The Straw Hat Pirates sailed through the unpredictable weather conditions the Grandline through at them in less than a hours after their departure from Reverse Mountain. They sailed through high winds, giant waves, freezing snow, and thunderous storms that shook the Going Merry constantly. Everyone was on edge as they ran back and forth the ship doing their best to do what they can to keep the ship from sinking. Laboon dived below and followed behind them about 100 or so meters below the surface. The Grandline weather even affecting his ability to navigate above water, so keeping it underneath the treacherous waves and winds that blocked his vision was the best option for a beast his size.

"What's with this weather?!" Nojiko clenched her teeth as she forcefully tied the sails they hoisted up together. "First sun, then wind, then rain, and snow? What's next?!"

"Oi, Zora!" Usopp yelled at the swordswoman who napped without a care in the world. "Wake up and help us dammit!"

Lunna grabbed onto her hat to prevent it from flying off all while she laughed and cheered to keep going forward. The treacherous waves and wind continued to bully the Going Merry for an hour or so longer before it began to finally let up and the sun slowly began to shine through the thick grey clouds.

An exhausted crew laid scattered around the ship as they took this time to enjoy a moment of peace and relaxation after who knew how long they were at the oceans mercy. Zora yawned and stretched her arms as her eyes fluttered open. An exhausted crew met her eyes causing her to wonder what happened.

"Why are you guys so lazy?" She asked. "The suns out, it's a beautiful day."

Nearly everyone gave her a small glare muttering how lazy and carefree she was during their desperate need for her help.

Nami smacked Zora on the head causing her to wince.

"You..." She growled, an aura of anger and annoyance emitted around her. "You lazy piece of shit. You laid their sleeping your ass off as we struggled to keep this ship afloat."

"Eh?" Zora looked up at Nami with a small glare in return, only to be met with a few more furious blows on her head causing her to wince in pain. "O-Ooooow!" She groaned as Nami stomped away from her in a huff.

Luffy walked up to an exhausted Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday. "Mr. 9, Ms. Wednesday." He spoke causing the two to shoot up to a sitting position.

"Y-Yes Mr. Straw hat?" Ms. Wednesday gulped.

"Well, I can't help but feel like I know you guys from somewhere." He began. "Well, not personally. But your code names and all, it's like I've heard of a certain organization or something that does that kinda thing."

The two agents began to sweat as they wondered if they were soon to be compromised.

Luffy saw their nervousness, and though he already knew of their secret organization, Baroque Works. He didn't want to scare them at all. He wanted them to be able to trust him and not fear his status as a pirate or anything. Not only that, but he wanted to help Vivi free her country from Crocodiles grasp as soon as he can all while getting a few extra pairs of feet on his side of the fight. That was one thing he came to terms with after realizing how foolish he was for settling with only 9 crewmates in his journey. The reasons why the 4 Yonkos of the world became so powerful wasn't just on their strength alone, but the unities they formed with other notorious pirates as well. To be able to have so many strong individuals to sail under your flag was a destructive force waiting to be challenged. Don Krieg had something right when entering the Grandline, he had the numbers but he was arrogant and stubborn. That's what destroyed his fleet in the end. He however, would make it a different story.

"It doesn't matter." He finally said causing the two to ease up. "I'll remember sooner or later, but for now I believe we've arrived at Whiskey Peak."

Much to their disbelief, Mr. 9 and Ms. Wednesday saw the island of Whiskey Peak began to reveal itself to them.

"We're here!" Lunna yelled with a smile. "Whiskey Peak!"

"It looks like a Cactus." Gin raised an eyebrow.

"What a funny looking island." Sani muttered as she pulled out a cigarette.

"Thank you all for the lift." Mr. 9 spoke as he and Ms. Wednesday stood on the railing.

"We'll able to take care of ourselves from here on out." Ms. Wednesday added before waving with a smile.

The two agents then simultaneously jumped off the ship and swam ahead towards the island.

"O-Oi!" Usopp screamed. "Shouldn't we have let them go so easily?"

"Why bother? They're no threat to us." Nojiko replied. "Besides they have no value to us whatsoever, it's best to leave em be than to watch over two extra mouths."

The ship now sailed close to the island, and Nami directed the ship to head into the river that took the sea water inland. The river began to become too narrow for Laboon to continue pursuing them, so Luffy ordered Laboon to swim around the island and wait on the otherside until they've departed. A reluctant Laboon could only nod, seeing nothing else he could do but abide by his Captains orders.

Despite the sun revealing itself just moments ago, nearing the island began to make the climate around them become denser. And a light layer of mist began to build up around them putting some of the Straw Hats on edge.

"Uh, guys. I was wondering." Usopps teeth clattered together, an obvious fear aroma lathered around him. "W-what if there are monsters on this island?"

