I do not own One Piece
It is owned by Oda
I just own the OC's
Enjoy!
Alabasta Arc opening: Again by Yui, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OP 1
The music starts with a soft melody, soon picking up and showing the Straw hat Pirates all shown in order of when they were recruited, and finally shows Vivi and Carue.
Kono omoi wo keshite shimau Niwa mada jinsei Nagai desho
The next scene shows the Going Merry sailing to the desert country of Alabasta.
Yarinokoshi te'ru koto yarinaoshite mitai kara
It shows Vivi, her blue hair blowing with the wind, staring at her home island with a worried yet purposeful look. The tone picks up, cutting to Vivi standing on the Alabasta sands in her desert robe with Carue beside her.
Yume no Tsuzuki oikakete ita hazu nano ni Magarikunetta Hosoi Michi Hito ni tsumazuku
The wind picks up, causing Vivi to turn around and look at all the Straw Hat crew, including Marianne, dressed in their desert attire and smiling, showing they were there to help her.
Ano koro mitai ni tte modoritai wakejanai no Nakushite Kita sora wo sagashite'ru
The next scene shows the pirates, Vivi, and Marianne stepping through the desert. Vivi walked beside the group, Nami and Marianne rode on Eyelash, the painter drawing on a sketchpad during the ride, Luffy and Usopp used sticks to keep themselves up in the heat, Chopper followed in his Walkpoint, while Jou, Zoro, and Sanji walked.
Wakatte kuremasu you ni Gisei ni Natta you na kanashii Kao wa yamate yo Tsumi no Saigo wa Namida Ja Nai yo zutto kurushiku seotte'ku n da Deguchi mienai kanjou meiro ni dare wo matte'ru no
It shifts to Vivi, who is letting out a cry at the top of the highest tower in Alubarna, the capital city. The royal and Rebel armies battling below her do not hear her. Then it shows Crocodile, Miss All Sunday beside him, and behind them are the Officer agents.
Shiroi nooto ni tsuzutta you ni motto sunai ni hakidashi Tai yo Nani kara nogaretai n da genjitsu ka
Luffy stands before Crocodile, ready to begin their fight. They each throw a punch and a hook at each other, respectively.
Kanaeru tame ni ikite'ru n datte sakebitaku Naru yo Kikoete imasu ka
It shifts to Miss Merry Christmas, shouting at Mr. 4 as Lasso fires a baseball with Mr. 4 hitting it toward Usopp and Chopper, with the duo narrowly dodging it. Next, Nami is wielding her Clima-Tact and dodging Miss Double Finger's long, sharp-spiked fingers.
Bunan ni nante yatterarenaikara kaeru basho mo Nai no Yasashisa Niwa Itsumo kansha shite'ru Dakara tsuyoku naritai (I'm on my way)
It cuts to Sanji exchanging kicks with Mr. 2, Zoro clashing his three swords against Mr. 1's bladed arms.
Natsukashiku Naru
Finally, Mr. 00 swung his metal ropes at Jou. This didn't halt Jou's advance toward him, as he dodged 00's ropes and spun his chains. Jou leaped to attack but took a punch in the body, causing him to hack blood. Luffy is shown in the sky riding on Pell in his Falcon form, jumping off his back and going after Crocodile. Luffy reeling for a punch at Crocodile, as the Warlord let sand surround his hand.
Konna Itami mo Kangai jan
No POV
The desert town of Nanohana was vibrant. Shopkeepers bargained with civilians while others wandered about. One person was among those walking around the city and seemed to stand out amongst the bustling throng. He was a tall, muscular man with jaw-length curly black hair, dark eyes, noticeable freckles on his cheeks, and a tattoo on his left shoulder that read: "ACSE" with the S crossed out.
Despite the extreme heat from the sun, his torso was left bare. He wore black boots, black knee-length shorts with an eyelet-studded orange belt, a beaded necklace, an orange hat with two blue smileys, one frowning and one smiling, and a string of red beads sitting above the rim. Two range straps hung down the hat and met at a large medallion of a bull's skull with orange tassels.
The young man walked through the marketplace, minding his business until an eager shopkeeper stopped him.
"Oh, hello, there, young traveler!" the shopkeeper exclaimed. "I've never seen you around before. Is this your first time here?" the shopkeeper revealed a shiny gold apple. "Would you care to take a look at this solid, gold apple? I don't normally do this, but I can usually tell when someone has a discerning eye. This apple is magic. It's from an ancient ruin, and with just one bite, you can live for a thousand years."
"Thanks, but no thank," the young man replied. "I'm not really all that interested in living for a thousand years. Just living today is good enough." The shopkeeper growled in annoyance as the young man went on his way. The young man, while continuing along, bumped into someone. That person happened to be Kusari Jou.
Jou POV
Jou accompanied Nami, Zoro, Usopp, and Chopper into the city. Now that they were wearing different clothes, they could adequately blend in. Jou knew Nanohana since he had accompanied Sanji and Chopper earlier, so he could at least help search for their captain. Jou bought a pair of desert cloaks, mainly for Nami and Vivi, because he was certain Sanji didn't purchase any for them. While searching for their captain, someone had walked into Jou.
"Huh?" Jou wondered. He turned around to find a young man, probably about his age, maybe a bit older. The young man stood straight, staring Jou in the eyes.
"Oh, my mistake," the young man stated. "My apologies," he gave a slight bow. "I didn't mean to walk into you." He was polite and formal, Jou thought to himself. Jou gave him an assuring smile, letting him know there were no hard feelings.
"It's alright," Jou stated. "You new in town? You look like you're not from around here?"
"I'm not," the young man replied with a smile. "And you don't seem to be from around here either. Just passing through like me?"
"Yeah," Jou nodded. "My friends and I are trying to find someone." Jou wasn't about to ask the man if he'd seen Luffy, considering he wasn't from this place. Though he also might not have.
"Well, imagine that," the young man remarked. "I'm looking for someone, too. Well, I should be getting back to that. Again, apologies for walking into you, and safe travels." He bowed once more, giving Jou one more smile and walking away.
"You too," Jou nodded before the young man moved along. As the man left, Jou noticed the mark on his back. It looked familiar; he might've seen it in the newspapers he'd read, but it was a pirate Jolly Roger. Jou went to link back with the others. He caught sight of Nami looking around alone.
If Jou was being honest, she looked good in that dancer's outfit. He might not have thought much of the two girls he briefly spoke to earlier during his shopping trip with Sanji and Chopper. It wasn't anything new; he'd seen Nami in a swimsuit, which was less than her current outfit, but it was pretty captivating. Jou would be lying if he didn't think Sanji made the right choice. Jou shook off the thoughts and approached the navigator.
"Nami?" Jou said. "You spot the captain yet?"
"No," Nami sighed, folding her arms. "Where could he have run off to? It's not like he knows where he's going in this place?"
"I'm sure he'll turn up soon," Jou promised. He raised his brows and looked around; he knew Nami wasn't searching alone. "Hey, where's Usopp and Chopper?"
"Hmm?" Nami wondered, looking around herself. "They were right here a second ago?" Nami's eyes wandered until they fell on something. Jou followed her gaze and saw the two being amazed by a shop vendor trying to sell them a gold apple.
"SOLID GOLD!" Chopper exclaimed.
"AND LIVE A THOUSAND YEARS!" Usopp added. "Really?! You found it in some ancient ruins! No way!"
"Oh, yes, I sure did," the vendor declared. "This is a legendary artifact from an ancient land."
"And after one bite we can really live that long?!" Chopper wondered.
"Of course," the vendor smirked. "I could never lie to a customer."
"Amazing!" Usopp and Chopper said. "That's so cool!"
"Of course," said the shopkeeper. "I could never lie to a customer."
"You men can certainly spot a treasure, so, I guess..." the vendor thought momentarily. "For a one-time price of only a thousand berri's this apple is yours."
"One thousand?! That's all?! Oh yeah! Sol-"
Whack!
Nami quickly stopped the two from making a dumb decision by striking each of them over the noggins.
"Idiots," Nami muttered. "Really? What are you thinking?" Jou approached the vendor and examined the apple. He eyed it curiously while stroking his chin.
