I do not own One Piece
It is owned by Oda
I just own the OC's
Enjoy!
Little Garden opening: Blue Bird - Ikimono-gakari(Naruto Shippuden OP 3
[No POV]
A dinosaur stomped through the jungle until came across a white building. The creature's first instinct was to take a bite out of it but it made the mistake of shattering its own teeth.
"Hey!" Mr. 5 called. "If you're done...? Get out of the way!" he shouted at the dinosaur with Miss Valentine beside him. The dinosaur brought its head around to stare at the duo.
"Wait, I can handle this," Miss Valentine said with a confident grin as the dinosaur ran at them. "Hahahaha!" Miss Valentine cackled and leaped into the air. "10,000 Kilogram Press!" she landed right on the dinosaur with a loud crash, and the creature crushed into the ground in a crater. With that out of the way, Mr. 5 slowly opened the door to the building.
"Oh, hello Mr. 5," Mr. 3 greeted holding a cup of tea. With him was Miss Goldenweek but she was currently taking a nap. Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine joined them inside the home that was created with Mr. 3's powers.
"I'm impressed by the decor," Mr. 5 commented whilst looking around. "You have a talent for even turning the most savage environment into a home. I admire you which is why I feel compelled to remind all of you, this mission involves me and Miss Valentine."
"Rest assured, we won't slip up like we did last time," Miss Valentine added.
"It is very disappointing that you 'slipped up' on your last job but that's not why I'm here," Mr. 3 mentioned. "Mr. 5, Miss Valentine, the simple fact of the matter is you're both weak." Mr. 3 sipped his tea, ignoring the glares from the pair. "Don't waste your time pouting. It is what it is. Take a look at this." he laid a wanted poster on the table. "I'd like to thank you both for affording me an excuse to come to this island. I enjoy the opportunity to hunt some truly... big game."
"Dorry the 'Blue Ogre' and Brogy the 'Red Ogre' of the Giant Warrior Pirates." Mr. 5 read picking up the poster to look at it.
"Everyone's heard of them," Miss Valentine mentioned. "It's ancient legend. Hey, this poster is over a hundred years old." she examined the worn-out, tattered look of the poster.
"Well, those two legends are alive and on this very island," Mr. 3 claimed with a grin. "They've been battling for over a century now. Back when that poster was new the bounty on their heads was 100 million Berri's a piece. 200 million for the both of them."
"200 million is an impressive sum," Mr. 5 commented. "But that doesn't change the fact that they're giants."
"There's a saying..." Mr. 3 smirked mischievously. "Superior criminals are those who execute their crimes using superior intellect. All you have to do is follow my precise instructions. With a smidgen of forethought and perseverance, we can find the solution to the most gargantuan of obstacles."
[Jou's POV]
Brogy and the other giant were locked in a clash until they shoved each other back. Brogy leaped up to avoid an incoming thrust by leaping in the air causing the blade to lodge into a rock. Brogy came down with his ax above his head to bring down an attack but the other giant blocked it with his own helmet.
"He blocked that hit with his helmet?!" Usopp exclaimed. "That's incredible! A couple of inches left or right and it would've killed him!"
Brogy swung his ax with the other giant leaning away to avoid the strike, his long beard being the only thing the ax managed to reach. The other giant went for a slash with his sword, Brogy brought up his shield to block it and followed up with his ax but the other giant countered with his own shield and was soon back into another clash.
"What an incredible fight, huh...?" Usopp said impressed by the great battle. "Everyone one of those attacks is hitting some vital spot! Just one slip from either of them and that's it, they're dead!"
"These guys have really been fighting to the death for a hundred years..." Nami commented. "That's gotta get old."
"Give them credit..." Jou crossed his arms. "Though I'm more surprised their weapons haven't even broken yet considering how long it's been."
"Yeah..." Nami said. "But hey, this is a good thing. This is our chance to get away." she started on her way in the other direction. "Let's go."
"Sure," Jou shrugged. He was about to follow the navigator but found their sniper not leaving from his spot. His attention still on the giant's fighting. "Hey, Usopp? You coming?"
"Yeah, what are you doing?" Nami wondered. Usopp ignored them and continued watching the battle.
"Amazing..." Usopp breathed. "They fight so seriously. And they don't even know why." Jou looked at Usopp and turned to the fight. He stepped forward to watch the fight beside the sniper.
"It is pretty remarkable," Jou smiled. "They forget their reason for this fight, and yet they still give it their all."
"This fight's getting really annoying!" Nami groaned.
"Don't you see!?" Usopp pointed. "This is an example! A fight between real men!" Jou gave Usopp a respectful smile. The sniper was right. This is truly a battle between real men.
"Say what?" Nami questioned not understanding it all.
"Maybe an analogy will help..." Usopp said. "It's as if they had each planted a flag in their heart's that says: "'I am a warrior! This flag is more important than anything!' More than their lives even! They can never allow the flag to be destroyed by someone else. That's why they both continue the fight for a hundred years!"
"I couldn't have said better than myself, Usopp," Jou smirked. He never knew Usopp felt so strongly about a duel between real men. At this point, if Jou didn't respect their sniper enough now, then he definitely gained more of Jou's esteem for how strongly he felt about a battle like this.
"Do you see it now...?" Usopp said to Nami." This is a proud duel! A legendary fight! Between two dedicated warriors!"
