. Jou really is here to save 'Straw hat' Luffy. There's no way he wouldn't be if he... was a pirate.

Jou... Rana thought.

"Listen!" she heard a marine call. "The moment Monkey D. Luffy's head falls, we all attack together!"

"Prepare for battle," Smoker ordered as he rose a hand.

"Sir!" The marines answered the captain. Rana breathed in and out as the nerves settled in and nodded. She would have to charge in with the rest of the Marines to arrest Jou, her friend. Maybe once he's caught, she'll get an answer from him as to why's on a pirate crew.

---

Buggy's laughter was getting on Jou's nerves. All they had to do was give Zoro a clear opening to cut down the platform but Buggy's men continued to pile one by one. Jou lashed through three more pirates that attacked him and caught Buggy bringing down his sword to Luffy's neck.

"JOU! ZORO! SANJI! USOPP! NAMI!" Luffy called out each of their names. "SORRY!" Jou saw Luffy give a wide grin and spoke what was hopefully not his last words. "BUT I'M DEAD!"

"Idiot!" Zoro muttered.

"Don't say that!" Sanji growled. Jou's eyes widened as Buggy's blade came to Luffy's neck.

"LUFFY!" Jou screamed.

After that, time felt as if it all slowed. A lightning bolt struck the execution platform as a flash of light burst from it which caused the structure to collapse and tumble like a falling tree and was somehow coated in blue flames. Jou saw the straw hat that belonged to his captain float its way down to its owner's feet. Luffy picked up his prized hat and placed it on his head and began laughing as if he were the luckiest man alive.

"Hahahaha!" Luffy laughed. "I'm still alive! That's nice!"

Not far away from Luffy was a charred, unconscious Buggy. The Buggy pirates had similar looks of disbelief by what they just witnessed. Jou let out a sigh and was thankful that it seemed Luffy had the luck of the devil on his side. Zoro was speechless as he took his sword out of his mouth. Sanji was surprised as his cigarette fell out of his mouth.

"That's was divine intervention," Sanji said.

"Stop talking nonsense," Zoro stated. "We gotta get outta this town. Our troubles are not over."

"Looks like it's time we kiss Loguetown goodbye," Jou commented wrapping his chains on his wrist.

"That was close!" Luffy remarked as he casually strolled toward the three. "I was afraid I was really gonna bite it there for a while!"

"ATTACK! SURROUND ALL THE PIRATES NOW!" The marines charged at the order.

"Here they come!" Sanji exclaimed as he saw the approaching horde of marines wielding swords and rifles. The marines engaged in fighting the pirates, the sounds of battle cries and clashing blades echoing across the square.

"Oh wow!" Luffy smiled as he side-stepped an unconscious body. "So cool." he dodged another. "Everybody here went crazy so quickly."

"Luffy!" The straw hat screamed from someone grabbing the collar of his shirt. But calmed once he realized it was only Zoro.

"Zoro," Luffy said.

"We don't have time for this," Zoro explained. "We have got to get out of here."

"We better hurry to the Going Merry or we won't be able to leave this island!" Sanji suggested.

"If we don't we'll never get to the Grand Line at this rate," Jou chimed.

"Really?" Luffy questioned with wide eyes. "Well, that's no good. RUN!" The quartet started running down the street.

"THE STRAW HAT GANG IS GETTING AWAY!" A marine shouted.

"CAPTURE THEM!" Another marine said. A group of marines tried to block the four off but the marines were no match for them and were easily beaten which allowed the pirates to escape and continue back to their ship.

---

Rana didn't know what even happened. Buggy was about to kill Straw hat but a sudden lightning bolt destroyed the platform before it could happen. Rana had to admit that was some kind of luck but that's all it was. Luck. Rana could care less about Straw hat's fortune and is still more curious about why Jou is even on Straw hat's crew.

"Captain, we have to pursue the pirates!" A Marine suggested.

"Lieutenant, think back?" Smoker questioned. "Have you ever seen any pirates who smiled on the execution platform?"

"No sir, it doesn't matter how tough the guy is." the Lieutenant answered. "At the moment they all turn pale and die in despair."

"Um..." Rana spoke up. "I heard Gold Roger smiled the day he was executed. I wasn't even born yet because that was 22 years ago."

"That's right," Smoker nodded. "That kid smiled just like the old King of the Pirates did on that exact execution platform."

"Captain...?" the Lieutenant mouthed.

"Where's the straw hat man now?" Smoker wondered.

"Sir, he slipped past us and is heading toward the harbor," the Lieutenant answered as Smoker walked off.

"Unit 1 should've destroyed their ship by now." Smoker figured.

"Well, sir..." the Lieutenant said. "They had to return to port for a refitting, they couldn't light their powder due to the sudden rain."

"What...?!" Smoker growled and stopped walking as he heard that statement.

"But a reserve unit is currently making preparations to attack the ship instead," the Lieutenant answered.

"Captain Smoker, if we let them sail now they'll be able to get to the Grand Line before we can capture them," Tashigi mentioned.

"That's right, Captain." Rana agreed. "It'll be too late if they make it out to sea."

