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IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: this fic is finished up to chapter 34 (1300 pages done) but will then be on hiatus until One Piece finishes and then I can follow along loosely. 

Heyyy, been almost three years since I wrote a NEW One Piece story! I started this two years ago, but am too excited over it to wait however long it takes for the series to finish. The chapters are all long, between 30-50 pages each, so I'll hopefully be updating every two weeks or so. My most popular fic is also a long one that follows the OP plot, but unlike that one, I feel this one is better written LOL. I hope you enjoy it! I have had so much fun writing it.

(For my fellow Nika-stans, he arrives in chapter 11, so not too far away)

"Ace… do you think I could ever be a pirate?” Luffy asked quietly. “I want to be…” He wasn't usually depressed, but he’d just eaten, and always got quiet and reserved after doing so. Every two months, he did it because he had to. He didn't want to, wished he didn't need to, but he had to. Otherwise, he was dangerous and sick. Best to keep it under control. He’d been this way his entire life. There was nothing to do about it. “Grandpa sends me food. I would lose it if I left the island.” 

Ace sat next to him, knees up and forearms resting on them as he looked out at the ocean, and then at his little brother, who he loved despite his… oddities. “Hmm. I think if you really want to, you should. Might have issues finding a crew if they found out. But you could just hide it. Claim your shit is part of your devil fruit. Some devil fruits are weird as hell,” he said casually. 

“I’d have to kill people. I don't want to kill people,” Luffy pouted, adjusting his hat to cover his eyes a bit. 

“Pirates kill people all the time. I’ve killed multiple people.” 

“You don't eat them afterwards,” Luffy pointed out, still pouting childishly despite the serious topic. 

“That’s true. But you only need to do it every two or so months. You could hide it. Kill marines or other pirates on islands,” Ace reasoned, smiling at his clearly non-human brother. He put an arm around his shoulders. “Besides, you’re really likable. Hopefully your personality would win over friends over your diet.” 

“I wouldn't want to lie to them.” 

“Considering how… bad it would seem to everyone else, I think you need to keep hiding it. Only I ever knew. And Gramps,” Ace said, in his kind voice that he reserved for Luffy and Makino alone. While he was friendly with the bandits, it wasn't the same as how he acted with his brother. With Sabo dead, they only really had one another. And Ace would be leaving in just a few months. Luffy would be incredibly lonely. 

“I don't want to stay here forever. I want to be a pirate. Shanks said it first. I promised him I’d be King of the Pirates. Do you think he would have not given me my hat if he knew?” 

“Shanks has killed plenty of people, dumped their bodies in the ocean. At least with you, their bodies get some use,” Ace reasoned, as if it were an easy topic, no big deal. Luffy wished he could feel the same about himself. While the other traits were useful, and he liked his tails because he could climb things better, eating people, no matter how sparsely he needed to, weighed heavily on him. 

Grandpa sent him meat to keep him normal. It was mailed in ice chests. Luffy didn't get sick from the meat going bad. And he’d never eaten a person before. Garp supplied him with enough food to last the period of time he could live off of it. 

“What if my crew hates me?” 

“Then they can't be your crew. Find people who love and respect you. I would say to tell nobody.” 

“They’d think I was weird. I can't even eat normal food.” 

“Yeah, you’ll need to come up with some good lies to cover some shit. Don't worry, Luffy. I’m sure everything could work out if you’re careful. I’ll help you come up with good lies.” Luffy smiled, going to miss Ace very much. He wanted to go with him, but also wanted to be captain of his own crew, and Ace had made it very clear he didn't want Luffy as captain. Luffy wasn't hurt by it, he could understand, even if traveling the seas with Ace sounded wonderful. 

Ace ruffled the fourteen year old’s hair. “You're not a monster. I promise.” 

Luffy hoped more people felt that way, if they found out. But Ace was right. He couldn't let anyone know. It was a big deal. While he was mostly indestructible, it was still important to keep it to himself. Garp had kept it to himself, too, and Luffy never asked where he got the human meat from. He knew that his grandpa cared about him (or keeping him from going nuts), but when he was there, “training” them, he just wanted him to go away. Not that he came to the island anymore…

He could be grateful for his help but still not like his stance on Luffy’s freedom, even if he’d never said Luffy couldn't leave because he was a monster. Garp was abusive to them, but he had never touched that point, even if it was a good point. Even if it was true, he’d never said it. Maybe because he knew it would hurt Luffy so very badly. Not many things could phase him, he had a bright outlook on most things, but this was a deeply personal problem. 

Yeah, he’d just keep it to himself. He’d hide it, no matter what. And he would not let it restrain him, keep him tethered to Dawn Island. He had dreams, regardless of his restrictions. “That’s a reassuring look on your face, Lu,” Ace said with a grin. “I know you’ll be okay.” 

Luffy hoped he was right. That his dream was not so farfetched, to be ruined by what he was, which Garp had no idea what was wrong with him. He’d been a normal enough baby, but then one day just… changed. With no explanation of it whatsoever. He had no idea what had happened to him, but didn't remember any different. 

This was all he’d ever known. Luffy was glad of that. Surely knowing what it felt like to be normal, only to become so different, would have made everything worse for him. He’d never been able to eat normal food, animal meat, fruits or vegetables without growing incredibly ill. Not to mention that it tasted horrific. He’d never actually held anything down, vomiting every time he tried. Well, once, he’d managed to stick food down a metal tube into his throat, bypassing his sense of taste. 

He’d been sick for days, Ace the only one to know what had happened, the bandits frantic that they didn't know what happened. Ace had helped him throw everything up eventually, once the illness didn't pass and only got worse. It was a good lesson for him. At least knowing he just couldn't eat normal people food. It wasn't that he just didn't like it, and didn't attempt to just be normal. He physically could not without growing incredibly sick, deathly sick. Fever, chills, stomach issues, growing delirious and basically went mad, hallucinating monsters, lashing out at Ace. 

His brother had a scar on his arm from Luffy’s hard tail slashing it open when he imagined him as a monster, someone coming to kill him. His kind touches, gentle treatment, feeling like attacks, like a threat, the touch painful. Ace had felt guilty about it afterwards, when he shouldn't have. 

“Let’s get home.” Luffy nodded, and they made their way back to the hut for another meal Luffy couldn't partake in. He wondered what lie he and Ace would come up with. It was just lucky Luffy did have a devil fruit, maybe he could blame everything on it. Easiest solution in his mind. Ace probably had better ideas, he was a lot smarter than Luffy was. He was so cool!

-x- Three Years Later -x-

Luffy didn't leave on his birthday like Ace had. He left right after Grandpa had sent him some food. It was always a huge amount, like a full person’s body worth. Enough to last him a few months, thankfully. If he needed it more regularly, it would be even harder to live anywhere, not just out on the open sea. 

He had done what Ace suggested, and dried some of the meat in the sun, crushing it up once it was hard jerky and put it in a tiny bag to put in water for some nutrients. He could have never thought of it without Ace. He missed him, but planned on seeing him again as soon as possible. He had his own crew currently. And being on the Grand Line, he couldn't send Luffy many letters. 

Luffy stocked up on water in the little rowboat, and apples to look like he ate something. Makino knew he didn't eat, and had never asked. When he said when he was five one day, that he couldn't eat food without getting sick, she’d never pressed again, seeing he really was fine without food. The bandits had been less understanding and tried to force feed him until he finally gave up, let them shove some food down his throat, and let himself vomit all over the place. After that, they didn't press him to eat again, thankfully. 

“Bye, everyone!” he shouted with a grin, making sure his hat was placed safely on his head, a string sewed into it by Makino to keep it on his head or hanging around his neck. He couldn't swim after it if it got into the water too far away for his tails to reach. He waved in a manic way, excited but scared at the same time. 

“Good luck, Luffy!” 

“We’ll keep an eye on the newspapers!” He easily heard the mayor muttering that Garp was going to kill them. But there was nothing they could do to stop him. Luffy was getting off this island no matter what. Even if he died out on the sea, he wouldn't regret it. He’d live with self hatred and regret if he stayed there forever. 

He would find a crew as soon as possible, keep his diet a secret, and openly use his abilities. They would be very useful. There was no way he was going to pretend to be weak. He wasn't going to limit himself just to appear normal. He would say it was his devil fruit. A weird one, yes, but he could back up his claim by his inability to swim. Though there was no other real explanation to what really was up with him. 

Garp would have told him if he knew of other people out there like him. Surely, he would have. Luffy knew that. But he hadn't. He hadn't known anyone, despite how long he’d been out there, traveling as a marine and working his way up to Vice Admiral for decades. If there were others like him that weren't in hiding, he would have known about it. 

Luffy didn't really expect to find people like him out there, and actively didn't want to. Because they could out him with ease, ruining his image to anyone who decided to join him. He would be lying constantly about it, but was practiced with it. Telling people it was his devil fruit ever since he luckily ate it ten years ago. Any other lie, he was terrible at, but not this one. Not one that kept him safe. 

Leaving Dawn Island wasn't painful at all. He would visit again someday, probably far in the future, like Shanks had. He was a renowned pirate but had taken breaks to go to the East Blue multiple times. Luffy would do the same, once he was established out there, made a name for himself. So, he had a long time until he saw Goa again, the bandits, the townspeople and Makino, the only people he cared about. 

Luffy was surprised when the Lord of the Coast appeared to challenge his leave. Most small ships didn't make it out, but they weren't Luffy. Ace had managed to get past him, too, despite being a normal person, no devil fruit or powers of his own. 

“I knew I’d see you. But I’m not weak like I was back then!” The sea king dove to attack him, but Luffy instantly let out one of his tails, impaling it in the neck with it. His tails were hard, even if they seemed to come out of nowhere from his body. Hard, thick, long and stretchable. The sea king slowly sunk back down. It was not dead, but was scared of Luffy, of course. Animals were not scared of him, luckily, they didn't sense him as a danger. But now this one knew not to mess with him. Luffy could smell the blood mixing with the salty water. The strong scent was far more prevalent than anywhere on the island, even right next to the water. 

Usually other scents mixed and dulled the sour smell. Now, it was all he could smell. But he would get used to it soon enough. Most smells in the world were not good ones. Smelling Gray Terminal for the first  time had been so bad he threw up all the water in his system at the time, given his stomach was empty of solid food nearly 100% of the time. 

He sailed for a couple days, drinking the water as responsibly as he could, and tossing the apples into the ocean to try and bait fish or sea creatures to inspect them. He saw some fish below, but that was it, and he was incredibly bored. He hummed to himself to pass the time, but he was bored and lonely and wished he could find a crew quickly. 

He heard before he saw it, but by then it was too late. A whirlpool was sucking the boat in, and he stood there for a long moment, contemplating what he was to do. “I’m all alone out here, and I can't swim.” The barrel of apples was nearly empty by that point, but he still dumped the rest out, and climbed inside, pulling the lid shut over him, holding it to keep it sealed. It wasn't latched on, given the hatch was on the outside, so he just held onto it for as long as he was able, before the barrel evened out, the whirlpool gone. 

He bobbed right side up for awhile, the motion calming. He couldn't help but fall asleep, confident he’d wake up if something came his way. Sea kings weren't common outside of the Grand Line. He should be safe from them. Not that he could really do anything if one decided to eat the barrel. There was no way to fight while drowning from the devil fruit curse. 

So, he fell asleep, and woke when the barrel slammed into the shore. He could hear and smell people around, and waited in the barrel, wondering what would happen next, unafraid completely. He was excited to meet other people, really. Stuck with the same for the past 17 years. Meeting new people should be fun, even if they were bad people!

The barrel was taken inside somewhere, and Luffy waited until the people inside planned on breaking the barrel open, expecting wine. Luffy didn't think it felt like wine, carrying it, but maybe he was wrong. Maybe they were used to heavy wine bottle that rattled around when moved. When he was at the Party Bar with Makino, wine barrels sloshed. 

They made to open the top, but Luffy burst out, unintentionally punching both of the men, laughing about the whole thing before jumping out of it, the empty barrel falling down, definitely holding not a trace of wine. The apples were all gone, it was just Luffy’s refuge from the whirlpool.

“I thought I was totally going to die! Looks like I’m saved! Hey, thanks, short guy!” Luffy shouted, looking at the small, pink haired boy, who was staring at Luffy in shock. The other men, pirates from what Luffy had heard, demanded to know who he was about the same time Luffy asked. 

“Who comes out of a wine barrel?!” one man demanded. 

“It used to hold apples, not wine,” Luffy said bluntly. “You're stupid if you think I was a bunch of wine.” 

“What did you say?!” 

“You're stupid. Are your ears plugged?” Luffy asked, patting his hat back down on his head, a tick he sometimes did for no real reason, even when he knew it was still safely sitting on his head. He sniffed, smelling the sea, gun powder, wood and sweat. Lots of people outside. Pirates. He wanted to see them, but didn't think they would be like Shanks. Maybe more like Bluejam, the evil, stupid wannabe pirate. Luffy was glad he was dead. 

He looked over at the door right before the wall was burst through inwards, sending wood chips spraying at the four pirates and Luffy. Well, he was a pirate now, too! Finally! Luffy was thrown pretty far from the explosion of the building when the captain entered, a woman. He’d never met a woman pirate, but that wasn't surprising. Luffy hadn't been around many outsiders on Dawn Island. At least, people who didn't live there full time. 

The captain shouted profanities at her crew, and Luffy sat up, putting his hat back on and standing, looking around. He was pretty light, being made of rubber and already skinny and lanky despite all his training in life. He’d never packed on muscle, not that he really cared. He didn't need to look like Ace did when he left. 

“Someone coming to take my head?” The woman he heard’s name was Alvida shouted when the pirates informed her a stranger broke into the building, hiding the fact they thought it was wine to keep a secret from her and the other members. Luffy stood there, listening. “Could it be the fearsome bounty hunter, Roronoa Zoro?” she asked. “Come to take my head?” 

“Can't be, he’s chained up on some island!” The man who said that was hit in the face, and Luffy smelled fresh blood. What a shitty captain! He was planning on walking away to explore his first island outside of Dawn Island before a few moments, the small boy or teen approached him. He didn't look afraid of Luffy, which was a relief. Well, not that he knew he maybe should be afraid. 

But Luffy wasn't insane, and wasn't hungry, and never planned to be. “Um, are you alright? You were thrown pretty far,” the pink haired boy said. Luffy, despite his whole situation, was not a frightening looking person. Shorter, skinny, a chubby face and big eyes. It was a relief in a sense, not outwardly looking how he was. 

And this proved he wasn't scary looking, even to strangers who hadn't known him as a kid. Didn't know what Ace had, the only one to know besides Grandpa. He was going to be so pissed at Luffy. Best to try and avoid him as long as possible. Yeah, Luffy would be screwed if he found him!

"I'm fine!” Luffy giggled. “That just surprised me. What is this place?” he asked, kicking away some splintered wood that was thrown with him. He didn't need to worry about splinters. If a knife couldn't harm him, a little sliver of wood wouldn't either. 

“This is the breeding ground of the Alvida pirates-”

“Eww,” Luffy said. 

“Not like that! It’s just where we dock!” The boy huffed. “My name is Coby. I’m the caretaker of the ship.” He sounded very depressed over this. 

“I see. Ah, that’s not very important,” Luffy said in a pleasant voice. 

“Oh,” Coby said awkwardly. Luffy didn't realize he’d hurt his feelings. He didn't have much practice with other people. The bandits had thick skins, not taking to insults, even if Luffy didn't fling any at them. Ace had hit him at first for being stupid and saying insulting things in a very clueless manner, and then had later been able to just laugh every time Luffy was unintentionally blunt, to a fault sometimes. 

“Hey, do you have a small ship? Mine got in a whirlpool, so I lost it,” Luffy asked. Coby was shocked, as if whirlpools were terribly uncommon. Surely they weren't? Sabo had talked about weather conditions on the sea, that kind of stuff, and whirlpools had come up during that time. 

“You got caught in a whirlpool?!” Luffy nodded. 

“It was scary! I thought I was gonna die.” 

Coby scratched his head, seeming a bit lost on what to say. Luffy gave his blank stare a bit, waiting for him to say something. He finally did, saying, a bit slowly, “I guess we do. But you can't get caught in a whirlpool again.” 

“I couldn't help it,” Luffy defended in an unoffended voice. It was just a fact, he hadn't paddled very well. He probably could have gotten out if he’d been awake when it showed up. But by that point, it was too late and his only safe place was in the barrel. And he’d survived, a pretty good start in his opinion! 

Coby lead him to a boat in terrible condition. “What’s this, a coffin?” Luffy asked, a bit baffled. 

“Ah, I made it myself for two years.” 

“You made it in two years… you don't want it anymore?” Luffy asked, brows slightly furrowed. Why would Coby give it up? Sure, it was in bad condition and might sink, but he’d spent a lot of time on it, why throw it away. Especially to a stranger. Luffy wasn't gonna do anything to him, but was still a stranger. Though he was socializing really well! 

Coby again scratched his head, face red and a bit sweaty. “I was gonna run away in this. But I know I can't leave. I’ll be on Alvida’s ship the rest of my life,” he said, a watery, false smile on. Even Luffy could tell. He may be terrible at lying most of the time, but even he could see Coby’s real emotions under the poorly made mask he was wearing. 

“That’s dumb. You should leave,” Luffy said with a frown. 

“No way! I’m too - Alvida would go after me if I left! Everytime I think of leaving, I get so scared to go!” 

“That’s dumb,” Luffy repeated. “You should just beat her up.” 

“Wha - beat up Alvida?! Are you crazy?” 

“Only sometimes,” Luffy said with a grin. 

“I can't leave!” 

“Why not? Are you really so wimpy you don't wanna be free?” 

“I… I’ve been here for two years. I was fishing one day and walked onto the wrong ship… to survive, I’ve been the caretaker. I can't leave.” 

“How did you mistake that ship for a fishing boat?” Luffy asked, sounding a tad too judgemental. Coby really was a weak idiot. Even worse than Luffy could be! The much shorter one’s face turned red in embarrassment. 

“I don't know…” 

“You're stupid and useless. I don't like you,” Luffy said in far too cheery a voice with the rude insult. Coby winced and hung his head. 

“You're right. I could never leave myself. I'm too weak. Luffy-san, why are you sailing?” he asked, changing the subject from himself to Luffy, who had no problem with this. He beamed, and declared his dream. Regardless of his set backs and restraints, he wanted to be the Pirate King no matter what, keep his promise to Shanks. And the Pirate King was the freest person in the world! 

Maybe traveling would make him meet more people like him. Though he wasn't counting on it when Garp had been all over the world for a very long time and knew nothing of his condition. Luffy wasn't expecting that, so it wasn't really a dream, it would just be a bonus. 

Coby was more shocked by Luffy’s declaration, beaming while he said it, and immediately started being annoying again. “What?! The Pirate King?! Are you crazy?! The Pirate King had everything in the world! Are you telling me you're looking for the One Piece, the greatest treasure in the world?!” 

“Yup,” Luffy said with a proud nod. 

“Do you want to die?! All the pirates in the world are looking for it!” That wasn't true, Shanks had no desire to do that. He just wanted to enjoy being a pirate. Luffy wanted that to be him, too, but also had the grand dream he wasn't about to give up. He wasn't particularly deadset on getting the One Piece, but claiming the spot as the freest person in the world. 

But a cool prize would be fun, too! He wasn't gonna give up on looking for it. And he’d have a lot of adventures on the way, given nobody had a clue where Roger left his treasure. He would enjoy the experience, and hope his set backs didn't ruin anything. Not that he’d ever tell a soul. 

“Well, I’m looking for it, too,” Luffy said growing annoyed with Coby continuing to doubt him in a manic way. So he punched him to shut him up about that. 

“Oww! Why’d you hit me?!” Luffy might have hit a little too hard. He wasn't used to not fighting strong people, like Ace and the monsters in the forest he’d lived in for ten years of his life. Maybe he should pull his punches a little, unless it was against an enemy. Then he’d beat them into oblivion, probably not going to kill them. He didn't want to kill anyone ever. 

Luffy said, “Because I couldn't stand you! I’m not afraid of dying, so don't go doubting me for that!” 

“Huh?” Coby asked, still holding his head, a goosegg forming already. 

“It’s my dream and I’ll be fine dying to reach it,” Luffy said, pulling his treasure off of his head to stare at the reminder of his dream at all times. Even if he wanted to, he could never forget as long as he had Shanks’ hat. And he had to return it to him, just like they’d promised. It wasn't the only thing driving him to find the One Piece, but he still had the goal to get it to him. “Besides! I’m sure I can do it, even if it could get tough sometimes,” he said, grinning widely. 

“Will… I also be able to accomplish my dream?” Coby asked, shaking. Was he going to cry? 

“What dream?” 

“My dream… I’ve always wanted it. If I’m willing to die… can I become a marine?!” Luffy was a bit surprised at this. He had only known his grandfather as a marine, but still disliked them while knowing they supported the people who killed Sabo that day. Killed his beloved brother without a second thought. And nobody had batted an eye at it. Luffy despised them for that alone. He could never forgive them. “I know it would make us enemies, but joining the marines and catching bad guys has been my life’s dream! Do you think I can do it?!” 

Luffy wasn't about to shut him down. It would be too mean, and Luffy would never demean anyone’s dream, regardless of whether he thought it was stupid or not. “I don't know. Probably not. You’re weak.” Coby deflated. “Hey, that doesn't mean you can't get better and try,” Luffy said, brows furrowed. “You’re wimpy and weak. Why not change?” 

Coby looked up at him, tears in his eyes. “Besides, if we’re enemies, I could beat you into the ground if I needed to!” Luffy laughed, sporting a huge grin. 

“Do you think I could change?! Get so strong I can arrest Alvida?!” Coby asked, seeming invigorated with Luffy’s suggestion. But someone was coming over, and Coby had spoken a little too loud, with the captain hearing his desire to arrest her. Luffy pointed over his shoulder casually, though only a nanosecond later, Coby would have noticed when the ugly woman shouted in fury, “Who did you say you were going to arrest, Coby?!” she raged, swinging a spiked club down, Coby just barely getting out of the way, falling on his butt and shaking in fear and horror that he was heard. 

Alvida turned her attention away from Coby, and destroyed the boat he’d worked so hard on, and then offered to the only person who was semi-nice to him. Still a bit rude, but not so bad, not like the pirates he was forced to travel with. 

“Did you think you could escape me?!” Luffy frowned in irritation at the remains of the boat. Mostly for Coby’s sake, not his own chance at traveling again. “Is that who you hired to arrest me?! Is it Roronoa Zoro?” 

Second time his name had been dropped. Was the ugly woman so dead set on “Zoro” that it was all she worried about? Interesting! A strong guy sounded fun, Luffy didn't want all his crew to be weak. He’d protect them, of course, if he needed to, but he would like strong people, too! Yea, he was gonna go see Zoro himself. If Alvida was so scared of him, he must be super tough!

Though, this woman didn't seem so strong herself. Not that her club could hope to damage Luffy. 

“Anyways, before you die, tell me, who is the most beautiful thing in the sea, Coby?!” 

“What a petty bitch,” Luffy said innocently. The pirates around him silenced in shock. Coby looked at him with a pale, horrified voice. He grabbed Luffy’s shoulders, which he had to reach up a bit to do given Luffy was a good few inches taller than him. 

Coby begged him, “Please take it back, Luffy! Repeat after me! In all the seas, this lady is the most-” and a look came over Coby’s face. One of fury and resolve. Luffy smiled, and Coby continued in a completely different tone than before. “The ugliest damned bitch!” Luffy grinned. 

“Perfectly said! That’s much better!” Coby could not hope to fight Alvida, so Luffy would gladly do it for him. Swinging her club down in fury, Luffy stood in front of him. Though his body should be soft and rubbery, and was, really, stretchy and squishy, he was still… whatever the hell he was, and when her club slammed down, in an impressively strong blow for someone in her condition, it bent in half when it made contact with his skin, Luffy grinning even bigger. Maybe something in his face gave away his strength because Alvida’s face went white as a sheet. Was she scared of Luffy, or scared with losing her weapon? Luffy didn't care much. 

“That’s impossible! My bludgeon!” she shouted in fear.

He pulled his fist back, using his rubberness, and shouted, “Gum gum pistol!” beaming as he threw the punch, hitting Alvida in the face hard enough to send her flying into a tree, which splintered at the impact. Her face was bloody, nose crushed, cheek bone broken. Beating her up was really satisfying! She was nothing compared to Ace and the beasts in the forest back home, so it wasn't surprising at all that he could beat her with a single punch, the woman absolutely knocked out. 

“He - his arm just stretched!” 

“How could he do this? Alvida-sama!” Luffy was surprised if these people cared about her, or were just scared of Luffy or her wrath when she woke up eventually, face deformed.  

Luffy pointed at them, and they “eep!”ed or gasped, backing up even when he was pretty far from them. Though he could stretch himself and absolutely meet them from his current position. “Get a boat for Coby! He’s gonna be a marine and you won't get in his way!” They complied, got the boat, and Coby was finally crying for a good reason. 

So, they got on a much better ship than Coby’s mess of a transportation method, with some food and plenty of water. It was time for Luffy to test out a reaction by someone unfamiliar who witnessed him not eating. Luffy didn't feel like throwing up in front of him, or getting ridiculously sick. 

“So, you ate a devil fruit?” Coby asked, disbelief still in his voice despite seeing Luffy contort his body. 

“Yeah, I’m a rubberman,” Luffy confirmed. 

“Why did it break off your skin? Is rubber really that strong?” Coby was temporary. Luffy wouldn't sail with him long. 

“It’s weird. A bunch of weird stuff came when I ate the devil fruit. But I’m happy I did!” The only thing he had been able to digest in his life besides human meat. 

“Weird stuff?” Coby probed cautiously. Luffy nodded. 

“Wanna see?” 

“Yeah.” 

Luffy leaned forward to give room and let his tails come out. Coby clearly wasn't expecting this. “Weird, huh? Not like rubber at all!” Coby nodded. “They can do stuff for me. Like picking things up or climbing or hunting. Then there’s the stronger skin and stuff. I can also hear and smell really good.”

“Wow, that’s a lot to come from one devil fruit!” Luffy nodded in agreement. “So, they’re like extra arms or something? Are they heavy?” 

“Not really. I'm not off balance or anything. That would suck.” 

“Four tails huh? Are they squishy like rubber, too?” Luffy shook his head, and moved one forward so Coby could touch it. “It’s really hard! That’s so strange! But cool, too! I bet you can fight with them!” Luffy beamed, nodding in affirmation. He retracted them, disappearing and leaving nothing behind. “How do they fit back in your body?” 

“No idea. Nobody does,” Luffy said honestly. 

“So amazing!” 

“Yeah, so you don't have to worry about that pirate hunter killing me or anything! He uses swords, right?” Coby nodded, eyes sparkling. “You saw the club hit me and do nothing, right? So no need to worry!” 

“Still… just because he can't hurt you doesn't mean he’s not a bad person.” 

“Maybe. I won't let him join if he’s a mean person. Only if he’s good.” 

“He’s locked up because he’s bad!” Luffy shrugged, not thinking he could get through to Coby that Zoro could be a good person and marines still locked him up. Sabo was a child, and they didn't bat an eye at his murder. Luffy would never forgive those that were supportive of the World Nobles. Never, ever. He’d hate them for as long as he lived. Out of everyone, he was most fine with eating marines. Bad pirates existed, no doubt, but they had their own morals, right? 

Luffy would find out soon enough, probably. 

It was during the night when Coby was eating their provisions and Luffy didn't that the smaller asked him about it. “Aren't you hungry, Luffy-san?” 

“Ehh, I’m allergic to lots of foods,” he said, testing out the lie. His face was straight. 

“Why didn't you say anything!?” He shrugged. “Are you going to be okay?” 

“Yeah. I can make it a long time without eating. Maybe more rubber weirdness, haha!” Of course it wasn't true, he couldn't eat before that, too. Coby looked doubtful, and guiltily at his food. “I promise I’ll be fine.” The other nodded, and continued eating. Luffy was thankful he didn't push for long, but in the morning asked him if he was hungry. Luffy wasn't, the absolute truth. 

Coby seemed to not be doubting Luffy’s dream so much anymore, because of how tough he was. He was still against recruiting Zoro, but Luffy wasn't going to take his advice. He would meet him, and recruit him if he was a good person. 

“You should think it through longer. Roronoa Zoro is a monster!” Luffy perked up internally at that, and turned around, having been ignoring Coby’s insistence about Luffy “rethinking” Zoro. 

“Monster how?” Luffy asked. Was he like Luffy? He couldn't outright ask if Zoro ate other people, as that would probably be a weird question. 

“Rumor has it he hunts people down and kills them for money! He’s a beast, a demon. Who kills other people for money?!” 

“Bounty hunters,” Luffy said simply. 

“He’s a pirate hunter.” 

“Heeh, he must not make lots of money if he’s hunting pirates in the East Blue,” Luffy said, scratching the back of his neck. “Is he dumb or something?” he wondered. 

“You can't say that to him, he’ll cut you up!” Luffy didn't bother correcting him again, but didn't plan on saying that to Zoro, especially meeting him the first time. He wanted to start off on a good foot! They sailed for a couple more hours before the island came into view. 

“Wow, you actually got us here!” 

“Ah, yeah! You know you can't wander around everywhere and actually get there. It’s basic navigation. I know I was paying good attention on Alvida’s ship… it was good for one thing, I guess.” 

“Could you have ever been brave enough without telling off Alvida?” Luffy asked. 

“I don't know.” Luffy just nodded, didn't say much else. He didn't acknowledge the statement about not being able to wander around. If he had to do that, he had to do that! Maybe Zoro was a good navigator and he could kill two birds with one stone… whatever that meant. 

When they landed, Coby’s stomach growled as he tied down the ship. “Lets go get some food for you,” Luffy said. He had no money to pay, but was accustomed to dine and dashing with Ace, even if he didn't eat any of it. Not that he had any desire to eat human food in the first place. 

“Are you really not going to eat?” Coby asked when Luffy just got water. He shook his head, face flat, not willing to talk about it anymore. “Oh - okay.” He sounded awkward about Luffy’s closed off expression and silent reply. “Uh, you’ll save lots of money when not buying much food! By the way, do you have any money?” 

“Nope!” 

Coby slumped. “How am I supposed to pay for my food?” 

“We just run!” 

"I'm not dine and dashing when I want to join the marines on this island!” Coby hissed. 

“See, that’s why pirates have more fun than marines,” Luffy reasoned. Coby pushed away his food with a sigh, and the tavern owner walked over, with Coby apologizing deeply for having no money to pay with. Saying he’d thought he did, but didn't. Luffy kept quiet. The woman was kind, and actually gave him a free pass. 

“We’ll part ways here. Thanks for being my first travel buddy!” And for being social practice! 

Coby teared up, rubbing his eyes. “Though we’ll be enemies in the future.” 

“You’d never win against me,” Luffy stated, though not in a mean way. Coby nodded, knowing by now that it would be hard to beat Luffy in a fight. When he had all his advances, lumped in with his devil fruit, according to his lie. “Say, I wonder why Zoro is in the marine base at all. He should be strong if he’s out killing people for money.” 

There were sudden crashes, startling Luffy, when everyone who heard his comment jerked away from their tables, causing many to crash down, food and drink spilling, dishes shattering on the wooden floor. 

“Looks like we shouldn't mention Zoro’s name,” Coby whispered. 

“Hmmm.” If Zoro attacked random, innocent people, enough to scare them like this, then Luffy didn't want to sail with him. He would still meet him to see what kind of person he was. 

“By the way, I saw a sign outside that Axe-Hand Morgan is here!” The same reaction as mentioning Zoro. 

“What a weird group of people!” Luffy laughed. Most paid and then fled the restaurant, wasting a lot of food. He and Coby helped the tavern owner clean everything up because she had been kind to let Coby not pay, not reporting him to the marines or something stupid. So, they paid her back by cleaning up everything. 

When they left, Coby didn't understand why everyone had been afraid of both Zoro and the marine captain. “Maybe he did something bad,” Luffy said casually. 

“He’s a marine! Impossible!” 

“I’m serious. Anyone can be a bad person. Anyone can be a good person, too,” Luffy said, a bit more serious. Coby deflated, seeming to have no response to that. They saw the base from a good distance away, given it was up on a hill, the street slowly getting steeper the closer they got. “It’s real ugly up close,” Luffy commented. 

Coby didn't respond in any way, and Luffy looked over to see him looking fearful. “Go on, Coby,” Luffy encouraged. 

“B-b-but I’m not prepared yet! The situation at the restaurant got me thinking-” Luffy paid no attention, and hopped up to hang over the wall, looking over the yard for the monster he’d been so insisted was a terrible person. A smell of sweat and blood and worse permeated from one source. 

“Is that him?” Luffy asked at the man hanging from a post in the middle of the grassless, dry yard. It was pretty empty besides the man who had a bandanna covering his eyes. He really was filthy, and stunk. Needed a shower. But, most of the scents in the world were bad ones. And he was used to people smelling like sweat and blood and shit from the people in Gray Terminal. So, Luffy didn't really outwardly react. No scrunched nose, huff, nothing. 

Coby climbed up next to Luffy with far more difficulty. “That him?” Luffy asked, pointing across the yard. Coby whimpered, and nodded. “Heh, those ropes look pretty easy to break.” 

“Don't compare yourself to normal people, you’re invincible!” Coby hissed. 

“Normal? I thought you said Zoro was a monster?” Luffy asked with a mischievous grin. Coby sputtered in offense. “Neh, he could break out if I untied his ropes, right?” 

“Are you stupid?! He’ll kill you the minute you do!” Luffy looked back up at the malnourished and badly sunburned man. 

“Think he’s in any shape to beat me?” Luffy pointed out. “Besides! You just said I’m invincible, make up your mind.” Coby had no response. But Zoro could hear them - well, hear Luffy, as he was speaking far louder than Coby was, who seemed to think if Zoro knew he existed, he’d be killed the moment the guy was free. He honestly looked like one shove, untied, would knock him to the ground. 

How embarrassing for him. 

“Hey you!” Zoro shouted, voice deep and slightly annoyed. Then he smiled a slightly demented but tired smile. “Could you come and untie me? I’ve been tied up here for nine days and I’m exhausted.” Yeah, he looked very tired.

“Look, he’s smiling,” Luffy said. 

“He talked to us!” Coby hissed in terror. Luffy was getting pretty annoyed with him at this point, but hopefully Zoro could prove him wrong soon. 

Zoro continued, and Luffy assumed he hadn't heard anything Coby was saying. “I’ll repay you. I could hunt down a fugitive and give you the rewards. I’m not lying, I’ll keep my word.” Luffy smiled and was about to jump over the wall to untie him when a little girl, smelling like the tavern, slapped a ladder against  the wall and climbed over. 

She stumbled a little bit, holding something in both hands, so Luffy stretched his arm out and grabbed the back of her shirt before lowering her down more. His arm snapped back into place, and the little girl was stunned for a moment, before stiffly turing around. Zoro was looking at him in shock, too. 

The little girl regained his attention, and he narrowed his eyes immediately. Luffy watched from the wall, half of him hanging over the side. He was interested. The girl clearly had zero fear of him. No pounding heart or hesitation as she now ran to him, still cradling whatever she was holding so close to her chest. Protecting whatever it was. 

Well, Luffy assumed it was food, but his sense of smell with food was weird. He couldn't tell food apart besides some fruit. 

“Luffy-san, you have to save her!” Coby shouted. 

“Do it yourself,” Luffy said, distracted by watching what Zoro was going to do. 

“Do you want to die or something? Get lost!” 

“Um, I made you some rice balls!” She presented the two rice balls and added, “You haven't eaten in a long time!” 

"I'm not hungry, go away!” Luffy frowned a bit. The girl’s feelings were hurt. “Scram or I’ll kill you!” Luffy smelled the disgusting perfume wafting off of someone before they showed up. He was a weird looking man. 

“A weirdo showed up,” Luffy said, quieter now. He and Coby hadn't been noticed yet. “How does his hair stay like that?” 

“A bad hair cutter?” Luffy snickered. 

“Don't go picking on little kids, Roronoa Zoro! Or I’lll have to tell my father about it!” Zoro scowled, a real one, not the one he’d been sending the little girl so far. Zoro made a “tch” sound, but really couldn't do much tied down and weak as he was, as well as weaponless. Even if Luffy didn't have the tails that could skewer someone if he wanted, his devil fruit was with him at all times, unless he was in water. 

“He must be someone important to the marines! He’ll save the girl.” Luffy didn't reply, truly annoyed with Coby judging Zoro by his looks and reputation. 

“If it isn't the captain bastard’s son.” Luffy looked at the kid of the high ranking marine, and thought he didn't look tough at all. 

The captain’s kid looked at the girl’s rice balls, and snatched one out of her hand. “No! That’s not for you!” He didn't listen, chewed for about a second, before spitting it out. 

“That’s disgusting! Its too sweet, you put salt in them, not sugar!” Luffy watched with angry eyes and a clenched jaw as he stomped on the remaining rice ball. At least Coby was upset by this, too. Luffy thought it was to his benefit to see the marines could be bad people, too. This guy was an asshole. And the two hanging over the wall were still not noticed. 

Luffy more watched Coby’s face as he listened to the marine’s kid torment and threaten the little girl, alluding to her being kidnapped for helping Zoro in any way. Thankfully, she was not killed right then and there (not that Luffy would have let it get that far), but was unceremoniously tossed over the wall. 

Luffy’s rubber body caught her so she didn't hit the ground. He didn't even wait for a reaction before he hopped back over the fence, the marines gone. Luffy walked to stand in front of Zoro, who seemed to no longer want to ask for help to get out. “You’re still here?” he sighed in irritation. He looked weary. Even if he didn't join Luffy’s crew, if he was a bad person after all, he’d probably release him. It didn't seem right to leave him to die there in disgrace and humiliation. 

He’d really only ever heard Coby’s thoughts on Zoro’s reputation, and he was a coward. Luffy couldn't trust his view on things. Though maybe it would be better with him now witnessing corruption. Luffy had seen plenty of it in Goa. 

“Leave now or else he’ll go get his dad,” Zoro said sarcastically. 

“Eh, I could take him. Are you really strong? You got tied up,” Luffy said. 

“Shut it!” 

"I'm looking for people to form a pirate crew,” Luffy said, ignoring Zoro’s irritation. 

“Pirate? So you just gave up on life and became a criminal, then?” 

“Ive always been a criminal,” Luffy said bluntly. This wasn't what Zoro was expecting, he just looked baffled. “Especially with dine and dashing.” 

“That’s what you call yourself a criminal for?” 

“Also beat up bad pirates with my brothers and stole stuff,” Luffy said with a nostalgic smile. 

“What, are you claiming you’re a ‘good’ pirate in comparison?” Zoro scoffed. 

“I want to be,” Luffy said earnestly. Zoro looked a little thoughtful, and didn't have a response. “I haven't decided whether you're a good person or not. If you are, I’ll free you and you can join my crew!” 

“Fuck that, why would I join a criminal?” 

“You could have all the free food you want.” 

“By stealing.” 

“Yeah! Well, I’d find us a cook eventually. And a musician. Pirates sing, you know.” Zoro rolled his eyes. 

“Yeah, well, I’d never join you anyways. I have something I need to take care of.” 

“Yeah, you do need a shower,” Luffy agreed. 

“Not that, dumbass!” Zoro shouted, though he looked embarrassed. Luffy giggled. “The fuck kind of pirate are you anyways?” 

“An inexperienced one.” 

“Well, at least you're honest,” Zoro sighed, seeming thoroughly tired of talking to Luffy. “I don't need your help-” 

“You were just asking me to untie you,” Luffy pointed out, cocking his head. Zoro ignored this. 

“- because after a month I’d get set free. I just have to make it 22 more days.” 

“That guy was lying, you know. He doesn't plan on freeing you.” 

“And how would you know that?” 

“I have good hearing. Even good liars have their hearts beat too quickly,” Luffy said simply. “If you stay here, you’re gonna die an embarrassing death.” Zoro scowled at him. “I’ll come back later and decide what to do with you.” 

“You don't get to do anything with me,” he growled. 

“Heh, you really don't want a friend?” 

“Friend? Don't make me laugh. Go find someone else to be your ‘friend’.” 

“It would suck to have a crew that doesn't like me,” Luffy said with a shrug. He turned to leave before Zoro called him back. Luffy stopped, turning back around, curious about the shift in his tone of voice. 

“Can you give that to me?” he asked, looking down at the ruined rice ball. It was basically mud at this point. Luffy asked if he was sure. “Just give it to me!” 

“M’kay,” Luffy said, and picked it up. It fell apart in his hand. He held it out to Zoro. 

“My arms are tied up, just drop it into my mouth!” Zoro snapped in growing irritation. 

Luffy stuffed it into his mouth, and Zoro choked a bit on it, but ate the whole thing. He shuddered and made a disgusted look. Despite his look, he muttered, “Thanks for the food.” Luffy smiled, and walked away. “And tell her to not come back. Don't need her head at my feet,” he called. 

“Sure,” Luffy agreed, and walked away, smiling. Zoro was a good guy, and fun to talk to! But he wanted to know what he’d done to get to that place. Surely he wasn't a terrible person with how he acted about the little girl, trying to get her to leave for her own safety, then eating her food no matter if it was just dirt on rice at that point. 

Luffy hopped the fence and followed the scent of Coby to the tavern, having brought the little girl back with him. She was crying, but they looked like tears of anger and frustration. Luffy immediately said, “He ate your riceball, and he said it was good.” 

Coby looked surprised at this, but was still reeling about the awful behavior of the marines they’d seen. Luffy was just glad his point was proven and Coby wasn't still in denial. Luffy told the little girl, whose name was Rika, what Zoro had said and done. She was happy, but didn't look shocked. If Zoro had done something terrible to them, surely she’d not be happy he thanked her food? 

“What’d he do anyways?” Luffy asked. “He seems like a good guy to me.” 

“He didn't do anything bad!” Rika shouted. “He - he got in trouble protecting us.” Luffy rose his brows, but stayed quiet, a small, pleased smile forming on his face. “He killed Helmeppo’s pet wolf when it tried to hurt me. Everyone was scared of Helmeppo’s wolf, it kept attacking us! But Brother Zoro killed it before it could hurt me.” 

“So Zoro got in trouble to save you?” Luffy asked. Rika nodded. 

Coby was lost in thought before he said, “I guess taking down fugitives for money… isn't inherently bad.” Luffy was pleased by the news and by Coby’s newly formed opinions now that he had some proof Zoro wasn't a bad guy. “But he could still kill you if you let him on your crew.” 

“I know he’s a good person. I can tell,” Luffy said confidently. Coby nodded, eyes downcast. “Maybe if you become a marine, you’ll make the bad marines better.” Coby’s face turned red as his eyes watered. “Are you crying again?” 

“No! No. People just aren't nice to me.” 

“You mean your kidnappers.” 

“Yeah…” 

"I'm a nice pirate, they are mean pirates. You’ll be a nice marine, they are bad marines.” 

“Yeah, you were right. Anyone can be bad or good,” he sighed, sounding defeated. 

Rika still was fired up talking about the injustice of Zoro, slandering the marine higher ups, the Morgans, as the true terrors of the island. Luffy wasn't surprised, especially now that he saw the son. “They’ll execute you if you even look at them wrong!” 

“Zoro is good at glaring,” Luffy mused. “Bet he’d have gotten caught for that alone,” he laughed. “He sounds like a good guy.” Luffy turned around when smelling the perfumed bastard, and saw the townspeople bowing to him in fear. The notion of them needing to bow to someone who worked for a corrupt agency pissed him off. 

Helmeppo was laughing, drinking wine, and called, “Who dares raise their head when I walk past?! I’ll tell my dad! You don't want to end up like Roronoa Zoro, that dumb moron! As if I’d let him live a whole month. He’s become an eyesore. I’ll be killing him in three days,” he bragged. Luffy was furious, eyes burning in anger and hate at this asshole. 

He stood up, walked a few feet towards him and said, “Three days? You said you’d let him live if he made it a month!” 

“Yeah, so? He’s just a lowlife thug and I can do whatever I want with him. Some bounty hunter he is, hah-” and Luffy nailed him in the face, throwing him across the street. Luffy heard bones crunch at his hard landing, the manchild screaming in pain. All the marines wielded their guns in shock, and fear. They all cocked at Luffy, who stood there, unafraid. 

He had some blood on his fist, and held it up to them in threat. “Luffy-san, what are you doing?! You can't fight the marines-!” 

“Watch me! Zoro’s joining my crew! I don't care what you have to say about it anymore! Bastards are bastards.” 

Helmeppo’s mouth was bleeding, teeth cracked, and cried, through a garbled mouth, something along the lines of “You hit me! Even my dad doesn't hit me!” Luffy was unsure how that was possible with how obnoxious he was. Grandpa and Dadan hit them all the time, even when they weren't being annoying. “‘M a capt’n’s son! ‘Ll beat you up!” he garbled, spitting out broken molars. 

“Fight me yourself!” Luffy snapped, and Helpmeppo insisted Luffy was going to be executed. But even if Luffy wasn't invincible to blades, he would never be executed for such a stupid thing. Helmeppo was carried away by the other marines, who hadn't attacked Luffy despite him assaulting their boss. Or something. Did he even have a rank or was it just because of his dad’s position? 

“I can't believe you did that!” Coby cried. 

“I should have hit him a few more times.” 

“You would have killed him if you did!” 

“I wouldn't have hit his face again-” 

“You’ll bust his ribs!” 

“Why do you care about someone who is such a lowlife that he threatens to kill a little girl?” Luffy asked, disgust in his voice. “Just because he’s a marine?” Coby lost his look, falling into one of shame. "I'm going to talk to Zoro. Best you stay here.” Luffy walked away, the trail of blood on the way to the base was pretty heavy. 

He hopped the wall again, smiling. “Yo,” he greeted. 

“You again? Didn't I tell you to scram?” Zoro asked in exasperation. 

"I'm gonna untie your ropes and you’ll join my crew.” 

“Fuck that. I don't want to be a pirate!” 

“But you're gonna be a pirate with me,” Luffy said, sounding genuinely confused. 

“You don't get to decide that! I have things to do and I’m sure as hell not going to accomplish them under some nobody.” 

“I won't be a nobody for long,” Luffy said confidently, arms crossed. “Besides, why don't you want to be a pirate? Being a pirate is awesome!” 

“How do you know, you already admitted you were inexperienced,” Zoro shot back. 

“Well, maybe if I’m a bad captain you could help me be better!” 

“Hah?! Wouldn't I want my captain to be dependable?” 

“I am dependable. I’m gonna save you. And then we can set sail. Besides, that Helmeppo guy is gonna kill you in three days. I heard him say it. So, if you don't join me, you're a dead man. So, choose. Set sail with me or die?” Luffy asked with a shit eating grin. 

“You're a fucking demon.” 

“I’ve heard the same about you,” Luffy said cheekily. “I heard you use a sword. I can get it for you. But then you’d be indebted to me,” he added, still smiling in amusement. 

“How do you know I won't chop you up if I hate being under your direction?” 

“You said you keep your promises. I want to trust that,” Luffy shrugged. “Besides, you can't chop me up. If you join me, then you’ll know why not.” 

“You trust too easily. I’m a fucking stranger, a pirate hunter, and you're a pirate.” 

“You’ll have character development if you join me!” He bopped his fist into his other palm. “It’ll be fun. Now, where’s your sword? I’ll find it.” Zoro sighed, giving up on arguing. 

“That bastard kid took them. They’re the things I treasure the most, second to my own life.”

“Ah, treasure, huh? I bet its super great, huh?” Zoro rolled his eyes, and Luffy zipped off towards the marine base. He could hear a lot going on on top of the building, a ton of people, while there weren't many noises coming from inside, so he burst through the door, following Helmeppo’s stench of perfume. It also smelled like he’d pissed himself. 

Luffy found the room he was in, currently crying in the corner. Face bloody and swollen. “Ahhh! Don't come any closer!” Helmeppo cried. 

“Where is Zoro’s sword?” Luffy demanded. His voice wasn't angry, but he was annoyed at seeing the guy. He could go the rest of his life not seeing his ugly mug. And Luffy had made it even uglier. 

“In the corner!” Helmeppo screeched. 

“But there are three here!” Luffy said, looking at the swords. “Which one is Zoro’s?” Helmeppo was silent, and Luffy saw him passed out, foaming at the mouth. He tossed him aside and grabbed all three swords, looking out the window at the courtyard, where plenty of noise was coming from. 

“Coby!” he shouted in worry. When had he gotten there? Was he standing against the marines, or helping them keep Zoro hostage? He leaned towards suspecting the former, and took out his tails, grinning as he stabbed the wall, blowing it outwards, marines screaming from below as the side of the building crumbled at the impact. 

It felt really nice, being powerful. He’d been weak when he was a kid, even with his weird attributes. Getting Shanks’ arm bit off was weakness he’d never allow himself again. Never let someone he cared about get hurt for his sake. 

Luffy sucked them back into his body without effort, and jumped down, landing light on his feet, any impact of the landing nullified by both his devil fruit and strong body. He grabbed the bars of the fancy metal entrance, stretching himself out with a grin, before slingshotting himself forward, laughing as he flew before he landed just in time. 

Bullets meant for Zoro and Coby, who was trying to help Zoro get untied, hit Luffy instead. 

“Luffy-san!” Looks like Coby forgot again. Zoro didn't know anything about Luffy really, so him shielding him from gunfire probably seemed pretty stupid and reckless. It was! But Luffy was fine, and all the bullets stretched, denting against his skin even as it molded around them, the momentum reversing as they flung back away the moment his body righted itself. 

“It won't work!” Luffy laughed. 