"Yeah, whatever," Nami said walking away. "That warrior stuff doesn't really interest me in the slightest! Are you guys coming?"
"No," Usopp decided. "I'm still watching this." the sniper had a proud smile on his face. "This is my ultimate goal. This right here. To be a brave warrior like each of these Titans. Really though, someday... I'll be a proud warrior of the sea."
And I'm sure you'll accomplish your dream, Usopp, Jou thought with a smirk. While the fight between the warriors continued, Nami went to seat herself on a nearby tree.
"So, what you're saying then is that you want to be a giant?" Nami wondered. Usopp turned to give Nami a look.
"Moron! Did you even listen to a word I said!" Usopp exclaimed but Jou stopped him by putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Hold it, Usopp..." Jou said. "You don't want to miss the battle. Just let me explain to Nami." Usopp gave a nod and went back to watching the fight while Jou took a seat beside the navigator.
"Here, Nami..." Jou put his arm around her. "Let me explain to you about what Usopp is feeling right now."
"Okay..." Nami replied slowly with a raised brow.
"Think about it..." Jou stated. "Remember when we made our vow of what we set off to accomplish before starting our journey in this sea? You wanted to draw a map of the entire world. I want to find the All Scope." he gestured a hand to their sniper. "As for Usopp, he said he wants to be a Brave Warrior of the Sea. What better way for him to learn to be that is by learning from two amazing warriors such as these guys." Jou motioned with his arm out to the huge battle happening between the giants. "So, how about it...? Do you see it now, Nami?"
"I guess..." Nami answered.
"Well, there you go," Jou smiled removing his arm from Nami. "Seeing this gives Usopp hope. It shows him that he can achieve what he set out to do." Usopp's attention was still engulfed in the fight.
"If there's a village full of warriors like these two..." Usopp said proudly. "Then I really wanna go there someday!"
[No POV]
Brogy and the other giant, Dorry, each fell on their backs as Brogy's ax flew out of his hand.
"It's safe to say..." Brogy breathed. "That we're both a bit homesick, huh, Dorry?"
"That's why I intend to end this duel of ours," Dorry stated. "I'm going to beat you and go home to Elbaf. Got that, Brogy?" Brogy's ax lodged into the ground next to Dorry's sword. Both men roared as they took their shields and slammed them into each other's faces.
"73,466 duel's," Brogy managed.
"73,466 draws," Dorry added. The Giant's crashed to the ground with heavy thuds that shook the island. They each smiled where they lay on the ground and each belted out in laughter. Despite how many times they have fought, the two were good friends.
"Hey, Dorry?" Brogy said. "A few guest's of mine gave me some alcohol!"
"Drinks!" Dorry grinned. "It's been a long while! Eh, Brogy! YUGYUGYUGYUG!"
"YABABABABA!"
Dorry stopped by to get the alcohol from Brogy even briefly meeting Jou, Nami, and Usopp. Brogy sat while mending his ax and talking to Usopp, Jou, and Nami. Well, more like Usopp was talking to him.
"A 'Brave Warrior of the Seas' you said?" Brogy wondered. "What is that exactly?"
"I'm talking about you guys!" Usopp smiled. "What I really want is to be like the two of you someday."
"Huh?" Brogy raised an eyebrow. "You wanna be a giant?" This caused Jou and Nami to laugh.
"You hear that...?" Nami snickered.
"That's not what I mean!" Usopp screamed. Jou ceased his laughter and caught his breath and already knew where Usopp was going with this.
"Joking aside..." Jou grinned. "What Usopp means, Brogy, is that he wants to be a warrior like you."
"Yeah!" Usopp nodded his eyes shining with admiration. "I wanna be a brave and proud warrior like you and the others from Elbaf!" Brogy's lips curled into a smile.
"YABABABABA!" Brogy laughed. "I see. You know in Elbaf, even though our lifespans are longer than yours are, we still think about how we will die. We know everything we have and everything we are will one day cease to exist like everything else but it is worth it to die like a true warrior of Elbaf without sacrificing your pride. That is what we call dying with honor." Brogy grinned at the three. "To die such a great death would be an everlasting treasure. It's what we seek in Elbaf." Usopp peered at Brogy with a gleam in his eyes that showed great respect toward the giant warrior.
"So pride is your treasure," Usopp beamed. "That's great! I've decided to learn from you! From now on, I'll call you 'Master'!"
"Huh?" Brogy said in confusion toward the sniper.
Miss Goldenweek's POV
"The key to winning any game is to know your opponent's state of mind," Mr. 3 started a new pot of tea while he explained his plan to go after the giants. "And now we have succeeded in confusing our enemy, they're no doubt wondering about the mysterious bomb we delivered and about the idea of their invisible enemy." he finished pouring as Mr. 5 took two cups himself and handed one to Miss Valentine. Although Miss Goldenweek was left staring at the remaining cup that was left.
"Our first target was the long-bearded Dorry," Mr. 3 mentioned. "I knew of course that it'd be near impossible to finish him off. The damage done to his stomach by the bomb must've been considerable." While Mr. 3 kept talking, Miss Goldenweek continued staring at the cup of tea. "Now, we can sit here enjoying our tea while relaxing and wait for the next duel to start."
"So we stay in the background and let the giant kill off the injured one?" Mr. 5 questioned.
"Yes, that's exactly right," Mr. 3 chuckled.
"That's certainly an indirect method," Mr. 5 said drinking his tea.
