I do not own One Piece
It is owned by Oda
I just own the OC's
Enjoy!
Warship Island opening: Giniro no Sora - Redballoon(Gintama OP 3)
After quick introductions, Apis and the pirates followed Bokuden to his him so he could give them those pork buns Apis spoke about. Bokuden told everyone to sit and make themselves comfortable while he prepared the pork buns. Jou took note of the simple look of the older man's home. Not all villages were like the ones he and crew come from and it, of course, wasn't Loguetown but Jou didn't dislike Apis' village either. If anything, he liked the modest, quaint feel it gave off. It was honestly refreshing. Bokuden finished the preparation of the pork bun's placing them in a huge pot and was now leaving them alone to cook.
"There we go," Bokuden faced the pirates. "Almost ready. Just a little bit longer now."
"Can't wait!" Luffy grinned.
"Smell's good!" Usopp commented.
"Finally real food," Sanji stated. "Old man, how much longer do we have to wait?"
"Hm? Oh well..." Bokuden thought to himself. "If I had to guess, I'd say no more than 4 or 5 hours."
"What?!" Luffy and Usopp questioned.
"4 or 5 hours...?" Jou repeated with a risen brows. Jou couldn't believe they had to wait that long for some buns to finish cooking. Jou can be patient but if he had to be honest, that length of a wait was kinda stretching it.
"Yes, that's right," Bokuden said taking a seat. "Now we just take a seat and wait." Everyone just sat around and waited in silence for the Bokuden's meal to be done. Emphasis on silence as everyone said nothing for a while. Jou would've suggested they play a game. Like cards, maybe a board game or something until Luffy groaned beside him.
"I'm so hungry." His captain moaned.
"You're always hungry, Luffy," Jou commented while resting his chin in his palm.
"Bokuden, why are the marines after Apis?" Nami wondered. This caused Jou to perk up. Leave it to Nami to ask the important questions. "What could they possibly be after?"
"Excellent question," Jou agreed.
"Apis?" The older man got his granddaughter's attention. "Do you know why?"
"No, sir," Apis claimed with a shake of her head.
"That's not what you said earlier?" Nami questioned Apis. "You knew but refused to tell!"
"Oh, that? I lied." Apis stated.
"Huh?" Usopp mouthed.
"Well, then I don't know," Bokuden declared.
"You're kidding me?!" Usopp shouted in disbelief.
"Man, she played both of you guys," Jou smirked at Nami and Usopp. "Apis is probably a better liar than you, Usopp."
"You didn't know either!" Nami and Usopp shouted at him as Jou's only response was a shrug of his shoulders. They weren't wrong and it's not like he made an effort to press Apis for answers as to why the marines had her in their clutches in the first place.
"I'm sorry, but there's really nothing significant about this island," Bokuden claimed. "Nothing I reckon except for an old legend."
"A legend?" Zoro questioned.
"Interesting," Jou remarked. "Storytime, guys. Here we go."
"Some say that people in this island are descendants are those from lost island..." Bokuden started. "Which sank into the sea thousands of years ago was also home to the Millennial Dragon's. The bones of these dragons are called Dragonite." He reached for his cane and used it to stand. "Or the Elixir of Immortality."
"But it doesn't make sense that the marines would invade your home over a legend," Sanji noted. "And why steal a girl?"
"I agree," Usopp said. "They'd have to have a better reason than that."
"It certainly sounds desperate to me," Nami commented.
"We're overlooking something," Zoro declared.
"Maybe you can tell us more about this legend, Bokuden?" Jou asked. "Could there be some type of clue or detail perhaps?"
"Well, then..." Bokuden said. "We should start at the beginning."
"Here we go again," Apis pouted. Jou noticed the bitter look on the young girl's face until he realized what he and the others walked into. What Jou assumed was going to be a story turned out to be an overly long history lesson from Apis' grandfather.
"Kill me now," Usopp moaned. Jou wondered how long Bokuden history lesson will go on? The old man showed no signs of stopping any time soon. Jou saw Apis sneaking out of the room. Jou wondered if she might have been up to something or perhaps she had to use the washroom? Which would be a perfect reason to avoid having to listen to Bokuden drone on.
"One day the King said to his three children: "Listen to me and obey! Go find the tree that grows stars..." he recited.
Bokuden had been talking for hours as each of the teens were completely bored out of their skulls. Jou continued to struggle to try and stay awake. His eyes occasionally drifted closed until they shot open. Jou brought his attention to everyone else. Luffy and Zoro had dosed off, Usopp and Sanji were trying to keep awake. Jou saw Nami doing her best to try and remain conscious as he leaned over to her.
"I thought this legend of this was going to be a story of some sort?" Jou whispered.
"Yeah," Nami replied. "It just feels more like a history lesson."
"No kidding," Jou groaned as he stretched his arms above his head.
"I'm starving," Usopp mentioned with a bored look on his face as his stomach rumbled causing him to keel over on his back.
"I think it'll be a while before we eat again," Nami expressed.
"I've lost my appetite," Jou stated. "I didn't think hearing a long-winded 'story' could do that." Jou found out his loss in hunger wasn't true as he caught the wonderful aroma of the pork buns across from Bokuden's house. "Never mind. Those pork bun's probably taste just as good as they smell."
"They smell delicious!" Usopp remarked. "I want them now!"
"Pork bun's..." Luffy murmured as he stumbled out of the house.
"Luffy...?" Nami called him.
"Restroom," Luffy answered as he left out the door.
Jou didn't know what compelled Bokuden to drone with this long-winded tale of his. Jou thought he'd make it more interesting and add more flair to it all instead it turned into the most boring history lecture Jou had ever sat through and he couldn't stay here a second more.
"Alright, that's it!" Jou yelled but somehow managed to keep a whisper. "I'm outta here!" He stood up but felt a tug on his arm. He looked down and saw Nami.
"You're leaving?" Nami whispered. "Where are you even going to go?"