“Wh-what kind of human are you?!” Zoro demanded, shocked. Luffy’s most honest answer would be “no idea”, but of course he didn't say the truth. 

“I’m the man who will become the Pirate King!” was what he said instead, which was also true! “Which sword is yours? There were three so I grabbed all of them,” Luffy explained, waving all three in Zoro’s face. He quickly snapped out of his shock. 

“All of them are mine. I use three swords.” 

“Where does the third one go?” Luffy asked excitedly. 

“Now isn't the time, just untie me!”

“Resisting the marines here will make you an outlaw.” Luffy looked from the marines still pointing shocked guns at them, to Zoro. “Time to choose! Do you want to die here, or come with me?” he asked, grinning widely. 

And Zoro grinned, too. Not a happy one, but like he was thrilled. “You're one son of a bitch. Forget it. I don't plan on dying here. Fine! I’ll take up your request and become a pirate.”

Luffy jumped, cheering. “I have my first nakama! No offense, Coby!” 

“N-none taken,” Coby whimpered, bleeding lightly from an injury in his shoulder. He would have been riddled with a ton more bullets if Luffy hadn't deflected him. He’d be okay. 

“Okay, untie me now!” Zoro said impatiently, his smile gone. Luffy didn't need to untie, he just grabbed the ropes and ripped them off, breaking them apart. He shoved Zoro’s swords into his arms, who was good at pushing shock away when push came to shove, as he didn't react but for a moment of furrowed eyebrows when Luffy displayed some “abnormal” strength. 

Hopefully he was seen as strong enough for his crew, and for Zoro. But he was joining, and Luffy would go to the next stage of worrying - could he keep up his lies, do them convincingly? 

The marines were still in shock about Luffy’s rubber defense, guns shaking in their hands as they faced him, and now a very angry (albeit exhausted) swordsman, running on pure adrenaline. “Oh, he’s Axe hand morgan, right? His hand is an axe!” 

“Your deduction skills are impressive,” Zoro said in a sarcastic, amused way. “I have a bone to pick with him. First, through, the fodder members.” Luffy finally saw what he did with his third sword; he stuck it in his mouth! 

“Show me how strong you are,” Luffy said, crossing his arms, still grinning, high off of the fact someone actually was joining him. Even if he was pretty much blackmailed. But it was successful, and Luffy had never blackmailed someone before.

“Devil spawn,” Zoro snarked. He attacked the marines, actually cutting their guns apart, though they were cheaply made. With the way some of the buildings were rusted, the doors squealing when opened or closed, it seemed like the place was underfunded. Was Axe-Hand Morgan a cheap skate? 

From the terrified bodies a few dozen feet away, Zoro spoke. “I already told you I’d be a pirate with you. Either way, after this incident with the marines I’ll be an outlaw, too. But it’s fine, I still have my own goals!”

Zoro was quite talented talking with his mouth full, it appeared. Luffy listened to his speech with a grin. “I will become the world’s greatest swordsman. I no longer care if my name is clean or not. Bad guy, good guy, it no longer matters! As long as my name is known world wide!” Then his eyes hardened. “If you do anything to stand in the way of my goal, I’ll have you cut your stomach open in apology!” 

“Good!” Luffy said in approval. “To be the Pirate King, I need some strong guys in my crew! The Pirate King can do no less than the world’s greatest swordsman! I’ll be embarrassed by any less!” Zoro’s hard look disappeared with a grin around his sword’s handle. 

“Heh, well said,” the swordsman said. 

The marines had stayed down enough for the small but meaningful exchange, until their “leader” ordered them to stand. “You don't fight and I’ll kill you all myself!” he ordered. The marines stood up, pulling their cheap swords out, guns useless. But even Luffy, who knew nothing about swords, could tell Zoro’s were of much higher quality. 

“Duck, Zoro!” Luffy shouted, and Zoro was quick, crouching as Luffy stretched his leg out. “Gum gum whip!” he cackled, and swung his leg around, over Zoro’s head, and nailed the marines in the gut, sending them all flying. 

“How’s he doing that?” one marine said as he grunted, rolling hard. They’d have lots of bruises forming later! 

“He ate a devil fruit!” Morgan shouted. 

“I ate the gum gum fruit! I’m rubber!” He grabbed the side of his cheek and stretched it out a good ten inches from his face, letting it snap back into place. Zoro and Coby winced, but it didn't hurt at all. 

People in the East Blue generally had not heard of devil fruits, which was why his whole island had been terrified, ostracized him after he ate it. Kids his own age didn't accept him because of the devil fruit. Not that he was let out of the house until he was four, when Garp found out what Luffy needed to eat. 

He’d been locked inside for years, though he really couldn't remember any of that time, luckily. 

But Luffy loved his rubber body, because it was fun to do things a normal body couldn't, and it was also good cover for the stuff he was born with. 

“Captain Morgan, we can't fight these two!” the marines cried, seeing both of them at full strength, and Zoro being pissed at them for keeping him there. But Luffy was having a ton of fun. 

“This is an order. Whoever just said that, kill yourselves! I don't have any use for weaklings! That’s an order!” Morgan shouted. Luffy’s jaw dropped when they did it. They killed themselves because they were told to! The marines were even worse than Luffy first thought, which was quite the feat!

Zoro and Coby were similarly horrified, but Luffy acted first. “I’m the marine’s worst enemy! If you have the guts, try and execute me!” Luffy let all his anger at the stupidity of all of them flow through him, and before Morgan could even respond, Luffy punched him so hard in the face, through the axe, which shattered, cutting into his skin, and then broke his metal jaw clean off. 

Luffy pulled back, startled by the blood and gore. While he hadn't meant to disfigure him that badly, he also felt he deserved it. Morgan screamed. 

“Holy fuck,” Luffy heard Zoro mutter. The surviving marines looked at the bleeding, crying marine captain, and screamed, abandoning the man. Luffy wiped his hand off on his already red shirt, and turned around to see his friend and new nakama. “What was that?!” 

“I went too hard, didn't I?” Luffy asked bluntly, putting his clean hand on his hat, lips pressed together tightly. 

“Nah,” Zoro said casually in response, though he was used to chopping people off and turning them into the government for cash prizes. Maybe his sense of violence was a bit skewed. Luffy was careless, and Morgan, unable to speak but able to grunt, swung the sharp remains of his axe at Luffy’s leg, as if trying to cut him off from the calf down. 

It didn't work, but there hadn't been enough force put into the swing to bend. It just did no damage. 

Luffy put his sandaled foot on Morgan’s broken jaw. He screamed at the pressure. Luffy was so distracted, a bit conflicted, when he heard Coby scream. 

“Get away from him or - or - or I’ll shoot!” Helmeppo screamed, his voice warped by tears and injury, though far less dire as his father’s. Though, it seemed the man had already lost his jaw once and replaced it with metal. He could replace it again. “If you want this guy to survive, don't move!” he screamed, pointing a gun at Coby’s head, who looked stunned to be in this position. 

Coby took a shuddering deep breath. “I don't want to be in your way, Luffy-san! I’m - I’m not afraid of death!” 

Luffy grinned proudly. “Okay. I know!” he said. Turning fully to face Helmeppo, he raised his arm to strike again. “You stupid son, Coby’s not afraid of death!” 

“H-hey, don't move! I said I’ll shoot!” Luffy knew he was bluffing, and called. 

“Then shoot, I dare you!” Morgan rose behind him, but Luffy would put his trust in Zoro to back him up, and focused on his target. And he wasn't going to do anything but knock him out. He’d seen enough blood by his hand today. “Gum gum…” 

“Daddy, hurry!” Helmeppo screamed, right before Luffy shot forward a pistol, and Zoro cut down Morgan, who was trying to attack Luffy again. 

Both father and son fell, unconscious. One in far worse condition than the other. “Nice, Zoro!” Luffy grinned. 

“Leave it to me, captain,” Zoro said, smiling in his own way, neither bothered by the blood shed at their hands. Luffy had only been around fighters that used fists and pipes, so he knew being with someone with a sword - well, he’d get used to the sight of a lot of blood soon enough. 

Zoro looked to the gathered, shocked marines hiding far away, and said, “Any of you wanna arrest us, come and get us.” Luffy grinned at the reaction of the mindless marines, Zoro sheathing his swords. But even Luffy was shocked when they cheered. 

“He’s gone!” 

“We’re free!” 

“Hey, Zoro, your first act as a pirate gets the marines to like you!” Luffy laughed. 

“Yeah, well, I think it won't stay that way for long.” 

“Do you believe me now when I say I’ll not be a bad pirate?” he grinned. 

“You ripped that guy’s jaw off. I’d say that’s pretty gruesome. And I doubt every marine we beat will get cheers from their people. But, that was some serious power. Part of your devil fruit?” 

“Haha, yeah! I’ll explain it all later.” Zoro seemed to have held out for that moment, once they were all safe, the marines not vying to arrest or take vengeance on the freshly formed pirate crew, he passed out, falling flat on his face. “Zoro!” Luffy shouted in worry. But he heard Zoro’s stomach growl obscenely loudly. He had only had a single rice ball for many days, and it wasn't natural for people to go as long as Luffy did without food. “Guess he’s real hungry.” 

Luffy looked to Coby’s injury. “You should get that checked out.” 

“Ah! It looks worse than it is! I think it’s just a graze. Um, let’s go to Rika’s tavern. I’m sure they’ll be happy with what happened!” Luffy nodded. 

“Wanna see how useful the tails are?” the pirate captain asked with a grin, relieved Zoro wasn't hurt. Just hungry and tired. Coby nodded slowly, and Luffy let them out, unable to only allow one at a time, and wrapped them snuggly around Zoro, lifting his up. “See, hands free!” he shouted, spreading his arms wide in emphasis. 

“So useful!” And they headed back into town, leaving carnage and bodies behind, and headed to Rika’s place. Coby didn't comment on how much Zoro smelled. He was a good person. But Luffy wasn't about to keep him around, and not just because it was his dream to be on the other side. Luffy didn't think Coby was at all ready to go out to sea, either as a pirate or marine. So, he would be a friend, but not a crewmate.

Luffy set Zoro down in a chair, and put some steaming, seasoned beef under his nose. It was how Luffy would wake Ace up from his narcolepsy fits. And it worked, Zoro opening his eyes before he dug in. Food first, shower later. 

Coby and Zoro ate while Luffy sat there a bit awkwardly. Everyone he’d grown up with had known he didn't eat, even if they didn't know what he did eat, but Coby only just found out and Zoro had no idea. 

“You not gonna eat?” Zoro asked critically. 

"I'm good.” Coby sent him a concerned look, and Luffy took a deep breath, hating that this would absolutely be a recurring problem. Zoro shrugged, but did keep sneaking looks at Luffy and his huge glass of iced water, which he kept having refilled. It wasn't like he had anything else to do while the other two ate. It was uncomfortable. 

After Zoro had inhaled a ton of food, though not quite to the extent Ace always had, he leaned back and said, “Ah, I haven't eaten for nine days. Fuck, I’m stuffed. And I stink.” Luffy had the decency not to nod in agreement. 

“You could ask Rika’s mom to let you use the shower,” Coby suggested. Zoro did just that, and gladly left to the bathroom while Coby and Luffy helped clean up, as they still weren't paying for their meals. Luffy had poor manners in general, but he even knew he should repay her kindness. Dine and dashing wasn't suitable for people who showed him kindness. 

When Zoro came back out, he was much cleaner, and his clothes had been scrubbed. Luffy was still trying to get blood out from under his fingernails, resisting using his incisors to try and carve it out. A normal person probably would not lick out blood like that. He felt like such an outsider already, but refused to let it dictate what he did from now on. 

When Luffy grabbed Coby’s used fork to scrape it out from under his nails, nobody batted an eye at it, thankfully. “You’re strong, Onii-san!” Rika said. 

“I know, right!” Luffy said cheerily, making Zoro snort. “And I’ll get even stronger later on.” 

“Oh, yeah. What’s your plan now?” 

“You mean our plan?” 

“You're captain, not me.” 

“What a change in attitude,” Coby said quietly. Zoro sent him a glare, and the boy stiffened, as if Zoro was still a demon in his eyes. At least Coby didn't look at Luffy in fear. He’d never hurt his friends. Never. 

Luffy beamed, and declared, “I’m gonna head for the Grand Line!” His eyes were bright with the prospect of finally getting there. Getting closer to his dream, and closer to Shanks. He couldn't wait to see him again. He was annoyed when Coby still doubted his plan. “I know its dangerous. I don't care, it’s my dream, I’ll go after it no matter what.” 

“Didn't you see him literally repel bullets and resist an ax hit?” Zoro commented, the two essentially against Coby’s point of view. “Not to mention punching someone so hard his jaw popped off.” He took another guzzle of his beer. Luffy beamed at him, Zoro smiling back. “So, we’re going for the One Piece, then? It won't hurt to head to that direction.” 

“You're talking rubbish, too!” 

“What’s your problem, you're not even coming with us,” Zoro frowned. 

“Am I not allowed to worry about you?! I know… I know we just met, Luffy-san, but we’re friends…?” he asked, uncertain. 

“Yeah, we’ll always be friends. We’re still friends, even if we part,” Luffy said confidently. Zoro had a smaller smile on. Coby’s own was tearful, but so true. 

“I never had friends growing up. Every time I would be picked on. Nobody would ever stand up for me.” Luffy had not been picked on, he had just been avoided like the plague. It was a lonely life until he met Shanks, and then when he met Ace and Sabo. Sounded like Coby had no Ace or Sabo in his life. It was sad. “But you two have, and made me want to chase my dreams.” 

Luffy smiled. “Well, that’s why we’re going to the Grand Line.” Zoro nodded in agreement. For the first time, Coby conceded and didn't counter Luffy’s claim - and now Zoro’s too! Well, until he corrected himself, repeating they were crazy. 

“You're crazy, too,” Zoro said, growing a bit impatient, too. “You want to join the marines after not only being a pirate, but going against them like you did. Just because Morgan was hated doesn't mean you didn't help break out a prisoner the marines captured to execute. They probably won't let you join,” he explained matter of factly, making Coby’s face go pale. “You didn't consider that?” 

“Not at the moment!” 

“Coby got brave. He should be proud.” 

“I guess,” Zoro said with half of a shrug. Luffy looked up before the door opened when the marines pushed it open, albeit not aggressively, more leisurely. Were they there to try and arrest them? Well, Luffy and Zoro wouldn't let that happen. 

“Excuse me. We are wondering if you are really pirates,” the marine who opened the door said, Luffy faintly recognizing his face, though the marines for some reason all looked very alike. Luffy happily confirmed this, unworried and unashamed to claim his new position now that he was building his crew. And it had only taken a week to get his first member! “Even if you are pirates and saved the town, and base, we are thankful. But, since you are pirates, we can't allow you to stay any longer,” he explained. “Please leave this place immediately. We will also be reporting the events to head quarters.” 

Shit, Grandpa would find out. 

The townspeople refused angrily, but Luffy thought they should leave now, anyways. Time to set sail! Zoro didn't protest, standing at the same time Luffy had. Neither acknowledged Coby as they walked away. If they did, he’d get in more trouble than he already would be. Luffy would feel terrible if it was their fault for him losing his dream before he even got to the real starting line. 

The main marine, who’d done all the explaining, asked Coby, “Aren't you with them?” 

Tearfully, Coby thankfully denied it. Another show of new strength. Luffy kept a smile off his face at the vast improvement. Hopefully Coby stuck to it. But, he wasn't believed. Luffy knew what he had to do, and wouldn't feel guilty for it because it was the only real thing to do. 

“We’re not together. You know what that guy used to do?! He was on a pirate ship with this faaat captain named Alvida! He spent two years there!” Coby looked horrified, betrayed, as Luffy planned. Then, angry. 

“SHUT UP!” Coby shouted, punching Luffy. He let himself stagger back a bit, as if surprised. Coby’s hand was red and sore when he brought it back. Luffy’s body was sort of like when Makino put cornstarch in water. When not hit, it was soft and pliable and squishy, but when hit with force, was a hard and solid. 

But Luffy kicked him back. “You deserve a beating!” If he used a punch, the marines would know he’d be holding back. Luffy had no intention of rearranging Coby’s face or organs. 

“That’s enough, you’re going too far,” Zoro said, grabbing the back of Luffy’s shirt to stop him, as if he couldn't just pull away and let his shirt tear off. 

“Get out! It’s clear you aren't friends! I won't let you hurt anyone else!” Luffy held his retort back. So, he and Zoro left the tavern, Zoro grinning like a mad man, taunting the marines. 

“You don't want to arrest me?” he asked, hand on his swords at his side, making the marine fodder flinch. Luffy didn't threaten them himself, amused with Zoro’s behavior. He was petty and it was perfect. The marines followed them to the coast and docks before leaving. Luffy was happy the barrels were still on the unharmed ship. They would need food from now on, as Zoro very clearly ate. Like everyone besides Luffy. 

“It was a good act. Doesn't matter if he was a pirate if he’s willing to give ‘justice’ and take it out on his criminal friend,” Zoro said lightly. 

“I believe he’ll become stronger and more independent in the future. And now you're a criminal friend.” 

"I'm not his friend.” Luffy blinked. 

“But you had food with him.” 

“So?” Zoro said a bit awkwardly. Luffy just shrugged. “We’ll need a bigger ship than this to go on the Grand Line.” 

“I have no money, so we can steal one!” Luffy cheered as he untethered the small boat. Zoro snorted. Luffy looked over his shoulder when Coby ran down to the coast. Zoro noticed, of course, and gave him a curious look, even though Luffy had admitted earlier that he had good enough hearing to hear Helmeppo’s lying heart. 

“Luffy-san! Thank you for everything! I’ll never forget you for the rest of my life!” Coby cried, saluting, no tears. 

“A marine saluting a pirate? Never thought I’d see it,” Zoro said with a grin, but not a nasty or intense one, a real smile. His and Luffy’s eyebrows both raised when the other marines came over, and joined the salute. It was very strange. Luffy wished they’d keep the shenanigans on this island a secret so they were in the harsher Grand Line to run from his Grandpa’s wrath at him leaving the island. 

Well, Grandpa would find out eventually. Luffy didn’t look forward to the inevitable confrontation it would cause. 

Chapter Text

Honestly I'm too hyped about posting this fic to wait two weeks for each update, so I'll probably switch to weekly updates. Enjoy!

The two left, looking out at the open sea. Zoro set his swords against the side of the ship, leaning against the low railing. They had apples and dried meat in a barrel and crate, two more barrels of water to drink. Luffy was glad he didn't need to eat the food so it could last much longer. “So, you gonna explain your fruit?” Zoro asked not long after the island was out of view, and they were officially wandering, no map, no compass, nothing. Just hopefully some luck and short time. 

Luffy nodded, and turned to sit facing his first crewmate, cross legged, just like he had been when he explained to Coby on this very boat. “I can stretch, and bounce back attacks. Even with that, I’m sorta - well, I can't get hurt easily. You saw that captain’s ax not hurt me. I have better strength than most people. You probably already noticed the hearing stuff, and I can smell really good. Also, I can grow tails! They’re super useful.” 

“That’s a weird devil fruit. Though I’ve never heard of them before,” Zoro said casually. “That have anything to do with why you haven't eaten anything?” Luffy nodded. Maybe saying it was his devil fruit that caused it was good. Not like his explanation wasn't outlandish already. He had no idea if other devil fruits actually had these much powers. Not that most were actually from the fateful fruit he was able to actually digest. 

Zoro asked, “Can I see the tails?” Luffy nodded, and seamlessly, thoughtlessly, brought them out. He’d used them countless times for various tasks. They never let him down. He’d been able to use them for as long as he could remember, though hadn't used them in Windmill Village much. He had used them in his house he lived mostly alone in while his grandfather was gone. It was only once he was dumped on the bandit’s doorstep that he actually started using them much more often. 

He bent one forward to Zoro, who just stared at it in confusion. “Can I touch it?” he asked. Luffy nodded, and Zoro poked it. “It’s hard. I expected tails to be furry or something,” he commented, trying to squeeze it with his whole hand, but it was the only non-squishy part of Luffy’s body. “What kinds of things can you do with them?” 

Luffy counted on his fingers as he listed them. “I can hunt things with them - I used it a lot to get food for everyone at home - and carry things around. I can use them to climb things. I even carried you with them once you passed out at the island.” Zoro huffed, embarrassed about that. “I can also do this,” and Luffy wrapped it around Zoro’s ankle, yanking him into the air. 

“Put me down, asshole!” Luffy laughed loudly and set Zoro back down. “Don't fucking do that.” Luffy still grinned. But the older teen dropped the topic, losing his anger fairly quickly, crossing his arms again. “You're ridiculously overpowered.” 

“Don't worry, you're strong, too!” 

"I'm not worried. You can't use swords, clearly.” Luffy nodded, as that was true. “Wait, if you can't be stabbed, why’d you agree to my threat? I literally said you’d stab yourself to death if you got in my way.” 

“It’s the thought that counts,” Luffy said in an innocent voice. For the first time, Zoro burst into serious laughter, making Luffy smile, pleased. Usually, he was only funny for being stupid. Well, maybe he was being stupid right now. Who knows? “Do you threaten everyone that is nice to you?”

“I wouldn't say blackmailing me into joining is ‘nice’,” Zoro pointed out, no anger in his voice, just matter of fact.

“But I saved you.” 

“With strings attached.” 

“Heh. Then do you regret it so far?” 

“At least all the food and booze are for me,” Zoro replied with a lazy shrug. “But no, I don't threaten anyone whose nice to me, asshole.” Luffy giggled. 

They wandered around for a few days, letting the sea take them wherever they would go, Zoro not once commenting on Luffy eating not a thing. He was very grateful for it. 

Luffy noticed the ship coming their way first, knowing it was empty, no sounds of scents of people. Luffy leaned over the side and used his tails as paddles to get close. Zoro stood right before they got to the side, putting his swords in the holder in his sash. “There’s nobody inside,” Luffy commented. 

“Damn. Was looking for a fight.” Luffy climbed aboard, tossing a rope to Zoro, who knew how to tie it correctly, having been wandering around himself, admitting he had gotten lost after leaving his island over a year ago. He knew more sailing than Luffy did! Which was useful, even if he wasn't a very good navigator. Coby was much better at it.

Zoro climbed up, too when Luffy threw down a rope net to help him. They explored the ship, the sails slashed to nothing, with a poorly painted clown jolly roger painted on the floor boards. Looked like it was attacked by pirates. Zoro voiced that casually. 

“Maybe they have food,” Luffy said, but the interior, when they entered, was trashed and looted, with nothing of value. Literally nothing. No maps, compass, food, water, blankets. Truly ransacked. 

“Looks like not,” Zoro stated, picking up a bloody piece of a shattered plate on the floor. He found a spilled bottle of broken sake and sighed. He had already explained he loved alcohol but was unable to get drunk. Luffy remembered the things Garp had said about Dadan being “a high functioning alcoholic”. Zoro had been offended at that.

“There’s some rope,” Luffy mused, picking up a long one laying on the ground. He didn't realize the end was tied to the rigging until there was a snapping sound, and he and Zoro looked up, Luffy not getting out of the way fast enough before the mast itself broke in half, and landed hard on Luffy, knocking him down. 

“Luffy!” 

“I’m fine!” he said in a hurry, not wanting Zoro to worry. He stood up and threw it off. His shirt was ripped at the back, the only one he currently had. Zoro just stared at him. 

“What the hell are you? You’re fucking indestructible.” 

“Haha, mostly,” Luffy said, scratching his head a bit. “But at least my crew won't need to worry about me!” Unless I get hungry and we have no food. He instantly felt worse. “And you don't have to worry, either. Unless I drown. That would suck,” Luffy mused. 

Zoro sighed. “We should get off the ship if it’s falling apart.” Luffy nodded, thankful his hat hadn't been damaged. They climbed down the rope netting carefully, and jumped onto the little boat, making it rock wildly at the sudden impact of their weight. They stumbled a bit before quickly sitting back down. Luffy was so thankful he didn't get seasick. No motion sickness. 

“That’s a jolly roger they painted. Meaning pirates around.” But Zoro was grinning as he said it. Luffy laughed. “I want to fight them. You can watch.” Luffy pouted, crossing his arms. “You’re not gonna order me to back off and let you fight?” 

The younger by two years stuck his tongue out at him. “I already told you I’d be a good captain. Like Shanks. And I think I’m doing a good job so far.” 

“Alright, captain, yes, you're doing a good job. Happy?” 

"I'm happier than I’ve ever been before, so yeah.” Zoro rose his brows at the claim. “I mean, I have two friends, and you joined me and I’m chasing my dream, now. I never had friends at home. It’s nice knowing I’m okay at making them!” The swordsman gave a much softer smile.

“You did blackmail me.” 

“You could have left. I wouldn't have physically forced you.” Zoro looked away, no response. “We’re you lonely, too?” Luffy asked, cocking his head. “Traveling alone and all? I don't think dead bodies would be much company.” 

“I was fine. I was chasing my dream, too.” 

“Were you happy?” 

“You sure ask a lot of questions.” 

“Okay, then you can ask some for me. Make it even. And then you’ll give me a real answer.” 

“Fine. How’d you eat your devil fruit?” 

“I found it in a treasure chest and wanted to try it. Haha, I didn't know it was a devil fruit until I stretched and freaked out.” Zoro snorted. “I was seven - it was scary. But awesome. I really like my powers.” 

“Who’s Shanks?” 

“He’s the pirate who made me want to be a pirate. He also gave me my hat. It’s my number one treasure. I could lose everything as long as I have my hat. I promised him I’d become a better pirate than him. He also saved me from being eaten by a sea king, and lost his arm because of it,” Luffy said with a fond smile. “He said ‘it’s just an arm. I have another, I’m just glad you're safe’.” 

Zoro smiled again. “I kind of want to meet him now.” 

“We will. I swear.” 

“I believe you on that.” Luffy beamed. They stayed in comfortable silence for awhile before Zoro took a nap, and Luffy kept look out for any island, when he wasn't smiling at his first nakama. He was nice, and strong and cool. A good first pick. Luffy would not have forced him to join. Not if Zoro really didn't want to. And he clearly hadn't hated the idea enough to try and chop Luffy up and leave. It was a relief to at least have one crew member who was violent. He’d killed a lot of people. Luffy would probably need to do it someday. Grandpa wasn't sending meat to him anymore. He lost his smile at the thought of what he would need to do. Disrespecting someone even in death. But, it was the only way he could keep the people he cared about safe… from him. 

He’d already proven he was a danger to those he loved, when the meat hadn't made it to the island in time, and Luffy attacked Ace, biting him hard enough to bleed, but not yet strong enough to really do terrible damage. Ace had had no choice but to throw him over the side of the cliff and into the water, before he rescued him. 

Conveniently, the meat had arrived the next day, while Ace only kept him subdued by tying him to a tree and having him partially submerged in the water below. Luffy had never blamed him, and was thankful he was stopped. And even then, Ace had accepted and loved him. Even offered to kill people in Gray Terminal, or from the kingdom itself, to keep him fed. 

Not just because Luffy was dangerous and out of his mind when hungry, but because it was also incredibly painful. Being hungry was terrifying, because it happened so suddenly. An hour after realizing he was hungry, he could go berserk with no real warning. So, he tried to keep his schedule. Two months and he’d eat. 

Luckily for him, a shipment of a lot of meat came a week before he was to leave. So he was fully fed and safe for a month and a half. He was very grateful he didn't always see other people as meals, and nobody ever smelled “delicious”. He didn't look at Zoro and think he would taste good. 

Somehow, even though he clearly wasn't a human - a normal human at least - he still had the heart of one. Luffy wanted to be loved, too. Have people care about him, maybe enough to overlook his diet if they did love him enough, like Ace had. The only one. The only one Luffy trusted to love him unconditionally. 

The new captain was sad until Zoro woke up, and he shook off his upset. It also helped an island was in the distance, though not in sight yet. A good distraction from Luffy’s inner turmoil. But it seemed Zoro somehow read Luffy’s mood, even when he did his best to hide it. “What’s wrong?” 

“What do you mean?” Luffy asked, thinking he was concealing it perfectly. 

“I don't know, you just seem sad.”

“I’m fine. Promise.” He was extremely grateful that Zoro didn't press. “I hope we find more crew members soon! We need a doctor, a musician, a navigator! And a cook for everyone else!” 

“You act like you never eat.” Luffy fell silent, awkwardly. “Do you never eat?” 

Luffy shook his head. “It’s not that I’m, uh, starving myself or anything. Just most food makes me really sick.” 

“Do you know why?” 

“Cause of my powers or something. I’ve tried a lot of times. It makes me throw up, and if I force myself to eat it even though I need to throw up, I get really ill.” 

“How ill?” Zoro asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion. 

“One time it got so bad I threw up hard enough to bleed, too.” Zoro looked a bit horrified. “So, I just don't eat,” Luffy added with a shrug. 

“Then food is rancid to you? All kinds?” Luffy nodded. “Even fruits and vegetables?” He nodded again. “Can you drink anything but water?” 

“No.” 

“Wow, that fucking sucks.” Luffy shrugged, not saying he’d never known anything different. His alibi was his fruit, and he was not born with a devil fruit. But at least Luffy knew Zoro wasn't going to try and convince him to eat. He just hoped the rest of his future crew were that understanding. And had no idea the boundaries of devil fruits, what was strange or inaccurate. 

Hell, Luffy didn't even know the extent. He knew the barebones from Shanks and his grandfather, but they were the only people Luffy had ever met who’d been off Dawn Island. Things would be okay, because he’d hide it expertly! He was sure of this. He’d break off from his crew on islands every time it was needed, even if it was before the two month cut off. Luffy was talented at inhaling his food, not wanting to have to eat it for long. 

While it did taste good, especially compared to every other real food, he hated it, felt guilt, felt disgusting. Its main appeal was not taste or experience, but keeping control of himself. He’d do anything to not hurt his friends or innocent people. But, he wasn't so in denial that he thought he could eat without killing someone. 

An arm or a leg… its not enough, really. He needed a lot more than just limbs. Garp had known, which was why he sent a whole refrigerators amount at a time. Anything to survive as normally as possible. To never attack his loved ones, like he had Ace. Garp had once mentioned how Luffy behaved when he didn't know what he had to eat, attacking Garp with his tiny fists and baby teeth, lacking any strength or the tails at that age. 

Luffy had to admit, right after he started to eat, and had become a normal little boy, with toys, no violence or hunger, drooling, crying in pain and anger, Garp had… he’d loved him. He’d stayed on the island for a couple months, so happy Luffy was acting normal. 

But, not long after it came, two months almost exactly, it was like Luffy flipped a switch, and so the schedule was made and had continued that way for the next twelve years. Until now. Which was Luffy’s choice. After it proved Luffy had ongoing issues, Garp’s “love” for him was gone. Like he was the one to flip a switch. 

It had hurt him deeply. When he confessed it to Ace one night after he found out Luffy’s terrible secret, he’d been furious and vowed to beat the shit out of Garp in revenge for hurting his little brother. 

Luffy missed him every day the last three years. And while he didn't know how to read, Dadan did, and would read him the articles about Ace’s crew causing trouble for everyone. She liked to know about Ace, too, and was willing to share it with Luffy, which he was grateful for. 

“We’re getting close to an island!” Luffy cheered excitedly. 

“What? Where?” 

“That way. I can hear it.” 

“Is it ever inconvenient?” Zoro asked, intrigued again to hear more of Luffy’s weirdness. 

“Eh, one time when I was little, a canon went off by my head and blew out my eardrums. It hurt.” Zoro winced at hearing it. The swordsman sighed when his stomach rumbled loudly. “You should eat before we land.” 

“And where do you think food is? We’re out, and have no fishing equipment. I’ll be fine,” Zoro said, relaxing against the side of the boat again. “Besides, if we’re pirates, I can just steal some food when we get to the island,” Zoro said with a grin, making Luffy laugh. Before he saw a bird above. 

“What about that?!” 

“And how are you supposed to catch it?” Zoro questioned, sounding completely disinterested. 

“Watch this! Gum gum…” as he stretched his arms on the mast, pulling back as they gained tension, wanting to snap back into place painlessly, “ROCKET!” He shot off, knowing he’d get the bird perfectly, his timing great. Until he realized the bird was huge. As in bigger than Luffy! “Crap!” He would fall into the ocean if he tried to get out of the way. Zoro would save him, but probably be really annoyed. 

In a terrible turn of events, the bird was now trying to eat Luffy, his head in its beak. “Help meeeee!” Luffy shouted to Zoro, flailing around a little bit as the bird flew away. 

“You moron!” Zoro shouted, furiously rowing, but he wouldn't catch up to Luffy in time! But they were heading in the direction of the island, coming up faster now that he wasn't on a slow boat with mild winds, stalling the speed of the sailing. If he got over land, he could get down safely. The bird eating him was not the danger, it dropping him was what could kill him. He could probably hold his breath for a bit, but was still immobile in water and sunk like the anchor Shanks had always called him. 

He was getting ready to land before he saw people below, in the city that was surprisingly empty of people. Though, his head was caught and he wasn't able to see very well, he knew by not hearing people, they were not present, or at least not close. So, he was startled when a canon was shot at him, hitting the bird, allowing him to fall. 

Luffy’s clothes were singed as the bird fell to its death, landing with light crunching, dead before it hit the stone ground. Luffy, however, was just fine. “Ah, I landed!” he said brightly. “Hmm… where’s Zoro?” He finally took real notice of the people. Four in total, three men who was clearly pirates, and one woman. “Do you know where Zoro is?” 

“Boss! I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve been waiting for you to save me!” the woman said. Luffy glanced behind him, but there was nobody there. She was talking to him. Scratching his head, he tried to remember if he met her before, but couldn't remember ever seeing her. Her scent also was unfamiliar. He honestly could recognize people better by their scents and not appearance. 

The redhead called, “I’ll leave everything to you, boss!” and sprinted away. 

“God damnit, she ran off again!” one of the pirates shouted furiously. 

“It’s fine, we have her boss right here!” 

Luffy was very short and lanky compared to the men, but was unafraid. “Who is she?” he asked. 

“Like you don't know!” 

“Maybe he hit his head in the fall.” 

“That woman is gonna be the death of you. A thieving bitch.” Luffy blinked. He wasn't about to die. He didn't even move from where he stood, taking out his tails, and slamming them into the sides of their heads, knocking them unconscious instantly. He put his hat back on his head, as it had fallen to his back, held up by the very helpful string Ace had woven for him as a goodbye gift. 

“Wow! You beat them up so easily! Is that a devil fruit?” Luffy looked up at the woman. 

“Who are you, anyways?” Luffy asked. Had she set him up? Kind of rude to do. But she was beaming. 

“I’m Nami! I’m a thief who only steals from pirates. Want to be partners?” 

“Man, first a pirate hunter and now a pirate thief,” Luffy mused. "I'm not gonna join you,” he said bluntly, and turned to walk away, before looting the bodies, shoving the money into his pockets. Zoro wanted alcohol, so he’d buy him some. 

“Oh, you steal from pirates, too?! Are you sure you don't want to be partners?” Nami insisted. Luffy ignored her and kept walking, planning on finding Zoro when he landed. He had not gotten a look at the city from above very well, but the sea was very easy to track down. “Where are you going? I could show you around,” she said, following behind him. 

Luffy responded, “I got taken away from my crewmember, so I’m gonna go look for him.” 

“So, you were separated, huh? Where did you guys split?” She was holding a rolled up piece of paper behind her back with one hand. Luffy didn't question it. He wasn't too interested. 

“A bit away from the island,” Luffy answered. 

“With the winds so weak right now, it might take him a bit to get here.” Luffy pouted. “For now, are you hungry? The houses are full of food.” 

“Is there alcohol?” Luffy asked, not answering her question. He really didn't want to talk about eating right now. She nodded. “Great! Zoro can have some! Show me!” Nami picked the nearest house, took out a hairpin and unlocked the door. “Did you forget your key?” Luffy asked, walking straight into the house, realizing she either didn't live here or didn't come much, because her scent wasn't there at all. But all the townspeople were gone, it seemed. So, he went into the kitchen and took out all the bottles from the fridge and cupboards. He stared at them, recognizing some, but he had never been taught to read or write besides his and his loved ones’ names. 

“Which one is alcohol?” Luffy asked, pointing at his gathered stash of to-be-stolen booze. 

Nami blinked at him in confusion before she pointed out what was what. “Did you seriously think a bottle of ketchup was alcohol?” 

“I can't read,” Luffy said brightly. 

“O-Oh,” Nami said, seeming unable to come up with a response. 

“This isn't your house is it?” 

“No. The people who lived here fled the city already. They’re trying to avoid Buggy’s crew.” 

“I thought you only stole from pirates,” Luffy said bluntly. 

"I'm not the one stealing!” 

“But you gave me permission to.” 

“I only steal from pirates!” Luffy dropped the subject when she was starting to get angry. “I’m sure nobody would be upset I’m eating their food when causing Buggy problems.” 

“Whose Buggy?” 

“A pirate captain. He drove everyone out.” 

“Is he so scary?” 

“Well, the people who liver here are scared of him. He’s a well known pirate who loves canons.” Well, Luffy had never heard of him, but he’d lived away from people most of his life, and never read the news paper unless it had to do with Shanks or Ace. He really didn't know anybody out in the wide world, but that just made it more exciting! “When a little kid made fun of his nose in some village he stayed at, he blew everyone up with a canon! It was awful. He also has a really weird power.” 

“Where is everyone?” Luffy asked. 

“Weren't you listening?! I already told you they ran away from Buggy!” Nami shouted, starting to get irritated. 

“When?” 

“A couple days ago.” 

“Heh. Then their food would still be here when they come back? And you’re stealing from them,” Luffy mused, meaning no offense. 

"I'm borrowing!” 

“How do you give it back?” he asked. 

“God, you're exhausting to talk to! Nobody is going to miss some food and alcohol.” 

“Zoro would.” She put her hand to her forehead in exasperation. “Haha, calm down! I won't tell them!” 

“Gee, how generous,” she sighed. “My goal is to get a hundred million beri. Then I’m going to buy a certain village.” She sounded very happy and determined when saying this. Luffy still keeping his ears open for Zoro, who would probably call his name when he came back, knowing Luffy could easily hear him when he did. 

“Buy a village? You want to be a landlord?” She slapped her hand to her face again. “A hundred million is a lot. You’ll have to steal a lot.”  

“I have a plan for that! Look, this is what they’re so pissed at me for,” she said proudly, finally revealing the rolled up piece of paper. “Its a map of the Grand Line! I’m going to steal all the treasure I can from Buggy, and then go to the Grand Line and steal even more!” 

“You can sail?!” 

"I'm the best navigator you’d see in the East Blue,” she nodded, crossing her arms smugly. “So, whatcha think? Wanna team up? You seem strong, and then you’ll get a share of the treasure if you help me.” 

“That’s great! You can come with us, we’re going to the Grand Line, too!” 

“Really?!” she asked brightly. 

“Yeah! We need a navigator to join our pirate crew!” Instantly, her smile was gone, and she scowled at Luffy in open disgust. 

“Never! I’ll never join a pirate crew!” 

“It’ll be fun!” Luffy said, unfazed by her sudden hatred. 

“No way! Man, you're a pirate? Then the whole conversation was wasted! I don't want to team up with you.” 

“I’ll be a good pirate! Going on adventures around the world. I’m sure you’ll have fun, too!” She again refused. “Man, you should have met Shanks, he’d have convinced you easy!” 

“Shanks?” she asked. It didn't seem like she hated him that much. Maybe because he hadn't hurt her or anything, when most pirates probably would have been angry she set them up. 

“Yeah! He’s the pirate who gave me my dream, and my hat, my greatest treasure. I promised him I’d be a strong pirate and bring it back to him after I become the Pirate King and find the One Piece!” She looked extremely unimpressed. 

“Pirates this, pirates that. What a sad, stupid era on the sea.” Luffy rose his brows, but didn't get angry. “Listen, the thing I hate the most in the world is pirates! I only love money and tangerines!” 

“How boring.” 

“What?!” 

“Do you only eat tangerines?” 

She was dumbfounded, but didn't reply for a long moment. Luffy spoke first. “C’mon, become our navigator.” 

“Never! I hate you stupid pirates!” Luffy pouted. “Wait… I’ll team up with you, since you seem to be in a fix.” Luffy could hear her heartbeat give away her lie. He frowned, a little disappointed. 

“You're not a very good liar,” Luffy complained. She looked confused, and shocked, questioning what he meant. “When people lie, their hearts beat faster. Yours is going really fast.” 

"I'm asking a pirate for help, of course I’m nervous!” 

“Oh!” Luffy bonked his fist into his other palm. “Okay, that makes sense! I am kinda in a fix, so what is your plan?” 

“It’s a condition, too. I want you to come with me to see Buggy,” Nami said with a mischievous grin. 

“Are we gonna beat him up? If we are, we should wait for Zoro cause he likes fighting and I don't want to hog all the action.” She huffed. 

“Fine, we’ll wait for your friend.” Luffy smiled, and about ten minutes later, he heard Zoro calling his name. 

“Be right back!” and Luffy darted out of the house, finding Zoro walking around, looking exceedingly annoyed. “Zoro!” 

“Looks like the bird didn't eat you, huh?” Zoro called casually. 

“People shot it out of the sky! I met a navigator and we’re gonna go beat up some pirates.” Zoro grinned at the prospect of a good fight. “But first, I found a lot of free alcohol if you wanna have some.” 

“Fuck yes,” Zoro confirmed, and they walked back to the house, Luffy gesturing to the trove of booze bottles. He grinned, and sat in a chair at the table and guzzled thee bottles in a row. 

“You - you’re gonna be drunk to fight?!” 

“Oh right, this is Nami. She steals from pirates, hates them, and likes money.” Zoro arched a brow. “Also, Zoro is a high functioning alcoholic! He’ll be fine.” 

“Stop calling me that!” Zoro snapped, Luffy laughing. Nami looked at them in bafflement. But they didn't plan on hurting her or anything. “Anyways,” he huffed, “what is the plan? We just gonna go beat the shit out of them?” He saw Nami’s look of disgust. “What, you want to go have civil conversation to the pirates? Thought you hated all of us.” 

“I’m having a civil conversation with you.” 

“With pirates. Which you ‘hate’.” 

“Are you picking a fight?!” Nami shouted, losing all her patience at this point. Zoro said nothing, and drank some more, before all of it was gone. It was impressive. 

“Alright, I’m good, now,” Zoro said, popping his neck to the side. “Let’s go bust a clown up.” 

“Wait! That’s a reckless plan!” Nami insisted. “I just need his treasure. If you both die I probably won’t get the treasure!” 

“If we beat his crew up, all the townspeople will be fine, right?” Luffy said. “Also, I didn't know Zoro was so good at being sarcastic.” 

“Eh, I’m not the best.” 

“Wha- you both make no sense!” 

“Luffy wants to be a ‘good’ pirate. What’s so weird about yanking a problem out by the roots?” Zoro asked casually. Nami just gaped at them before snapping her mouth shut, and turning around, walking to the door. 

“Fine. Have it your way. But if you both drag me down I’ll make you pay!” 

She walked out, and the two men followed her. “Why on earth do you want her to join? She’s a bitch.” 

“She wants to be a landlord.” 

“The fuck does that have to do with anything?!” Zoro laughed. “And how do you even know what a landlord is? You lived in the middle of a forest, didn't you?” 

“I lived in a house first. And Grandpa had a fight with the guy who owned it, and took it away from him. Nami wants to buy a village with a lot of money she steals from pirates.” 

“Guess its a good thing we’re dead broke.” 

“Oh, I looted some money from the guys I beat up,” Luffy said, and pulled the pile of coins out. Zoro was unimpressed, and said that wasn't even enough to buy a good meal. “Really? Me and Ace always just stole food or dine and dashed.” 

“You tried to repay Rika’s mom, though.” 

“Because she was nice to us. So we helped her,” Luffy said with a shrug. “The people who owned the restaurant we kept stealing from was a jerk.” 

“You don't eat. What did you have?” 

“I ordered a big thing of ice cubes and ate those.” Zoro felt very sorry for him, like he’d lost something treasured. Luffy didn't miss food, which was a plus. It smelled like nothing and tasted terrible. He didn't feel sorry for himself never eating human food, but would rather do that than eat people. “When we get a ship, we’ll get a fridge that can make ice so I can eat with everyone else.” 

“Aye, captain,” Zoro agreed. Nami was clearly listening in on them, as they weren't speaking in hushes. But she said nothing, besides muttering “stupid pirates” under her breath. 

When they arrived at the end of a street, even the normal humans could hear the ruckus above them. Nami’s fists were balled, and she turned around with a blazing look. Luffy blinked at it. Man, she really did hate all pirates. They hadn't even done anything to her, not that they planned to. 

“What’s your problem?” Zoro asked, sharp eyebrow raised. 

“Don't lose. And don't rat me out. My plan is that I’m gonna turn you both in and while they’re distracted, I’ll steal all the treasure.” 

“Ah, I’m not a very good liar,” Luffy volunteered. 

“Good thing you're self aware,” Zoro stated. 

“Haha! Sometimes! Shishishi,” Luffy laughed. Zoro grinned, and Nami looked utterly exhausted. “But I can escape anytime just fine.” 

“Why can't we just go wild on them and you sneak in anyways? Is it some grudge about pirates that you want to try and humiliate us?” Zoro asked critically. “Sorry, but I’m not interested in being seen as weak.” He still held a lot of anger at being duped and weakened. Luffy wouldn't mention it to anyone. Nami looked uncomfortable, but conceded, and walked the other way around, muttering angry curses under her breath. 

The two climbed up the stairs, the clown pirates all too distracted in their antics to notice the two newcomers. Not until Zoro unsheathed two swords. “Heard you guys are a strong crew!” he called, interrupting all of them. He could be real loud when he wanted to. Luffy knew the most obvious way to get attention quickly was the tails, and not his devil fruit. 

So he brought them all out, eyes zeroing on the pirate captain, based on his hat and his position in his chair, as well as being the only one to be sitting. Luffy saw, out of the corner of his eye, Nami quietly, successfully slipping inside their tent. 

“Who might you be?” 

“I’m Luffy! The man who will become the Pirate King!” Luffy announced, which was his regular greeting by now. Zoro grinned. 

“Roronoa Zoro. Pirate hunter.” Luffy laughed. 

“Roronoa! Captain Buggy, he’s a bounty hunter! He’s killed a ton of people in the last year alone!” one pirate shouted. He was shot in the back, and Luffy scowled. They were hurting their own crewmates? How disgusting. 

“If I kill the Pirate Hunter, my name will be even more renowned,” Buggy said. 

“Stupid big nose, Zoro’d never lose to you!” Luffy called. The whole crew went silent in horror, faces pale as Buggy’s face turned red to match his nose. 

“I think that wasn't the best thing to say,” Zoro said, thoroughly amused. “Well, I don't care. Let’s go!” 

The shot forward, and started to attack everyone who pulled up arms against them. Luffy, however, was going gentler than he had at Morgan. These were enemies, but he really didn't want to kill people if he could help it. And this crew was weak, though there were quite a lot of them. Zoro was having a great time, grinning in an evil way around his sword as he chopped people up. He was having fun, while this was training for Luffy in a sense on how hard to go against normal humans. He didn't want to rip jaws off again. 

Buggy was furious that his crew was being beaten so bad, and revealed his devil fruit by separating his hand from his arm, holding knives as they drove towards Zoro’s back. Luffy wouldn't allow him to get hurt, and stretched his arm to grab the floating hand, yanking it away. Buggy had control of it even detached from his body, and changed their course to drive into Luffy. 

Too bad they shattered when meeting his skin. Once it was at a threshold that it couldn't stretch anymore, it broke. The remaining pirates grew shocked, and Zoro ran at Buggy, slicing him up with all three swords. The swordsman looked over his shoulder at Luffy, who was watching the pieces of his body. The hand that he now had pinned under his foot was still moving, so Buggy was not dead. 

“Bahahaha! You think some silly swords can kill me?!” Buggy’s dismembered head shouted, as the chunks of his body flew back into place, floating otherwise. Zoro looked disgusted, like this was the most disgusting thing he’d ever seen in his life. 

“You're a devil fruit user, too?” Luffy asked, eyes wide because he was the first devil fruit user Luffy had ever met. But he was human - smelled that way. Luffy wasn't thinking he was like him, knowing he wasn't. 

“I’m a chop chop man! What are you?” 

“I’m a rubberman who can grow tails,” Luffy said. 

“What a lousy power! Listen here, no blade can kill me!” The remaining crew members who were not seriously injured or dead were chuckling. 

“Guess it’s your turn, captain,” Zoro said casually, though he looked amused. 

“You think some lousy rubber devil fruit can defeat me?! Don't make me laugh!” Buggy shouted, deeply offended by even the thought. Luffy snapped one tail forward, and was able to slam it into Buggy’s chest piece, him grunting as the air was knocked out of him. Luffy then wrapped it around his floating head, tightly. 

“What the hell are these things?!” Buggy shouted unable to get his head free. His legs and hands moved to try and beat Luffy, kicking and punching over and over, but they just bounced off his rubbery, invincible body. He squeezed the head a little more, face turning purple and lipsticked lips pressed together in a pucker as he could no longer speak out of it. 

Luffy heard a sudden gasp from behind him, smelling blood, and saw Buggy’s left hand had stopped failing to hurt Luffy and stabbed Zoro in the side. “Zoro!” Luffy shouted in alarm. “Why you!” 

He slammed his fist into Buggy’s face, red nose bursting blood. But he laughed, even with his broken, bulbous nose and bruised face. “Don't worry, I’m fine!” Zoro shouted, sounding more annoyed than anything else, while Luffy was furious. 

