The Next Morning
The three of them had departed from Mirror Ball Island toward Gecko Island. They traveled using two sailboats — the first belonged to Luffy, and the other to Zoro.
Initially, Luffy's sailboat could hold at least three people, but due to various groceries and supplies they had purchased, the boat had become quite full.
Because of that, for the time being, Zoro had to stay on his sailboat.
'Luffy, I think it's time for us to upgrade from boats to a ship.' said Nami as she glanced at the compass.
'She's right. On a ship, at least I can train.' said Zoro.
'Yeah, I've been thinking about replacing it with a ship once we get to Gecko Island.' said Luffy.
'Besides, our crew will keep growing, and at least we can rest more comfortably.' Luffy added.
'And take a bath every day.' Nami chimed in.
The three of them then chatted along the way to Gecko Island. Zoro talked to Luffy and Nami about his reasons for challenging the strongest and shared his dream. Nami also shared her past and how she was saved by Luffy. And Luffy told them about his family.
Of course, both were very surprised, as Luffy's family consisted of well-known people — his grandfather was a legendary Marine, his father was the most wanted criminal, and his adopted brother was a pirate captain who had recently become famous.
Both of them became certain that when Luffy eventually decided to reveal himself to the world, his reputation would not lose out to those of his family, whether he would be known for something good like his grandfather, or something not so good like his father and adopted brother.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
One Day After Luffy's Departure from Logue Town
At the Logue Town Marine Branch Headquarters, in the Captain's Office
'Captain Smoker, the results of the investigation are in.' said a Marine soldier.
'What did you find?' asked Smoker, pausing from writing his report.
'We investigated what has happened on Conomi Island over the past few years, and the results confirm that what that Fish-Man pirate said was indeed true.' the Marine soldier replied.
Hearing that, Smoker became furious and snapped the quill pen still in his hand.
'What's Headquarters' response?' asked Smoker.
'Headquarters has ordered our branch to arrest him and bring the man to Enies Lobby for trial.' the Marine answered.
'Are you sure about that?'
'That's not usually how they operate.' Smoker said, sounding slightly puzzled.
'Yes, Captain. They said this order came directly from Vice Admiral Garp.' the Marine replied.
'I see.'
'Prepare a ship immediately. I'm going to arrest him. I could use the exercise anyway.'
'And call Tashigi here.' Smoker ordered.
'Understood!' the Marine replied.
After the Marine had left the room, Smoker began tapping his fingers on the desk.
'Vice Admiral Garp personally gave the order?'
'This is too much of a coincidence. Wait, what was that kid's name again?'
'Luffy… if I'm not mistaken, it was Monkey D. Luffy.'
'Monkey D. Garp...'
'Huh, so that's it. He's got quite the background. No wonder he had the guts to say what he did.' said Smoker.
Knock... Knock... Knock...
'Captain Smoker, it's me.'
Just as Smoker had reached a realization, a woman's voice came from outside.
'Come in, Tashigi.' said Smoker.
'Yes, sir.' Tashigi replied, entering Smoker's office and giving a military salute.
'You've heard that I'll be going to arrest Captain Nezumi from the 16th branch, right?'
'Yes, Captain!' she answered.
'You're coming with me. If he resists during the arrest, you'll be the one handling him.'
'Consider this part of your training.' said Smoker.
'Yes, Captain!' Tashigi replied.
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Two Days Later, at Midday
'Luffy, Gecko Island is in sight.' said Nami while looking through a telescope.
'Finally. My body's gone stiff from not being able to move freely on the boat.' said Zoro.
Luffy nodded at Zoro's complaint and then said, 'Zoro, I'll row your boat. Tie it to mine.'
'I can row it myself.' Zoro replied.
'No, you can't.' answered Luffy and Nami in unison.
'Ugh…'
Zoro ended up doing what Luffy told him, and then Luffy began rowing both boats toward Gecko Island.
Ten minutes later, their sailboats finally reached the area around Gecko Island.
'We could dock directly, but it doesn't look like there's a path leading to the village you mentioned, Luffy.' said Zoro as he observed the high cliffs.
'There should be a slope around here that leads to the village Luffy was talking about.' said Nami after looking at the map.
'In that case, we just need to explore the area a little.' said Luffy.
After a while, they spotted a fairly large slope along the shoreline. Luffy then moored the boats on the beach, and the three of them disembarked.
'Looks like we're on the northern side.' said Nami, holding a compass.
Luffy and Zoro nodded, and then both began stretching their bodies.
Afterward, Luffy looked around using his Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), but sensed no one nearby.
'Looks like Usopp isn't around here.' Luffy thought.
'So, where are you going to look for this person you mentioned, Luffy?' asked Zoro.
'I don't know where he lives now, but we just need to ask the villagers.' Luffy answered.
'But before that, let's find something to eat first.' he added.
'Yeah, I'm getting a bit hungry too.' said Nami.
'Hope they've got good sake on this island.' said Zoro.
'Make sure you don't get separated from us, Zoro.' Luffy said with a laugh.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Syrup Village, Gecko Island
At a small diner called Meshi.
'Luffy, is the person you're looking for the same one the villagers told us about?' asked Nami.
'He should be the same person.' Luffy replied.
