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)
[No POV]
"Well, that can't be good," Jou said as he removed his telescope from his eye. The marine ship that was approaching easily dominated the Going Merry in size as its figurehead resembled that of a devil.
"Oh, cool!" Luffy exclaimed. "Look at that! It's a gargoyle!"
"What?" Zoro wondered. From behind the enormous marine ship, came several other Marine vessels that weren't as big as the one in the lead.
"You gotta be kidding me!" Sanji voiced angrily.
"What?" Zoro growled. "Did the marines bring every ship in their whole damn fleet after us?!" Jou's focus was on the ships as he continued to watch them through his scope.
"What are you they up to?" Jou wondered until he gasped. "Are those chains?" he removed his scope from his eye and glared. "Swell. They're using them to completely box us in!" Jou sighed to himself. "Now that's just ironic, for me at least."
"What do we do?!" Apis questioned. "They have us blocked off!"
"We jump onto those ships, fight off those marines and cut those links!" Usopp announced with a smile. "It's our only choice."
"Wow!" Apis smiled at the sniper. "You mean you're really gonna do that, Usopp?" The sniper began to sweat at the thought of fighting marines alone.
"Go! Zoro! Luffy! Jou! Sanji!" He ordered the four strongest fighters.
"Why am I not surprised?" Apis frowned at Usopp.
"Actually, it's not a bad idea," Zoro commented as he thumbed a sword from its sheathe.
"I suppose I'm down for a boarding attack," Jou smirked as he flicked his red chain from his wrist.
"What? Are you serious?" Apis asked worriedly. "Even if you tried that there's no way you'd survive-" Apis paused when Nami placed a hand on her shoulder while giving an encouraging smile.
"It's okay, Apis," Nami reassured. "Things will work out. Just promise me that you'll make this raid quick, okay guys?"
"With all my heart," Sanji stated.
"Alright!" Luffy cheered as he thrust his arms. "Let's go!"
It didn't take long for the marines to start firing cannonballs. The shots that were fired only struck the water, nearly hitting the Merry which caused the ship to jerk as everyone kept their balance.
"Yeah! This is fun!" Luffy exclaimed as he held onto his hat.
More cannonballs were close to striking the Going Merry. Nami was in charge of the steering rudder, evading any cannonballs that nearly got them. Apis rushed out of the cabin and tripped on the deck which went noticed by Usopp.
"Apis!" Usopp called. "It's dangerous out here! Now, go back inside!"
"But I can't leave Grandpa Ryu all by himself!" Apis argued and sprinted to the rear of the ship.
"Hold on! Come back here!" Usopp tried to stop her and darted after her. Apis snaked through the railing of the ship and ran across the rope. "Have you lost your mind! You'll kill yourself! Apis!" Apis landed on the raft and ran to Grandpa Ryu.
"Grandpa Ryu, hang in there just a little bit longer. I'm gonna get you to the Dragon's Nest, I promise you that." Apis declared with a smile.
"Oh man, she's brave," Usopp noted as she looked at Apis. "Look at her, she loves that dragon." Usopp grinned. "Alright, you can count on me, Apis! I'll help you break through the front lines and breakthrough Dragon's Nest!" Two cannonballs hit both sides of the Merry causing the ship to violently swerve as Usopp rolled across deck slammed into the cabin.
"They got us!" Usopp yelled worriedly. "They circled around and attacked us from behind!" He announced with hands pressed in his head. "Sanji! We've been hit! Sanji! We're doomed! It's all over!"
"Pipe down, will ya?" Sanji told him. "We haven't been hit."
"Seriously?" Usopp wondered.
"Yeah," Sanji answered.
"Ahh, I'm saved," Usopp remarked with relief. "Who was the one going saying we've been hit anyway?"
"You don't remember saying how doomed we were a few seconds ago?" Jou questioned as Usopp's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
"Yeah, that's it!" Luffy cheered. "Go!" Another cannonball fired as Nami veered the ship around to avoid it. Not but a second after, a second cannonball was sent at the Going Merry.
"Hey!" Luffy exclaimed. "Cannonball coming this way!"
"I can't do something about it from here!" Nami exclaimed. "You do something about it!"
"No problem!" Luffy replied as he ran along the port side of the Merry. "I'm on it!" The cannonball soared toward the ship as Luffy faced it. "And Gum-Gum Balloon!" Luffy's body inflated as the cannonball bounced off it and was redirected back to the marine ship and destroyed its mainmast.
"Nice one, captain!" Jou cheered. Everything seemed to be going well so far for the crew.
"PREPARE TO FIRE THE SUPER GIANT CANNON!"
"Super giant what...?" Jou wondered. A loud siren from the lead marine craft had gone off. Jou spied through his telescope and his mouth dropped as he noticed there was a massive cannon from the lead marine ship that was aimed at the Going Merry.
"Oh, not good!" Jou voiced. "This is bad, guys! This time they literally brought out the big guns! That thing looks like it could do some major damage!"
"We're in trouble!" Nami mentioned as she was on the deck. "One hit from that monstrous cannon and our ship will be blown to shreds!"
"We'll be fine," Luffy said nonchalantly. "I'll just bounce it back!"
"Love the enthusiasm, captain!" Jou retorted. "But I don't think that's an option!"
"We need a permanent solution!" Nami remarked. "I'll turn the ship around, you guys work the rear sail! GO!"
"Right!" Zoro and Luffy went to work on the rear sail. Jou stayed at the side of the ship, keeping an eye out for any more changes from the marines.
"You like shooting cannons?" Usopp asked with his goggles on and prepared Merry's cannon. "Alright, you bunch of marine thugs. I got a shot for ya!"
"Okay, here were we go!" Luffy called as he and Zoro were manning the rear sail.
"Eat this!" Usopp exclaimed and fired at the leading marine vessel. The cannonball soared into the marine cannon's hole which forced it to explode. "How'd that medicine go down, fella's?!" Usopp called triumphantly. "That's what you get when you get served a helping of Usopp payback!"
"Big talk from someone who got lucky," Sanji commented to Usopp.
"You're full of it," Zoro remarked to the sniper.
"That was pure skill, guys!" Usopp claimed. "Luck had nothing to do with it! Learn the difference!"
"Wow, direct hit," Apis praised. "You're amazing, Usopp!" She gave the sniper a thumbs-up.
"Yeah!" Usopp grinned as he returned the gesture.
"See?" Jou smirked at Zoro and Sanji. "You guys are just jealous of Usopp because he did something cool, huh?"
"No way," Sanji scoffed.
"Not even," Zoro muttered.
"It'll be fine," Luffy spoke to Grandpa Ryu. "Don't worry, okay? All you have to do is keep protecting Apis. We'll do the rest."
"Hey, who are you talking to?" Usopp questioned
"Grandpa Ryu," Luffy stated.
"Now's our best chance," Nami announced as she joined everyone. "If we act quickly we can cut their barricade and clear our path outta here!"
"That's a great idea!" Sanji agreed.
"Luffy?" Zoro said to the captain with a knowing glance.
"Leave it to me!" Luffy responded. "Gum-Gum Bridge!" Luffy stretched his arm toward one of the marine ships and latched onto it. Zoro and Sanji ran across Luffy's arm but Jou didn't go with them. "What's wrong, Jou? You're not gonna go?"
[Jou POV]
"It's not that," Jou shook his head. "I don't risk you losing your strength." Jou gestured down to his boots. "I mean, I already had my ride for the day but this is for Grandpa Ryu and getting him to the Dragon's Nest. I was thinking you could give me a ride over instead?"