"Not too sure." Gin responded. "Maybe just pass the island?"

"We can't do that." Nami answered. "Remember what Crocus said? The Log Pose has to record the magnetism from this island so it would be able to point at another."

"S-So you mean we could be here for days?" Usopp nearly felt like fainting.

Nojiko wrapped an arm around Usopp grinnin . "Oh come on, Usopp. It won't be so bad. Besides, even if we do find monsters it's nothing those four can't handle, right?" She pointed at Luffy, Lunna, Zora, and Sani.

Sani scoffed, lighting another cigarette in less than 2 hours she took a long whiff before exhaling the smoke out. "I could careless what happened to Usopp, Luffy-kun is who I'll protect." At the mention of his name, Sani began to get all wobbly around her arms and legs as hearts grew in her eyes.

"Luffy-kun!" She wobbled over to him. "Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?" Leaning up against him, she pressed her breast against his exposed chest, a flirtatious smile as she looked up at the man who nervously smiled down at her. "Or would you like to eat..." Running her hands down his body, she reached for her own trousers attempting to pull em down. "Me?"

"Whore." Zora coughed, ticking Sani off causing the two to butt in each others faces again.

Luffy gulped, his heart beat began to settle after being relieved of the temptations Sani kept giving pushing on him. Gin, stood next to him a clear expression filled with amusement plastered all over his face.

"I envy you, Captain." Was the only thing he said.

Luffy ignored Gins words in the favor of multiple presence being felt straight ahead. "We got company." He halted everyone's movements as Luffy began to inform them of what could happen when they greet the islanders.

The straw hats were met with cheers and smiles as they were welcomed into the island of Whiskey Peak from its settlers. The Mayor of the town, Igarappoi greeted them with open arms offering them food, fun, and a welcoming party for the new pirates that sailed into the Grandline.

"Excuse me, Iggarapoi. But do you know how long until the Log Pose resets?" She showed the Log zppse she had strapped to her wrist.

"Log Pose?" He asked before laughing. "Forget such boring stuff." Wrapping his arm around the Navigator he cheered for the town to start the celebration. And knowing the Straw Hats, they weren't one to back out of a welcoming party.

They all danced, sang, and laughed to their hearts content. Luffy enjoyed seeing such joyful from his crewmates. One he longed to see from for so long. It was an intoxicating aroma that filled his blood with such happiness that even finding, One Piece or becoming the King of the Pirates was such a dull comparison to what he felt. He was home, wherever his crew went was always home. Always a place he could come back to and live without worry. It was just what makes you a crew, a family.

He watched as his crew partied like they never had before, at least that's what it'd looked like to the residents of Whiskey Peak. In reality he knew everyone was holding back from getting completely hammered or worn out. Well, all except Lunna who forgot about the little talk Luffy gave them all and ate to her stomachs content. The variety of Vegetarian meals they provided wasn't something she expected this island to have. And she LOVED it.

"Nami-san!" Iggarapoi smiled. "Come, join us in our drinking competition!" He offered her a cup of wine, but she shook her hand in front of her.

"No, thank you." Nami smiled. "I don't drink."

"It's alright, our wine is made from our most prime berries. They practically have no alcohol within then as well." He insisted

It was enough for her to take one drink, but after that she refused to consume anymore. "Thank you, but I truly am okay."

"Did I mention the winner wins 100,000 belis?"

Slamming the cup in the center of the table, her eyes became hard. "Fill her up."

Nojiko sat and leaned onto her sister as she saw the mess she gotten herself into. "My, my, you're getting kinda wild Nami." Nojiko smiled as she took an empty glass of her own. "Bet I can beat you."

"In your dream, sis."

The two began to down one cup after another keeping in mind that they'd hold back in order to not completely pass out.

"Oi, Zora... Gin." Nami looked over at the two who were relaxing. A light buzz coming onto her as well. "Get over here and compete. The more of us there are the much likelier we'd win the 100,000 belis."

"Um, Nami." Gin sheepishly smiled. "I think you're having one too many drinks to consume."

"Shut up, and get over here already!" She barked.

Sani entertained herself with a bunch of men in the room she found rather cute, but despite all of that she held no romantic nor interest in the person besides just an image to eye up like a peace of meat. Usopp told false tales to a crowd of females who made him feel special due to their willingness to believe his story, and Luffy just enjoyed the atmosphere he was in even if it was made to capture him and his crew.

Iggarapoi tried to get Luffy in the action as well, but he was tough and really stubborn to convince causing him to give up after awhile. He'd deal with the Male Straw Hat later if he hasn't passed out when his entire crew has yet. No sooner than that, Lunna fell to the ground stuffed like a Thanksgiving Turkey. She was full and became very sleepy causing her to fall asleep on the spot. No sooner than that, everyone else began to fall down and go unconscious due to how drunk and tired they became. Or at least that's what they all believed for it to be.