"Oh, would you like to purchase this magnificent item, young man?" the vendor asked. Jou didn't answer him immediately, he soon snapped his fingers and grinned.
"Yep, it's a scam," Jou claimed.
"I assure you..." the vendor said. "This is indeed not-hey! What do you-" Jou smeared his index finger across the apple. The apparent gold paint rubbed off, revealing the red of the apple.
"Yep, thought so," Jou smirked. "Zoro, care to do the honors?" Zoro approached a nearby curtain and grabbed it.
"If I were you, I wouldn't take his word for it," Zoro stated, pulling the curtain and revealing another man painting red apples. The painter gritted his teeth nervously since he had been found out. Nami took Usopp and Chopper by their collars, dragging them through the marketplace.
"Hey, Nami, what're you doing?!" Usopp argued, shaking his fist. "This is harassment!"
"You two need to quit wasting time and look for Luffy with the rest of us!" Nami chided them. "So once we find the idiot, we're leaving! Do you understand?!" While Nami yanked the two across the street, Jou and Zoro followed. Jou looked around, hoping to at least spot someone wearing a straw hat.
"Okay, where would Luffy be?" Zoro wondered. "He's got to be around here somewhere?"
"Knowing Luffy, he loves to eat," Jou commented. "Maybe he managed to find a restaurant?"
"That's a possibility," Zoro agreed. "Huh?" Zoro turned his head in the other direction. "Who is that?"
"Who?" Jou questioned. He followed his crewmate's gaze and saw the same young man he met earlier. He was speaking to an old woman and holding a piece of paper.
"I just have one question..." he pointed at the paper. "Have you seen this guy?"
"Huh?" the woman wondered. "His name is Monkey D. Luffy?" Hearing this question, the others were drawn to the man. Jou didn't know the one the young man was looking for was Luffy. Did he know him? What could he have wanted with him? With that Jolly Roger on his back, he can't have been a bounty hunter.
"He might be in town somewhere?" the young man asked. "I've been looking for him for a while."
"Well... I've never seen him," the woman answered. "If you want to find him, then I would suggest asking around that restaurant over there. The owner seems to know everyone passing through."
"Thank you, ma'am," the young man bowed. "A restaurant, huh? I was just starting to feel a bit hungry anyway?" He left down the street as Jou and the others watched him go.
"Who's that?" Chopper asked. "He sure looks like he'd be really strong."
"And why do you think he's looking for Luffy?" Usopp wondered.
"Maybe he's a bounty hunter?" Nami added.
"Nah, definitely not a bounty hunter," Jou stated.
"Cause he's not," Zoro voiced. "The mark on his back."
"Right," Jou smirked. "Of course, the former pirate hunter would figure out he's a pirate."
"No way I wouldn't recognize it," Zoro said.
Jou looked at the young man strolling down Nanohana's street. He wasn't a bounty hunter wanting to turn Luffy in for a reward. The Jolly Roger he had inked onto his back meant he was a pirate. But just what was it that this man wanted with their captain? Jou wouldn't rule anything out, but perhaps this guy wouldn't have been an enemy if he had known Luffy.
The search for Luffy continued, but Jou and the others had no luck finding their captain. Jou approached Zoro, who was looking around for Luffy but also seemed to have no luck finding him like Jou and the others.
"Zoro," Jou waved.
"I take it you still can't find him either?" Zoro wondered.
"Yep," Jou nodded.
"Great," Zoro sighed. Zoro turned his head, and Jou noticed his body freeze up and his eyes widen from what he had seen. "Oh no, is that her?"
"Who?" Jou questioned. "What's got you so nervous?" Jou looked to find what caught Zoro's attention. He saw the same blue-haired woman from back in Loguetown.
"Tashigi!"
It was now Jou's turn to freeze up, similar to Zoro. It wasn't just the blue-haired woman. She just had to be here, too. She wore yellow sunglasses on her eyes and a red shemagh around her shoulders. She wasn't wearing her vest, which left her in her white T-shirt. Her wine-colored ponytail is hanging over her right shoulder.
"You gotta be kidding me?!" Tashigi exclaimed to the shopkeeper, not even acknowledging Rana. "Selling a sword like this for 200,000 berri's is nothing short of stealing! C'mon! Do you even have a permit to sell these?!"
"Tashigi!" Rana groaned, moving her shades down, a hand on her hip. "Does it matter if he's selling a sword for that much?"
"Rana, look at this thing?!" Tashigi showcased the sword to her. "This sword right here is a rare find! It should be worth way more than 200,000! It's disrespectful to be sold for that much!"
"Okay, I see your point," Rana stated, shaking her head. "Now, c'mon. I got some info that the Straw hat crew is here." Jou ground his teeth once he heard that. How did she know they were here already?
"Really?" Tashigi wondered. "You know where they are?"
"No, but I know they're here," Rana stated. "Now, c'mon! Finish what you're doing. We don't want the captain to find us standing here while you argue over a sword's price. Just make it quick."
"Hold on a moment," Tashigi said, returning to the shopkeeper. "You better not try to pull another stunt like that again! You understand me?" Tashigi finished and started walking away, with Rana following. Jou and even Zoro went into a slight panic. First, they bumped into each other, fumbling until they settled behind a large gourd.
"You think they saw us?" Jou whispered to Zoro.
"No, I don't think so," Zoro replied. It would not have been good if they were spotted by them now. A squad of Marines would be on their tail, could capture them, and then it would be a mission failed, trying to help Vivi save her kingdom.
Nami POV
Nami looked and asked around town if they had found someone with a straw hat. Of course, people haven't seen Luffy at all. There was no telling where or what he was doing right now. She wondered if Jou and Zoro had had any luck looking for their captain. What caused her eyebrows to rise when she found the lookout and swordsman crouched behind a gourd? Nami, along with Usopp and Chopper, went up to them.
"Hey, Jou, Zoro?" Nami wondered. "What are you guys doing?"
"What are you doing hiding over there?" Usopp asked.
"Hey, Tashigi, Rana?" Captain Smoker showed up, holding a few unconscious men on his shoulders. Nami and the other two quickly hid, too, not to be spotted. It was apparent why Jou was hiding now. It was because the Marines and Rana were here, and Jou and her didn't leave on the best of terms back in Loguetown.
"Captain Smoker?" Tashigi said.
"Here," Smoker muttered, dropping the men.
"Well, you've been busy," Rana smirked.
"Idiot small-time pirates," Smoker stated. "They made the mistake of thinking they could act like hotshots on my watch. So I was forced to teach them a lesson."
"Your dedication is inspiring," Tashigi commented. "Not a single pirate rogue would ever escape with you around."
"Yeah," Rana nodded. "You could probably capture any pirate or criminal lurking around here."
"If you're done chattering, have the Alabasta Royal Army take care of these scum," Smoker ordered. Both Rana and Tashigi stood at attention.
"Yes, sir!" they said together.
"Captain," Rana said. "I have some info about the Straw hat crew that I believe you should hear."
"Report!" Smoker told her.
"Sir!" Rana nodded. "When in town, I spoke to two civilians who had encountered 'Dual-Chain' Jou. They did not know of him being a pirate, but recognized him once I showed them his wanted poster. This confirms that Jou and the Straw Hat Crew are here in the Alabasta Kingdom.
"Good work, Rana," Smoker said. "If Dual-Chain is here, then that means 'Straw hat' Luffy and crew are close by. Gather the men. I want a full search of the town and speak to other civilians to see if they have seen those pirates."
"Yes, sir!" Rana and Tashigi saluted. During that whole conversation, it was worrying that the Marines were in Alabasta looking for them, and they knew they were here already. Nami heard Jou sigh, putting his head down. He might've felt bad knowing they found them because of him.
"Sorry, guys," Jou said. "If I didn't go into town, they wouldn't know we were here."
"It's okay," Nami assured. "It's not like they know where we are or where to find us. That's Captain Smoker. He's the marine who caused us a lot of trouble in Loguetown."
"You think he and his Marines followed us all the way here in Loguetown?" Usopp wondered.
"Seems to be the case," Zoro stated.