"Okay, sure," Luffy nodded. "Then let's go!" Luffy's other arm wrapped around Jou's waist. "Hang in there, Grandpa Ryu! Here it comes!" Jou was able to brace himself this time. Not like before, he wasn't ready when Luffy's yanked him all the way from the island earlier. Jou swore he felt his soul leave his body once he struck the mast. Luffy repelled his arm toward the marine ship as Jou was dragged along while hanging onto his hat. Jou felt the rush of wind as he and Luffy reached the ship. Jou expected a rough-landing but felt his back hit someone as they were both knocked to the ground, the person he struck muttered a curse.
"Thanks for cushioning my fall," Jou smirked at Sanji as the cook glared at him.
"Bastard," Sanji growled. Jou really was a bit grateful to Sanji but the cook didn't look happy. Meanwhile, Luffy slammed into Zoro and fell on him when they reached the ship.
"Hey, nice catch," Luffy praised the swordsman.
"Damn you!" Zoro grumbled. Jou jumped to his feet and approached the connecting chains as he and the others inspected them.
"Huh, imagine that?" Jou commented. "They used iron chains thinking they could stop us? Should've used steel." he turned to Zoro. "Looks like you can slice through these, Zoro."
"Good," Zoro nodded. "That makes things easier. Not that I wasn't hoping for a challenge at least."
"Great!" Luffy exclaimed. "Get to it!" A door burst open for Jou and the others to find themselves surrounded by a multitude of marine troops and armed with cutlasses. Jou flicked his right wrist for his other chains it was time to get ready for a fight.
"This is overkill," Sanji remarked.
"For who?" Jou wondered. "For us? Or them? How are we doing this?"
"I'll take the right side, Jou takes care of the middle, and Sanji, you take the left," Luffy suggested.
"Sounds good to me," Jou commented as he swung his red chain over his shoulder.
"Whatever," Sanji said.
"I'll leave these guys to you," Zoro stated to the three.
"Thanks," Jou, Luffy, and Sanji answered.
"No one gets by the fighting marines of the Nelson Fleet!" A marine exclaimed. "You're dead, pirates!"
Each marine troop let out battle cries as they sprinted at Jou and the other two. Luffy punched a marine and delivered a kick in another's stomach while Sanji landed a kick in a marine's face. Jou spun his chains and lashed his chains outward in two marines' faces. Jou whipped a chain around a marine's sword and jump-kicked him in his face. Luffy slammed a marine into the ship's deck and kicks an incoming one in the stomach as Sanji spin-kicked a trio of marines. Jou effortlessly dodged the marine's cutlass and wrapped both chains around the soldier's wrists and hurled him toward a clump of marines.
"Gum-Gum Gatling!" Luffy dealt out multiple punches to a whole group as they fell overboard. More marines were coming aboard the ship using the connecting chains. Zoro easily sliced through the chains which caused the marines to fall into the sea.
"Haha! Here they come!" Luffy grinned as he was chased by marines. He faced them and stretched his arms around them which stopped them in their tracks. "Now! Gum-Gum Pinball!" Luffy's body shot forward and knocked the marines backward. Luffy chuckled and landed on the ground watching them fall in the water.
"Dual-Chain Typhoon!" Jou swirled his chains and collected wind and hurled four wind slashes into a pile of marines which sent them flying off the ship. Jou was crouched on the ground and stood as the marines hit the ocean with a splash. Jou swung his chains over his shoulders as he and Sanji stood behind their captain. Zoro was nearly finished with the chains as he cut down another set, causing more marines to fall.
With marines laying unconscious on the deck, Jou brought his attention to the Going Merry that was making its way to the last set of chains. Jou's eyes widened as he saw a gust of wind force the ship back causing the ocean to billow and rock the ship. Jou's eyes widened, he was concerned about the others on the Going Merry and figured something was wrong. He pulled out his telescope and saw someone he hoped to not see.
[Nami POV]
Nami was controlling the steering rudder. The guys had to be almost done with the raid on the marine ships to drop those chains so they can get out of here. But something seemed to strike the Going Merry causing the caravel to violently sway making Nami scream. Once everything relaxed, Nami wobbled out of the door and found Usopp on the deck.
"What the hell just happened?" Nami questioned.
"I-I don't know!" Usopp answered.
"I know you!" Apis' voice called out. "You're that 'sicko'!"
"That guy is back," Usopp mumured.
"C'mon, Apis could be in trouble," Nami stated as she and Usopp ran to the front deck. Nami saw Eric standing on a boat with a few marines.
"It's not sicko... It's sickle, you brat!" Eric spat. "Enough! You've lost! Now handover the Millennial Dragon!"
"Stay back!" Apis exclaimed as she shielded Grandpa Ryu. "You can't have him! You'll never get Grandpa Ryu!"
"Give him to me right now!" Eric demanded.
"No!" Apis shouted and she wasn't about to let Grandpa Ryu go.
"Keep in mind..." Eric mentioned. "I have the ability to slice you into ribbons at any given moment." This caused anger in Nami as she wasn't about to let this bastard hurt Apis.
"Stop right there!" Nami warned. "Lay one fingernail on that kid and I'll make you beg for death!"
"Yeah!" Usopp added. "A-And then you'll have to deal with me, ya creepy sicko!"
"More empty threats," Eric smirked. "Fair warning, little pirates. My wind-slice missed you on purpose. A demonstration. The next one will cost you."
Nami thought back to what happened earlier when they were reaching the marine blockade. This 'sicko' was who caused the Merry to wobble with his wind. Nami hated to admit it, but this guy was obviously strong, much so than her and Usopp. If they even thought about attacking, he could kill Apis and them. It's too bad that their main fighters were on the marine ships. At this point, Nami felt powerless and she hated it. Nami instead only seethed at Eric as he gave her an annoying smirk.
"Force me and I'll blow your ship apart," Eric asserted.
[Jou's POV]
"Oh, great..." Jou muttered.
"What's wrong?" Luffy asked as Jou pointed Eric out to his captain.
"It's him," Sanji answered.
"That jackass never quits," Jou expressed. "All he did was run when I tried to fight him."
"So, what's he doing?" Luffy questioned.
"Looks like he's taking the Dragon and taking Apis hostage," Zoro observed.
"Oh no, he's not!" Luffy declared as he was about to jump from the marine ship.
"Stop!" Zoro halted him by grabbing his shoulder. "If you try to fight him, he might kill Apis and the others!"
"True, and we've seen what he can do first-hand," Jou stated. "That wind-slash of his no joke." Once they get over there, he'd only end up doing away with Apis, Nami, and Usopp as that induced worry in Jou. That wind-slash at the Going Merry was merely a warning. So, all they can do is watch as Eric takes away Grandpa Ryu and Apis. Jou sighed in irritation thinking he should've finished Eric while he had the chance. "This just terrific."
"Alright," Luffy noted. "No punching. I'll kick him."
"Are you even listening?!" Zoro shouted as he struck Luffy in the head. Jou saw Eric and Apis board Grandpa Ryu's raft as they sailed away from the Going Merry.
"Of course," Jou growled. "That jackass is taking them away." While the raft sailed away, a few cannonballs pounded at the water around it. "Dammit! If they continue shooting, they'll hit Apis and Grandpa Ryu!"
[No POV]
Apis begged Eric that Grandpa Ryu will die if she doesn't get him to the Dragon Nest. Eric lifted Apis by the back of her clothes and threatened to tear her apart. Apis wasn't afraid and bit Eric's hand that touched her face. Eric threw Apis in the boat where he and the three marines were in. Seeing that caused obvious anger in Grandpa Ryu. The Millennial Dragon stood on his legs causing the few marines to scream and dove into the water.