"The wind is blowing toward's the west," Smoker stated. "It's a tailwind for that ship. Is this just mere coincidence?" Smoker looked toward the sky. "It's as if heaven itself has special plans for this young pirate. I am White Hunter Smoker. On my honor as a Marine Captain, I won't let that man leave this island!"

---

The rain came down hard as it turned into a storm as Jou, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji sprinted through town to get back to the Going Merry.

"Which way is the sea?!" Zoro questioned.

"I don't know!" Luffy replied with a grin. "The rain makes it harder to tell where we're going!"

"There they are!" The Marines were right on their heels.

"Persistent, are they!" Jou commented as he stared at the approaching Marines.

"Should we stop and fight 'em?" Zoro suggested.

"There's no time for that!" Sanji argued. "Oh wow!" The cook exclaimed as his eye turned into a heart. "Who is that~?" Jou noticed the heart-shaped eye on the cook and wondered what had him excited, a woman obviously. Jou followed his gaze and saw the same blue-haired woman from the sword shop in town when he was with Zoro.

"Oh, look it who is," Jou said. "It's the girl from earlier." Zoro saw the girl up ahead and let out a low groan.

"Great..." Zoro muttered. The girl's head was down, her hair becoming wet from the rain as it shadowed her eyes.

"I didn't know you were Zoro," the girl stated. "And a Pirate as well. You lied. Your just another liar!" The Pirates stopped running as Sanji glared at Zoro.

"Oh, great!" Sanji seethed. "What the hell did you do to that girl!"

"You never asked me what my name was," Zoro replied as he stepped forward. "So I never lied, did I?"

"You know there's no way I'm going to allow someone like you to leave town with such a legendary sword!" Tashigi shouted. "Give it to me! The Wado Ichimonji! Right now!" Jou saw Zoro grab the sheathe of his white katana. This was the first time Jou learned the name of Zoro's sword.

"Come and get it," Zoro grinned as he grabbed the sheathe of the Wado Ichimonji. The girl gritted her teeth and unsheathed her own katana and charged as she and Zoro clashed blades.

"What a jerk!" Sanji exclaimed. "You can't fight a girl!"

"I can handle myself!" The girl called back. "This is a fight between the two of us! I don't need any help so back off!"

"You heard her," Zoro agreed. "Get outta here."

"Let's go!" Luffy decided and ran off.

"Right," Jou said and followed the Captain. "Sanji, let's go!"

"Hey, Zoro!" Sanji yelled at the swordsman. "If you hurt her I'm gonna kick your ass!"

---

Zoro's fight with Tashigi didn't take long. He completely overpowered her with the use of Wado Ichimonji and Yubashiri. Zoro knocked her back as she hit the wall behind her and slashed the sword out of her hands and pierced the wall beside her head.

"I hate to disappoint but you will never get this sword from me," Zoro grinned as he sheathed his katana's. The Marines watching were shocked by what had transpired.

"I can't believe Tashigi lost..."

"I've never seen her lose before,"

"Now I think it's time for me to go," Zoro said and started walking down the street.

"Why didn't you kill me?!" Tashigi questioned Zoro which caused him to stop walking. "I know! It's cause I'm a girl!" Hearing these words drove Zoro to remember words Kuina had said to him before.

"You're lucky, Zoro. Being born as a man."

"It's pathetic that you can't fight me because I'm a woman!" Tashigi argued. "It's embarrassing! You may be physically stronger but you don't have the guts! This sword isn't just for decoration! I don't even think you know what it means to carry a sword!"

"Would you shut up for one second!" Zoro shouted as he turned to face Tashigi. She was stunned by his outburst. "Look!" He pointed at her. "You got the same face of some girl I knew who died a long time ago and before I know a thing about you you're talking just like her! What I want you to do is stop acting like a dead person you don't even know and try to be yourself!"

"Excuse the hell outta me!" Tashigi yelled getting in his face. "It's not my fault I sound like your dead girlfriend! I had no idea it was so rude and thoughtless of me to be myself, you jerk! You ever think before you talk?!"

"What did you say...?" Zoro was utterly speechless when talking to this girl since she was just the spitting image of Kuina.

---

Jou, Luffy, and Sanji shortly after leaving Zoro to deal with that girl from before kept their pace as they ran through the wet streets of Loguetown, the rain continuing to pelt the ground.

"We're nearly there to the docks!" Jou stated. "Almost to the Grand Line! Right, Captain!"

"Yep, can't wait!" Luffy grinned in agreement.

"Don't celebrate yet!" Sanji told them. "We gotta get outta town first!" Sanji gasped as his eye widened. "Oh my~!" His eye turned into a heart again which caused Jou to wonder how he even did that. "Another beautiful girl has blessed me with her gorgeous presence!"

"What...?" Jou wondered what girl had him excited right now. Jou followed the cook's eye to find none other than his childhood friend ahead of them.

I should've seen this coming... Jou thought

"You told me you were on a crew, Jou..." Rana started as Jou stopped running as Luffy and Sanji halted beside him. "But you never told me you were on a Pirate crew!" Jou caught the fierce glare from Rana. It looks like the secret was out now, no more hiding it.

"First Zoro and now you too, Jou!" Sanji exclaimed in anger toward Jou. Jou paid the cook no attention and maintained his focus on Rana.