"This just adds more to our plate," Jou remarked.
"Hey, isn't that Rana?" Usopp noticed.
"Yeah, you remember her," Jou replied to Usopp.
"Who's she?" Chopper questioned.
"She's Jou's friend back on his home island ever since they were kids," Usopp explained. "But things are different between them now since he's a pirate and she's a marine. So that makes them enemies."
"Hey, Usopp!" Nami chided the sniper, hands on her hips. Jou had to be worried enough already when he found out Rana was here. With what he told her, they didn't exactly have a fond farewell, and she was dead set on capturing him, which was likely why she was here. "Jou, are you..." Nami gave him a concerned look. She hoped he remembered what she told him the night they left Loguetown.
"I'm fine," Jou assured. "I didn't think she'd be here, along with a squad of Marines. If anything, this means it's time to get out of Nanohana."
"Right, and with them and that mystery man..." Zoro added. "Things could start to get pretty ugly here. Come on, Luffy! Show up!"
"Well, our captain's not going to appear out of thin air, Zoro," Jou remarked. "C'mon, let's head back."
Jou POV
With the Marines here looking for them, Jou and the others decided to regroup and leave this area. They returned to the others and found Vivi, Sanji, Carue, and Marianne waiting for them while they were looking for the captain.
"This doesn't look good," Usopp declared. 'We could be in some serious trouble if we don't get out soon."
"Trouble?" Sanji questioned, looking up. "Why's that?"
"Because the Marines are here," Nami stated.
"Marines?!" Vivi exclaimed.
"And also some mystery man," Chopper added.
"Let's just find Luffy as fast as possible and get out of this town as fast as we can," Nami announced. Jou heard a commotion from behind that sounded like it was getting closer. Jou turned and saw a squad of Marines heading their way. They hadn't found them yet, but they seemed to be chasing someone. Jou quickly started pushing the others behind the wall of a demolished building along with Zoro, who noticed the Marines, too.
"Guys, we've gotta hide," Jou warned.
"What for?" Nami wondered. Everyone crowded behind their temporary hideout.
"What was that?" Chopper asked.
"It's the Marines," Zoro mentioned.
"Yeah, and they're excited about something?" Usopp wondered.
"Probably chasing someone," Jou stated. "Could be another pirate?"
"That's likely," Sanji commented nonchalantly. "They're chasing an idiot pirate running crazy around town."
"Some idiot pirate?!" Everyone exclaimed.
"What if it turns out the pirate they're after is your captain?" Marianne questioned.
"Then we hope that's not the case..." Jou said until he heard a scream that sounded like his captain's. Luffy and the platoon of Marines ran past their hiding place.
"IT'S LUFFY!" Everyone but Jou and Marianne screamed.
"I was just asking a question..." Marianne frowned. "But it WAS your captain." Jou hoped Luffy would keep running to lead the Marines away but soon spotted where he and the others were hiding. Jou and Luffy stared at each other for a moment.
"Keep running! Try to lead them away!" Jou used two fingers to mimic them running, pointed two fingers in the other direction, and then both hands in a shooing motion. "Lead them away!"
"What the hell are you doing?!" Zoro questioned. "Miming at him! He's not gonna get it!"
"Maybe he will!" Jou replied.
"Oh, hey Jou, hey Zoro!" Luffy grinned, waving his hand at them. Jou felt his stomach drop the moment Luffy announced his name.
"H-he did not just say our names out loud?" Jou uttered, sweat dropping from his head, so much for trying to remain hidden now that their captain had announced where they were.
"Oh, so that's where you guys have been!" Luffy laughed, quickly making his way over.
"Wait, no!" Jou called. "Don't come over here!"
"You moron, get rid of them first!" Zoro screamed. Luffy didn't stop his approach, which let the marines know where they were, which now meant they were after them.
"Well, they're coming!" Usopp cried. "What should we do?!"
"What do you think?!" Jou shouted. "Run! Scram! Haul ass! That's what we're gonna do!"
"Right!" Nami agreed. "We gotta get going!"
"To the ship!" Vivi finished.
"Don't just stand there!" Luffy called, rushing past the others. "We gotta go!"
"We know!" Everyone exclaimed. Jou and the others gathered their supplies and ran after their captain to escape the approaching marines.
"You can fall back now, men!" Captain Smoker called, appearing from his group of marines chasing after the pirates. Jou felt it was worse now that Smoker had shown up. Luffy mentioned he barely got away from Smoker, and his Devil Fruit prevented him from being hit by any attack. "That straw hat is mine to finish!"
"Not good!" Luffy voiced once he saw Smoker coming after them.
"White Blow!" Smoker sent his fist forward, a trail of smoke behind it.
"NOT GOOD! NOT GOOD! NOT GOOD! NOT GOOD!" Luffy repeated, trying to run faster. Jou didn't want this to be the end of their Alabasta adventure. There must be something they can do to escape.
"Heat Haze!" a voice called. Jou didn't know what happened, maybe it was fate, coincidence, or both. But Jou and everyone stopped running, seeing a massive blaze of fire collide with Smoker's attack, instantly stopping it. The fire cleared, revealing the user. It was the same young man Jou briefly spoke to while looking for Luffy.
"You again?" Smoker growled.
"Heh," the man replied. "Just give it up." Flames licked at his fingertips. Jou figured he was helping them, but what for? As far as Jou knew, he was a stranger to them. There must've been a reason why he was their timely rescuer in this time of need.
"While you may have the power of smoke..." he said. "Mine is fire. A fight between the two of us would be pointless. It would probably go on forever."
"It's him...? Jou wondered.
"Alright, looks like the mystery man has Devil Fruit powers," Zoro noted.
"Who is this guy anyway?" Usopp wondered.
"Not sure?" Jou shook his head. "But I think he's helping us out?"
"But why is he?" Usopp asked.
"Is that you, Ace?" Luffy asked. Jou raised his brows at his captain. Did Luffy know this guy?
"You haven't changed a bit, Luffy," the man called Ace said, turning to Luffy with a grin.
"It is you," Luffy said. "Wow, did you eat a Devil Fruit or something?"
"Yeah," Ace answered. "The Flame-Flame fruit. Anyway, now's probably not the time for chatting. You guys get outta here, I'll catch up. Don't worry about these guys. I got 'em. Go on!"
"Let's go!" Luffy told the others and ran ahead.
"Yeah, coming!" Usopp answered.
Like everyone, Jou had questions. The main thing was who that guy was: Ace. Luffy and he talked to each other like they knew each other. It was true that Jou and everyone else didn't know much about Luffy's past; Jou just knew how Shanks saved Luffy, which led to him getting his straw hat. Ace was probably a good friend of Luffy's, so they could trust him.
"But, Luffy..." Nami spoke.
"Who is that guy back there?" Sanji asked.
"Hold up, Luffy!" Nami continued. "Tell us who that guy is?"
"You know him from somewhere?" Vivi questioned.
"Yeah," Jou spoke. "You mind enlightening us?"
"Heh!" Luffy laughed. "He's my big brother!" Hearing that new fact caused everyone's eyes to widen, hearing that news.
"Brother!" the pirates exclaimed. The dash continued through Nanohana. Jou had to turn to watch the fight happening behind them. All he saw was fire and smoke merging in the sky. It looked like Luffy's big brother was giving Smoker a run for his money or stalling him long enough for them to get away.
"What's going on back there?" Chopper wondered.
"It's a fight between smoke and fire!" Usopp voiced.
"So, that's the kind of power you get when you eat a Flame-Flame fruit," Sanji commented.
"Speaking of Devil Fruit...?" Nami questioned. "Luffy, is it true? Is that guy really your brother?"
"Yep," Luffy answered. "His name's Ace."
"Look, I'm not surprised to hear you have a brother, Luffy," Zoro stated. "But what's he doing here on the Grand Line?"
"Ace is a pirate, too, just like I am," Luffy smiled. "He left home 3 years before I did to go search for the One Piece."
"Anyway, he bought us some time, so we can't waste it," Nami remarked. "Let's get back to the ship."