"I don't know!" Jou stated as he pulled his arm back. "Find where Luffy went off to? With how occupied this old guy is talking about the 5th or 8th king; do you think he'd notice I was even gone?" Nami seemed to realize Jou had a point as she looked at Bokuden continue to talk and smiled at Jou.
"You have a point," Nami remarked. "I honestly can't stand another moment here either. Let's go find Luffy. Lead the way." Jou smirked back as he and Nami started to crawl out of the room.
"Hey, where are you guys sneaking off to?" Usopp questioned.
"Luffy's been gone a long time," Nami mentioned. "We're just gonna go check on him."
"Later," Jou said as he gave the guys' a peace sign. "Hold down the fort for us. Good luck."
"No fair," Usopp muttered.
"Nami's simply gorgeous even when she's sneaking around~!" Sanji cooed.
"Give it a rest already, Grandpa." Nami groaned and stood up once she and Jou made it outside.
"Last time I let an old man tell me a story..." Jou expressed as he and Nami left the house. "So, where do you think we'll find Luffy?"
"Not sure," Nami shrugged. "I'm certain we'll find him..." Nami's face seemed to go into a realization. "Where the pork buns are being cooked!"
"With how good they smell that would be the more logical place to find the captain," Jou agreed. "But we don't know that for sure."
"Just watch," Nami stated. "I bet that's where we'll find, Luffy."
"We'll see," Jou said. Jou and Nami made their way to the place where Bokuden prepared and set them to be cooked. True enough, they found Luffy snoring on the floor. "Looks like you were right, Nami."
"I told you," Nami commented with her hands on her hips. "That moron." Jou knelt beside his sleeping captain and shook him awake.
"Rise and shine, captain," Jou stated. As Jou shook Luffy, his eyes fluttered open. Jou caught something was placed on Luffy's cheek. Whatever it was, it dropped in his mouth and appeared to be edible.
"Yummy," Luffy remarked as he munched on what he was eating.
"AAAAAH!" Nami let out a scream causing Jou to quickly jump to his feet.
"Dammit, Nami!" Jou exclaimed. "What the hell's your... problem...?" Jou found out the cause for Nami's scream was because the pork buns were all gone and there wasn't even a single crumb left.
"Every bit of food is gone!" Nami shouted.
"I know!" Jou agreed. "They could've shared at the very least. I wanted a pork bun." Jou gave a sad frown as he really did want to try one of those pork buns. It was just a shame that whoever ate them wasn't even considering them. Jou watched Nami angrily stomp toward Luffy, her fists balled. Jou wouldn't be surprised if Luffy ended up eating all the food because that was a thing he would likely do, but what Jou realized was that there were tracks that led outside. Jou got on a knee as he concentrated on the drag marks. While he did, he heard the punch Luffy received from Nami.
"WHAT IS EVERYONE ELSE GONNA EAT NOW THAT YOU'VE INHALED EVERYTHING!" Nami berated.
"What?" Luffy declared. "I didn't eat them."
"Right...?" Nami wasn't convinced.
"Nami, remember Luffy's a terrible liar," Jou claimed. "He didn't eat them."
"See?" Luffy nodded at him.
"What're you talking about?" Nami questioned.
"Come take a look at this," Jou gestured to the drag marks as Nami knelt beside him, taking an interest in them as well.
"This is odd," Nami noted. "There's a trail."
"Looks like we got a food burglar on the loose," Jou affirmed as he stood. "You guys can head back if you want. I'm gonna follow this." Jou started on his way following the trail.
"I wanna go, too!" Luffy exclaimed as he quickly ran to catch up to Jou.
"Hey, wait for me!" Nami hurriedly followed them. Jou followed the tracks as the other two followed him. They followed the trail that led them to the base of the mountain. Nami and Luffy seemed confused but Jou knew there was more to this whole thing, keeping eyes on the trail.
"Hmm?" Luffy hummed in confusion. "A dead end?"
"It makes no sense," Nami voiced. Jou inspected the trail as it seemed to lead right into the bushes. Jou figured it continued from the other side of the bush and knelt down to push through it.
"What're you doing?" Luffy asked.
"Jou...?" Nami wondered. "Why are you sticking your head in the bush?" Jou didn't answer them immediately as he was correct when he found the trail resumed on the other side.
"Check this out, you two," Jou said as Nami and Luffy stuck their heads in the bush. "Look." Jou pointed as he traced the drag marks. "As I thought, the trail doesn't end here. Let's keep going, shall we?" Jou smirked at the two as he stepped out of the bushes. Jou smirked as he stepped out of the bushes. The trio followed the tracks which led them up a hill and soon find themselves at a cliff.
"Looks like trail picks up on the other side of this cliff," Nami gathered.
"Then there must be a way across?" Jou wondered.
"Shouldn't be a problem, " Nami smiled. "Luffy...?"
"Gotcha!" Luffy said. "Gum-Gum... Suspension Bridge." Luffy extended his arms and legs to the other side of the cliff which allowed Nami and Jou to shuffle across. Jou had to remove his combat boots as he didn't want Luffy to become weak from the seastone inside them. Once Jou and Nami reached the other side, they continued following the trail.
"We're on the other side of the mountain," Nami said.
"How far are they gonna go?" Luffy wondered.
"I think we're about to find out," Jou added. Once they got closer, they spotted an entrance ahead of them.
"A cave?" Nami uttered as Jou and Luffy followed her inside. Stalagmites decorated the cave the further they made their way inside. But what got their attention was the voice they heard coming from deeper into the cave.
"Yes, everything turned out fine. This budding group of pirates saved me and brought me home. No, they're not scary at all. They were very good to me. I knew you'd be hungry so I've brought some of Grandpa Bokuden's pork buns. Here you go! Woah, slow down! You're gonna make yourself sick! Sorry, I still don't know. I'm searching as hard as I can but I haven't found a clue. I'll sort this all out. I promise." Jou, Nami, and Luffy followed the voice and as they got closer, the voice started to sound familiar.