'I won't go against your decision, Luffy. But are you sure he's as great as you say?' asked Zoro.
'Because the villagers said he's just a skilled liar.' he added.
'Yeah… I didn't expect him to be a liar either.' said Luffy, lying, while glancing away slightly from Nami and Zoro.
'But I'm pretty sure he's got some real talent. Like his father.' Luffy continued.
'His father?' both of them asked.
'I'll tell you later. Talking about it here feels a bit uncomfortable.' Luffy replied.
After finishing their meal, the three of them headed in the direction the villagers had pointed to. There, they saw a small, simple house built on a small hill. When they finally arrived at the house, there were no signs of anyone inside.
'Aw, looks like he's out.' said Nami.
'Are we going to wait here, Luffy?' asked Zoro.
'Yeah. He should be back soon.' said Luffy.
'How do you know?' asked Zoro.
'Because I can feel it.' Luffy answered.
'Ah, I get it. You're using the same power you used to find him, right?' Nami asked while pointing at Zoro.
'Yep.' said Luffy.
'What power is that now?' asked Zoro.
'I'll explain it once I've gathered everyone I'm looking for.' Luffy said.
'Understood.' replied Zoro with a nod.
'So where is he now, Luffy?' asked Nami.
'He's in the forest, with three kids.' Luffy replied.
'What's he doing?' Nami asked, confused.
'Looks like… playing pirates?' Luffy answered.
'Huh?'
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
One hour later, after Luffy, Nami, and Zoro had been waiting in front of the small house, a young man appeared in the distance. He was walking and occasionally hopping. He had black curly hair, a long prominent nose, and carried a yellow sling bag.
That young man was none other than Usopp — the third member of the Straw Hat crew, a skilled sniper, and someone later nicknamed 'God' Usopp.
Seeing three strangers standing in front of his house, Usopp was startled and became nervous. He had never seen them before in the village, so it was clear they were outsiders.
Usopp observed them. Other than the green-haired man who looked a bit scary, the other two seemed to have friendly faces, especially the black-haired guy who was smiling warmly.
After mustering up some courage, Usopp finally asked Luffy, who was staring at him.
'You guys… what do you want at my house?'
'You're Yasopp's son, right?' Luffy asked bluntly.
'Eh? You know my father?'
'Yeah, I know him. You look a lot like him.'
'Ah, thank you.'
'No, wait—you must be my dad's enemy, aren't you?' Usopp asked after a moment.
'Huh? Why would you think that?' Luffy asked.
'Because… you look suspicious.' Usopp replied while eyeing Zoro.
'Ah, yeah, he does look suspicious.' Luffy said, glancing at Zoro as well.
Nami, who was listening to the exchange between Luffy and Usopp, laughed, while Zoro looked annoyed at the two of them.
'But he's a good guy.' Luffy added.
'Your name's Usopp, right? I met Yasopp when his crew stopped by my village.' said Luffy.
'Do you know where my father is now?' Usopp asked excitedly.
'I don't know where he is exactly, but their crew should be somewhere on the other side of the Grand Line.' Luffy replied.
'Wow, my dad must've joined an amazing pirate crew if he made it to the Grand Line.' said Usopp.
'Yeah, he joined the Red-Haired Pirates.'
'You've heard of that pirate crew, right?'
'After all, they're already really famous.' said Luffy.
'Th-The Red-Haired Pirates?!' asked Usopp in shock.
'Yeah, he's quite a skilled sniper in that crew.' said Luffy.
'Can you tell me more?'
'Of course, but can we talk inside?'
'You know, we've been waiting here for quite a while and we're getting a little thirsty.' said Luffy.
'Ah, sorry. Let's go to my house.' replied Usopp.
That night, after dinner at Usopp's house
'So you came to this village because you're looking for a ship?' asked Usopp.
'That's my second goal.'
'My first goal is to meet you, Usopp. I want to invite you to join my pirate crew — which right now is still more like a bounty hunting group.' said Luffy.
'Ah, I…'
'You don't have to answer now, Usopp. We're staying on this island for a few days, so take your time to think about it. But no matter what your decision is, we'll always be friends, Usopp!' said Luffy, raising his glass of juice toward Usopp, followed by Nami and Zoro.
'....'
'Thank you, Luffy.' replied Usopp, also raising his glass.
Then they all drank the juice in their glasses together.
'About the ship, I can take you to a childhood friend of mine. His parents run a pretty big shipbuilding business in the city.' said Usopp.
'Thank you, Usopp.' said Luffy.
'No problem, Luffy. But I can't help you with the price of the ship.' replied Usopp.
'I have enough money, so don't worry about that, Usopp.'
'That's good to hear.' said Usopp.
'Alright then, Usopp, we'll be heading out.' said Luffy.
'Ah? Where are you going?' asked Usopp.
'We're going to look for a place to stay, but if we don't find one, we might just sleep on our sailboat.' replied Luffy.
'Why don't you just stay at my place? That way, we can go to my friend's place first thing in the morning.' said Usopp.
'Are you sure that's okay, Usopp?' asked Luffy.
'Yes, of course.'
Luffy then looked at Nami and Zoro, who also didn't seem to mind, and then said to Usopp, 'In that case, thank you again.'
'No need to thank me — aren't we friends?' said Usopp.