"Sure, Nami dear~!" Sanji said. Jou kept his eyes ahead. He was more focused on them getting to the ship, but each eruption behind seemed to become more intense as the fight waged.
"Wow!" Luffy exclaimed. "I never would've thought I'd run into my big brother in a place like this!"
When they reached the Going Merry, the supplies were put in storage. Nami did her usual thing, issuing commands to get the Going Merry cast off. Jou and the other guys ran in every direction to do what needed to be done to get the boat moving.
"But it took us so long to finally get here?" Chopper wondered. "And now we're leaving already, Vivi?"
"Yes, but remember..." Vivi said. "We only stopped here to get supplies we're going to need for the rest of the journey. And now that we have all of them, we're going to head upriver into the interior of Alabasta. Our next destination is... the City of Green. Erumalu."
"Erumalu?" Chopper questioned, tilting his head.
"Hurry!" Zoro ordered.
"I am!" Usopp said.
"I got the anchor!" Jou claimed. "You want to give me a hand here?" he asked Marianne.
"Uh, I don't know if I'd be any help..." Marianne frowned.
"That's not a problem," Jou assured. "Don't worry about it. Just help me out." Marianne went over and helped Jou pull the anchor out of the ocean. Jou handled most of the lifting and secured it to the front bow.
"Pick up the pace!" Sanji called as he and Zoro pulled the ropes on the sails.
"Ready!" Usopp said, manning the rudder.
"Right! Set sail!" Nami called from the upper deck, her hands on the railing. "Huh?" Realization seemed to hit her, but Jou noticed something was missing. Nami put her hands on her hips, and Marianne approached her, frowning at the navigator.
"Go on, say it," Nami told Marianne. "Something's wrong again, is there?"
"You guys are missing something again," Marianne nodded.
"Ah, dammit," Sanji cursed.
"Uh, guys?" Chopper noticed, too.
"Yep, we know," Jou sighed, crossing his arms.
"You know, I have the strangest feeling we're forgetting something?" Usopp mentioned.
"Yeah, so do I," Chopper agreed.
"Because it's not something..." Jou declared.
"It is someone!" Nami finished with a growl.
"Gah!" screamed Zoro. "That stupid, Moron!"
No POV
Luffy ran in the wrong direction, as the rest of his crew. He was alone in an alley, seated on a barrel.
"Oh, that's weird...?" Luffy tilted his head. "I could've sworn they were right here. But now they're all gone? Where'd they go?"
"Well, I guess giving you a chance to escape was pointless?" a familiar voice asked Luffy. Luffy looked up and found Ace smiling down at him from the top of a building.
"Hey!" Lufy called.
"Haha!" Ace chuckled.
"Hiya, Ace!" Luffy greeted Ace with a big smile as Ace dropped down.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Ace commented.
"You could say that," Luffy said, as Ace laughed in response. Luffy and Ace had a barrel between them. They placed their arms on it and clasped hands. "How many years has it been?"
"Eh, I don't know?" Ace declared. "But you haven't changed much over that time. You're a little taller, but you pretty much look the same." The arm-wrestling match had begun, and their arms were quivering as they were locked in the hold, struggling to pin their opponent's arm down.
"So do you," Luffy remarked. "Aside from those powers you got from eating that Devil Fruit, you haven't changed a bit." Luffy moved Ace's hand down on the barrel. "Remember when you used to sneak into the fields? You'd eat 100 watermelons and spit the seeds out like a Gatling gun and run away?"
"No, that wasn't me," Ace replied, pushing Luffy's hand on the barrel. "That was you!"
"The farmers would chase you, and you would scream like a girl!" Luffy mentioned.
"That was you, too," Ace insisted. "I watched and laughed." The brothers' faces turned red from all the pressure and strength they applied to the arm wrestle. They exerted so much force in their contest that the barrel shattered.
"I guess we're still the same," Luffy grinned.
"Sure are!" Ace exclaimed, sharing a high-five with Luffy.
"Just like old times!" Luffy commented.
"Wait?" Ace raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't your crew looking for you a few minutes ago?"
"Yeah," Luffy replied. "Hey, what are you doing in this country anyway?"
"I take it you never saw my message I left for you back on Drum Island?" Ace mentioned pulling out a canteen from his pack.
"Message?" Luffy wondered.
"Well, I guess that's a no," Ace grinned. "But don't worry. It's no big deal. It was just to let you know that I'd be in Alabasta for a few days. I'm in these waters on some business." Ace stated while taking a sip from his canteen.
"Business, huh?" Luffy repeated.
"Yeah," Ace replied, wiping his lip. "I'm with the Whitebeard pirates. Catch!" Ace tossed his canteen to his little brother as Luffy fumbled with it until he caught it.
"The Whitebeard pirates?" Luffy questioned.
"See this tattoo?" Ace pointed at his back. "That's our mark. And it's my pride."
"Huh?" Luffy wondered, taking a drink.
"So, Luffy...?" Ace said. "Why don't you and your friends come join us? Come on, it'll be fun. What do you say?"
"No thanks," Luffy stated with a frown.
"Hahahaha!" Ace bellowed. "I had a feeling you'd say that. That's too bad because, you see, Whitebeard's the greatest pirate I've ever met. That's why I'm going to help him become King of the Pirates. And not you, Luffy. Sorry."
"Heh, that's fine," Luffy grinned. "I guess we're just gonna have to fight then. Because I'm going to be King of the Pirates." Luffy continued taking large gulps out of Ace's canteen.
"STOP IT!" Ace yelled. "DON'T DRINK IT ALL, YOU MOOCH! HEY!"
"Alright, enough chit-chat," Ace stated. "We need to find your friends before the Marines do. Do you have any idea where they could've gone?"
"I don't know," Luffy shrugged. "They might've gone back to the ship."
"Well, that's a start," Ace figured. "Where's it docked at?"
"Actually, I'm not sure," Luffy remarked, holding his chin. "That's funny."
"Aw, geez!" Ace groaned. "You know, Luffy, pirate ship captains usually remember where they leave their ships."
"Yeah, but I was hungry," Luffy grinned. "And I forgot."
"You haven't changed at all," Ace frowned at his brother but smiled. "So, tell me about your crew? What are they like? Who are they?"
"Well, first, there's a tough guy who carries 3 swords and wants to be the greatest swordsman in the world," Luffy mentioned. "Then there's another guy who fights with a pair of chains and has a telescope, and he's our lookout. And there's a navigator who likes maps, tangerines, and money. There's also a cook who makes really yummy food. There's a liar, too. Oh, and we just got a doctor who happens to be a reindeer."
"Really?" Ace said. "You don't say?" Ace noticed he and Luffy were being followed. "Sounds like you got a motley crew there."
"We also have a painter, a lady who can change her weight, a guy who throws explosive boogers, and a princess and her giant duck," Luffy declared. "Everyone in my crew is so interesting!"
"Sure sounds like it," Ace commented. "But I'd wager you're the most interesting one of all. But still, only a handful of people for a pirate crew? That's just like you."
"I'm still looking for a musician, though," Luffy added.
"Stop right there, 'Fire Fist'!" a man called out, along with a group of men quickly surrounding Ace and Luffy.
"You've got no place to run, Ace," said another man. "Your head is mine. It's my ticket to a promotion. Prepare to die."
Jou POV
They had to cast off from the island to avoid being spotted by the Marines. The Going Merry wasn't too far from the island, but they were close enough for Luffy to spot them. Nami asked Jou to go to the Crow's Nest to watch for that idiot—her words, of course. Jou went left to right to spot their captain, but didn't see that familiar wide smile and straw hat they knew him for.
"Jou!" Nami called. "Do you see him yet?"
"Nope!" Jou answered. "I don't see the captain any-oh wait!" By chance, Jou spotted Luffy waving his arms at them. "I found him!"
"Are you sure?" Zoro wondered.
"Yeah, that stupid mug is definitely his," Sanji commented. "Uh-oh..." Luffy extended his arm toward this ship and launched toward the Going Merry.
"Hey, guys!" Luffy shouted, crashing into Sanji and Chopper once he boarded.
"Sanji! Tony!" Vivi cried. "Are you alright?"