"That sounds like Apis," Jou said.
"It is," Nami agreed. "It sounds like she's talking to someone."
"We should sneak in for a closer look for she's talking to," Jou suggested. "Luffy?" Jou turned at his captain only to find him wandering ahead. "Oh, crap!"
"Hey, Apis!" Luffy called. "Where'd you put all the pork buns?"
"Luffy, you're an idiot!" Nami scolded. Jou decided there was no use in hiding now and wanted to see just who Apis came all this way for.
"Stay back!" Apis proclaimed as she outstretched her arms attempting to guard her mystery friend. "Don't come near!" Jou saw Luffy slacken as he caught what Apis was trying to keep him away from.
"Luffy, what is it?" Jou wondered. "What's... Woah..." Jou's mouth gaped as he stepped beside his captain by what he saw.
"No!" Apis shouted. "Both of you stay back!" Jou didn't move a muscle by what he saw behind Apis. In all of Jou's life, he never thought he would witness something like this.
"Okay, what are you guys even gawking at?" Nami finally joined them and shrieked when she glimpsed at what Jou and Luffy were in awe of.
What they saw was a massive dragon, its back and wings were coated in green feathers. Jou's only heard of dragons in stories but never encountered one but here was one right in front of his face. The dragon didn't react to them as it stayed in the same spot. It especially didn't respond to Luffy's excitement as he leaped from every side, touching the dragon.
"Amazing!" Luffy exclaimed happily. "I can't believe this! It's amazing!"
"Hey, Luffy!" Nami called.
"You do exist!" Luffy grinned as he hugged the dragon's head. "I knew it. That's awesome."
"Get off him!" Apis protested as she tried to pry Luffy away. "Leave him alone!"
"I can't believe it..." Jou gulped. "But they're real." He turned his toward Nami. "Can you believe this?"
"I'm still trying to figure out how this is even possible?" Nami wondered. "I thought they were legends? But here's one right before my eyes!"
"Incredible!" Luffy commented as he smiled at the dragon. "Where in the world did you come from?" The dragon opened its droopy yellow eyes locking eyes with Luffy. "Sure, I think I understand. You wanna go home? Is that it?"
Did Luffy and the dragon just talk to each other? Jou thought. Apis stopped attempting to drag Luffy away as she glanced at the dragon.
"Okay," Apis nodded to the dragon. "Luffy, Grandpa Ryu says it's fine with him if you wanna be his friend. He says he can tell you're a good person." Luffy gave the dragon a smile.
"Hey, Luffy?" Apis asked. "I've been able to read Grandpa Ryu's mind but how did you do it?"
"I just did," Luffy stated simply. "I don't know? It just happened. How'd you know?"
"I... um..." Apis mumbled. Jou realized there was only one explanation for how she's able to read Grandpa Ryu's mind.
"You ate a Devil Fruit, didn't you?" Jou questioned. Apis took an interest in the ground with a sad look on her face. "There's nothing wrong with that." Jou gave the young girl a reassuring smile.
"Yeah, it's okay, really," Nami added with her own smile. "There's no need to be shy about it."
"Mmhm," Apis nodded. "Yeah, I ate one once. It was called the Whisper-Whisper Fruit or something. Since then I've been able to read the mind of any animal."
"Wow, that sounds like an interesting power," Jou commented.
"So, that was it," Nami remarked. "How you knew that gust of wind was coming."
"Mmhm!" Apis nodded again. "The sea birds were kind enough to tell me about it. It was thanks to the Whisper-Whisper Fruit that I met Grandpa Ryu as well. I remember the first time I heard his voice, it was so sad. When I found him, he was so helpless. He used up the last of his energy searching for his friends. He got separated from them while flying home from the dragon's nest on Lost Island."
"Wait a minute..." Nami declared. "I thought Lost Island sank into the sea a long time ago?"
"Lost Island will surface again eventually," Apis stated. "Grandpa Ryu is absolutely certain about that."
"When will Lost Island come back?" Jou wondered.
"Grandpa Ryu believes the island will reappear any day now but while he's pretty sure about the when, it's the where that's causing the problem," Apis mentioned. "He doesn't remember where it used to be? It's not his fault. Grandpa's just gotten old and lost the energy to fly his spirit's as strong as ever. He keeps telling me he wants to go back to Lost Island more than anything. If only I can figure out a way to find it. I've searched through the old records, studied ancient maps. The legend itself doesn't hold any clues, so when the marines stopped by I took a chance and asked them for their help. That was a big mistake. The only thing they were interested in was finding Dragonite."
"As in the source for immortality?" Nami asked. "So that's why they kidnapped you to help them find Dragonite?"
"Yes," Apis replied. "They wanted me to tell them everything I knew, but I wouldn't. Then they became obsessed when they noticed the claw Grandpa Ryu gave me."
"Then you escaped during the storm," Nami voiced. "This is all too dangerous."
"I know," Apis agreed. "That's why I kept this a secret from the others, even Grandpa Bokuden. I don't wanna cause any more trouble for them." Apis rubbed a hand on Grandpa Ryu. "I have to make sure Grandpa Ryu gets back to his home, no matter what it takes. It's the only way to save him. He says he'll get his energy back once he returns to the Dragon's Nest. I'll find a way to get him there, no matter if it takes me a lifetime. I know how painful it feels to be far from home and everything you love."
Jou couldn't help but smile at Apis' speech. It was clear she cared about Grandpa Ryu. She wanted to help him back to the Dragon's Nest. The conviction and passion in her words to help Grandpa Ryu. Jou hoped they were about to help Apis to bring Grandpa Ryu to the Lost Island and noticed Luffy's smile.
"Captain?" Jou wondered with a smirk.
"Right!" Luffy grinned. "If he wants to go home then I'll take him!"
"Yes!" Jou cheered as he knew Luffy would want to do this.