"Again you have to consider the enemy," Mr. 3 stated. "Warriors like these two are berated much the same as wild boars. They can be intimidating in a head-on fight but they don't have brains to think beyond their immediate circumstance. So why bother going after them directly when you have the intelligence to destroy them indirectly." Mr. 3 laughed and stared at Miss Goldenweek. He seemed to have noticed her eyes focused on the cup of tea. "Why can't you just get the tea yourself, Miss Goldenweek." he let out a sigh and finally gave her the tea.
"And just what are we supposed to do with the Straw hat gang?" Mr. 5 wondered.
"Straw hat gang?" Mr. 3 repeated. "Oh, you're talking about the little brats who found out the boss' secrets." the drawings of the 4 Straw hats were set on the table as well as the photograph of Princess Vivi. "We can start by luring them out one by one. The order doesn't matter really. Let's start with the one closest to my tea set. I have a personal motto, you know, and that is 'big crimes via cheap tricks'. There are plenty of good ways to defeat any enemy with or without fighting."
Mr. 3 seemed rather confident and not at all worried about dealing with the Straw hat gang. Sure, two of them managed to easily beat Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine but that didn't mean they could defeat Mr. 3 who happened to be stronger thanks to his Devil Fruit power. So, Miss Goldenweek wasn't concerned at all since Mr. 3's plans always worked out. Miss Goldenweek sipped through the rest of her tea and held it out.
"Hey, Mr. 3? Refill?"
"Yeah, while you're up!" Mr. 5 said holding up his cup.
"CAN'T YOU SIMPLETONS TAKE SOME TIME TO ACTUALLY SAVOR YOUR TEA?!"
Jou POV
It's been a couple of hours since they've been on the island. Jou noticed that Nami seemed to be getting a bit restless. He couldn't blame her. Being on an island for a full year wouldn't help them or get Vivi home in any way. But Usopp didn't seem to mind. The sniper was still more than happy to talk to Brogy some more. Learning about being a warrior. Before the sniper could ask another question the volcano exploded once more.
"Well, there's the signal," Brogy noticed placing his ax on the ground. It's really been active today."
"Huh!? You're really going?" Usopp wondered. "But your wounds from the last battle haven't fully healed?"
"Usopp, c'mon..." Jou assured with a smile. "Brogy is a warrior. The strongest warriors are able to ignore the pain they have." Jou's smirked at Brogy who nodded in agreement with his statement.
"T-That's true but..." Usopp still seemed concerned.
"Please!" Brogy grinned. "Dorry can't be doing any better than me. Yababababa! A few scratches won't take me out of a duel! That would sure make me a poor excuse for a brave warrior!" Brogy's expression turned serious while grabbing his ax and shield. "Alright then!"
"Now Master Brogy, go and show this guy!" Usopp cheered.
"YABABABABA!" the sniper and giant laughed.
"You bet, Usopp!" Broggy nodded. "I'll beat him for sure this time! He hasn't got a chance!"
"Go get him, you great warrior of Elbaf!" Usopp cheered as the giant walked away while laughing. "The mighty Brogy always defeats his opponent! You can do it, Brogy! You're the mightiest warrior in the world! You can destroy him any day! You're gonna crush him! Go, warrior Brogy!"
Throughout Usopp's shouting, Jou's mind started to wander. Even as a child, Jou's sometimes had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that something was about to go wrong. It hasn't happened yet but if anything about to go wrong it was about to happen sooner or later.
"Jou...?"
Jou was brought from his thoughts to see Nami. He found some concern in her eyes. He didn't mean to worry her but his demeanor wasn't really helping. He folded his arms and had to think how he was going to explain how he was feeling.
"Sorry," Jou said. "I was spacing. Were you saying something?"
"You seem like something's troubling you?" Nami questioned.
"Well, it's just..." Jou said trying to think of an easier way to explain how he was feeling. "I just have the... weirdest feeling that something bad is about to happen."
"Why do you think that?" Nami asked.
"I'm not entirely sure," Jou frowned. "I just feel that way."
"Hmm?" Nami hummed. She seemed to have just taken his word for it. Her attention went to Usopp who was still shouting praises to Brogy. "Why do they continue this pointless fight?"
"How can you say pointless?!" Usopp shouted. "Brogy is a brave warrior! Just like I'm gonna be someday! You have no right to say anything, you idiot!" Nami ignored him whilst standing and looking at her Log Pose.
"Well, I now think we should be getting back to the ship," she said. "Waiting for a year? It's completely unacceptable."
"You're right," Jou agreed standing up himself. "We don't have time to wait. We gotta get Vivi back to Alabasta."
"Exactly," Nami nodded. "We need to get everyone back on the ship and come up with a plan."
"Now, hold on a second!" Usopp exclaimed jabbing a thumb at himself. "I, for one, think we don't stand a chance in a fight against dinosaurs! Cutting through the jungle in order to get back to the Merry won't do us much good if we get killed on the way, will it!"
"Uh, hello?" Jou waved his hand. "That's why I'm here."
"Yeah, and what happened to all that 'Brave Warrior of the Sea' stuff you've been going on about?" Nami questioned.
"I said that someday I'd be a Brave Warrior of the Sea," Usopp smiled folding his arms. "Besides, even a brave warrior has to have enough sense not to get himself killed." Jou agreed with Nami that they had to find some way off the island.