Buggy learned his lesson about underestimating Luffy’s extra limbs, perhaps not worthy of being called tails. No animal had a tail so flexible and useful. He floated around, avoiding each tail. Luffy was getting a little frustrated before his attention was once again brought to Zoro. Who was now on his knees, pressing his hand to his heavily bleeding side. 

“Zoro!” Luffy called, Zoro slumping forward with no reply. He turned and ran towards him, slinging him over his shoulder. “Zoro! I’ll get you out of here! We have to leave!” Luffy shouted as loudly as he could, hoping Nami would hear. The pirates, including Buggy, all laughed at him retreating in such a manner. 

Luffy turned and ran when he saw Nami slip out of the tent and hurry down. “Ready the canon, boys! Blow the entire street apart with them on it!” 

Luffy wrapped Zoro in his tails and jumped down from the roof, sprinting to Nami, who he also picked up, smooshing her into Zoro’s side, who was fully unconscious. “What are you doing?!” Nami screamed. 

“Running! Zoro can't fight, I can't fight with him or you injured!” Nami was silent. 

“Ready?! Fire!” 

Luffy darted down the alleyway of the street. “Nami, make sure to save me!” Luffy shouted, and the only way they got out of the blast was to jump off the street, the only thing on the other side being the sea. The moment he entered the water, he went limp, his tails releasing Zoro and Nami both, turning useless themselves. 

Nami untangled herself, and grabbed Zoro swimming to the surface as hard as she could, surprisingly good at swimming with a heavy load. Luffy heard her grunt and get Zoro’s upper body out onto the ground, full of broken bits of wood and shattered glass from the decimated houses. His bottom half continued to rest in the water, but he could breathe and wasn't sinking. Unlike Luffy. 

Being in the water was exhausting. Nami was swimming down to him as hard as she could, and Luffy was only able to extend a hand, which she grabbed, and kicked to the surface. Luffy was heavy in the water, the devil fruit curse making him sink faster. His tails weren't helping, but he couldn't retract them. 

When she breached the surface with a violent gasp, she dragged Luffy up next, climbing out and taking hold of Luffy’s scruff of his damaged shirt and dragged him out, the teen coughing out water, even if he hadn't breathed any in. 

“That… was… stupid!” Nami panted. “You're a devil fruit user!” 

“I would have survived,” Luffy huffed out. “You both wouldn't have.” 

“You could have killed yourself!” Nami insisted. 

Luffy gave a tired smile. “Sorry. It was all I could think of!” The strength was coming back into his body, and he sat up. Zoro was pale. “We have to get him to a doctor. 

"I'm gonna pick both of you up again and run,” Luffy said. Nami nodded, and yelped when she was grabbed again, though Luffy was not rough with either of them. He sprinted as fast as he could, jumping over rubble and debris, thankful for no splinters or any injuries. He still had his sandals, but they were made of straw, too. 

When the pirates were out of hearing and scent range, Luffy slowed, panting. He set Nami down and carefully laid Zoro down next, who had woken up but was still out of it. “Zoro, are you okay?!” 

“Fuck,” he groaned. “I need a nap-” 

“Is it safe?” Nami asked in worry. “I mean, Buggy’s still out there and now he’s probably furious at it.” 

“We can't run,” Luffy said. “If we run, we can't get your treasure and you’d have to wait even longer to buy your village. Plus, we need the map!” Nami pressed her lips together and then stood up. 

“Listen! Just cause you saved me doesn't mean I’m gonna be friends with you!” 

“You saved us, too.” 

“Cause you forced me to!” 

“You coulda’ let us sink. You didn’t.” Zoro had fallen back unconscious, but this time was spread eagled and snoring loudly. Luffy stood up next, hair stuck to his face from the submersion. “You saved us, so we’re getting your treasure back,” he said seriously. She was speechless, and Luffy, unintentionally ruined it. “And then you can be our navigator and see we’re nice pirates!” he laughed. 

“A pirate is a pirate! Pirates killed someone very important to me!” Luffy frowned. He was reminded of his own important person dying. Sabo was killed by nobles, but the marines by extension. And Luffy would probably have a very, very hard time forgiving even an innocent one of them - if someone like that existed. 

“Okay.” 

“Okay?” Nami asked in surprise. 

“I understand. I want you to be our navigator, but I’m not gonna force you,” Luffy said in his simple way. She fell silent. “But we’ll work together.” 

“Yeah… not partners. Let’s just say we’re cooperating. Helping each other to achieve our goals!” She lifted her hand, and Luffy high fived it in agreement. “What are we gonna do about him?” she asked, both looking at Zoro. 

“He’ll be better in a couple minutes.” 

“He was stabbed,” Nami insisted. “How is he going to fight? His swords are useless against Buggy’s chop chop fruit. And you lost, too. Because of us. Wouldn't it be better for you to just go take him out alone?” 

“You would trust me to retrieve all your treasure?” 

“No. You make a strong argument.” 

“Was I arguing?” Luffy asked, confused since he had not been intending to. Nami sighed and shook her head. “We’ll just take a little break.” Luffy flopped down on his back, arms wide. “What a shitty pirate crew. Destroying the whole island just for fun. All those people lost their houses. Stupid big nose clown,” he said sourly. 

“Why do you sound so surprised by this? Pirates are inherently bad. How do you not know that?” 

“Until now, I’d only really known good pirates. On my island, there was a failing pirate crew. They were bad people, killed a lot of people. Its sad it seems like more pirates are like them than Shanks.”

“You really set out to sea with no idea what the world was like?” Nami asked, sitting down next to them. Luffy was happy she wasn't yelling anymore. 

“I knew. I knew enough to know what I wanted to do. I’ll chase my dream no matter what.” 

“You just want the One Piece. What pirate crew doesn't?” 

“I don't just want the One Piece! I want the adventure of getting it! And to make lifelong bonds with crewmembers. That’s what Shanks said his crew was. I really want that, too,” Luffy explained, beaming at the sky. "I'm sure it’ll be so much fun!” 

Nami hummed, not seeming to hate him anymore. Small victories! “Is your dream to buy the village?” Luffy asked, curious about why Nami was needing to by a whole village. 

“Part of it. Once I do buy the village, I want to set off and make a map of the world.” 

“Heh, you're like Zoro.” She furrowed her brows. “And me, I guess. I want to be the Pirate King, Zoro wants to become the world’s greatest swordsman. You want to make the greatest map in the world.” She nodded. “Might take you a long time, though.” 

“I’ll do it eventually. I’m not in a rush at the moment. I just want to buy my village. And not to be a landlord.” Luffy laughed. “Oh, someone is coming.” Nami jumped to a standing position, and Luffy picked up Zoro and hurried him to behind the nearest house to keep him out of danger while he rested and regained his strenth. 

“You're gonna face them alone?” Nami asked. 

“Yeah. All you have to fight it a stick of wood.” She was offended, until Luffy added, “There’s a very big, very growly animal with them. I don't think a stick would work.” Nami huffed, and crossed her arms, leaning against the wall to watch from the alleyway. 

“And its a staff,” she muttered under her breath. 

Luffy stepped out and into the street to face the lion and its tamer. To Luffy, it was very strange to be face to face with a terrifying predator and not have it afraid of him. Luffy had become the boss of Mt Corvo’s forest. But the lion had never been defeated by him before. There was no reason for it to be afraid of him. 

“So, you still stand in the way. Where’s Roronoa Zoro?” Luffy didn't respond, just pulled both arms back, and shot them forward. He real danger right here was not the man with the weird hair, but the massive lion he had control over. Luffy wasn't going to waste time. The saying “he wasn't going to play with his food” was a bit gruesome considering he was more food to Luffy than the lion ever could be. 

His hands shot forward, twisting while they did so until they were knotted like the strands of a rope, grabbing the lion by the fur on its face. He twisted his own body around like a corkscrew to wind up his arms. “Gum gum… mallet!” he shouted, as he released the tension in his arms, letting them unravel, holding tightly to the lion as it spun around and around, Luffy lifting it up high enough to slam it down hard into the ground, head first. 

It was not dead. The man on top was trapped under the lion, now, who was out like a light, its full weight on top of the enemy pirate. Luffy punched him in the head for good measure, knocking him out, and bloodying his face. Not bad enough for it to be deformed, but he broke his nose and had lost or cracked a few teeth. 

A few moments later, Zoro woke up, and walked out. “Zoro! How do you feel?” Luffy asked, bounding over. 

“I feel fine. I just needed a nap. We going?” Luffy grinned. 

“You're coming, too? With your stomach injury?” Nami demanded. 

"I'm all healed.” 

“I doubt that!” 

Zoro didn't bother insisting, and said, “Well, more important than the injury to my body is the damage to my name, since all I did in that fight was lose.” He tied his bandana around his head, like the way Luffy had met him in. 

“What-? You took out a ton of men during that fight!” 

“I still lost.” Nami deflated, giving up on arguing with either of them. “Now, we going?” Luffy popped his knuckles.

“Of course!” They walked past the fallen pirate, still deeply unconscious, the lion immobile, but breathing. 

“How were you not scared of that lion?” Nami wondered. The lion was far bigger than a normal sized lion, as far as they were shown in the picture books he remembered from when he was little. 

“I grew up in a jungle that was known for its huge animals. That thing was tiny compared to the Tiger-Lord and Bear-King!” 

“No wonder you're such a monster.” Luffy knew she didn't know how deep that cut, and he didn't take it personally. She didn't know that that statement was true. At least, sometimes. Once every two months.  

When they arrived, Buggy was pissed to see them alive. After the lion and his tamer went after them, with intent to kill all of them, and yet he was the one who had not returned. “Did you think a lion would defeat us?” Luffy called, popping his knuckles, Zoro’s swords drawn. 

“Richie and Mhoji failed?” 

“What?” 

“He’s our first mate…” 

“SHUT UP, YOU MEN!” Buggy screamed at his men, who silenced immediately. Luffy would never be abusive to his crew. They would be his friends, and he wanted them happy as much as he wanted to be happy. Though his happiness would probably come second. And he was happy with that, because he was a captain now, and needed to be responsible for the safety and happiness of his crew. “I’m gonna kill you, Straw Hat and Roronoa!” 

“Shut up, you big, ugly nose! We’re taking you down and runnin’ you outta here!” Luffy shouted. 

“FIRE THE BUGGY SPECIAL CANON!” Buggy screamed, sounding unhinged in his deep fury. The canon that had been used to blow apart the street, forcing Luffy to save them into the water, his greatest enemy, was filled, while Luffy continued to stand confidently, in direct target of its aim. “BE GONE!”

“Luffy, move!” Zoro shouted. 

“Are you crazy!? Run!” Nami shouted. Luffy was grinning, knowing everyone would be shocked. 

Luffy kept his eyes on Buggy, a taunting smile on his face. “Did you think a canon ball would make me move one step away?” he asked. Somehow, another vein popped on Buggy’s forehead. 

“DIIIEEEE!” Buggy screeched, the canon shot, loud in its expulsion, so intense the person that lit the fuse was knocked back. 

It was a move he’d been doing for a very long time, and had come in handy in countless situations. He inhaled deeply, stretching his lungs so it expanded his chest and torso. “Gum gum balloon!” The canon ball didn't explode when it made contact with him, the blow cushioned by the air expanded inside him, and bounced right back into the building they’d been stationed on top of. 

Zoro huffed. “Could have explained it earlier,” he grumbled. 

“Haha! I wanted you to be surprised!” Luffy laughed. 

“I was worried, dumbass!” Zoro snapped back. 

“Neehee! Well, that made a lot of them go down!” 

“No shit, the building blew up underneath them!” Nami shouted. 

“You complaining? Wanna go join ‘big nose’?” Zoro asked critically. 

“Of course not. I’d never join pirates.” The swordsman rolled his eyes. 

“Ready to keep fighting?” Luffy asked him brightly. 

“How the hell are you pulling these stunts off?!” Nami erupted. Zoro rolled his eyes. 

“I ate a devil fruit. Made me rubber, and some other weird stuff. It won't be easy for me to die!” Luffy said, arms crossed proudly. 

“...Made of rubber…”

“You saw Buggy get chopped into bits and live, are you really surprised by Luffy’s weird shit?” Nami huffed. 

“You don't have to worry about me,” Luffy said with a shrug and a smile. 

“I don't worry about pirates, dummy,” Nami grumbled. They all looked over when shifting in the rubble of the decimated building adjusted. It was visible, so the other two noticed, too. Buggy and one of his other crewmembers, if they could be called that by how poorly the captain treated them by what Luffy had witnessed that day alone, were laughing. 

“Hahaha, you're chatting about like you're not scared,” Buggy snarled, his laughter cold and insincere. The three teens made no move to run or hide, unafraid. And mildly disgusted that the bad pirates were using their fallen “peers” as shields. A dirty move, that showed they didn't care about one another at all. 

Luffy took his tails out again, and the enemies weren't expecting even those to stretch, too, and he easily grabbed Buggy and the other by the ankles, letting them fall hard on the way up, slamming their heads into the ground by the force of the yank, dangling them up in the air. 

“Put me down!” Buggy shouted, as if forgetting he could split his body up into pieces to escape. The other guy’s face was bloody, and his eyes distant, having hit his head pretty hard, while Buggy was annoyed if anything, unharmed. Zoro turned around when there was shuffling behind them, the lion and his rider returning, both incredibly injured. The lion had a broken arm and was limping while the human looked exhausted, limping himself and holding his nose in one hand while the other lay limp at his side. 

Luffy could see he had bits of wood sticking out of his legs, perhaps having fallen or stumbled into the debris left by the Buggy canon ball. Ouch. When he noticed the three of them, he stopped in his tracks, eyes wide and horrified. While he talked smack before, planned on killing both Luffy and Zoro - and by extension, probably Nami as well - now he was terrified of them, wide eyes staring at Luffy. 

He took a step back, and Buggy ordered him to kill Zoro, still hanging upside down. 

“Captain, you can get out with your devil fruit!” the other guy strung up in the air shouted. 

“Shut up! I don't need you to tell me that!” Buggy shouted, but after being told, did break up his body, flying at Luffy while the beast tamer stayed in place before gathering insane courage, eyes wide and blood shot as he tried to attack Zoro, only for his face to be met by one of Zoro’s black boots, though he winced a bit at the stretch of the wound on his side, near his hip. 

Luffy turned his head to see one of Buggy’s beaten crewmembers filling the canon again, and pointing it back at Luffy. “That won't work.” It wasn't one of the extreme canons, either - it smelled normal, like those on Shanks and Alvida’s ships. But the canon was shot. Luffy lifted one of his two remaining, free extra limbs and blocked it. 

It was a bad decision to not use his rubber body and instead a hard surface, when the canon ball went off on impact, loud and sharp too close to Luffy’s ears. He cried out, slapping his hands to his bleeding ears already. “Luffy!” Zoro shouted in worry, the pain in Luffy’s ears and head distracting him enough for the enemy in one of his tails to whip his leg out, and nail his foot straight into Zoro’s wound, causing him to cry out in pain, blood spurting from the wound.

“Zoro! How dare you?!” Luffy raged, his own voice stuffy in his ears. He was about to pound the face in of the one who hurt his nakama, holding him up like a pinata, before Zoro, through bared teeth, shouted, “He’s mine! If I lost to someone of this… caliber, it would spell doom for my career!” 

“What a moron,” Nami whispered, growing more and more apprehensive as the fight progressed. Luffy stared at Zoro for just a moment before he nodded, patting his hand back on his hat on his head. 

“...But just one hit,” Luffy said, lifted both tails, and brought them down hard on the stone ground. 

“You damn rubber asshole!” Buggy screeched. Luffy giggled, and released the non-captain, while Buggy was raised up once again, and slammed back down, then thrown aside into the debris like a ragdoll, shouting out again as splinters dug into his skin. It was his own mess, it only made sense he suffer from it at least a little bit. 

Zoro seemed unbothered by Luffy’s petty action. He hurried back to Nami, Buggy having trouble picking himself up. “You're just gonna let him free?” 

"I'm watching. Don't worry! He won't beat us,” Luffy grinned. “Go Zoro!” he cheered, worried over his blood soaked haramaki, but trusting Zoro knew himself. He’d been a bounty hunter for a good year, and said he trained since he was a kid. Just like Luffy knew his limits (though he usually ignored them), he felt Zoro would know his own. He trusted him.

The swordsman and enemy pirate stared one another down, Zoro not appearing to be in any pain at all. Luffy had no idea what it felt like to be impaled. The most pain he’d ever been in had been when he was hungry. Terrible, agony, to drive him insane and violent. 

Luffy smiled, though it was just a little strained as he continued to smell fresh blood dribble from the deep wound. Smell Zoro’s sweat beading heavier as he fought the nimble circus weirdo. A clown crew sounded like fun, but it sure didn't look fun with the kind of captain Buggy was, and the kinds of things their crew did. Luffy wasn't going to hurt innocent people on his crew. He also wasn't going to save them. His desire to go out to sea was entirely selfish. He just wanted to have fun. No greater purpose or grand plan besides the end goal. Which now included Zoro’s goal. And Nami wanted to chart the world, so if she joined him (he really hoped she would) then he’d help her with her dream, too.

So maybe he wasn't entirely selfish. 

“Hey, that warehouse back there held all the treasure. Everyone’s asleep, so I can sneak in. Buggy still has the map. While they’re busy, I can go grab the treasure and hide.” Luffy didn't sense a lie and nodded, eyes still on his crewmate and their two opponents. Buggy was watching Zoro closely, eyes narrowed, as if planning. Luffy was focused on him, too. 

“Whether you win this fight doesn’t matter to me. But, if you make it out of this, maybe we can keep cooperating, and get what we both want. Good luck,” Nami called with a grin as she hurried away. 

“Yeah!” Luffy agreed. She ran off away from them, and Luffy hoped the map wasn't damaged in all the rubble. She’d need to pick through it for it. He continued to watch Zoro, and keep track of Buggy’s every movement. It was clear he was going to interfere. While Zoro looked like he was having trouble to an outsider, his heartbeat and breathing were much more steady than Kabaji’s. Who was blabbering on about his own victory over the weakened Zoro. 

Luffy giggled, knowing he was all talk and looked forward to Zoro proving it. But he would not let anyone interfere with Zoro’s fight, and not just because he was told to kill himself if he did anything to mess with his dream. 

His gaze moved to the side when Buggy grinned. Luffy watched him out of the corner of his eye, easily catching his look to act. It was no problem stretching one of his tails out, and wrapping it back around his leg, thrusting him up into the air as he screamed. Kabaji was shocked by the sudden shout, with Zoro taking easy advantage of it, breaking apart his unicycle. 

“Sorry, Zoro!” Luffy cackled, Buggy hanging upside down. 

“No problem. Now, I’m done with you,” he said to Kabaji. “Shame I haven't had an even match for awhile. Now,” he struck a pose, and shouted, “Oni giri!” 

Kabaji was down, and Luffy was left with Buggy hanging from his tail twenty feet above the ground, wondering why Zoro named his sword moves after food. “Nice, Zoro!” 

"I'm sleeping now,” Zoro said, flopping down to the ground and passing out. 

“Got it. I’ll take care of things,” Luffy grinned, and looked up at Buggy. 

“Who are you!?” Buggy demanded in his screechy voice. 

“I’m Monkey D. Luffy,” Luffy responded brightly. “And I’m gonna be the Pirate King!” Yeah, that’s going to be his new greeting to anyone and everyone.

“WHAT?! What kind of snot nose brat pirate are you?! Pirate King?! How old are you, anyways?! You’re puny! Idiot!” 

“I’m not puny,” Luffy said. “I’m 17-”

“I’m gonna be the one to become the Pirate King, dumbass!” Luffy blinked. “Did you think you were the only one with that goal?! Dumbass!” Luffy scratched his cheek. Buggy was annoying. He was not going to become Pirate King. Even if Luffy didn't, surely Buggy wouldn't win over others like Shanks and Ace. 

“Well, you're going to lose,” Luffy said. “I won't just become the Pirate King. My crew will become the Pirate King’s crew. Your crew couldn't stand up to me and Zoro, and Zoro was injured for a bunch of it,” Luffy listed. Buggy’s face got as red as his nose as his anger grew. “And we’re gonna be taking that Grand Line map with us.”

“It’s my map!” 

“Not if we steal it.” 

“Gah! You're infuriating!” 

“Neehee!” was Luffy’s response. 

“Your stupid smile and stupid hat irritate me!” Buggy separated his whole body to try and get out of Luffy’s grasp, but Luffy kept tight hold of his leg. So, his entire body was not freed. Luffy found he quite enjoyed irritating Buggy. 

“Don't diss my hat,” he said, more offended with Shanks’ treasure being trashed than him as a person and pirate. 

“It reminds me of that red haired fool!” Luffy’s brows shot up in surprise. 

“You know Shanks?” he asked. 

“I’ll tell you if you let go of my leg!” Buggy shouted, standing one on foot since his leg leg was not completed. Luffy released him, the calf flying back into place. Buggy sighed in relief when he was whole again. “What do you want to know about Red-Hair?” 

“Where is he now?” 

“Not telling! Gahaha!” Luffy frowned. 

“Are you an idiot or something?” he asked in confusion. He was also a bit annoyed. “Do you know Shanks or not?” 

“If I did, I wouldn't tell you.” Luffy shrugged, and started to fight for real. He wasn't just playing with his food (bad choice of words but still accurate) and used his devil fruit mostly. His overall agility was helpful, but he was only super flexible because of his fruit. It was way more fun fighting using his devil fruit, he found. 

While his tails acted like extra limbs that could do anything he wanted, it didn't take any skill to use them. It was like saying you were skilled at using your arm. But he had to think to use his devil fruit, which was far more enjoyable. And he was having fun. Until Buggy started shooting knives at him, which didn't break his skin, but tore holes in his clothes. He only had one outfit! 

"Ace said old men who try and undress teens are perverts!” Luffy shouted in annoyance at his shirt being ripped to shreds.  

“WHAT DID YOU CALL ME? I'M ONLY IN MY 30s!” But he stopped going after Luffy’s clothes, who was now nearly shirtless, and instead went after Luffy’s hat. He was no longer having fun, and was going to put an end to the fight as soon as he could. It kind of felt like cheating, but he also was worried his clothes were going to fall off when he decided to use his tails, and wrapped two around Buggy’s legs, yanking him forward hard enough while lifting his foot so the clown’s face slammed into his foot hard enough to knock him completely unconscious. 

Luffy glanced up, and shouted out, “Where’s my hat?!” He’d got caught up in the final monet he hadn't even noticed Buggy shot out his left hand, blades between the fingers, and were currently embedded in his hat. Luffy yanked the knives out, and looked at his hat sadly. The holes in it were gaping. The brim was also damaged. 

All the happiness and energy were drained from him. It felt… bad. He didn't know how to repair his hat and the fact he’d only really just started his adventure and had badly damaged his most important possession worried him. 

The last thread of his shirt split, and fell to the ground. Luffy turned and scowled at the fallen pirate, and walked up to him, grabbing his head by the hair and screaming into his ear, “DON'T YOU EVER ACT LIKE YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT SHANKS AGAIN!” He was furious, angrier than he’d been in a long time. He’d failed to protect his most precious possession. And now, really his only one. With his clothes torn to shreds, all he had were his sandals and hat. 

“H-He ruined my life,” Buggy grunted, but his face was so bloody he was having trouble speaking and breathing. “Made me eat a devil fruit! And so I lost my chance at going to the bottom of the sea and getting that treasure!” 

“Someone smart told me people explode if they try to go to the bottom of the sea,” Luffy said, remembering that talk with Sabo. Asking him if Luffy would die if he sunk all the way to the bottom. “Shanks saved you, then.” 

“You don't know that! I can't even try if I wanted to because of that fruit! I hate Shanks with all of my heart!” Buggy raged. His face was turning purple and swollen from how hard he’d collided with Luffy’s foot. Lucky for him, the bottom of his sandals were also straw, so he hadn't gotten the bottom of a thick boot, like Zoro’s. 

“Because of him I lost my greatest treasure!” Buggy continued to rant. He was immobile by now, so Luffy felt no threat from his semi-conscious state. “So, now, I refuse to let anyone have my treasure!” His arms shot out towards Nami, who had collected a large sack of treasure. Luffy wasn't fast enough to reach the hands, so on instinct, stopped Buggy in his tracks, wrapping his arm around his neck and pulling, cutting off his airway. 

The hands fell to the ground, useless, as Buggy truly passed out. “Are you okay, Nami?!” Luffy shouted. 

“Y-yeah!” she called, shaken by the close call. “That was… intense.”

“You should go hide. The other pirates will just chase you,” Luffy called. 

“Right! What are you gonna do if he wakes back up?” 

“Beat him down again,” Luffy said bluntly. Buggy had not reattached all of his body, and Nami gave a mischievous grin. 

“I know how to settle this,” she announced smugly. Luffy rose his brows curiously at what she’d do. “Gather some rope!” 

“To strangle him again?” Luffy asked, tilting his head.

“Of course not! Just get some for me!” 

“M’kay!” and he gathered some nearby rope, laughing as Nami collected his other bodyparts. “I have an idea!” he cheered, grabbing one of Kabaji’s swords, and chopping Buggy’s body into separated chunks. “Hmm, like a puzzle!” He collected all the parts but for his head and hands and feet, and Nami tied it all in a bundle. “He’s gonna wake up so surprised!” 

“What are you gonna do with it?” she asked hesitantly. 

“Send it flying,” Luffy answered with a grin that would have split the face of someone not made of rubber with how wide it was. 

“Phew, I thought you were gonna set him on fire!” 

“I’d never do that!” 

“I don't know, you were pretty violent before.” 

“But it’s not stuff that will last forever. Hold it up for me!” Nami held the bundle above her head, and Luffy shot his arms backwards, stretching them more than far enough to complete the task. “Gum gum bazooka!” The bundle of body parts shot far into the distance before they were no longer in sight. 

Nami whistled, hand covering her eyes. 

“That was fun! You’re surprisingly fun, I thought you’d have a stick up your bum,” Luffy said with a grin, meaning no offense. She scowled at him. “So are you gonna join my crew now?” 

“We’re still cooperating. I’m not joining. But if I stick with you guys, I’ll earn a lot of money for sure!” she said, clinging to her bag of stolen treasure. Well, Luffy would convince her, though blackmail probably wouldn't work like it did on Zoro. She seemed pretty hell bent on hating pirates. But she didn't seem to hate him, so that was definitely a plus. 

Buggy woke, and Luffy grinned at his expression of horror when he found out how most of his body was gone. But Luffy didn't want to hear anymore of his antics, and shot a gum gum bazooka of him in the opposite direction of where he’d sent his other parts. He might die if he landed in the sea, but that wasn't Luffy’s problem. Nami was starting to divide the treasure into two bags to share. “You’re carrying half since it’s so heavy for me.” 

“‘Kay,” Luffy said distractedly as he looked sadly at his precious hat. 

“You really care about that hat?” Nami asked. Luffy nodded silently, and plopped it back on his head. Damaged or not, it was still precious to him. He felt better that Buggy was gone, but was still sad he let his hat get so hurt. Three huge gashes on the top of it, beyond obvious. Would Shanks be mad at him? He’d asked Luffy to keep it safe, and he had it damaged at the very beginning. 

Luffy headed to Zoro, and patted him awake. “Zoro, the fight is over. Let’s go,” he said. Zoro was snoring, laying on his stomach, completely out until Luffy woke him. He carefully sat up, not an ounce of pain on his face. 

“Where’s Buggy? Did you kill him?” 

“Why does everyone think I’d do such terrible things?” Luffy pouted, crossing his arms. 

“Hey, I’ve killed plenty of people. No judgement from me,” Zoro yawned. “Well, where is he?” 

“I sent him flying. But hey! We got the treasure and the Grand Line map!” Luffy said brightly. 

“You sure had fun messing with him,” Nami commented. “Yanking him around like that.” Luffy nodded, as he had had fun. 

Zoro noticed Luffy’s hat, and frowned for the first time since getting hurt. “What happened to your hat?” he asked in concern. Luffy blinked, before smiling that he cared. He was sure most people wouldn't really care, but Zoro did, because he knew his hat was very important to Luffy. 

“I got distracted for a second and Buggy stabbed it,” Luffy said, trying to sound light hearted about it. He didn't want people to worry or feel bad for him. 

“Shit. I’m sorry,” Zoro said sincerely. Luffy gave a small smile in appreciation. They didn't dwell on the moment of kindness. “I don't think I can walk yet.” 

“No shit! If you did I’d be even more freaked out by you monsters!” Nami shouted. Luffy found he really didn't like being called a monster, even if it had to do with his strength and not his secret diet. What would she say if she found out? What would Zoro say? He did kill people before, but hadn't eaten them. It was very different. 

Luffy knew that thought would live rent free in his head forever, most likely. But he’d always known that. Except when he was with Ace. 

“Why are you looping me in?” Luffy asked with another pout. 

“You're the freakiest out of the two!” Nami shouted. “What is with those tails?! And not getting stabbed?!” 

“Calm down, woman,” Zoro said in annoyance. “You're giving me a headache.” She glared at him. Luffy looked up when he heard a bunch of people approaching. Maybe they were the villagers, given they didn't appear as pirates in any way. At least, not like the Alvida and Buggy pirates. Which both lost their captain. Maybe Luffy was just talented at tearing crews apart. 

It wasn't a nice thought. He needed to be way more careful! Being so violent already put off Nami. He really needed to work on it in the future. But against super strong people, maybe he’d rethink mercy. At least Zoro wouldn't judge him for it. 

“Who are you?!” the villagers asked. 

“Ah, we, um, took care of the pirates for you-” Nami started. 

“We’re pirates! I’m gonna be the Pirate King,” Luffy blurted. Zoro broke into laughter, wincing just slightly at the wound in his side jarring. 

“More pirates?! Haven't we suffered enough?” Nami punched his head, but Luffy was made of rubber. She didn't punch nearly hard enough to hurt herself on his indestructible body. She hurried to tell them she wasn't a pirate, but had watched the two of them take down the Buggy pirates, as well as send the captain flying far away. The villagers didn't look trusting, but did glance around at the absolute destruction with disappointed eyes. At least most of it wasn't due to the two pirates. Most was done by Buggy’s stupid canons. 

“Still, get out of here!” the villagers shouted. “We don't want anymore pirates here!” They brandished weak weapons against the three, and Luffy was about to ignore their command and ask for food for Zoro before rocks were thrown at them. So, the trio sprinted away, Luffy carrying Zoro in his tails, the shortest laughing as they fled the angry villagers. 

They turned down an alleyway, still being chased. Luffy kept at a reasonable pace so Nami could keep up. When the alleyway was a deadend, Luffy used his two extra tails not holding onto Zoro securely to wrap around Nami and the treasure, shooting a rubber arm up to the roof. Nami screamed as Luffy let the stretch go, and flung them onto the roof. Zoro just grunted. 

Luffy then jumped down from the roof on the other side, and kept running until they made it to the port. “Shishishi, that was fun!” 

“You idiot! You could have hurt us!” 

“I wouldn't have,” Luffy said matter of factly. “But we got away! Hey, is this your ship?” he asked, letting Nami go, who wobbled on her feet a few seconds before regaining composure. 

“Yes.” 

"I'm jealous!” Her ship was much bigger than their small rowboat. Zoro had made it to the island at least. Luffy would have had to look for him somehow if he got lost. “But there are people on it already.” They were pirates, a little bloody and bruised. 

“This isn't your ship, you bitch!” they shouted at Nami. “You stole it from us!” 

“Nami is a thief who steals from other pirates,” Luffy stated, as if it completely excused what she did because she was honest about her intentions. The pirates jumped off, and stormed up to them, jabbing Luffy in the chest. 

“This is our ship.” Luffy wondered why they didn't say so to Nami, and were focusing on Luffy. She looked happy enough to not be jabbed, too. His rubber body kept the man’s finger from snapping. Only the strongest blows really injured themselves instead. It just never hurt when he was hit or attempted to be cut. 

One walked up to Zoro, who was slumped over Luffy’s shoulder, still exhausted and injured. Luffy would worry about his very human crewmembers and friends. He’d have to be aware that they could be breakable. Ace was abnormally tough, so Luffy could always fight against him. Well, when they were younger. In the last three years since Ace sailed off, Luffy had grown stronger. 

“The fuck are you smiling at? And who’s this shithead, ignoring us?!” Zoro’s forehead was jabbed, and he looked up with a look of fierce anger. The three pirates screamed and fled the scene. 

“Haha, Zoro’s scary,” Luffy laughed. 

“How can you be so happy? It’s exhausting,” Nami said bluntly. “Listen! You can't be on my ship. You can sail beside it on that little dingy. Zoro scoffed, still limp. “It’s my ship. Besides, you can't share it with me, since I’m a woman.” 

“But I don't have any interest in you,” Luffy said bluntly. Zoro laughed from being propped up on his shoulder. 

“Still. It’s the principle of it,” Nami replied, completely unoffended. 

“But what if I have to pee?” 

“Then do it over the side of your boat like you had before,” she snapped. Luffy pouted, but didn't argue further, and climbed onto the little boat while Nami securely tied two ropes from hers to theirs. Luffy carefully laid Zoro down on his back. 

Once they were on their way, Nami said, “I have a sewing kit. I could try and fix your hat.” 

“REALLY?!” Luffy screamed, Nami wincing at just how loud it was. Zoro was sleeping, and slept thorough it with ease. She nodded, and Luffy handed her his hat, which she treated like glass, and used a needle and thread to close the cuts, leaving it looking close to how it was before. He grinned at it. “For someone who hates pirates, you’re really nice,” Luffy complimented. 

Nami frowned, and headed inside. Luffy sat back down, and looked out at the sea. They had a navigator now, and hopefully wouldn't get lost. He planned on being a good pirate - only hurting bad guys - so hoped she would eventually come around. It would take longer than Zoro had, obviously. 

He looked at his swordsman, thinking back to how awesome he was, fighting even with the injury and looking so cool while doing it. Luffy was highly impressed, glad to have his first crewmate be someone strong. Way more intimidating than Luffy ever was with his skinny body and babyface. 

He didn't mind much, though. It made him look less terrifying than he could be. Ace had been more confused and alarmed with Luffy’s behavior instead of scared, but at the time Luffy attacked him, he’d been much smaller and weaker. 

Now, Luffy would make sure to keep himself fed. He did not look forward to needing the first one since setting sail. In under four weeks. He had to find an island with bad people on it, and before he wigged out and showed obvious signs of strangeness. 

Leaning back against the railing of his small boat, he sadly looked at Zoro, wondering just how much he would be able to tolerate. And maybe, with how strong he was, he’d be able to hold Luffy back if he ever went crazy. Ever was a danger to his future crew. Part of him knew he should tell them before they agreed to join, whoever they were, so they made informed opinions. But he wouldn't. Too scared of rejection. 

Yeah, Luffy could handle it. He kept it a secret from the bandits and villagers at home. He could continue to do so. He… just had to kill people. He was already easily able to hurt others, a bit more than he wanted. He could kill someone fast and painless. He’d leave some of their body behind to he retrieved. 

The thoughts were morbid, and put him in a depressed state. Thankfully, Nami stayed in her boat and Zoro continued to sleep, so neither saw the deep sadness emanating from him. 

Chapter Text

Glad I switched to weekly updates since this is a shorter chapter! Enjoy~

Zoro became hungry and Luffy thirsty, but their little ship had no provisions, so they asked Nami, who promptly refused. “C’mon, I’m thirsty!” Luffy whined. 

“How did you guys even last as long as you did without planning at all?” Nami asked. “No map, no compass, food or water! What kind of pirates don't know all that?!”

“Really new ones!” 

Zoro burst into laughter, neither especially offended for being called incompetent. “Well, we got to an island and nabbed a navigator. I think we’ve done pretty well.” 

“Your captain was kidnapped by a giant bird,” Nami pointed out with a deadpanned voice. 

“He only showed up to help you because of that bird,” Zoro pointed out. Nami scowled but couldn't argue that. “Besides, you only need to share your food with me. Luffy doesn't eat.” The woman was confused, and Luffy just nodded in confirmation. Of course, she asked why. 

“Dunno. Makes me really sick.” 

“Wait… you don't eat at all?” 

“Nope.” A bead of sweat dripped down the back of his neck, but he was good at his blank face. He gave nothing away. 

“How do you survive?” Luffy shrugged. “It’s not some eating disorder?” 

“Maybe? I still don't know.” 

“Oh. Wow. Does it have to do with your devil fruit?”

“I think so. No other reason I can think of.” 

“How old were you when you got your devil fruit? Could you eat before then?” Nami pressed. 

“I ate it when I was six. Hmmm… I don't remember being able to eat before that. Dunno,” he repeated again, with a casual shrug. “It always tasted bad as long as I can remember. I don't miss anything.” 

“Still…” Nami muttered uncertainly, seeming far more pitying than Zoro did. 

“We still need a cook, though! A good one, so everyone can eat yummy food. And a musician. Pirates sing, you know.” 

“No they don't.” 

“Yes they do! Buggy just sucks. And his voice was annoying, maybe he’s a really bad singer,” Luffy said. Zoro snickered. 

“You know he would have sang even if he sucked. And none of his crew had the balls to challenge him.” 

“Maybe his big nose made his voice all weird.” Zoro laughed again. “Anyways, Shanks’ crew sang, but they were really bad at it. It was still fun, though. So, a cook and a musician!”

“That all, captain?” Zoro asked, sounding amused. 

“You’d need a doctor and a shipwright,” Nami said, neither of the men correcting her at the “you” instead of “we”. 

“I’ve never been to the doctor.” 

“Because you don't need it?” Nami asked, looking irritated. 

“And cause I lived in a jungle most of my life. We just had bandages and some soap.” 

“No wonder you have no manners,” Nami commented, though there was no heat behind her insult. 

“The bandits and my brother would fight over the food every day. I just sat and watched. Shishishi, it was funny.” 

“Bandits?” Nami asked, looking tired. 

“Yeah. Me and Ace was raised by mountain bandits.” 

“Again, not too surprised,” she sighed. Luffy giggled again. “Were your parents bandits, too?” 

“Grandpa sent me there. I don't have parents.” Nami looked sad at this. "I'm not sad. I liked the bandits eventually. And Dadan was funny and I think she really loved me and Ace,” he said with an uncharacteristically soft smile. Nami’s face softened, too, and she asked who Ace was. He hadn't told her about him like he’d told Zoro. “He’s my brother. The only person who has ever really loved me,” he said brightly. It was a mistake when both Zoro and Nami’s smiles dropped. “It’s okay, he was more than enough,” Luffy said, upset he’d ruined the happy mood. 

“Well, I’m glad you at least had someone. What about your grandpa?” Nami asked, a little hesitantly. 

“I don't really want to talk about him.” Nami backed off immediately. She instead, asked Zoro about his own family and upbringing. 

“Had one friend, no family,” he said casually. “It’ll be weird being around a bunch of people.” 

“Maybe we can be a family and love Zoro, too,” Luffy said with a dreamy smile, looking forward to what Shanks called “lifelong bonds”. He didn't let his smile slip when the usual thought slithered into his head. They’d never love you if they knew. Nobody would. 

He looked at Zoro, whose face was bright red, eyes a bit wide and lips pursed. “What’s wrong?” Luffy asked. Nami giggled. 

“Nothin’. I’m taking another nap.” And he fell asleep a couple seconds later. He seemed to sleep a lot, but it was willingly, unlike Ace’s sleep attacks from his narcolepsy. Luffy always felt so sad for him about it, but had always tried to be positive. Ace hadn't needed pity, but bright support, and Luffy gave it to him like he’d always done for Luffy. 

Nami sat on her deck, and looked thoughtful. “You’re not gonna ask about my family?” she asked curiously. 

“You said a pirate killed someone you loved. I kind of thought you wouldn't want to talk about it,” Luffy said, sometimes very emotionally mature with other people. Ace’s angst and anger and depression helped him with that, even though he was still clueless sometimes. Well, most of the time. 

Nami smiled. “Yeah, I’d rather not talk about it.” Luffy nodded, and didn't press, sitting back down. “So, you never explained your devil fruit powers. The rubber and tails, but you also couldn't be cut.” 

"I'm invincible,” Luffy said bluntly. “Nothing works on me. Not guns or swords or anything like that.” Nami winced at hearing that. “Me and Ace had lots of enemies,” he added for some context. “The only thing that hurts me is food.” 

“Seriously?” Nami asked in surprise. 

“Mm hmm. It makes me really, really sick. I’ve tried so many times. It tastes bad, and acts kind of like poison,” he said a bit sadly. “I wish I could eat food, cause sometimes it looks good and everyone really enjoys it.” Nami looked sympathetic. “Water is fine, but that’s it.” 

“Maybe when we get a ship, the kitchen can have an ice machine. Then you could just eat ice at meal times.” Luffy didn't point out she’d said “we” instead of “you”. 

After Zoro woke up, he looked really awkward, and Luffy worried he’d said something wrong. Or that Zoro was sad about Luffy’s comment about only having one person who ever loved him. At least, unconditionally. Knowing everything and adoring him anyways. Luffy hoped to find that again some day, even if it was on accident. 

“What’s wrong?” Luffy asked. It was dark out right now, and both boats had furled their sails, saying it wasn't safe to sail at night. 

“Nothin’,” Zoro said, easy to see the lie even for Luffy. He gave him a look, and Zoro immediately melted when Luffy frowned at him. He sighed. “You’re just weirdly inclusive, I guess.” Luffy cocked his head in question, brows furrowed. “Tellin’ near strangers you want to love them.” 

“Hmm. I don't know, I think everyone should have love from someone.” Zoro cracked a soft smile. “You acted lonely, before. You don't look like that anymore.” 

“Sheesh, it’s been like a week since we met.” 

“You’re easy to read, even for stupid people.” Zoro narrowed his eyes at him. 

“You’re not as dumb as you look, captain. At least not tactically. With fighting. You were a badass about Buggy. It was hilarious seeing you lift him up like he was a pinata. And he was a fucking moron at letting himself get caught.” Luffy nodded, agreeing. “It was also funny as hell to watch you swing him around effortlessly. You can be a little shit head, can't you?” 

“Maaaaaybe. You’ll have to stick around if you want to find out,” Luffy joked. 

“Not going anywhere, captain,” Zoro grinned himself. It was nice, and both of them fell asleep in the comfortable silence, with Nami waking them up to shout at them for both falling asleep when one of them was supposed to take watch during the night. Luffy ended up staying up, alone with his thoughts, which he’d found out long ago was not good for him. 

His thoughts always inevitably soured with his deep seated fears and self esteem issues. Not that anyone really noticed them. He loved himself as much as he hated himself, neither feeling overtaking the other, at a constant tug of war. 

-x-

In the morning, they came across an island, and Luffy was deadset on exploring, even if it was uninhabited. Nami protested, but Luffy wasn't having it, and untied the ropes and started paddling their small ship to the island. 

“Too bad its uninhabited or I could have gotten booze.” 

“Zoro’s a-” 

“Don't you fucking dare call me a high functioning alcoholic again.” 

“Yeah. You're injured so you can't function perfectly right now,” Luffy said with a sly grin, Zoro narrowing his eyes at him, but not too angrily. He was paddling fast, arms more than strong enough to go an an inhuman pace. When the boat washed up ashore, Luffy pulled it up onto the sand, Nami following and ranting to herself about the stupid pirates. 

Luffy looked around, wondering if there were big bugs there. And food, too. Nami washed up, too, hurrying over to them. She was having trouble pulling the ship onto the sand, so Luffy did so for her. 

“It’s nothing but forest!” Luffy said. It was different from his home jungle, though. 

“Looks boring,” Zoro complained. But he followed Luffy around while he wandered the treeline. They both paused, Nami catching up, when they started to notice how weird all the animals looked. Mixes of two different species. 

“How did a snake and rabbit have a baby?” Luffy asked, dumbfounded as he picked up a snake with rabbit ears. 

“Probably was pretty difficult,” Zoro said casually. 

“Maybe they fell in love,” Luffy stated. Zoro rolled his eyes. But the younger was disappointed there were no very visible giant beetles. He looked around, and said, “Someone is here. I hear them breathing.” 

“Well, that’s foreboding,” Zoro cackled. Luffy walked straight to the breathing sound, and grabbed a bush from the foliage, lifting it up onto to see it was a person, stuck in a treasure chest. “Well, that’s the strangest treasure chest content I’ve ever seen.” 

“Like you’ve seen a lot of treasure,” Nami said skeptically. Zoro ignored her. 

“Put me down! Put me down!” Luffy dropped him, though it wasn't from far up. 

“Hey, old man, are you part bush?” Luffy asked at his afro, something he’d never seen before. 

“He’s part treasure chest,” Zoro stated. 

"I'm human! I got stuck in here! Don't be so rude!” Luffy blinked, not thinking he’d been rude at all. 

“What happened to you? How on earth did you end up there?” Nami asked.

Zoro added, “And how the hell do you fit? Your body is like less than half of you.” 

“Maybe he was born in there and never got out.” Zoro and Nami snickered. 

“How rude! You don't have any manners!” 

“Says the guy that smells like BO and shit,” Zoro said. Luffy thought it was a little too harsh. but Treasure Chest Man didn't seem offended by that, but more by the jolly roger painted on the sails of Nami’s ship. It was Buggy’s, not theirs, but it was still easily recognized as a pirate emblem. 

“Are you pirates?!” he demanded. 

“Yeah, I’m the captain,” Luffy confirmed with a firm nod. The tiny man looked surprised. “I’m Luffy, I’m gonna be the Pirate King,” he added confidently. 

It seemed like people perpetually didn't believe him when he said so, even though his voice was full of conviction. When he was doubted, Luffy shrugged it off. They’d be proven wrong once he found the One Piece anyways. But it turned out this guy, Gammon, was a pirate too. It just went terribly wrong when he was with his crew, looking for treasure, and ended up getting stuck inside the chest. 

“That sucks. I can pull you out,” Luffy offered. He was tired of hearing him talk about how the Grand Line was the pirate graveyard. Luffy wasn't going to die, and would use his weird stuff to protect anyone on his crew, if they weren't strong enough to confidently sail. Luffy wasn't kidding when he wanted a family from his friendship in his crew. 

Shanks’ crew acted like family, and Luffy wanted that, too. Just like Ace had longed for when he set out on his own journey. 

Thankfully, neither Nami or Zoro were intimidated by Gamon’s claims. Zoro was majorly unimpressed, and left to go and try to find some food for them, claiming boredom. “Don't kill any of the animals!” 

“They’re freaky enough to not want to touch them, no need to worry,” Zoro replied, and walked away. 

“The One Piece exists. I know it,” Luffy said. Why would Ace’s dad lie to the world? Shanks had spoken positively of him, too, so Luffy trusted his words and Roger’s relation to Ace that he wouldn't lie. He couldn't tell anyone that Ace’s dad was the former Pirate King, planning to keep the secret to his grave. 

“If I had that treasure, I’d keep it a secret from everyone,” Nami said. 

“The Pirate King was bein’ executed when he said so,” Luffy pointed out. 

“I guess that’s true…” 

“So your crew left you here? That’s kind of mean,” Luffy said. Gammon drooped as much as he was able to with being compacted inside a treasure chest. “Well, I’ll find your treasure for you! You said it’s up there, right?” Luffy asked, pointing to the top of a steep, small plateau mountain. “How’d they get up there anyways?” he mused. 

“You would?!” Gammon cried hopefully. 

“Sure!” 

“Of course we’ll help!” Nami chimed in.

“Don't you steal from pirates?” Luffy asked.

“I have principles!” Luffy shrugged and bounding over to the small mountain, shooting an arm up to pull himself up. Gamon had been right that were were multiple chests, but when opening them, all of them were completely empty. Gammon had stayed there so long in loneliness for nothing. Luffy frowned, not really wanting to crush his dreams.

So, he refused to bring them down. “I don't feel like giving them to you,” Luffy said with a playful grin, hiding his sadness of all the time and energy wasted by the treasure chest pirate. All for nothing, really. 

But when Gamon caught on immediately, Luffy didn't bother to protest the fact it had been for nothing. No reward for waiting and wishing. Gammon was crying, and Luffy really hated seeing people cry. He didn't know Gamon well at all, but he could imagine his own disappointment if the One Piece didn't exist. 

Though, going out for it, finding adventure, was also something he was excited for. The experiences on the way. Gammon had none of that. Not really. Maybe he liked the weird animals of the forest, but it was still a dream that would always be unfulfilled. His crew ditched him for nothing. 

It really was very sad. 

“Well, it’s good we came here! You waited 20 years already, but it coulda’ been 30 if we never showed up! Wanna come with us?” Luffy asked, not out of pity. 

Luffy liked the reason he refused. It was sweet he wanted to stay behind because he was attached to all the weird animals. Luffy’d never had a pet or been close with any animals, beating them up most of the time, but at least Gamon did have some reason to keep living. 

Zoro came back with a bunch of fruit in his arms, having missed everything. 

So, they left Gamon there with the animals. It was too bad he didn't want to come, he was interesting. And Luffy would have set him free from the chest, but he hadn't wanted that. Luffy couldn't imagine not wanting to be able to move. With his devil fruit, flexibility was a huge part of it, and he loved to play and swing around, doing sweeping motions. Moving was fun and important to him. 

-x-

Luffy was laying on his back on the boat deck, very bored. “Neh, are we almost at an island? I'm bored.” Zoro was sleeping, like usual. 

“We need to plan,” Nami said insistently, suddenly. “Are we planning on going to the Grand Line like this? In tiny boats? You’ve heard what everybody has been saying about it. How are we gonna last on these tiny things?” 

“Luck!” 

“You can't depend on luck for life or death situations!” she shouted from her boat. Zoro didn't wake. “We have no provisions, and the food from the island is gonna run out eventually. There’s no way we could go to the Grand Line like this,” she insisted. 