"Luffy?!" Nami asserted. "Wake up! You can't take him home! Lost Island sank into the sea, remember?"
"Look at him!" Luffy pointed. "This is a legendary Millennial Dragon! He really exists which means Lost Island does too!"
"Luffy!" Nami reminded. "It sank!"
"Nami, do you really think that Luffy cares about that?" Jou questioned. "If we're off to find Lost Island, then let's do it!"
"What!" Nami stared at Jou in disbelief. "You're buying into this, too?!" Jou responded with a shrug of his shoulders.
"I'm willing to give it a shot," Jou stated. "It could be fun. It's adventure!"
"Yep!" Luffy agreed with a grin. "An adventure to Lost Island!"
"It sank!" Nami reminded the both of them but that didn't stop Jou and Luffy's excitement. Nami palmed her head in frustration.
"C'mon, Nami?" Jou asked with a knowing glance. "What's it gonna be? You're singled out on this one."
"Underwater, no map..." Nami sighed. "It's insane." Nami snapped her fingers and smiled as she seemed to be on board as well. "I'm in!"
"That's the spirit!" Jou smiled and knew she couldn't resist the challenge.
"You'll really take him!?" Apis asked them.
"Yeah," Luffy stated.
"Aw, thank you!" Apis gave a grateful smile.
"But first thing's first..." Luffy declared. "Let's eat!" He reached a hand toward one of the pork buns.
"Luffy, wait!" Apis warned. "There's one more thing I forgot to tell you." Grandpa Ryu opened his mouth. Jou who was close to the Millennial Dragon stumbled away to avoid Grandpa Ryu's mouth but Luffy wasn't so fortunate as he floundered to get out of the dragon's mouth.
"Grandpa Ryu is kinda senile," Apis mentioned.
Jou, Nami, and Luffy headed back to Bokuden's home to get the others while Apis stayed with Grandpa Ryu. Jou could tell Luffy was excited to tell them but found Usopp, Sanji, and Zoro spread about the floor asleep.
"Guys, you're not gonna believe what we saw!" Luffy exclaimed. "It's so cool!" None of them heard the captain in their deep slumber. Even Grandpa Bokuden was dozing as he continued to mumble through his story.
"Um, what's going on?" Nami wondered.
"The twelfth-hundredth king was succeeded by the twelfth-hundred and first..." Bokuden murmured.
"He's telling the story in his sleep...?" Jou questioned in disbelief as Nami sighed. Luffy tiptoed over to Usopp, who slept peacefully with a snot bubble.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead," Luffy smiled and popped the bubble. The sniper let out a startled scream as he shot awake. Zoro opened his eyes as he looked around in confusion.
"What the...?" Zoro said. "Were we here all night?"
"Guess so," Sanji replied as he leaned up. "With that old guy rambling on, we must've all just dozed off." The cook remarked as he stretched his arms above his head. It was at this time a village man barged into the door.
"Bokuden! We got trouble! Apis?! Where is she?!"
"What's the matter?" Nami wondered.
"You're those pirates, right?" The man asked. "A marine fleet just arrived! Their blockading the harbor and coming ashore!"
"Oh, no!" Nami gasped. "We got to get to Apis before they do!"
"Why're the marines after a little girl?" Usopp questioned.
"Guys! I need you to come with me, right now!" Nami insisted. "Let's go!"
"With pleasure, Nami~!" Sanji said.
"We gotta go now?" Luffy asked.
"Yes!" Nami affirmed. "Move!"
"What do we do with the old man?" Zoro asked.
"He'll be fine," Jou stated. "He looks peaceful, so we let him sleep."
"Hey," Nami got the villagers' attention. "When he wakes up tell him not to worry, we'll protect Apis and keep her safe."
"Yeah, alright," The village man said.
Jou, Nami, and Luffy led the other three to the cave. The sniper, cook, and swordsman each had a different reaction toward Grandpa Ryu. When they arrived Apis climbed onto the dragon's back as she smiled.
"Hey!" Apis exclaimed. "You're all here!"
"Guys, this is one of those Millennial Dragon's that Bokuden was talking about," Nami mentioned.
"Apis here calls him Grandpa Ryu," Jou added.
"Hey!" Luffy grinned. "Let's see if he can fetch?" Jou couldn't help but frown at his captain.
"Seriously...?" Jou questioned.
"He's a dragon, not a puppy!" Nami shouted.
"I guess the closer you get to the Grand Line, the more you run into things like this," Zoro commented with a frown.
"Well, if things like those Sea King's we encountered could exist, I guess anything's possible," Sanji stated.
"Oh no, are you sure we're safe around this thing?" Usopp questioned fearfully. "Will he try to eat us?!" Grandpa Ryu leaned over to the sniper, opened his mouth, and licked Usopp's face with his giant tongue as the long nose groaned in disgust.
"Normally, he doesn't eat people but he is forgetful if he starts acting like your food get away quick," Apis noted as Grandpa Ryu took Usopp's head into his mouth.
"Now you tell me!" Usopp exclaimed as he attempted to pry himself from the dragon's mouth.
"It doesn't hurt though, does it?" Luffy asked with a laugh. "Don't worry about that. I think he likes you."
"That's easy for you to say, Luffy!" Usopp shouted. "You're not the one with your head in his mouth!"
"If you don't like being in there then get your head out of it," Jou suggested.
"I would if I could!" Usopp argued.
"Maybe we should let him eat you," Zoro said.
"Zoro!" Usopp yelled.
"And give the poor thing food poisoning," Sanji mentioned as Luffy laughed.
"Yeah, Usopp doesn't look like he'd taste very good," Jou added with a smirk.
"Why you lousy...!" Usopp growled angrily as he struggled to pry himself out from Grandpa Ryu's maw. Jou could tell Usopp was not enjoying this and turned to Apis.
"Apis, think you could..." Jou conveyed.