"We gotta go, Usopp..." Jou mentioned. "I know you want to stay and talk to Brogy more, but we need to get going and that means heading through the forest. First things first, I say we head to where Luffy and Vivi are."
"Jou, Nami, listen..." Usopp said. "Even if I lose everything someday and I must face a horribly tragic death..." Jou and Nami stared at Usopp and then at each other and only sighed at the sniper. "Alone on a deserted island! I will proudly say this about how I have lived! I am Captain Usopp! And know that I have been a great, Brave Warrior of the Sea!" After his exclamation, the sniper fell on his back.
"Yeah, yeah..." Nami stated grabbing Usopp by the bag and dragging him by it. "But for now, do you think you could just try to be a dependable warrior?"
"Right," Usopp croaked out a response, not at all resisting Nami. "Let's go."
"Great," Jou followed. "I'll take care of anything that attacks us." With that, the three of them were on their way to where Luffy and Vivi were are on the island.
[No POV]
Brogy stepped up to meet Dorry for their daily duel. But, Dorry seemed a little worse for wear and could barely stand on his own feet but he didn't want Brogy to know that.
"Yababababa! Dorry, how was your drink?" Brogy grinned. "Hit the spot, did it?"
"Yugugugug!" Dorry replied with a laugh and raised his sword to block the incoming strike. Dorry evaded another ax swing and stopped another with a raise of his shield.
"You! Seem! Weak!" Brogy proclaimed in between a few swings which Dorry managed to fend off and trying not to show how hurt he currently was. The reason for his current state was the alcohol he was given by Brogy had been tampered with by Mr. 3 with the use of Mr. 5's explosives. Luffy tried to stop Dorry but the giant didn't want to abandon the duel. Neither giant was aware that their fight had been interfered with.
"Don't count on it!" Dorry bolstered. "I'm as strong as ever!" They clashed their shields and their fight continued.
Meanwhile, somewhere else on the island. Jou, Nami, and Usopp continued their trek through the forest. Both Navigator and Sniper made sure to stay close to their Look-out at Jou's request. The walk was peaceful until eventually found them.
"Oh no..." Nami squeaked.
"D-D-Dinosaur..." Usopp chattered through his teeth. A dinosaur, a T-Rex, had stepped in front of their path. Nami and Usopp quickly went behind Jou, their eyes like saucers and staring up in fair at the creature ready to make them into a snack. Jou held both chains in his hands, staring up at the creature. There was no way it was gonna leave them alone and it wasn't going to take long.
"I'm gonna take care of this quickly and catch up with you guys," Jou promised. "Try to meet up Luffy. When I give you the signal. Run for it, alright?" the two nodded. The T-Rex roared as it charged toward them. Nami and Usopp left Jou to fight the dinosaur. Jou ran at the dinosaur himself, spinning his chains, and leaped off the ground to meet it. The dinosaur's mouth opened wide in an attempt to make the look-out into its dinner.
"Dual-Chain Cross Slash!" Jou lashed through the dinosaur, avoiding the creature's teeth. He landed on the ground as the dinosaur fell unmoving. Jou let out a breath and wrapped his chains around his wrist.
While that was happening, Nami and Usopp were sprinting through the jungle. Usopp in his own terror gained a burst of speed making him go much faster than Nami.
"Usopp, wait up!" Nami shouted after him. It was no use as the sniper was already gone. Nami put her hands on her knees while she caught her breath. She thought about turning back the other to Jou until saw another familiar face and smiled.
"Luffy!" Nami called and ran over to the straw hat. "Boy, Luffy, is it a relief to see you!" she went up to him. "So, what're you doing here anyway?" Luffy didn't utter a word. He stood still with his arm up in a wave. Before Nami could realize what she was looking at was not Luffy. A white liquid fired from the jungle and covered Nami.
"AAAAAAAAH!" Nami gave out a shrill cry.
Vivi POV
Dorry was hurt by the alcohol that was given to him. Luffy tried to stop him from going to his regular fight with the other giant but Dorry was set on going anyway. The warrior had to trap Luffy under a gigantic rock so he could keep him from interfering. Luffy had no way of getting out, his lower body was completely stuck. Usopp eventually showed up at their location and learned about what happened with the alcohol. Both Luffy and Usopp were upset that the giant's duel was interfered with.
"Right, Luffy!" Usopp agreed. "I don't what we're dealing with here but I'm gonna take care of them myself!" Despite the sniper's proclamation, his legs were shaking.
"I'll come too, Usopp," Vivi decided.
"Good!" Usopp agreed. "Having you with me will be reassuring!"
"You're not going anywhere!"
The three looked and saw Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, the explosion man holding up with one hand. Vivi gasped when she saw Carue's hurt state.
"You can have him back," Mr. 5 remarked tossing the duck on the ground. "We don't need him."
"Kahahaha!" Miss Valentine cackled.
"Carue!" Vivi shouted worriedly and checked on her duck companion.
"Why you...!" Usopp growled and turned to Luffy. "Wait, who are these guys?"
"The bullies from the last island!" Luffy glared.
"Carue, never did anything to you!" Vivi exclaimed. "Why did you have to do this to him!?"
"You're right," Mr. 5 replied. "We had no need to retaliate against your ugly bird. But, we needed to get our hands on that little straw hat friend of yours, ya see? The plan was simple. We wanted to lure ya both into the jungle by having your dear birdy here squawk pitifully for help. But the idiot refused to cooperate. But then we realized that little straw hat was already neatly trapped here waiting for us. In which case, we didn't need that thing anymore."