“I guess…” Luffy pouted. He was impatient to get there and start their journey. And was also happy Nami kept saying “we”. 

“We need a bigger crew, too.” 

“But me and Zoro are strong.” 

“You said yourself you wanted a cook. And we need a doctor. Someone to treat wounds. We’re going to the Grand Line, and everyone calls it the pirate graveyard. We need someone to treat wounds if we get any. Not you, people who aren't invincible.” Luffy nodded. “Most of all, we need a better ship. There’s a village close by, and the first thing we’ll do when we get there is look for a ship.” 

“With what money?” Zoro asked, no longer sleeping even if he stayed in that relaxed position with his eyes closed. 

“We’re pirates we can steal a ship!” 

“I think that’ll be harder than you expect it will,” Nami said in a deadpanned voice. “Maybe we can negotiate. We have some treasure with us. It probably won't be enough, though. So we’ll have to sweet talk-” 

“Or lie. Nami’s good at lying.” 

“I thought you can tell when people are lying.” 

“Well, I can, but other people can't,” Luffy replied. Zoro snickered. 

Nami looked exasperated, and didn't argue anymore. 

A couple hours later, they arrived at the target island, Luffy very impressed they got to their destination. Nami hit him on the head and said it was her job as navigator and she wasn't going to half ass it. Zoro’s wound was completely healed, and this island was pretty big. Luffy noticed immediately as they got closer to the island that someone had been there, seen them, and run off. 

“Someone just ran away,” Luffy said, hand on his hat. “Seemed like a kid.” 

“Probably freaking that we came with the Buggy pirates jolly roger,” Zoro said, putting his swords in their spot at his hip. “Nice nose.”

“I heard them. Didn't smell.” 

“Okay, nice ears.” 

“Shishishi.” 

“Listen, we’re here to buy a ship. That means no beating anyone up or being a dickhead.” 

“Dickhead? I didn't expect you to have a foul mouth,” Zoro said snidely.

“Just cause I don't drop f-bombs whenever I feel like it.” 

“Fuck.” Nami’s eye twitched, and she turned her back on them. 

“No causing trouble.” 

“Okay, but what if someone comes after us?” 

“Slice em,” Zoro said. 

“Ugh,” was all Nami could bring herself to say. 

“Hey, Zoro, do you only use your swords for fighting?” Luffy asked as they walked closer to the cliff face. 

“What else would I use them for?” 

“Chopping down trees and cooking food.” 

“First of all, they’re too big to chop up food, and hacking at a tree would damage them.” 

“Heh, I guess you can't ever fight me seriously, then.” 

“Oh? And why is that?” 

"I'm tougher than a tree,” Luffy said smugly, hands on his hips. 

“I should hope so, being the future King of the Pirates.” Luffy’s face lit up with a million watt smile. Nami was smiling at them, looking amused. “Besides, I already saw you destroy blades with how fuckin’ invincible you are.” 

“Are you jealous?” Luffy giggled. 

“It’s fun to fight knowing you could die.” He gave a shark’s grin, and added, “What’s a bigger stake than your own life?” 

“Hmm, someone else’s?” Luffy mused, finger to his chin. Nami stopped walking suddenly, and Luffy ran into her back. “What happened?” he asked, taking a step back. 

“Nothing,” she muttered. “Let’s just find the town.” 

“We can ask them,” Luffy said, pointing into the distance at a small group. Three kids and a teenager.

“I can't see shit,” Zoro said, squinting. 

“Ahhh! They saw us!” Three of the four figures darted away in fear. Luffy, Zoro and Nami stopped and stared, the remaining figure shouted for the kid to come back, before regaining his composure, crossing his arms in a confident sort of way. Even when his heart was pounding in fear. 

Zoro could be scary to his enemies, but over all, Luffy didn't think their group looked scary. Hmmm. “Zoro should get those cat ear things.” 

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Even Nami looked baffled. 

“Because you’re gonna scare other people away.” 

"I'm not even trying to be intimidating!” Zoro snapped back. “Besides, pirates are supposed to be scary, right?” 

“I don't look scary.” 

“You’re overpowered as fuck, that’s scary enough.” 

“Heh…” 

“I am not getting clip on cat ears. Don't suggest it again.” 

"I'm surrounded by idiots,” Nami sighed, putting her hand to her face. 

“Don't lump me in with him!” Zoro said defensively. Luffy burst into laughter, all the while the mystery teen watching their strange interaction. “Besides, you’re too unassuming to be a pirate captain. We’re on opposite sides of the spectrum.” Luffy just giggled, and Zoro rolled his eyes, suppressing a smile. 

The guy took a deep breath, steadying himself, before shouting, “I am the great pirate fleet leader Usopp! Otherwise called captain captain Usopp! I’m the security of this village! You’d better not try to attack it! Cause I have 80 million men at my disposal who can run you out!” 

“80 million men, huh?” Zoro said, unimpressed. Luffy didn't need to tell them he was totally lying, because it was very obvious. “It’s a small island. How’d it fit so many people?” he asked in a more mocking tone. 

“They’re not here right now, but if I call them back, they’ll be on you in a second!”

“If you have 80 million men, can we have one of your ships?” Luffy called. Absolutely knowing it was bullshit. Captain Usopp sputtered, and Zoro laughed. Nami sighed, shaking her head. 

“You’re acting like I’m a liar!” Usopp shouted at the three. Luffy was good at looking dumb, so his teasing question sounded completely sincere. 

“Then do you have 80 million men?” Nami asked. 

“Of course!” 

“You're totally lying.” 

“Ah, how’d you know?!”

“Logic! Logic! How on earth would someone at your age be a boss of 80 million men?! There’s less than 3 million people in the East Blue alone!” Usopp blanched, and Luffy burst into laughter. Zoro hummed. 

“That’s not many people at all,” he commented. “You sure?” 

“Of course I’m sure!” Nami snapped. “The East Blue is the weakest sea, and the least populated despite being the most peaceful. Well, in most places…” 

“I guess people just want adventure, huh, Zoro?” Luffy said, hands behind his head. 

“Sure. Hey, you know a place we could buy a ship?” Zoro asked. 

Usopp seemed to perk up at this, and gave them another once over, seeming to find no danger in them. Luffy really was grateful he was so young looking. Easier to hide his worst self, and it would be fun to prove everyone who looked at him and didn't take him seriously wrong. Because he would be the Pirate King. And find the One Piece, and form lifelong bonds. 

They ended up going to a diner in the small village, definitely without 80 million people. Luffy ordered a bowl of ice, which he chomped on. Usopp looked at him strangely, about to ask a question, before Zoro’s sharp look had him shutting his mouth, returning to the topic of finding a ship. “So, there’s one place you could ask a ship from. It’s not a very big ship, but also not a small one.” 

“Where?” Luffy asked as he crunched ice between his teeth. 

“She lives in a mansion on the hill. The daughter of a very wealthy family. I know her well, so I could put in a good word for you.” He wasn't lying. “She owns the mansion now. But don't be fooled by her owning it, she’s sick and weak.” Usopp sounded more sad than anything else at that part. 

“What’s wrong with her?” Nami asked with a frown. 

“A couple years ago, her parents died. She’s been sick ever since.” Luffy had never had parents besides Dadan in a way. Garp didn't count in Luffy’s eyes. For many reasons, Luffy didn't consider him family. And Zoro said he’d never had family before either. Nami had lost someone close to her, but Luffy didn't know much at all about her upbringing. “She got a massive inheritance. Though, all the money in the world can't cure loneliness.” 

“Well, that’s depressing,” Zoro said, taking another large gulp of his beer. He’d already drunk three bottles. Luffy was not going to call him a high functioning alcoholic anymore since it really bothered him. Or just annoyed him. 

Nami was quiet for a moment. “Nevermind, we won't look for a ship in this village. We can go somewhere else.” 

“We’re not in a hurry, really,” Luffy said, chomping on more melting ice. He didn't want to take advantage of someone who was sick and lonely. “Maybe we could build one!” 

“I wouldn't trust anything you make, regardless of how strong you are,” Nami said, making Luffy pout in offense. 

“Zoro would, right?” 

“...Maybe.” 

“You totally wouldn't!” Luffy said in offense. “When I was little we built a treehouse out of junk! So there, I’m an arcitent!” 

“Architect,” Nami sighed. “And was the treehouse built well?” 

“Yeah. None of us died from it.” 

“That’s a low bar,” Usopp voiced. 

“It even had its own crow's nest.” 

“Who else helped you?” Usopp asked, sounding genuinely interested. 

“My brother.” Luffy and Ace had decided to not tell people about Sabo and his sad end and life. Plus, it kind of hurt to even think about him. How they’d failed to save him and he died on the whim of some rich person. 

“I wish I had siblings!” 

“Yeah, they’re great! Though Ace tried to kill me the first time. Hahaha!” All three looked at him in concern. “What?” 

“Why are you happy about that? Your brother tried to kill you!” 

“It’s hard to kill me, don't worry.” 

“That’s not the point!” Usopp insisted. 

Luffy took a pause. “Oh no, I made him look bad, didn't I?” 

“Kind of, yeah!” 

“He was only ten, though.” 

“That’s even worse!” 

“Let it go, they clearly patched the relationship since Luffy adores him,” Zoro said. Luffy appreciated the support. “Man, you had a wild childhood,” he added with a smile. 

“Shishishi! It was a fun time. Lots of fighting and exploring. I'm only so strong because me and Ace trained so much.” 

“Trained for what?” Usopp asked, seeming genuinely very interested. 

“Why else? To be pirates.” Nami smiled at her food and Zoro grinned. 

“Wow! So you’ve always wanted to be a pirate?” 

“Not just a pirate! The Pirate King,” Luffy said. 

“Wow.” Luffy approved of his response, the first person to not openly doubt his capability. It was nice, and Usopp just won a lot of points in his book. “I want to be a pirate. My dad is out at sea as one himself. Sails under Red Haired Pirates.” Luffy’s jaw dropped in shock of the coincidence. “What? I know I’m skinny, but I can be like my dad just fine!” 

“Is it Yasopp?” 

“What?! How do you know?!” 

“Shanks’ crew stayed in my little village for a long time. I was friends with them. He gave me this hat. I’m to return it to him when I’m a strong and capable pirate. Yasopp was really cool! He could shoot things from really far away. He kept blabbing about you, though, so much that everyone were really annoyed or fell asleep.” Zoro snorted at the bluntness. 

Usopp looked very touched, and Luffy smiled. “You're looking for companions, right?” Usopp asked brightly. 

“You know someone who’d want to join?” Nami asked. 

“If you let me be captain, I’ll join!” Luffy rose his brows and frowned, while Zoro went way overboard and touched his sword in threat. Usopp “eep!”ed. 

“I won't follow any captain besides Luffy,” Zoro growled. Luffy gaped at him before it turned into the brightest smile. Nami looked fond, laughing into her hand. 

“I have to go!” and he ran away. 

“Ahhh, Zoro you scared him off,” Luffy complained, though he was very happy with Zoro’s statement. 

“Jeez, how did you take him seriously? Threatening the guy? A bit overboard,” Nami laughed. Luffy inhaled another mouthful of ice. 

“Zoro’s loyal. I’m happy.” Zoro’s face turned red and he took another chug of beer. 

Would he be loyal if he knew?

Shut up. 

It didn't help that the three kids that were with Usopp hurried in, demanding where their captain was. 

“We just ate,” Luffy said. 

“Ate…? He ate the captain?” the gasped. 

“Your captain Usopp is gone,” Zoro smirked in a mean way. “We ate him.” 

The kids screamed in horror. It felt… bad. It wasn't like cannibalism was a topic that was brought up much. He didn't need reinforcement that it was horrible, it was already known very well. Luffy hid his feelings with a blank look of innocent confusion. He was thankful Zoro didn't notice the change, and neither did Nami. 

People just didn't eat other people. Luffy didn't count as a person, then. Just a monster freak, hiding behind a web of lies.

Chapter Text

“Are you okay?” Zoro asked Luffy, whose mood was down after the tiny interaction that was meant to be funny but was just hurtful. 

“Yeah. Why?” Luffy asked. 

“You just seem closed off,” Zoro said with a frown. Luffy didn't really have a good excuse and didn't want to make a terrible lie up. He just shrugged, and moved the brim of his hat lower over his eyes. They were going to see Kaya about a ship after hearing Usopp was kind to her. They might have a shot of getting a ship if he gave them a good word. 

Luffy decided to try and change the subject and kick his sadness away. It was a dumb reason to be upset. A stupid joke. “So, would you have cut him into bits if he said it again?” Luffy asked. “That was a little intense of a reaction.” Zoro’s face went red. “Especially cause I blackmailed you!” Luffy laughed. 

“Yeah, well, that’s how it started. You’ll never live up to your end of the deal, though. You tricked me.” 

“Cause I can't cut out my insides?” Luffy giggled. Zoro huffed and rolled his eyes, but smiled, too. “Zoro is a drama queen.” 

“Shut up.” 

Nami watched them, deeply unimpressed. 

“The fuck is that look for?” Zoro demanded. 

“You're both so clueless.” Luffy was clueless as to what she meant, but she didn't elaborate. They arrived at the mansion with the princess Kaya. 

“We’d like a ship, please!” he said to nobody, as no one was at the entrance. The thought of advancing being a pirate was clearing up his dreary mood well. “Well, nobody is here to answer. Hup!” and he jumped over the gate, landing neatly. 

“Idiot,” Nami hissed. “And we can't even stop him!”

“Means we have to follow him,” Zoro shrugged, and climbed the gate, too, though much less nimbly than the non-human Luffy. Luffy offered to help Nami up, but she refused and climbed over it just fine herself. Luffy bounded to the left, easily hearing Usopp and the princess talking. The little kids that lead them there now ran behind Luffy, who absolutely knew where he was going. 

“Hey, guys! So you're the princess!” 

“Princess?” Kaya asked, sounding confused but also partly amused. “Who are they?” The kids ran around the corner, catching up to the three pirates, and announced they had brought “the guests to captain Usopp”. 

Usopp threw an arm over Luffy’s shoulders, and smugly said, “These guys traveled far and wide to meet me and join my crew.” 

“No, we didn't,” Luffy said, baffled by the arrogant lie. Most people didn't lie like that when someone was there to easily dispute them. “Hey, princess, can we have a ship?” Nami slapped her hand to her forehead at his bluntness. 

“A ship?” 

“Yeah, we’re pirates but all we have is two little boats. Both of them were stolen, too.” 

“Wait, ours was stolen?” Zoro couldn't help but ask.

“Yeah! When I beat up Alvida, me and Coby got that from their crew. Anyways, princess-” (“She’s not a princess,” Usopp muttered) “- can we have a ship-?” 

“Who are you and what are you doing here?!” a man shouted, coming around the corner. He’d been pretty quiet. “You can't just barge into the mansion like this!” 

“Ugh, the butler,” Usopp groaned. 

“Who’s he?” Luffy asked. 

“Guess he’s the butler,” Zoro said. 

The Butler was pissed at them all being there. Technically they had trespassed, but the princess didn't at all look angry, more tiredly interested and intrigued. 

“Klahador, these people-” 

“You can tell me later. All of you, please leave. Unless you have something to say-” 

“You shouldn't talk over her like that,” Luffy stated with his blank stare. This surprised everyone. “Just cause she’s sick doesn't make you her boss.” He didn't like him. The Butler gave him bad vibes. And Luffy’s words pissed him off. “Also, we want a ship-” 

“No, get out, now.” Luffy pouted. Klahador looked to the side at Usopp, who tensed at the direct eye contact. “You’re Usopp. I’ve heard too many rumors about you.” Luffy blinked, wondering how this would go. At first, Usopp thought they had been good rumors. “Nothing good. The guards said you lurk outside. What do you want?” 

“Uh, I heard there was a huge mole in the mansion, so I wanted to come check it out!” 

“Haha, I can see that you can lie very well.” Luffy furrowed his brows, wondering if Usopp was actually a good liar. Luffy glanced to Zoro, who looked unimpressed, shaking his head. Well, that was answer enough about that question. 

“What?” Usopp asked angrily, and a fight broke out, with the Butler saying some very rude things about Usopp and his upbringing. And if he thought Usopp being the kid of a pirate was bad, Luffy could only imagine what he’d think of his and Ace’s childhood behavior. Lying compared to stealing and beating people up. Luffy really did have an interesting upbringing. 

Kaya was extremely angry with what Klahador was saying, the audience watching the drama unfold with varying degrees of awkwardness or irritation. The Butler was a jackass. None of them were surprised but for Kaya when Usopp punched the guy to the ground. Luffy probably would have punched him a long time ago. 

“What an asshole,” Luffy said a little too loudly. “Princess, the Butler was totally baiting Usopp to make him hit him,” he added, pointing at the manipulative man, who again ordered they leave. Luffy did so, but when Usopp left the other way, Luffy decided to follow him. He looked so very angry that Luffy hung back a bit before deciding to just go talk to him. 

“Hey!” Luffy said loudly, starling Usopp. Luffy couldn't imagine life without knowing if someone was following him. “That was crazy. He’s a jerk.” 

“I shouldn't have hit him,” Usopp grumbled. “But he pissed me off by dissing my dad just cause he’s a pirate.” 

“Yeah, and he’s not a bad pirate, either,” Luffy agreed. “I already met lots of bad pirates before, and Yasopp is a nice person. He was really popular!” 

“I knew he was a good man,” Usopp said, a bright smile on his face. “But that bastard Klahador thinks so highly of himself. Looking down on my pride! I hate him!” 

“Are you gonna give up on the princess?” 

“Maybe… I’ll go back if he apologizes.” Luffy’s ears picked up when someone came walking down the coast. “Stupid butler.” 

“That guy?” Luffy asked, pointing in the direction of the Butler. 

“Why is he here?!” Usopp cried. 

“It looks shady.” 

“Let’s get closer-” 

“I can hear them from here,” Luffy said. Luffy listened, not needing Usopp to be silent, but still appreciated it anyways. “They’re gonna kill the princess,” Luffy said, eyes wide in shock. The Butler had been a jerk, but he was gonna kill an innocent girl? That was unexpected! He was a traitor to the princess. 

Usopp gasped. “That’s not funny,” he scolded. 

"I'm not lying. Shh.” 

He listened more, wondering vaguely if this was the first time they met with the long introductive Butler was giving. He was some disbanded crew’s captain, and made the other weirdo down there, ‘Jango’, acting captain. Luffy stayed quiet the whole time he listened. Usopp watched with apprehensive eyes, biting on his lower lip. 

What Luffy heard, he was disgusted with. It had been a very long time since Luffy had despised someone as strongly as he did Klahador - Captain Kuro. Betraying a lonely girl, acting like he cared about her only to want to kill her off and take all her money, all while maintaining his image with the village. 

Luffy stood up, shaking with fury, and felt he was going to do something reckless. His brain was in overdrive, not knowing what he should do. Nami would say to keep his mouth shut and tell others first, while Zoro would say to confront him and stop it before anything went wrong. Luffy  decided to go the direct route, and told Usopp everything he’d heard, before he walked to the cliff. 

“Wh-what are you doing?” Usopp squealed, grabbing Luffy’s shoulder to stop him. Luffy was stronger than he was by far, so Usopp was dragged as Luffy hurried to the cliff face. He then jumped over the side as Usopp shouted his name in alarm. The drop was steep, but Luffy landed with a bounce on his feet. “Idiot!” Usopp hissed. 

“I heard what you’re going to do,” Luffy said angrily. 

“And what did you hear?” Kuro asked, not seeming worried at all. 

“You know what I heard, you rotten Butler. We’re not gonna let you hurt the princess.” 

“Is that so? And how are you going to stop me?” Before either of them could react, Luffy’s tails shot out and wrapped around their feet, hoisting them up into the air, high, like Zoro had thought was so funny with Buggy. 

“What the hell?!” Jango shouted, his glasses and hat falling off. 

“He’s a devil fruit user!” Kuro shouted. Usopp gasped in shock. “Unhand me!” Luffy raised him even higher. 

“People like you are the worst. She counted on you and you’re gonna betray her!” 

“And you think they’ll believe you if you tell them, after you have assaulted me?” Kuro asked. Luffy wandered over to the shore, and dangled both of their heads over the water. Both of them started to sweat while Jango openly started to weep in fear. 

“Luffy, what are you doing?” Zoro asked, walking over casually. 

“The Butler and this guy are gonna kill the princess!” Luffy announced. Kuro looked worried about Luffy spreading the news, even slightly. 

“Really?” 

“I heard him. He’s been lying this whole time to her and plans on killing her and stealing all her money. He’s also used to some be pirate. He’s not a Butler at all.” Zoro unsheathed his sword, and Kuro swallowed deeply. Jango passed out from the fear, both of their faces bright red from the blood flowing down with gravity.

“Well, we can't kill them.” Luffy didn't plan to anyways. “We’ll just be the bad guys to the village.” 

“So? It would save the princess. We don't need to be heroes. We don't need a ship here, either,” Luffy said. He didn't want to kill them, but he’d rather these two be dead than the trusting princess. Kuro looked very worried and stiff by now. Both of the pirates were debating killing him. Seriously debating it. 

“We should ask Nami,” Zoro said. “I’ll go get her.” 

“M’kay,” Luffy said, glaring down the still conscious Kuro. 

“If you kill me, my crew will find and kill you if its the last thing they do.” 

“You are not a loyal captain. You handed them off to someone else for your greed. Do you think they’ll go against me to get to you when you’ve been such a crappy captain?” 

“And what would you know about being a loyal captain?” Kuro snapped, face now turning purple with all the rushing blood. 

“If my crew has been loyal to me already, I’m doing something right.” 

“I pegged you for an idiot. Is it all an act?” 

“You don't need to know.” He waited, Kuro falling in and out of consciousness before Luffy dropped him and then picked him back up under an armpit, tip of his tail wrapped around his arm. Nami and Zoro ran over. 

“Luffy, this isn't the way,” Nami complained. Kuro was still knocked out. Luffy noticed Usopp was gone. 

“What was I supposed to do?” Luffy pouted. “They’re gonna kill the princess!” Nami frowned, not seeming to know what to say. 

“We could take him into the village and torture him into telling the truth.” Nami and Luffy both didn't want to do that. “Then how else are we gonna make him spill the beans? He’ll just lie and frame us.” 

“Well, Usopp has gone to tell the villagers,” Nami said. “Hopefully they’ll listen to him-” 

“Nobody on this island will believe him,” Kuro laughed, waking up. “You have no hope in anyone believing him and some pirates over me. And - if you kill me, my crew will swear vengeance on you. Well, you’ll die anyways in the end.” 

Luffy lifted him up higher, and like he had Buggy and Kabaji, he slammed him back down onto the sand, breaking his glasses and cutting his cheek on a rock on the shore. Kuro cried out at the strong impact. Jango remained unconscious. Nami and Zoro had no problem with this, watching impassively. 

“Wish we had some hand cuffs,” Nami sighed. “I’ve never even heard the name Captain Kuro,” she added. 

“Must not have been very impressive in his hay day,” Zoro said casually. Kuro’s eyes blazed in irritation. “What, the calm Butler all an act?” Nami rolled her eyes. “So, what should we do with him?” 

“Well, if nobody believes Usopp, its not like they’d believe us over this guy. Not only are we unknown but we’re also openly pirates.” Luffy didn't comment on her lumping herself in with the crew. She was seeming to really grow comfortable with them, which Luffy was so happy about. He was doing something right! “Torture will just put them all off on us.” 

“And we won't get a ship,” Zoro added. 

“Well, yes, that, too.” 

“So, no idea what to do with him, then? He’s already pretty busted up.” He didn't sound bothered by that. “I say we drag him to the mansion and force him to confess.” 

“And how the hell do you plan on that? And not torture,” Nami said in exasperation. Zoro had no answer. “Maybe Usopp could convince Kaya as her friend. Based on today, this jackass is pretty controlling.” Kuro narrowed his eyes angrily. “For now, I’ll go find Usopp and ask him to talk to Kaya. Did he heard Kuro say all the stuff himself?” 

“I told him, he couldn't hear. But he was watching, so maybe he could read his lips a little. But he believed me when I said so.” Nami left to find Usopp, and the two other pirates just waited. Luffy’s tails never got tired, unlike any of his other limbs might. He would be able to dangle Kuro and Jango in the air for an indefinite amount of time.

Nami came back with Usopp over an hour later, the young man looking dejected. Then he looked up and saw Kuro’s bloody face and broken glasses. “What did you do to him? And what are those tails!” 

“Devil fruit. And he was causing trouble,” Luffy answered bluntly. “Did you tell the princess?” 

“She didn't believe me… and told me to leave Klahador alone. I don't think there’s anything I can do about it,” Usopp said, sounding exceedingly depressed.

“If we kill him then he can't hurt anyone,” Zoro stated casually. Usopp blanched, looking horrified at the suggestion. 

“We can't kill him!” 

“So you want to let him kill Kaya?” Zoro challenged, Usopp turning even whiter at this. “It’s either him or Kaya. I know who I’d pick.” 

“KLAHADOR! LET HIM GO!” Uh oh, the princess had arrived. 

“Lady Kaya!” Kuro shouted, sounding frightened. He was a good actor, as he’d been lying to everyone for years. All to get the money Kaya had for himself. “Thank god you’ve come!” 

“Usopp-san, what - what is this?”

“Kaya, you shouldn't have left the mansion!” Usopp cried in worry. Kaya did look sick and tired, having trouble walking to them down a semi steep slope. “And I know it looks bad, but it’s - it’s  good reason!” he insisted, apprehensively. 

“A good reason?!” 

“Princess, these two planned on assassinating you to get your inheritance. To have you sign it away before you die. A big pirate crew is also going to come to cause problems. He’s a former pirate captain and has been lying to you the whole time,” Luffy explained bluntly. Nami winced at his delivery. 

Kaya’s eyes filled with tears, and Luffy for just a second thought they were lucky enough for her to believe him. But his initial idea was wrong. “You would make up such horrible lies about him? What, so I can give you a ship?” she cried. “Please, put him down!” 

“Do you swear not to sign over your belongings to him?” Zoro asked, voice cutting across Kaya’s cries. “If you never do that, his plan won't work. He won't get the money, he’ll just be a murderer and will never be allowed to stay in this village again.” Kaya flinched. 

“I - I mean, who else… who else would I give it, too, if I died?” Kaya asked, uncertain and exceedingly upset with the nature of the conversation. 

“Kaya, have you noticed Kur- Klahador has not denied a thing so far? Why is he not defending himself?” Nami said, in a much kinder voice than Luffy of Zoro had been. 

“Because I don't need to! Lady Kaya knows my loyalty and devotion to her,” Kuro snapped. 

“You hurt him - please, please put him down.” Luffy was petty and dropped him, the man landing hard on his knees. “I - I would like you all to leave.” The three pirates stood there before Luffy bluntly refused. “What?” Kaya asked in surprise. 

“We’re not leaving. Not when he’s here. Princess, you’re really gullible.” Nami looked at him like he was a complete hypocrite. “He’s gonna kill you-” 

“Luffy,” Nami said in a loud voice to stop him speaking. “Your method of convincing has not worked. Stop trying to press it.” 

“But-!” 

“I’ll talk with her. I’m not the one whose been threatening and beating him up.” 

“Kaya…” Usopp said softly. “I’d never lie to you about this. He was a jackass to me today, but - I know I tell stories a lot, but I’d never lie about your well being,” he said sincerely, eyes a little watery. Kaya looked at him with wide eyes of her own, before she turned away and helped Kuro up. 

Nami followed, checking she had her staff with her, strapped to her thigh underneath her skirt. 

“Well that was painful,” Zoro said. “What do we do with this loser?” he asked, turning towards Jango, who was only pretending to be unconscious, now. Zoro walked up to him and grabbed some disk object, and snapped it against his knees. A little bit of blood welled up on his palms after grabbing the blade. 

“You could have let me do it,” Luffy said in mild disapproval. He wouldn't have been cut. Jango tensed when his weapon was destroyed, but continued to play dead. Very poorly. Luffy yanked him back up, swung him around to get momentum before chucking him out pretty far into the ocean. Zoro whistled, impressed. Luffy giggled. 

“Were you really gonna kill him?” Usopp asked, looking upset and uneasy. 

“I would have been fine with it. I was a bounty hunter before a pirate.” Usopp started to sweat, and he turned away from Zoro to address Luffy, who let his tails retract smoothly, not a trace of them remaining. He asked him if that was his “devil fruit”. He didn't know what a devil fruit was, though. 

“Mm hmm.” 

“He’s overpowered as fuck.” Luffy giggled, pleased. Zoro didn't sound angry, more proud and almost bragging. “So, what are you gonna do?” he asked Usopp. 

“I don't know… the villagers won't believe me.” 

“Why not?” Luffy asked. 

“Ah… I like to play pranks. I’ve said a lot of times that pirates are attacking. I guess telling them Kuro was a bad pirate… they didn't believe me.”

“So, the boy who cried wolf, then?” Zoro commented. Luffy rose his brows in question, having no idea what the reference was. “It’s an old story to scare children into not lying. A boy repeatedly told his whole village that wolves were attacking the flock of sheep. When a wolf did actually come, nobody believed his warning. The sheep were eaten and then so was he.”

Luffy bopped his fist in his other palm. “I get it. So, lying will get you killed?” 

“Sure.” Usopp glared at them. Luffy had only ever lied to people to protect himself. Not to hurt others or make their lives harder. And he was only good at lying when it came to one subject. He just protected his secret, and probably would never feel guilty enough to tell anyone. Though Garp kept it a secret from everyone, too. He wasn't alone in fooling the world. 

Usopp took a deep breath, and then said, “Since everyone thinks I’m a liar, I’m going to protect the village from the pirates myself! Even if Kaya doesn't believe me, I won't let her die! Even if the villagers chased me and hate me, I won't let them die from stupid pirates! Even if they don't… I still love this village and Kaya is my closest friend. I won't let them all die!” 

“Yeah, screw pirates!” Luffy said, caught up in Usopp’s fierce declaration. “Oh, wait.” Zoro burst into laughter while Usopp didn't really react. “So, we’ll beat up those bad pirates and protect the village. And get a ship, too!” 

“I don't know, Kaya hates us, now.” 

“She won't hate us when she finds out the truth and we protect her,” Usopp said firmly. "I'm not letting her or anyone else get hurt.” 

“Do you want our help?” Luffy asked. He planned on helping anyways, though. 

“You’d help us?” Luffy nodded. “But, why?”

“You're outnumbered. And I don't like manipulative people. Or people that treat their crew crappy,” Luffy stated, thinking of Bluejam hitting his own men. 

“Plus, you have ‘I’m scared’ written all over your face,” Zoro added. 

“I’m not scared! I have a proud warrior’s blood in me!” Luffy didn't need super hearing to tell Usopp was projecting. He was scared, sweaty, eyes wide and bloodshot, and trembling. “Ah, stop shaking,” he muttered at his legs. "I'm not scared.” He was talking to himself before seeing both others staring at him with blank faces. “I don't need your sympathy! Now go away!” 

“Why would we be sympathizing with you? For one, I don't feel like helping someone who doesn't give a fuck about the cause. It’s obvious you have courage.” Luffy nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with Zoro. 

“Yeah, why else would we risk our lives?” 

“You can't die,” Zoro pointed out.

“It’s the principle of it!” 

“Sorry, sorry.” 

“Do you not want our help?” Luffy asked. He knew Nami would agree to help, too. Usopp had tears in his eyes, and accepted the help, no longer angry or defensive against them. 

“Then… let’s get planning.” 

“We need more information,” Zoro said, and looked out to sea. “And he has it.” Luffy shot out his hand, stretching it far enough over the water to grab Jango’s retreating back, swimming away as fast as he could. He was not out of range, and Luffy yanked him back to them. “Jango, we have some questions for you,” Zoro grinned. 

-x-

Nami came back an hour later, looking angry. Jango was very beaten up and tied to a tree while the three young men were waiting at a slope. They’d gotten plenty of information from the weirdo, and hadn't even needed to try hard. He was scared of them enough to just admit everything. Zoro didn't need to torture him, just threaten him with a very bad time. He’d even told them he didn't care about the crew, the pirates he lead, which he seemed to think would earn him points when it just made him even more hateable. 

“What happened?” Zoro asked, sitting against a tree, swords resting in his lap. They had a few hours until sunrise, which was when the pirates would attack. 

“She kicked me out. The guards threatened me, too. I might have hit one of them in the face with my staff.” Luffy laughed. “It’s not funny, it just made it worse! I swear, your recklessness is rubbing off on me and that’s not a good thing!” 

“I like to call it bravery,” Luffy replied brightly. 

“So, Kuro still with her?” 

“Luffy broke his arm and nose. The gash on his face was pretty bad.” 

“Oops.” 

“Nah, he deserved it,” Zoro said casually. 

“Well, if this kind of thing happens again, now you know not to be impulsive,” Nami scolded with her hands on her hips. 

“I wasn't impulsive. I was fast thinking and acting.” 

“No, you acted fast and didn't think. Impulsive.” Luffy pouted. “Also, stop encouraging it. You just make it worse,” she said to Zoro. 

“Hey, Zoro’s the one who suggested torture, not me!” 

“Yeah, but you hurt him first!” 

“Only cause I had to!” 

“Are you pirates fighting about morals?” Usopp asked, though he looked entertained. “Are you really like my dad’s crew?” 

“No way! We’re gonna be better. That was our promise.” Zoro grinned, and Nami sighed in (fond?) exasperation. 

“Well, what’s the plan, then?” 

“This is the only way up from the shore they’re supposed to be landing at.” Luffy raised his hand in protest. “You don't count. Normal people who can't climb cliffs with tails.” He lowered his hand. “Anyways, what are you guys good at?” 

“Fighting!” 

“Cutting.” 

“Stealing.” 

“I guess two of you would be useful.” 

“Hey! What a rude thing to say!” Nami snapped. Usopp put his hands up in surrender. “At least I have a brain, unlike these idiots.” 

“Nami’s mean,” Luffy huffed. “I have a big brain.” Zoro pressed his lips in trying not to laugh. 

“You can't read, Luffy,” Nami said in exasperation. 

“I lived in a jungle! Besides, when we get outta here, you can just teach me.” 

“Will you be paying me?” 

“You can save on the cost of money me not eating food will save.” 

“Oh damn, he’s right, he does have a big brain,” Zoro laughed. Nami rubbed her temples. 

“Okay, let’s get back on subject,” Usopp prompted, looking at them like they were crazy. The plan ended up getting some type of oil used in building and sliding it down the slope. It was super slippery, and Luffy bet it was fun to slide down. Nami read his mind, or maybe his expression, and grabbed his shirt. 

“No sliding down it! Even if you can climb or jump back up!” she ordered. Luffy pouted, and Zoro laughed from where he sat. Nami let go of Luffy’s shirt, and he honestly didn't mean to slip. His foot stepped at the very edge, flying out from under him. “Luffy!” He got covered in it on his front, ruining his borrowed shirt from the Buggy ship storage, since his own had been hacked to pieces.

However, he didn't slide down when he embedded a tail into the cliff face to keep himself from going to the bottom. He used them to claw his way back up. The oil slid down his skin, thick and gross. He yanked his shirt off, grumbling about it to himself. “That wasn't fun at all,” he complained. 

Looking up, Nami looked majorly unimpressed, but wasn't yelling, since Luffy hadn't done it on purpose. He glanced to Zoro, who was being very quiet, and saw he was staring at Luffy’s chest while the oil dripped down at a steady pace. “Zoro, it doesn't taste good. I got some in my mouth. Ick.” 

“Huh?” 

“You're drooling. Are you hungry?” Zoro’s face went as red as a tomato, blush creeping down his neck to his chest. Nami could not help but erupt in laughter, while Usopp just looked confused. So was Luffy. He shivered, the air cold and making the oil even cooler. “I’ll be back.” He walked to the cliff and jumped down, hearing Zoro start throwing swearwords at Nami while Luffy walked to the short, wetting his shirt, wringing it out to try and wash out the oil in the water. It would probably get crusty later. 

Once he thought the oil was out enough, he wiped it off himself like a towel to try and get the oil off. When he was oil free enough, he headed back to the others, Zoro looked infinitely pissed. Every time he looked at Luffy, he jerked his gaze away. Luffy hoped this would pass, but was distracted from the situation when the sun rose. 

The pirates would be there soon. Luffy had to be careful. He didn't want to kill anyone, but knew based on his past, recent encounters, normal humans were very breakable. Luffy could kill them with ease, even on accident. He had to be careful. Maybe this would be a learning experience. Not fighting anything but giant animals for the last three years really set him up for failure.

It was an hour into sunrise that Luffy heard a commotion from far away. He listened closer, and gasped. “They’re from the other direction!” he shouted, startling them. “I can hear them shouting from that way!” He pointed to the north. 

“WHAT?! You said this was the only entrance!” 

“There’s one more, but they talked about it here! I thought they’d come here!” 

“Luffy!” Zoro shouted, and the rubber teen knew what he wanted. He took out his tails, wrapped two around Nami and Zoro and threw Usopp over his shoulder, sprinting through the forest at a fast pace. Zoro and Nami had their eyes shut while Usopp screamed at Luffy swinging around to dodge trees. These trees were more dense and compacted than at home, but Luffy still didn't run into them. 

He skidded to a stop at the slope released them. The pirates hadn't gotten far in, and the four were now standing in their way. They’d left Jango behind, tied to the tree, so these pirates had no idea they’d been sold out.   

“Well, that’s one way to travel,” Zoro grunted, pulling his swords out of their sheaths. Nami tried to see around the pirates that hadn't noticed them yet, to check on their boats, which had the treasure from Buggy’s crew on it, still. Usopp was still in shock of how fast Luffy had moved. It was nice everyone in the East Blue had no idea how devil fruits worked. Would going to the Grand Line make his lies less believable? 

Well, not like that would stop him anyways.

The enemy pirates didn't stop charging them, and Luffy said, “Alright, go get ‘em, Usopp!” 

“What?! I thought you were going to help!” 

“We are. But we’d take them all down quick and easy. You wouldn't have any claim to win,” Zoro said matter of factly. “Don't you want to protect the village?” Luffy was very glad they had the same mindset.

“Of course I do! I can - I can do it myself!” Usopp shouted, though his legs were shaking. 

“Go for it!” Luffy cheered. 

“This is stupid,” Nami said, holding her staff in both hands. 

Luffy looked over at the shore when he smelled a rancid stench. It was Jango, limping along. When he saw his crew there, who hadn't noticed him, he jumped back out of sight. He had no weapons and was clearly badly beaten. As acting captain, would they look down on  him? Luffy hoped, if he got injured someday, somehow, his crew would be supportive. But he didn't want to risk it anyways, and would always win. 

Usopp pulled out a fancy slingshot, and Luffy blinked at it, surprised. He’d never seen anyone fight with a sling shot. One time, back with Shanks, Luffy had been given some rubber bands after he ate his devil fruit, and had snapped them at people from afar. Which was what Usopp was doing now. He knocked down a few before he was overrun, but in no way were Luffy and Zoro going to let him get beat up to prove himself. 

“Usopp, duck!” Luffy shouted. He did so, going prone to the ground as Luffy whipped his leg out and crushed everyone he caught against the other side of the slope’s wall. Screams and broken bones, but no bloodshed. “Haha! Zoro, your turn!” 

“You don't need to tell me,” Zoro said, not even bothering to get all his swords out to fight, leaving his most important of the three in its sheath. The fight was pretty one sided, and Luffy was the only one to notice Jango sneaking back onto the ship behind the fighting. Luffy was suspicious, wondering if he had other weapons he was sneaking to. 

Maybe Luffy also kind of wanted to shame him for what he’d done - planned to do. Luffy backed up, leaving the fight to Zoro, and launched both hands around two trees, pulling himself back, stretching until taut with tension. “I’ll be back in a second!” he shouted, shooting off with near perfect aim to the ship, slapping into the front of it harmlessly. “Whatch’a doin’, Jango?!” Luffy called, slingshotting himself onto the deck. Jango screamed at seeing him, and the few men on deck looked shocked by both of their sudden appearances. 

“C-Captain Jango?! What happened to you?!” Luffy watched Jango sputter some attempt at an excuse for his beaten form, but there was no fooling them when he had bruises and crusted blood on his face, his glasses lenses cracked. 

“Kick his ass while I get my backup weapons!” And Jango tried to sprint around Luffy and make it inside. Luffy shot out his tails, wrapping three around the men currently pulling out weapons while his fourth grabbed Jango by the ankle, tripping him. “No! No, not again!” he screamed, digging his fingernails into the deck as he was dragged back in what had to be a very painful move. 

Though maybe that pain was preferred over Luffy’s humiliation of him. The other three were screaming, having no idea what the tentacles wrapped around their waists and legs were. Yeah, they were more like tentacles than tails, but Luffy didn't like thinking of them as tentacles. It felt gross, in a way. So, they were tails. 

Luffy tossed the other three out into the ocean quite a ways back, and jumped himself down to the sandy shore, Jango screeching as he plummeted towards the ground. Luffy didn't let him slam into it, though. He’d probably die from that height, being a normal human like he was, with no devil fruit, and no weapons. Utterly helpless and afraid. 

“Buchi, Sham!” Jango shouted, and two guys in cat costumes fighting Zoro looked over. “Kill this guy right now!” 

Zoro slashed one of them in the back when he was about to go after Luffy. 

“You’re not stealing both of ‘em, captain,” Zoro said, knowing Luffy could hear him, sort through all the noise and shouting and moaning in pain. The other - either Buchi or Sham, Luffy didn't know who was who - defended the one Zoro slashed, with no one coming to defend Jango. Seeing him beaten up and helpless made his “followers” not want to approach either. 

“Kill this numbnuts brat! I'm serious! If Captain Kuro sees us failing, we’re all dead!” Jango shouted. Luffy dipped his head in the water behind them, and he screamed. Luffy didn't drown him, just dunked him and then pulled him back out. 

“Playing with your food again, Luffy?” Ace asked at Luffy swinging a crocodile out of the tree. 

“Shishishi. It’s your food,” Luffy giggled. 

“Yeah, well, you do it with people, too.” 

“Is it a bad thing?” Luffy asked. 

“Messing with people is fun as shit. Me and Sabo did it. I think its fine as long as they deserve it.” 

The threat of an angry Cat Butler stirred the men into taking down Luffy, and getting their acting captain back. While Zoro fought those guys, Luffy had a blast with his fighting. He swung Jango around his head over and over and slammed him into the crewmembers trying to help him, shooting them away from harsh impact. Jango threw up all over one of the guys before he was punted back as well. 

“What a sadist!” Usopp shouted. 

“Don't say they don't deserve it,” Zoro grunted back. Luffy didn't notice who’d arrived before he made himself known. 

The Butler stood at the top of the slope, face red with rage, and growled, “I thought it had been too long since the sun rose. I was wondering why the plan hadn't been carried out… what the hell are you all doing?!” 

The pirate underlings winced, cowered, at his fury at them. Jango went completely pale. Kuro hadn't even bothered to come back for Jango after he escaped Luffy with the tricked princess. Jango was disposable to him, and even so, Jango was some form of loyal to him. Out of fear, maybe. 

Kuro was breathing hard. Luffy liked seeing him lose his cool. He’d pretended to be cool for three years. “To think you’ve all been having problems from - from kids?!” As if Luffy hadn't been giving him problems personally. “It’s pathetic. I expected something more of you all. Has Jango failed you so badly? Have you, Jango?” Kuro pulled gloves out of his pocket, and unscrewed the fingers so long blades came from each one, a long knife on each finger. He slipped them on, overcome with cold fury.

Jango was shaking, in anger and maybe also fear and pain. Luffy wondered if they’d fight each other if given the chance. Luffy chucked him across the yard, landing perfectly in front of Kuro, at his feet, wincing hard. More bones were cracked. But he wasn't dead, which meant Luffy was successful. 

Kuro looked down at the tormented man at his feet. He put his foot on his head, looking at him as if he were trash, and ground his heel down on Jango’s face, who groaned. “You will kill these kids in the next five minutes. All of them.” Kuro looked up at the men, those with shattered bones or cut down by Zoro, bruised from Usopp’s shots, with a terrifying face. 

Then, he stomped down on Jango’s face with his heel. “Or I will, and kill you all with them.” Jango screamed, and even Luffy winced, just a little. 

“G-Get them!” the pirates screamed in terror of the promise of pain from their former captain. And with the way things were going with Jango, maybe soon to be acting captain as well. Zoro got his swords back, and began to fight, but nobody dared approach Luffy, who looked like the weakest of them, even shorter and skinner than Usopp was. His big eyes glinted with excitement for a good fight. 

He looked up just as Zoro took down the two “strongest” of the enemy crew with a single attack. Luffy grinned. Zoro was awesome! “Don't worry. I’ll kill all of you in five minutes, no exceptions,” Zoro threatened, able to talk easily with his mouth full of a sword handle. 

“Neehee!” Luffy laughed, and used his devil fruit to fight the pirates, who looked shocked he could stretch like that when he’d mostly been using his tails to attack. But he nailed them in the faces, the stomachs, breaking ribs, but killing nobody. He was getting better at pulling his punches, literally. 

Luffy wiped the floor with everyone, allowing one of them to hit him with a sword. A low quality one that easily broke against his skin, doing zero damage. 

“He’s invincible!” Usopp screamed from afar. 

“Yeah,” Nami agreed, voice shaking a bit. “While you’re all busy…” and she darted to the side, climbing down a tree and running across the battlefield, with none of the pirates in a position to target her. "I'm going for the treasure! Beat his ass, Luffy! This is a fight we can't lose!” 

Luffy heard Zoro grumble, “As if I can't take him out myself.” Kuro was unconcerned, foot still digging into Jango’s bloody and bruised face. 

“In three minutes, you’ll all be dead,” he said, terrifying the remaining pirates who weren't unconscious or out of commission completely. The scent of blood was heavy, but Lufy was careful that nobody was dead. 

Luffy’s eyes flicked up at the new scent and person who was not supposed to be there. The princess had come! “Klahador! Stop it!” she screamed. 

“KAYA!” Usopp screamed in horror. “Why are you here?!” 

“Its a surprise to see you here, Lady Kaya. What have you come for?” Kuro said, adjusting his glasses. Not trying to hide what was going on at all. There was no point in lying or covering it up. Based on the princess’s face, she already knew the truth. How had she found out? Or had she just come to her senses naturally? 

“Meri told me everything,” she answered. 

“I see. Then he’s still alive? I showed him too much mercy.” Kaya’s face crumbled at the confirmation from Kuro’s own lips. 

“I’m really sorry, Usopp-san,” she said, hands shaking at her side. Soon her whole body was shaking, fighting off tears. One of the pirates behind Luffy thought to take him out while he was distracted, but Luffy didn't even need to look before whipping his arm back and slamming it into his face, not even needing to stretch very far. The pirate literally ran into his fist. He fell, unconscious. 

Nobody else attempted a sneak attack after that. 

“Maybe you can't so easily forgive me,” Kaya continued, looking at Kuro with dejected eyes. “I just can't believe Klahador is a pirate…” 

“Nevermind that! It doesn't matter, what are you doing here?!” Usopp shouted fearfully. Zoro, Luffy and Kuro watched silently, saying nothing. Kuro looked completely unbothered, Zoro waiting quietly, eyes never leaving the main enemy, however if he was listening to Kaya and Usopp speak. 

“You’re fighting, aren't you?!” Usopp was about to counter before she spoke over him, announcing she’d willingly give Kuro all his money if he left the village. 

“Lady Kaya, you misunderstand me. I don't just want wealth, I want peace of mind. I’ve spent years gaining the villagers trust. I plan on staying here peacefully. Only once I have obtained peace and wealth will my dream be complete. That is why my crew attacking the village, and you signing away your wealth before death is essential,” he said calmly. Kaya was heartbroken all over again. 

Luffy hadn't thought a plan like that would work with someone like Kuro, who hurt his own people for inconveniencing him. 

“Kaya, run! He’s not the butler you thought he was anymore!” Usopp shouted. 

Kaya, already crying, pulled out a gun, but it was obvious she couldn't shoot it with her hands shaking. Luffy also had a hunch it was unloaded. It didn't matter, though, she wouldn't be able to shoot it, not even once Kuro started to manipulate her, and then insult her. She cried harder, and Luffy was getting pissed at the unnecessary cruelty. Not that any of this mess was necessary. 

She dropped the gun, useless at her feet.

“You bastard!” Usopp shouted, while Luffy’s anger was hidden and silent and simmering. He took a step forward, planning on destroying Kuro, leaving him at death’s door. Kuro rounded on Usopp, about to cut him with his glove weapons, and Luffy swung his arm forward in a pistol, nailing Kuro in the face, bending his glasses. His nose was rebroken, but he didn't even cry out in pain, his old wounds damaged once again, the splint he’d had on his arm undone. Not that he’d acted like he was injured in any way at all. He was either not in pain or just good at hiding it. 

Jango was released with Kuro flung back. Luffy started to walk towards them, unbothered even as rage wafted off Kuro, laying on his back, his men panicked about him being even angrier, and planning on taking it out on all of them. After all, if they’d done their job correctly, he wouldn't even need to be there at all right now. 

They tried to attack Zoro, but he beat them away well enough, besides the fatter cat pirate. Luffy didn't bother to help or make any show that help was needed. Zoro would be offended and didn't actually need assistance. It was his fight, and Luffy didn't plan on interfering anytime soon. And not just because Zoro would be pissed, and Luffy didn't want him pissed at him, it would just be plain rude to interfere. 

The battle stalled for a bit as Usopp’s kid friends barged into the scene. They approached Kuro, and with Usopp injured and down, and Zoro held up a bit, with Luffy being the fastest, he bared the kids away from Kuro, who wafted of dangerous anger and irritation. “Hey, let us fight too! It’s our home!” the kid whose head looked like an apple shouted. They struggled against Luffy’s tails, pushing them away. 