"Mmhm," Apis nodded at him. "Grandpa Ryu, could you let him go...?" Grandpa Ryu freed Usopp as the sniper hid behind a rock.
"Anyways, the dragon is the reason why the marines have been chasing after Apis," Nami mentioned as she crossed her arms. "We can't let the marines get their hands on him. I brought you here because we need to help Apis take him back to his home on Lost Island."
"Are you nuts?!" Usopp questioned. "In case you forgot, Nami, the marines are after us, too! With that blockade, we're gonna have enough trouble escaping ourselves let alone with a ginormous lizard!"
"Please, listen!" Apis pleaded. "Grandpa Ryu just wants to go home! Luffy said-"
"Wait, don't tell me..." Usopp interrupted. "Luffy said something like 'Sure, we'll take him to the Lost Island'!" Usopp mimicked Luffy's voice in an almost spot-on impersonation in Jou's opinion.
"Hey!" Luffy said. "How'd you know I said that?"
"You always say stuff like that!" Usopp remarked. "Without asking us first! And without having a clue to find the place!"
"Eh, we'll work it out somehow," Luffy said nonchalantly.
"Oh, please!" Usopp moaned.
"It's okay, Grandpa Ryu," Apis claimed as she pet the dragon. "I'll find another way to get you home and I won't let those marines get you."
"Now, there is the fact that we have no clue on how to find Lost Island," Jou mentioned.
"But the dragon here should have migratory instincts which will help us find it," Nami added.
"Yeah," Luffy agreed. "So, what're we waiting for! Let's get going!"
"But, Luffy...?" Usopp whined.
"Hey!" Zoro assured. "Don't worry, we'll work it out."
"I agree but first thing's first..." Sanji said. "How are you supposed to bring our big friend here down the mountain and into Going Merry?"
"Oh, funny you should ask..." Jou remarked. "Nami's already come up with a great idea."
"We're gonna build him a cart," Nami mentioned with a smile. "One big enough for Grandpa Ryu to ride. Let's move!" This caused Usopp to palm his face in exasperation but the idea had Apis all in smiles as she beamed at each of the crew. Pleased that the whole crew was willing the pitch in and help Grandpa Ryu get to Lost Island.
"Thank you!" Apis exclaimed.
The work on Grandpa Ryu's cart began. In order to make the said cart, the first thing needed was wood. A lot of it and there were was a spot with plenty of huge trees for building this cart. Nami figured the best way to get the right amount of wood was to have the four who were considered the strongest on the crew start gathering trees the only way they knew how. Each had a different way of doing it. Jou spun his chains as they collected wind and sped through a row of trees, Luffy struck the trees with his fist, Sanji kicked through them, and Zoro sliced them down.
Nami smiled as she watched the boys work. Apis had a look of amazement on her face, likely impressed by their strength, and Usopp was frowning beside them. Before they knew it, they had more than enough wood. Between the four of them, there was probably too much as Jou, Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro were each standing on their own separate stack of trees.
"So, this has to be enough?" Jou wondered as he sat cross-legged on his stack. "What do you think, Nami?"
"Yep!" Nami smirked as she gave the 'a-okay' signal. "That's good!" Usopp sighed as his shoulders slumped.
"Well..." said the sniper. "I guess I better start slapping this thing together. Not that I have any real choice." Now started the work of assembling the cart and the wheels. Usopp was in charge of the crafting part as he pieced the cart together, hammering away as Apis was in awe as she watched the sniper work. After a while, the care was finally completed as Usopp wiped the sweat off his brow.
"That's it, guys!" Usopp exclaimed. "It's finally done!"
"It's so strong and sturdy even Grandpa Ryu couldn't break it!" Apis said with a laugh as she happily hopped up and down on the cart.
"Uh huh!" Luffy agreed as he laughed as well.
"Speaking of breaking..." Sanji spoke up. "How are we supposed to get through that blockade? And back to the ship?"
"I don't know?" Luffy shrugged. "We'll work it out somehow."
"Yeah, but how?" Sanji questioned.
"An attack," Zoro suggested.
"Yeah, that's not a bad idea," Sanji agreed.
"Not gonna work," Jou stated. "Instead of attacking directly, there's gotta be a way we could sneak to the Going Merry." Nami turned her to Jou. He gave her a puzzled look as she beamed a smile at him. "Uh, something I said?"
"You said sneak to the Going Merry," Nami reminded. "That's exactly the idea I had. Here's how it goes, it requires more stealth than strength. One of us has to go to the harbor, sneak aboard the Going Merry and sail to the rear of the island."
"Well, since my good personal friend Kaya gave us the ship..." Usopp smiled proudly. "I should be the one to go!" Apis seemed to gush at the sniper's proclamation."However, Zoro is coming with me!"
"Me...?" Zoro wondered. "Why?!"
"You can give Usopp back-up if things go south," Jou suggested. "Though, it shouldn't be a problem since you two are sneaking aboard the ship."
"That's fine by me," Nami nodded.
"Great!" Usopp grinned. "Nightfall is when we move out, Zoro!"
"No! Now!" Nami insisted. "We're running out of time! Get the ship and bring it back to the edge of that cape! The one that looks like your nose." True enough, on the map, Nami saw the back of the island did resemble the sniper's nose.
"That's funny!" Luffy chuckled. "It does look like his nose!"
"Okay, but that still doesn't explain how you're-" Usopp began.
"Leave that to me," Nami figured. "This cave is pretty well hidden but those marines will find it sooner or later. Get moving, you two!" Nami ordered the sniper and swordsman.
"For a Navigator, you sure give a lot of orders!" Usopp complained as he and Zoro went on their way.
"Jou, Sanji, Luffy...!" Nami told the trio. "You guys get Grandpa Ryu on the cart!"
Jou spied through his telescope to keep an eye out for the Going Merry. He hoped things went smoothly for Usopp and Zoro and wondered if they were able to make it to the ship. Everyone else waited with Grandpa Ryu who lay atop his newly built cart. Jou kept an eye out for the ship as Nami stepped beside him.