"Carue..." Vivi said caressing her friend's face as Carue let out a faint quack.
"Kahahaha! What a dumb bird!" Miss Valentine chortled. Vivi's eyes narrowed and ground her teeth. No one hurts her friend and gets away with it.
"I'll kill you!" Vivi seethed.
"So, where's 'Dual-Chain'?" Mr. 5 wondered. "After we deal with 'Straw hat', we were hoping to find him next."
"Yeah, where is he?" Miss Valentine questioned. "Because we got a score to settle with him, too? Kahahaha!"
"I don't know where he is," Vivi stated. It was true, she didn't know where Jou was. Usopp mentioned he got separated from Nami after they left him to deal with a dinosaur that attacked them.
"Hmm, don't matter," Mr. 5 said. "If we haven't gotten him yet, then Mr. 3's found him already."
"Mr. 3?!" Vivi repeated. "The Wax-Wax fruit man? He's here on the island with us?!"
"That's right, Mr. 5 confirmed. "Mr. 3, the candle man. His body creates wax which means he can control it as much as he likes."
"A candle man?" Luffy wondered.
"And were you the ones who planted a bomb to injure the giant Dorry?!" Usopp questioned them.
"Yeah, that's us!" Mr. 5 answered the sniper. "Who is this new guy? Is he on the list?"
"No, but he's clearly a friend of theirs," Miss Valentine figured. "Let's just get rid of him."
"How dare you interfere with a proud warrior duel!" Usopp shouted.
"It was you?!" Luffy growled struggling to get out of the rock. "I'll kick your asses!"
"How about I get rid of you instead!" Vivi announced taking out her Peacock Slashers.
"Aww, it's cute when you fight, Miss Wednesday," Mr. 5 mocked.
"Hahaha!" Miss Valentine chuckled. "What's more? She really thinks she stands a chance!" Vivi twirled her slashers as she leaped toward two Baroque Works agents. She wasn't going to go down without a fight, especially after what they did to Carue.
"Taste my Peacock Slashers!" Vivi cried.
"I'll get you, too!" Usopp ran beside Vivi, aiming his slingshot. "Exploding Star!" he fired his shot at Mr. 5, the blast creating a smoke cloud. "Yeah, gotcha!" Miss Valentine rose from the cloud laughing at their attempts to attack them.
"Nose Fancy Cannon!" Mr. 5 let loose his projectile straight at the sniper. The shot burnt Usopp and stopped him in place.
"Kahahaha! Did you get burned?" Miss Valentine questioned floating in the air.
"Usopp!" Luffy yelled worriedly.
"10,000 Kilogram Press!" Miss Valentine landed on the sniper. Usopp laid on his back, completely broken. Vivi gave out a war cry as she ran at Mr. 5. He easily dodged her attack, letting her get close he pressed his foot onto her which ignited an explosion that sent her into the air.
"Calm down!" Mr. exclaimed gripping Vivi by the throat. "There's no need to get upset right now, princess. We aren't planning to kill you yet." the explosion man's grip was too strong on Vivi's throat so it was no use clawing at it. "We only came to abduct you. Those were Mr. 3's explicit orders. Hold her, Miss Valentine!"
"Got it, Mr. 5!" Miss Valentine said giddily.
"I'll finish off, Straw hat," Mr. 5 ran a full sprint. Since Luffy was trapped beneath the rock he couldn't defend himself against the attack. Mr. 5 kicked Luffy causing an explosion to go off in his face.
"Luffy!" Vivi shouted struggling in Miss Valentine's vice-like grip. She couldn't do anything but look at all three of Luffy, Usopp, and Carue in their current hurt state's.
"After all, your friend over there has a big bounty on his head, and look what happened to him," Miss Valentine remarked.
"Consider this our thank you for what happened at Whiskey Peak," Mr. 5 grinned. "You should learn to mind your own business, you pathetic group of wannabe pirates. It would be quite beneficial to your health. By the way, we have your swordsman friend and we've captured the other girl you brought along with you as well."
"So, you caught Zoro...?" Luffy breathed out.
"Damn right," Mr. 5 answered.
"In that case, you're more trouble than I thought," Luffy said. "But you haven't got Jou yet."
"Not yet," Mr. 5 replied. "You wouldn't have happened to have seen 'Dual-Chain'? He's gotta be here on the island."
"No, I haven't," Luffy said. "Not that I'd tell you."
"That's alright," Mr. 5 stated. "Well, let's see how big you talk after one of my 'Kick-it' bombs blows up that little face a' yours."
"Try whatever you want..." Luffy grinned. "I'm gonna kick your ass." Luffy spat on Mr. 5's shoe and the bomb man didn't seem to like that one bit.
"This should be fun," Miss Valentine smiled. Mr. 5 kicked Luffy across the face causing another explosion.
"Luffy, no!" Vivi cried.
"DIE!" Mr. 5 screamed as he continued landing explosive kicks into the straw hat captain's face. The continuous blasts caused smoke to billow around them. The smoke cleared to reveal Mr. 5 breathing and standing over a beaten Luffy, who was unmoving from the attacks unleashed on him.
"You weak little fool," Mr. 5 said walking away.
"Luffy!" Vivi shouted over Miss Valentine's laughter. "No! Please! Luffy! Get up!"