"What're you moron's running from?!" Eric shouted at the fleeing marines. Eric turned around to find the now standing Millennial Dragon and shrieked in fear himself. Grandpa Ryu knocked the annoying sicko away with a single wing, causing him to be sent flying. Seeing Apis lying on her back brought memories Grandpa Ryu and the girl had. He unfurled his green-feathered wings and gave out a mighty roar toward the sky The howl from the dragon echoed across the ocean and reached the ears of the marines and pirates.
"OH NO! MAKE IT STOP" Usopp screamed from the Merry as he and Nami blocked their ears. From the marine ship, Jou, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji did the same for their own ears, attempting to block out the noise but it did very little.
"Yeah, so Grandpa Ryu is loud!" Luffy shouted over Grandpa Ryu's call. Grandpa Ryu's roar came to an end as Apis finally got to her feet and stared up at Grandpa Ryu, a smile spreading on her face.
"Grandpa!" Apis hugged the dragon. "You stood up! That's great!" Apis laughed in joy. "You're back!" She gave the dragon a confused expression. "Huh? What?" Grandpa Ryu reached a more towering height and flared out his wings and started to flap them.
"Really?!" Apis smiled and laughed. Usopp and Nami were still aboard the Going Merry watching Grandpa Ryu flutter his wings.
"Ooh boy!" Usopp exclaimed.
"You don't suppose he's...?" Nami wondered.
"That's it!" Luffy cheered. "Fly, Grandpa Ryu! You can do it!"
"Is he really going to fly right now?" Jou questioned with wide eyes. Grandpa Ryu lifted himself off the cart and was finally flying.
"You did it, Grandpa Ryu!" Apis praised. "You're flying!" Every cannon from each Marine ship fired at the airborne Grandpa Ryu.
"No, stop!" Apis pleaded tearfully. "Fly away, Grandpa! Go hide! Find someplace where the cannons can't reach you!" Grandpa Ryu only roared as he was hit by more cannon fire.
"Leave him alone!" Luffy exclaimed as he destroyed the cannons from the other marine ship
"Back off!" Jou shouted as he lashed several marines. Zoro sliced through marines as Sanji kicked them before they could fire another cannon.
"Now's your chance to escape!" Apis cried. "Hurry!" More cannonballs battered Grandpa Ryu as one splashed in the water beside the boat Apis was in, the boat wobbled which caused her to scream. Grandpa Ryu gave out a short roar and looked at the leading ship that continued firing cannonballs at him.
"Grandpa, wait!" Apis jumped out of the boat and on the cart. "You're going the wrong way!" Grandpa flew to the lead ship and roared to the sky. Cannonball's kept firing at the Millennial Dragon but he ignored them. After a few more shots, Grandpa Ryu collapsed into the sea with a huge splash as tears started to leak from Apis' eyes. Each of the Straw hats looked on in worry as they saw Grandpa Ryu not moving an inch.
[Jou POV]
Jou's eyes widened as Grandpa Ryu fell into the sea. Standing all the way on this marine ship, Jou felt helpless. There wasn't anything he and the others can do to help the Millennial Dragon. They were doing all this for him, searching for the Dragon Nest, to bring him home. There's no way Grandpa Ryu would let it end like this and die before he gets to see it. Jou saw Luffy stretch his arms toward the large Marine ship's mast.
"RYU!" Luffy shouted. Before Luffy could launch himself, Jou coiled his red chain around his captain's torso as Luffy only gave Jou a puzzled glance.
"Luffy, I'm going with you!" Jou demanded as Luffy stared at him. "C'mon, hurry! Grandpa Ryu needs help!"
"Okay!" Luffy nodded. "Hang on!" Jou braced himself for probably the third ride in a row today. He and Luffy soared through the air as Jou unwrapped his chain from Luffy as each of them landed on Grandpa Ryu's back. Jou crawled to check if the dragon was still alive and sighed in relief as he saw the dragon was breathing, if barely.
"Hang in there," Luffy told him. "We'll help you. Hey, what're you trying to get at? Don't you talk about dying!" Ryu looked at Luffy. "Believe me. I know where you're coming from. I won't let anything happen to Apis. I'll make sure to get you back to the Dragon's Nest! Now, promise me you'll stay alive?"
"GRANDPAAAAA!" Apis cried. Jou knew this was heartbreaking for Apis. Apis has such a strong bond with Grandpa Ryu that she didn't want him to die and cares about him a lot.
"Hang in there!" Luffy continued talking to Grandpa Ryu. "Look, I've never been to the Dragon's Nest but I don't think it's down there!" Grandpa Ryu's body began to slowly sink into the ocean.
"Please don't die!" Apis pleaded.
"Grandpa Ryu!" Nami shouted from the Merry.
"Damn those Marines!" Usopp cursed.
"Not good!" Zoro grunted.
"Yeah," Sanji agreed. "It looks like the Dragon can't swim!"
With the way Luffy spoke, Jou wondered if Grandpa Ryu was accepting his death. Not that Jou wanted that to happen. Jou made his way to Grandpa Ryu's head so he can stare him in the eye.
"Hey, Grandpa Ryu?" Jou asked. "Can you hear me?" Jou knew it wasn't going to help anything but he had to try to tell Grandpa Ryu to not give up. "Listen to me..." Grandpa Ryu's eye moved to Jou. "I don't have Apis' power to understand you and I can't like Luffy is somehow able to but I want to help you. You've come this far and you're almost to the Dragon's Nest. We made a promise to you and Apis to get you there. So, please..." Jou stared into Grandpa Ryu's yellow eye. "Stay alive... for Apis."
Jou felt his pleas were in vain. He realized Grandpa didn't have the strength to get up. Jou continued to stare in the Millennial Dragon's eye. The dragon's attention was focused on him as he and Grandpa Ryu made eye contact.
"Thank you..." Jou heard a voice in his head. The voice sounded old, weary but comforting all at once. Was this Grandpa Ryu's voice? The same voice heard by Apis and Luffy? Jou can't have been imagining it. Normally, Jou probably would have thought he'd gone insane when hearing a voice in his head but this was different. He didn't have time to question just how he was doing this so the least he could do is listen.
"Thank you both for trying to help me..." Grandpa Ryu said. "You and your friends have done a lot for Apis. For which I am grateful she came across people with good hearts. I may not be able to reach the Nest as I have wished, but promise me, you'll bring Apis to the Dragon's Nest so she'll know my sacrifice here will not be in vain."
Jou eyes were wide as he stared down at Grandpa Ryu. He didn't want Grandpa Ryu to die but he told Jou his wish and who was Jou to deny him that. Jou gazed into Grandpa Ryu's eye and gave a firm nod.
"I promise," Jou stated as he chewed his own lip. "But I don't agree with that. We're getting you to that Dragon's Nest."
"That's right," Luffy agreed. "Hmm?" Luffy hummed as he blinked at Jou in confusion. "Wait, Jou? You can hear Grandpa Ryu, too?"
"I... I think so..." Jou replied slowly. Jou looked up to see a harpoon fire at him, Grandpa Ryu, and Luffy. There was nothing to worry about as Luffy caught with a single hand with no effort.
"Luffy..." Jou breathed.
"That wasn't nice," Luffy stated as he looked at the marine ship.
"Hahahaha!" Laughter boomed from the marine ship. It came from probably the most disgusting sight Jou had ever witnessed. It was an overly obese man sitting in a humongous chair on the huge marine ship with a fan in his hand. On his stomach, he had the marine symbol in blue. He had a long, thin, curved mustache, and red spiral marks on his cheeks and on his head, he wore a tall marine hat. Jou figured this was probably Commodore Nelson, the same one Eric spoke about when they first met him. The fat jackass certainly gave off corrupt marine officer vibes.
"You have no idea the value of that stupid animal your standing on!" Nelson proclaimed. "You can keep the Dragon! I just want its bones! With the Dragonite in my possession, nothing can prevent me from attaining the ultimate power! Everlasting life!"