"You never asked what kind of crew I was on, Rana," Jou mentioned.

"I didn't think it would be a Pirate crew!" Rana's voice shouted over the rain. "After what happened 10 years ago, you decide to go ahead and join Pirates!" Rana brought her attention to Luffy who only stared blankly at her. "And your Captain just so happens to be 'Straw hat' Luffy!"

"Hey, Jou..." Luffy said to him. "Do you really know her?" Jou didn't answer Luffy and stepped in front of the straw hat and cook.

"Luffy, Sanji..." Jou said in a soft tone. "Keep going to the ship. I'll be right behind you."

"Alright, c'mon Sanji!" Luffy rushed past Rana. She didn't do anything to stop Luffy from leaving. Jou saw her gaze was on himself only. Sanji's hand clasped on his shoulder as she stared at him.

"I'm gonna give you the same warning as Zoro," Sanji remarked through gritted teeth. "She's a girl. If you hurt her...?"

"Please, she's plenty tough to take what I throw at her," Jou declared. "But I know, you'll 'kick my ass'. Hurry and get outta here."

Sanji ran to catch up with Luffy which left Jou and Rana alone. Jou stared into Rana's green eyes as the rain fell pelted them. Thunder boomed in the sky as they continued this staring contest. Jou knew Rana was unhappy as she narrowed her eyes. She was blatantly angry with him, that much he can tell. Was he really going to fight her right now?

Flashback:

Kusari Jou: age 15

Rana: age 15

The day arrived for Rana to leave for Marine training. Jou accompanied Rana to her grandmother Erin's grave before she left as Rana said goodbye to her grandma before leaving. She placed flowers on the grave as Jou with Ashe by his side, kept silent giving Rana her space. When Rana finished she stepped toward Jou as he smiled.

"So, it's finally time, isn't it?" Jou asked.

"Yeah," Rana nodded with a bag over her shoulder. "One of the villagers offered to give me a ride to the nearest base here in East Blue. From there, I'll get started."

"I'm sure your parents would be proud of you," Jou commented.

"Yeah, they would," Rana agreed. "What about you? Aren't you gonna go out to sea?"

"Yeah," Jou rubbed his neck. "But, I don't think I'm ready just yet. I need to get myself together. Wise up, you know. I'm thinking of waiting a few more years. But once I know I'm ready, I'll go."

"Oh, I see," Rana smiled as well.

"Arf!" Ashe barked to get Rana's attention.

"Oh, Ashe," Rana knelt down to give the puppy some pets on the head. "You look after this knucklehead for me, will ya?" Ashe barked in response.

"Good," Rana laughed as Jou shook his head in amusement.

"I'm gonna miss you," Jou told her. "You know that, right?" Jou was met with a punch in his shoulder from Rana who smirked.

"This isn't goodbye, you know," Rana promised. "I'm certain we'll see each other again. But I'll miss you, too."

"Make your dream come true, Rana," Jou nodded. "And when I'm ready, we'll both make our dreams come true."

"Sounds like a plan," Rana smiled as she and Jou shook hands as a vow to follow their dreams and to see each other again. Believing that no matter what happens and how far life takes them, they'll always be friends.

"I'm not sure if you've seen this yet..." Rana reached into her pocket and drew out Jou's wanted poster and displayed it to him. "You wanna explain this? 'Dual-Chain' Jou?" She said as she tossed the poster as it gradually drifted on the ground between them.

"Nickname makes sense, doesn't it?" Jou chuckled trying to ease the tension, though it didn't help at all. "Rana, I didn't mean for-"

"I happen to hear a bit of info about you," Rana mentioned.

"Info?" Jou wondered. "What have you heard exactly?"

"Cocoyashi village," Rana dropped. "Is it really true you fought 'Sawtooth' Arlong? Under normal circumstances, I'd be impressed that you were able to take down someone like him. But that made me question what reason you have to fight him?"

"He ruled an entire village for 8 whole years!" Jou stated. "All because he hated humans! That's not even one of the worst parts about it all! One of your people! Some rat-faced Colonel was taking bribes from Arlong and not doing a damn thing about him and letting him keep a tight leash over Cocoyashi!"

"What...?" Rana seemed astonished by that news but shook her head. "Well, if we had known that one of our own had been doing that, Captain Smoker wouldn't stand for it!"

"Captain Smoker?" Jou wondered. "Is he the same as that Colonel? Are all officers like that? Just take bribes under the table from pirates just for their own benefit!"

"Captain Smoker is amazing," Rana stated. "He would never stand for something like taking bribes from pirates. His sense of justice is something to admire. It's an honor and a privilege to work under his command. But we're not talking about him, this is about you! Tell me, why did you fight Arlong?" Jou put his head down and let his beanie and hair cover his eyes.

"He hurt someone," Jou stated. "Someone I care about," Jou said with a sigh as he remembered Nami's crying face. "That's why I fought Arlong. I beat him. And I hope whatever hole they tossed him in, he stays there, and rot's for the rest of his days. He left a mark on me, you know?" Jou mentioned as he touched his left shoulder where Arlong bit him. "So I left one on him, something to remember me by." Jou gave a shaky smirk as he recalled impaling Arlong through his right eye. "Rana, I don't know what you think about me now? But I want you to know that this Pirate thing just happened. I didn't want to be one, not until I met Luffy." Jou noticed Rana's silence, her hair shadowing her eyes. He knows she does not like the path he chose. "I know it looks bad but-"

"Turn yourself in," Rana spoke softly.