"Let's go, Miss Valentine," Mr. 5 ushered his partner to follow him. The kilo-fruit woman laughed while pulling Vivi along with them.
"Usopp! Carue!" Vivi shouted as she was being taken away.
Jou POV
"Nami! Usopp!" Jou called the two but didn't hear an answer. Jou felt he wasn't going to find them by just walking. Jou looked up at the trees and decided to take the high road. He jumped up a tree landed on a branch and bounded from different trees until he landed on a final one. Jou heard some sort of commotion down below. Walking through the forest, was Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, the same duo from Whiskey Peak. But the main thing Jou noticed was they had Vivi.
Dammit, Jou thought. That's bad. They must have followed us here.
Jou didn't see Luffy or even Carue with her and didn't know how they managed to take out Luffy. But Jou didn't have time to think about that. For now, he should follow them to see where they're going. Vivi seemed to be struggling even with Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine gripping her by the arms. They forced Vivi onto her knees. Mr. 5 kneeling in front of her.
"Quit your struggling, princess..." Mr. 5 said. "I could blast that face of your clean off. But Mr. 3 already has specific plans for you. So just give up and accept your fate."
Mr. 3...? Jou wondered. Another of their boss's cronies?
"Don't worry!" Miss Valentine laughed. "You won't be alone! Mr. 3 managed to bring two more of those pathetic straw hats you were traveling with! The few of you can all die together! Kahahaha!"
Jou didn't like how this was sounding. Which two did they mean? Jou didn't have time to think about that. There was no point in waiting here. He had to take action now. Jou figured he could get the drop on them and take them out quickly if he was fast about it.
But unfortunately, the element of surprise was not on Jou's side. He nearly fell off the tree branch he was perched on. He made noise catching his feet on the tree, alerting Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, causing them to look where he was. Jou hid behind the tree hoping they wouldn't see him. Jou figured he was lucky, peeking out, and noticed a small object flying in his direction.
It landed on the tree he was on and the moment it hit, it exploded. The explosion was huge as it destroyed everything in the vicinity—trees but most importantly Jou. The blast knocked Jou backward, and the trees collapsed on top of him after he hit the ground.
No POV
"Here are the others," Mr. 5 said. He and Miss Valentine dropped Zoro and Nami on the ground. Vivi noticed them and found they had similar binds to her. Their wrists and ankles bonded in hard wax similar to her own.
"It's just sad," Mr. 5 remarked placing a foot on Zoro's head. "Idiots like these should've been caught the first time. How embarrassing."
"No need to be ashamed," Mr. 3 said. "You can't help the fact that you're weak after all."
"What was that?" Mr. 5 questioned.
"It's nothing," Mr. 3 dismissed. "Now please just hurry and get the candles set up."
"Candles?!" Nami repeated and noticed the giant cake made of wax. "What is that thing?! Is that a cake?" It did resemble a cake. It was a three-layered monstrosity made with excruciating detail with the very top lit with candles and a face etched on the side of it.
"I'm sorry, you guys," Vivi frowned.
"But, Vivi...!" Nami said. "What happened?! I thought you were with Luffy!"
"I was," Vivi replied looking at the ground. "But now..."
"If you're wondering about Straw hat...?" Mr. 5 mentioned. "I saw to that little runt myself. He didn't put up much of a fight either."
"But if they got Luffy..." Nami paused. "What about Jou?"
"I spotted 'Dual-Chain' following us on our way here," Mr. 5 stated. "I made quick work of him with one of my explosions. He won't be bothering us."
"No... it can't be..." Nami murmured and shook her head. "I don't believe you." Nami seemed like she didn't want to believe that they managed to take out not only Luffy but Jou, too.
"Yeah, right," Zoro smirked. He also refused to believe their captain and look-out could be taken down so easily. The two pirates and princess are placed on the cake, and each of them is placed on the bottom layer with Mr. 3 laughing maniacally.
"Welcome, one and all!" Mr. 3 bowed. "To my famous Candle Service Set!"
"I guess this is what it feels like..." Zoro spoke. "To be a candle stuck on a birthday cake."
"Guys...?" Nami wondered looking up. "What's that spinning up there?" The very top of the cake was rotating. For what reason, the trio didn't know why. Nami tried moving her leg but it was no use. "I can't move. Great."
"It's not surprising to me that they don't want us moving around," Zoro commented. "That's what captured means." Zoro took out his sword and glided the tip across the hard wax. He could only make a small scratch. "Damn. This stuff's hard. And I can't put much strength behind my swing from this angle."
"Something's falling!?" Vivi shouted frantically and looked around noticing the white flakes falling around her and the others.
"Hahahaha!" Mr.3 laughed. "I do hope you enjoy my candle service! You may have noticed the wax flakes that are falling from above! You'll eventually be covered and turned into wax figures! You'll become perfectly lifelike statues for my collection! Something that even I couldn't achieve on my own! I will literally capture your spirits and encase them forever in wax shells! It will be a true masterpiece! You will die for my art!"
"I don't think so, you freak!" Nami claimed. "I have no interest in dying for whatever it is you consider art! Hey, Giant!" she called to Brogy. "Why are you laying there doing nothing?! When you could be beating the crap out of this candle guy!"
"Now he is gonna make one huge statue..." Zoro commented looking at Brogy.