Are all marines just greedy as hell? Jou thought. Makes me think Rana should've picked a different line of work.
"Jackass..." Jou muttered with a glare at Nelson.
Luffy was clearly angered as his body shook. With a roar, he took the harpoon and threw it at Nelson's ship. The harpoon was hurled directly at Nelson and never hit the large man as it destroyed his fan and lodged itself in the ship. The marines were surprised as Nelson had a look of alarm on his pudgy face.
"This dragon has a name!" Luffy shouted. "It's Grandpa Ryu, jerk! You got that?! And he has every intention of keeping bones to himself!"
"That's right!" Jou agreed. "So keep your dirty hands away from him, you bastard!"
"You try my patience?!" Nelson questioned. "For your insolence, you both will sink to the bottom of the sea with that dragon! Now, prepare for your punishment!" Nelson turned to his marines. "Destroy those two right now!"
"But, sir..." a marine answered. "We can't destroy them without obliterating the dragon."
"So, what?" Nelson replied. "All fragments will serve my purpose fine!"
"Yes, sir!" the marine saluted. "Ready the cannons!"
"Yes, sir!" the other marines chorused. Grandpa Ryu opened his eye to stare at Jou and Luffy.
"The both of you need to go now," Grandpa Ryu stated. "Save yourselves. They'll be too focused on me to worry about you all. Just get Apis away from here."
"Huh?" Jou mouthed at the dragon. "You want us to just leave you?"
"You're fine with staying here?" Luffy questioned. "Well, I'm not. You gotta fight back! You haven't accomplished your goal. Remember? What happened to going home to your nest? Don't give up on your dream when you've gotten this close!"
"Just take care of Apis for me, please," Ryu said.
"Sure I will," Luffy said. "Don't worry about Apis, I'll protect her. You need to stop worrying about everyone else and start worrying about yourse-" Jou didn't know what was happening now as the entire area began to shake. Jou didn't know what else to do but latch onto Grandpa Ryu's feathers to keep himself from tumbling into the ocean.
"What's even going on?!" Jou wondered.
[No POV]
The violent rumbling from Warship Island was felt by the islanders. It wasn't just them, but the pirates and the marines felt it from their ships as well.
"Please, you gotta untie these ropes!" Apis demanded as she was attached to Usopp's back. "Grandpa Ryu needs my help! It's up to me!"
"He'll be safe with Luffy and Jou, I promise," Usopp declared.
"No, you're not listening!" Apis continued. "I have to go!"
"If anyone can save the dragon, it's them!" Usopp claimed.
"The entire sea is shaking!" Nami exclaimed. "Oh c'mon! As if we don't have enough problems!"
[Jou POV]
Jou nearly lost his balance as everything trembled. As the shaking continued, Luffy kept trying to pull Grandpa Ryu out of the ocean until he finally took note of something. Jou looked at the ocean and noticed something ascending from below.
"Hey, Luffy...?" Jou called his captain. "You might want to look at this."
"What is it?" Luffy asked as Jou pointed at what was reaching the ocean's surface. "What the...? Hey?" Luffy said to Grandpa Ryu. "What's going on?!"
"The Lost Island is rising..." Grandpa Ryu declared.
"Really?" Luffy wondered. "Oh, so that's it!"
"The island is rising...?" Jou repeated and braced himself as a few cannonballs were shot at him, Luffy, and Grandpa Ryu just barely missing them. Grandpa Ryu seemed to gather what strength he had left and leaned up and let out a loud roar that echoed into the sky but Jou heard him speak.
"The time has come, everyone!" Ryu called. "The Lost Island is finally rising!" Luffy's eyes widened in realization but Jou was left confused.
"Everyone?" Jou questioned.
"I get it!" Luffy exclaimed as Grandpa Ryu continued to bellow. "That's it!" Luffy grinned. "You're calling some of your friends, aren't you?"
[No POV]
"He's calling them," Apis spoke as she looked to the sky.
"Calling them...?" Usopp questioned. "Exactly who is he calling?"
"The 'other's'," Apis said.
"What do you mean?" Nami asked.
"He's calling out to all the other Millennial Dragon's," Apis mentioned. "Telling them it's time. Finally."
"Time for what precisely?" Nami wondered. "I'm confused."
"Wh-What's that...?!" Usopp pointed as he noticed something in the distance. Nami and Apis followed where he was looking. They saw a swarm of Millennial Dragons soaring in the sky above the Merry and the Marine ships.
"Who knew Grandpa Ryu had so many friends!" Usopp exclaimed in disbelief.
"A whole army of dragons!" Nami remarked with a big smile on her face. Apis watched as tears leaked from her eyes. Sanji and Zoro watched from the marine ship, both confused by the dragon's flying in the sky.
"What the...?" Zoro questioned.
"Where did these things come from...?" Sanji wondered.
[Jou POV]
Jou almost believed he was dreaming but he wasn't, it was real. He never thought he would ever see a swarm of Millennial Dragons flying high above his head. Jou swallowed a lump in his throat before a smile spread across his face. Jou looked at his captain and it was obvious this was an experience for Luffy as his captain let out a laugh. Luffy turned to Jou, showing off his ecstatic grin as Jou smirked back. Grandpa Ryu let out one final roar and splashed back into the water.
"Ryu?!" Luffy called worriedly. Jou leaned over to check on Grandpa Ryu. The old dragon opens its eye to stare at them.
"Grandpa Ryu...?" Jou spoke. "Is there anything we can do for you?"
"You've both have done enough," Ryu mentioned. "There isn't a need to worry any longer. I will be born once anew. We Millennial Dragons return to our nest every thousand years and are reborn again. I spent a century alone, I didn't have anyone until I met Apis. For as long as I've been alive, this last year I've spent with Apis has been the happiest I've ever known. Please, tell Apis that for me."
"Yeah, don't worry," Luffy nodded with a smile. "We'll tell her for ya. I promise."
"It's the least we can do," Jou agreed.
"My wish... has come true," Grandpa spoke his final words as his eye slowly shut. Jou stood from where was on Grandpa Ryu's back and let out a sorrowful sigh.
"Rest in peace, Ryu," Jou stated as his beanie shadowed his eyes as he gave a moment of silence for the Millennial Dragon. The silence didn't last as the disgusting lard of a marine called Nelson snickered from his ship.
"This jackass," Jou glared until he felt Luffy's arm coil around his torso.
"Jou, hang on tight," His captain spoke darkly. Jou knew that tone and listened to Luffy's demand.
"Right," Jou nodded.
"Gum-Gum..." Luffy sent his arm to one of the many dragons and grabbed it. "Rocket!" Jou braced as he was lifted into the air with Luffy. "Gonna borrow your neck," Luffy told the dragon as they were high in the sky. Jou knew Luffy was going to destroy Nelson and his ship once and for all which Jou had no problem with at all. "Battle Ax!"
"What's he doing...!?" Nelson wondered.
Luffy's raised his leg as it stretched a great length. Luffy pulled Jou along as they rocketed toward the ship. Jou kept hold of his own hat as Luffy pulled him through the air. Luffy's stretchy leg was cast down on the marine ship as Nelson screamed in fear as Luffy tore the ship in two halves with a single attack. Jou smirked as he could only imagine the look on Nelson's face after Luffy's fierce attack. Luffy released Jou as he landed beside his captain on the remains on the ship.
"What just happened...?" a marine wondered.
"The Commodore's ship been destroyed...?!" another exclaimed. Jou turned to the marines that were left as did his captain. Once Luffy looked at them, the faces of the marines went pale as they hurried away.
"Of course," Jou stated. "Take out their point of authority and they run like cowards."