Everyone was now asleep besides Luffy who was as active as ever. This caught some of the people off guard tho they never showed it.

"It was a splendid party, Iggarapoi." Luffy smiled. "Thank you for showing my crew an amazing night. I just want the best for them." He admitted.

Iggarapoi smiled. "I'm surprised you're still kicking, Luffy-San. I thought you of everyone else here would've been enjoying yourself more than anyone due to your status as their captain.

"You're right." He stood to his feet. "But I have a sense of responsibility that I have when they get in these kinda situations. These are the time where they're at their most vulnerable. My children must be watched over."

Somewhere in the New World, Whitebeard sneezed.

"Bless you, Jiji." Marco said.

"Mmm, someone must be talking about me." Whitbeard muttered.

"Walk with me, will you?" Iggarapoi asked.

Luffy smiled and nodded. "Sure."

Iggarapoi led Luffy outside. "The Cactus rocks look beautiful underneath the Moonlight, doesn't it Luffy-san?"

Luffy said nothing as he enjoyed the cool air press his skin. "So, when were you ever going to mention Baroque Works was behind all of this?" He said out of the blue, causing Iggarapoi to freeze.

"So, you knew?" He said.

"What do you plan to do with them?" He ignored his words again, turning away from Iggarapoi as he laid eyes on Mr. 9 and Ms Wednesday who stood ontop of the building they were just partying in. Ms. Monday who dropped the disguise of a catholic nun also came out of the building exposed in all her muscular built physique

Luffy felt a pistol press against his head. "It shouldn't be of any concern to you seeing as your about to drop dead." Iggarapoi responded.

"Are you so sure of that... Igaram?"

He stiffened again, his fingers freezing from being able to pull the trigger. "H-How do you..."

"Head of the Alabasta Royal Guards." He continued. "It's also quite surprising how Princess Vivi wasn't figured out to be here either."

Regaining his composure, Igaram went to pull the trigger to protect the identity of his and the princess, and secure such important knowledge from prying ears.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Igaram turned his head to the sound, and no later his heart dropped seeing a pistol being held to Princess Vivis head by the blue haired pirate, Nojiko. He as well as everyone else who was around was surprised to see a member of the Straw Hats was still up.

"That was a hell of a party." Zora stretched her arms before pulling a blade out. "Best one I had in awhile."

Nami, Sani, Usopp, and Gin who dragged an unconscious Lunna came out next.

"Well, what do you know. You were right all along, Luffy." Gin raised an eyebrow as he let go of Lunnas collar from where he dragged her from.

Baroque Works members began to appear from all around them in twice their usual numbers after hearing the commotion going on.

Igarams teeth clenched as his hand that held the pistol shook. "Let her go!" He demanded seeing how Princess Vivi was now being held hostage.

"Don't let her go." Luffy ordered.

"You, shut up!" He pressed the pistol against his head. "Don't say a damn word and tell your friend to put her pistol down."

Mr. 9 pulled out two metal bats and attempted to get the jump on Nojiko, but Gin was one step faster and clashed his tonfas against his bats pushing Mr. 9 away.

Looking around, Luffy eyed the nervous yet malicious glares he and his crew received from hundreds of eyes prying into their heads. "So this is all, Crocodile had to offer?" He began. "Such a disappointment."

"W-Who?" Igaram wondered.

"Your boss." Luffy continued. "Don't tell me you don't know. Mr. 0, the one you and Princess Vivi set out to uncover the identity of. His real name is Crocodile, you may know him as one of the Seven Warlords of the sea."

"Y-You can't be serious? Can't you?" Igaram shivered. "How do you know for sure?"

"Because in a few minutes Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine will make a grand entrance in order to assassinate young princess Vivi." He continued. "And at this rate you'd be better off as a punching bag."

Igaram growled, an infuriated, confused, and fearful mind flooded his thoughts as his thinking became irrational. "Kill em!" He suddenly yelled, his finger literally a millimeter of a second from pulling the trigger.

Luffy couldnt help but chuckle. Despite Igarams obliviousness to how dangerous he really is, bringing in all of Baroque Works within close proximity to him would save him the strength of breaking their will from a farther stretch in location. The Straw Hat pirates were prepared for a fight, all warming up and brandishing their weapons ready to face the hundreds of foes that charged at them. But in all confusion and discomfort, they, as well as the hundreds of Baroque Work members felt an enormous amount of weight being pushed down on them. Most of them unable to withstand the will of the king fell to the floor like flies being shot to death in the rain. The only one who even remotely stood standing without a problem in the world was Luffu who emitted a massive amount of Conquerors Haki among Baroque Works as well as his crewmates. Normally Luffy wouldn't have laid any of the effect on his allies, but with the future they'll be facing he needed them prepared to the utmost possibility to be able to stand toe to toe along side him in the New World. And what better way would he be able to start their progress than to expose them to the Will of King. Building a resistance and getting used to its nature was one thing his friends had to get used to before facing the many dangers of foes that posses this power as well.