"I-What?" Jou questioned.

"Let me arrest you so I can turn you in," Rana opened her eyes, her gaze pleading.

"Turn me in?" Jou repeated. "You want me to just turn myself in? Just like that?"

"Right," Rana nodded. "Look, Jou, I know someone in the Marines. They can help clear your name. A clean slate. Clear any charges made against you. You don't have to be a wanted Pirate."

"You want me to do this?" Jou asked. "Just let you arrest me? Then what's gonna happen to my crew? You met Nami and Usopp? You just going to arrest them, too?"

"If it comes down it, yes," Rana stated. "They're a part of Straw hat's crew, correct? It means they're considered criminals. At this point, Captain Smoker has likely captured Straw hat already. No one escapes from the Captain. So at this point, you might as well just let me tie you up." Rana started to approach Jou but he quickly leaped back before she can get near. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I can't let you do that, Rana," Jou shook his head.

"Don't make this difficult!" Rana groaned in irritation. "Why do-Why of all the things you could've been it had to be a Pirate?! Did you even consider how I would feel?"

"I had no idea you were even in Loguetown!" Jou retorted. "How was I supposed to know?!"

"But you decided to go Pirate anyway!" Rana shouted. "Even after everything Pirates did to Bouy village 10 years ago! You remember it, don't you?"

"Of course, I remember," Jou said. "But not all Pirates are like Rasor and his crew!"

"Please, Pirates all the same!" Rana argued. "They pillage and ruin the lives of innocent people who are only caught in it all! Pirates like Rasor are the reason your mother is dead! If Miss Becky were still around, I bet she would be ashamed of you..."

Jou sighed and knew Rana wasn't wrong. Pirates were the reason his mom was gone but she didn't know the full story. Rana didn't know that Jou's mom was a Pirate. That gave Jou the idea that not all Pirates were terrible people. Meeting Luffy proved that point. Sure, he has the goal to become King of the Pirates but that's all he wants to do besides go on adventures. And if Luffy cared enough, he would help people, too. Luffy was honorable for a Pirate and that was one of the reasons why the straw hat has Jou's respect.

"All Pirates are scum," Rana mentioned. "And that makes 'Straw hat' Luffy no different." This comment from Rana caused something to stir inside Jou that caused his eyes to narrow.

"To you, Luffy's just another Pirate but there's more to him than that." Jou declared. "He's like no one I've ever seen before. I'm going to the Grand Line with him and in return to achieve my dream, I'm going to help him reach his! Luffy is going to be King of the Pirates! And I decided I'm gonna be by his side when it happens! Rana, if you think differently of me since I'm a Pirate, that's fine! But nothing is gonna stop me from finding the All Scope!" Rana's eyes broadened at his speech and put her head down.

"So, it seems Straw hat has quite the influence over you," Rana stated. "I guess that speech of yours means you're not going to let me take you in?"

"I'm afraid not," Jou sighed.

"Very well," Rana reached for a single kodachi.

"Fine," Jou said and flicked his left wrist and grabbed his red chain as another boom of thunder cracked in the sky. "By the way, these boots you gave me ain't half bad. Though, I suppose you want them back now?"

"I'll just take them back once I arrest you," Rana mentioned. "Oh, yeah. I don't think I ever told you my rank. You're looking at Marine Sergeant Rana."

"A Sergeant?" Jou repeated but felt himself smile. He was honestly a bit proud. "I had no idea that was your rank. Congratulations. Really." Rana replied with a shrug.

"What can I say...?" Rana sighed. "I've worked hard to get to where I am." Jou and Rana stood across from each other. Both stared into their eyes holding their weapons and not even moving. Jou didn't want to have to do this, but he hated the think that the only obstacle in his way of getting to the Grand Line is own friend.

One more rumble of thunder acted as their signal to attack. They ran at each other as Jou and Rana charged. Rana made the first move and slashed at Jou. Jou dodged to the side and leaped to avoid another slash. Jou twirled his red chain and lashed out at Rana, who evaded by jumping backward. Jou stepped in again and spun around with another lash of his chain as Rana ducked underneath it. Rana reached for her second kodachi and slashed at Jou. Jou moved to the side and leaped forward with a roll. He turned his head and saw Rana run at him with both Kodachi, thinking he likely left himself open. Jou didn't as he flicked his right wrist and grabbed his steel chain. Jou twirled them both and hurled a blast of wind at Rana. The rush of wind sent Rana backward into the air. She flew a couple of feet back and let out a short scream as she hit the ground.

Once Rana was sent flying, her weapons left her hands. One of the kodachi's was in front of her, she brought up her head and tried to reach for it only for Jou to step in front of it. Jou swung his red chain over his shoulder as he looked down at her.

"Well, do it," Rana glared.

"Do what?" Jou wondered.