"Any luck spotting the ship yet?" Nami wondered.
"Not yet," Jou replied. "I'll let you know." He kept his attention out at sea for the ship. "By the way...?" Jou asked Nami who was still beside him. "Good job coming up with this idea."
"What're you talking about?" Nami asked raising her brows. "You were one who brought up with the idea for sneaking to the ship?"
"Yeah, but you've already thought of it," Jou stated. "And you seem to have the rest of this whole thing planned out," Jou smirked at Nami as she gave him a delighted smile.
"Well, someone has to use their brain on this crew," Nami mentioned. "You guys would be lost without me around."
"Guess I can't argue with that," Jou commented. He eyed through his scope and spotted the Going Merry finally sailing toward the cape. "Ah, right on time!"
"You see them?" Nami questioned.
"Take a look," Jou passed his telescope to Nami.
"Perfect!" Nami declared as she peered through the scope. "They made it!"
"Nice one, guys!" Jou nodded. Jou turned his head and caught a bird landing on Grandpa Ryu's nose and uttered a caw, which alerted Apis as she seemed to go into a panic.
"Oh no!" Apis shouted.
"What's the matter, Apis?" Jou wondered.
"The bird told me the marines are closing in!" Apis announced.
"Seriously...?" Jou muttered. He took note of the large group of marines that were making their way up the hill.
"They didn't waste any time," Nami stated as she eyed the marines through Jou's scope. She didn't seem pleased either by this turn of events. "They got here quicker than I thought."
"This changes things," Jou remarked.
"What're we gonna do?!" Apis questioned as she became more frantic. "They're getting close!"
"It'll be okay, don't worry," Nami promised. "Remember, we got these guys with us." Nami clapped a hand on Jou's shoulder as he rose an eyebrow at her. She was talking about him, Luffy, and Sanji as they were the first line of defense once the marines reach their location. "Plus, we're about to get outta here. We just have to wait until the Going Merry's reached that cape." It didn't take long for the marines to appear down the mountain and aim their rifles. Apis noticed them and spread her arms wide to shied Grandpa Ryu.
"No, stop!" Apis begged. "Please don't shoot Grandpa Ryu!"
"Apis!" Nami called as she reached for the young child. Grandpa Ryu used his large, feathery tail to cover Apis.
"No, wait!" Apis turned to Grandpa Ryu. The Millennial Dragon brought up his head as it glared down at the marines they appeared to have become terrified at the presence of Grandpa Ryu. Behind the marine officer was a strange-looking man wearing a grey blazer and pants with red sides, and a purple striped shirt underneath. His hair was colored purple and curved upwards similar to a hook and thin sunglasses over his eyes.
"I had a feeling if we followed that brat, she might possibly lead us to some Dragonite," the strange man remarked with folded arms. "But I never expected to encounter a living, breathing Millennial Dragon. This is quite the surprise. She is no longer of importance to us now. That Dragon is now our priority. Within it lies to the key to immortal life."
"FIRE!" the marine officer ordered as the marines took aim with their rifles as Nami quickly grasped Apis by her shoulders.
"NO!" Apis pleaded. "DON'T SHOOT!" Her shouts were ignored as the marines fired nonetheless. Grandpa Ryu covered Apis and Nami with his wing. Luffy leaped in front and took the bullets as they penetrated his rubber skin.
"Back at ya!" Luffy declared as he bounced the bullets off him as they scattered which evoked curiosity from the marine soldiers.
"What the hell was that...?" a marine wondered.
"How did he deflect the bullets?"
"I see you have Devil Fruit powers," the strange man noticed.
"Uh-huh," Luffy remarked plainly. "I'm a rubber man."
"Rubberman...?" a marine questioned.
"Devil Fruit...?"
"What's that...?"
"Use your swords, men!" the strange man commanded. "Bullets don't work against rubber!" The marines advanced up the mountain with swords drawn as they roared whilst they charged. Jou flicked both his wrists and grabbed his chains as he and Sanji darted at the marines.
"Jou, Sanji!" Nami shouted.
"We're on it!" Jou exclaimed.
"Never fear, Nami!" Sanji said as he sent a kick under the marine's chin.
Jou lashed a marine and leaped to avoid another marines sword. Jou wrapped his chains around the marine's wrist, pulled him forward, and jump-kicked him in the face. Jou back-flipped from another marine. After he landed on his feet, Jou reached for a knife and tossed it at the marine. The knife hit him in the shoulder as the marine yelped in pain and fell down the hill while the rest of the marines started to pile in.
"They're still coming!" Jou voiced in irritation. "Luffy!" Jou called his captain as he whirled his chains and gathered wind. "Dual-Chain Cyclone!" Jou leaped with a single spin and hurled a blast of wind at the incoming marines.
"Gum-Gum Gatling!" Luffy attacked simultaneously with Jou as the marines were struck by his fists. The marines never stood a chance as they were sent down the mountain. A marine soldier glimpsed up and whimpered when he saw Jou, Luffy, and Sanji glaring at him. He was right to be terrified as just the three of them dealt with the marines like they were nothing but cannon fodder.
"Hmm?" the strange man hummed. "You call yourselves marines? What a joke. The whole lot of you are pathetic." A marine limped away while hurt as the man simply stepped up the path and casually cut the marine down. Jou didn't know what he did as he looked like he wasn't carrying a weapon.
"A knife...?" Luffy wondered.
"I don't know...?" Sanji questioned.
"You think he was holding a weapon?" Jou asked as the man halted his approach and placed a hand on his hip.
"My names Eric 'The Whirlwind', Straw hats," He introduced himself. "I was hired by Commodore Nelson of Branch 8. I have no business with you. That Millennial Dragon on the other hand is a different story. Stand aside, if you don't, you'll fall victim to my Wind-Slash. The power of the Sickle-Sickle Fruit..." Jou listened to the man chatter but found himself listening to Sanji and Luffy instead as Eric's speech merely shifted to jibberish.