Zora used one of her blades to stick to the ground, leaning on it to keep her from collapsing on her knees while Sani, and Gin as well as everyone else fell on at least one knee. The only one who hasn't been affected by it was surprisingly Lunna due to her still enjoying the nap she's been in for the past 30 or so minutes.

"O-Oi... w-what is this?" Usopp groaned out. He was on his hands and knees, his arms shaking violently as he struggled to keep himself from falling to the ground.

Nami and Nojiko sweated a lot as they too were in a similar position Usopp was in. This weight that suddenly fell on their shoulders, it was spine-chilling. Vivi who was next to Nojiko couldn't help but vomit a little due to how uneasy this made her stomach quench. She couldn't see well, but she knew how easily her allies have been falling without a struggle. It never seemed to stop as she heard more and more thumps hit the floor in a daze as foam began to build up inside their mouths. And then as heavy as the weight came, all of nerve-rackling sensation that came with it lifted off of them.

Igaram shook violently, the pressure was gone but the effect had yet to leave his body. It terrifies him, this feeling of helplessness as he dropped to his knees in front of this Pirate who took down almost his entire force of bounty hunters besides a select few. He could only look up at the man who emotionlessly stared down at him.

"P-Please." He suddenly found himself begging. "Please don't hurt her. You don't know what we've been through to get this far. Our Kingdom, it's..." He choked as he bowed his head. "Just please, don't hurt her."

"Kyahahaa!"

"Mr. 8, Mr. 9, Ms. Monday you all really are that pathetic."

Catching everyone's eyes, the Straw Hats and the remaining Baroque Works member turned to see two new arrivals. One being a Male of African descent with a dark red/brownish coat and a blond woman with a bright yellow dress with lemons printed all over and a yellow umbrella.

"M-Mr. 5, Ms. Valentine." Mr. 9 spoke, surprised to see them here. "This is good, you can help us take down these pirates!"

"Kyahaha!" Ms. Valentine laughed. "Help you? Please, why would we be sent all the way up to the Frontline to help you take down a few pirates. No, we're here on our own little mission."

Nojiko pointed her pistol at Ms. Valentine. "Her laugh annoys me, can I shoot her Luffy?"

"No." He responded. Helping a struggling Igaram get to his feet, he softly spoke. "It seems the two have arrived, believe me now?"

Igaram gave a reluctant nod. "T-That means the Princess is in danger!" His eyes widened as he attempted to go shield Vivi, but Luffy held his arm back preventing him from going.

"Not now, you'd cause confusion and panic for the remaining Baroque Members that haven't fell unconscious. The last thing you need is a split between who you'll be fighting and who would have your back."

"Besides." Ms. Valentine continued. "Why would we help you out, Kyahahaha! I'm sure you all know it as well, but we're in an entirely different league. Much more than what you'd ever be able to reach."

"Y-You said you were here on a mission? What possible kind of mission could you two even have all the way down here?" Ms. Monday demanded.

"Well, you see." Mr. 5 began. "Two individuals managed to figure out Mr. 0's secret. Our organization's motto being of mystery, I can only come to terms that figuring out the secret of our boss of all people should be punishable by death. So we set out to do some research on what kind of secret he'd been exposed to. What we didn't expect to find out was two particular VIP's from the royal family that disappeared from Alabasta some time ago to be lurking within this line of work."

"C-Crap. They really did find out." Igaram began to sweat as Vivi slowly to get worried.

"W-Wait, this is just part of a costume." Mr. 9 began, afraid for his life. "I promise you I'm not royalty."

"We're not talking about you." Ms Valentine laughed. "Nefertari Vivi, and Captain of the Alabasta Royal Guards, Igaram." She grinned.

"G-Get behind me princess!" Igaram sprung into action, shielding Vivi from the two Baroque Works Members, firearms appeared out of his hair like a mechanical weapon before he began to fire dozens of shots at the two. "I won't let you touch her!"

Mr. 5 picked his nose carelessly. "Pathetic " He muttered before flicking the booger at Igaram at top speed. It made impact and exploded, causing a huge wave of black smoke to kick up.

"Igaram!" Vivi shouted, afraid of the wellbeing of her friend.

"Phew, that was close." Luffy wiped his forehead as he held Igaram who was completely fine and unscathed. "That's some dangerous snot you got there you know that."