"Finish me off," Rana told him. Jou could see the seriousness in her eyes. She wanted him to do it. But Jou couldn't bring himself to, he still saw her as a friend. Jou only responded by wrapping his chains around his wrists.

"No, I won't," Jou shook his head.

"Why not?!" Rana questioned.

"Because it's not right," Jou stated. "You're still a great fighter, Rana. I can tell you've gotten stronger. But as you can see, I'm no slouch either. I've become plenty strong myself. If we had more time, I would love to see how far this fight could go but I got somewhere to be." Jou turned and walked away, he kept quiet as he had no idea what to say as he left his friend there. What else can be said to someone you grew up with and called a friend?

"Wait!" Rana's called as Jou halted. "Don't think this is over, Jou. If the path of a Pirate is what you chose, then it is my responsibility as a Marine, to capture you." Jou turned and saw the conviction in Rana's eyes, she declared to capture him. For Jou, it was almost getting difficult to tell if she was his friend or his enemy now. The thought of that pained Jou but knew he had to go soon.

"Rana, I-" Jou started but didn't get to finish his sentence.

"Sergeant!" A group of Marines were racing down the street toward where Jou and Rana were. Jou gave his friend one last look, their eyes locking before Jou darted in the other direction to get away from the Marines.

"'Dual-Chain' Jou is getting away!" A Marine called. "After him! Don't let him escape!"

The Marines were on Jou's tail as he continued sprinting down the street. Jou had to get away, he and the others are so close to getting to the Grand Line. He could feel an all-new adventure was about to start. Jou may still feel like he lost a friend in Rana and had a feeling he will see her again and didn't want to leave things like that but he knew the All Scope, wherever it was, is there. His dream and his promise to his mom. But first, he has to get away from the Marines that were at his heels.

Jou looked back and saw the Marines chasing him. He contemplated stopping to fight them, but he didn't have to. Jou caught a glimpse of a small object in between him and the gaining Marines. Whatever it was, it erupted in an explosion. The resulting explosion knocked the Marines backward as Jou dropped as well. Jou leaned up wondering just what or rather who that was but decided not to question it as he heard the groaning Marines.

"Okay, no clue what the hell just happened, but great!" Jou commented and continued running so the crew can finally get out of Loguetown.

---

Smoker proved to Luffy he was no match for him. His Plume-Plume fruit which allowed his body to turn to smoke made it difficult for Luffy to land an attack as they only went through him. Smoker slammed Luffy into the ground, restraining him so he can't escape.

"You're not worth 30 million berri's," Smoker stated. "You're luck's run out!" Smoker reached for his Jitte only someone to reach for it, too. Smoker looked at the mystery person. It was a man in a dark-green cloak.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," the person claimed.

"It's you," Smoker realized who this man was. The lightning flashed which revealed the man's face, a red tattoo decorated the left side.

"Hey, what's going on?!" Luffy muffled as he was pressed into the ground. "Who's that?"

"How nice," Smoker commented. "Now the government can have your head."

"The world..." the man smirked. "Is still waiting for our answer." The weather took an immediate change as the rain shifted into a violent wind with the clouds taking on a green hue. The winds blew throughout the streets of Loguetown which caused whoever was hit by it to be blown off their feet.

---

The only sound Jou heard while he ran through Loguetown was the rain hitting the ground and the splash from his boots. Jou became confused as the rain suddenly stopped but before he could think about how strange that was, a strong gust of wind hurled him into the air.

"What the hell is going on?!" Jou shouted. He had a strange feeling this wind was not normal wind, he uses the wind to fight so he clearly felt something off about it. Especially since it somehow lifted him off his feet until he finally landed on the ground with a crash. Jou found the guys of the crew strewn about but found no sign of Nami. Jou stood and dusted himself off as the others looked just as confused as he was.

"Can someone tell me what happened?" Luffy questioned.

"Don't ask me," Jou shrugged. "I'm as baffled as you are." Jou looked around and saw if he could spot if their Navigator was anywhere in sight. "Where's Nami?"

"Nami's on the Going Merry," Usopp answered from where he sat on the ground. Jou ran to the edge and peered out and spotted the Going Merry sailing away in the distance, the waves carrying it.

"NAMI!" Jou called cupping his hands to his mouth.

"JOU!" He heard her call his name from the ship.

"She'll drift too faraway without at this rate, Luffy!" Jou said urgently.

"That's right!" Sanji agreed. "The ship will be gone soon!"

"Right!" Usopp and Zoro said. Jou and the other three ran and turned to find their Captain running in the opposite direction.

"Okay!" Luffy exclaimed. "Gum-Gum...!" Luffy laughed as he grabbed hold of the rail of a stairway that was close by as his arms stretched.

"What?!" Usopp exclaimed with wide eyes

"No! He can't!" Sanji exclaimed.

"I'm not gonna like this!" Zoro commented.

"Guess we're going for a ride, boys," Jou stated as he figured this was the fastest way to reach the ship.

"Rocket!" Luffy launched himself at Jou and the others. Jou only stood and accepted his fate as Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji tried to outrun the Captain but it was no use as each of them was hit by Luffy. Jou still screamed with the four as they were pretty much catapulted toward their ship. Luckily, the Going Merry's sail is what stopped them from flying any further. Jou was dizzy as were the others but heard a happy laugh from Nami.