[No POV]
The remaining marines in their haste to escape attempted to unhook the chain from each of their ships but the device malfunctioned and caused the ships to be pulled in and crash into each other.
"Woah!" Usopp exclaimed. "That was awesome!"
"Nami~!" Sanji swooned as he was climbing up Merry's ladder. "I've defended your honor!"
"Get on board already!" Zoro shouted at the cook.
"Where's Jou and Luffy?" Nami wondered as everyone turned to her.
"Gum-Gum Rocket!" Luffy's stretched an arm into the air and grabbed one of the many Millennial Dragon's flying in the sky. "Excuse me!" The straw hat said to it and rocketed into the air all while keeping hold of Jou. Everyone on the Going Merry looked to see Luffy and Jou flying down at them. On the way down, Luffy released Jou, causing the lookout to freefall.
"Woah!" Jou yelled as he crashed into the crow's nest, landing on his back as his legs dangled over the side. Luffy's landed straight into the Going Merry's deck causing the caravel to somehow bend from the impact and remained intact. Luffy was on his feet as everyone else on the ship was splayed about the deck from the impact caused by their captain.
"Yo!" Luffy greeted the others.
"Yo yourself!" Nami shrieked with shark teeth. "Do you have to slam into the ship?! You're gonna destroy the ship if you're not more careful!" At this time, Jou was making his way down the shrouds. As he was halfway down, Jou leaped and touched down on the deck in a crouch.
"Okay," Jou said as he approached everyone. "Guess that takes care of that problem. Well done, guys. Go, team pirate."
Apis scurried to the back of the Merry. She looked out to sea and peered out at the last place she saw Grandpa Ryu. The dragon wasn't there anywhere in sight as he was sinking in the ocean. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, crying for her friend.
"Grandpa!" Apis cried as the crew watched her with concerned expressions. Just like before, the neighboring area began to shake which made everyone but Apis fall on the deck.
"An earthquake...?!" Sanji questioned.
"Again...?!" Nami exclaimed.
"It's not fair..." Apis cried. "Why did you have to die? Now I can't keep my promise to you! I couldn't help you realize your dream of returning to the Dragon's Nest!"
"That's not true," Luffy told her. "He got his wish. Can't you hear the voices of the other dragons?"
"They're saying 'it's rising'," Jou mentioned as he stared at the sky.
Everything continued to quake as everyone on Going Merry was alerted. Three pillars of water rocketed from the ocean as the ocean began to recede. The pillars were revealed to be tall rocks. Nami peered over the side and noticed the surface underneath.
"That it's!" Nami figured. "So that's what it means!" She mentioned as if she's come to a realization.
"What?" Sanji questioned. "What's what means?"
"The Dragon's Nest!" Nami announced. "It really is here! The name 'Millennial Dragon'! Why didn't I see it before! The reason they're called Millienial Dragons has nothing to do with their life span! It's because they migrate to this island only once every one thousand years! By no means is that an arbitrary schedule they decided to stick to either! The only reason one thousand is because that's where the island surfaces! That's why they call it Lost Island! Anyone who's around to see last time is long gone!" The Millennial Dragon's soared in the sky and flew around the large mountain. The sight caused Apis' eyes to widen in marvel.
"And here we are, the next generation to bear witness..." Nami voiced. "To the rising of Lost Island and the Dragon's Nest!"
The Lost Island had an almost pre-historic feel. There were fish swimming in ponds and an assortment of strange plants scattered about. The crew watched in silence as they let it sink in that they were here on the Lost Island. Luffy had a gigantic grin on his face as Apis' eyes were broadened. A great deal of Millennial Dragon's soared above the Nest or sat in it as this was their place, their island.
"Is that what I think it is...?" Apis wondered.
"Yeah," Luffy answered. "I can see why Grandpa Ryu was so anxious to get back to this place."
"I know what you mean," Jou added as he stepped beside Luffy. "It's beautiful. But I don't think that word alone could even begin to describe a place like this."
"It's here," Apis mouthed. Her attention was brought to a familiar someone as she gasped and jumped off the Merry.
"Hey, Apis!" Sanji shouted.
"Come back!" Usopp called. The pirates bounded from the ship as they watched Apis dart away from them. "And she's off," the sniper said. "But where to?"
"Grandpa Ryu," Luffy stated. "He's finally home."
"He finally made it..." Jou murmured. "Back to the Dragon's Nest."
"Grandpa Ryu!" Apis exclaimed as she ran to Grandpa Ryu who was lying face down in waters Apis waded through it to reach the dragon. "Grandpa! Please get up!" she pleaded tearfully. "GRANDPA RYU!" The pirates stayed silent as they watched Apis from afar.
"How strange?" Nami wondered. "I mean, what are the chances he would fall directly on top of the Dragon's Nest? I hope that brought him some peace."
"It must've," Jou stated. "Do you think so, captain? We were there during his... final moments. Remember when he said 'his wish had come true?"
"Yeah," Luffy agreed. "He said that as he was sinking."
"Huh?" Usopp mouthed as he looked around. "Strange place to put nest? I mean, what's with all of these weird-looking rocks?"
"It's likely that they're made of Dragonite," Sanji stated as looked at one of the dragon-shaped rocks. "Notice the structure. They look just like dragons if you ask me."
"Oh yeah, right," Usopp agreed. "So, what? The Dragon's carve statues of themselves?"
"They're not statues," Nami informed. "Those are actual skeletons. Fossilized Dragonite that's been preserved on the ocean floor."
"Ah, yeah," Usopp answered as he crossed his arms.
"You still don't get it, do you?" Zoro questioned him.
"Nope. Not a bit." Usopp replied.
"I've heard that when elephants are about to die they instinctively travel to a pre-determined area," Nami explained.
"Really...?" Jou questioned. "You mean they go to a graveyard?"
"Mmhm," Nami nodded. "Maybe the same is true here? It's a Dragon Graveyard."
"A graveyard?" Zoro repeated.
"It can't be!" Apis proclaimed as she got the others' attention. "Because Grandpa Ryu promised me that going back to his nest would make him better!" Tears trailed down Apis' cheeks. "IT'S NOT A GRAVEYARD! IT'S NOT!"
"Apis..." Nami murmured frowning at the girl.
"Listen to me," Luffy told Apis. "Grandpa Ryu was lost and lonely."
"Luffy...?" Nami wondered.
"He didn't have a friend until you came along," Luffy mentioned. "Then everything changed for the better." Apis' eyes widened. "And he wanted you to know that all the centuries he's been alive this last year he's been with you has been the happiest time he's ever known."
"Wait, are you saying you can understand the dragon?" Nami asked.
"It just came to me," Luffy answered plainly.
"Are you making this up?" Usopp wondered.
"Nope," Luffy shook his head. "That's what he said." Luffy turned his head over to Jou. "Right, Jou? You heard him too, right?" Everyone looked at Jou as the Look-out seemed to become nervous from all the eyes on him, judging by the way he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Yeah," Jou said. "He did say that."
"Wait a minute?" Nami questioned. "You're telling us that you understood the dragon, too, Jou?"
"I know that sounds impossible," Jou mentioned. "And I know it sounds crazy, but I heard Grandpa Ryu talk."
"Of course it's impossible," Nami told him.
"Yeah," Usopp agreed. "Not only it's insane that Luffy understood the dragon but you, too?"
"Believe me..." Jou sighed. "I thought I was losing my mind but I heard Grandpa Ryu speak." Jou looked at Apis who gazed at him. "I heard his last words, Apis. In the end, all he can think about was you. He sacrificed himself just so you can witness the Dragon's Nest for yourself. Look at all this!" Jou gestured to the entirety of the Dragon's Nest. "This is all that Grandpa Ryu waited so long to get back to! It's the whole reason why we're even here! Listen, Apis... he didn't die for nothing. Grandpa Ryu wouldn't want you to shed tears for him because this place isn't just a nest..." Jou shook his head. "It's a place of renewal."