Sani and Zora stood in front of Luffy both glaring at the two. "Leave these two to us, Luffy-kun."

Smirking, he tilted his hat forward to shadow part of his eyes. "That won't be necessary." He said before subduing the two with a blast of Conquerors Haki. Demonstrating his power on the two now would save the trouble of going through an avoidable battle of dominance between each other. Ms. Valentine and Mr. 5 both felt the same treatment only moments ago all of the Baroque Works members received but ten times fold. They didn't last long as the two fell to their knees and went unconscious without another word.

Blinking in confusion and gratitude at the sight what happened before him. Igaram only had one thing in mind. "Why?"

Smiling back, Luffy welcomed him with a small one armed hug. "We'll help you take back your Kingdom. But for a price."

Namis eyes changed into beli symbols as she approved of her Captains decision.

Vivi who now stood next to Igaram glared at Luffy. "Of course, why would I be so surprised at how a Pirate negotiates deals."

"I don't want money." Luffy cut her off, at the same time Namis belis eyes reverted back to normal saddened by this.

"Manpower." He finally said. "Starting today, the moment all of the fallen Baroque Works members wake up, I want you all to sail under my flag and become official members of the Straw Hat Pirates."

"Luffy?" Nami walked up to him. "I'm sure the Going Merry isn't gonna be big enough to carry all of these people in.

"Yes, I know." He understood. "That's why they'll be building a ship here of their own, or at least forging one together. How else do you think all of these bounty hunters got here. I'm sure out of the hundreds of people here a handful of them should be decent shipwrights." Turning back to Igaram who was left to his thoughts shortly, he asked again.

"So, will you do it?"

"I..." He though . "I can't sail with you for long. My home is in Alabasta." He said.

"That's fine, only until then you'll be commanded under me. The remaining agents can choose whether they'd want to continue to sail with me or not. The last thing I want is unloyal crewmembers."

"Mr. 8!" Ms. Monday spoke. "What are you doing? Are we really joining the enemy?!"

"Ms. Monday." Igaram sighed. "I'm not affiliated with Baroque Works, I never was. My only concern is to keep Princess Vivi alive and strong. And if joining these people would provide the protection needed, then so be it."

"So, will you do it?" Luffy asked again. At this point in time, he already knew his answer. But a verbal confirmation would help subdue any other Baroque Works members who could perhaps be eavesdropping on their conversation. It would clear up any possibilities of a betrayal happening even if he knew they'd still win.

"...yes." Igaram finally answered.

Smiling, Luffy let out a small chuckle. "That's good." He placed his hand on Igarams shoulder. "Don't worry too much, we'll protect you two as long as you sail under our flag." With that, he made his way over to his crewmates, pushing past Ms. Monday and Mr. 9. "You two." Luffy spoke. "Tie these two up, last thing we need is a surprise attack." He gestured at the unconscious Ms. Valentine and Mr. 5.

Ms. Monday and Mr. 9 looked at each other unsure of what to do. After a few more seconds of reluctancy, the two obeyed their supposed new boss and got to work.

"Igaram." Vivi hissed at the only person she could possibly call friend around here. "We can't trust these Pirates. Who knows what they have planned when we reach Alabasta, they'd probably negotiate with Mr. 0 for a ransom to turn us in!"

"They'd have tied us up and thrown us in the ship by force if that was their intention, Princess." Igaram responded. "Besides even if we fought them, the moment the battle started it would've been clear who was coming out the victor. And it surely won't be us."

"You don't know that!" She continued to protest. "Have you forgotten how important our mission is! They're the same as every other Pirate!"

"We don't have a choice, Princess!" He snapped at her. "I'm sorry, but this is the only option I can see us having now."

Vivi looked like she was about to tear up. Turning away and running a few feet she screamed. "Carue!"

A pretty big sized duck came running out of a few buildings straight towards Vivi.

"Is that... a duck?" Sani raised an eyebrow curious at the new yet familiar looking species.

"Vivi-sama!" Igaram shouted

Vivi jumped on Carue before he began running off disappearing between the buildings.

"She'll come back." Luffy told Igaram who sighed. "I'll talk to her later when she gets back. It's hard to accept, I understand it is. To put your lives on someone who could destroy you at any point if they wanted to sounds scary. It becomes hard to accept. But I promise you, neither I nor any of my crewmates would ever think of doing such a thing. We may be Pirates, but that isnt apart of our nature one bit. For now, let her cool down and blow some steam."

Igaram gulped and nodded slowly, still feeling wary on putting his and Princess Vivis lives in his hands.

Not even a half an hours passed, and the unconscious members of the notorious bounty hunting organization began to slowly awaken from their forced slumber. As they done so, the members of the Straw Hat Pirates began to tense up at the possibility of an attempt for off their heads. However, the quick actions Igaram took to those who awoke halted any hostile acts from proceeding as they began to gather together, confused and wary of what might happen next.