"You're here!" she said cheerfully.

---

"Are you alright, Sergeant?" A Marine asked as a group of them walked with Rana. Rana only shook her head as she kept her eyes forward.

"I'll be fine," Rana assured. Though Rana had been quiet after her and Jou's encounter. She couldn't stop thinking about it. Her own friend she'd grown up with turned Pirate. Rana believed Jou hated Pirates after what happened to Miss Becky. But it didn't make sense to her. Why be a Pirate when they took away someone who was important to him? Maybe once Rana catches him, she can ask him why. Right, catches Jou. If he's really serious about being a Pirate then she'll show just how serious she is about being a Marine.

Rana and her group of Marines reached where Captain Smoker and his own Marines were watching the ocean. Rana could almost spot what looked like a ship in the distance. She had an inkling that had to be the ship Jou, Straw hat, and their crew was on.

"I'm sure he brought the wind with him," Smoker commented. "I knew it was him. On the day Gold Roger was executed, he appeared like a brilliant flash of lighting then he disappeared. It's him." Thunder boomed in the sky as a man wrapped in a green cloak chuckled as he stood on top of a building with his arms outstretched.

"Go!" he exclaimed. "If that's what you want then by all means make your dream happen!" Rana had no clue who the man was but Captain Smoker seemed familiar with him.

"Why did you help that man?" Smoker asked the cloaked man. "Dragon!"

Dragon? Rana wondered. The Revolutionary Dragon?

"It is not our place to come between that man and his chosen path, Smoker," Dragon remarked. Rana saw the Captain take his attention off Dragon and stared out at the sea.

"Set sail," Smoker decided. "We're going after him." It seems he was deadset on catching 'Straw hat' Luffy.

"What?" A Marine wondered.

"We'll enter the Grand Line," Smoker declared.

"But Captain, you can't abandon your post on this island," The Marine argued. "What will command say?"

"Tell them: I don't care about orders." Smoker stated.

"Captain Smoker is in charge," Rana spoke up as she pushed her way through the Marines. "And if he says we go after 'Straw hat', we go after him."

"But Sergeant Rana?" A Marine mouthed.

"And there's someone I wish to go after on that Pirate crew," Rana mentioned. "'Dual-Chain' Jou will be mine to capture!"

"I'm coming with you!" Tashigi exclaimed as she appeared, holding Shigure in her hand.

"Sergeant Major Tashigi!" A Marine uttered.

"I have to hunt down Roronoa Zoro!" Tashigi exclaimed. "He's mine! I will get revenge!"

Rana nodded at Tashigi's eagerness as she was on board, too, to go after the Straw hat gang. The only reason Rana wanted to go after them was because of Jou. It may felt cruel for Rana to feel okay with wanting to capture her old friend.

Once I see you again, Jou... Rana thought. I'm gonna look you in the eyes and you're gonna tell me why you joined a Pirate crew. But once we meet again... I'll know I have to come to a hard decision. To decide what's more important: My duty as a Marine or our friendship?

---

Bartolomeo held both wanted posters of Monkey D. Luffy and Kusari Jou. He stared at them in silence as a giddy smile etched across his face.

"Hey, boss!" one of his boys called. "You've been lookin' at those posters for a while now?"

"One of them is of the guy that was with Rana," Another chimed. "I guess he wasn't some Marine dog. If he was a Pirate, what was he doin' with Rana anyways?"

"Who cares!" Bartolomeo spat. "It's no wonder Mr. Jou was so strong! He kicked our asses!" Bartolomeo started to cry. "Yeah, he kicked our asses... what a badass."

"That other guy is his Captain, right?" asked another. "'Straw hat' Luffy?"

Bartolomeo was there in the crowd when Luffy made his declaration. He'd never seen someone declare something like that in the face of death. Bartolomeo could see it already, Monkey D. Luffy will be King of the Pirates. Just the thought of it caused him to let out a boisterous laugh.

"If he said something like that then Mr. Luffy must be strong something else!" Bartolomeo was filled with excitement. "And he's Mr. Jou's captain! What amazing guys! That's it! From this day forward, I'm following those guys now! I'm putting everything on them from now on!"

---

The oceans waves started to become violent as it tossed the Going Merry about. The crew did their best to hang on as the ship lurched from side to side.

"It feels like she wants to capsize!" Luffy exclaimed. Jou could faintly make out a light that almost illuminated the dark skies.

"Hey, look a light!" Nami pointed with a smile.

"Is that a lighthouse?" Usopp wondered. Jou wanted to confirm for himself and pulled out his telescope. He peered into it and zoomed in and saw the lighthouse.

"Exactly what it is," Jou said. "Nami, do you know why it's there?"

"It's one of the guideposts!" she explained. "The entrance to the Grand Line is somewhere ahead!"

"The Grand Line is somewhere just out ahead," Luffy gave a giddy smile.

"What now...?" Nami wondered.

"Do we have to go there in the middle of a freaking hurricane like this?" Usopp questioned with shaky legs.

Zoro nodded with a smile, Sanji grinned whilst giving a thumbs up, Luffy smiled as he held onto his precious hat, Jou removed his telescope off his eye and grinned, and Nami only let out an excited laugh. Each of them is ready to take the next step in their journey together.