"What?" Apis mouthed. "What do you mean? What are you talking about?"
"It's all true, Apis," Luffy nodded. "Ryu said Millennial Dragon's returned to the nest every thousand years and are reborn again."
"Grandpa Ryu said all that?" Apis questioned.
"Over there!" Luffy pointed. Down below, an egg started to crack open as Apis turned to the sight. The egg split as it revealed a baby Millennial Dragon as it let out a low cry as if it was trying to roar.
"A baby Millennial Dragon...!?" Apis uttered in disbelief.
Mature Millennial Dragon's circled the newly born hatchling as one nuzzled it with its snout. The baby dragon yelled once more as tears began to form in Apis' again, the scene obviously bringing her joy. Apis swept away the tears and walked back to the crew. She turned to have one final look at Grandpa Ryu in his final resting place and continued back to the others.
"I was wrong, Apis..." Nami mentioned. "I don't think this is a graveyard at all. I think Jou was right about what he said, this is a place of renewal. A special location designed to bring both old and new life together."
"Thank you all so much," Apis told everyone. "You all risked a lot to bring Grandpa Ryu back to the Dragon's Nest. I always knew this place was important to him but I never knew why until now."
"Apis..." Nami murmured.
"This is a place of miracles," Apis announced. "Now I understand why my ancestors went through so much trouble to build the temple. Thank you most of all, Luffy, Jou," Apis smiled at the two as Jou gave the girl a thumbs-up.
"Think nothing of it, kiddo," Jou smiled. "Happy to help."
"So, let's go home!" Apis said. "Everyone's probably worried! Won't they be surprised!"
"Yeah!" Luffy laughed in agreement. "Alright! Let's get Apis home! It's time to celebrate!" Everyone was in agreement with the straw-hatted captain as they headed back to the ship, except for Apis who gave a final look at the dragons. "I'm starving! Hey Sanji, food! I need food!"
"Alright," Sanji replied in irritation.
"I want meat right off the bone!" Luffy called.
"We gotta have sprouts!" Usopp added. "I want sauteed bean sprouts!"
"Hmm?" Sanji wondered. "Why does that sound familiar?"
"Man, these fossils are unlike anything I've ever imagined!" Usopp commented. "It's unbelievable that they all used to be living breathing dragons!"
"But they were!" Nami mentioned.
"Even if the whole Dragonite thing is true, it can't be extracted in the current state," Sanji stated.
"Then the Marines whole elixir of immortality plot was-" Usopp said.
"Not true," Jou finished. "All that immortality crap was in their heads."
"Yeah, it was nothing but a silly dream," Nami commented. "Those fossils are covered with centuries of coral. Even if we took it with us, we never get a drop of elixir from them."
"Mmhm," Usopp hummed in agreement.
"You mean those marines did all that work for nothing?" Zoro asked.
From behind the group, a shout alerted them as well as a slashing sound. Everyone turned to the source of the noise and saw Eric. The Sickle-Sickle fruit user stood on top of a rock as the pirates glared at him while Apis appeared frightened once she noticed him.
"Look who's back," Jou stated. "The sicko."
"You don't know when to quit?" Luffy questioned as he sounded a little amused.
"Quiet fool!" Eric exclaimed with a smug smile. "You might've stopped me temporarily but you'll never defeat me! My, my!" Eric outstretched his arms. "What a most exquisite view! It's positively radiating with potential! The Dragonite completely surrounds us! It's everywhere! It's so beautiful!"
"So, what?!" Nami exclaimed. "Break open every dragon fossil on the island, it won't wield your precious elixir!"
"Well, then..." Eric replied. "I'll just improvise. Maybe instead of wasting my time with old fossils, I'll just use some of the fresh supply in front of me. Surely you must realize that fighting me would be an exhausting lesson in futility. Let's keep things simple and split the treasure."
"No, thanks," Luffy stated plainly.
"Fool!" Eric yelled. "You're turning your back on eternal life?!"
"Yep," Luffy said.
"What's wrong with you?!" Eric shouted. "There's no one that would pass up the chance to stave off dying! Don't let that fact that you have Devil Fruit powers lull you into illusions that you can somehow cheat death without the elixir of immortality! Even you have to be afraid of dying?!"
"You dumbass," Jou glared at Eric. "You know, you're talking to Luffy. The thing about our captain is that he has no qualms about death as long he completes his goal."
"That's right," Zoro agreed with a smile, his folded over his chest. "Luffy will die smiling if he accomplishes what he set out to do. So back off."
"Very well!" Eric expressed. "I can accept that you dragon lovers won't share in the elixir of immortality. But you shall bear witness as I rip the Dragonite from their bodies." Eric smirked as he held up two fingers, preparing to release an attack.
"No, don't!" Apis pleaded as she ran forward, attempting to stop him.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Eric launched his wind-slash at Apis.
"Apis!" The one that managed to reach Apis before she could be hit was Usopp. The sniper snatched Apis and rolled across the ground to avoid Eric's attack.
"Why did you do that...?!" Apis questioned the sniper.
"He'll rip you to shreds!" Usopp told her.
"I don't care what happens to me!" Apis declared with a defiant look toward Eric. "I have to protect the Dragon's Nest! Even if it cost me my life!" Tears started to well in her eyes. "I can't let men like him destroy it! I WON'T LET YOU HURT THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES!" Jou and Luffy nodded in agreement at Apis' declaration as each of them smiled at her.
"So you continue to insist on defying my every word?" Eric questioned with a twitching eyebrow. Each of the pirates and Apis glowered at him. "Fine! For that, all of you can die! Sickle-Sickle: Whirlwind!" He threw two slashes of wind at Apis and Usopp. The sniper held Apis close to him to protect her. They each shook in fear as they never felt the attack hit them. Usopp and Apis each looked up to find Jou standing in front of them. Both chains flared out but he took a single cut across his shoulder.
[Jou POV]
Jou was surprisingly quick to leap into action to protect Apis and Usopp. Eric had thrown two of his wind-slashes at them. Jou twirled his chains and gathered his own wind and deflected the first slash but ended up taking the second in his shoulder. He felt the warmth of his blood ooze from the newly gained wound and fell to a single knee as he smirked challengingly at Eric.
"Close, but no cigar, jackass," Jou remarked.
"Jou!" Apis and Usopp yelled worriedly. Meanwhile, Luffy ran to Jou's side to check on him and Zoro started to unsheathe his swords.
"You okay?" Luffy asked. "Step back, I'll handle this, jerk."
"Actually, I'll take care of him," Jou decided. "When I tried to fight him before, all he did was run away. Don't worry, I'll finish him this time. After all, we each made a promise to Grandpa Ryu. You shouldn't waste your time on him, captain. So, let me deal with him."
"Alright then," Luffy nodded. "Go for it."
"Don't lose," Zoro told him.
"Never," Jou smirked as he shook his head.
"Are you sure?" Nami asked Jou, he saw the concerned look she gave him. "He almost killed you last time." Jou only shook his head as he smiled at her.
"That's only because he threw dirt in my face," Jou stated. "He won't do that again." Jou turned to Eric and swung his chains over his shoulders as he walked forward. "Hey, pal," Jou said to Eric. "This time, no dirt. Got it. Let's see who's wind is stronger. Mine or yours."
"You halfwit!" Eric boasted. "My wind comes from the power of a Devil Fruit. There's not a chance the wind you control can compare to mine!"