"Did he say sicko-sicko...?" Sanji asked.
"I think...?" Luffy said in confusion.
"What do we do...?" Sanji wondered. Jou only rolled his eyes irritably and didn't care who this Eric guy was as he was only in their way.
"We don't have time to deal with this jackass," Jou sighed. "Nami, is the ship at the cape yet?" Nami didn't answer him right away as she held onto Apis as she used his telescope.
"Not yet!" Nami answered.
"Nami's gorgeous even when she's checking on Zoro and Usopp's progress~!" Sanji swooned. Jou sighed and rolled his eyes at the cook.
"Does that really matter as of right now!" Jou told him.
"You should know Nami looks absolutely wonderful doing anything," Sanji retorted.
"So, what?" Jou wondered. "Let me guess, she digs in her nose, you'll see it and say 'that's hot~!'" Jou attempted his best imitation of the cook's voice and his own bangs fell over his eye similar to the cook's hairstyle.
"Moron!" Sanji growled at him. "You take that back! Nami would never do anything like that!" Jou was only kidding and just wanted to see the cook's furious reaction. He didn't seem to be as irate when it came to Jou's impersonation of him. Jou knew someone like Nami who prides on being clean would never do anything like picking their nose. Jou turned his head over to Luffy, who was doing just that.
"I wish they'd hurry up," Luffy said while digging in his nose as Jou only grimaced.
"Luffy, that's gross," Jou groaned. "Don't do that." Jou actually forgot all about Eric and diverted it to the 'sicko' as he seemed agitated by the fact they were entirely ignoring him.
"HEY!" Eric shouted. "STRAW HATS! ARE YOU LISTENING?! DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID?!"
"Yeah, we heard you," Luffy answered him. "You're Eric. The sicko."
"NO!" Eric screamed in anger. "I SAID SICKLE, YOU MORON! SICKLE LIKE THE SHARP THING THAT CUTS! NO SICKO!"
"Well, we're already sicko-hearing you talk," Luffy chuckled.
"Let's see how much you laugh after you've gotten a taste of this!" Eric declared as he straightened his index and middle finger and blew on them. Jou didn't know how powerful this guy claimed to be. With luck, he's not even that tough, and Jou, Luffy, and Sanji could probably just take him out altogether.
"Sickle-Sickle... Whirlwind!"
Jou felt the rush of wind as 3 air slashes were thrown at him, Sanji, and Luffy. Jou winced as he was sliced in the shoulder, as was Sanji, and Luffy received a few cuts in his forearm. The wind blew past them as it created a spiral pattern along the ground. The surge of wind blew toward Nami, Apis, and Grandpa Ryu. The Millennial Dragon shielded them with the use of his wing.
"What was that?!" Luffy wondered as he held his arm.
"This wind-slash creep really packs a punch," Sanji muttered as he clutched his wounded shoulder.
"He's kinda like you, Jou," Luffy figured.
"Kind of," Jou replied grasping his injury. "He controls wind through his Devil Fruit." Jou was honestly a little curious to see what a fight between him and this Eric would be like considering their use of the wind. But Jou understood they didn't have time for that as they were waiting for Usopp and Zoro to reach the cape.
"The winds I create are just as sharp as the keenest blades in the world," Eric chuckled. "Even the fiercest fighters don't stand a chance." he boasted. "I can rip anyone to shreds in a matter of seconds!"
"Let's get outta here," Apis nervously expressed to Nami.
"Not yet," Nami stated as she kept her attention on the cape. "They're not ready."
"Now!" Eric exclaimed. "Move it! That dragon's mine! Stand down!"
"No way!" Luffy declared.
"Alright, don't move then," Eric smiled as he held up two fingers. "It's your funeral, rubber boy." Jou figured if Usopp and Zoro didn't make it to the cape soon then they would have to deal with this Eric right here and now.
"What about now?" Apis questioned the navigator. "Well, Nami?!"
"Finally!" Nami smiled as she clenched her fist. "It's time! You guys, Let's go!"
"Perfect!" Jou commented as he and the other two made a dash to the cart.
"What the...?" Eric was left confused as they ran away. Jou leaped aboard the cart as Nami tossed him his telescope, and caught it with a single hand. Luffy got onto the cart as he sat on Grandpa and Sanji made his way to the rear end of it and lifted his leg.
"Hey, Nami~!" Sanji called. "This kicks dedicated to you~!" Jou fought the urge to roll his eyes at the cook's constant need to impress Nami.
"Then kick it already!" Jou voiced in exasperation. Sanji sent a straight kick into a rock which pushed the cart to start cruising down the mountain. "And try to hold onto something!"
Jou knew there wasn't really much to hold onto as it wasn't like Usopp had time to really put anything to keep hold of while they sped down at the trail. The girls' aboard the cart screamed, clearly terrified by how fast they were going. Jou and Sanji held onto whatever they could. The one who really seemed to enjoy this ride happened to be their captain as he gave out a laugh. Eric wasn't going to quit as he moved in front of the rolling cart.
"No, you don't!" he hollered.
"Gum-Gum...!" Luffy drew back his fist.
"Sickle-Sickle...!" Eric readied his own attack. "Whirlwind!"
"Pistol!" Luffy sent his fist at Eric which canceled his wind-slash. The cart was close to hitting him but Eric appeared to be rather nimble as he vaulted over the cart which continued to descend down the mountain.
"Woohoo!" cheered Luffy. The roll downhill became more intense the further they went down. Jou noticed a huge rock as it appeared that their ride was now on a collision course with it. With how fast they were going, it's possible no one would survive once they hit.
"Oh, crap!" Jou exclaimed. "There's a rock dead ahead of us!"
"We're gonna hit it!" Apis cried.
"Luffy!" Nami shouted.