Luffy wasn't even looking at them, and they were so short they couldn't climb over the extra limbs now guarding them from danger. Now, they had four weak civilians in the middle of a pirate fight, no matter if it was in a lull at the moment. 

“Usopp Pirates, take Kaya and run!” Usopp shouted. “This an order from your captain!” At least this seemed to do the trick. “This is your most important task that only you can do!”

“Jango, get up and follow them,” Kuro said, sitting up calmly, even if the anger was there. “She’s sick and they're brats.” 

But Luffy’s throw had broken his leg. He could only limp, weaponless and injured in many places from multiple people. “Man, he’s even weaker than the princess and she’s sick,” Luffy mused, putting his hand on his hat. 

“And whose fault do you think that is?!” the fallen but conscious pirates shouted at him. 

Jango pitifully limped away, before Usopp shot one of his little capsules at him, hitting him straight on the head, and knocking him out cold. Luffy grinned. 

“Quite the strange devil fruit you have,” Kuro commented, walking to stand beside the prone Jango. “Even so, I can kill all of you here. I have not fought you seriously thus far.” He then crouched and stabbed two finger blades into Jango’s back. He jolted awake with a shout of pain. “You will go after Kaya, get her to sign the will, and then kill her. Or I will do far worse to you than has been done already,” Kuro said in a cold as ice voice. 

Jango found the strength to stand and hobble inland. Well, he tried. He didn't get far at all before he collapsed, out cold on his own. Luffy almost felt sorry for him, if he weren't a bad guy who wanted to kill the princess for a stupid reason. Killing someone for someone else so they got money was stupid. 

“The princess escaped. It’s not gonna all work out for you, Evil Butler,” Luffy grinned. “Usopp, leave this to us.” 

“There’s no need. Kaya will die, I will fulfill my years long plan. And you three will die and take the fall,” he pushed up his mangled glasses out of habit, it seemed, given the lenses were falling out. He was bloody, from wounds before now and very recently. All done by Luffy, the little rubber menace. 

“Damn it…” Usopp hissed. “Do you not feel anything for her?! You stood beside her for years!” he demanded. 

“No. I’ve said it before, she is just a pawn in my plan. A pain in the ass for years, but that will very soon play out how I want. I may even thank her once she’s dead. You’ll be dead, too. Spend eternity doing the mundane.” 

“This guy is beyond saving,” Zoro said in disgust. 

“I didn't plan on saving him,” Luffy grumbled himself. Maybe some people did deserve to be killed. Well, that was for sure, but he wasn't sure if he should be allowed to pass judgment on that. 

“I’ve had enough of all of you. Your pitiful lives are going to be over soon.” Kuro lifted a hand and tried to slash Usopp, and Luffy could tell if it hit it would kill him. So, he punched. He barely even needed to stretch, it was only a coupe feet away. He hadn't even realized what happened until Zoro’s sword hit the ground, and Usopp shouted in shock and alarm. 

It was all happening in slow motion as Kuro’s headless body slammed to the ground. Absolute silence around him. Luffy’s face was white, and he snapped his mouth shut, as it had been hanging open. 

“He - he ripped his head off!” Luffy’s dark eyes were wide with shock and horror. He hadn't meant to. He’d meant to punch him, but not that hard. Usopp jerked onto his back, and saw Luffy was trembling like a leaf. 

“Luffy,” Zoro said, sheathing his swords and walking over to him. Standing in front of his view so he didn't need to look at the headless body. “Luffy, look at me.” His gaze snapped to Zoro’s gray eyes, placing both hands on his shoulders. “He was a bad person. He was going to kill people -” 

“I know.” 

“Then - what’s - what’s wrong?” 

“It was an accident,” Luffy whispered. So weak. Humans were so weak. Luffy was trying to be careful, to be gentle. He could so easily rip humans apart with his bare hands. There had been so little resistance. He didn't need a devil fruit or extra limbs to behead someone. Just a well placed punch. 

It shouldn't have taken him this long to realize. He’d been punching people and animals for a long time without killing them. With one hit. Sure, Kuro was injured in lots of places, but it was one hit to his head to knock it off. Had he gotten stronger recently? How was he supposed to measure what was too strong? 

Well, now he knew what too strong was on one scale. “Oh. I understand,” Zoro said. 

Luffy pulled his hat brim down over his eyes. “Sorry… I freaked out all the sudden,” he said. Luffy turned his head, and the enemy pirates screamed, grabbing each other, dragging them back to the ship. Jango was grabbed by a guy who Zoro had taken down, both of them running on broken bones and bleeding wounds. 

“Well, at least it’s over.”

“You’re hurt.” 

“A little. Caught off guard.” 

“You're so weak,” Luffy sighed. 

“What?!” 

“I could just… people are so weak,” Luffy said to himself. “They bleed so easily… break so fast.” 

Zoro seemed to realize Luffy was not insulting him, his hackles lowering a bit. “Well, at least I don't ever need to worry about your safety from a fist or sword fight,” he said, a bit awkwardly. “C’mon, let’s dispose of the body. I'm sure nobody wants to see a headless body or decapitated head. I like him better dead, though.” 

“You beheaded him,” Usopp said, but not in anger, more complete confusion. “That’s… really crazy. Are people off the island this strong?” he asked, baffled and maybe a little scared. 

“I don't know,” Luffy said honestly. “I only left my island a couple weeks ago.”

“No, I haven't come across people in the East Blue as strong as him yet,” Zoro said, trying to wipe the blood on Luffy’s hand off, as if it was disgusting to him. “Good thing he’s the captain. I’d never sail under anyone weaker than me.” Luffy smiled, big and wide. “There we go, that’s better,” Zoro said, with his own smile. 

“It really doesn't bother you?” Luffy asked. 

“I’ve killed plenty of people. Not with my bare hands, though,” Zoro added. He reached for Luffy, who took his hand, still smiling. “Only with swords.” 

“Have you cut heads off before? It doesn't look that much of a shock.” 

“Chopping off the head is how to get them shut up the fastest.” Usopp gasped. “What? I was a bounty hunter.” 

“A pirate hunter. Shishishi.” 

“Then, are you hunting Luffy?!” Usopp demanded. Zoro rolled his eyes. 

“Does it look like I’m gonna off him? And does it look like I even possibly can?” 

“No…” 

“Guys! They're leaving, is that good?” Nami called, carrying a massive bag of treasure in one arm while the other dragged an equally sized one. 

“Their captain is dead, so they ran,” Zoro answered back, her huffing and puffing as she set the treasure down. She looked confused. “Luffy one shotted him.” 

“Wow, really?” 

“I punched his head off,” Luffy confirmed. “Though I didn't meant to.” 

“Well, that’s kind of alarming,” Nami said slowly. Luffy nodded in agreement. She looked to the side and saw the remains and grimaced. “At least it was fast? Though you’d been messing with him since yesterday.” At least Luffy felt no urge to run over to the body and eat it. That would be complete rock bottom. He was in control of himself, just had underestimated his raw strength. “You ever killed someone before?” 

“I don't think so.” 

“Wha- you don't think so?!” Usopp croaked. 

“I dunno what happened to people after I punched them. Maybe they broke their ribs or something.” Zoro snorted. "Ace killed people before… That didn't feel good. I didn't like that at all,” he said, crossing his arms with a sour look on. 

“Well, that puts you ahead of most other pirates,” Nami muttered. “Usopp, you should go check on Kaya. Listen, why don't we keep the fact it was an accident a secret between us?” she prompted. Luffy was thankful, and nodded in agreement. Zoro and Nami looked to Usopp, who nodded fearfully. “Good! What do we do with the body?” 

“Dump it in the ocean or burn it,” Zoro mused. Usopp hurried away to not be involved in the morbid conversation. 

“I hope there are stronger people in the Grand Line. I like fighting but I didn't meant to punch his head off.” 

“Maybe the power scale is different. Listen, I won't hold it against you for calling me weak. But a little cut isn't gonna kill me,” Zoro said sharply. Luffy nodded. “Good. And this doesn't bother you, Nami?” 

“...I don't know, I’m kind of shocked you can accidentally punt someone’s head off. That’s worrying that you're that unpracticed at controlling your strength. But I can't see you hurting me on accident. Or Zoro. It’s possible you could wreck the ship or something. There’s a lot of not good things about this.” Luffy hung his head. “That being said, you don't scare me. And seeing you regret it, or at least recognize you messed up, is good enough for me.” 

Zoro gave a single nod of his head. “Now, the human members should go get our injuries fixed,” Nami commented.

“What?” Luffy asked sharply. 

“Me and Zoro have injuries we should get cleaned. We don't have devil fruits to protect us.” 

“Oh… right. I’ll… get rid of the body,” Luffy said firmly. He walked up to it, and winced. “I wish he’d have closed his eyes. He’s still glaring at me.”

“Happened a bit too fast for him to be scared-” 

“He should have been scared of me… everyone should be,” Luffy muttered. Zoro sighed and walked up to him, offering to help take the body away. Nami took this as a dismissal, and Zoro dug his fingers into Kuro’s hair and carried his head while Luffy dragged his body. 

“Luffy, it’s very obvious to me that this is not about a devil fruit,” Zoro said when they made it to the cliff. He drop kicked Kuro’s head into the ocean, and Luffy tossed the body down into the surf pounding against the rocks, beating the body against the cliff face before it sunk out of view. Zoro sat down, and Luffy followed, crossing his legs. “I have never met or heard of anyone who can't be injured. And also doesn't eat food.” 

Luffy’s hat was shadowing his face. “Then there’s the reaction to Nami joking about being human that bothered you and saying people are weak, not including you. Be honest with me, please. What are you?” 

“...Who knows?” Luffy said, not disputing any of his claims, leaning back on his hands. “I don't know what I am or where I came from. And I was lying. I was born with everything besides the rubber body. That’s my devil fruit.” 

“We’ll need to come up with a better excuse, then.” Luffy was a bit startled. “What, you think this is gonna put me off? I'm not leaving, captain.” Luffy swallowed. Would Zoro care, if he was told? If he found out what Luffy had to eat? He was terrified to say it. Beyond terrified. “What is it?” 

“...” 

“What’s wrong?” Zoro insisted, frowning, voice a little more gentle. 

“I… I do eat,” Luffy ground out, mouth trembling. 

“Eat what?” Zoro asked. Luffy pulled his knees up and pressed his face into them. “I’m listening. And I will never tell anybody what you tell me right now. I swear it. On my life and my dream.” Luffy swallowed. 

“Grandpa sent food to me since I was five. Before then, I was starved… Grandpa would send big tubs of meat. I have to eat every two months. It - it’s people. I eat human meat.” Zoro clearly wasn't expecting this, and his lips parted in surprise. “Nobody in my family is like this. Nobody knows what’s wrong with me.” 

“That’s why the cannibal joke upset you so much.” 

“Reminded me that everyone would hate me if they knew,” Luffy nodded. 

“Gotcha. So, what do you plan on doing now? Your grandfather can't send you provisions out on the ocean.” 

“You don't hate me?” Luffy mumbled, peeking over his arm wrapped around his knees. Zoro shook his head. “It gets worse.” 

"I'm listening.” 

“If I don't eat, I starve. It’s more painful than anything I can imagine. And I go insane. I attacked my own brother when I was hungry. He threw me over the side of the cliff cause I wouldn't stop. I was eleven then.” Zoro rubbed his jaw. “You saw that. I wasn't even trying! What happens if I go over two months and have no food and am trapped on a ship with a bunch of edible humans?” 

“You're a devil fruit user. You can't swim. Toss you into the ocean,” Zoro stated. “Then I’ll drag you back out.” 

“How am I supposed to regularly eat people? It’s not like I’m a vampire or something. If you eat someone their body doesn't come back-” 

"I'm aware of how it works. If you set out knowing all of these issues, why did you go?” 

“I don't want my dream to be impossible just because I was born a freak.” Luffy sighed. “...I knew I’d have to kill people and eat them in secret. There’s no other option. If I don't, more people will probably die than the person I eat directly.” 

Zoro reached around Luffy’s shoulders and pulled him in to lean against him. Luffy’s rubber cheek squished on his shoulder with the bandana tied around the bicep. “Then that’s what you have to do, and that’s it. Considering you want to be a ‘good pirate’ you’ll need to choose your food carefully.” 

“...Are you a cannibal, too?” Luffy asked with wide eyes. 

“No! I’m being practical. Shit’s not gonna be easy to keep hidden.” Luffy whined sadly. “First of all, you have to get your strength under control. Clearly, you’re not me - you're not fine killing people you don't like-”

“Yeah.” 

“- so you’ll need to learn how to treat flimsy human bodies. At least, in this sea-” 

“You’re my right hand man. You can do it for me!” Luffy laughed. 

“You really want me to be your guard dog?” Zoro asked, brows raised. 

“Ew, nooo.” 

“Thought so.” Luffy pouted, but looked at Zoro with wide, earnest eyes, trying to figure out why he was being so kind. Especially when he thought pirates were scum, and here he was, trying to help a pirate figure out how to eat people. “What’s with that face?” Zoro asked, his own face turning a bit red, too.

“Why do you care so much? This goes beyond owing me for saving you,” Luffy said. 

“Is it that weird you grew on me?” Luffy beamed. “Shut up.” 

“I didn't say anything.” 

“Yeah, as if you're grins don't scream.” Luffy giggled.

“You're awesome.” His face turned even more red. “I found a good guy! Shishishi, one demon drawn to the other.” Zoro’s face and neck turned so red Luffy grew alarmed. “Oh no, is your head going to explode?” he shouted in panic. 

“Shut up!” Zoro yelled. He calmed himself down with a huff and a glare. “So, anyways, now that I know what you ‘really’ are - you suck at hiding it - what else is strange? Will you tell me?” Zoro asked, looking curious, not pressing. Luffy smiled at him adoringly and rested his cheek on Zoro’s shoulder, who took a deep breath through the nose, as if to relax himself. 

“Well, I’ve never gotten sick besides eating human food. I can hear and smell a lot better than humans and animals, but my eyesight isn't that much better,” Luffy started. “The only people who ever knew where grandpa and Ace. Ace only found out when I attacked him.” 

“But he still loved you, you said he was the only one who loved you unconditionally.” 

“Yeah. But now I have Zoro, too!” 

“You're a menace,” Zoro hissed, Luffy blinking dumbly. “Well, if you ever need help, you’re right, I’ll be your right hand man,” he said with a grin. “Even if its helping you hunt down a meal.” Luffy felt dirty at the wording. Just because Zoro understood him didn't mean Luffy loved himself anymore than he did before. “Sorry your life has been made hard by this.” 

“Yeah. I won't let it bring me down completely.” 

“Better not.” Luffy giggled. “Be prepared for people to be scared of you, even Nami.” 

“She’ll get over it, I think. I wanted to invite Usopp to come, but he might be too scared of me now.” 

“Maybe. We’ll just have to find out ourselves. And I should get the cut stitched up,” he stood, and Luffy did, too. Zoro looked away as Luffy looked at him with stars in his eyes again. Zoro was kind and cool and supportive. Nothing like how Luffy thought he’d be. He’d gotten good vibes from him from the start, but never expected it to be this much.

“Hey, how’d you get the scar on your face if you can't be cut?” Zoro asked, still not looking at Luffy as they walked back inland, leaving the cliff that Luffy would always associate in his memories with happiness and relief. If everyone else hated Luffy, he still had Zoro. 

“It was on a day I hadn't eaten. I hurt myself. When I’m hungry, I’m weaker. But I only got cut after a few years of starvation. When I’m hungry now, I just kind of go mad and hurt. I’m not really weak physically. Just tired and crazy.” He was saying it so casually, like he had with Ace after many years of support. 

But throughout Zoro’s talk, there was not a single trace of a lie. 

“Oh. Wait, you were in pain and crazed for five years?” 

“Yeah, Grandpa had no idea what was wrong with me. I was locked in a basement. I don't remember much of that time. I’m glad.” Zoro frowned, but said nothing more. 

When they returned to the village, both of them were dirty and sweaty, and in Zoro’s case, bloody. Usopp approached them with Nami with him, still carrying all the treasure, guarding it like there was someone still left on the island to steal it from them. “Hey, there a doctor here?” Zoro asked. 

Usopp had cleaned himself up and was wrapped in bandages. Compared to him, Zoro was less hurt. Far less breakable. Usopp eyed Luffy warily, and when the rubber something looked down and scuffed the toe of his sandal into the ground, the soles of it a little bloody, he lost the look. 

“I can patch you up. Can't be that bad and I did your other injury,” Nami offered. Zoro nodded. She pulled out a sewing kit with some first aid supplies inside. It was small enough to fit into a pocket. Luffy wasn't sure where she stored it on her, though. Zoro removed his shirt and haramaki, swords resting against a tree. Luffy watched him not so discretely. He was really muscular, like Ace had been when he left home. 

Luffy wasn't sure he’d ever reach that point, having always been skinny. And it wasn't like he needed to work out to get physically strong. He was unsure if he even could gain muscle. While he wasn't bothered, it would be nice sometimes to not look so unassuming. Luffy didn't bother looking away from him while he was patched up. 

“Thanks for helping save the village, you guys,” Usopp said sincerely. “If it wasn't for you, the village would be destroyed.” 

“What are you talking about? We wouldn't have done anything if you hadn't started it,” Zoro said. Luffy wondered if that was true. If he’d heard Kuro’s evil plans and Usopp didn't want to help, would he have assisted? Part of him felt bad for thinking he wouldn't. But he really wasn't sure in the end. It didn't really matter anyways. What was done was done. 

“Me, too,” Luffy agreed. 

“Well, it doesn't matter now, I’m just happy I got treasure!” Nami said with a grin, even though she was more than happy they were able to help save everyone. 

Luffy sat against the opposite wall of Zoro. There was a lot of blood everywhere, but it would likely wash away with the next rain. Since Usopp wanted to keep it a secret from the village, Luffy distantly wondered what the people would think if they saw the residue of the fighting. Cracked ground, blood splatters. There was a bigger splatter on the ground where Kuro’s separate body parts had landed. 

Luffy looked at his fist, some dried blood still in the creases. He needed a shower. All of them did. “In light of everything that has happened, I’ve made a decision!” Usopp announced. 

“What is it?” 

“Haha, I’ll tell you after I’ve settled some affairs!” Usopp replied happily. Then, he left, and the three headed to the nearest place they could find somewhere to wash, and came across a hose behind a random building. None of them expected to be let into some house to shower, so Luffy removed his shirt and shorts, staying in his underwear and Zoro sprayed him down with the hose. Nami was unbothered by Luffy in his boxers, but would never take her own clothes off, and just wetted Zoro’s discarded shirt and wiped down the blood and dirt on her arms and legs. After Luffy was blood free, Zoro went next. Once they were all cleaned enough and soaking wet, carrying Nami’s treasure bags, they returned to the restaurant from before, and Zoro and Nami scarfed down food, Luffy munching on ice. 

Zoro gave him no look different than usual. He was truly unbothered by the truth Luffy had told him. Trusting him with his secret that he never wanted to come out to others. But he didn't expect everyone to be like Zoro. He was just a wonderful weirdo. 

“Oh, so this is where you were?” the princess asked when she found them at their table, Zoro surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol and Nami refilled lemonade four times. Zoro was eating a ton to try and replenish his strength, and Nami didn't seem angry at him for using up some of her treasure to pay for the food. 

“Hey, princess!” Luffy waved happily. She looked better than he expected her to. Nobody corrected him that she was not, in fact, a princess. Just a rich heir to a rich family. 

Nami asked, with mild concern, “Don't you need to stay in bed?”

“No,” she said with a smile. “I’ve been sick for years. Ever since my parents died. Usopp-san encouraged me. That’s why I can't be weak right now. I heard you guys needed a ship!” she added brightly. 

“You’re gonna give us a ship?!” Luffy exclaimed, beaming. She nodded, and they fled the restaurant, Luffy a bit impatient with how slow they walked. But the island wasn't too big, and the town was close to the shore the ship was docked at. Luffy was practically vibrating in excitement. 

When they arrived, he beamed, wider than he had in quite some time. Even wider than when he met Zoro, or he was understanding to his “issues”. Because this was a real start to their journey. Nami had been right, they couldn't sail into the Grand Line in those tiny boats. They needed a real ship. And they now had access to one! 

The new butler, Meri, explained about the ship’s design, and how to sail it to Nami. Luffy couldn't pay attention long to their conversation, and the navigator knew that and listened instead. Luffy jumped onto it and explored, slamming open doors, not hard enough to do damage, and checking out the inside, darting from room to room. 

There were some clothes for all of them in the wardrobes in the room that was clearly for the girl(s) and the one Luffy would be sleeping in, which had a couch and hammocks. The kitchen was very small and cozy, but thankfully the fridge had an ice maker in it. The only reason Luffy recognized half the things inside were because of his time he remembered with Makino. He didn't remember much about living in the small house that was more of a prison in Windmill Village. 

Which was preferred. It had been an awful time and he didn't want to remember it now or anytime in the future. 

Once he had thoroughly explored it, he ran back outside, jumping off the ship and standing beside Zoro, who was just looking up at it. “How’s the inside?” he asked, grinning himself. 

“It’s great! Really cozy! And they made more clothes for us!” 

“Good. Yours is disgusting.” It was crusty and dirty and had cuts in it. The oil had permeated it deeply. Luffy would be glad to be rid of it. He laughed.

Luffy looked up when he heard screaming advancing towards them quickly. The others heard it soon as well, and saw Usopp with a giant backpack on, rolling down the hill. 

“Stop meeee!” he shouted. 

“He’ll crash into the ship if we don't stop him,” Zoro said casually. They both lifted a foot and stopped him from crashing, neither of their legs tired or ached from the sudden impact. 

“Th-thanks,” Usopp grunted. 

“No problem.” 

Apparently, everything that had happened inspired Usopp to go out to sea as a pirate. He was starting out on a boat that was at least better than the rowboat Luffy began with. Though his backpack weighed it down quite a bit. Usopp didn't seem to mind. Luffy climbed onto the ship, frowning, wondering if Usopp would say no to joining. 

The princess seemed sad, but also happy for Usopp, who was excited himself, beaming. He still had plenty of bandages on his face and visible arms, but seemed to be doing well. Not as fast a healer as Zoro, but it had only been a day. Their stay on the island would be two and a half days. It was boring and Luffy didn't think there was anything to explore on it anyways. Just a small village like his hometown, which was boring in and of itself. The jungle was much more interesting. 

“Next time I come to this village, I’ll have a bunch of stories to share that really happened!” Usopp grinned. 

“I look forward to it,” the princess replied, smiling genuinely. 

“Well, I’ll see you guys! I hope you have a safe voyage!” Usopp said to the pirates on their new ship. 

“Why?” Luffy pouted. 

“Well you’re antisocial, aren't you? Don't be so negative, I’m sure we’ll see each other on the sea sometime,” Usopp said. 

Zoro leaned against the railing and said, “What are you talking about, get on the ship already.” 

“Huh?” 

“We’re already friends, aren't we?” Luffy prompted, arms propped up on the railing of the ship. His new home. With his new family. Usopp looked stunned, before grinning, and Luffy knew he’d accepted the invitation. 

"I'm the captain, aren't I?!” Usopp shouted, jumping up. 

“No way! I'm the captain!” Luffy shouted back. He shot his arms out and easily brought Usopp’s huge backpack onto the deck, the newest member climbing up the net ladder and onto deck.

Chapter Text

We're at a new chapter! I loved writing Sanji in this fic more than any of the non-Luffy Straw Hats. Enjoy~

As they sailed from the island, the ship had been stocked with a reasonable amount of food, so they had a celebration with the booze. Luffy had ice water. “To a new crewmember! And a new home!” Luffy cheered. They slammed their mugs together, Luffy thankfully not getting any of their drinks into his. 

None of them were lightweights, Zoro and Nami especially, immediately having a drinking contest. Luffy grinned, neither of them winning before Usopp stopped them before they cleaned the supply out. “Hey, how come you didn't have a drink?” he asked Luffy curiously. 

“I don't eat,” Luffy said bluntly. 

“Huh?” 

“I don't eat,” he repeated. “It makes me sick.” 

“...So, you don't eat anything at all?” 

“Mm mm,” Luffy answered, shaking his head for good measure. Zoro made no show that he knew differently. 

“How do you live?” 

“Dunno! Guess I’m lucky.” 

“Have you ever tried?” 

“Yeah, lots of times. It never works. But I’m fine without it! I do wish I could, cause people like good food and I’ve never had that,” Luffy said openly. 

“That sucks.” 

“I don't know any different. can't remember eating before.” Usopp nodded, thankfully dropping it, at least for then. 

-x-

“What are you doing?” Zoro asked from his spot at the railing, swords leaned against it next to him, as always. He’d just woken up and found Luffy with a black sheet and plenty of paint. He was making their flag. He’d known for his whole life of wanting to be a pirate what his flag would look like, and what the name of the crew would be. Named after his most treasured belonging. The Straw Hat pirates. With the jolly roger of a skull wearing the very hat he valued so much. 

“Making our flag!” Luffy said brightly. “I’ve known since I was six what it would look like.” He was beaming. Zoro smiled, and once Luffy was finished, he showed it off. “Here it is!” he cheered, holding it up after it was dried. 

His crew had mixed reactions. 

Usopp hated it. “Calling him artistically challenged would be an understatement.” 

Nami considered it more openly. “It looks abstract.” 

Zoro approved. “The flag is supposed to strike fear into enemies.” 

“What’dya think?” Luffy asked, beaming. 

“You're beyond terrible! Let me try!” Usopp said, and Luffy handed it to him, but on the other side in case his was really bad he didn't ruin Luffy’s version. But Usopp made his own flag, and Luffy scowled. He and Zoro hit him across the head, Luffy as gentle as possible. He didn't hurt him! 

“You made your own!” the both shouted. Usopp huffed, rubbing his head, and redid Luffy’s version, looking perfect! He copied it onto a new blank black flag, and they would discard Luffy’s version. All of them agreed that it looked just right. This was their flag. 

“We’ll draw it on the sail later!” He was beaming. He was actually here. Actually a pirate, heading towards a dream with people that believed in him. Nobody but Ace had really believed him. He wasn't sure if Shanks took him fully serious, but when they met again, and Luffy was Pirate King, he’d believe him without a doubt. 

Luffy was so excited! And not even the intrusive thoughts about a future where everyone knew could ruin this moment for him. 

Usopp painted the sail, and the Going Merry was complete, the Straw Hat pirates formed. And none of them had a problem with the name. Many crews were named after their captains. Even Shanks’ crew was named after his hair. Buggy’s crew was named after him as well. Luffy didn't want his name used, because though he was captain, he didn't really want to boss everyone around. 

His crew should have a say, like Shanks’ did. They would not be Luffy’s underlings, but his family and friends. 

“What are you thinking about?” Nami asked, sitting on a pool chair while Luffy was on his claimed spot, sitting on the Merry’s figurehead. It was the perfect size. 

“What kinda captain I wanna be,” he said cheerfully. 

“And what is that?” she asked, a little sardonically. 

“I don't wanna boss everyone around,” he started, laying on his back, flexible rubber body shaping around the lamb’s head, back bending in a way a non-rubber person wouldn't. “Shanks’ crew were all friends. Not like Buggy, or Kuro. Shanks’ crew felt like a family. I only ever had one brother and he’s gone for now. So I want new people to be close to. And the people I have already and even better than I expected! Especially Zoro.” 

He looked to the side to see Nami looking thoughtful. She was quiet for a moment before speaking. “You’re the only pirate I’ve ever met that wants to be a friend and not a boss.” 

“Shishishi, have you met lots of pirates?” 

“Yeah. After all, I’m a thief that steals from pirates. I have experience.” She then asked, “Did you ever worry I’d steal from you, too?” 

“You’d never give me money anyways! What’s to steal? Shishishi,” Luffy giggled. “But we’ll have to spend money on stuff eventually. Haha, we’ve gotten everything for free.” 

“Yeah, the price was to behead an enemy.” 

“And drop his body into the ocean. I hope he doesn't wash up on the shore.” 

“Oh, geez.”

“You said it first!” 

“Yeah, yeah. What did you and Zoro talk about? When we went into town. Since then you keep making googoo eyes at him.” 

“What’s a googoo eye?” 

“Like he’s the sun or something.” 

"Ace said to not look at the sun cause you’ll go blind.” Nami sighed and shook his head. “Zoro’s awesome.” 

“I guess in some ways. He’s also a moron.” Luffy giggled. He didn't agree, Zoro was smart. Luffy thought so. “So, what kinds of things do you assume we’ll need to buy?” 

“Food and supplies. And medicine if any of you get sick. And maps and stuff for you, and gunpowder for Usopp, and sword polish for Zoro.” 

“What would you buy for yourself?” Nami asked, putting the newspaper down in her lap completely. 

“I don't know,” Luffy answered honestly. “I don't need food. Maybe new clothes.” 

“You sure are a minimalist.” 

“Shishishi, I lived in a hut in the mountains. We didn't even have ink, we used animal blood. Though I never used it.” 

“Oh, right, you wanted to learn how to read and write.” Luffy pouted. “What, you change your mind?” 

“No. It just sounds boring.” 

“It’s an important skill to know.” Luffy knew this, but still didn't look forward to it much. “I’ll teach you.” 

“Thanks!” 

“Sure.” She went back to her newspaper, and Luffy bounced away to ask Usopp to play hide and seek. 

The next day, Luffy was trying to learn how to work the parts of the ship, like the rigging (which he got stuck in the ropes and Usopp had to help him down) and now using the canon below deck. He was not very good at it. Usopp joined him, and was far better. So, Luffy decided he’d be the sniper. 

"I'm not the captain?” Luffy glared at him, annoyed with this already. “Alright, alright! I’ll let you stay captain for now! But if you do anything, I’ll take over.” 

“Zoro would never follow you,” Luffy stated. Usopp winced. The actual captain tried to move on, but was pretty annoyed about the whole thing, and hoped it wouldn't be recurring thing between them. Luffy would never give up his captain spot. But he also didn't want to get mad about it all the time, so he decided Usopp was joking, and he wouldn't take him seriously about it. It wasn't anything to get mad about unless he tried stealing it. But he would never be able to defeat Luffy. There was no contest. 

But so far, based on their interactions, Luffy was sure Usopp would not be supportive about Luffy’s diet. Not that he planned on telling anyone anyways.

“We gotta plan for new crew members and I know who we need first,” Luffy said while they were eating lunch and he was using Usopp’s art supplies to make a paper kite. “We have to fill the position before we make it to the Grand Line. No pirate crew is complete without it,” he added firmly. 

“We do have a really nice kitchen and barely use it,” Nami said, Luffy nodded. 

“We need someone for long voyages when we don't stop at islands for long,” Zoro added. 

“An indispensable member of the crew!” 

“A musician!” Luffy exclaimed. 

“That’s not what we’re talking about!” Usopp and Nami shouted. “We need a cook! You admitted it earlier!” 

“But pirates have to sing!” Luffy defended. “To keep morale up!” 

“A cook comes first! I'm not specially trained in making food!” Nami shouted. 

“Yeah, we can tell,” Zoro said unnecessarily, getting a punch to the head. 

“Then you cook yourself!” 

“Zoro would set the kitchen on fire. I don't trust either of them with it,” Usopp said. Luffy pouted. He wanted a musician. It was weird to sing without any music. It wasn't nearly as fun that way. “Just cause you can't eat doesn't mean we don't have to.” 

“Hey,” Zoro scolded. It made Luffy feel bad, but he lost his very brief sad look and smiled instead. Usopp looked a little guilty. “Cook first. Musician second.” Luffy beamed at him, and Zoro gave him a cheeky grin in response. 

“God, you’re obvious,” Nami sighed. 

“So, where do we find a cook?” Usopp asked, before Luffy heard movement that was not a simple bird landing on their ship. His eyes snapped to the door. “What is it?” 

“Someone is on the ship,” he said, and bounded towards the door, throwing it open. Zoro jolted up, grabbing his sword and hurrying out after Luffy. But the mystery person was already damaging the ship. Luffy didn't let him do so for long, shooting out his tails to wrap around him and restrain him. They were stretched a good thirteen feet, and Usopp whistled at the length briefly, hiding behind the captain. 

“What are you doing to our ship?” Luffy demanded. “Who are you?!” 

“Who am I? I should be asking you! You killed my partner, you stupid pirates! I’ll kill you! I’ve killed plenty of pirates!” 

“Johnny?!” Zoro shouted in surprise. Luffy could tell he recognized him, and had put his sword back. Luffy released him, dropping the man so he hit the deck hard. 

“You know him?” Nami asked, coming out now that the commotion seemed over. 

“Big Bro Zoro!” 

“I didn't know you had siblings!” Luffy shouted. 

“I don't. Johnny, isn't Yosaku with you?” Zoro asked calmly. 

“He’s - Yosaku is sick!” Johnny cried. Zoro looked immediately concerned, and Luffy felt a bit relieved that Zoro would never have to worry about him getting sick or stabbed. 

“Sick?” Zoro asked in worry. 

Johnny explained the symptoms, which came along very quickly, and that suddenly his partner was dying and he had no idea how to help, or if he even could. Yosaku was actually floating on a piece of wood beside the ship, dead to the world. Luffy easily scooped him up onto the deck and laid him down. He really did look in bad shape. 

And Luffy and Usopp had only made it worse by firing a canon on the rock that had apparently been where the two were staying. It felt bad. Luffy helped hurt someone Zoro cared about, even if it was totally on accident. The rock had been far enough away that Luffy hadn't heard anything from it. 

Johnny was crying, and Luffy felt very sorry for him. Was Yosaku gonna die? The captain was looking at Zoro’s worried face with a deep frown. 

“God! How thick can you get?” Nami demanded. 

“What did you say?” Zoro barked. 

“Don't make fun of my partner’s suffering!” 

“Ugh. Luffy, Usopp, there are some limes in the storage room. Go get some.” 

“What are limes?” Luffy asked. Usopp grabbed his arm and dragged him inside. So they got a crate of limes, and brought it out. When they ran back, Luffy crushed the limes in his hand and poured the juice down his throat. 

Nami explained, “He has scurvy. If its not too late, he’ll be fine in a couple days.” 

“Are you telling the truth, Big Sis?” Johnny sobbed. 

“Don't call me that. And yes. It’s a sickness from the lack of nutrients in fruits and vegetables. A lot of sailors used to die from it before ships were able to properly store produce.” 

“Wow, you’re so smart, Nami!” 

“Don't act so surprised,” she snapped at Luffy, who laughed. “Just be glad you won't need to worry about that.” Luffy would much rather possibly face scurvy than go insane and eat his crew. He just nodded once, and went back to drowning Yosaku in lime juice. It smelled very tangy, an assault to his senses. He’d never smelled something like this. It was a little similar to the lemonade Makino had at her bar, but also very different. 

But the intrusive thought about the drawbacks of his diet ruined his mood, and he was a bit distant, not smiling as much. Zoro gave him a sympathetic look, understanding why he was suddenly so down. 

Yosaku was feeling better almost immediately, and both of them finally properly introduced themselves. They were bounty hunters, too. Had traveled with Zoro a bit. Luffy wondered if Zoro liked them much, as he’d not spoken of them. Or if he just didn't like talking about his past, even what seemed to be fairly recent. 

“I have to say, hearing Big Bro the Pirate Hunter joining a crew is a surprise!” Johnny shouted happily. Luffy grinned brightly, proudly. He gave Zoro a smug look, who rolled his eyes. 

“Don't get your head all inflated.” 

“Shishishi,” Luffy giggled. 

“How’d you get him to join?” 

“I blackmailed him!” Luffy said proudly, arms crossed, head held high. Usopp choked on nothing, and Nami blinked, seeming unsurprised. 

“You forced him?!” Yosaku shouted angrily before he collapsed, still sick. 

“C’mon, you really think I’d let someone force me to join?” 

“Big Bro has an honor code,” Johnny commented. 

“Obviously not if he’s chopped up people for money!” Usopp cried.

“Shut it, you!” Zoro snapped. “I joined because I wanted to. And I’m staying because I want to. Now shut up about it.” They sat around on deck or at the railing while Yosaku was carried into the galley, onto the mat that was on the floor, made for injured people. So, it was being used for its purpose. 

Luffy sat on the railing, swinging his legs back and forth. “We need someone who can monitor food intake and all that shit,” Zoro sighed. 

“Yeah. A good cook.” 

Luffy pouted about being left out. He had no say on who would join because he couldn't taste their food. 

“But where are we supposed to find a sea fearing cook?” Usopp asked, scratching his head. “Nami, how many islands left until we make it to the Red Line?” 

“It depends on the route we take,” she said. “We can stop at more if we want, or only a few left.” 

“We need a cook now!” Luffy shouted. “Nami’s the navigator! But right now she’s the cook and doctor.” 

“Calm down, I can take on more than one role, not that I really want to.” She rubbed her forehead. “Honestly, a cook is more important than a doctor right now. We can avoid a lot of health issues with someone who knows how to feed us right.” Luffy pouted even harder, comically. 

"I'm gonna be left out,” he whined. 

“There’s no helping it,” Nami said, though she sounded a little sympathetic. 

“If you guys are looking for a chef, I know just the place!” Johnny said when he left the cabin. “Of course, getting them to join is a whole nother matter.” 

“Everyone I’ve asked already has joined! Besides the treasure chest man.” Zoro grinned. Johnny looked at him with a very confused look on, but Zoro didn't notice. “So where do we get a chef, then?” 

“There’s a restaurant on the sea! It’s called the Baratie. Two to three days from here, and pretty close to the Red Line. Lots dangerous guys in those parts,” the bounty hunter commented. “That Hawk-Eyes you're looking for has been spotted in the area, too,” he added just to Zoro, who gave a nervous and manic grin. 

Luffy wondered if Zoro would beat him and become the world’s greatest swordsman super soon. 

Johnny and Yosaku were very interested in Zoro’s relationship with the crew, and kept asking them questions about him, how well they knew him. Like a test. Zoro was annoyed with it, but it did make Luffy a little sad. He realized he didn't know Zoro very well. Though he didn't expect everyone to share their pasts with him. And he didn't tell Zoro everything so he could in turn tell Luffy his own secrets. If he had any. 

“Neh, what’s your favorite color?” Luffy asked. 

“Green.” 

“What’s your favorite animal?” 

“Tiger shark,” Zoro said, leaning against the railing with his eyes closed, arms behind his head. 

“Did you ever have a pet?” 

“Nope.”

“What’s your middle name?” 

“Don't have one. Why are you asking me all of these random questions?” Zoro sighed. 

“Cause you know all about me but I feel like I don't know enough about you,” Luffy complained. 

“There’s not much to know. I’m a simple person.” 

“But I’m simple, too.” 

“Captain, you are anything but simple. Seriously.” 

“Is that a good thing?” 

“Sure.” 

“Hmmm.” 

“What ‘hmmm’?” Zoro asked, sounding exasperated. 

“I dunno! Hey, do you think I should try the food, too?” 

“What? Why would you do that if it makes you sick and tastes like shit?” Zoro demanded angrily. 

“What cook would want to join a crew whose captain can't eat their food?” 

“So you just want to vomit their food all over the restaurant in front of them? And wouldn't that be lying? They join and then you tell them their food tasted awful?” Zoro challenged. 

“I don't want to be the reason we don't have good food,” Luffy said with a frown. Zoro’s face softened. “Even if they knew what I could eat, they can't do anything with it,” he said quietly, nobody else on deck. “Cause I eat it raw,” he added. 

“Sounds messy.” 

“Grandpa cut up the meat to look like steak and stuff. It wasn't messy cause it was never fresh.” Zoro didn't look an ounce disgusted by it, just nodding. 

“Maybe we can cut up some and save it for later.” 

“No. I don't want anyone to risk eating it,” Luffy said, shaking his head rapidly, his hat falling onto the string to rest on his back. 

“Fair enough. But still, you shouldn't eat anything.” Luffy would. He vowed to put in some effort. He could get sick about it later. But he’d mostly be looking for someone who could fit in with them. So, not a bad person or anything. He also wanted the cook to be strong. He would need strong people on his crew. 

Johnny and Yosaku would sit and watch the two and it was kind of weird, and Zoro kept telling them to buzz off, looking uncomfortable the whole time. 

In the boy’s room, Zoro had commandeered the couch, and Luffy enjoyed the hammock. He was so used to sleeping on hard surfaces, or at least cheaply plush surfaces like a run down, ten year old futon mat at the bandit’s hut, that any bed or couch would be very weird. The hammock was comfortable and rocked him to sleep at night. It was the best set up. 

In bed one night, with Usopp in his own hammock near the wall, Luffy was unable to sleep. The next day, he’d eat human food for the first time in years. He didn't look forward to it, but was going to do it anyways, and fake that he liked it. He was a terrible liar usually, but he vowed to do his best.

Luffy could hear everything on the ship in the silence. It was pretty small, and some sounds echoed. He could hear Nami in her room, scribbling something down. They had not begun reading lessons. Luffy had suggested it first, but was no longer excited for it. He was a slow learner for most things. Would his crew think he was stupid if he had trouble? It was an uncomfortable thought. 

He could hear Zoro talking with his two friends in the galley, drinking. 

“So, you confess yet?” Yosaku asked. 

“Shut up. Don't say another word,” Zoro threatened darkly. 

“C’mon Big Bro, you’re totally obvious! You stare at him all the time!” 

“I said be quiet,” Zoro insisted. Luffy blinked in confusion. 

“You never even acted that nice when traveling with us, and making goo goo eyes at your captain! You should totally be honest!” 

"I'm going to murder you if you say one more thing.” They must have believed him, as all went quiet. “If he heard this shit, I’m throwing you off the ship to drown,” Zoro snarled.

“Heard it? What?” 

“Luffy has extreme hearing. If he’s awake, he just heard every fucking thing you said.” Luffy blinked. 

“Ohhhh. Big Bro Luffy, if you're listening, I was talking about Usopp.” 

“No, Luffy, he wasn't,” Zoro huffed. Luffy did his best not to laugh, pressing his lips together tightly. He heard something being opened in the galley, and the scribbling of pencils on paper. Then they were writing notes to one another. Luffy moved to lay on his side, pressing his hands to his mouth to hold in his laughter at the whole situation. 

He had no idea what they had been talking about, but it had been funny anyways. Clearly whatever was being said, Zoro didn't want him to hear, so he wouldn't mention it or make any show in the morning he’d heard. 

Zoro and Yosaku came down to sleep while Johnny was on first watch, and Luffy went completely still, eyes closed, breathing even. He didn't want them to know he’d heard. He did feel a bit guilty that there was less privacy on board with his super senses, but there wasn't anything he could do about that, really. 

In the morning, nobody mentioned the funny conversation of the night before, though Zoro was looking at him worriedly sometimes. Luffy just grinned at him like usual. Was it violating boundaries by listening? He hoped not. But throughout the day, Zoro relaxed a bit more, maybe relieved that it looked like Luffy hadn't overheard. 

Luffy smelled the ship before he saw it. “Hey, we’re here!” he called from his special spot on Merry’s head. “I can smell it!” 

“Man, he was right, your senses are crazy,” Johnny said, shrinking back at Zoro’s look of warning. Luffy was feeling a little nauseous about the prospect of eating human food, but he kept any show of that all to himself. Zoro told him not to, but Luffy wasn't going to listen to him. If he caused a scene, he’d claim Nami made some disgusting food that was catching up to him. 

He did not look forward to this. 

But the ship the restaurant was in looked awesome! It was a giant fish! With lots of balconies and windows. He could hear fancy music going on from the inside. While he didn't look forward to eating, he was excited to see what it looked like inside. 

There were other ships docked there, on the far side, so the ship was carefully steered to port. Too bad a marine ship was coming in at the exact same time. “H-hey, those are marines! We have a jolly roger!” Usopp said in alarm. 

“We can take ‘em,” Zoro grunted. Luffy nodded. Johnny and Yosaku were hiding behind the railing, not wanting to be seen with the pirates, given they weren't pirates themselves. 

A man with pink hair walked out on deck, and looked at them. They were nearly docked side by side at this point. “Hmm, I’ve never seen that jolly roger before,” he said. He turned to them fully, and called out, “I’m a lieutenant of the marines, ‘Ironfist Fullbody’. Who is your captain?”

“I’m Luffy! I just finished making my pirate flag yesterday!” Luffy announced. 

“And I’m Usopp! I drew it!” Zoro grabbed him by the scruff of his overalls and dragged him off of the railing beside Luffy, who was mildly annoyed, but put it out of his mind as fast as he could. 

Fullbody noticed the Straw Hats’ guests, and called them out on it, insulting them while doing so. For some reason, they tried to attack him but were punched away with what looked like some sort of bronze knuckles with ease. “You sure you guys aren't super weak?” Luffy asked bluntly. 

“Seriously, what are you two doing?” Zoro sighed. 

“Almost had him,” Yosaku said through his bloody mouth. Fullbody was distracted by the voice of a woman, telling him to stop so they could go eat. 

“Consider yourselves lucky I’m on a break right now. Next time you cross my way on duty, I’ll blow you out of the water. I’m just here to eat at the restaurant,” the marine threatened. Yet a second later, he told one of the marines to sink their ship. 

“Shit, he’s gonna blow us up!” Usopp shouted, grabbing at his head. “Ahh, we’re gonna die!” 

Luffy hurried to block it, and made a mistake. He should have used his gum gum balloon move to deflect it, but instead, he used a tail, which was hard and solid, and when it hit the cannonball, it exploded. His crew screamed his name in alarm as he was enveloped in the explosion and smoke. 

But it cleared, and they found Luffy black with gun powder and soot. He coughed wetly. His clothes were singed, too, but he was fine. All of his crew and their guests were shocked he was just fine. Only covered in soot. Fullbody had walked inside and didn't see Luffy’s save. 

“Are… are you okay?” Zoro asked. 

“Blegh! It tastes awful!” Luffy said, hacking up and spitting out the debris that had gotten into his mouth. 

They all gave a sigh in relief. “I told ya I’m indestructible,” Luffy said. 

“Kind of hard to realize you can be hit by a cannonball and not die,” Usopp said faintly. “What a jerk.” 

“Man, now I have to take a shower!” Luffy hated showers and baths. They were a waste of time. So, he instead got a hose from the deck and sprayed himself down. 

“You cannot go into a nice restaurant looking like that!” Nami scolded. He was dripping black water, looking an absolute mess. “Just take a fast shower and change your clothes!” Luffy stomped inside, washed off as fast as he could, and then changed into one of the outfits he was supplied with from Usopp’s village and the princess’s kindness. 

When he walked out again, he was pleased to see they waited for him. “Okay, let’s go get our cook!” 

They all walked inside, though Nami seemed especially quiet. 

“Did that hurt?” Yosaku asked. 

“Nuh uh,” Luffy replied. They did not have a reservation, so needed to wait in chairs at the entrance for a spot to open up. Luffy paced back and forth a bit. 

“What’s wrong?” Usopp asked.

“Nothing.” 

“Luffy plans on eating some of the food,” Zoro ratted him out. 

“What?” Nami asked sharply. “What’s the point in getting sick?” 

“I’ll be fine. I can hold it off,” Luffy said stubbornly. “I don't want to be uninvolved with recruiting. Just cause he won't cook me food doesn't mean I don't wanna be welcoming.” 

“Yeah, but throwing up their food will just be an insult,” Usopp tried to reason. 

“Hmph,” was Luffy’s response, not budging. 

“Fine. Then we’ll order you something that you just drink. Like, soup or something,” Nami said, looking irritated. But Luffy would not back down. He was listening in to the cooks, watching them each, looking for the best one. But the room was mostly full of waiters, the cooks in the kitchen. There was only one waiter at the moment, and he was making a scene. 

Luffy was amused as he watched and listened to him humiliate the marine that tried to destroy their ship. “What’s he saying?” Zoro asked.

“That guy embarrassed him because he told Fullbody his wine guess was wrong,” Luffy replied. They watched the guy walk away, only for Fullbody to pick up a bug off the ground. “That’s a weird topping,” Luffy said, cocking his head. 

“Idiot, he’s staging it,” Nami sighed. But they all watched the scene unfold in interest. “He’s gonna complain and say there’s something wrong with the bug.” 

“Do people not eat bugs?” 

“Not usually.” Johnny and Yosaku looked confused a bit with how clueless Luffy was on the subject of food. 

The cook/waiter was very unhappy with the bug prank, and just beat the shit out of Fullbody. “Jeez, these cooks are like pirates themselves,” Zoro stated. 

“Maybe he just misbehaves,” Luffy said innocently, making his crew members laugh. But it was satisfying seeing Fullbody get his comeuppance. The crew were smirking at his humiliation and terror of the cook. 

“If he’s scared of a cook like that, imagine what he’d look like at Luffy.” 

“If he managed to keep his head on straight,” Yosaku said, making all four Straw Hats grimace. “What?” 

“Nothing,” they muttered about the accidental reference to something none of them wanted to talk about. 

The cook was dragged from the dining room, Fullbody leaving, bloodied and humiliated. While the strong guy was out, a different table was opened up. Fullbody’s couldn't be used with the blood splattered on the floor from the violence. Luffy stayed on the edge of their booth seat, briefly wandering around before swiping a bucket from a storage closet, and hurried back, glad nobody saw him. 

He sat down at the end of the curved stall. “You're seriously doing this?” Usopp asked. 

“Yes. You won't convince me not to,” Luffy replied firmly. They didn't protest him doing it further. The violent waiter came back in and cleaned up the mess he’d left while menus were brought to their table. Luffy not only couldn't read anything, but he didn't recognize any of the titles when Usopp read them aloud.