"If you're so sure then let's test it!" Jou exclaimed as he dashed forward. "Dual-Chain Typhoon!" Jou hurled four wind slashes at Eric. Eric dodged the attack as he leaped off the rock as he was on the ground now. "Fade-Step!" Jou took a single step and vanished, he appeared in front of Eric.
"Dual-Chain Revolver!" Jou lashed with both chains, his target being Eric's body. Eric quickly jerked away and swiped both arms and used the wind to deflect both of Jou's chains and fell back onto his hands and flipped back to gain distance. Jou sprinted at him, with fluttering chains behind him.
"You think your feeble attempts to hit me will defeat me!" Eric proclaimed. "Try to dodge this!"
"This guy is pretty tough," Zoro commented.
"But Jou can beat him, right?" Usopp wondered.
"Jou's got this," Luffy nodded. "He can handle this jerk."
Right," the navigator agreed. "Jou will win this."
"He better be ready," Sanji spoke. "Cause it looks like the sicko's about to try something."
"Jou..." Apis murmured worriedly.
"Sickle-Sickle..." Eric held up both hands as he released his attack. "Wind-Slash Rapid Fire!" He tossed numerous waves of wind at Jou. Even if Jou wanted to use Fade-Step, Eric was throwing what Jou considered his natural element. Jou dashed at Eric and closed his eyes and breathed in and out. Jou swayed and shifted through Eric's wind waves. Jou heard the others let out shouts as the leftover wind from Eric's attack washed over them.
"Persistent, are we?" Eric questioned in a confident tone. "That eager to run to your death!"
"Dual-Chain Cyclone!" Jou twirled his chains and jumped with a twirl of his body and sent a rush of wind at Eric. Eric went on to avoid the attack by vaulting over the wind.
"Sickle-Sickle Whirlwind!" Eric launched two wind slashes. The first sliced Jou in his chest and the last one struck in the left forearm. Jou ground his teeth in pain as he took the two separate cuts head-on.
"Jou!" Apis cried. Jou stood to full height as he glared at Eric.
"You call that a whirlwind, jackass?" Jou questioned Eric as his eyes narrowed. "I'll show you a whirlwind." Jou started to spin his chain in rapid motion, his chains becoming blurs in his hands as the wind was collected with them.
"It doesn't matter how much wind you use!" Eric shouted. "This is the end! Sickle-Sickle Wind-Slash!"
"Fade-Step!" Jou vanished and avoided Eric's wind-slash and emerged in front of him. Jou raised his leg and directed a kick underneath Eric's chin. The kick launched Eric into the air as he flew backward while Jou continued to spin his chains.
"Dual-Chain Whirlwind!" Jou blasted a whirlwind which caused Eric to be caught within it. Eric whirled around as he was seized in the spiral of wind. The gust faded as Eric screamed and plummeted into the ground with a crash. Jou watched the dust clear to reveal Eric lying face-first in a small crater, the floor cracked beneath him. Jou smirked as he turned to the rest of the group. His crewmates grinned as Apis had a big smile on her face.
"He did it!" Apis cheered.
Jou swung his red chain over his shoulder and started walking back to the others.
[No POV]
As Jou made his way toward the rest of the crew and Apis, Eric was slowly getting back up. The sickle-sickle user wiped the blood pouring out of his chin, his glasses had cracked from when he planted into the ground. Eric's anger was focused on Jou as he was about to attack while his back was turned and sprung off his feet. Apis was the first to notice that Eric was still up.
"Jou, behind you!" Apis warned worriedly. Jou turned his head to find Eric about to ambush him. But Jou, however, wasn't worried at all as a certain straw-hatted captain had him covered, his arms stretched behind him.
"Gum-Gum Bazooka!" Luffy charged up and slammed his palms into Eric. Eric screamed as he flew into the sky, he was sent so far that nobody can see him as his shouts faded the further he went. Jou watched Eric travel far away from the Dragon's Nest and smiled at Luffy.
"Thanks, captain," Jou nodded.
"That's what you get," Luffy said to Eric as he adjusted his hat. "Jerk."
The crew, Apis, and Grandpa Bokuden were watching the Millennial Dragons. Even the Warship Island villagers showed up to see the ancient creatures, eyes filled with fascination.
"Does anyone have an idea how long this island will stay at the surface?" Nami wondered.
"Good question," Jou replied.
"I don't know," Usopp added. "But when it does sink again, the Millennial Dragons are probably gonna leave too, right?"
"They'll all fly away, including the baby dragon," Apis mentioned. "I'll never see 'em again." Apis had a crestfallen look on her face. Bokuden placed a comforting hand on his granddaughter's shoulder as Apis smiled at him. The older man turned to the 6 young pirates with a grateful smile.
"Well, now that that's done..." Bokuden stated. "How about a helping of my special pork buns before you go?"
"Uh, no thank you!" Nami was very quick to answer. "But we gotta get back to our journey right away!"
"Yeah!" Jou agreed with a nervous chuckle. "Appreciate the offer but we do need to get going soon!"
"Right, right!" Nami concurred.
"I'm hungry," Luffy mentioned. "I could use something to-"
BONK!
Nami punched Luffy over the head by nami as he held his head in pain
"Guess we'll just take the recipe if you don't mind," Sanji suggested.
"What a shame," Bokuden commented. "It won't take long and I can pass the time by telling you the legend of the Lost Island. The first king was named Iskadonk and his-"
"We already heard about it!" Nami whined. It now came time for the crew to get the Going Merry ready to sail from Warship Island. Apis, Bokuden, and all the villagers were watching the pirates prepare to leave.
"Alright!" Luffy exclaimed. "Time to set sail for the Grand Line!"
"So, Apis?" Jou said as he leaned against the side of the Merry. "You sure you can't join us? It'll be fun."
"Yeah," Luffy agreed with a grin. "You sure you don't wanna come?"
"I've become friends with each of you," Apis smiled. "And I'd love to be a part of your next adventure, however, my place is on this island. Grandpa Bokuden can teach me all the rituals and customs I'll need to protect the Dragon's Nest just as my ancestors did before me. That would be the absolute best honor. And someday, the baby Millennial Dragons that are hatching now will return as full-grown adults."
"Yeah, that sounds nice," Usopp commented. "Hey, hold on? These baby dragons won't be back for another..." Usopp figured out the math by using his fingers. "Another 1,000 years! That's crazy!"
"Give the girl a break!" Sanji told him. "Why do you have to be so damn cynical!"
"It's okay," Apis shook her head. "It's okay, I understand and it's exactly what I'm expecting. I won't live that long to see these dragons grow up but my children's children will! That's why I have to stay and guard them until the next generation comes along to relieve me!"
"Apis, that's pure crazy talk," Usopp voiced.
"It was you guys that taught me acting a little crazy isn't such a bad thing," Apis remarked with a grin.
"I'm not crazy," Luffy declared with puckered his lips. The other 4 of his crew sent knowing glares at him, not believing him in the slightest. Jou only raised an eyebrow at his captain until he smirked.
"You're as crazy as they come, captain," Jou added. "You got us beat when it comes to that. Although, we all know I'm not that crazy, right guys?" It was Jou's turn for the crew to stare at him. "Guys?" Jou looked between each of the crew as his shoulders slumped and puffed out his cheeks. "Oh, that's just being mean."
"There, there..." Nami soothed as she gave Jou a few pats on his head while he pouted.
"Well, if anything..." Jou let out a sigh. "All that sounds like a worthy goal, Apis. I'm sure you'll be able to follow through with it, kiddo!" Jou remarked with a smile and nod.
"Mmhm!" Apis hummed as she returned the smile. "I will!" The crew readied the sail which allowed the Going Merry to drift from the island. They waved their good-byes to Apis and the villagers.