Igaram went ahead and began explaining the situation, leaving out the true identities he and Princess Vivi held for safety he managed to persuade the large group to listen to his words. His explanation of the actions he took to defect from Bounty Hunting and joining these pirates was something they didn't sit too well with, but being obedient to the cause wasn't much of an issue. So they all held their tongue realizing no sooner that even if they did fight these Pirates they could've been easily killed if Luffy really wanted to do such a thing.

By this point in time, Lunna finally awoke from her sleep. She like the rest was confused of what happened, but a quick explanation by Nojiko only made her understand what happened. Having over a hundred members under the Straw Hat flag was something Lunna didn't like, sure she wanted a crew. But she didn't want it to be a ginormous one like Don Kriegs. Just a small sized one with roughly around 10 members.

"Luffy." Lunna called for when spotting the other Straw Hat Captain relaxing on a giant boulder near the Going Merry.

"Hm?" Luffy looked over at Lunna. "Oh! You're finally up!" He smiled.

Grabbing onto Luffys collar, she began to shake him violently. "Why do we have so many members now!" She demanded his explanation. Smoke escaped her nose abruptly as she glared into his eyes.

Luffy took hold of Lunnas arms, easily halting her shaking as he blinked a few times trying to regain composure. "We're gonna need them." Luffy answered. "Trust me, I know how you had a thought about keeping the crew to a minimum. But it's just not gonna happen when we get closer and closer to Raftel. Besides, if whoever doesn't want to stick with us when we finish with the island of Alabasta, they can always just leave the crew."

Lunna sighed. "I don't like it." Crossing her arms she went into thought. "Having a lot of people to look over is gonna be hard, Luffy. We'll need supplies that'll feed not only our monstrous stomachs, but food for over 100 individuals for the next 30 or more days when out at sea. And I don't think we have the storage nor the space on our ship to bring along 100 members."

"That's why they're building a ship of their own." He pointed at a direction far off in the general area, a group of knowledge shipwrights began constructing a vessel of their own. Usopp began to walk by carrying a large rolled up piece of fabric.

"Usopp!" Luffy called for. "Is it ready?"

"Yeah! I just finished it not too long ago. I'll be dropping it off with the shipwrights so they can hoist the flag up when they're done building."

Giving a nod of understanding, Luffy allowed Usopp to carry on. Lunna continued to glare at him, her thoughts clearly against Luffys on how she believes this crew should be run.

"I still don't like this." Lunna growled.

"Lunna... look, I under-" Luffy ducked under one of Lunnas kicks. "Oi!" He shouted, surprised at her antics. "What are you-"

"Gumo Gumo no Pistol!" She shouted.

Luffy side stepped and grabbed her outstretched arm, pulling her towards him. "Cut it out will ya!" He tried to reason. "This isn't-"

"Fight me!" She shouted, going head first slamming into Luffys gut.

The two toppled to the ground, Luffy rubbing his stomach from the headbutt Lunna recklessly delivered. Shaking it off, he came to his feet simultaneously with Lunna.

"It's time to settle this!" Lunna grunted cracking her knuckles. "Who's really the Captain of this ship."

"Lunna..." Luffy sighed.

"Oi, oi!" Zora approached the two along with Nami, Nojiko, and Gin after hearing the commotion. "What's going on here?"

"Luffy, Lunna." Nami worriedly looked between the two. "Why are you two fighting?" She looked as if she was about to step between the two, but Gin held her shoulder.

"Don't." He answered. "Just let this happen, it's best for them to settle this now than for a identity crisis later on where we'd least need it."

Lunna huffed, smoke exhaling out her nose as she rushed Luffy again. "Gomu Gomu no Whip!" She outstretched her right leg, swiping it across a wide radius which was easily dodgeable. Crouching under it, Luffy shot his arm forward to grab ahold Lunna only to retract it when realizing she quite literally was about to bite his finger.

"Lunna!" He shouted. "You don't have to do this!"

"Shut up!" Throwing a barrel at him that was filled with water, Luffy smashed it with his fist causing the liquid to spill all over his body.

"Bazooka!" Lunna suddenly screamed from point blank in front of him after the exploded wooden barrel cleared his vision.

Reacting quickly, Luffy covered his arms in Armament Haki and crossed them over his chest where Lunnas impact would soon hit. He skidded back a few feet after the impact, but other than that he received no damage whatsoever.

"Gomu Gomu no!" Lunna charged again intending to keep the pressure on him. "Pistol!" Her fist came wailing forward once again. However, it soon came into impact with a blur that stung her fist. Hissing at the unexpected pain, retracted her arm shaking her hand roughly, the sting that came out of nowhere slowly fading in the process. Glaring back up at Luffy, she was surprised to see his skin was now glowing red with what seemed to be like steam emitting off of his skin.