"Oh, Luffy came back!" Usopp exclaimed.
"Yeah, the hard way," Zoro remarked. Jou clambered down the shrouds to join everyone on deck.
"Hahahaha!" Luffy laughed. "Sorry about that guys! My bad!"
"Yeah, you're sorry, alright," Sanji claimed, shaking Luffy by his shirt. "Sorry excuse for a captain who's ever sailed the sea, you moron!"
"Do you have any idea how much trouble you put us in?" Nami questioned, a hand on her hip. "Couldn't you at least try and act like a Captain sometime?"
"I'm sorry," Luffy apologized. "Oh, that's right! Where's Ace!"
"Ace?" Sanji wondered.
"That's your brother's name, is it?" Jou asked. Jou didn't spot Luffy's brother anywhere when he found the captain. Was he with him earlier? Maybe they got separated?
"You were with your brother, huh?" Zoro questioned.
"Wait a minute...?" Usopp said. "You didn't just leave him, did you?"
"Um, sort of?" Luffy declared. "But don't worry. Ace is really strong."
"So, how strong is he?" Chopper asked.
"Well, let me put it like this..." Luffy explained. "When we were younger, I was never able to beat him in a fight, and this was way back in the day before he ate a Flame-Flame fruit. That's how strong my big brother is."
"Huh, someone stronger than you?" Jou commented, folding his arms. Jou and everyone here knew how strong Luffy was. Jou knew Luffy was on a whole other level of strength and how natural he was when it came to fighting. It was quite a surprise to hear there was someone much stronger than the captain.
"You mean that there's a flesh and blood person that you couldn't beat?" Nami wondered.
"The big brother of a monster is an even bigger monster," Usopp deadpanned.
"I guess so because Ace used to beat me up all the time," Luffy mentioned. "But I bet now I can kick his big butt!" he exclaimed proudly before giving out a boisterous laugh.
"I'd like to see you try and back that claim up," Zoro remarked. Luffy was too busy cackling like a madman to notice his brother was leaping onto their ship, causing him to fall over and hit the deck.
"So, exactly whose butt's getting kicked?" Ace wondered. Yeah, it was him, Jou realized. The same guy Jou met in town while searching for Luffy. Of course, he didn't know he happened to be Luffy's brother. Jou wasn't sure if they were related by blood, not that it meant you had to be related to be family. Jou wasn't associated with his kid brother and sister, but he still considered them family.
"Nice to meet you," Ace greeted with a smile. "And thanks for taking care of my kid brother. I know he's a handful."
"Oh no, not at all," Everyone claimed.
"You can say that again," Jou commented, arms folded.
"Jou!" the crew shouted.
"C'mon, be honest!" Ace grinned. "This is Luffy we're talking about, isn't it? Ain't he bit much for you to handle at times?"
"Not at all."
"Yeah, he is."
"Dammit, Jou!"
"You're good people," Ace stated. Jou figured Ace was the type to appreciate honesty. Jou's brows raised as Ace looked his way and gave him a familiar grin. "Oh? I didn't think I'd see you again."
"Yeah, me either," Jou smiled back. "Small world, huh?"
"Heh," Ace chuckled, pushing up his hat. "Small indeed."
"You guys met before?" Nami wondered, turning to Jou.
"We literally bumped into each other when looking for Luffy in town," Jou answered.
"Apologies again for bumping into you," Ace mentioned.
"Oh, no," Jou said. "It's alright, really," Jou added, bowing like the others earlier.
"Well, sit down and relax," Sanji said, pulling out a cigarette. "I'm sure you two have lots of catching up to do. I'll make some tea."
"Can I have some?" Marianne finally spoke up.
"Of course," Sanji told her.
"That's thoughtful, but I don't want to impose," Ace replied to the cook and lit the cook's cigarette.
"He's not exactly what I expected," Sanji noted.
"I'll say," Zoro agreed.
"He's polite, helpful, and gracious," Usopp observed. "The polar opposite of Luffy."
"Opposites indeed," Jou claimed. "You wouldn't even guess they were brothers judging by their personalities."
"One of them only cares about stuffing his face," Nami chimed. "There's no way these two can be brothers?"
"Well, the other only cares about his brother," Zoro stated.
"I wish I had a wonderful brother like that," Chopper declared, tears in his eyes.
"Brother?" Sanji questioned. "I wish I had a wonderful captain like that."
"Sanji...?!" Vivi exclaimed, but then smiled. "He's kidding."
"See?" Luffy grinned at Ace. "I told you they were interesting! Hahaha!"
While they were all speaking to Ace, Jou saw something that wasn't good for them. About a dozen Baroque Works were nearing the Going Merry to gird them so they couldn't escape. If they catch them here, they won't be able to help Vivi stop Crocodile's plan.
"Hey, we got company," Jou pointed, gesturing at the ships to everyone.
"Baroque Works?!" Vivi noticed.
"Yep," Marianne nodded. "Those look like the Billion's ships?!"
"Those guys again?" Luffy wondered before looking at Marianne. "Oh, painter girl! You're still here! Where'd your friends go?"
"After you jumped ship looking for food, Mikita and Gem split off from us," Jou mentioned. "They decided to leave Marianne with us."
"Is that okay, Luffy?" Nami asked.
"Yeah, it seems fine," Luffy shrugged and smiled at Marianne. Hey, you wanna join my crew?" Jou frowned, surprised that Luffy would extend that invitation to Marianne. But he wasn't too surprised. During Chopper's party, he noticed Luffy having fun while Marianne used her paints on him, Usopp, and Chopper. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea, but it had to be her decision.
"Uh..." Marianne blinked her eyes, at a loss for words.
"Luffy, this isn't the time for that!" Nami reminded. "We got enemy ships heading right for us!"
"Not to worry," Ace spoke, standing on the rail. "Luffy? Leave it to me. I'll handle it." Ace bounded off the ship and onto a small, yellow sailboat shaped like a crescent. The vessel seemed to be powered by Ace's Devil Fruit powers from some engine built into it.
"He's going all by himself?" Nami wondered.
"And in that dinky boat, too?" Usopp added.
"I wouldn't worry about him if I were you," Zoro stated, arms folded. "They don't just let anyone become the 2nd Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates."
Jou, interested in seeing what Ace could do, took out his telescope to get a closer look. Jou figured Ace was confident, judging by the hands in his pockets while he sailed toward the Baroque Works Billions ships. Jou kept his scope on Luffy's brother and watched him leap off his boat and soar over the Billions ship's.
"He jumped?!" Nami exclaimed.
Ace somersaulted through the air, and flames covered him from the waist down. His boat came out from the other side of the ship as Ace landed on it, and flames coated Ace's hand. Jou and everyone felt that this attack was about to be huge.
"Fire Fist!" Blazing flames were launched at the Baroque Works ships, tearing through them and destroying each vessel in flames. All that was left were the scattered, burning remains of the boats that once were. Jou took his scope off his eye, leaned his hands on the rail, and let out an impressed whistle.
"Holy crap..." Jou commented. The one who was impressed most of all was his captain. Luffy had the biggest grin he could have after watching his brother's massive display of power. Everyone on their ship was amazed by Ace. How could anyone not be considering what they saw him do?
"He roasted them?!" Usopp exclaimed.
"This means to never mess with a Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates," Jou commented.
"Time to celebrate, guys!" Luffy announced.
"Here's to 'Fire Fist' Ace!" Usopp called.
"Cheers!" Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper toasted, each bringing their mugs together.
"Wait...?" Ace spoke. "Who said I was joining your crew?"
"And to delicious drinks..." Usopp said.
"Cheers!" the three toasted once more.
"Oh, don't worry," Nami told Ace. "They can't take anything seriously when they're like this. They get a little goofy when they drink."
"Plus, they tend to get bored if nothing exciting is happening," Jou remarked, taking a drink from his mug.
"Ace?" Luffy wondered, munching on meat. "Are you sure you don't wanna join us? It'll be fun. I promise."
"I can't right now," Ace stated. "I'm chasing someone." Ace took a drink. "He's a pirate named 'Blackbeard'."
"Uh, Blackbeard?" Usopp repeated.