"See ya!" Luffy exclaimed with thumbs-up. "Take care!"
"Bye, Apis!" Usopp called. "I want you to do me a favor! Never forget about Usopp: The Bravest Warrior of the Sea!"
"Bye, Apis!" Jou said with a wave. "So long, everyone!"
"Bye-bye!" Nami waved.
"Goodbye, guys!" Apis shouted as she waved both arms. "Take care!" Apis ran alongside the island as the Going Merry sailed away.
"Thanks for cooking, Apis!" Luffy declared.
"We didn't really need that!" Nami commented.
"Yes we did!" Jou and Usopp declared in unison.
"Bye!" Apis gave a final bye with a laugh as her friends went to continue their voyage.
Apis smiled as she watched the ship leave.
"Are you sure you don't want to join them?" Bokuden asked Apis. "It's perfectly natural, my dear."
"No, I made the right choice," Apis stated. "If I'd gone with them I'd only be in the way. Besides, I found my purpose. Something I really wanna do!" Bokuden nodded in agreement. "Before I met Luffy, Jou and others, I don't know if I'd have been to take on the responsibility protecting Lost Island. At first, I didn't believe in Lost Island either. I thought it was just a story and that's a fear I didn't even feel comfortable saying to myself. So, for strangers like Luffy and his team to risk everything helping Grandpa Ryu, it taught me what it means to sacrifice for a cause you truly believe in and commit yourself to saving a life even if it means losing your own. And now they've sailed off to find what they believe in and pursue it together at any cost. I've never seen people that were so driven and loyal to each other and the fact that they accepted me, filled me with such confidence that I'm sure of one thing, I know I can achieve anything I put my mind to!"
Apis turned around and found Grandpa Bokuden had fallen asleep during her speech.
"He's asleep?!" She exclaimed. Apis frowned until a bird perched on her shoulder and smiled at it. "Hey there! So you will you help me make my dream come true?" the bird cawed in response. "Thank you! Together we can make this happen!"
"If you're going to protect Lost Island..." Bokuden had woken up. "You'll need to learn about your ancestors..." This caused Apis' freeze once she heard that. "But luckily, I can tell you all about it. Well, in the beginning, there was the-"
"I'm sorry I really can't take any more stories right now! Thanks anyway!"
"Hold on now! Come back here! This is important! You must know about these things!"
"NO!" Apis cried not wanting to listen to her grandfather's long stories.
[Jou POV]
Jou had his arms propped on the back of the Merry as he watched Warship Island become small the further they sailed. He felt someone nudge his shoulder and turned to see Nami smiling at him.
"I'll be honest with you..." Jou said. "I'm going to miss her."
"Same," Nami nodded. "It was nice to have a cute kid like Apis around. Plus, she can really hold her own."
"Yeah," Jou agreed. "If Apis really wanted, she probably would've made a great pirate sailing with us. She's smart, brave, and pretty resourceful. But this works out fine, too, since she can watch over the Dragon's Nest. Oh, well..." Jou smirked and leaned his back and elbows against the rail. "I guess you're back to being the only girl aboard this ship."
"I suppose," Nami shrugged but smirked. "But it's fine since someone's gotta keep this ship on its course."
"Do you really think she'll be able to protect it all by herself?" Usopp wondered.
"Apis can do it," Jou stated. "Plus, she has Bokuden and the other villagers to back her up. So, I believe she can figure it out."
"Yeah, I'm sure she'll keep the nest safe," Nami added. "Apis may be little but she's fearless and determined to protect the Dragons. Yeah, she'll be alright."
"Nami's right as always," Sanji commented.
"She'll be okay," Luffy smiled.
"Yeah," Zoro agreed.
"She was like a full-blooded member of this crew," Luffy mentioned.
"She sure was," Zoro said.
Apis really had what it took to be a member of their crew. No matter how far the journey takes them, the pirates will always remember her. The adventure they just had searching for a Lost Island may have ended, but it was now time for the next one to begin.
The Grand Line.
And with that, we have finally completed the East Blue Saga. We would've been done sooner if I skipped this arc but we finally finished it. But this means we are at what I call the 'halfway point'. Meaning we are almost to where I stopped writing the original story. The Alabasta arc if you can believe it.
So, I hope people look forward to the new changes I make going forward. I may be giving myself too much credit but I think this story is better than my original go with OP: JA. With this fic, Do I like it better? Yeah, I do. Are there things I wish I could've done better? Absolutely. But with this story, I plan to keep going and try to put more thought when it comes down to my ideas because I want to give people something to talk about.
Speaking of something to talk about it, you might've noticed something about Jou. In this chapter, Jou heard Grandpa Ryu. Part of it was for dramatic effect and so Jou had more reason to have the final fight with Eric rather than wanting a rematch and to give that speech to Apis. I nearly took it out of this chapter believing people would not like it. Apparently, Luffy was able to hear Grandpa Ryu because he has the voice of all things. Plus, the voice of all things is something that wasn't revealed till later in One Piece. So now this means, Jou has it and it will be brought up again in the future.
Okay, as promised last chapter, I'm going to do reviews during arc finale chapters rather than every chapter...
Jou: And I return from my slumber!
Should've known you'd be back. I'll just be answering certain ones, so if you don't see your name, I apologize.
Reviews...
Guest:
Jou: I sure didn't want to leave things like that with Rana...
I'm glad you're liking it so far. Don't worry, I want to finish this story to the end.
Damian Hendriks:
Jou: Hold up, man! We gotta build up to that first!
Be patient, it'll happen. Although in the next saga, things between Jou & Nami are going to become serious.
goatfam101: Well, damn! You figured it out! Jou's father is Gold Roger!
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Jou: You know you're terrible, right?
I'm just kidding! I'll admit, you made me laugh when you suggested Kaido being Jou's father. I will mention, Jou does have a father. He just has no clue who he is... yet.
searge: Oh, yeah. I'm super hyped for this story. More so than my other fics that I've put on the backburner. I honestly thought doing Clockwork adventure would've been pointless for this story, I also don't think I'd still change much of the film's story if I did it again. I have some plans for Rana, here's hoping I can properly execute them.
goatfam101(2):
Jou: Oh, boy. Let's pray it doesn't end up like the Cowboy Bebop live-action.
I only saw a few episodes of the Cowboy Bebop live-action. It was alright, though of course, the anime is 10x better. Maybe. I could do a test chapter for One Piece live-action with Jou's inclusion. Oddly enough, I even found an actor for him despite Jou being an OC. It might be good since I think Oda himself has some involvement in it himself.
jaffa3: Reverse Mountain next chapter!
pokemonking0924: I just don't wanna focus on Jou all the time which is why I'm doing the 3rd/No POV idea.
Jou: I'm getting too much screen time apparently. People are seeing too much of my gorgeous face.
Yeah sure, that...
katsusando:
Jou: I wouldn't say that...
I'll admit, Jou & Nami have developed an understanding after the Arlong stuff. Don't worry, I'd also like Nami to remain as she is, you know, keeping her in character and all that. Nami is a girl boss, she's fierce and determined when she needs to be. Nami is the one that keeps the crew in line and she'll be someone that will tell Jou to get his act together. They'll help each other out is what I'm trying to say.
firefist02: Thanks.
Guest: Thank you.
brandonmunoz499: Glad you like it. I won't be doing all filler arcs. I haven't decided anything yet but I've been thinking of doing filler arcs as side stories in a spin-off fic related to this one. We'll see what happens.
LockieBoy1819: Hey thanks, man. Love that you've been reviewing every chapter. I appreciate it and thanks.
Alright, that's it for this one!
Next time we tackle the next saga and onto Reverse Mountain!
Jou: Until then, peace out everyone!
Later!