“...What should I order?” he asked in worry. He had one shot. If he got violently ill, he couldn't exactly taste test anything else. Oh, he was so nervous. Going to willingly put himself in pain. But he needed a good cook, a cook that would know Luffy valued them even if he couldn't eat their food. 

He decided to just randomly pick something, closing his eyes and jamming his finger down. Boeuf Bourguignon. “What is it?” 

“Says it is ‘beef stew made with red wine, pearl onions, mushrooms, and bacon’. I think you should start with something easier? Like a simple chicken soup?” Nami suggested, looking concerned. 

“I’ll go with this.” But he felt sick just thinking about all that stuff he’d never tasted. Zoro huffed, and they all got their orders ready. 

The violent waiter came over, and took their orders, naming himself Sanji. A cook who was filling in as a waiter. “Hey. Will you cook our food?” Luffy asked bluntly. Sanji rose his one visible eyebrow. The others at the table asked for him to cook theirs as well. 

“May I ask why?” Sanji questioned, collecting the fancy, stiff menus. 

“Cause you beat up that jerk and so I want to try your food,” Luffy answered. Sanji shrugged and agreed. But he seemed pleased at least. 

“Are you-” 

“If you ask me I’m sure one more time, I’m gonna hit you,” Luffy said to Usopp, who put his hands up in surrender. Zoro snorted. Their drinks were brought, Luffy’s water full of ice cubes that he crunched shamelessly, gaining a couple nasty looks from tables nearby. Nami giggled, but didn't tell him to stop. He was drumming his fingers nervously, and really hoped he could control himself. 

It didn't take too long for the food to come back, and Luffy started to heavily sweat. Usopp patted his back in support. Sanji laid down all the food, and Luffy stared at his dish, mildly green. Sanji watched for a long moment before walking away. The others started their food, and made noises show that it clearly was delicious. 

Luffy waited and let them enjoy their food before they risked seeing him throw whatever he ate and a ton of water up. He put his spoon in the stew, placing the bucket in his lap, and picked up the broth, beef and a little onion, shut his eyes and shoved it into his mouth, swallowing it whole instead of chewing. 

All movement stopped at the table, and Luffy sat very still, eyes still scrunched up. His stomach started to churn, but then the taste hit him. His eyes snapped open, and he just sat there, eyes wide, for a good minute. His crew worriedly asked if he was okay, and then started to freak out even more when fat tears dripped from his eyes. The first time they’d seen him cry. 

Sanji hurried over, seeing Luffy crying, and demanded to know if he was having an allergic reaction. Luffy jolted back to the present, and wiped his eyes. “What’s the problem?!” Sanji insisted. 

“It tastes good,” Luffy mumbled, furiously scrubbing his eyes. He took another experimental bite, to see if it was a fluke, but it still tasted delicious. 

“O-oh,” Sanji said in surprise. Then he beamed, one visible eye bright and happy. “I’m glad you like it. How are the rest of your meals?” 

“Really good! Delicious!” Nami said. 

“Yeah, its great!” 

Zoro grunted noncommittally, but took another bite. 

“So you're good at fighting and a good cook! You should join our pirate crew!” Luffy said brightly. 

“And he just comes right out and says it,” Usopp sighed, though there was a fond note in his voice. 

“We need a good cook and being a strong fighter is important, too!” Luffy insisted. Sanji looked flattered, but declined. “Pleeeeaasssee. I’ve never had good food before.” 

“What do you mean?” 

Luffy held up the bucket for good measure and said, “Food usually makes me sick! But your food didn't!” He was being pretty loud. Sanji was still smiling, but looked mildly uncomfortable. 

“Ah, I’m really glad you enjoyed the food. I should get back to work.” He walked away, and Luffy’s eyes lit up with fire. 

“He’s gonna be our cook no matter what,” he said, fist up in determination. He looked back at the dish with longing. “But I’m gonna try and be safe and not eat any more of it,” he added reluctantly. 

“Probably a good choice.” 

Luffy knew he hadn't just been fed human meat because it tasted nothing like it, and he’d also had things besides meat. Like the bacon and onions and sauce. 

“Well, if he doesn't join, you at least tasted some good food for once,” Usopp said. 

“He’s gonna join, don't worry,” Luffy said with confidence. 

He kept an eye on Sanji, longing to eat more, but not wanting to have too much of a good thing. His stomach was gurgling, but just the taste alone was worth any vomiting that might come later. 

A marine from that ship came running in, looking for Fullbody, who had already left, and exclaimed, “The underling pirate got out! Where’s lieutenant Fullbody?!” The whole dining hall went quiet. Luffy was curious if there was going to be a battle or fight. “Fuck, it took 7 of us to capture him in the first place!” 

People started to worry over the pirate escapee, while the Straw Hats just sat there curiously. And it didn't take long for things to escalate, when the escaped pirate, who had nowhere to go, entered, shooting the marine in the back. All the other tables but for Luffy’s jumped  to their feet and started to run. 

Zoro took another bite of his food, watching. “Do we do anything?” 

“I think the cooks can handle him,” Luffy said.

“He has a gun-” Usopp started. 

“He’s badly shaking. Look at his hold on the gun,” Zoro said. The pirate was indeed shaking like a leaf, but had a cocky smirk on anyways, sitting at a table and putting his feet up on it. He was bloodied and bruised, but didn't look to be weak from his wounds. “He looks starved.” 

“Hungry people do crazy things,” Nami mumbled. She didn't know just how much that applied to Luffy. 

“Anything will do. Just bring me food. This is a restaurant isn't it?” the pirate asked. He still had handcuffs on one wrist, hanging down. 

The cook with fat forearms walked up to him with a simpering look. “Welcome, you squid-faced customer,” he said pleasantly, shocking everyone. Zoro took another bite of his food. 

"I'm only going to say this once, so listen the fuck up. I’m a customer! You’ll do what I ask, got it?!” he demanded. His voice shook, and there was an undercurrent of nearly begging in his demand, rude though it was. 

The cook was most unimpressed. “Pardon me, dumbass, but do you have any money?” 

“I can pay you in lead. How about that?” the pirate asked, pressing the barrel of his gun to the cook’s head, who was still unintimidated. 

“So, you don't have any money?” Zoro continued to eat. 

The cook wasted no time to get a response that they already knew the answer would be, and used one of his large arms, hand curled in a fist, and slammed it down on the pirate, destroying the table with him. “If you can't pay the bill, then you ain't no customer.” 

“Impressive,” Zoro said. “And good as shit entertainment.” Luffy giggled. The chef continued to beat and berate the starving pirate, to a point that it might be seen as excessive. But Luffy had cruelly treated Jango with as much empathy. He couldn't judge, and the guy had killed people very recently, marines or not. 

He was thrown out, and the dining hall cheered. Luffy looked from him, laying on the deck outside the door, to Sanji, who had a stony face, before heading to the kitchen. A small smile formed on Luffy’s face, and after a couple minutes, he stood up and bounded outside. “Be back soon!” he shouted, ignoring his stomach gurgling. He imagined it shouting at him for putting something so foreign inside. 

It likely would all come back up later, but it was worth it. Though, it had been many, many years since he had attempted food. So long since those violent heaves. 

His hunch was proven when he saw Sanji across the deck, sitting with the pirate, giving him free food. Luffy slingshotted himself up to the second deck, landing on his sandals quietly. He darted to the railing, and looked down with a smile. “Eat,” was all Sanji said, taking a drag of his cigarette. Dadan smoked religiously, so Luffy was used to the smell of smoke and nicotine. It didn't bother him. 

The starving pirate scarfed down the food, crying out thank yous, and how delicious it was. Sanji grinned like he had when Luffy complimented the food. 

“You’re lucky! You were gonna die! Nice of him to give you food!” Luffy cheered, startling both of them. 

“You again, huh?” Sanji asked. Luffy jumped down and landed on the railing, squatting. “You like the entertainment?” 

“Yeah! That guy tried to blow up my ship so it was funny watching you embarrass him. Shishishi,” Luffy giggled. “This ship is crazy. You’re all like pirates yourselves.” 

“Well, the owner was a pirate captain, so it makes sense. And we have to deal with pirates often, so we’re all pretty tough about it.” 

“Heh, he was a captain?” Luffy said in interest. 

“Are you the captain of your ship?” 

“Yeah! We’re the Straw Hat pirates. There’s only five of us after you join.” Sanji frowned. 

“I told you already, I’m not joining.” Luffy pouted. 

“No! I refuse.” 

“You refuse what?” 

“I refuse your refusal. We need a cook and you're a good one so we should both be pirates!” Sanji huffed. 

“I can't leave here.” 

“Are you stuck?” 

“I have reasons to stay.” 

“Is it a good reason?” 

“For me, yeah,” Sanji said, looking at Luffy like he was nuts. 

“Well, I’ve already decided you're gonna be on  my crew,” Luffy grinned, arms crossed proudly. Sanji’s left eye twitched. 

“Listen here, Straw Hat, I’m not gonna join your crew! I already said no!” Luffy scowled before his face turned green. He was fighting it, swallowing it down, but he couldn't hold it in any longer, and ran to the opposite railing over the side of the ship and heaved violently. This was a familiar and very unwelcome feeling. 

He couldn't breathe through the heaves, gasping and gripping the railing so hard it splintered under his hands. Sanji was shouting in alarm, but Luffy couldn't say anything as he gasped between the coughing gags. Everything was already out, having been two mouthfuls of food and days of water consumption. 

Once he finished, he slid to his knees, pressing his face against the railing, breathing deeply to try and steady himself. “Jeez, what happened?” Sanji demanded, sounding freaked out. 

“I - I’m fine,” Luffy huffed. He spat out some blood, and grabbed his hair in anger, pulling his hat down and shoving it in his face to hide his upset. 

“How was that fine? Should I get your crew?” 

“No. I’m okay,” Luffy sighed. 

“Did - did my food make you sick?” Sanji asked in dawning horror. Luffy shook his head, and sat back on his heels. 

“It just happens,” he said quietly. He turned around and leaned against the railing, eyes downcast and sad. “But, tasting you food was worth it. I’m really okay. I was kind of expecting it.” Sanji looked upset and shocked and confused. 

“Do you have… dietary restrictions?” 

“No. I just can't eat food. For a little bit, after I didn't throw it up the first time, I thought maybe it was a change. I could eat food, now. Looks like a no,” he smiled sadly. “I still want you as our cook, though! Cause you’re nice, too. Feeding him when he was a jackass to your friends,” Luffy said, suddenly very bright. “And my crew really liked your food, too!” 

“Why did you eat? If you knew you were going to hack it all up? You clearly expected to throw up at the table.” 

Luffy frowned. “What kind of captain recruits their cook without tasting their food first?” Sanji just stared at him for a long moment. He took a drag in and out of smoke before responding.

“You're strange.” 

“Haha, really strange!” Luffy agreed. 

“Kid, what is your plan on being a pirate?” the now fed and very grateful other pirate asked.

"I'm going to become the Pirate King,” Luffy said in a matter of fact voice. 

“You're going after the One Piece?” Luffy nodded firmly. “Let me give you a word of advice: give up on going to the Grand Line.” Luffy didn't see that as advice at all, but more of an insult. But not what seemed to be an intentional dig at him. “If you want to explore the world, there’s no rush to the Grand Line. It’s one sea. There are still four other seas out there.” 

“Do you know something about the Grand Line?” Luffy asked, not addressing the ‘advice’. 

“No… I don't know anything. That’s what’s so terrifying about it,” the pirate said, putting his hands to his face, looking absolutely disturbed. 

“For a Krieg pirate you sure are acting like a big scaredy cat,” Sanji said. Luffy was still sitting against the railing, feeling tired and sad after his little bout of hope was crushed. It still appeared the only thing he could digest, was human meat. The two people in front of him. Everyone on the ship. 

“Hey, what’s Krieg?” Luffy asked. “Is that a crew?” 

“Biggest crew in the East Blue,” Sanji said casually. “You should get going, Gin, before the marines come after you. They’re still docked here.”

“Shishishi, Fullbody is too embarrassed to go near Sanji,” Luffy laughed. Sanji got him a small boat, and Gin boarded it. 

“I wanted to warn you about the Grand Line, but I can't stop you,” he called. 

“Yeah, we’re still going,” Luffy nodded. 

“Haha, then I wish you luck! And Sanji, thank you so much for the food. You’re my savior. That was the best food I’ve ever had. Would it be okay if I came to eat here again?” Sanji confirmed this, and Gin smiled widely, looking much better after his meal than before. 

“Wow, food really changes people. He was a total jerk before!” Luffy laughed. Sanji chuckled. 

“Oi, Sanji! This is where you were?” the captain of the ship and owner called down, from the balcony Luffy had jumped down from. Sanji turned around, undaunted, and called for the pirate to leave, before throwing the barren plate and spoon over the railing so there was no “proof” where the owner could scold him for his kindness despite Gin’s past behavior. 

“Don't get caught again!” Sanji called, and Gin sailed away. 

“Sanji, get back to work!” Zeff shouted. Sanji walked inside, and Luffy followed after him like a duckling. Sanji glared at him, and walked a little faster. Luffy still trailed after him before Zeff grabbed the scruff of his vest and yanked him out of the kitchen. “Go back to your table, boy!” 

“But-!” 

“You’re not welcome in the kitchen!” Luffy pouted and headed back to the table his friends were sitting at. 

“Convince him yet?” Usopp asked. 

“Not yet! But don't worry, he’ll come with us,” Luffy said confidently. Then he drooped. “I already threw it all up,” he sighed sadly, looking at the food. Zoro pat his back from beside him, everyone looking at him in sympathy. “For a minute, I thought things changed and I could eat food... But it was still worth it! That food was super yummy!” 

“How’d the cook react to that?” Zoro asked. 

“He freaked out cause he thought his food made me sick. I’m just glad I can say I tasted his food first.” He beamed up, looking forward to Sanji joining. Zoro gave a very warm smile at Luffy’s blinding one. Johnny, Yosaku and Nami all chuckled, causing Zoro to scowl at them. Luffy still didn't know what the deal was, about what he’d heard that night or how they were acting now. 

Luffy looked up when Sanji came over, and really noticed Nami for the first time, before bursting into very strange behavior. Luffy scratched his head at it, hearts in the cook’s eyes. Nami looked unimpressed, and sipped her fancy drink, while Luffy munched on his mostly melted ice, wishing for more. Ice was completely safe for him. 

He was still a little embarrassed he’d thrown up in front of someone like that, especially someone who it would impact. Would Sanji want to join if Luffy couldn't even hold down his food for more than a half hour? How disappointing it had been. So very much.

Sanji rambled on, about being separated from Nami from a great obstacle. Zeff overheard, having been standing in the spot he was in for a few minutes, listening in. “By obstacle, do you mean me, Sanji?” he asked gruffly, but not as if he was angry by it. He seemed wholly unsurprised by Sanji’s weirdness. Well, they were all weird in their own ways. 

“Ah, the old geezer,” Sanji grumbled, as if a child who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 

“It’s a good chance, go with them. I don't need someone like you in the restaurant,” Zeff said harshly. 

“What did you say?” Sanji asked coldly. "I'm the assistant head chef of this place. What do you mean you don't need me?!” 

“You cause too much trouble with the guests, and if they’re women, drool all over them. You also can't cook a decent meal to save your life. You're unnecessary baggage pulling the restaurant down. The other cooks don't want you here, so whether it’s being a pirate or something else, it would be better for us for you to leave.” 

Luffy cocked his head in confusion, able to hear Zeff was lying completely. So why say such mean things? And Sanji’s food was great! Luffy and his whole crew agreed! It was just plain mean, and Luffy couldn't think of a reason he was saying such things that he didn't mean. 

Sanji was most angry about his cooking being insulted, while the Straw Hats watched the drama unfold with varying degrees of shock - and anger for some. But Zeff retaliated, and slammed Sanji down on the table they had been eating at, the pirates and two bounty hunter guests quickly snatching their plates up so they couldn't fell and shatter, drenching Sanji in his own delicious food. 

“Damn it! You shitty geezer! You can't get rid of me that easily! I’ll work here until the day you die! I’m not going anywhere!” Sanji raged. 

"I'm not dying for another 50 years,” Zeff said, and left. 

Luffy had a blank expression on before he smiled. “He gave you permission, that’s great!” 

“As if!” Sanji shouted back. 

They moved to a new table a couple feet away, and sat back down, Luffy pouting heavily, moping about still being turned down, even if he didn't plan on leaving without Sanji coming with them. Sanji seemed to cheer up instantly when he went over to Nami and gave her a fruity dessert, leaving the men with nothing. 

They argued briefly, but Luffy wasn't bothered because he couldn't eat it. He’d already thrown up violently once today, he really didn't feel like doing it twice, even if human food suddenly looked delicious. Part of him wished he’d never tried it, because he knew what he was missing, at least from Sanji’s food. 

Human meat it was. 

When Sanji left, leaving Usopp in anger for not getting anything while Nami got a new dessert for free, Luffy said, “That old guy was lying the whole time. I wonder why he was so mean. And Sanji’s food was really yummy and we all agree.” He frowned. 

“Hmm. No idea why he’d say all that stuff if he didn't mean it,” Nami mused, Usopp and the two bounty hunters looking at her dessert in longing and jealousy. 

“We shouldn't let him join,” Usopp said sourly. 

“No, he’s gonna be our cook,” Luffy said stubbornly. Usopp sighed in defeat, knowing he wouldn't be changing his mind unless something huge happened. 

They ended up staying for two days, and Luffy would not leave Sanji alone. He sat at a table with ice water, claiming he was eating and just kept trying to get Sanji’s attention. He was very irritated with Luffy at this point, but the other cooks thought it was hilarious and encouraged Luffy to keep trying, even giving him a seat at tables closest to the kitchen so Luffy could loudly shout at Sanji to come with them. 

Zeff didn't kick him out, either, so Sanji had to deal with Luffy being there. Nami kept eating everything for free, while the other two stayed on the ship, growing more and more irritated the longer they stayed. But Luffy was determined, there would be no backing out. 

A few times, Sanji tried to kick him in anger, which seemed to be his way of fighting, but quickly learned kicking him hard was painful. A hit from Nami didn't hurt her because she couldn't hit hard enough for blow back. Sanji was different, and nursed his shin after the second time he tried to kick him. 

Luffy also threw caution to the wind and kept ordering food from Sanji, who couldn't refuse or he’d get in trouble for denying a paying customer (with Nami’s money because she thought Sanji’s food was delicious, too), even though Luffy hacked it all up over the railing every time. It was upsetting his system, and he was growing tired, his crewmembers angrily shouting at him to stop hurting himself. 

Of course, he refused. He was on a mission, damn it! And would do anything to succeed. 

On the second day, Luffy was throwing up outside when he heard the sounds of a ship, and turned his head to the side, wiping his mouth on his arm, and saw a giant, busted up pirate ship heading towards the restaurant. He stood up, a little pale and sweaty still, but determined to not let it hinder him, and watched, listening. 

It was unusually quiet on the ship. Considering how big, the people aboard - and there were many people aboard - were subdued. Luffy wasn't the only one to quickly notice, and got the jist of who they were when the patrons and employees exclaimed it was the Don Krieg Pirates. The one Gin was part of. 

Luffy, living under a rock in the Goa forest, had never heard of them before the other day. He didn't know most things about the East Blue and Grand Line beyond. Only what happened on his home island and the vague information about off the island he heard from the people in Windmill Village. 

Usopp was freaking out on the ship deck, which was below and to the left of where Luffy had been purging. He didn't like pity from his crew, but Zoro would look at him with this weirdly supportive glare. Like he didn't like what Luffy was doing but still respected it for some reason. 

“Shouldn't we leave?!” Usopp cried out. 

“Sanji hasn't agreed yet!” Luffy denied. Usopp moaned, putting his hands to his face. 

“Give it up, we’re not leaving unless that stupid ass cook joins,” Zoro said bluntly. Luffy nodded firmly. 

Sanji walked out then, and Luffy said, “Looks like Gin told them about the good food. Bet they won't pay, though.” 

“I don't think that’s the case,” he replied between smokes. “They’re not known for being friendly or respectful.” 

“Heeh. So they’re bad pirates?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Man, all we’ve met are bad pirates so far,” Luffy complained. 

“You do know most pirate crews are bad, right?” 

“Not us or Shanks,” Luffy said firmly. Sanji rolled his eyes but didn't press. 

“Their ships are in complete shambles,” Sanji voiced instead. “Must have faced a storm or something. No human could do that much damage.” Luffy reminded him that Gin said the Grand Line was scary. “Then the Grand Line did that? Jeez.” 

“Well, we’re still going,” Luffy said with a smile. 

“Figured. You’re stubborn to a fault.” Luffy stuck his tongue out at him. Luffy and Sanji watched as Don Krieg staggered off of his ship, with Gin supporting him under his arm. The guy was big, not as big as Garp was, but still sturdy. Larger than anyone they’d met thus far in their journey. Even Axe Hand Guy was smaller than him. But he was starved and covered in bandages. Not exactly intimidating.

“Sorry for intruding, but can I have some food and water?” he ground out, sounding exhausted. Luffy couldn't tell if he was being disingenuous since he clearly was suffering from hunger, like Gin had been. “If it’s money you want, I’ve got plenty.” 

Everyone refused. Nobody wanted to help him, giving very reasonable reasons for refusing him, even calling the marines on him. Luffy listened to them talk about all the horrific things he and his crew did. Tyrants of the East Blue, a crew that struck fear in everyone who came into contact with them. Not that those who did usually left alive. 

Don Krieg lowered his head and started to beg. Luffy’s face was carefully blank. Zoro was standing beside him, the others still on the Going Merry, wanting nothing to do with the pirate. Both his and Zoro’s expressions were blank, just watching in silence. Zoro’s arms were crossed, while Luffy’s hung at his side. 

Sanji, predictably, gave him food. He would give anyone food, and was only averse to feeding Luffy because he just got sick with it. And Sanji also claimed he was wasting food. Luffy didn't think so. 

Luffy wasn't surprised when Krieg hit Sanji into the floor after finishing the meal. Gin was upset by this, clearly being someone who was much better a person than his captain. 

Luffy didn't worry over Sanji, because he knew the man would be angry if he did. He was fine, he was tough, so Luffy wasn't concerned for his safety, even if he was angry his future crew member was assaulted after doing an act of pure kindness. 

After Gin’s outburst about being upset Sanji was beaten for no reason, Krieg then attacked Gin himself. Luffy was more worried over him, given he had no weapon and still looked tired and weak. Though not as much as his captain, who’d only just eaten. Showing Krieg was far stronger than Gin was. Not surprising. 

“This is a nice restaurant. I’ll take it.” 

“Think he’d even know how to work the kitchen? 50 beri says he runs out of food day two,” Zoro said quietly.

“I don't have 50 berri, though.” But Luffy agreed. “He’s a jerk. You shoulda’ hunted him.” 

“Guess I didn't have the chance.” 

“Cause you’ve been lost the whole time.” Zoro scowled. 

The chefs were all angry and worried, while the guests fled the restaurant to sail away from the danger as fast as they could. Krieg ordered the cooks to make 100 meals for his men, far less than the 5,000 he was claimed to have a couple days ago. They were apparently all starving and sick. 

“You’re asking us to feed pirates that will probably kill us?!” one chef demanded. 

“You misunderstand. That wasn't a request, it was an order. Do it,” he commanded with a scary face. 

Sanji started to leave, planning to make those 100 meals. 

“Good choice,” Kreig bragged. Luffy was honestly shocked he’d do that. Doom everyone to feed them. The chefs pulled guns on him, refusing to allow him to do so. Luffy had no idea what was going to happen next. But he did plan on beating the shit out of Krieg so he fled in terror. However, he’d try not to kill him again. Not that he wasn't trying against Kuro. That was a complete accident, a slip up. A messy one. 

“Go ahead and shoot. Try me. I know they’re shitty people on that ship and will probably cause us trouble, but the consequences of not feeding a person is more important to me. A cook should freely be able to feed anyone who is starving.” 

Luffy couldn't help but compare that to himself. Clearly, Sanji felt very passionately about feeding hungry people. He wondered if he would care enough about Luffy starving that he’d overlook what he needed to eat to not to. And he wondered why Sanji felt so strongly about it. What happened to him to make him that way? Was there even a reason, or was he just a good person? 

The small captain admired him for that. Even if he thought it was a bad idea, with how few people were on this ship, and how many on the pirate crew, it was still a nice thing to do. A little stupid given the situation, but still a nice thing. Luffy would have him as his cook, damn it! 

Patty, the chef with the fat arms, punched him down to the floor, the other cooks restraining him to stop him from endangering them further. Luffy could hear most of the patrons had managed to set sail very quickly. The Going Merry remained. “I know you feed people we turn away, and I’m not gonna say whether that’s good or bad! But this situation is all your fault, and I’m not gonna let you fuck it up even more! And he’s just one person, what can he do against us?!” 

He pulled a canon out of a cupboard in the counter where the food was served, and shot Don Kreig with it without hesitation, blowing the wall out around the front door. But, Luffy didn't smell any blood or the scent of burning flesh. When the smoke cleared, it was apparent the current villain had armor all over his body, completely fine and utterly pissed. 

Luffy could punch through every metal he’d encountered so far. He wasn't worried about being unable to beat him, but didn't want to take away the cooks’ chances to save their ship themselves. He may have been hanging around for three days, pestering Sanji and amusing everyone else, but he was still a stranger. And Luffy thought they’d not believe him capable of one shotting this jerk. 

The cooks lunged at him, carrying their own various weapons. They were shot at from guns on Kreig’s armor. The scent of blood flooded the room, and Luffy clenched his jaw. He was having trouble holding back. 

“You think you weaklings can defeat me?!” Kreig shouted. “I’m the strongest! This body armor, stronger than anything! This steel arm, more powerful than any of your weapons! And this fist, made of diamond, can pulverize anything! My entire body is a finely tuned weapon!” Kreig shouted. He bragged about his accomplishments, Zoro yawning, completely unimpressed, while Krieg spouted off conquests and tribulations about how powerful and tough he was. 

He finished with again, ordering all of his men to be fed. And the cooks, none of them dead, thankfully, couldn't do anything against him. They used bullets and knives. If Patty’s canon hadn't harmed him, those weapons couldn't. Luffy’s fists balled, and his jaw was set tightly. 

Then, Zeff came out with a massive bag of food, tossing it to Krieg. Luffy’s brows raised, and then he smiled softly. So, that’s where Sanji got his philosophy. He said he’d worked there his whole life. Or maybe Zeff had gotten this from Sanji himself. But clearly, they were close. And Zeff had been lying when insulting him. 

It kind of reminded Luffy of when Ace would insult him, but didn't mean it and was mostly being a prickly teen who didn't yet want to admit he cared about Luffy. 

“There’s enough food in there to feed a hundred people. Take it,” Zeff grunted. 

Kreig did not take it, looking like he’d seen a ghost. “Did you say Zeff?!” 

“Owner Zeff, how can you give him that food! It’ll be our end!” Not if Luffy stepped in. But he wanted to watch what happened here first. Even if he wanted to humble Krieg by busting up his armor and defeating him. Someone without a bounty or reputation. Completely unknown. Hopefully, not for long. 

“Only if they still have the will to fight,” Zeff said. “Isn't that right, defeated warrior of the Grand Line?” 

Zoro exchanged a grin with Luffy, both excited for the challenges to come ahead, once they were on that wild, amazing sea Luffy had been thinking about for over ten years. 

Krieg was too shocked by Zeff’s reveal to get angry as the cooks shouted in shock that his fleet was defeated. Then, he changed his tune, and demanded Zeff’s ship log, given it was them not having information that got them decimated. Zeff had been to and survived the Grand Line himself, when the Krieg fleet had so badly failed. How lame. Instead of learning on his own, to try and steal someone’s stories of adventures. If someone asked Luffy for that after he became Pirate King, he’d be offended. Not much could offend him, but someone taking a book on his adventures sounded shitty. 

Luffy stayed silent through the whole argument and ordeal. Through the insults and boasting and defending. But, when Kreig stated, “Once I obtain Red Leg Zeff’s log, I’ll return to the Grand Line and find the One Piece! You hear?” 

“Hey! I’m the one that’s gonna become the Pirate King!” Luffy shouted. Zoro smirked, and the rest of the room were shocked, including Kreig himself. “Besides! If you gotta cheat to find the One Piece, is it even worth it?” 

“Stand down, kid! You’ll get killed!” Patty shouted. 

Zoro mumbled, “Doubt that.” 

“I won't stand down, especially on this.” 

“What’s a skinny runt like you gonna do against me? I’ll let the comment slide.” 

“You don't have to. It’s just the truth,” Luffy replied. “And I could defeat you,” he said with a grin.

Kreig scowled before he started laughing, insincere laughter. Mocking laughter, looking at Luffy like he was insane. Luffy just continued to grin. He noticed Usopp watching through the ship’s window, horrified Luffy had challenged this guy, even if he’d seen the captain in action not even a week ago. 

“Hey, old owner guy, can I take him out?” Luffy asked. 

“What are you saying?!” Sanji yelled angrily. “You want to die?!” 

"I'm not gonna die,” Luffy stated bluntly. 

“Knock yourself out,” Zeff said casually, arms crossed. 

Krieg was livid, and didn't hesitate to drop the bag of food and shoot at Luffy. His rubber body bounced them off, though they crumpled on impact with his skin. “So, you ate a devil fruit,” Krieg said in annoyance. Luffy grinned wider. Zoro went to the wall and leaned against it to watch. 

“Yeah! I’m made of rubber.” 

The cooks murmured in confusion and surprise. Luffy held up a fist. “But I don't gotta use that to defeat you.” 

Krieg lunged at him, and Sanji tried to get in the middle to stop him, before Zoro grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt. “Don't you dare interfere,” he growled to the cook. When Krieg’s diamond fist hit Luffy, he tensed his whole body so he wasn't knocked over by the force, the diamond glove shattering upon impact. 

Everyone in the room gasped in shock. Luffy pulled a fist back, not even bothering to stretch, wanting to make it seem as effortless as possible to defeat this loser, and punched him directly in the chest, crumpling the metal, breaking his ribs, and making him cough blood, falling to his knees. Luffy kicked him into the wall, breaking more bones, making him scream before he fell unconscious. 

Luffy hadn't even moved from the spot he’d been standing on. The room was silent, everyone stunned, unable to say a thing. “Shishishi, told you so!” Luffy laughed. His fist where he’d crumpled the steel didn't have a single mark on it. 

“Wh- WHAT THE HELL?!” the cooks finally erupted. 

“Hahaha!” Luffy laughed happily. 

Gin fell back onto his hands and knees, looking terrified, head whipping to glance from Krieg to Luffy, over and over. 

“You did that all on an empty stomach,” Sanji said in shock, Zoro releasing him now that he couldn't interfere. Zeff was watching Luffy closely, no emotion on his face. Unlike the shock of the rest of the restaurant staff. He was very proud, and hoped Sanji would join them, and not think Luffy was weak for his inability to eat. 

“Neehee, now that he’s not gonna be a problem, you can go feed those guys now!” Luffy said. Sanji walked forwards, grabbed the bag of food, and left the ship to go give the broken crew their free, pity food. 

Patty grabbed some chains from the back, and wrapped it around the beaten Don Krieg, tying his hands behind his back for good measure. The place Luffy had punched through the armor was already black with a terrible bruise the size of Luffy’s fist.

Usopp hurried inside, grinning from ear to eat. “That was awesome, Luffy! You punched him without killing him!” Zoro gave him a nasty look, and Usopp pressed his hand to his mouth, way too obvious. 

“Well, not in one hit, at least,” Luffy laughed, unbothered. “Hey, Gin!” Gin winced. “You said you went to the Grand Line and no idea what happened. How?” he asked. Luffy held no ill will against him, he seemed like a good enough guy, regretting his captain’s behavior and being loyal to Sanji after he saved him from death by starvation. 

“What I don't know is the truth… I just can't believe it!” he cried, head in his hands. Luffy was still being stared at by some of the cooks, but others started to clean up the mess Krieg had left, and another calling the marines to come and fetch him now that he was out of commission for a good while. “I don't know if those seven days we spent the Grand Line were real or a nightmare!” 

Zoro looked majorly unimpressed, Usopp nervous. Well, they would go anyways. Gin continued. “He was just there… He appeared all of the sudden. To think, all 50 ships of the Krieg pirate fleet were destroyed by a single man!” 

“What?” Luffy asked in shock. 

“One man?!” Usopp screeched, hiding behind Zoro, who tried to shake him off in annoyance. 

“The entire fleet was destroyed by one person?!” 

“Seriously?!” 

Luffy’s attention was brought to Zoro when Gin finally said who had done the damage. Hawk-Eyes Mihawk. Who was the person Zoro wanted to defeat. Luffy was suddenly nervous. He didn't like the feeling, and would never let Zoro know. How he got stabbed by Buggy, and how Hawk-Eyes had decimated a 50 ship fleet in no time at all. 

The little captain looked away. It was Zoro’s dream, and in no way would Luffy ever get in the way of it. He had to shake the worry off because it was disrespectful to Zoro, completely. He never doubted Luffy, not so far. Luffy had to return the favor. 

“He give a reason why he attacked your fleet?” one chef asked. Luffy would never be able to remember all their names, even if he were introduced to all of them one by one. 

“He didn't. He was just there! And then it was over.” 

“Maybe you interrupted his afternoon nap,” Zeff said casually, stroking his braided mustache. Gin didn't appreciate the quip. 

“Whose Hawk-Eyes?” Usopp asked finally. “He a strong person?” 

“He’s claimed to be the strongest swordsman in the world. And he’s held that spot for many years. He’s come here before. Comes and goes as he pleases,” Zeff answered. Usopp looked to Zoro, who grinned. 

“He’s the guy I’m gonna defeat,” he said. 

“Neh, in the Grand Line, there are a ton of random strong people, right?” Luffy asked, sitting on the table Zoro and Usopp were at, pulling his feet up to cross his legs.

“You're probably the most random strong person,” Usopp laughed. Luffy laughed, too. 

“Yes, the strongest people in the world are gonna be found in the Grand Line,” Zeff said. 

“I can't wait! It sounds so exciting.” 

“Yeah,” Zoro agreed. 

“And now we have a cook to come with us, so we can hurry there!” Nobody commented on that, but at least nobody disputed it. It was pretty clear they wanted Sanji to go with them, sail away together. Sanji was just stubborn! Well, Luffy would break through. 

Sanji walked back in with the empty sack. “Well, I told them all their captain was defeated so not to stir anymore trouble for us,” he said. “Bet they’ll be too tired to go anywhere.” 

“Is there even a marine base in the East Blue big enough to hold all of them?” Patty asked. He was camping beside Don Krieg, who was gasping shallowly. Maybe a rib punctured his lung. Nobody cared there but Gin, who was seemingly too scared to say anything and risk making enemies. Especially with Luffy, who truly one shotted his 17 million beri bountied captain. 

“Who knows?” Sanji said, taking a deep smoke. “We can just toss Don Krieg back onto their ship if the marines can't take them from us.” 

“Shishishi, I bet Fullbody woulda’ wet himself,” Luffy laughed. Sanji snorted. 

“I could see that. Couldn't even handle a bug in his soup before having a tantrum.” 

“I watched him put it in. Picked it off the floor,” Luffy said. Sanji already knew that, unsurprised. “But you beat him up. Do you usually beat people up?” 

“Like you're one to talk!” Usopp hissed. 

“I’ll beat up anyone who wastes food. Someone in the world whose starving could be eating that, and here you are putting it to waste.” 

“Heeeh. Have you gone hungry before? You seem really strong about it.” Sanji glowered, but confirmed he’d gone hungry once. “Ohhh.” He wanted to ask what it felt like, to starve as a human. Was it unbearably painful? Like someone was stabbing daggers into your stomach? How the hunger gave you a headache that never went away? How your ears ring, you drool so much you get dehydrated? But Luffy didn't want to be asked why he was so curious. 

If he admitted he’d starved before, then everyone would know he could eat. He would keep it to himself. Maybe someday, he’d ask him. But that day wasn't now. Luffy still had to guard his secret from his nakama besides Zoro. 

It was nice, though, that Sanji didn't seem to lump Luffy in with the “scum who wastes food”. Though he did, not able to hold onto it more than a half hour. Well, once Sanji joined the crew, Luffy would be changing things. He would not “eat”. He’d just taste test! Chew something up and spit it out! Then, he got to taste it while not making himself ill. 

Luffy picked up the conversation of those on the tattered galleon outside. “They’re wondering where Don Krieg is,” he said, seemingly out of nowhere. “Hey, Gin, are they gonna throw a tantrum over that?” Luffy asked, pointing at the heavily injured pirate captain. 

“I don't know. None of us want to go back to the Grand Line,” Gin said hesitantly. Zoro made an unimpressed noise, leaning back in his seat. Luffy pat his head. 

“Don't worry, we won't end up like that.” 

“I know that already!” Zoro snapped. Usopp laughed. 

Luffy’s head jerked up before there was a mighty crash, the ship throwing them around as sudden, rough waves over took them. They looked out and saw the galleon split in half. Its captain stayed unconscious. 

“Crap! Our ship was outside with Nami and Johnny and Yosaku!” Zoro shouted, all three indoor Straw Hats sprinting out on deck, finding the ship gone. 

“Ahhh! It’s gone!” Luffy screamed, hands on either side of his head. They noticed Johnny and Yosaku struggling to stay afloat, shouting for them. Luffy clung to a post and plucked them out of the water with his tails. 

“Johnny, Yosaku! Where’s the ship?!” Zoro shouted as he and Usopp helped get the two bounty hunters out of the rapids. “Where’s Nami?!” 

“We’re sorry Big Bro! It’s not here anymore! Sis Nami stole the ship and sailed away!” Yosaku shouted once they were on the deck, the water still sloshing violently. The world around Luffy suddenly silenced. His face was frozen in shock, eyes wide but the rest of his face completely blank. 

It was made even more painful when Luffy’s hearing came back, and he heard the things Nami had said to them. It was a lie the whole time. Just business. She was a thief that stole from pirates. But Luffy knew it was not true. Nami, though she’d lied in the beginning, had been sincere in everything she’d said since Syrup Village. Even at Syrup Village, she’d been sincere. 

Luffy didn't believe for more than a minute that it was true. He believed she’d said it, but he knew it wasn't true. Not really. “Hey, the ship is still in view!” Luffy said. “There’s the Going Merry!” he pointed, the others able to see it, too. 

Luffy grabbed onto the railing, backing up, planning on sling shotting himself across the water and landing back on the ship. He would not let her go. Not when she didn't want to. If she wanted to go wherever she was heading to with their home, why was she so involved in the planning of going to the Grand Line? 

“Luffy, what are you doing?!” Zoro demanded. 

“Getting Nami back.” He was tackled down. “Hey! Let go, she’s getting out of range!” 

“She’s already way out of range! You think she’d save you if you hit the water?!” Zoro shouted. “We can grab another boat and get the Merry back, and deal with her later!” 

“No! I’m gonna go get her, now!” Luffy said stubbornly. He would easily be able to shove Zoro off, but he didn't want to hurt him. So, he jumped out of his reach, and Luffy pulled himself back quite a ways. 

“DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE!” Zoro raged, but couldn't climb up to him fast enough. Luffy let himself snap, his crew members screaming his name in horror as he flew over the ocean. While in midair, terrified but completely calm, he shot out his arm and managed to grab onto the railing, snapping into it with a grunt. 

“Luffy!!!!!” he heard them shouting, but they were in relief when he landed safely. Nami was inside. Luffy ran around the deck and to the galley, shoving the door open, finding her sitting at the table, crying into her hands. 

Her head jerked up when she saw Luffy there, eyes widening in shock and horror. She stood up and backed up against the wall, as if afraid of him. Did she think he was going to hurt her? The thought that she felt that way was upsetting. “What are you doing?” Luffy asked, head tilted. 

“Go back, Luffy!” 

“No,” he replied. No anger wafted off of him. He was hurt and confused, but not angry. Surely she would have come back for them. When she was done doing whatever she was going to do. “Why did you take the ship?” 

“It’s none of your business!” 

“Johnny and Yosaku told us what you said to them.” Nami flinched. “I know it was a lie.” 

“You weren't even there to listen-” 

“I was there to listen to everything you’ve said since you joined,” Luffy cut her off. “You don't like pirates, but you’re happy with us. You never lied to me after we left Orange Town. You can't lie to me, I’ll be able to know,” he said, a bit challenging. Her face turned red, and she dropped the staff she’d been holding up. “You know I wouldn't hurt you, right?” he asked sadly. 

“You're a pirate.” 

“So? Just cause I beat bad guys up doesn't mean I’d ever beat my nakama up-” 

"I'm not part of your crew!” she screamed furiously. 

“You're lying.” 

“That’s - it’s not fair for you to do that!” 

“But you’d get mad at me if I plugged my ears while you were talking.” Luffy walked outside, and furled the sail and tossed the anchor down. Nami was shaking in anger behind him while he did it. It was thanks to her that he knew how to do it himself. He’d have learned it on his own eventually, but she’d taught him. 

Once the ship was stopped, Luffy sat across from Nami on the deck, and just stared. She fidgeted awkwardly. “Why did you take the ship, Nami?” he asked, trying to sound as casual as possible. Not angry, not hurt, even if he was hurt. 

“So I could sell it.” 

“That’s not true.” 

“Ugh,” she groaned, scrubbing her hand through her hair, messing it up. “Are you going to just point out anything I say that is untrue?” Luffy confirmed this. “I was going to my home village, okay? I have a lot of money to pay for buying it back!” That was the truth. “Is that enough for you?” 

“It doesn't explain why you didn't tell us. Or why you took our home away.” She flinched, despite Luffy’s words not sounding scolding. “Did you not trust us?” 

“No. Because you're pirates. And I hate pirates.” Luffy was very hurt she thought that, because it wasn't a lie. 

“Do you hate us?” She pressed her lips together, but didn't speak, maybe not wanting to be caught in a lie. Nami had sweat dripping down her face, and really, everywhere. She was nervous or scared or uncomfortable. Maybe all three. “...Do you need help?” he asked. 

“Why would I need your help?” she barked defensively. 

“Dunno,” he said with a shrug. “But you can't steal the ship. We can sail there together-” 

“We can't,” she hissed in a terrified voice. 

“Why not?” he questioned. 

“I-It just wouldn't work out right!” 

“This ship is all of our home. Not just yours,” he said frankly. "I'm not gonna let my nakama’s home get taken away.” She looked at him hatefully. Luffy scooched forward, and grabbed her hands. She froze. “My nakama’s dreams are mine too. If your dream also it to buy your village back, we’ll help you. And we can wait for the Grand Line. Zoro would be cranky, but I’m sure Usopp would be okay!” he said sincerely. 

Nami stared at him before she just completely crumpled. “You can't s-say things like that! It’s not fair!” Luffy wasn't sure how to react. She started to hit him, sobbing, but of course none of them hurt. 

Luffy was startled with the sudden rush of the smell of blood coming from the Baratie. Zoro’s blood, which he’d smelled multiple times by now. Nami was surprised from Luffy. His heart was pounding in his chest in worry. “We have to go back to the restaurant. I can smell Zoro bleeding all over the place.” He turned and asked Nami to help him steer it back. 

He was even further made to believe she cared when she did not hesitate upon hearing Zoro was seriously injured. She didn't want to go back, but Zoro was hurt. So they went back. When they docked again, he jumped off of the ship and found Zoro bleeding out badly, a massive wound sliced deep into his chest, from one shoulder to the opposite hip. 

“Zoro!” Luffy screamed in fear. 

He stopped in his tracks when he saw the tears. Luffy had missed something very important. 

“Luffy…” Zoro said weakly. Luffy felt, right now, Zoro didn't need comfort. Looking at the scene, it appeared Zoro fought and lost to Mihawk, the only person Luffy could see him losing to, so much so he cried. 

“Yeah?” Luffy asked, only a few feet away. 

“I lost…” Luffy stayed quiet. “I’m sorry. I’ve disappointed you. I know you… need the best on your crew. From this time on… I swear, I will never lose again! That okay, Pirate King?!” he cried. There was no lie in his voice, and Luffy believed him. 

“Shishishi, yup!” 

But he couldn't help but glare at Mihawk, who was looking at Zoro thoughtfully. Not in disgust, not in disappointment. Zoro may have lost the fight, but Mihawk didn't seem to shame him for it. Luffy felt terrible for missing something so important, Zoro fighting for his dream. He’d traded Zoro’s dream for Nami’s. It felt bad. But he couldn't be mad at either of them for the consequences. 

Mihawk briefly asked where Don Krieg was, who he’d clearly been targeting in his boredom, following them all the way from the Grand Line, which wasn't too far away from there. “I beat him up,” Luffy said curtly. 

“I see.” And he walked away, leaving the galleon to float in some places and sink in others, returning to his small ship, and sailing from the restaurant to who knows where. Luffy hurried back to Zoro’s side, also keeping track of what Nami was doing so she didn't steal the ship again. 

“Zoro? Can you hear me?” Luffy asked, hands flitting around in worry. But Zoro was completely out of it. 

“We have to get him back onto the ship,” Usopp said in worry. Luffy nodded, and gently picked Zoro up. The cooks hadn't seen his tails yet, so they were confused. He carefully set him down on deck, and looked to Nami. 

“We’ll go soon,” he said firmly. Her face turned red and crumpled, and she stormed down into the girls’ room. Luffy heard the latch lock. Luffy picked Zoro up again and brought him into the galley, laying him down on the futon mat. It was better quality than the one Luffy had been sleeping on for ten years. 

None of the guys knew how to stitch up a wound, and Lufy thought Nami would be the best since she at least knew how to sew. He headed to her room, and knocked on the hatch in a hurry. “Nami, can you come stitch up Zoro? We don't know how to sew,” he called. She waited a couple moments before Luffy heard her sniffle and sigh, and she came out, wiping her face furiously. 

She had her little sewing kit out, and didn't look at the others before heading to Zoro, demanding them to get the right tools, like disinfectant and bandages inside the storage Kaya and Meri had left them on the ship, much like the food and clothes.

Luffy got off the ship, upset they might have to leave without Sanji. He hurried to the restaurant, and found Sanji sitting outside the doors, smoking, looking upset. “What’s wrong?” Luffy asked. 

“Nothin’. Just heard some shitty stuff.” Luffy sat down, and asked if it was from Zeff again. “From all of them,” Sanji said casually. Though he was pinching his cigarette pretty hard between his thumb and pointer finger. 

“You know, when he was saying all that awful stuff the first day, he was lying.” 

“I know. That shitty geezer is hard at showing affection at all,” Sanji grumbled. “So, are you leaving?” he asked. 

“Yeah. But we’ll come back for you,” Luffy beamed with sincerity in his face and words. “Something happened with Nami we have to take care of before we go to the Grand Line.” 

The pirates from the sinking galleon got onto the Bartie, threatening the cooks, having nowhere to go, now. Patty dragged out the still wheezing and beaten Krieg. The crew gasped in shock and horror, with Gin following behind them. “Wh-what happened?!” the pirates shouted, baffled and afraid. 

“We happened! You better sit down and shut the fuck up or this’ll be your fate, too!” and Don Krieg was thrown onto deck, waking from the impact and screaming in pain as his injuries flared with the rough treatment. He looked at Luffy, terror in his eyes, and tried to crawl away. His crew was shocked at the sight, stunned by the behavior. And Luffy could see some of them looking at Krieg with disgust. 

“Sanji, will you come with us?” Luffy asked, suddenly very seriously. He hesitated for a long moment. 

“Go,” Zeff said, having been listening in. “You gonna stay here your whole life because you feel indebted to me?” he asked in what sounded like mild annoyance. Sanji scowled at him. Luffy pouted, and reluctantly but truthfully said they would leave and come back for him after whatever was happening with Nami. 

Sanji took a long puff of smoke. “Fine. I’ll come with you,” he finally said in the most casual voice. “I’ll accompany you on your way to being Pirate King. I have a crazy dream I want fulfilled, too.” Luffy beamed. Absolutely thrilled that the perseverance had paid off. “I’ll be the cook on your ship, even if you hack up all my food. That good?”

“Sounds great! Woohoo!” Luffy cheered, jumping up and down from one leg to the other. The Krieg pirates interrupted their happiness, weapons gathered, looking at them with desperate hate. Their captain was deeply damaged. But could they put aside their pride? Too bad Zoro couldn't help. Luffy wanted to go to him right now, but was able to hear him breathing, raggedly though it was. 

He heard Nami telling Usopp to keep Zoro still while she stitched him up. Luffy wanted to go to him immediately, feeling terrible for not being there to give his support, even if he’d known that Mihawk was too strong. For right now, at least. Luffy wouldn't say that, but knew Zoro understood it now, and would agree. 

The cooks brought out their weapons again, and Luffy took his tails out, surprising the pirates and Baratie workers alike. But he didn't have time to explain before the pirates attacked, despite their captain’s sorry state. They were brutally beaten, not in the right mindset to fight the angry cooks, protecting their restaurant and honor. 

Luffy hit some, gentle enough not to rupture their organs, but hard enough to send them flying far into the ocean, screaming. Sanji also kicked them to bloody messes. It was over quickly, the pirates still not nearly 100% with how starved they’d been for days. After they were out, they were forced to return to the shambles of their ship, broken and sinking. They could not stay on the Baratie, would never be welcome, so they had to stay on that ship. 

Patty called the marines, and thought it might take a bit for them to come, the Straw Hats should leave now. Luffy turned to Sanji, who hadn't been hit a single time by the weakened pirates. Luffy told Sanji he had to go check on Zoro, and the cook nodded. “I’ll be there soon.”