"We've heard of him," Vivi mentioned. "He was the one who attacked Drum Kingdom."
"You see, Blackbeard used to be a member of the 2nd Division of the Whitebeard Pirates," Ace said. "He was one of my own men, but he committed the most unforgivable sin a Pirate could."
"What did he do?" Jou wondered.
"He killed one of his fellow crewmembers and then jumped ship," Ace explained. "As Commander of his Division. It's my responsibility... to take care of him." Jou noticed the intense gaze in Ace's eyes when talking about this Blackbeard. Jou understood why he would want to hunt him down, and it was bad enough that he killed one of their own. As for the reason why he killed a fellow crewmate, Jou didn't know; it wouldn't matter if Ace told them why.
"So, that's why you're after him," Usopp said.
"Is Blackbeard in Alabasta?" Jou questioned. "So, you weren't here to see Luffy?"
"Seeing Luffy was only one part of my visit to Alabasta..." Ace stated. "I'm mainly here because I heard Blackbeard was seen in a place called 'Yuba,' so that's where I'm headed."
"Hey?" Nami looked at Vivi. "That's our destination, too, right?"
"Exactly," Vivi nodded, pulling out a map. "We just entered the Sandora River." Vivi traced a finger along it. "We'll take it to Erumalu, where we'll dock, and then we'll proceed on foot until we reach Yuba. Here..." she tapped the spot that read 'Yuba-Oasis'. "The leader of the Rebel Army is there. That's where we're going."
"You don't say?" Ace said. "Do you mind if I tag along?"
"Nami~! Vivi~!" Sanji swooned. "I'll follow you anywhere~! Just tell me where to go~!"
"Hopefully, it's off of a cliff," Zoro deadpanned. Jou covered his mouth to stifle a snicker from Zoro's comment.
"What did you say, Zoro?!" Sanji growled and stared at Jou. "And what the hell are you laughing at, Jou?!"
"Nothing," Jou smirked before taking a drink
"Why you..." Sanji glared.
"Cool it, you guys!" Nami chided. "Well, it looks you'll be with us for a little while, Ace."
"We're all really happy to have you aboard," Usopp agreed.
"Yeah, welcome." Jou nodded and looked at Marianne, who was sitting away from everyone. "What are you doing over there?"
"Yeah, Marianne, come over with us," Nami gestured for the former agent to join them. "As long as you're with us, you participate in our celebrations." As Marianne came over, Nami grabbed the cup of tea Sanji brought out and gave it to her. She still seemed out of place, staring at the tea until looking at Jou. Jou gave her a reassuring nod, raising his tankard and grinning, causing her to smile back.
"Hahahah!" Luffy chuckled. "This is gonna be fun! To Ace!" Everyone clanked their tankards together.
"Cheers!"
No POV
The Going Merry was docked at Vivi's request. Everyone but Zoro and Ace went on shore to accompany Vivi while she gave Carue directions, as she had a special mission for her duck companion.
"Carue, I need you to go to Alubarna palace and deliver this message to my father," Vivi explained. "It contains everything uncovered by Igaram and myself. The details for Crocodile's nefarious plans are in here. Also, it lets him know that I returned to Alabasta safe and sound and am in the company of brave friends." The crew smiled at the princess's words. "Willing to help us in our struggle. Well then, can you do this for me, Carue?"
Carue saluted. Vivi smiled and placed the letter in Carue's cloak pocket. Marianne approached the duck, smiling.
"Be careful, Carue," Marianne nodded. Carue let out a few quacks at the girl. "Yeah, you'll be just fine. After all, we survived an avalanche together," she grinned, and Carue smiled back.
"Be sure to conserve your water, okay?" Vivi told him.
"Good luck," Luffy smiled. "You can do it, duck."
"Stay safe, Carue," Jou smirked.
"Carue will be fine," Vivi assured. "He's very quick on his feet." Vivi turned to Carue. "Let my father know, Carue. There's hope for this kingdom at last."
Carue let out a resounding quack and sprinted at breakneck speed. He halted in a dash to take a long sip of his water and took off again, leaving a trail.
"I SAID CONSERVE NOT CONSUME!" Vivi shouted at her faithful companion, who was soon gone from view. "Thank you and good luck."
"Well, I did know that Crocodile was here in Alabasta," Ace told Zoro from the Going Merry. "But him trying to steal a kingdom? That sounds like a bad joke. Cause why would a pirate drop anchor in one spot and settle down? Crocodile trying to usurp the throne of Alabasta doesn't make sense."
"Alright!" Luffy announced. "Let's set sail!"
"Hold on!" Usopp shouted, climbing up the ship.
"You know, there could be another side to this takeover thing?" Ace mentioned.
"Huh?" Zoro wondered.
"Like some sort of deeper goal or something," Ace finished. They sailed the Going Merry to a spot that would act as their starting point to begin their journey across the desert to Yuba.
"We've reached land, everyone!" Jou announced from the crow's nest, holstering his scope and climbing down the shrouds.
"We're finally here!" Luffy exclaimed.
"Wow! So we're going into the desert?" Chopper wondered. "Does anyone know how hot it's supposed to get?"
"Over a hundred degrees in the daytime," Nami mentioned. The navigator wore a white cloak with a long purple stripe running along the side.
"What?!" Chopper cried. "Please tell me you're joking!" Sanji's eyes popped out of his head the moment he laid eyes on Nami.
"AAAGH!" the cook screamed. "Nami, what happened?! Where's your dancer outfit?!" He soon turned to their resident princess with a similar reaction. "You, two?! Vivi, why are you wearing that?!" Vivi only smiled while holding onto a few pieces of clothing. Jou, on the deck, was checking through a beige backpack and frowned at the cook.
"You know, we're crossing a desert, right?" Jou questioned.
"Jou's right," Vivi agreed. "Any exposed skin will get sunburned. Thanks for getting us these, Jou."
"No problem," Jou nodded, closing his bag for the journey. He stood up, strapping on the backpack and noticing Sanji's irate glare. "What?"
"Don't 'what' me, you bastard..." the cook growled. "You've ruined everything!" he cried, rolling across the deck. "Those outfits... were so sexy..."
"Oh, boo hoo hoo..." Jou mocked the moping cook and made his way over to the ship's side.
"Put these on, Luffy," Vivi said, giving Luffy his desert cloak and a light-blue cloth to secure his straw hat on his head.
"Time to drop anchor," Zoro stated.
"Right," Usopp agreed, following Zoro.
"Yuba! Here we come!" Luffy announced. On the side of the ship, Zoro and Marianne found something emerging out of the water. Several small, strange creatures leaped out of the ocean. They appeared to have the body of a seal and a turtle shell around them.
"Turtles?" Zoro wondered.
"Maybe they're seals?" Marianne blinked.
"Turtle seals?" Jou wondered, tilting his head.
"Kung-Fu Dugongs!" Vivi called, knowing what they were. The leader of the Kung-Fu Dugongs seemed to be shouting at them.
"If you wanna come ashore, you'll have to beat me first!" Chopper translated. "But I doubt that'll happen, you bunch of cowards!' He says."
"Heh!" Usopp smirked. "Nobody calls me a coward and gets away with it!" Usopp bounded off the ship after the leader. "Here comes the pain!"
"Usopp, no!" Vivi exclaimed. The sniper never lasted even a minute as the leader made quick work of him. "Kung-Fu Dugongs are really strong!" Usopp didn't fare well, but the Straw Hat crew's captain sure did, who managed to beat the leader with no issue.
"Yeah!" Luffy cheered. "See? They're not too tough!"
"Did anyone see where Jou went?" Nami questioned, but the lookout was nowhere to be seen on deck.
"He's down there," Zoro pointed. Jou swung out his red chain, sending a group of Kung-Fu Dugongs flying away.
"Now, who's next!" Jou grinned.
"Seriously?" Nami groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"So, how did you end up falling for him?" Marianne asked Nami.
"It's a long story..." Nami sighed.
"That's bad, too!" Vivi shouted. The leader of the Kung-Fu Dugong bowed to Luffy with respect.
"What the...?" Luffy wondered.