"Jet Pistol..." He muttered.

"Tch." Zora narrowed her eyes. Giving a small flick with her thumb on her sheathed sword, she revealed Sandai Kitetsu, the cursed blade she obtained back in Loguetown. This fight was no place for her interference, she of all people knew that. But just in case, she was prepared to intervene in any way she can if things got out of hand.

Lunna glared at Luffy, as she took on a higher state of wariness. She shuffled her feet lightly, inching slightly closer to him in an attempt to test his comfort on how close she should get before striking. The steam flowing off of Luffys skin didn't make things any easier as the closer she got, she felt the temperature around him began to get warmer and warmer. She saw Luffy tensed his fist, and she came to an abrupt halt seeing as she concluded this was as close he was allowing her to get.

Taking a deep breath, she felt her rapidly beating heart beats slowly began to grow calm as memories of her little fight with Luffy on the ship the previous two nights ago resurfaced.

Flashback

Lunna wildy swung and kicked back and fourth trying to land some kind of hit on her counterpart. And as the time ticked, her patience grew thinner and thinner.

"Why-" She swung at his face only for him to duck "Can't-" She threw a kick she was positive he couldn't detect, but he somehow dodged either way. "I-" She attempted to leap on him only for him to dance through her arms. "Hit you!"

To make matters even worse, the next attack she threw at him he effortlessly caught between his fingers. Not hands, fingers!

"Graaah!" She pulled away and looked away in frustration and anger. Walking over to the ledge of the Going Merry, she leaned on it and stared angrily out at sea hoping she'd forget everything that happened.

"Lunna." Luffy attempted to converse with her. Only for her to shrug him off in the proces .

"It's just not fair." She sighed after awhile still refusing to look at him. "Why the hell do you have all these cool abilities while all I can do is just stretch my limbs." She complained.

"You think I didn't start out like you? With just my sole ability to stretch and use my brawling techniques to my advantage?" Luffy crossed his arms.

"That's not what I meant-" Lunna tried to protest

"That's exactly what you meant." He cut her off. "I had to work for what I have now Lunna, it wasn't just given to me. And trust me, it sucks. I know more than anyone what you're feeling."

She refused to say anything and continued to angrily stare out at sea. Her stubbornness was beginning to rub off on him. If she didn't want to participate, she'd have to make her. Throwing a punch, he hit the back of her head causing her to wince in pain.

"Ow! What the heck Luffy! I wasn't even looking!" She turned around only to see no one standing there. Confused, she blinked her eyes a few times only to feel a pair of feet press against her back and push her roughly sending her flying to the center of the ship.

"Oi!" She stumbled forward, regaining her balance she looked back again only to see no one once more. "Luffy!"

She saw his black hair appear just under her, only to receive a rough blow to the stomach causing her to lose her breath. As quickly as Luffy appeared in her eyes, he once again vanished. "Tch, Luffy! This isn't funny anymore!"

A hand grabbed the back of her shirt and flung her up and down on her stomach. "Itai!" She winced once more as she got to her feet. She hated being treated like this. Not only is she being thrashed around, but Luffy doesn't seem to be responding to her pleas which further ticked her off. The continued punches and kicks she received continued to taunt her continuously and there was nothing, absolutely nothing she was able to do anything against it. He was just too fast, and she was too slow. It just wasn't possible. There was no way she'll be able to match up to him. No freaking way. This went on for nearly two hours and she was battered and lightly bruised in certain areas. She just wanted to eat something and go to sleep already and stop this useless training. Getting up to her feet once again, a sudden chill ran up her spine as her body suddenly reacted and leaned back in order to dodge a punch that should've hit her.

Stumbling back a little, she looked at Luffy who gave her a wide grin. He seemed to be proud of her, and a little surprised too.

"Good, it seems to be kicking in." He smiled. "And a little faster than I thought too. I thought it'd take you a day or two before small changes could be seen." Disappearing once again, he kicked Lunna in the gut sending her tumbling back again. "But it's still too early for you to grasp the full potential you hold with this technique."

Lunna coughed again at having the wind knocked out of her for what seemed like the 100th time. "W-What was that." She questioned as Luffy offered an arm to help her to her feet. "What did I just feel?"

"I'll explain to you later about the entirety of what you're beginning to understand. But for now, the thing you just got a taste of is something when reaching the New World of the Grandline."

Lunna began give him his undivided attention.