"You can try to convince him but your efforts will be useless!" Mr.3 said. "He's a little blue at the moment. You see he just realized how unfairly he won his last fight and he's lost the heart to celebrate! He killed his dear friend Dorry with whom he had fought for one hundred years! Dorry was injured but he didn't notice! Just imagine how much pain Dorry must've been in, he didn't stand a chance! You did shed a few tears though. Perhaps you were crying for your friend? Hahaha! Now it's no use!" Mr. 3 grinned. "There's no undoing it! He's dead and it's all your fault!" Zoro's eyebrows twitched as they glared at the man for mocking the giant.
"I should've seen it." Brogy spoke as everyone turned to him. "I knew something strange was going on." The giant clenched his fist. "From the moment we first began to fight, I knew Dorry was hiding something but I couldn't tell what it was."
"Hmm?" Mr.3 kept his smile. "You say that you knew it? You're lying! If you knew something was wrong? Why didn't you stop the fight? Why didn't you give him a chance to rest? I didn't see one shred of pity as you ruthlessly cut him down! Hahahaha!"
"You know nothing about honorable duels!" The giant roared. "Someone like you could never understand my tears! What do you know about the way of Elbaf!? You think that I would shame a warrior who hid the fact that he was weakened so he could continue to fight! ONLY A TRULY GREAT WARRIOR WOULD GO TO SUCH LENGTH'S AND SUCH A MAN ISN'T INTERESTED IN PITY!"
"Huh!?" Mr.3 said in shock.
"Now..." Brogy said. "I know what really happened. And I must do something about it. I going to finish this with my own two hands!" Brogy flexed and busted one of his wrists from the restraints. One by one, he broke out of the solid wax that restricted him. "Cause that's the least I can do for Dorry! He was a great warrior and my dear friend!" Mr.3 backed away from Brogy in fear. Before Brogy could escape, an explosion erupted in his face. The attack came from Mr. 5 who'd used his Nose Fancy Cannon. The sight caused Nami to gasp in concern for the giant.
"Brogy!" Nami screamed.
"Hahaha!" Miss Valentine laughed. "Big fool!"
It seems that I miscalculated." Mr.3 stated. "I forgot how freakishly strong these dumb giants can be! It looks like you're going to require more complete restraints!" Wet wax covered Mr.3's arms. "Wax-Wax: Handcuffs!" Wax handcuffs appeared and were big enough for Brogy's wrist. "STILL GOING!" Wax completely covered Brogy's hands and feet. "And now for the finishing touch! Take this!" Mr.3 threw four sharp wax spikes down at Brogy. The spikes completely pinned Brogy's hands and feet. Nami turned her head and shut her eyes as she heard the horrible sound as the spikes impacted.
"AAAAAAAAAAGH!" Brogy shouted in pain.
"It'll be tough for you to move now, won't it?" Mr. 3 laughed. Brogy's head collapsed to the ground. Zoro and Vivi glared at Mr.3.
"You really are despicable!" Vivi shouted.
"Haha!" Mr. 3 chuckled in response. "Now! Let's get these candles going faster! It's time to turn these people into beautiful, artistic wax statues! Hahahaha!"
Particles began to pour down onto the trio on the cake and Brogy. Neither of them was able to do anything about it. The wax wasn't just covering their bodies but also getting inside them, making it impossible to breathe.
"My chest is starting to hurt..." Nami coughed. "The wax is starting to get into our lungs. At this rate, he's gonna turn us into wax from the inside out."
"That's it..." Mr. 3 said. "Let it look like you are in as much pain as possible! That's perfect! Expressions of agony are what I seek to achieve in my art! The finished product will be simply splendid! You must die filled with terror!"
"This is what you call art, you creepy weird-haired freak!" Nami shouted. "You guys are gonna regret this! You're gonna pay for what you did to Brogy and Dorry! And for what you're trying to do to us!"
"Yell and scream all you want to, Little girl..." Mr.3 smiled. "No one can help you now!" Brogy lay down on the ground as he thought about his last duel with Dorry.
A century... Brogy thought remembering the countless times he and Dorry fought. For 100 years Dorry and I dueled day in and day out. Fighting endlessly. We battled for our pride. As is the way of the warriors of Elbaf. We fought with honor! And with strength! And still, we are subjected to this! Why has this happened to us!? Must we be forced to meet our end in such a way!? Must we!? It isn't fair for a warrior to die such a dishonorable death!" Brogy had tears pouring down his face. "Why couldn't I not die in battle!?
"Hold that look!" Mr. 3 noticed Brogy's expression. "Yes! Such grief! Such sorrow! And just the right amount of anger! How marvelous! Hahahaha!"
Elbaf, please...? Brogy thought in desperation.
"This is not good!" Nami shouted. "Can't we do something!? I don't wanna die like this!"
"My body is already beginning to turn stiff!" Vivi exclaimed. "What're we supposed to do?"
"Zoro! Do something!?" Nami said. Zoro brought his attention to Brogy.
"Hey, giant...?" Zoro said. "You can still move, right? Good, so can I." Zoro thumbed up a sword. "I say we take 'em down together." The swordsman smirked pulling out his blade. "What do you think?" Everyone gasped at Zoro.
"Hold a second!" Nami said. "What are you doing?" Zoro pulled out another sword. "Are you...?"
"Yeah," Zoro replied.
"Quit messing around!" Nami shouted. "You're not gonna cut your own legs off!"
"I'm not messing around at all," Zoro stated. "It's the only way to get us out of this situation. Are you in or out?"