Chapter Text

Luffy bounced back to the ship, Nami sitting at the back of it, curled up in a ball. The others were all inside. Luffy would go check on her in a couple minutes. Given how angry Usopp and Zoro had been, and how Nami had shoved Johnny and Yosaku into the ocean, they probably would be hostile to her. Even though something was seriously wrong. When he entered the galley, he saw Zoro was semi conscious, the wound stitched with thread and bandaged pretty poorly. 

Luffy sat next to him, and took a hand, which Zoro weakly squeezed. “Neh, we’re gonna have real food, soon. Sanji agreed to join,” Luffy said with a smile. “So you’ll get better faster.” Zoro just looked up at him tiredly. He had this really soft look on his face, one Luffy hadn't seen before. 

Zoro took his hand in his, and pulled it over his heart before falling asleep. Luffy didn't let his hand go, even when Sanji finally came on, with a large sack of food and small backpack of belongings. He looked like he’d been crying, but had a soft smile on his face. Then he saw Zoro, the state of his injury, stitched up as best as they were able. 

“Everyone is here, now. We need to talk to Nami. Will you go get her for me?” Luffy said, still not moving from Zoro’s side. 

Usopp looked grumpy, but nodded. Nami walked in, and Luffy asked everyone else to leave. They were confused, but did as he asked. So, Nami sat across from Luffy and Zoro, who was out cold, obviously deeply asleep. She wouldn't make eye contact with Luffy. 

“Will you tell me why you wanted to take the ship? We’ll take you wherever you need to go, but we have to know where,” he said. 

She looked so upset, and bent her head so her hair his her eyes. “The Conomi Islands,” she muttered. “That’s where my village is.” 

“You never said why you need to buy it back.”

“Pirates are holding it hostage,” she said quietly. Oh, that’s why. That’s why she hated pirates as a whole so much. Luffy voiced that. 

“Is that why you hate pirates so much?” he asked.

“That’s the beginning. Other pirates just reinforced my beliefs.” He didn't say anything about their crew being different. He was sure Nami knew that. 

“So, you have to buy the island back from the pirates?” Luffy questioned, still holding Zoro’s hand, arm stretched a bit so he didn't need to bend over him. Nami nodded. “For 100 million berri?” 

“Yes.” 

“How much do you have now?

“93 million.” 

“You're so close!” Luffy said in surprise. “Man, we shoulda turned in Krieg and gotten the extra money. Shishishi,” he laughed. Luffy then firmly said, “We should beat up those pirates.” 

“You can't! You can’t beat up Arlong!” 

“Arlong?” 

“They’re far stronger than anyone you’ve faced yet. They’re fishmen, way stronger than humans.” Good thing I’m not human, then. “They can flip entire houses.” What a stupid thing to do. “And look at Zoro. You can't take them all on at once.” 

“Well, we have Sanji, now. And Zoro’s dumb, he’ll fight even with an injury. Even though he only has one sword right now.” Both others seemed to have shattered against Mihawk. It was just good the one he cared about most was still intact. 

“You don't get it!” she shouted, standing up. “Arlong would kill all of you! I never even planned on sticking around, why would you risk your lives for this? I’m not your navigator!” Luffy cocked his head. Yes she was. She might have something she had to do before the Grand Line, but she was still one of them. “And I’m sure Usopp and Zoro hate me - they’re not weirdly selfless like you are! And they can absolutely die!” 

Luffy said, “Well, me and Zoro both risked getting hurt against Buggy cause he destroyed that town. We didn't even know anyone there. Why wouldn't we do the same for your hometown? We’re heading to Conomi Islands anyways, now. You want us to just sail away and leave you?” Luffy asked, brows raised in challenge. 

Nami’s hands fisted at her side. She was pissed and scared and frustrated. “I don't deserve it.” 

“Why not?” 

“I tricked you! I stole your ship! You even said it’s your home - all of ours.” 

“You said ‘ours’.” 

“Shut up! Why won't you understand?! You don't know anything about me, it’s none of your business, so just - stop smiling!” Luffy was smiling, because it very much was their business. 

“Well, you can't decide what we do or don’t do. The Pirate King’s crew will be the freest people on the seas. That includes you!” 

Nami looked like she’d been slapped across the face, shocked. Luffy didn't like that expression. 

“Don't you want to get rid of them for good? They could come back, couldn't they?” Luffy asked bluntly. 

“They wouldn't-” 

“Why not?” Luffy pressed, though he kept his voice light and simple. She couldn't answer him, looking scared before resigned. “Were they the ones that killed the person important to you?” She glared at him, and nodded. Luffy nodded, too. He wasn't someone who swore vengeance easily. He didn't want revenge on his grandfather’s mean treatment, or the bandits that tried to hurt him when he was little. Not against Bluejam, if he were still alive. Ace killed him long ago. 

If there was one thing he did want revenge on, it was for Sabo’s murder. If he had the chance, he’d gladly punch a noble in the face. Did Nami want revenge, too? Her important person was killed by the pirates, and now she was working hard to give them money to buy it. Nami had said before she was on her thievery journey for many years. Luffy couldn't understand why a pirate who did such awful things as take Nami’s whole island hostage would give up that spot after years. 

“Do you trust them?” Luffy asked, a little coldly. 

She didn't respond, turmoil in her eyes, before she lowered her head, and whispered, “No.” 

“Do you trust us?” he then questioned. She looked so lost again, and wrapped her arms around her body, and nodded, teary eyed. Luffy beamed. “Good. We’ll take care of those fishmen,” he vowed with conviction. “So, let’s go to the Conomi Islands.” He carefully removed his hand from Zoro’s hold, who didn't wake from the absence. 

He walked out of the galley to see his crew and their guests at various spots of the deck. Sanji had put his things away already, and Usopp was tinkering with things from his bag. “We’re going to the Conomi Islands to beat up some fishmen,” Luffy said bluntly. 

“What?” Usopp asked in confusion. “Why?” 

“Because Nami and her village are being held hostage. So, we’re gonna go beat them up and get the village back.” 

Sanji grinned excitedly. “Anything for Nami-san!” Usopp side eyed him. 

“But - but she betrayed us!” 

“She didn't. Believe me,” Luffy replied firmly. Usopp faltered, before he lowered his head. “So, let’s set sail. And Sanji, can you cook something for Nami? She’s really sad.” Sad was an understatement, but he wasn't sure how to summarize all her various negative emotions. She hadn't come out of the galley yet, and Luffy could hear her choking on sobs as quietly as she could. 

The men got the ship sailing, having a map and going on their way. Luffy gave Nami some time before they’d ask for navigation help. 

Luffy nodded to Sanji when Nami had stopped crying, so he could go make something for her. Usopp walked up to Luffy, who was now sitting on the figurehead. It was so comfortable, his throne. He giggled at the thought of having a throne, even if that wasn't what he was aiming for as Pirate King. 

“So, what happened?” Usopp asked. 

“Bad stuff. She’s really upset and scared.” 

“She still betrayed us.” Luffy frowned in annoyance. 

“Nami is one of us. I don't wanna hear more about this.” 

Usopp sighed. “Anyways, have you ever met a fishman?” 

“No. But that doesn't matter, we’re gonna kick their asses anyways.” 

“Do you not realize how powerful Arlong is?!” Johnny demanded. “They’re way stronger than humans!” 

“Luffy is so strong he can accidentally decapitate people with one hit,” Usopp said bluntly. “He’ll be fine. It’s me I’m worried about!” he added, suddenly sounding desperate. “And I’ve never even heard of Arlong before.”

“He’s a menace. He was on a Warlord’s crew before showing up in the East Blue.” 

“Warlord?” 

“One of the main three powers in the Grand Line. That’s why it’s called the Pirate Graveyard,” Johnny said. Luffy turned around on Merry’s head so he could face him. “The Seven Warlords of the Sea are one of the main powers. Pirates backed by the government.” Luffy was baffled. Grandpa always said marines took down pirates, and yet they were excusing them? Seven of them at that? “Arlong was an underling of Jinbei, one of the current Warlords, before he was set loose here. Mihawk is also a Warlord.” 

“There are seven of those monsters?!” 

“Maybe we can fight them!” Luffy said brightly. 

“You're crazy, Big Bro Luffy!” 

“Shishishi!” 

“Would this Jinbei guy retaliate against us?” Usopp squeaked in fear. 

“No telling. It’s been many years since they split. But if he did, it would be bad.” 

“Zoro got beaten so badly by a Warlord, too!” Usopp cried, biting his nails. 

“What happened? When I was gone? It happened so fast, I was only away a couple minutes,” Luffy said with a deep frown. 

“He challenged Mihawk. He lost really bad,” Usopp said in a sympathetic voice. “Two of his swords broke. Then, he just accepted dying! He just stood there, letting Mihawk cut him down! And he was happy to do it. Is he suicidal?!” Luffy looked towards the galley. 

“He was fighting for his dream. I’m sad I missed it,” Luffy said, feeling truly guilty. 

“Well, at least Mihawk seemed to be impressed by him,” Usopp added, scratching the back of his head. “Even told him to come defeat him.” Luffy grinned, but then faltered. 

“I wonder if that made him happy or embarrassed,” Luffy said. “He wants to defeat him, right? But also admires him. Hmmm. Maybe I’ll ask later!” He was proud of Zoro, even if he lost. Luffy didn't want him to die, but he also never planned on forfeiting his dream. And running from his goal would have made him feel ashamed. Honor and pride seemed to be important to Zoro. 

Sanji opened the galley door. “He dipshits! Food is ready!” 

Usopp sprinted to the galley, Luffy following, not planning on eating anything before a fight. He was already starting to get close to needing to eat. A fight with someone strong might just speed it up. He had to eat before they entered the Grand Line. So, they had to stop at another island before. 

The first time in his life he’d be eating someone real. Someone with a face, who had just been alive. Not just meat from who knows where, belonging to who knows who. He didn't look forward to it. 

Sanji gave Luffy a bowl of shaved ice without even being asked, and they all sat down. Luffy sat next to Zoro, who was still sleeping, though he was snoring now, which was a relief. Luffy munched on the ice and happily watched Nami and Usopp enjoy their new cook’s food. “So, what’s the plan?” he asked. 

“Kick their asses.” 

“Beyond that. We have four of us, not counting him since he’s out of commission.” 

“Fuck you,” Zoro mumbled, surprising them, only to see he was still asleep. Sanji scowled and Luffy broke into laughter, with Zoro not waking from that, but hearing someone doubt him. Nami pressed her lips together, looking like she was about to laugh and cry at the same time. 

“Whatever, we have five of us. Well, seven counting Johnny and Yosaku. This is an entire pirate crew, some of them having been on a crew that had a Warlord,” Sanji pointed out. “It might not be one punch and they’re out like Krieg. Fishmen are stronger than humans.” 

"I'm stronger,” Luffy said stubbornly. “And I can't get injured.” 

“Not yet you can't.” Luffy frowned. “Nami-san, what do you think?” 

“I don't know… I’ve seen Luffy in action and he seems indestructible. Can be hit by a cannonball and be fine, or blades breaking against his skin. But Arlong and his crew are strong and smart,” she said sadly. “I don't know.”

“Jeez, are you indestructible?” Sanji asked in shock. 

“Shishishi, so far!” Luffy laughed. 

“How?!” 

“Devil fruit probably,” Luffy said, his usual lie coming out with ease. Sanji hummed in mild disbelief, but didn't say anything to dispute it. “But we’ll all be fine!” Usopp didn't agree, frightened. The only ones confident to win were Luffy and Sanji. And Zoro would be, once he woke up. Which happened only one hour later. 

Luffy was painting next to the mat, Nami in the crow's nest, while Sanji was on deck and Usopp was in the boy’s room. Johnny and Yosaku were also on deck. Luffy heard Zoro’s noise of awareness immediately. “Zoro!” he cheered. The swordsman cracked an eye open, and then slowly sat up, looking around. “Guess what? We’re going to go beat up a fishman pirate crew.” 

“What?” Luffy briefly explained their task and why Nami had stolen the ship. Zoro looked thoughtful, before his stomach roared. Luffy stood up and hurried to the fridge, where Sanji had put Zoro’s serving for later. Luffy appreciated it, and brought it to him. Zoro inhaled the food. “Then the cook joined?” 

“Yeah, Sanji came with us. Neehee, my plan worked. And you all doubted me!” 

“It wasn't doubt of you, captain, it was doubt of him.” 

“Heehhh.” Then Luffy frowned. “Sorry I missed the fight.” Zoro looked away. 

"I'm glad you didn't see me lose so badly,” he grumbled. 

“I would have wanted to see Zoro fight for his dream,” Luffy said with a pout. Zoro smiled at him. Then he took a deep breath, and scooched back to lean his back against the wall, careful of his stitched up but still very angry looking slash. 

He took a deep breath, and then looked at Luffy in a very intense way. Luffy rose his brows at the look. “For a second I really thought I was gonna die,” Zoro said, keeping eye contact with Luffy. “I had regrets and don't want to die for real with those regrets.” Luffy blinked, curious about where this was going. “One big regret was not talking to you about something important.” 

Luffy felt a pang of worry that it was something about the truth of Luffy, what he lived off of and how he could snap and hurt them like he tried to hurt his brother. “I like you, Luffy. And more than friends.” Luffy had no idea what he meant. “In the romantic way.” 

Luffy’s jaw dropped in shock, and Zoro’s face went red at the reaction. “But… why?” 

“Why wouldn't I?” Zoro laughed. “You're strong and honest and kind. And fun to be around. Never met someone like you before. It’s fine if you don't reciprocate the feelings. I won't be offended. I just didn't want to die someday not having told you. It won't change that you're captain, either.” Zoro smiled at him, and Luffy was just so baffled how he’d feel that way knowing his truth. 

“That’s what you were talking about with Johnny and Yosaku! Did everyone notice besides me?”

“Seems like it,” Zoro laughed. “I knew you’d heard us. Those dumbasses wouldn't shut the fuck up no matter how many times I asked or the looks I gave.” 

Luffy laughed. “It was so funny!” Zoro was wearing a very relieved smile. “I’ll tell you if I feel the same way!” Zoro nodded, still smiling, not seeming at all disappointed. “Shishishi, you told Sanji ‘fuck you’ in your sleep. It was funny.” 

“Why?” Zoro asked. 

“He said you couldn't fight cause you're out of commission.” 

“The fuck I am!” Luffy giggled again, absolutely unsurprised. 

“Hey, unlike me, now you can know your starting point! You lost to Mihawk and your swords broke. But now you can see how you improve! I’m sure the Grand Line’ll be hard for us.” Then he pouted. “I’m already really strong, and not cause I worked hard for it, so I don't know how I’ll improve.” He poked the wooden floor in disappointment. 

“You worked hard for your devil fruit.” That was true. It had been years of effort of trying to control his new rubber body. “Besides, maybe there are really strong people in the Grand Line.” 

“My grandpa can hit me and it hurts and he came from the Grand Line,” Luffy stated. Zoro scowled, already knowing Luffy had a strained (non-existent) relationship with his grandfather. Luffy didn't plan on telling anyone who he was. He didn't want them to know his grandpa was a marine, just like he was sure Garp would not want anyone to know his grandson became a pirate.

“Well, I’m sure we’ll have troubles ahead,” Zoro said with an excited grin. “So, Nami. You still want her as our navigator?” 

“If I didn't, why would we be going to beat up her enemy?” Luffy asked bluntly. Zoro snorted. “I’ve never seen a fishman before.” He scowled. “They made her cry. I won't forgive them for that. I’ve not been around people who cry before - besides me.” Luffy had been a crybaby for most of his childhood. With a bad temper pre-Shanks. 

“You cried a lot?” Zoro asked in disbelief. 

“Shishishi, my brothers called me a crybaby. But not anymore.” Zoro smirked. “I’ma go talk to Sanji. Be back!” Zoro nodded, and leaned back against the wall again. Luffy heard a small huff of pain. He was very good at hiding it. At least it was no longer bleeding. Luffy would always feel bad for missing that fight, but couldn't blame Nami, and Zoro wasn't torn up about it, thankfully. But Luffy had been honest when he wanted to see Zoro fight for his dream.

Luffy found Sanji talking to Usopp. Luffy plopped down next to his two crew members, Johnny and Yosaku heading into the galley to see Zoro. “Neh, Sanji, do you have a dream, too? I’m gonna be Pirate King, Zoro the greatest swordsman, and Nami is gonna make a map of the world. Usopp wants to be a strong guy. What about you?” 

Sanji looked a little awkward before answering, losing his look of hesitation completely. “You ever heard of the All Blue?” he asked, looking wary but also excited to talk about it. Luffy shook his head. “How?! It’s a cook’s dream. Its a place where all the seas meet, with all fish and marine life from all four seas and the Grand Line are. I want to find it.” 

“Ooohh,” Luffy said brightly. “Then it’s good we’re gonna go sailing everywhere!” Sanji beamed, agreeing. “I think we’re good to go to the Grand Line, so after we save Nami’s village and kick the bad guy’s asses, we should head straight there.” And make a stop on the way so I can get someone to eat. 

“Only five people, huh?” Sanji mused, taking a drag of his smoke. “Pretty ambitious.” 

“Well, I think it’s a lot so far. I only want ten members,” he said with a grin. He couldn't wait to find all of them. And he’d gotten five in the span of less than two months! He was doing well so far, at a great pace. 

“Where’d you decide on ten?” Usopp asked. 

“Cause I want to be close to everyone. If we have a bunch of people, we might not be that way,” Luffy answered with a small shrug. Usopp smiled, Sanji looking thoughtful. 

“You're really weird for a pirate. Usually the pirates we got at the Baratie were violent assholes.” 

“Says the guy who beat the shit out of someone for putting a bug in his soup,” Usopp mumbled. 

“I don't tolerate people disrespecting my food, or wasting it.” Usopp glanced at Luffy, clearly accidentally and not catching himself in time. “He at least appreciates the food, even if he can't hold it down for more than a goddamn half hour.” Luffy smiled a little awkwardly. 

“Well, I was eating it for the taste. So from now on I’ll just chew it up and spit it out.” 

“Eww,” Usopp complained. 

“It’s better than vomiting so hard he bleeds,” Sanji said casually, Luffy agreeing completely. 

“I guess. But you don't think that’s wasting it?” 

“It would be going into the ocean regardless. Besides, I don't want my food to make anybody sick,” Sanji said. “I need to get a list of all your guy’s allergens. Would be good if we already had a doctor so they could help me figure out a nutrition plan,” he mused, looking at the sky. Luffy beamed. He’d picked a good cook. 

Sanji side eyed Luffy for a moment. “So, you have super strength and unbreakable skin?” Luffy nodded. “A lot of people would kill for that.”

“I guess.” Luffy couldn't list his one major downside to that. "I'm glad people won't need to worry about me, though.” 

“As long as you don't poison yourself and not recover.” But the semi-cold look on Sanji’s face had disappeared, and he was smiling again. “I expect we’ll be saving money on your lack of appetite.” 

“Probably,” Luffy laughed. “At least back home I helped with getting food. Everyone else was weak so I would hunt the food and bring it back to the hut where’d they’d cook it.” 

“Yeah, I don't trust you to cook anything so don't even dare trying to. You’d probably ruin all my supplies if you ever attempted.” 

“Neehee, probably!” Luffy laughed. 

Luffy looked up when Nami came down, but headed straight to her room. “Poor Nami-san,” Sanji sighed. 

“Don't worry. She’s tough,” Luffy said nonchalantly. It was about time they talk about a plan, so Luffy walked away, looking back at his crewmembers and jerking his head so they stood to follow. The captain then went to fetch Nami, so that all of them were gathered in the galley, sitting at the table or on the floor. Zoro had been napping, and looked much better already, no longer so pale. 

Luffy pushed it out of his mind that Zoro liked him the way he said he did. Maybe that feeling would change after Luffy ate his first real victim. Maybe not, he wasn't sure yet. He believed Zoro was telling the truth, and he wasn't delirious from the pain of the injury or blood loss. 

They all stared at each other for a long moment. “I call dibs on Arlong.” This wasn't what they all expected. 

“I thought you were gonna ask for a plan!” Usopp shouted. 

“The plan is to beat up the pirates and save Nami’s village.”

“Nami, who’s the second in command?” Zoro asked. 

Nami sighed. “That would be the three officers. There’s no first mate,” she started. “Chew, Kuroobi and Hatchan. Hatchan is an octopus fishman who uses multiple swords. Chew spits out water with the force of a canon.” 

“Wow!” She shot Luffy an annoyed look. 

“Kuroobi is good at martial arts. He sometimes uses a sword, but mostly attacks with fishman karate,” Nami finished. “But the rest of the crew are superhuman, too. I can't see any of you winning against them but for Luffy.” Zoro scowled. “You were slashed in half a couple hours ago, c’mon,” she said to him in exasperation. 

“And yet I’m perfectly fine.” She shook her head, giving up. 

“I wouldn't… be angry, if any of you wanted to back out. It’s a death wish.” 

“Don't worry!” Luffy said, slapping her on the back. “We’ll be fine. Nobody’s gonna die on my watch.” Nami didn't look convinced, but didn't argue. 

Sanji spoke, and asked, “What else should we know? Besides ‘beating up the bad guys’, what’s been going on in your village the whole time? Is there any other important information to help us, Nami-san?”

“They don't like me,” she said with a small, sad, self deprecating smile. “I’ve pretended to be money hungry and an Arlong Pirate for the last eight years. But Arlong Park is pretty far from Cocoyashi Village. We might not even need to go there before the fight.” She sounded like she did not want to go to the village. 

“Well, at least after this, you can clear your name,” Usopp said.

“Maybe.” 

“Nami-san? May I ask how this all happened? How the pirates took over your village?” Sanji asked in a sensitive way. No flirting or anything, just sounding kind and patient. Luffy really was happy with his choice in cook, and not at all just because his food was the first to taste anything but horrible in Luffy’s entire life. 

Nami looked hesitant, before she got everything off of her chest. Her happy childhood with her adoptive mother and sister, and how it had all gone wrong. She was leaving out everything that happened to her by the fishmen, but the others would not ask about that. She didn't cry, even talking about how her village hated her because of the farce she had put on for so long. Luffy looked forward to having her name cleared so the village could know everything she’d done for them all this time. 

Again, Luffy was happy with the crew he’d gathered. He was sure they weren't all like Zoro, who was fine with Luffy and his diet, likely because he had no qualms about killing people himself, but Luffy could love them anyways, and keep it an eternal secret. Having Ace and Zoro support him unconditionally was more than enough. Truly, Luffy didn't need more than them. He couldn't wait to show Zoro off to his brother. He’d be very happy for Luffy when he found out all the good nakama he had gathered so far.

"I'm very sorry that happened to you, Nami-san,” Sanji said sadly. Nami smiled at him. Then Sanji scowled, and chewed on his cigarette. "I'm gonna butcher those fishmen like sashimi,” he growled. 

“I thought you used kicks,” Zoro said in an unimpressed way. 

“It’s a figure of speech,” Sanji said, blowing out his smoke. “What do you plan on doing? You were sliced in half like a moron.” 

“Not everyone will abandon their dream for their pride,” Zoro replied coldly. 

“I didn't mean it for pride, you were literally okay with dying. Like that doesn't have anything to do with pride?” Sanji snapped. The others just watched the hostility in surprise. 

“What’s your guys’ problem?” Usopp asked bluntly. 

“No problem,” both of the oldest pirates grunted. Luffy’s brows were raised high in surprise at both of their bitter tones of voices. 

“Neh, is it cause Zoro said to fuck off in his sleep?” Luffy questioned. Sanji narrowed his eyes and huffed before starting to wash the dishes they had. Not nearly enough it seemed. Though their kitchen was very small and they didn't have much storage space. 

“So, did Big Bro Zoro confess yet?” Johnny asked bluntly. The room went silent, Zoro looking furious, before Luffy brightly confirmed that, yes, Zoro had confessed. More silence before Usopp unwisely patted Zoro on the back in congratulations. “Well, what was the response?” Johnny demanded. 

“I don't know! Shishishi, I said if I feel the same I’ll tell him! But he said he’s not upset if I don’t replicate.” 

“Reciprocate,” Sanji corrected calmly. Zoro looked humiliated and livid at the same time, Johnny becoming so worried about the reaction that he inched his way out of the room. Nami smiled for the first time, and though it was small, it was sincere. 

“How did everyone notice but me?” Luffy asked with a pout. 

“No offense Luffy, but you don't seem that emotionally deep.” Luffy blinked at Usopp’s claim. Nami frowned. 

“That’s not true at all,” she muttered, too quiet for most to hear.

“What?” Usopp asked. She shook her head and looked away. 

Instead of repeating what she’d said, mostly to herself, she looked back at Luffy and said, “I think you’re just inexperienced. You had no friends growing up in a jungle, right? I doubt there was any romance or anything.” Luffy nodded. That was very accurate. She smiled. “Anyways, I think it’s cute.” A vein in Zoro’s forehead popped, eyes blazing in fury while his cheeks were bright red. 

Luffy heard something outside, and jumped up, heading out just in time to see a giant animal surface. It looked… like a mermaid cow! “Wow! It’s huge!” Luffy shouted in awe. Everyone but Zoro hurried out, Usopp and the bounty hunters screaming while Sanji just looked shocked, cigarette falling from his mouth. 

“Momoo!” Nami shouted in worry. The monster looked at Nami, seeming to recognize her. “H-Hi! Long time no see! How’ve you been doing?” she called with a strained smile. The fish cow looked happy to see her. 

“Do we beat him up?” Luffy asked bluntly, pointing at him. 

“What? No!” 

“Oh, is he a good guy?” 

“Well… he’s with the Arlong Crew.” 

“Neh, Momoo, will you show us to the island? We wanna see your crew,” Luffy said with an innocent, happy grin. 

“Momoo, I’d really appreciate it!” Nami said with a blazing, false smile. But the fish cow dove again, and the ship followed him. Nami paced uneasily, rubbing her arms. She was scared. She wouldn't be fighting, but the rest of the crew would. Even Zoro, who would absolutely not sit this out. 

Luffy stood on the figure head with a mischievous grin. He dropped to sit with his chest against it, wrapping his legs around it a few loops, and then shot his hands out to grab onto the fish cow’s horns. “Faaasstterrr!” Luffy shouted, and the cow started to flee, dragging Luffy with him. He had an iron grip on the horns and wouldn't be letting go anytime soon. 

His hold on the Merry’s figurehead made it so the Going Merry was pulled along with it, like a chariot. “Yahoo!” 

“Luffy! Let him go!” 

“No way, we’ll get there way faster!” Luffy protested. 

“Animal abuse! Animal abuse!” Usopp chanted, running around the deck. Luffy scowled, but let the sea cow go, being snapped back into Sanji so hard they both rammed straight into the galley wall, leaving a huge dent. “Ahhhh! You damaged the Merry! How could you!” 

“I let him go! You told me, too!” Luffy whined. Sanji was still laying on his front. 

“You moron!” 

“Guys, we’re here,” Yosaku tried when the island came into view, the ship skidding across the water, with the sea cow gone. 

Sanji jumped up, and kicked Luffy in the head, throwing him back onto the deck, arms splayed. 

“What a way to show up to our enemy’s doorstep,” Zoro said casually from the doorway. Everyone was angry at Luffy, who didn't think he’d done anything wrong. 

“What?! We’re here?” Nami jolted, running to the railing. All the anger bled out of her frame and was replaced with fear. “Well, we have to - to go around the back. Sailing into port is the wrong way to do things.” 

“Wouldn't the sea cow tell them we’re here?” Zoro asked bluntly. “Is there any point in not going straight in?” 

“I want to warn my village of the fighting first.” 

“Don't they hate you?” Nami gripped the railing hard. 

“Shut up, moss head!” 

“Who you calling moss head, dart brow?!” 

“Be quiet!” Luffy said, startling everyone. It looked like Nami was having a panic attack. “We’re going to the right.” 

“Starboard,” Nami muttered. She walked inside and they all maneuvered the ship to the south side of the island. Sanji and Zoro were grumbling at each other, and Luffy could easily tell they would not be friends. But no fishman came after them, Luffy was keeping close track of the water, listening. Nothing followed. Maybe the sea cow was too scared to talk to them. Could they talk to each other? 

The Merry ended up docked at a small port area, and walked out onto the island. It felt like forever since Luffy stood on land, when it had only been a little over a week. “Now, you’ll all keep your mouths shut, alright? I don't want anyone defending me.” 

“Nami-san-” 

“Do you understand me?” They all nodded. She walked ahead, the men all following. Zoro looked perfectly fine, unhurt, as if his wound was healed already. Luffy wondered what it felt like, to be so badly hurt. 

They walked inland before finding an entire village with its buildings upside down. “What the fuck?” Zoro asked bluntly. 

“The fishmen did that,” Nami stated. “This village probably didn't pay the money they were due.” She said it so coldly, detached. 

“Good thing it won't happen again after today,” Zoro said, kicking a bucket aside. “Luffy, anyone around?” 

“No. It’s really quiet. Where did the people go? I don't smell any dead bodies.” 

“Do you know what dead bodies smell like?” Usopp asked faintly. 

“Yeah.” 

“O-oh.” 

“Dude, did you forget he decapitated someone?” 

“Oh, right.” 

“You what?”

“It was an accident,” Luffy and Zoro said at the same time. 

“Jeez,” Sanji sighed, taking a drag of his cigarette. “I joined some real monsters didn't I?” 

Luffy frowned. 

“I’d say the only non-monster here is me,” Usopp muttered. 

“How is Nami-san a monster?” Sanji demanded. 

“She’s a witch when it comes to money.” 

“Yup,” Nami agreed. “Now, stay here. I’m going to talk to my sister, and then the village. Don't follow me,” she ordered, and strode away. They waited for five minutes before Luffy complained about being bored. 

“You don't think she’s turning us in, right?” Usopp whispered. 

“You also forget Luffy is a human lie detector?” Zoro asked, unimpressed. Not technically a human, but the notion stood. He was a living lie detector. “Good thing, too. We can weed out non-genuine people.” 

“Usopp lies all the time,” Luffy stated. 

“They're not malicious lies!” Usopp hissed. “Oooh, I’m getting sick, I think I should go back to the ship,” he said in terror.

“You’d be closer to the fishman on the water,” Sanji pointed out casually. Usopp “eep!”ed and silenced. “How long are we supposed to stay and wait?” he huffed, tapping his foot impatiently. 

Luffy sniffed a few times, catching the lingering scent of blood. He started to follow it, Zoro not waiting for a second to follow. “What about what Nami said?” Usopp called. Luffy didn't respond, picking apart the wreckage. “C’mon,” the sniper said before he darted over to be closer to the known stronger members. Sanji hadn't really proven himself yet, while Luffy and Zoro had. Sanji stayed behind, not leaving that spot. 

“What are you looking for?” Usopp asked, legs shaking in fear of the fishmen. 

“I smell blood. And no sound of breathing.”

“Dead body,” Zoro mumbled. Luffy found it very quickly, and lifted up a tarp that was covering it. The man’s spine was cracked in half. Literally, he was snapped in half, legs and head both facing the same direction. Usopp screamed, and Luffy frowned deeply. “Well. Can anyone survive that long? Hopefully it was fast.” Luffy laid the tarp back down, and inspected the surrounding area. 

There was a bunch of money on the ground. “If they were collecting money, then why leave this behind?” Zoro scowled. “They killed this guy and didn't bother to take the money.” 

“Well, it won't happen again,” Luffy said cooly. “He’s the only body, so the rest escaped.” 

“Can you track the fishman smells?” 

“No.” 

“No?” Usopp asked in surprise. 

“I don't recognize the scent. People are easy to tell. I’ve never met a fishman before,” Luffy explained. “Let’s get back.” Sanji was still waiting, with Johnny and Yosaku sitting nearby, swords in their laps. They waited another half hour, and Luffy was growing impatient and irritated. “How long has it been?” 

“At least an hour,” Sanji said, blowing out a puff of smoke. 

“Then we should go,” Luffy decided. So, they followed Luffy who followed the scent of Nami. He was growing uneasy himself, but was mostly annoyed they were kept waiting with no clue what was going on in the island. 

Luffy stopped walking when he heard sounds of conflict. Zoro ran into his back, and before they could ask, he said, “Fighting.” Zoro drew his remaining sword and Usopp hid behind Luffy. They peeked around the corner, Luffy starting to walk straight out before Sanji grabbed him by the back of his shirt and yanked him back. 

“Wait and see what’s going on,” he hissed. So, the four of them peeked around the corner, Luffy crouched at the bottom and Zoro and Sanji arguing shoving each other on who was the tallest. 

“We know there are intruders on the island, don't play dumb.” 

“Arlong,” Nami’s voice said coldly and firmly. So, that was Arlong. He had a saw shark’s nose, was as big as Garp and with blue skin and webbed fingers. Luffy looked at his own hand, briefly thinking of how annoying it would be to have webbed fingers. “I brought the pirates here.” 

“That bitch,” Zoro hissed. 

“They should be waiting at the coast. Their boat is moored, they won't be leaving.” Nami’s eyes flicked to the side, catching a glimpse of the Straw Hats, who were definitely not at the coast, nor was their ship broken. They could set sail fine. She didn't react at all, and given she didn't point them out, she wasn't actually turning them in for their deaths. Luffy hoped it mollified Zoro, to see her lie flat out. And she was good at it. Luffy could tell, but it was a lot more convincing to him than her telling him she was fine was. 

“There’s plenty of treasure on that ship, too. Do what you want with them,” she said flippantly. 

“Oh. Not planning on going back with them?” 

“Of course not. They were easy tools. I'm an Arlong pirate. Not a Straw Hat.” 

“Straw Hat?” Arlong burst into laughter. “Never heard of them before!” The four Straw Hats continued to watch in silence, barely peeking around the corner of the building. Johnny and Yosaku were far behind, hiding, terrified. Usopp was scared, too, but they really didn't know much about Arlong and his crew like seasoned bounty hunters would. “Well, when we kill them, should we mention you sold them out?”

“Go ahead. It makes no difference to me. I’ve almost paid everything. Our deal is nearly done.” 

“And of course I’ll respect that. I’d never break a promise having to do with money.” 

Even someone who couldn't hear heartbeat irregularities should be able to tell he was lying. But Nami looked like she believed him. Luffy didn't see why. He and his other fishman pirates left. “They’re going for the Merry,” Usopp gasped. 

“Then it’s good we’re not there,” Sanji said. 

“How can you be so calm?! That’s our ship!” 

Luffy ignored their fighting and walked out to Nami, surprising everyone else. Some people were beaten, but he didn't smell death. Not here, right now. Nami looked away from him, unable to make eye contact. “I can just buy the village back. There’s no need to fight, I don't need you're help.” 

“I’ve decided we’re going to destroy them, regardless of whether you ask or not,” Luffy said bluntly. Nami glared at him sharply. 

“So what, you just made that decision because you wanted a fight?” 

“Because you're our navigator. And they are your shackles,” Luffy answered. Nami lost her look of anger and one of hurt came. “Where would be the best place to take them out?” Luffy asked calmly. 

“Don't go to Arlong Park,” she said quietly. “Its attached to the water. They’re stronger in water.”

“What’s your name, kid?” a man with an awesome pinwheel on his hat asked. He was covered in stitched up scars, like patchworked clothing. Years of pain etched all over his body and face. It was gruesome. 

“Monkey D. Luffy.” He got an appraising look from the patchwork man.

“What happened here?” Sanji asked, looking around the broken area. 

“We didn't pay in full.” 

“You don't seem upset at Nami. Doesn't she sell you out?” Zoro asked skeptically. 

“Don't speak like you know our truth,” the man said harshly. Luffy smiled, and Nami put her hand over her eyes.

“Looks like Nami’s not a very good liar in the first place,” Usopp said, very unhelpfully. “Did any of you believe she was working against you the whole time?” 

“Of course not,” they shot down. Nami’s lips wobbled, but no tears fell. Luffy smiled wider, knowing he absolutely picked a good navigator, and would not lose her. 

Luffy turned around and faced his crew. “We’re gonna go beat those pirates and free Nami and her friends.” 

“Wait, what?! You don't even know us-” 

“We know Nami. That’s enough for me,” Luffy said firmly. He pressed his hat to his head. “Let’s go guys.” 

“Yeah,” Zoro and Sanji said. Usopp licked his lips nervously, but walked with them, in the direction of where the fishmen had gone. By the time they arrived, the ship had been searched, but the fishmen were nowhere in sight. Given he didn't smell any trail going in another direction, he assumed they had gone through the water. 

“Damn it,” Sanji hissed. 

“Trail is gone.” 

“Then they were by the water,” Zoro stated. Usopp ran onto the ship and searched, but thankfully came back to say there was no real damage. Some of their things were thrown around, but there was no structural damage. Good. “Guess we head to Arlong Park then.” 

“Maybe we can lure them out,” Luffy mused. “Hmmm, we could kidnap one of them!” 

“If they’re all at Arlong Park, how would we kidnap one?” Sanji asked. Luffy had no response. It was a good point. He crossed his arms. “So, we heading there?” Luffy nodded, and they walked back the way they’d come, voicing the situation. 

“Are you really going to take them down?” a little girl asked tearfully. Luffy noticed there weren't many children here. Maybe they didn't want to bring kids into this terrible situation. Luffy looked around but didn't see Nami. 

“Where’s Nami?” Luffy asked. Before he got an answer, he turned around, hearing a large number of people walking their way. Zoro noticed his distraction, and before he could ask, Luffy said, “A lot of people with guns are on their way here.” 

“Guns?” pinwheel man said in surprise. “Arlong banned guns long ago. I can't think of anyone on the island who’d have guns.” Then the people came into view. A large number of marines, lead by a man who looked like a mouse. 

“Whoa! Do you think one of his parents is a mouse?” Luffy asked in shock. His crew sighed. But he didn't bother them. They were against pirates, not marines right now. They approached the group of villagers and Straw Hats, and asked, “Do you know where we can find ‘Nami’s’ house?” 

Luffy pointed to the south, away from Nami’s home. The marine leader narrowed his eyes at Luffy, looking at his straw hat. The most defining feature of him, really. “I heard of a pirate wearing a straw hat.” 

“That’s me,” Luffy confirmed. 

“Well, we’re not here to arrest pirates,” the mouse man said with a grin. He walked on his way, not in the direction Luffy pointed. But he assumed what was going on. He shot his arm out, grabbed the marine’s scruff and snapped his arm back, yanking him face to face. 

“Why do you want to know where Nami is?” he said furiously. 

“Unhand me,” the marine said in shock. Luffy threw him to the ground hard, the mouse man’s head hitting it hard. 

“Why do you want to know where Nami is?!” he demanded. His crew clued in quickly, Zoro drew his sword, and Sanji dropped his cigarette, stepping on it to put it out. 

“Our business with her has nothing to do with you! Arrest him!” he ordered the other marines. Zoro pointed his sword at them, standing beside Luffy. 

“My captain asked you a question. I suggest you answer,” Zoro said, looking scarier than Luffy, who was enraged. Guns were drawn and pointed at Luffy. Of course, he was unafraid. Unintimidated. He took a step forward, hat covering his eyes. 

“Stay back!” Luffy continued to walk forward, and put his forehead to one of the guns. 

“Shoot me,” he said coldly. He grabbed the tip of the rifle, effectively freaking out all the marines. Luffy tightened his grip, crushing the gun barrel in his fist, ripping it out of the marine’s head and slamming the butt of it into his face, blood pouring from his broken nose. “Nami is my navigator and I’m not gonna let you bully her,” he said, and snapped the gun in half in his hands, dropping it to his feet. 

“You have a few choices,” Zoro stated, grinning at the show of power from Luffy. “Deal with our captain, deal with the Arlong pirates, or leave this island.” 

“Shoot him! He’s just a kid!” the marine captain shouted, face red in fury at the treatment. All the guns unloaded on Luffy, stretching his skin before bouncing back, the bent bullets shooting into the chests of some of the marines. “Shit, he has a devil fruit!” 

“A devil fruit?” the marine fodder gasped, backing up. Devil fruits really were feared in the East Blue. 

“Is bullets don't work, slash him!” Swords were drawn, and Luffy attempted to be impaled by multiple very freaked out marines. They shattered on impact, Luffy not have moved a step since he grabbed the gun barrel. Now, they were terrified. Finally, Luffy took one pace closer, the marines yelping in fear, backing away. 

“Choices. Make it,” Zoro snapped. The marines ran, the captain shouting at them to come back, but now facing Luffy alone, who had his head raised in a challenging way, looking disgusted. 

“You’ll regret this!” 

“I don't think I will,” Luffy said, and grabbed him before easily lifting him over his head, and chucking him far off, slamming into the rocky ground with a grunt of pain. “Go and tell Arlong we’re coming for him.” The marine captain (or whatever position he was in) ran. 

“That was badass,” Zoro said, sheathing his sword. 

“Never thought you’d be seen as ‘scary’,” Sanji commented. Then he smiled. “Glad my captain isn't a push over.” 

“Arlong was going against Nami’s deal,” pinwheel man growled, the villagers who had watched erupting into absolute fury. So sudden it startled Luffy. 

“They’re gonna try and fight. Let’s head out,” Zoro said. “Best to get there before they go and kill themselves fighting.” While Luffy otherwise would have supported them fighting for their village, despite Nami’s sad history with them, they were precious to her, and Luffy wasn't going to let his crew member’s treasures be taken from them. 

Nami hurried over, hearing the village shouting in fury, making threats to fight, and challenging the fishman pirates. “What’s going on?” she asked frantically as her villagers grabbed any weapons they had, which were kitchen knives, blunted axs, rakes. 

“Arlong sent marines to come and collect your money,” Zoro answered honestly. Her face drained of color. Tears gathered in her eyes, of anger and fear and despair. “We scared them away, but it proves Arlong never planned to honor your agreement.” Nami’s lips wobbled, and she smiled. The most fake, pained smile Luffy could imagine. He looked at her with sadness, though his face probably looked more blank than sad. 

“It’s - it’s okay,” she said. “I’ll figure something out. There’s - you don't have to fight anyone!” She was addressing her neighbors. Was she still in denial that Luffy planned to beat them up? Did she doubt them that much? It was a very sad scene, but nobody was falling for it. Not Nami, not the Straw Hats, not the villagers. 

“Na-chan. You’ve done enough.” 

Nami opened her mouth to protest, but no sound came out. 

“You’ve done enough. The plan you tried to make is ruined. Leave this island with your friends. Be free, you’ve fought for us enough,” pinwheel man said. “We’re fighting for our freedom, now.” 

“They’ll be destroyed,” Sanji murmured. 

Luffy stayed quiet. He wasn't going to interrupt, even if he didn't plan on letting these weak humans fight the fishmen that ripped apart houses and murdered indiscriminately. Nami begged them to not do it, looking so lost and broken. The sight filled Luffy with white hot rage. They only met a few weeks ago, but to Luffy, Nami was family already. 

The villagers started to walk down the path leading to the fishmen base, but Luffy stepped in their way, and spread his arms. “What are you doing, boy?” 

“We’re going to be the ones to fight them,” Luffy said, the three male crew members stepped up to stand beside him, also blocking the path. Even Usopp was determined to hurt the people who were so cruel to Nami and all these innocent people. 

“What?! Why?!” 

“You're Nami’s treasure. I’m not gonna let her treasure be hurt,” Luffy stated. “We’ll take care of them. By the end of the day, you're island will be free,” he swore. 

“You just saw bullets bounce off of him and swords break against his skin. Do you really think we’ll be killed?” Zoro asked, sword propped against his shoulder. The villagers didn't know what to say to that. 

Luffy looked through the crowd at the crying Nami, though her tears were silent, biting down on her lower lip hard enough to draw blood. “Nami. Do you want us to help?” he asked, a mere formality. But he wanted her to accept their help. Her eyes closed, brows pulling together as she sobbed quietly. And nodded. Luffy smiled. “Let’s go kick their asses,” Luffy ordered, no more needing to be said.

“Roger,” the other three agreed, and the four walked to Arlong Park, the path there straight and very empty. 

“Johnny, Yosaku, make sure they don't interfere,” Luffy said. 

“You got it!” they agreed. 

When they got to the base, dead marines littered the ground around. Luffy didn't feel sorry for them. Maybe he should, they were just following orders, but he still didn't feel anything but a little pity at those who had been torn apart. Usopp gagged, Zoro patting his back. 

Zoro popped his neck, Usopp pulling out his sling shot, readying ammo in his bag. The village followed behind, but didn't look like they planned on interfering. Luffy drew his arm back, and shot it forward, breaking the door apart with an explosion, wood spraying the courtyard of their base. It was indeed backed up against the water. Luffy would sink to the bottom if he got thrown inside from his devil fruit, but could hold his breath long enough for one of his crew to rescue him, so he wasn't too concerned with the location. 

“Which one of you is Arlong?” he asked, not needing to, but to make a point that he was there for their captain. 

The fishmen were shocked with the arrival, and Luffy blowing apart their door. 

Arlong looked furious. “Who’s this brat?” he growled. 

“I’m Luffy,” he stated. 

“Luffy? And just what the hell are you?” 

“A pirate.” He strode forward, again being treated like a child due to his boyish and unassuming appearance. 

“Hey, hey, you know where you are, brat?” one fishman laughed, standing in front of him, far taller. 

“You lost, little boy?” another asked, also blocking Luffy. He didn't even make eye contact, his gaze on Arlong, unwavering, as he grabbed their heads and smashed them together. Not hard enough to kill, but more than enough to crack some skulls and knock them out. The fishmen were shocked Luffy had so easily taken them down. He hadn't even shown that much strength. He was sure Zoro and Sanji could have bashed their heads in, as well. 

“And what’s a pirate want with me?” Arlong asked. Luffy took another few steps forward, and then stopped. Too fast to register, he threw his arm forward and hit Arlong in the face so hard his nose snapped in half, his jaw shattered, and blood erupted from his mouth as his sharp teeth impaled his own gums. 

He was flung into the wall, grunting in shock and what had to be pain. “That’s for making our navigator cry!” he shouted. The fishmen around were stunned into silence, not moving as they looked at their captain. He had a high bounty for the East Blue, and yet was punched hard enough to break bones by an unassuming teenage boy. A teenage monster. They didn't know just how much. Not yet, but they would learn nobody hurts Luffy’s loved ones unless they wanted a whole lot of hurt sent back at them. 

The silence and shock lasted all of ten seconds before they were running at Luffy. Sanji kicked them away with ease. “Small fry can go fuck off,” he said. 

Arlong stood, grabbing his nose and snapping it back into place with a grinding noise. His jaw wasn't so easily fixed, hanging awkwardly on his face. He spat out the blood in his mouth. Luffy hadn't ripped it off like he had Ax Hand Morgan. But it wouldn't be healing anytime soon. He couldn't just grind it back into place when one side was shattered into tiny fragments. 

“Jeez, going off before us,” Sanji complained. 

“Don't worry, I’ll be fine,” Luffy replied. 

“Dumbass, who said I was worried about you? I only meant you can't go hogging all the glory for yourself.” This wasn't for glory. Luffy could be fine going completely unrecognized for this, as long as it saved Nami from more of the pain and turmoil she’d been trapped in for the last eight years. 

Usopp stood a bit behind them, but had not run. “I - I don't particularly care either way, Luffy.” 

“Aren't you generous,” Zoro said sarcastically. 

“That’s Roronoa Zoro.” 

“As worried as you should be about me, its this one that’s gonna do the most damage,” Zoro said with a grin, clapping Luffy on the shoulder, more than happy to brag about his very dangerous captain. 

Arlong stood up. “So, your goal is to get Nami, is it? Shashasha!” Arlong said, words slightly garbled at the injury to his face. “What can you measly humans do?!” he cackled. 

“I could shatter more of your bones. Your jaw doesn't look so good,” Luffy said bluntly. Arlong’s eye twitched in anger about his instant injury being brought up. 

The octopus one, who was clearly Hatchan, as Nami described, shouted, “As if you lowly humans could do anything! As if Arlong would fight weaklings like you! I’ll turn you all into fish food! Come out beast!” he shouted after taking a deep breath in. The sea cow surfaced, and while he looked angry at Luffy, mostly for grabbing onto him and freaking him out in that way, he wasn't scared at all. 

Luffy had easily punched the Lord of the Coast away, a sea king far larger than this one. Luffy turned, and actually committed animal abuse this time. He punched him in the nose hard enough to punt him through the air and back into the ocean with a huge splash. Luffy did not feel like being underestimated when fighting as captain to his crew. 

This shocked the pirates more than Luffy’s hit to Arlong had. Maybe because the sea cow was so much bigger and had flown even farther than Arlong had. Maybe because it was a sea king, and shouldn't have been beaten by a smallish human. Luffy’s eyes snapped back to Arlong, who looked at Luffy in both disgust and confusion. 

The other pirates didn't wait for long to attack once again, the ones Sanji hadn't defeated coming as a mass against them. Zoro drew his sword and cut half of their bellies open. Usopp recoiled as blood gushed everywhere. The fishmen dropped to their knees, trying to keep their innards inside. Zoro looked at them dispassionately. 

“Don't insult my captain, you low lives,” he said in distaste. 

Arlong called out his crew members name in horror. Zoro wasn't averse to killing, and really, neither was Luffy here. These people had tormented innocent civilians, kidnapped Nami, forced her to work with the people who murdered her mother and estranged her from her support system. They were worse than scum. 

“How messy,” Sanji grimaced. Zoro kicked one of the dead fishmen into the water, leaving a trail of intestines on the cement at the water’s edge. Usopp gagged again. Funny he reacted worse to this than Kuro’s severed head. Maybe because that was less messy. 

“HOW DARE YOU!?” Arlong and some of the other fishmen screamed in fury. 

But the others were scared of getting close to Zoro. Breaking bones was one thing, but cutting someone pretty much in half, killing them almost immediately, was way more intimidating than a powerful punch. 