"Vivi, mind explaining what's going on?" Jou asked. The sea creatures had taken to peering at Jou and Luffy with stars in their eyes.
"It's one of their rules," Vivi stated. "If they lose a Kung-Fu match, they become the winner's pupil."
"You don't say," Zoro remarked. The Kung-Fu Dugongs crowded around the lookout and the captain.
"THEY THINK YOU GUYS ARE THEIR MASTER NOW!" Vivi shouted with sharkteeth. Jou tilted his head, wondering what the Kung-Fu Dugongs around him were saying.
"Normally, we don't fight with weapons..." Chopper translated. "But seeing as you're clearly strong, we wish for you to teach us your ways!' he says."
"I see!" Jou grinned, snapping his fingers. "If you're prepared, once you go down this path, there's no turning back!" Jou quickly rummaged through his pack.
"Jou, what are you even looking for?!" Vivi questioned.
"This!" Jou said, holding out some rope. "I bought this while in town. It's 50 feet of rope. I thought we might need it, but I found a new use for it." Jou took out a throwing knife and cut the rope into several pieces. "There we go. They're not chains, but it's almost the same." Jou gave each Kung-Fu Dugong under him their own piece of rope.
"Alright!" Jou exclaimed. Let's begin! Swing left!" Jou twirled his red chain and swung it to the left, the Dugong copying his action. "Once more: this time, swing right!" Jou swung his chain to the right, the Dugong following. "No! Put more force into it! Observe!" Jou lashed at the air again, the Dugongs trying it themselves. "Okay! Now we're talking!"
"Everyone after me!" Luffy was training his own Dugongs. "Everyone after me! Now punch!" The Dugongs followed Luffy's order with a weak punch. "No! Like this!" Luffy threw a hard punch, the Dugong did the same. "Yeah! Now, harder! And now left! Left! Right!"
"Luffy!" Jou called. "I bet your Dugongs are no match for mine!"
"We'll see about that, Jou!" Luffy declared. "Right, guys! Go!" Luffy's dugongs cheered and charged forward.
"Destroy them!" Jou gestured his arm forward, his own Dugong's running toward them in a clash.
"Seriously, guys!" Vivi cried. "We don't have time for this!" After a quick scuffle between Jou's and Luffy's students, the crew could finally start their journey to Yuba.
"Right!" Luffy smiled. "All set! Let's go to Yuba!" The Dugongs that Luffy and Jou trained were busy crowding around them.
"We can't take them with us..." Marianne frowned.
"Yeah, they can't go!" Nami exclaimed, hands on her hips.
"They're water creatures," Vivi added. "They won't make it." The two Dugongs held onto Luffy's legs. Jou was kneeling, rubbing the heads of two Dugongs while the others cuddled into him. Nami, Vivi, and Marianne each frowned at the scene.
"But they're so cute~!" the girls thought.
"It's gonna break my heart to say no to them, but we can't take them along," Nami whispered.
"I know!" Marianne agreed. "I can just picture their sad little faces..."
"I agree," Vivi answered. "But how are we supposed to get them to stay?"
"I know!" Chopper chimed in. "Hmm?" Chopper started going through the bags of supplies. "Let's see? Where was that thing?"
"What are you doing?" Sanji wondered.
"Here!" Chopper showed the Kung-Fu Dugongs a piece of meat. "You can have this! But only if you guys stay here, okay?" The sea creatures quickly swarmed the doctor, lifted him, and carried him off. "AAAAH! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"
"Chopper!" Usopp called. They gave them some of their food to get the Dugongs to stay. The sea creatures waved bye as the group left on their journey.
"Bye-bye, you guys!" Luffy waved. "Enjoy the food! See ya!"
"Bobby's swing was incredible!" Jou excitedly told the others about his students. "Brady's lashes were so quick; they were like lightning!"
"Uh-huh..." Zoro replied with a frown.
"You gave them names?" Nami wondered, walking next to Jou.
"Yeah," Jou nodded. "There's Bobby, Brady, Bart, Ben, Bryce, Blake, Bruce-"
"Why are they all B names?" Nami asked.
"They're not all B names," Jou mentioned. "There's also Daryl."
"Why are you giving them the most basic names you can think of?" Nami questioned.
"Well, what would you name one?" Jou asked.
"Well, they primarily live in water..." Nami said, tapping her chin. "I'd have named one 'Bubbles.'" Jou stifled a chuckle in his hands. "Don't laugh! Mine actually makes sense."
"Yeah, no..." Jou chuckled. "I'll just stick with the names I chose. But good try, though."
"The most boring names you can give..." Nami claimed. Usopp leans over to talk to Zoro.
"Not even married yet, and they're already bickering about names," Usopp said.
"That's probably how it would sound if they had a kid," Zoro commented. Overhearing the swordsman and sniper, Jou and Nami stare each other and promptly turn away, blushes dusting their cheeks.
"They said they wanted to go with us," Luffy mentioned. "So why couldn't we let 'em?"
"We don't have the food and water to take a group that big," Nami said, folding her arms. "Moron. Honestly, I don't know what we would've done if Chopper hadn't persuaded them to stay."
"Yeah!" Chopper stated. "They kept saying 'Where you go! We'll follow, Masters!' They really would have if I hadn't given them that food."
"As much as I've grown fond of the little guys..." Jou sighed. "This means we're short of food supplies now."
"Yeah," Sanji agreed. "Our food supplies has gotten a lot smaller. Thanks, Luffy. Thanks."
"He's a handful," Ace commented.
"You're telling me," Sanji replied. While walking, Vivi halted in her tracks once her eyes fell on a collection of buildings buried in the sand.
"What's this?" Sanji wondered.
"Are we in Yuba already?" Luffy asked.
"I don't think so, Captain," Jou said, shaking his head. "You know anything about this, Vivi?"
"This is Erumalu," Vivi stated. "It was known far and wide as the 'City of Green'."
"It was green?" Luffy questioned.
"Do you know how it became this way?" Jou asked, stepping beside Vivi.
"I do," Vivi nodded, turning to the group. "Take a good look around, everyone. This is what Baroque Works has been doing to my country. The people of Alabasta..." Vivi's voice fell low, sad. "This is what they had to go through."
Jou POV
Jou looked at the 'City of Green' Vivi had shown them. What he saw didn't look like much of a city anymore. Most of the buildings were wrecked and embedded in the sands, dried up. They continued through, all while taking in the damage caused by Baroque Works.
"Wow, there's nothing here at all anymore, huh?" Luffy wondered, looking around.
"No," Vivi shook her head. "It's nothing but a ghost town now. But up until a few short years ago, it was a thriving city full of gardens, palm trees, and lush greenery."
"This place?" Zoro wondered, kicking a dead tree, the dried bark falling apart.
"It must've been beautiful the way you talk about it," Jou commented. "How did they have gardens in a desert country? The only way they could manage it all is with water."
"That's how they did it," Vivi mentioned. "Rain was always scarce here. But by saving every last drop of water and using it wisely, the city was able to make the foliage flourish. Unfortunately, that stopped when the rain did. Not a single drop of water has fallen in this country for three years now."
"Three years?" Sanji questioned.
"Wow, that long?!" Chopper exclaimed.
"Couldn't they use the river nearby?" Marianne asked.
"Yeah..." Zoro nodded. "It could be used as another water source."
"And it's close," Usopp stated, pointing behind him. "Why couldn't they just pipe the water from over there?"
"Well, the answer to that is just up ahead," Vivi replied. "Even though it's a desert kingdom, never in the thousands of years of Alabsta's history has the rain ever stopped completely. However, there was one place in the country that the rain fell more than usual. Much more, in fact."
"And what place is that?" Jou wondered.
"Alubarna," Vivi said. "The capital. The city where the King's palace is located. The people of the land called the 'King's Miracle'." At least they did until one day in particular." Vivi began to talk about the substance called 'Dance Powder.'
"Dance powder?" Nami questioned.
"Oh, so you've heard of it?" Luffy mentioned.
"Yes," Nami stated. "I sure have."
"What even is Dance Powder?" Marianne wondered.
"It summons rain," Nami said.