"Okay then..." Sanji said as he got everyone's attention. "I think we should say something to mark the occasion."

"Right!" Usopp nodded in agreement.

"Yeah!" Luffy agreed.

"Let's do it!" Nami said.

Each of the crew gathered around a barrel as they readied to vow their promise.

"I'm going to Grand Line to find the All Blue!" Sanji started it off and placed his foot on the barrel.

"I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!" Luffy was second.

"The World's Best Swordsman!" Zoro was third.

"To find the All Scope!" Jou was fourth.

"I'm going so I can draw a map of the entire world!" Nami was fifth to declare her dream.

"I guess I'm going to be a Brave Warrior of the Sea!" Usopp was the final one to place his foot on the barrel.

"And now...!" Luffy exclaimed. "To the Grand Line!" The teens raised their legs above the barrel.

"Yeah!" They let out a resounding cheer as they smashed the barrel together.

And just like that... This adventure was just beginning.

---

The storm surprisingly didn't last as the water's calmed. The crew didn't head to the Grand Line right way, they decided to head there tomorrow and take it easy from the fiasco in Loguetown. With all the excitement, Sanji cooked a feast since Luffy wanted to throw a party to celebrate them being on their way to the Grand Line. Everyone ate and laughed around the table having a good time.

Jou stepped away from the party for a bit to enjoy the cool night air. He drank booze out of a mug as he stared up at the quiet night sky. Jou was having fun with everyone, but it was hard to enjoy himself when what happened with Rana was still fresh in his mind. Jou sighed as he took another sip of his drink and heard someone step out the kitchen door.

"Hmm?" Jou hummed as he turned his head he saw Nami. Behind her, Jou heard the others laughing as they continued the party. The noise faded as Nami closed the door behind her and started making her toward him. Jou turned his gaze back to the sea, staring up at the night sky filled with stars. Jou heard Nami make her way toward him, she didn't say a word yet and placed her hands on the side rail.

"Are you okay?" Nami finally broke the silence. "You've been kinda distant ever since the party started?"

"Distant? Me?" Jou questioned with risen brow. "And of course I'm okay. Here look." Jou somehow managed to force a grin on his face. It faded when he noticed Nami was not at all convinced he was fine.

"Jou, you're such a bad liar," Nami scoffed. "It's no wonder you're so bad at cards." She claimed with a teasing smirk. Jou was taken aback by that statement and was honestly, a tad offended.

"Okay, you know what...?" Jou said. "That's not true." Nami giggled in her hand. "At least I'm not as bad a liar as Luffy."

"He's especially bad at it," Nami continued to laugh. "And he's even worse at cards." Jou's lips curled into a smile as Nami's laughter was infectious. "There we go."

"What do you mean?" Jou wondered what she meant.

"You actually smiled," Nami stated with a knowing grin. "As long as I've known you, Jou, I didn't take you for the quiet, brooding type." Jou gave a short chuckle.

"I hear most girls go for that sorta thing," Jou commented. "Maybe I thought I'd try it on you. But then again, you're not like most girls."

"That's right," Nami claimed. Jou smiled as he actually started to honestly feel a bit better. Nami figured out something was bothering him. He had no idea she'd been watching him. If it was any other time, he would've teased and remarked she was stalking him but he could tell she clearly wanted an answer.

"Come on, spill it," Nami's face became serious as she placed a hand on her hip. "What's troubling you?" Nami stared him in the eyes as Jou figured she wasn't going to take no for an answer. Jou knew it was best to lay everything out on the table, no point in hiding anything.

"After we stopped Luffy's execution, we ran into Rana on the way back to the ship," Jou mentioned.

"How'd that go?" Nami asked as she leaned on the rail. "Did she find out about your wanted poster?"

"Yeah, she did," Jou took a drink from his mug. "And she was not excited about it."

"I can't imagine she was," Nami said. "Anything happens between you two?"

"Oh, there's more," Jou mentioned. "Next, she was telling me to let her take me to turn myself in."

"What?" Nami wondered. "She told you just like that. To just let her take you in?"

"She also said she was okay with arresting you, too," Jou stated. "Only because you're a part of a Pirate crew." Nami seemed irritated but let out a sigh.

"She is a Marine," Nami exhaled while running a hand through her hair. "Guess I can't fault her for trying to do her job. But still though..."

"After that, she and I fought," Jou sighed. "Clearly, I managed to win if I'm standing here on Merry now. But, the last thing she said was that it was her responsibility, to capture me. And that's pretty much what happened between me and her."

"She's willing to capture you all because you're a Pirate and she's a Marine?" Nami questioned. "I can only imagine all that couldn't have been easy to go through."

"You can bet it wasn't easy," Jou groaned. "This is just gonna complicate things." Jou placed his head in his hands. Nami must think he's an idiot for thinking things would be okay between him and Rana. He'd honestly be okay with her berating him right now as Jou felt he deserved. What he didn't expect was her hand being placed on his shoulder. Jou turned his head and saw Nami giving him an earnest expression. With her hand on his shoulder, Nami turned him around to face her so he was staring into her eyes.