Arlong rushed them, and Luffy lifted a foot, and shoved it forward, into his solar plexus, breaking a few ribs on impact. He then brought out his tails, pointing all their sharp tapered ends towards him, like a threat for four attacked blades. His hat covered his eyes. 

“I’ve killed on accident. Right now, I’m not against killing on purpose,” Luffy threatened. The villagers were stunned with his strength. 

Arlong coughed, and growled, “You’re not a human. What are you?” 

“Angry.” Luffy wasn't about to agree in front of everyone. Arlong was right, but Luffy didn't know what he was and would not admit he was sure he wasn't in front of not only his crew, but the village of traumatized people. He didn't want them to worry about Nami when they set sail again. Luffy wasn't doing this for fun. He was protecting his family. They might not see him as that, not yet at least, but he didn't care. They were his second family already. Ace was out at sea, his first family with Sabo and Dadan and the bandits. 

The Straw Hats were his new and future family. 

“It looks like we have no choice but to fight,” one of the fishmen said, arms crossed. But they all looked uneasy. Especially at Luffy. After all, humans were not supposed to be stronger than fishmen, at least according to Nami. “Lowly humans, challenging us like this.” 

“That one is a beast in human skin,” Arlong stated. “I’ll be the one to kill him.” 

“Good,” Luffy agreed, cracking his knuckles. “You’ll be fighting me.” 

“I’ll take the one on the left,” Zoro grinned. 

“Then I’ll take the right. Usopp, you can take the one with fat lips,” Sanji added. The fight began, Luffy rushing at Arlong, gladly showing he was not a normal human. Faster, stronger, better reflexes, anything he could do to prove he was stronger, he could protect Nami and they’d never take her again, never force her to do anything she didn't want ever again. 

Luffy was impossible for Arlong to injure. Blunt force attacks didn't work, and his sword broke against his skin, his teeth shattering when he tried to bite him with his broken jaw. The more Luffy beat the shit out of him and negated all his attacks, the more alarmed he became. Luffy didn't plan on prolonging this fight. It wasn't for fun. Fighting could be fun, but fighting while furious wasn't a great experience. 

It was also a bit disappointing in a way, that even people who were supposed to naturally be much stronger than humans were susceptible to his attacks. Was there anyone in the Grand Line who could put up a good fight? Right now, he didn't care if Arlong was strong against him. But he would want to be challenged at something. 

Being the strongest on the sea would be boring. At least in theory. 

Luffy, though, didn't want to kill Arlong. That was too good a fate for an enemy of his crew. He would cause him pain, for the rest of his life. Luffy didn't even bother to think about why he was being so gruesome and cruel. Though it wasn't too bad as long as he didn't eat him afterwards. 

With all of Arlong’s weapons done or proven useless, his next last ditch effort to defeat Luffy was dragging him into the ocean, where Luffy absolutely would be weaker than him. Probably. Though he didn't plan on finding out. 

Huh. A fishman who could no longer swim sounded like a fitting fate. Luffy knew what he would do. How he would make Arlong pay for forever. Because even prosthetics wouldn't make swimming easy. 

So, Luffy aimed for his legs. First, he kicked in his shins, breaking more bones, making the captain scream. Those not fighting the others and not currently dead or out of commission could only watch helplessly while their captain was dominated in the fight by an unassuming looking kid. Luffy was short and skinny. But they could see he was by no means weak, and his appearance was beyond deceiving. 

With Arlong wobbling, only standing upright out of pure spite and will power to not fall to Luffy and in front of his crew, Luffy finally used his tails as blades. He punched his fist into Arlong’s head, finally knocking him down. Then, he brought two of his tails out, and slammed them both into either of Arlong’s thighs, severing his legs above the knees. 

Arlong screamed in agony and horror, everyone else seeming to turn in slow motion. “A fishman who can't swim,” Luffy said darkly. 

“YOU DEMON!” The other higher ups of the Arlong Pirates turned from their battle with Sanji and Zoro, Usopp somewhere else with his opponent, Zoro ran his sword through the back of Hachi, Sanji kicking Kuroobi in the head hard enough for them to hear a painful crack, and he fell into the water. 

None of them were dead, though. 

“Jeez, Luffy, overboard much?” Sanji said. 

“Any reign you planned is over,” Luffy said over Arlong’s agonized screams. “You’ll never chart the world, you’ll never rule the East Blue or anything more, and you’ll have no more power over these innocent people.” He turned to Zoro and Sanji. “Are you fights almost over?” he asked curiously, walking to the water and washing the blood off of his tails before retracting them back, not a trace of them remaining. 

“That depends,” Sanji said calmly, seeming mostly unbothered by Luffy’s carnage. “Are they going to leave Arlong to bleed out to death, or put their pride away, admit defeat, and help their captain?” 

“Half of ‘em are dead anyways,” Zoro said. 

“Yeah, thanks to you.” 

“Got a problem with that?” 

“You sure made a big mess.” 

“I killed them quick. Though Luffy’s method makes a much better point,” Zoro said casually. “Hachi, you gonna save your captain?” he asked the octopus fishman, who was bleeding heavily from many slash wounds, two of his tentacle arms severed and flopping around on the ground, twitching on their own. 

Sanji’s opponent’s eyes were white, not quite dead, but completely immobilized. “You know, for someone who wants to be a ‘good pirate’, that was pretty brutal,” he stated. 

“He was a bad guy. And he hurt my friend. I’ll protect my treasures, too.” Sanji smiled, pleased with the response. “I didn't enjoy it, though,” he added truthfully. Hachi staggered to Arlong, and ripped apart his shirt to staunch the bleeding, though he didn't get far doing so before he succumbed to his own injuries, passing out. 

“Any of you go after the people of Cocoyashi again, we’ll finish the job completely. Nami is our navigator!” Luffy turned his head to look at her and the stunned townsfolk, and gave her a bright smile. She was shocked, tearful, but let out her own watery smile. Phew! She wasn't terrified by Luffy’s actions. Maybe she felt safe. “Ah, where’s Usopp?” 

“He ran off with that other fishman.” 

Luffy looked up at Arlong Park, the building that was heavily damaged after the fight. He could smell Nami’s scent inside. A prison, a place of nightmares. Luffy couldn't compare it to anything he encountered. The basement he was confined it for his first years of life was just a jail cell. This place was where Nami was forced to bend to the will of the people who killed her mom and tortured her village. Ripped her away from his previous life. 

“Let’s destroy the building,” Luffy said, hand on his hat as he looked up at it. “It’s Nami’s prison. We can't allow it to stay standing.” Sanji smiled. So, they demolished the building. Luffy broke its base with his tails, and Sanji tossed his lighter into the remains, burning it to the ground. They and the villagers watched the base turn to shambles, then to ash. All that remained was the cement from the floors and some bent metal. 

Nothing more. Arlong was the only conscious fishman, but just barely. Everything he worked for was gone, just like his ability to swim or walk. Luffy walked towards the entrance, and the villagers seemed too stunned to back away, or thank them. 

He went straight to Nami. “Are you okay?” he asked in concern. She nodded, smiling. 

“Thank you,” she whispered. 

“Now all of you are free,” Sanji stated. “I doubt those losers are gonna do anything more after this.” 

“We’re… free?” 

“Really?”

“No, we can't let our hopes up.” 

“They’ve lost at least two thirds of their number, and their building has been demolished. There’s nothing to keep them here,” Zoro stated. “Besides, you all witnessed their weakness. I doubt they want to stick around with people whose images of their strength came crumbling down like a house of cards.” 

“I hope there was nothing you wanted to keep in there,” Luffy said, scratching his head. “We kinda burned everything.” 

“No. There was nothing I wanted to keep in there,” she said coldly, staring at the remains. Then, she turned her head and smiled at them. And Usopp came running over, beaten up, but in far better condition than the enemy pirates. 

“I got him!” he cheered. Luffy gave him double high fives. “Whoa, you guys destroyed the building.” 

“And Luffy chopped off Arlong’s legs.” 

“Eww.” 

Luffy giggled. Finally, the villagers processed the defeat, and erupted into cheers of happiness and relief. Some ran off to inform the rest of the island of what happened. 

“That was a pretty intense fight,” Sanji said. “Is that how you always fight?” 

“Shishishi, I don't know yet. Zoro said I play with my food a lot, so maybe.” 

“He strings them up with his tail and slams them into the ground,” Zoro said. 

“Yeah, he did that with Buggy and Kuro,” Nami laughed, in fantastic spirits. 

“Shishishi, okay, it’s fun,” he admitted happily. “I like to be petty!”

“I can't see you being petty,” Sanji said. “You’re too simple minded.” 

“I don't know, going after Arlong’s legs and saying he’ll never swim again doesn't feel like a simple thing,” Usopp said. They walked back to Cocoyashi village, all of them looking tired. Luffy was pretty tired. It hadn't been a hard fight, but he hadn't realized the stress since Baratie about Nami deciding she really did want to leave. 

Now, seeing her smile at them, happy, relieved and bright, assured him she still wanted to be with them. 

“Zoro, you need real medical attention,” Nami suddenly barked. “Fighting with your injury like that!” Luffy glanced to his chest, and saw it was soaked in red. 

“Ahhh, Zoro!” Luffy freaked out at all the blood. 

"I'm fine!” Zoro snapped indignantly. “Besides! You're the one who patched me up! You did a shit job!” 

“Don't talk to a lady like that, moss head! Go get some real goddamn medical treatment!” Sanji raged. 

“I just need food and booze and I’ll be fine!” He crossed his arms, causing another stitch to tear, blood gushing out. 

“Nami! Does your village have a doctor!?” 

“Of course we do!” 

Luffy picked Zoro up with his tails and sprinted to the village, his swordsman shouting at him to put him down the whole time. "I'm fine!” Luffy didn't know if that was true. But the doctor saw Zoro immediately, shouting at him himself about fighting with that injury. “It’s not my fault it was stitched up wrong!” Zoro insisted. 

He screamed as the stitches were removed, Luffy tearfully watching through the window. “Luffy, why are you watching from there?” Usopp asked, wiping down his own face with a wet wash cloth to get rid of the blood, and see how bad the injuries actually were. 

“Zoro’s all beaten up,” Luffy whined. 

“You should be, too. Seriously, Sanji said you were bitten and stabbed and were just fine.” Luffy nodded. “Aren't you hungry after that fight?” Thankfully, Luffy was not. He shook his head. “Man, I’m real glad you're on our side.” Luffy went to sit next to him, and asked to hear about his own fight. 

He was sure Usopp played some of it up, but it wasn't a complete lie. “Shishishi, you set someone on fire!?” 

“He’s probably not completely damaged. Unlike you, Mr. Leg Chopper. Jeez. What made you think of that solution?” 

Luffy scratched his head. “I wanted him to always be reminded of losing and what happens when he hurts my friends.”

“Well, choppin’  both legs up sure gets that message across.” 

“I think so, too.” Luffy then frowned. 

“What’s wrong?” 

The captain tapped his fingers together with a pout. “I’ve never acted like that before. I messed with enemies before, but nothing like that.” 

“Are you unhappy with what happened?” Usopp asked curiously. 

“A little. I just worry that I’ll be like that again. Super extra.” 

“‘Super extra’?! When talking about maiming someone!? Ahaha!” Luffy giggled, glad Usopp wasn't scared of him. “Well, we know you’d never hurt us.” 

“Luffy, what the hell are you doing?!”

“I’m hungry! It hurts!”

“What are you attacking me for, then?!” 

“Hungry! HELP ME!”

“Luffy, what’s wrong?” Luffy shook his head to clear the memory. “You okay?” Usopp asked in worry. “You got all pale and sweaty.” 

“Oh… I just thought of something bad,” Luffy said honestly. Usopp frowned, but thankfully didn't press about it. "I'm glad you guys aren't scared of me. I was kinda worried Nami would be scareda’ me.” 

“Why?” 

“...Arlong was really violent and demanding, and forced her to do stuff.” 

“Oh. You worried you’d look the same?” Luffy nodded. “Don't worry. No way Nami could compare you guys. You’d never torment innocent people and take joy in it. Messing around with enemies during a fight is not on par to the bad shit he did.” Luffy smiled, grateful for his reassurance. 

“AAHHHH!” Luffy frowned again at Zoro’s pain. 

“Seriously, he gets slashed across the chest and doesn't scream. Getting stitches is what does this to him?” Usopp huffed. 

Sanji walked over, a bandage covering his cheek, a fading bruises on his chin. “Where’s Nami-san?” he asked. 

“You got all patched up, huh?” Luffy asked. Sanji nodded. “Nami’s not around. How you liking being a pirate so far?” 

“Well that sure as shit was an introduction to pirate life. I sail with you less than a day and we take down an enemy pirate crew,” Sanji mused. 

“We’re not just gonna be fighting people,” Luffy pouted. “We’re gonna go on adventures and have fun, too. But you definitely proved yourself! You were awesome! Though I didn't get to watch you very much.” Sanji smiled, looking flattered. 

“Yeah, well, I wasn't as flashy as you and moss head. Chopping off legs and spilling guts. You’re quite the duo.” 

“Shishishi!” Luffy laughed. 

“So, how many people have you accidentally killed?” 

“Just one. It really was an accident.” 

“Yeah. A bad one,” Usopp agreed. “Punched a guy’s head off. This isn't the first pirate crew the Straw Hats took down, though. I was there for the first!” 

“Ah, that was actually the second! Me and Zoro and Nami took down a crew before that.” 

“So, this was your third pirate crew take down? I wouldn't really count Don Krieg given those losers were already starved and weak,” Sanji mused, taking a drag of his cigarette. Luffy nodded. “Then we also attacked marines. Going after both ends of the spectrum.” 

“Me and Zoro met when we took down a marine captain. It was awful! He ordered his men to shoot themselves in the head and they did! Who kills themselves on someone else's' orders?” Luffy asked indignantly. “Then the whole base thanked us for taking down that loser.” 

“Leaving your mark all over the East Blue. You’ll be a household name, soon.” Luffy beamed. He loved how supportive his crew could be. Luffy would only ever talk to Zoro about the cannibalistic stuff, though. 

The party that was thrown that night was a release for everyone of Cocoyashi Village. Lots of tears, laughter, and drinks were flowing. Luffy was pleased with the outcome of the fight, happy it helped Nami and all these people. 

But something was bugging him. He stood up from where he was sitting with Zoro. “I’ll be back in a little bit,” he said. 

“Yeah,” Zoro said, and Luffy walked out of the village. He was going to Arlong park. It was hours after what happened, stars high in the sky. He peeked over the wall, and saw most of the fishmen that had died were covered with tarps. Arlong was propped against the wall, alive, but feverish. Luffy supposed getting your legs chopped off could invite some infection. His face was puffy with nasty bruises, his jaw still hanging awkwardly. 

He looked beyond weak. His time as a pirate was probably over. Much of his crew were butchered, defeated by four young men, who didn't even have bounties on their heads yet. Pride slashed apart. Their base was gone, too. A ship was at the edge of the dock, the surviving members milling about, collecting the remains they had of anything worth keeping. All the maps Nami was forced to draw them were destroyed. Their progress for the last eight years was demolished. 

Arlong was loaded onto the ship on a stretcher, Hachi gasping from his own injuries. Satisfied to see they were not raring to get back at the Straw Hats, Luffy walked back to the village, coming across Gen and a grave. “Boy.” 

“Hmm?” Luffy asked. “Someone die?” 

“A long time ago,” Gen confirmed. 

“Ah, my deepest cond… oments?”

“Condolences,” Gen corrected. 

“Yeah, that.” 

“Hey, kid. Nami said she’d be joining your pirate crew. It’s a dangerous journey.” Gen still wasn't looking at him, facing the simple grave. “So, if you ever do anything to take away Nami’s smile, I’ll find you and kill you myself!” Luffy doubted that. 

“I wasn't planning on-” 

“Understand?!” 

“U-understood.” 

“Good.” 

Luffy stiffly walked away. He didn't like being yelled at much. He found his crew again, Usopp bragging and singing on a pile of tables, Zoro napping, Sanji flirting with women. Nami was somewhere else, maybe at her house to de-stress or collect her stash of money. Zoro cracked open an eye when Luffy sat across from him. “Where’d you go?” 

“Arlong Park.” Zoro rose his brows in question. “Wanted to make sure they weren't planning to come back after us. They’re getting on a ship and leaving. Not in good condition. Think Arlong is real sick, but they’re leaving, now.” 

“Good.” 

“Your stitches okay?” 

“Yeah. Old guy said it should take two years to heal for a normal person. I’ll heal much faster, though,” Zoro said casually, taking another sip of his booze. He was surrounded by bottles, but completely sober. High functioning alcoholic indeed. “So, probably next island will be the one before we enter the Grand Line.” Luffy looked down and nodded. “You ready for it?” 

“I have to be, I guess,” Luffy said quietly. “There’s no other choice.” 

“No, there isn't,” Zoro agreed. He looked at the subdued Luffy with sympathy. “I’ll give you a hand. If I do it, then you didn't do it, you’re just cleaning it up.” Luffy looked at him with wide eyes. Zoro’s face turned red and he glanced back to his nearly empty bottle. That was right, he liked Luffy more than a friend or captain. 

Luffy’s face warmed, and he smiled. He’d never blushed before. It was a weird sensation, and he didn't like it too much. “Thanks. I can kinda see why you aren't bothered with how easy you killed those guys.” 

“Well, killing people for money kind of desensitizes you to violence. You're holding up pretty well, considering you apparently never maimed people before a week or so ago.” 

“Is that a bad thing, do you think?” 

“Better to be prepared for the ugly parts of being a pirate, isn't it? It’s good you haven't curled in on yourself for doing what needed to be done.” He took one final gulp of his drink. “Because what was done to Arlong needed to be done, to make sure he’d never come here again.” Luffy was very thankful for his support. They sat in comfortable silence, Luffy looking at the night sky while Zoro watched the celebration. 

They returned to the ship to sleep, relieved the fishmen hadn't gone to be vindictive and petty and damaged the ship. Nami was staying the night at her house and would come back in the morning to depart. Luffy sensed and saw no lie in her when she told them. She was smiling. 

Luffy was laying in the hammock, swinging it back and forth just slightly. The sound of the net stretching wasn't loud enough to disturb anyone’s sleep, but he was wide awake. He had to kill someone and eat them soon. Well, Zoro offered to kill them. But it was still on Luffy’s order. Not an order, but he needed someone dead. 

It would be messy. He had to bring an extra shirt and something to clean his face off. What would it be like to eat fresh human? With the body still warm and blood still wet? His meat delivered to him by Garp had no trace of blood, dry but edible. Luffy worried he’d really enjoy it. He didn't enjoy eating the meat given to him. It was just food. Tasted edible, but nothing compared to Sanji’s food that was still poison to Luffy. And he did not want to enjoy eating someone. 

If he did, would Zoro be able to tell? Luffy didn't know how well he’d hide it if he really enjoyed it. He picked at his shirt for a few hours before finally giving up on sleep and heading out to deck. Not long after, Zoro came out. His chest was covered in bandages, wearing an open shirt. Luffy was sitting on the railing, feet swinging weakly. 

“You nervous?” Zoro asked. 

“Yeah.” 

“Worried about what I’ll think?” 

“A little,” Luffy admitted. “And worried if I’ll like it.” 

“I see. I’ve enjoyed killing people before.” 

“It’s different.” 

“How?” 

“You don't… defile them afterwards,” Luffy said quietly. 

“I cut them into parts for easier transportation after they were dead,” Zoro pointed out. "I'm not gonna compare them, but I’m not gonna judge you. If I did, would I honestly have… feelings for you?” He ground out the word “feelings”. 

“You’re a little crazy.” Zoro snorted. “I hope you don't back out. I don't want to do it alone.” Zoro walked up to stand beside him, and rested his forearms on the railing, looking out at the sky reflected on the calm water. 

"I'm not gonna back out or leave you alone for it,” Zoro swore. Luffy believed him, finding zero lie in his words or intentions. They eventually went back to the men’s room, and Luffy fell asleep.  

But he did not have good dreams. 

Luffy was covered in blood, eating the blurred insides of a person, who was torn apart. He’d already eaten most of the limbs, his head separated from the body so he couldn't stare at Luffy while he ate his corpse. His face, turned away, was contorted in terror, Luffy having killed him while he was watching. 

Zoro was around the corner, listening to Luffy enjoy the meal. After he stopped, Zoro glanced over. “You done?” 

“Yeah,” Luffy breathed out. 

“Good. We should burn the body.” Luffy nodded. Zoro came over with Sanji’s stolen lighter and a bottle of alcohol. He poured it on the body, and lit it on fire. A towel came out of nowhere, and Zoro wiped off the blood around Luffy’s mouth. “You were right that it would be messy. Good thing your vest is already red.” 

Luffy could very easily hear the pumping of Zoro’s blood throughout his body, and the warmth that came from it. Before he could think, he didn't hesitate to attack Zoro, digging his teeth into his throat and ripping it out. Zoro choked on his blood, and look of fear and betrayal on his face. Luffy bit on the flesh of his face and pulled, ripping his skin off- 

Luffy fell out of his hammock with a shout, and gagged at the nightmare. Everyone startled at his shout and the thud of his body hitting the ground. All he had in his stomach was water, so he didn't make too much of a mess when he threw up. 

“Luffy?!” Usopp asked in worry. Zoro knelt next to him, resting his hand on Luffy’s back as he did his best to fight tears. “Are you okay? What happened?!” 

“Bad dream,” Luffy murmured, face red in embarrassment. Sanji left and came back with a towel, which Luffy took and wiped up the liquid. 

“Man, what kind of dream made you throw up?” Usopp asked. 

“A bad one.” Luffy glanced up at Zoro, and then away. The swordsman seemed understanding about the contents of the dream, and grabbed his hat, setting it on Luffy’s bed head. It made him feel better instantly. He sat up, and wiped his mouth with the towel. 

“Well, at least you only threw up water. It looks like you don't even have bile.” 

“It’s for digesting food. Luffy doesn't eat,” Usopp said. 

“True,” Sanji agreed. “I think it’s a good time to wake up,” he added, looking at the clock on the wall. Usopp and Sanji both dressed and left. Luffy looked at Zoro in pain, and walked the few paces to hug him. Zoro didn't hesitate to hug him back, a good bit taller than Luffy, arms longer, just all around larger than scrawny Luffy. 

“It was a really bad dream,” Luffy mumbled against Zoro’s chest, not directly on the diagonal scar. 

“I figured.” 

“I ate you.” 

“I assumed that was what it was,” Zoro said, completely unsurprised. “Hopefully, after it’s done, you won't need to think about it again for a few months.” Luffy nodded, rubbery arms wrapped around him tightly. Zoro didn't break the hug, heart beating a little quicker than usual, but not in fear. More… nervousness or excitement. 

Luffy rubbed his face on Zoro’s shirt to banish any tears. “Let’s go get some food, yeah?” Luffy agreed, and they dressed and headed to the galley for breakfast. Luffy sat at the table, not much in the appetite for food, though maybe eating human food would help purge his dream. Sanji laid out some breakfast foods, giving Luffy a very small serving with one of everything. 

He also handed him a bucket. “Nobody wants to see your chewed up and spat out globs of food.” Luffy smiled gratefully. Zoro looked annoyed, but they started to eat, and Luffy very slowly chewed the food, savoring it. He had trouble not swallowing it on impulse, but spat it out once it was devoid of taste. 

Everything tasted good, and he was indeed in a much better mood from his dream after eating. 

“We should stock up food, if the village has any to spare.” 

“Nami has a ton of money, we can buy food at the next island,” Usopp said. 

“Next island I need to find some new swords,” Zoro added. “I’m not entering the Grand Line with only one sword.” 

“Far as I know, Loguetown is the closest to the Grand Line entrance. Usually customers who were headed to the Grand Line said that was the last stop,” Sanji said helpfully. 

“What’s it like? Are there lots of people?” 

“It’s pretty big and busy. I heard there’s a marine base. Probably sword shop, too,” Sanji explained. “We can stock up on supplies there.” 

A marine base. Luffy would rather eat a marine or bad pirate than civilians. He’d aim for marines, as he fundamentally disagreed with everything they stood for, supporting the Celestial Dragons who killed his brother for no reason. Who were fine with tormenting Nami’s village. He wanted to believe all marines were corrupt because it made killing and eating them less upsetting. 

After eating, they headed into the village to get Nami. The Straw Hats were very happy to accept some provisions, especially medical supplies, since they didn't think they’d be needing as much without violent fishmen beating them up at every opportunity. After a musician, they definitely needed a doctor. 

Nojiko told them Nami planned on meeting them at the ship, so to head back. Luffy frowned, but they did as they were told, and waited on the ship for their navigator. Luffy was hanging from the mast upside down by his legs, swinging back and forth, bored. “Neh, do you think we need anything for the Grand Line?” he called to his crew below. 

“We have a map of it and a compass, what more would we need?” Zoro asked. 

“We have a ship that can carry us,” Usopp added. 

“Going to the Grand Line with five people seems pretty extreme,” Sanji said. “How many people were you planning on joining us?” 

“There’s five of us, now, so five more.” 

“Tiny crew,” Usopp said. 

“I’d rather have less people. Cause then we have more time for each other.” The three humans smiled. “Besides, shishishi. Imagine how surprised everyone will be when there’s only ten of us when we get the One Piece!” 

Zoro snorted. Luffy looked up when the villagers approached the coast, Nami not with them yet. They were waiting for her, Luffy continuing to swing back and forth, starting to bounce by activating the stretching of his thighs every few swings. 

“What does it feel like to be made of rubber?” Sanji asked, passing time while waiting for their final crew member and they could set out. 

“Ehh, I’m stretchy and can do fun things.” 

“Are you stretchy all the time?” 

“Hmm, I can be more stretchy when I want to be. Shishishi, it would suck if I stretched every time I reached for something!” He swung back and forth, stretching his legs a bit more. “But I really like being made of rubber! It was hard to move when I first ate my fruit, though. I kept tripping and my punches were aimed badly,” he explained, more than happy to talk about his beloved devil fruit. 

“How’d you find the devil fruit?” 

“It was sitting in an open chest so of course I ate it.” 

“Was the chest yours?” 

“No.” 

“You shouldn't eat food that’s not for you!” Sanji said in irritation. “And how did it not make you sick?!” 

“I dunno. It didn't taste like any fruit or something I’d eaten before. It was nasty! But it didn't make me sick. I'm glad! Shishishi. Ah, Nami’s here!” He dropped off the mast and landed on his feet gracefully. Nami was just standing there, head down and eyes shadowed. 

She finally looked up and shouted, “Set sail!” 

“What’s she doing?” Usopp asked, baffled. 

“Well, she said set sail, so let’s set sail,” Luffy said. Zoro and Sanji got to lowering the sail and pulling up the anchor. Usopp steering it outwards away from the coast. Once the ship was in motion, Nami sprinted through the crowd of protesting citizens, all wanting to say a proper goodbye. 

“Is it fine to leave like this?” Sanji asked. Luffy shrugged. It was Nami’s goodbye, she could do it how she wanted. When she reached the cliff edge, having darted through the crowd, not being caught by a single, protesting person, she made a huge jump across the open space between the moving ship and land, gracefully landing on the railing. She dropped down to the deck, and spread her arms wide, everyones’ wallets falling out of her shirt sleeves and skirt waist line. 

They were all angry at her stealing their wallets, but Luffy could tell it wasn't genuine. Besides, she left them all 93 million beris. Probably way more than their wallets combined. 

“You come back any time! You’re always welcome!”

“Thank you so much!”

“Have safe travels!” 

“Good luck, Nami-chan!” 

Nami beamed. “I’m off now!” she cheered. Genzo made eye contact with Luffy.

“Remember our promise, kid!” Luffy grinned and gave a thumbs up. Then, they were off, leaving Cocoyashi Village behind, in much better spirits than before and for the last eight years. On deck, they counted how much money they’d gotten. Only a couple million, so by far outweighed by all the money Nami had left behind. 

Luffy saw the bandage over Nami’s shoulder, and frowned. “I got a tattoo to cover Arlong’s mark,” she said proudly. “Thank you all so much.” 

“Of course, Nami-san!” Sanji crooned. 

“Yeah, we’d do it for anyone of us. We’re nakama,” Luffy said brightly. Nami smiled a little wider. 

“So, you can't read, but you can do math?” she asked as the ship sailed in the correct direction. Zoro was lifting weights, at least keeping them light to not aggravate his healing injury further. Luffy nodded. “That’s helpful.” 

“You can't read or write?” Sanji asked in mild surprise. 

“Luffy grew up in a jungle,” the other three said. 

“His guardians were mountain bandits,” Usopp added. 

“Ah. That explains it all.” Luffy giggled.

Chapter Text

TW (even though it's in the tags): cannibalism in this chapter.

Luffy’s tangerine trees smelled too strong. Luffy didn't really like the tart scent. It wasn't overpowering, but was a little unpleasant. Most scents were  bad, so he could deal with it fine, no complaints. He just wouldn't be shoving his face in them and breathing in anytime soon. Luffy was nervous the closer they got to Loguetown. His crew thought it was nerves about entering the Grand Line, but he wasn't worried about that at all. 

He paced on deck, and Nami finally asked what had him so nervous. Luffy turned to her with a blank face. “I don't know what you mean,” he lied, painfully obviously. 

“You're an awful liar, my god,” Nami scoffed. 

“There’s nothing wrong…” 

“That’s even less convincing!” 

“Leave him alone,” Zoro yawned, leaning against the railing. 

“You know why, don't you?” 

“So what if I do? What are you gonna do about it?” 

“Don't be disrespectful to Nami-san, moss head!” Zoro flipped him off. “Why you-!” 

“Ah, newspaper,” Luffy interrupted, pointing at the messenger bird. Nami paid for the paper with minimal griping about the price, and opened it. “Neh, when are you gonna teach me to read?” 

“When there’s time,” she said dismissively. Luffy bounced over to sit next to Zoro, who was pleased by this. He had no pressed Luffy about any possibly developing feelings, which was appreciated. He really didn't seem to mind if Luffy didn't feel the same way. But Luffy knew he would. If Zoro stayed true to his word and his reaction wasn't awful about Luffy’s imminent meal. He was holding them back, refusing to feel that way if Zoro ended up terrified or disgusted. That was the worst outcome. 

If Zoro reacted favorably to what had to happen, then Luffy would allow himself to welcome those feelings if they came. So, he needed to test him first. He already said he wasn't bothered, but actions would speak louder than words. 

Usopp was working on making his slingshot weapons, Luffy beyond bored and wishing he could escape his tumultuous thoughts about Loguetown, and wishing his crew didn't notice his nerves. Would they see, if things went to plan, that his anxiety left the moment they were away and heading directly to the Grand Line? He wasn't sure. And what would they think when the anxiety returned two months later? Well, probably a little earlier than that. 

Luffy bound over to Zoro before Nami let out a scream. “What?” Zoro demanded, waking from his nap irritably. 

“A flyer?” Luffy asked, and shot his arm forward to rip the paper out of Nami’s hands. “Ahh!” he exclaimed excitedly himself. “I got a bounty! 30 million! Ahahaha!” he bragged, showing everyone his wanter poster, which inspired anything but fear. If not for the price on his head, it would look like a joke, but he loved it. It was a good photo of him! 

“When did you even have time to pose?” 

“I dunno when it was taken!” 

“Bet the marines who you beat the fuck out of are irritated you look nothing like a threat,” Sanji mused. “What kind of wanted poster is this?”

“A cool one! Shishishi! I'm a wanted man!” Oh, grandpa was going to be so pissed, but Luffy didn't really care much. They’d meet him eventually, but Luffy wasn't about to worry about that, too, when he was already plenty wracked with anxiety about his first meal. “And Usopp is famous, too!” Luffy said, pointing to the back of Usopp’s head, barely in frame. 

Usopp was plenty happy with this, as he was not the wanted man himself. Nami was the only one of them really upset by the development. They were going to get bounties eventually, so it was only a  matter of time. “Shishishi, Nami, you’ll get a bounty eventually, too!” 

“That’s not a good thing!” 

“I’ll protect Nami-san to the death!” They ignored Sanji’s declaration.

“Deal with it. We’re the crew of the future Pirate King. We’ll get bounties sooner or later,” Zoro said with a grin. She just huffed and went back to reading the paper, irritated none of them were especially upset about bounty hunters or marines coming after them. 

It was only a couple minutes later that Luffy got the first scent of the island, and clenched his fists so tightly his fingernails dug into his rubbery palms. He walked over to Zoro and sat against him. “Gotta talk to you.” Zoro cracked open an eye, and nodded. The two stood and walked into the boy’s room. “I can smell the island. How are we gonna do it?” Luffy asked, worrying his lip with his teeth. 

“Figured we’d find the shady parts of town, lure a marine or some shit, off him and you eat ‘im.” 

“It’s daytime.” 

“Yeah, well, I didn't think we’d be staying overnight.” No, they probably shouldn't. “We’ll get a backpack to bring on the island with us. Keep a spare shirt and towel, water bottle to wash the blood off your face.” Luffy nodded. “It’ll be fine.” Luffy wished he felt the same. Neither of them needed to be told, but Usopp informed them the island was in view. 

Luffy got the backpack and put a spare shirt inside, a towel from the bathroom, and refilled the metal canteen he’d gotten from Cocoyashi Village. He plopped his hat back on, wondering if he should leave it behind for this. But the thought of not having it with him was unpleasant. He’d just make sure not to get any blood on it. 

“I need money to buy new swords,” Zoro said bluntly to Nami.

“Sure. I’ll lend you money. With 300% interest!” 

“Alright,” Zoro agreed easily. “Luffy is gonna come with me. Gonna explore and buy some swords.” Luffy nodded. 

“And I wanna see where the Pirate King was executed,” Luffy added. 

“I guess I’ll stock us up on food supplies,” Sanji said, taking in a breath of nicotine. “Should also buy some more packs of cigarettes.” 

“I’ll look for supplies for my inventions,” Usopp offered. “Nami, what will you be doing?” 

“Shopping,” she beamed. “I need some new clothes for the Grand Line. Plus, I’d like to buy more than just short sleeved shirts now that I don't have to hide that ugly Arlong mark,” she added happily. “We’ll meet back in three hours.” They agreed, and Zoro and Luffy went to the right while the others headed directly in town or Sanji, heading along the dock area to look at the fish supply. 

Luffy was wringing his hands in his shirt, and Zoro grabbed his left hand. “It will be fine. We’ll make sure of it. We should search for some marines to lure one away, though.” 

“Yeah.” Luffy wrapped his arm around Zoro’s waist, and shot another up onto the roof, launching them up. Zoro grit his teeth and closed his eyes to not make a sound, and they landed neatly. The two walked along the rooftops, looking for a more low end part of the city. Which seemed to be quite a large percentage. 

“Should bring someone up onto a roof. No witnesses unless they have a devil fruit,” Zoro said. Luffy agreed, and they crept along alleyways before coming across a couple marines, cornering some little old lady. She was crying, and they were mocking her. Then, good prey. Luffy would rather eat an asshat than a good person. 

He broke off a small corner of the roof, and punted it into the wall, startling them. The old lady screamed and ran away. Zoro dropped down behind them, and slit both of their throats from behind. “Alright, bring ‘em up,” he called quietly, sheathing his sword after wiping it on a trash bag in the corner, trying to get as much blood off of it as he could. Luffy was thankful he had more than one tail, so he could grab both corpses and drag them up at the same time. Zoro hopped back up, but Luffy couldn't make eye contact with him. “Want me to stay down there?” 

“Mm…” 

“Alright. Get me when you’re done.” Luffy didn't notice his hand reached out and grabbed onto Zoro’s haramaki, eyes overshadowed by the brim of his hat. “Hey,” Zoro muttered, putting his hand on Luffy’s shoulder. “This is for the good of everyone. They’re already dead, you can't bring them back. Don't waste it. I’ll be right below, I promise.” Luffy had never heard him speak so softly, but his voice held no lie, his face showing kindness. 

Luffy nodded, letting go of the green fabric, and Zoro dropped down on the opposite side of the building from where the blood stains now were. Luffy sat down, and set his hat down a few feet away. He took the shirt off the body he decided would be his first fresh meal, and turned him onto his front so Luffy didn't need to see his face. 

He took a deep breath, and ripped his arm from his torso. His whole body was trembling, and he felt he was going to be sick before he brought the severed limb to his mouth, and bit down, ripping a chunk of flesh out, swallowing it without really chewing. His eyes were shut tightly, and he just sat there for a long moment, processing. 

It… tasted really good, but not as good as he worried it would. It did not taste as flavorful as Sanji’s poison food. It was not addicting, so he took another bite. And another. Until all that was left was the bone and some flesh. He tossed the connected bones a bit away and moved to the other arm. 

Then the legs, then he went to the torso. He left the head alone, as well as the pelvis parts, and soon had gorged himself on almost the whole body, yet his stomach had not distended, nor did he feel stuffed. Just how much could he eat? Luffy deliberated on the other body, but by this point had eaten more than he ever had in one sitting before, so felt he did not need a whole nother body. 

Luffy’s face, neck and hands were covered in blood, so he took his soiled shirt off, and used the towel to wipe the blood off of his chest and hands, wetting it with some water to wipe it away fully. He gargled the remaining water, and spat it out, digging his canine teeth into his nailbeds to scrape out the blood, and then put on an identical shirt. 

Fetching his hat, he looked down at the remains of the body he’d consumed, wishing he could set them on fire somehow, but he didn't have the means to. Luffy turned away, not feeling all that guilty, and returned to Zoro, needing to see his real reaction. He was still nearby, knowing Luffy had been eating the body his swordsman had felled. What was he thinking? Had he changed his mind? 

Luffy dropped down to stand beside him, and Zoro looked over casually. “All done?” Luffy nodded. “How was it?” 

The new captain looked to the side. “Not… as bad as I thought it would be. Also not as good.” Zoro rose a brow. “Sanji’s human food tasted better.” 

“Oh. That’s kind of surprising. Did you eat both?” 

“Mm mmm. Only one of of them.” He looked back to observe Zoro, who grinned. 

“Believe I don't give a fuck, now?” Luffy smiled, and nodded. “You cleaned up pretty good. Can't tell a thing.” Luffy did not grin, as he wasn't confident there was no blood in his teeth, so he gave a closed mouth smile. “Now that that’s over, let’s go get me some new swords. Then we can go find the execution platform.” 

“Yeah!” Zoro smiled a little wider as Luffy’s subdued demeanor vanished. “Thank you.” 

“Of course, captain.” Luffy giggled, feeling incredibly relieved. It had all been anticlimactic, not nearly as bad as he’d worried. The two headed into the busy areas, leaving the more rugged part of town behind as they looked for a sword shop. 

Luffy had no money of his own, but he didn't really need to buy anything. Not being able to eat food took away lots of options to spend money on. Kaya had made him lots of clothes, so he needed nothing more. Maybe some new sandals sometime soon, but they weren't a necessity. He could probably go barefoot if he had to, given sharp things could not hurt his feet. But he was sure Nami would not approve of him wandering around with no shoes on. Weirdo. 

They did find a sword shop, which did indeed have a lot of different types of weapons. Barrels and boxes full to the brim with blades, axes on the wall, a row of guns on display, and even little tiny bladed weapons in a glass box at the counter. 

“I’d like to purchase two swords,” Zoro said, walking up to the man at the register. 

“Yes, yes, yes, come right in sir.” He seemed happy to see Zoro, but also a bit wary of Luffy as he wandered around and looked at things, eyeing the young captain suspiciously. 

“I have 100,000 beris. Sell me two swords,” Zoro said bluntly, though not disrespectfully. When Zoro mentioned the amount of money he had, the shop owner’s demeanor changed significantly. 

“Hah? You want two swords for only 100,000 beris? If you're looking for two swords for that much, I have some old trash you might want to look at.” Luffy looked over, wondering if they didn't have enough money for Zoro to get some quality blades. They could always steal some. Luffy already had a bounty. But Zoro seemed unbothered. 

“Alright, that’s all I have right not so it’ll have to be enough.” 

Luffy looked back at the display on the wall, and wondered if any of these weapons could damage his skin. Were there weapons anywhere that could hurt him? He assumed there probably were somewhere. Garp could hurt him if he tried, so it was safe to say there was something out in the rougher parts of the world that could hurt him. It would be nice to face a challenge, but having his skin cut for the first time would be quite a shock. 

But he was prepared for danger when he left Dawn Island, and was unafraid. 

Luffy walked back over to Zoro when the shop owner started to bargain and argue with Zoro over his remaining and favorite sword. “Neh, why are you lying?” he asked as the shop owner falsified how valuable Wado Ichinmonji was. 

“Hah?” 

“You’re saying it’s cheap but it’s not.” 

“It doesn't really matter, it’s not for sale, no matter how much you offer,” Zoro told the owner, who was glaring at Luffy in heavy irritation. 

“Fine! There are 50,000 beri swords in those barrels, have at it!” the man spat. “And you! I want you outta my shop! Are you gonna buy anything?” Luffy opened his mouth to answer. “If the answer is no, then out!” 

“But I didn't do anything!” Luffy whined. 

“I only want paying customers in here!” 

"I'm with Zoro, though!” 

“What’s your problem?” Zoro asked the shop owner, baffled. “Even if you’d told me you’d give a million beri for Wado, I still would have said no,” he added. 

The shop owner continued to point out the door, glaring at Luffy, who pouted angrily and left. “Sorry, Luffy,” Zoro said in sympathy. He needed to buy swords, and they hadn't come across another sword shop yet. Luffy crossed his arms and walked away, grumbling as he headed to try and find the execution platform on his own.  

Of course, he wandered around most of the time because he didn't have a map. There were a lot of other pirates around, and his irritation about being kicked out of the sword shop was quickly fading as he explored. Whenever he made to ask someone for directions, they looked at him dismissively, shooing him away like he was a child. It was a little frustrating. 

Eventually, he found the platform on his own. So, Ace’s dad was killed here. His dying words setting off a new era. Luffy slingshotted himself up to the top, looking down at the ordinary wood. There was no blood stain to be seen. And looking up, he could at least say the Pirate King had not had a bad view. He could see much of the town from here. 

“Hey! Kid, get down from there right now!” an officer shouted from the ground. Luffy looked down, stuck his tongue out, and refused. “Wha-?! How dare you! Get down right this instant! That is government property, you hear?!” 

"I'm just standing here, I’m not doing anything,” Luffy called back defiantly. 

“I don't care! Get down, that’s an order!”

“No!” 

“Why, you!!!” the officer seethed. Luffy was feeling quite petulant at the moment, and sat down with his feet hanging over the edge, having no intention of leaving, especially now that he was told to. 

A woman walked up right behind the officer growing rapidly angrier as Luffy refused to cooperate, and slammed an iron mace into the side of his face, throwing him to the ground. Most normal people couldn't handle hits like that, and it appeared he was dead. Well… at least it had been fast? 

“Don't be so uptight about rules, Mr. Officer.” The woman looked up at Luffy with a creepy smile. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you, Luffy!” 

“Who’re you?” Luffy asked, not at all recognizing her. Then he caught a whiff of her scent. “Wha… what the hell happened to you?!” 

“You recognise me. Good!” 

“No, you just still smell that bad way! Why do you look so different?” Luffy demanded of Alvida, shocked by her change in appearance. 

“Ah, as rude as usual. My devil fruit changed my appearance quite a bit, but I’m still the most beautiful woman on the seas!” she said confidently. Luffy couldn't outwardly tell her she was bat shit crazy anymore because she was not ugly like she was before, but Luffy didn't much care about her appearance. 

Luffy was unimpressed, and asked, “Are you here for revenge cause I beat you up?” in a very conversational way, arms crossed.

“No. I’m here for a man. I’m here for you, I only love strong men, so I will have you, Luffy.” 

“Shishishi, Zoro would cut you up before you got the chance!” Luffy cackled. She rose her brows, but Luffy just laughed again, imagining how angry Zoro would get at hearing this. “I don't even like you as a person, why would I like you that way? You were really mean to Coby and he’s my friend, so I’ll never like you.”

“We’ll see about that.” 

Luffy sniffed again. “Ack! Buggy, too?!” 

“You ruined my flashy entrance!” Buggy raged, yanking off a cloak, with some of his crew pulling their own off. They were terrified of Luffy, shaking as they looked up at the unassuming pirate with a now very high bounty (for the East Blue, anyways). It looked like none of them wanted anything to do with Luffy.

“Looks like you found all the body parts I sent flyin’!” Luffy called. 

“SHUT YOUR TRAP!” Buggy shrieked. Luffy laughed. “Even since I was blasted away, all I’ve thought about was killing you!” Gonna be even harder for you to kill me than before. Just ate a whole fresh human body. 

Of course he didn't voice that thought, but it was true. Marines had gathered at the edges of the crowd of people, many who had not yet realized the plaza was full of pirates. They weren't acting very frightening, shaking and appearing terrified of a teen who had already been severely underestimated by the general population of this island. Luffy’s arms were still crossed, and he asked, “How do you plan to kill me? Nothing worked for you last time.” He was genuinely curious as to how he planned on killing him, given blades, bombs and bullets did nothing against him. 

Cabaji walked up to stand beside his captain, and handed him what looked like a rocket. “We’ll roast you!” Luffy had been in a fire, before. He’d been in the Gray Terminal fire when he was little. Another thing he was immune to, even if he was never a big fan of it afterwards. Just because he couldn't be burned didn't mean the whole thing hadn't been traumatizing. Thankfully, a lot of time had passed since that day. 

“That won't work,” Luffy responded casually. 

"I'm sure that’s what you want me to think! So I won't even get a chance!” 

Luffy picked his nose a bit. "I'm bored of this,” he announced. "I'm gonna go find Zoro.” 

“I have a bone to pick with Roronoa, too!” Buggy raged, and the rocket had a very surprising kick, and he unleashed it upon the execution platform, consuming it in a raging inferno. Luffy shouted in alarm for his hat, and took a running jump off of the thing, landing on the ground on his feet, covered in soot with his clothes pretty damaged. His hat seemed okay! The light sheen of old wax on it had protected all but the string, which was gone. 

“You jerk!” Luffy shouted. The whole plaza had their attentions caught by the sudden fire, all having been sure Luffy was roasted. And here he was, perfectly fine. He was angry, now, however, for almost damaging his hat. And he now lost two shirts. He didn't have an infinite supply! 

When Luffy ran at them, the Buggy Pirates could not hold onto any semblance of bravery, and ran from him, screaming. Luffy found Buggy, who pulled out a gun and shot Luffy in the head, only for the bullet to, of course, ricochet, straight at Alvida. Lucky for her, her devil fruit, whatever it was, repelled the bullet like nothing. 

Luffy didn't even bother to look away before punching Buggy in the face hard enough for him to be sent flying back into the side of a building with a massive boom! The plaza was silent before it started to rain. 

Buggy was out, and his crew fled, only to be met by a horde of marines. Nami was going to kill him! But it wasn't like it was his fault! The wind started to blow pretty heavily, so he made the logical decision that they should leave soon, before a storm hit. But the pirates and marines were fighting in the plaza, and marines were shouting about catching Straw Hat Luffy, so he really should get back to the ship. 

Luffy grabbed onto onto of the men throwing swords around and jumped onto his shoulder, before then running through the crowd, stepping on heads like jumping from stone to stone in a body of water, able to not get hit by a single sword slash or gun. He couldn't help but laugh as he did so. It was pretty entertaining! 

He smelled Zoro and Sanji, who were watching from the plaza entrance, behind the marines. They were not wanted men, so were not recognized. They both looked at him in bafflement, also seeming highly unimpressed. “Let’s go, guys!” 

“What the hell were you doing?!” Sanji demanded as Luffy jumped over to them. 

“Minding my own business and then this lady came to hit on me and Buggy tried to light me on fire!” 

“A woman hit on you?” Sanji asked in deep confusion. Zoro sent him a nasty look. 

“Yeah, but she’s a bad person. I already beat her up once already-”

“HOW COULD YOU HARM A LADY!?” 

“She was an enemy pirate! What was I supposed to do?!” 

“Wait, you beat her up and she still hit on you?” 

“She’s a weirdo.” 

The wind and rain became an obstacle in their downpour. “What a crazy storm,” Sanji said as they continued to sprint from the ever larger growing mob of marines on their tails. Not directly behind them, but for sure following at a steady pace. 

“Damn these guys are persistent!” Luffy complained. “Should we beat them up?” 

“No, Nami-san said we had to leave as soon as possible!” Luffy pouted, but did not argue. Nami would already be pissed at him for attracting a scene. And the storm was pretty bad, so it was best they leave while it was still possible. 

“Hey, Zoro, you got new swords!” 

“Yeah, and one sure comes with a twist,” Zoro grinned. Luffy giggled, eyes bright as it all came crashing into him. Zoro was true to his word, and he smiled at Luffy openly. A real smile, no lie, no awkwardness or disgust or fear. He was completely fine with what they did a couple hours earlier. He’d killed someone for Luffy to eat and felt no negative emotions towards him. Provided him emotional support, didn't shame the captain for showing such weakness and fear. 

He loves me. He loves even the worst parts of me. 

Luffy was distracted from his budding epiphany when a woman called Zoro’s name in fury from up ahead. “Roronoa Zoro! To think that you were Roronoa Zoro, and a pirate, too!” she shouted, as if Zoro had betrayed this stranger. At least, Luffy thought she was a stranger. “You were toying with me all along!” 

Sanji angrily demanded to know what Zoro had done to the woman, again so offended by being anything but sweet and kind to women. Seemed kind of strange. Shishishi, his crew was so quirky! 

“Never thought you were a marine,” Zoro said, completely unbothered by her righteous anger. 

“I shall talk back that Wado Ichimonji,” she vowed.

“That’s Zoro’s sword, you can't take it, you butt head!” Luffy shouted, angry anyone would presume to take Zoro’s treasure from him.