"A powder can?" Chopper asked.
"I've only heard stories about it," Nami mentioned. "But apparently, Dance Powder was created by a researcher in a country where it never rained. Burning it creates a misty smoke which rises into the sky once it reaches in the clouds and causes them the rain. In essence, it gives you the ability to create rain on the spot.
"Oh!" Luffy grinned. "I know what you're talking about. I've seen that stuff before. I ate some a while back. It tasted pretty gross, though. Yuck." Jou only raised his brows at his captain. Of course, Luffy would proudly mention that he had eaten something he thought was gross and figured it was necessary to tell everyone. Nami only gave the captain a revulsed frown and continued walking.
"You ate Dance Powder?" Nami said.
"It's not even food, it's for making rain," Zoro stated
"Well, you weren't kidding," Marianne said to Jou.
"Hm? About what?" Jou asked.
"Your captain really will eat anything," Marianne mentioned.
"I told you," Jou declared.
"Hey, I'm not lying!" Luffy shouted, shaking his fists. "I'm telling the truth! I did eat it!"
"Hold on...?" Usopp wondered, drowning out Luffy's screams. "I don't get it. Wouldn't that stuff be perfect for a desert country like this?"
"You'd think so?" Nami replied. "In fact, as its name suggests. The country that developed Dance Powder was happy enough to dance. It got lots of rain, but there was a catch. Its neighboring country had a drought. Let me explain how it works: the mist in the burned Dance Powder targets small clouds that aren't ready for rain yet. It artificially matures them into full rain clouds. Those clouds would've naturally grown into rain clouds, but when they were further downwind."
"Oh, I get it," Usopp stated. "It steals all the rain that would've normally gone to a neighboring country."
"Well, damn," Jou remarked. "That neighboring country had to have gotten riled up because of that."
"Oh, it did," Nami claimed. "A war broke out between the two countries. Ever since then, the World Government has instituted a worldwide ban on the production and possession of Dance Powder."
"Even so, some of it managed to show up here, huh?" Usopp said.
"When it happened, the country had been experiencing strange weather," Vivi mentioned. "There had been no rain. Not a single drop fallen anywhere except one place and that was the capital."
"Vivi!" Luffy shouted. "That means your Dad is the bad guy here!"
"NO!" Sanji screamed. "You idiot, he was framed! Her sweet, dear old Dad would never do such a thing! You got it?!" Sanji exclaimed in between kicks to the top of Luffy's head.
"Of course," Vivi declared. "My father didn't have anything to do with it. He was innocent. Unfortunately, a large amount of Dance Powder was found in his palace shortly thereafter."
"Huh?" Zoro wondered. "They even had people there working inside the palace."
"So, what is this?" Sanji asked. "A road?"
"No, it used to be a large canal," Vivi explained. "That piped in fresh water from the Sandora River. Until someone destroyed it, now, do you see what happened? With its canal gone, the City of Green lost its only remaining source of fresh water. The people here waited and prayed, but sadly, rain never came."
Jou looked down a well that Chopper had taken an interest in. It was pitch dark down the bottom, and considering what they'd learned, there was no water in it. Bone dry like the rest of the place. Chopper dropped a small rock into the well. The rock faded into darkness; the only sound was the rock hitting the ground below. Jou shared a look with the doctor until they went to catch up to the others.
"Wow," Nami said. "Something like that and the Dance Powder incident would really make people distrust their king."
"With no more water..." Vivi voiced. "The fighting to it began to break in Erumalu. To escape the violence here, there was only one thing the exhausted citizens could do. They abandoned the city. And left for other oases in search of water." Vivi paused in her tracks. "And then..." Everyone stopped with the princess, turning to her. "The City of Green withered away."
The wind became violent, echoing in the distance. Jou couldn't quite place the sound but could almost hear a voice calling out beyond the heavy gust that washed over him and the others.
"What is that?" Nami wondered.
"Is it the Rebels?" Chopper asked.
"No," Jou shook his head. "Vivi said the Rebels are in Yuba. There's no way it's them. It's gotta be something else."
"Like more of those creeps from Baroque Works?!" Usopp called worriedly. Zoro probably thought the same while preparing to draw a sword.
"No," Ace declared, his voice calm. "It's just wind."
"Sounds like a voice," Luffy brought up. "Right?"
"It does," Jou nodded. "It almost sounds like someone crying out."
"Are you sure?" Marianne questioned.
"Or maybe I'm just freaking myself out," Jou remarked. "It's coming from everywhere."
"I know, and I don't like it!" Usopp cried. "This isn't good! Ace, what are we gonna do?!"
"There's no danger," Ace assured. "It's just the wind blowing around the town and echoing off the buildings." The pressure of the wind increased and surged through everyone, nearly pushing them off their feet.
"It's like..." Vivi spoke. "It's like the city of Erumalu is wailing over what's happened to it!"
"Watch out!" Nami warned. A tornado blew into them. Everyone braced and shielded their eyes to keep their footing in the sand. Chopper was nearly blown away, but Zoro managed to grab him. The same almost happened to Marianne, but Jou caught her and pulled her into him. The harsh wind stopped. Jou released the former agent and noticed a grey cloak billowing until it landed on the ground. Once it had, Luffy darted over to it. There's a chance it could be a person.
"Someone's collapsed!" Nami exclaimed.
"Wait, you mean there are still people living in this city?" Vivi questioned and ran ahead, too. She stopped beside Luffy; everyone halted behind them. Beside the cloak was a single skull, settled in the sand. Vivi knelt, delicately laying a hand on the skull. Jou noticed her body quivering. Seeing this happening in her country pained her greatly.
"Vivi..." Jou said softly.
"What did my father...?" Vivi said. "And all the other good people...? What did they ever do...? They don't deserve this. It's hard enough to live in the desert! Every day it's a struggle to survive! Somehow, the people of Alabasta find some way to do it, and they lead unhappy lives!" Tears started to fall down her cheeks. "But Crocodile destroyed those lives! What gives him the right to do that?! What?! All the while, as one of the 7 Warlords, he passes himself off as a hero of the people! They don't know what he's really doing! No one realizes that he's actually deceiving the entire country, even as they cheer him on! I can't let him get away with this!"
Jou turned when he heard an angry scream from his captain. Luffy toppled over one of the decimated buildings with a single punch to quell the anger inside him. Jou was angry himself. With what happened to Erumalu, how many more lives in Alabasta will be ruined if Crocodile succeeds? But the main goal is to do this for Vivi. She'd already pleaded for their help, and the crew was ready to help her. The next goal was to reach Yuba.
"Oh, well..." Zoro stated, staring at Luffy. "I hope that made him feel better."
Luffy, Sanji, and Usopp headed back to everyone, each furious. Ace dug a small hole in the sand so Vivi could place the lone skull inside. She covered the hole with sand as Ace stuck a stick in it.
"Vivi," Luffy voiced. "Let's get movin', kay?" He cracked his shoulder. "I'm itchin' to do this." Luffy walked ahead with Sanji, Usopp, Chopper, and Marianne following.
"He's right," Nami smiled at the princess. "Let's get to Yuba."
"That's where the Rebel Army is, right?" Zoro asked. "Yuba?" Jou approached Vivi to give her a hand.
"You want to head down there to stop them," Jou smirked. "And we're gonna help you do it."
"Yes, I have to stop them," Vivi said, taking Jou's hand and standing up. "I'm going to persuade their leader."
"How so?" Zoro wondered.
"I'll tell the Rebel Leader the truth," Vivi claimed. "That all of this is Crocodile's doing. And have him stop all of this pointless bloodshed."
"Let's go," Zoro stated, taking Vivi's word and following the captain.
"We better get a move on if we're gonna do this," Jou nodded. He watched Vivi give one last look at the buried skull before they left on their journey across the Alabasta desert.
Mostly just a setup chapter, but I assume Alabasta will be at least 10 chapters. You can expect the next chapter likely this Saturday so keep a look out for that. Sorry, it's so quick. I admit it's honestly quite exciting to be back in this arc after so long.
Hope everyone's ready for what's in store for this arc.
I'll see you guys next time!
Later!