"I know it doesn't seem like much now..." Nami stated. "I know you and Rana were close. Even if she doesn't see you as a friend, just know, Jou, that you have us. Me, Luffy, and the others." Jou's eyes widened when he saw Nami place her hand on top of his. "I'm not trying to replace Rana or anything but if you ever feel like you don't belong, talk to me. We're a crew now so the least we can do is help each other, right?" Nami gave him a kind and genuine smile.

Jou realized Nami wanted to help him now. She knew something was troubling him and he told her what happened with Rana. It was similar to that night when he was trying to figure out what was going on between her and Arlong. Nami was trying to do the same for him, to help him when he obviously seemed troubled. Jou returned a grateful smile toward Nami.

"Right," Jou agreed. "Thanks, Nami. I guess I just needed to hear that. I initially joined this crew so I can go to the Grand Line to achieve my dream. But I've gotten used to sailing with you all. I can't wait to go to the Grand Line with you guys. Even if me being with a Pirate puts me at odds with Rana, I'll sail with you guys for as long as it takes."

"That's good to hear," Nami smiled. "It would be cowardly if you just up and left after everything we've been through." Nami playfully shrugged her shoulders as she smirked. "Oh well, I guess this means you're stuck with us."

"I guess you're right," Jou sighed and sent his own cheeky grin. "If I wasn't around then you would just be miserable without me, would you?"

"You wish," Nami laughed. Jou chuckled as the two of them shared a laugh. Jou noticed Nami's hand was still placed over his. He looked at her and his eyes fell on hers. Jou and Nami didn't say anything as looked into each other's eyes. Her eyes were brown like his own but he couldn't help but think they were rather captivating. Jou felt a strange warmth in his chest, he could only wonder what she was thinking right now. Before anything could happen, the door to the kitchen opened to reveal Sanji.

"Nami~!" The cook cooed with a heart-eye. "I've kept Luffy from eating all the food~! There's plenty left if you want some~!"

Jou heard a quiet sigh from Nami. Jou wondered if she was irritated by the interruption. Nami pulled her hand off Jou's and turned to the cook, giving him a smile.

"Be right there, Sanji!" Nami called back sweetly. Sanji's heart-eye disappeared as he glanced at Jou.

"Jou, there's more food so you better hurry and get some," Sanji mentioned as he blew out smoke from his cigarette. "Before those idiots inside eat the rest."

"Sure," Jou nodded.

Nami gave one last smile at Jou before she went back to the kitchen. As Nami made her way past Sanji and winked which caused a love-struck expression to reappear on the cook's face. Jou shook his head at the scene and was about to step inside the kitchen only for his path to be completely blocked by Sanji.

"Is something wrong, Sanji?" Jou wondered.

"Don't think I didn't see that," Sanji stated.

"See what?" Jou asked.

"Don't play dumb," Sanji remarked. "I can tell you and Nami are becoming close."

"Me and her becoming close?" Jou questioned with a raised brow. "Would it bother you if that were true?"

"I just hope you aren't taking advantage of her," Sanji said. "She's already gone through that and doesn't deserve to go through it again."

"I'm nothing like Arlong," Jou shook his head. "And I'd never take advantage of her," Sanji responded by taking a drag of his cigarette.

"Good," Sanji nodded. "And just so we're clear if you hurt her..." Sanji's expression was serious as he glared at Jou with the visible eye. "I'll kick your ass so bad no one will be able to even recognize you." Jou knew the cook was earnest in his words and nodded in agreement.

"Hell, I'd want you to if I ever did," Jou insisted.

"Glad we have an understanding," Sanji said. Jou agreed with Sanji as he didn't want to hurt Nami at all. This is probably the most Jou has spoken to the cook one on one. Jou understood where Sanji was coming from but decided to have his own fun with this.

"If I didn't know any better you're just mad because she likes me better," Jou smirked.

"Keep talking and I'm gonna give Luffy you're share of the food," Sanji commented as he took another drag of his cigarette.

"Don't hate me cause I'm beautiful," Jou said with a smile as he stepped into the kitchen, past the cook.

"Smug bastard," Sanji replied as he walked in, closing the door behind him.

---

And that wraps up the Loguetown arc. I like it better than my last attempt from my previous story. I hope I handled the Jou and Rana situation better this time around as I remember some people were bothered by it in my last story. I brought Rana back because I like her and plan to take a new route with her when it comes to the subplot she and Jou have.

I got some recent reviews from a let's just say, unhappy reader. The first part of their gripes was about Jou. Apparently, Jou's unlikeable because he's snarky and his dream is tacky. The last few reviews were all about how everything is just canon with Jou thrown in. Well, he's not wrong. I'll admit, there are things I wish I could've done or handled better when it came to Jou's involvement.

I promise nothing, but there will be some changes to future arcs but I don't want to spoil them. I'm also not sure what sort of impact they'll have. But just because one or two others don't enjoy the story doesn't mean I should give up.

Believe it or not, I enjoy writing this. All I wanted was to give Jou a better introduction at the beginning. I'll be honest, I mainly write this for myself but also for you guys and appreciate the people that enjoy what I put out. So thanks if you haven't have given up on this story yet.

Anyway, I'll see you guys next time.

Later!