"Gum-Gum Gatling!" Luffy threw rapid punches toward the rock in their way. The rock was obliterated but large pieces of its remains dropped toward the group as Sanji destroyed it with single a kick. Apis screamed as a large fragment of debris fell toward Apis, Jou with only the use of his red chain leaped before Apis with a single lash and destroyed the debris, the remnants left to only pebbles. Jou landed on a cart in a crouch as he glanced at Apis, who was holding onto Grandpa Ryu.
"Apis!" Jou said with a smile. "You okay, kiddo!" Apis opened her eyes and nodded her head frantically.
"I-I'm fine!" she replied. Jou gave her a thumbs-up and swung his red chain over his shoulder. Apis may have been claimed she was alright but Jou could tell this whole thing had her shaken up. Jou was a bit worried at first but he had to agree this was pretty exhilarating. The wind streamed past them while they cascaded the mountain, their hearts pounding from fear and possible excitement. Jou never considered himself much of a thrill-seeker before leaving on this journey but figured it best to live your life to the fullest even if you were in danger.
"This is stupid!" Apis yelled. "It's crazy! We're all gonna die!"
"Not if we keep our heads down!" Luffy commented with a laugh. Luffy was only so lucky to have his neck caught on a random tree they passed. The rest of him stayed perched on Grandpa Ryu as his neck lengthened.
"Take your own advice!" Nami chided as Luffy's head drew back to him.
"You know what!" Jou smiled. "Even though we're gliding down the hill at this incredibly dangerous speed with nothing to really hold onto! This is kinda fun!"
"You're crazy if you think this fun!" Nami chastised.
"Yeah!" Luffy cheered. Jou noticed Apis start cheering much like their captain. Each of them sounded like they were having fun. The cart flew over a trench and managed to reach the other side as it skated down the steep mountain.
The cart was nearing the cape as it coasted down it curved upward and was sent the cart into the air. In front, there was a marine ship with two soldiers perched in the crow's nest. The cart cast a shadow over them as they saw it and each let out screams of panic. They quickly ditched the post as the cart shattered through the marine ship's mainmast.
The ship's mast tumbled into the sea with a great splash. Jou heard Nami let out a cry as he caught her getting tossed off the cart. Jou bounded off the cart to meet her as he wrapped his red chain around her waist and jerked her toward him. Nami's arms wrapped around Jou's neck as one of his arms encircled went around her. Jou landed on the cart back-first as Nami clung to him. The cart touched down on the ocean and skipped across like a rock as it came to stop.
"That crazy plan actually worked?" Zoro wondered from the Going Merry.
"Well, he said he'd work it out somehow!" Apis smiled as she jabbed a finger at Luffy.
"I told you so!" Luffy chuckled.
Jou's arm was still surrounded around Nami's waist. Nami raised her head as she stared down at him, their eyes locking and faces in close proximity as neither of them uttered a word until Jou smirked.
"See?" Jou said. "That wasn't all that bad,"
"Easy for you to say," Nami responded with a sigh as she pushed off him. Jou only replied back with a laugh as Nami merely smiled at him. He returned the gesture as he adjusted his hat and turned to the marine ships.
"AFTER THEM!" Eric's voice hollered. "MOVE! CAPTURE THAT SHIP!"
"But sir, we can't!" A marine replied. "Not with our mainmast snapped! And it's wedged against a ship! We're stuck!"
"WHAT?!" came Eric's shout of disbelief. Jou heard all of that as continued to smirk. It meant they were home free without any marines pursuing them. Everyone boarded the Going Merry as Usopp connected a rope that reached from their ship to Grandpa Ryu's cart.
"You got that rope secure, Usopp?" Jou asked. "We don't want to risk losing Grandpa Ryu while on our way to the Lost Island."
"Yep, that should do it!" Usopp answered once he finished.
"Man, that ride was fun!" Luffy reminisced.
"It sure was!" Apis agreed with a giggle.
"Sure you're okay after that ride?" Nami asked her with a smile.
"Of course she is," Jou chimed. "Apis is a tough one." Apis agreed with a content nod.
"Well, now that Grandpa Ryu is all secure we can raise anchor," Nami suggested.
"Yeah!" Luffy exclaimed. "We're going to Lost Island, guys! SET SAIL!"
"Uh huh, and where's that?" Usopp wondered as sweat trickled from his forehead.
"That way!" Luffy pointed left. "Or that way?" And pointed to his right. "Or maybe it's behind us?"
"He wouldn't be able to find his head if it wasn't screwed on," Usopp mumbled.
"Nah, we'll work it out somehow," Zoro commented with a smile.
"Sure will," Jou added smirking. "I'm certain we'll find it."
"I hope so," Nami remarked with a wink. "Because it's not on the charts."
"Nami's gorgeous if she doesn't know where the ship is going~!" Sanji declared.
"Oh no!" Usopp lamented as he sounded anxious.
The sails were set as the Going Merry was headed toward its unknown destination with Grandpa Ryu resting soundly on the cart. Jou stood beside Nami as the navigator's hands were placed on Apis' shoulders. Everyone with a smile of excitement toward a new adventure.
"It's out there somewhere, guys!" Luffy exclaimed. "So let's go find Lost Island!"
To Guest: Jou's not going to take up all attention. I just think he should be doing more than just standing/watching in the background. I get where you're coming from but Jou is naturally going to get attention since he's the main character for this story.
To continue on about what that guest said, I think part of why Jou gets a lot of attention is because I mainly do Jou's POV. For POV's, I've done Jou's, we've done Nami's, even Usopp's and Sanji's. But next chapter, I'm going to try something different.
Before a new scene, you'll spot a tag that reads [No POV]. That means instead of just focusing on one character's POV, I can put focus on what's happening around the other characters. Rather than going 'Jou sees/notices blah blah blah'.
You'll get this in the next chapter, just to give you a heads up. Hope it doesn't become complicated.
I'll see you guys next time!
Later!