"What you just felt is called-"

Flashback end

"Observation Haki." She thought, remembering the words that came out of Luffys mouth. Calming herself and concentrating deeply, she did her best to predict what moves Luffy would make on her. Her pupils never left his as she knew the tides would shift dramatically if she had for even a second. And then, like before he vanished from her eyes. A sharp impact was felt on her kidney causing her to lose her breath once again. She fell to her knees as she lost all the air within her lungs. And then, like before she felt the same spine chilling fill her bones. Rolling forward, she dodged Luffy from stomping her back down on the ground to which she responded by swiping her feet to trip him over.

Luffy flipped over on his hand, grasping onto her shirt and threw her forward crashing into a boulder.

Getting onto her feet once more, that same spine chilling feeling was felt once again as she side stepped avoiding Luffy launching a barrage of fists at her. Stretching her arms back, she grabbed a random barrel and flung it at him. Luffy disappeared this time instead of breaking the barrel, appearing behind Lunna he was caught off guard by a fist coming straight at his face. However, reacting quickly he caught her fist and punched her back in return causing her to once again skid back onto her butt. Lunna jumped onto her feet once more prepared to launch a counterattack. But she was surprised to see Luffy hold his palms up in front of him.

"I'm done." He spoke. "You win." The red glow and steam from his skin dissipating.

Lunna stared confused while the rest of the Straw Hats seemed relieved by this. Lunna, not liking how this fight concluded chose to accept it either way.

"Good, now that I'm officially the Captain of this crew. I don't want these guys with us." He pointed at the working Baroque Members.

"Oh, no." Luffy answered. "I'm still the Captain. I'm just done fighting." He smirked before walking away, leaving a ticked off Lunna.

At this point, Vivi made her appearance once more having witnessed part of Lunnas and Luffys fight. Seeing the capability of their strength first hand sort of unnerved and scared her too.

"Vivi-Sama!" Igaram sighed in relief as he made his way to her.

"Igaram." Vivi blinked.

"Ms. Wednesday... I mean, Vivi-Sama." Mr. 9 made his appearance known as well.

"Mr. 9." She spoke, surprised by his presence. "What are you still doing here?"

"Volunteering to protect a Princess." He smiled. "I'm glad you're okay, really."

"I don't understand. I lied to you all who I am. I'm pretty much against you and Baroque Works." She claimed.

"You're right about the first part." Mr. 9 answered. "But we've been partners for so long I've grown quite fond of you, really. I'd betray Baroque Works to remain as your partner faster than anything in this world."

Smiling, Vivi couldn't help but admire him and be thankful to have him specifically as a partner.

"Princess VivI."

Luffy approached her this time causing her to tense up a little. He seemed to be glaring down at her by how proud he stood up against her as if he owned these very land and waters. But that glare soon twisted into a grin that even made her feel welcomed.

"My name is Luffy. Captain of this crew. I know we don't look like much. But I promise you when we say that my crew and I will protect you until you see no further use of it." He outstretched his hand attempting to give her a handshake.

Vivi hesitated, but nonetheless she shook it in return. "I-I see... then I'll be expecting that then Captain."

"Let's load the ship and prepare to set sail then." Luffy smiled and led her to the Going Merry where the rest of his crew was currently headed as well. Igaram accompanied Vivi making sure to take the lead on everything and ensure his princesses safety before allowing her onboard.

"Mr.9, Ms. Monday." Igaram shouted from the Going Merry. "Once the ship has been constructed, meet us in the island of Alabasta. For now, you two are in charge until then."

Receiving a nod from the two, Igaram bid them farewell before turning his attention towards the crew that would pretty much be guarding their lives here on out. The sails for the Going Merry lowered and the ship was once more sailing towards the open sea where on the other side Laboon awaited their arrival.

The atmosphere and chatter seemed to return to normal after the events on the island settled. And Luffy couldn't help but become slightly more intrigued in Lunnas capabilities after what she just demonstrated him today.

"She's learning faster than I did." He thought to himself eyeing her laugh at Zora who had water splashed over her face after tripping on a loose floorboard.

Nami and Nojiko conversed amongst one another talking over a cup of orange juice. Sani smoked at the edge of the ship and Gin sat a chair taking a small nap himself. Ms. Valentine and Mr. 5 were brought on the ship unconscious and tied up left in the center of the deck.

An all too familiar presence was felt just above him. And a smile greeted his lips as he happily recalled the memories of the woman he practically lived with. The same events as he remembered soon played as he remembered it to be.

"This is a pretty nice ship."

Caught off guard by the new voice. Everyone looked up at the sound. Igaram and Vivi bothed choked at the sight of the individual before them.

"M-Ms All Sunday?!" Vivi shook.

The air around them grew tense once more as they eye'd a smiling Ms. All Sunday. The only person returning the smile himself was Luffy who he couldn't help but admire her beauty firsthand once again.

"It's nice to see you again, Robin." He thought.