"Are you insane!?" Vivi yelled. "No way! Even if you get down from here you won't get far without legs!"
"There's no way to know for sure until we try," Zoro added. "So are you saying you'd just sit here and die?" Zoro grinned. "Why should we make it easy for those guys to kill us? Dying quietly without a struggle doesn't make you any less dead, right?"
"The girl was right," Mr. 5 remarked. "This guy is insane."
"He's bluffing," Mr. 3 commented. "There's no way he would do something as crazy as that. He's just trying to act tough so his friends will feel better."
"That runts got spirit..." Brogy thought while chuckling. "I'll give him that. He's doing better than I am. I have actually begun to lose the will to fight!" Brogy grinned up at Zoro who returned the grin.
"Alright, I'm in!" Brogy said. "Let's cut them to pieces!"
"You're not serious about this, are you?" Nami asked. "How are you planning on fighting them afterward?!"
"Who knows?" Zoro replied. "But... I plan to win." A determined smirk made its way onto the swordsman's face.
What kind of man is he...? Vivi thought looking at Zoro. And why? Why do I feel like I've seen that look somewhere before?
"Princess Vivi! Igaram's voice was in Vivi's head. Sometimes it takes more strength to live than to die."
"Wait!" Vivi shouted. "I'll fight with you!"
"What?!" Nami exclaimed to the Princess.
"Good," Zoro said to her. "Get ready."
"And now...!" Brogy said starting to break from his restraints again with new resolve. "Let's go!"
"Don't be foolish!" Mr.3 shouted. "What do you hope to accomplish!?"
Nami turned away from Zoro who stabbed into his legs, the swordsman giving out a short yell in pain. He didn't get very far as Luffy, Usopp, and Carue launched out from the jungle. Each of them screamed while everyone watched them fly past them as the captain, sniper, and duck let out battle cries.
"HEY!" Luffy shouted. "WHEN I GET BACK I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASSES!" the three crashed into the trees.
"Huh?" Mr. 3 mouthed.
"Let's get 'em, Usopp!" Luffy shouted standing up and holding his hat.
"Yeah!" Usopp exclaimed
"And bird... guy!" Luffy said to Carue.
"Quack!" Carue quacked in answer.
"Luffy! Usopp!" Nami said with a smile on her face.
"Carue!" Vivi noticed her duck companion.
"We're here, Brogy!" Usopp claimed goggles over his eyes. "Don't worry. We'll pick up where you left off!"
"Thanks, Usopp," Brogy said.
"BEAT 'EM BEYOND RECOGNITION!" Nami shouted. "SHOW THEM EXPRESSIONS OF PAIN AND AGONY THEY WON'T SOON FORGET!"
"Oh, I'm going to," Luffy said cracking a fist. "These guys messed up the best duel ever. They are in serious trouble and they're gonna answer to me."
"So, you're the one with the highest bounty in the East Blue?" Mr.3 said to Luffy. "My, how low Marine standards have fallen. It's almost tragic really."
"Is that your hair?" Luffy asked in surprise noticing the 3-styled hair of Mr. 3.
"You just shut up!" Mr.3 said with shark teeth.
"Oh, it's on fire!" Luffy pointed.
"Hush you!" Mr.3 exclaimed.
"Yes, he has weird hair!" Nami chimed. "Now could you break this pillar?! We're about to turn into wax statues here!"
"Oh, are you guys in trouble?" Luffy wondered.
"Nope. No trouble at all." Zoro declared.
"Wait, Zoro! Your leg!" Nami said.
"Yeah, I made it about halfway through I'd say," Zoro mentioned with blood pouring down his leg.
"And how exactly is that "no trouble at all"...!?" Nami remarked.
"So, Luffy, what do you think?" Zoro smirked. "Could you go ahead and take care of this pillar for us? I think I've done enough."
"Yeah, no problem." Luffy smiled.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Mr.3 smiled himself.
"I don't know what it is," Luffy stated. "But let's break it."
"Right, let's do it," Usopp said, sitting on Carue's back. "Usopp, The Brave Warrior of the Sea is ready to fight!" Carue quacked signalling he was ready. The three prepared to fight as Mr.3 stood across from them with his arms folded.
Hurry, will ya!?" Nami shouted. "We're dying here!"
"If we're about to throw down, don't start without me!"
Everyone turned to the source of the voice and noticed a scruffy-looking Kusari Jou, sauntering his way toward everyone. He had blood running toward the side of his head, a few scrapes covering his face, his clothes caked in dirt, and his red chain hanging over his shoulder.
"Didn't think I'd miss this, would ya?" Jou's lips curled into a smirk. It was time to save the others.
I return from my hiatus. So sorry!
Jou: Man, if you were that sorry you would've gotten it out sooner!
Got busy! I was working...
Jou: Yeah, that and playing Baldurs Gate 3 instead of working on this.
I can't help it, Baldurs Gate 3 is so damn fun and addicting! I can't stop playing it, send help!
Jou: Okay, it is a pretty awesome game.
Now, sorry for the delay. I have another chapter coming up soon. Two chapters to make up for lost time. Anyway, how are y'all been? Been a while. I know it's been months but the One Piece live-action was pretty good. I enjoyed the changes, we got more Coby and even Garp, too. Well, anyway, that's all for now. Next time we're gonna finish this arc and do the reviews at the end of the chapter.
I'll see you guys next time!
Later!