One Piece Kishi no Kabuto (Entering Paradise Arc)

[CrystalGauntlet]

The sun shone brightly over the clear blue sea as a flock of seagulls flew over a lone ship sailing toward a nearby island. In front of the ship stood a person peering through a telescope, presumably at the nearby island.

"And there it is, Loguetown."

A tall, tan-skinned man with medium-length beige hair, dotted with numerous white spots and smaller black dots at the center of each, peered through his telescope. Through it, he could see the silhouette of the town where Gold Roger was executed. After a long journey, he had finally arrived. He lowered the telescope, revealing his left gold eye and right silver eye. He wore a black long-sleeved shirt beneath a purple poncho. Below, he had on baggy, woolly sweats and hiking sandals. The man descended a ladder to enter his private chambers.

Inside, he gazed at a map spread out on his table, beside a compass and a newly acquired log pose. Next to them were many folded origami animals and objects. A crane, beetle, panda, and even a dragon. He opened a drawer and retrieved his trusty notebook, titled "Kuwagata Kagami's Planner Notebook," and began to write. "Ok, before I kick back and enjoy myself, I need to get food and supplies. After that, I need to buy some herbs and medicine, and then buy some ship parts in case my ship gets damaged," Kuwagata whispered to himself while writing before closing his notebook.
Kuwagata's peripheral vision noticed a painting on the wall. He approached it and discovered a detailed depiction of himself as a child, holding hands with a little girl. Both of them smiled in the painting. Kuwagata smiled faintly at the crooked artwork and adjusted it so it hung straight. Afterward, he headed to the ladder that led down to the kitchen.

"Alright! Then it's settled," Kuwagata said as he climbed back up the ladder. Suddenly, he remembered something important he needed to take with him. In the corner of his room stood a red staff with vantablack rings and two golden kanji symbols spelling "beetle" in the center. Kuwagata picked up the staff, twirled it, and secured it to the strap wrapped around his back. "Almost forgot about you," he chuckled to himself before docking his ship.

***

Kuwagata strolled through the massive, crowded streets. In a way, it kind of reminded him of his hometown. Which might have given him some nostalgia. "After almost a year and a half worth of training, it's good to see actual people again. Now, where to start on my shopping..."

Kuwagata looked around to find the food, medicine, and supply markets. He noticed a nearby food market. "Well, there's my first objective."

***
Kuwagata carried a bunch of large bags. Carrying the bags with ease earned him shocked looks from the crowd.

"What kind of monster is this guy?" A guy in the crowd asked, a bit frightened.

"Wow, he's so strong," a woman in the crowd sighed dreamily.

"That's like over a ton, at least that he's carrying!"

"Am I the only one who notices how unique his hair looks?"

"Those are some weird-looking sandals he has on," a small girl pointed out, pointing to his hiking sandals.

"They're called hiking sandals, kid," Kuwagata responded.

Kuwagata ignored the rest of the murmurs and entered a bar called "The Milk Bar".

***

Inside the bar, loud, drunk pirates laughed and drank to their hearts' content. Some of them sang and danced, or did both, with stupid, unfocused moves to the music. Behind the bar stood a gray-haired, middle-aged bartender, wiping a beer glass with a towel and watching the pirates get wasted at whatever celebration they were having. Kuwagata opened the doors, and the bar fell silent as he entered. The drunken men's once-happy cheers were replaced by judgmental glares and annoyed stares. Like last time, Kuwagata ignored them, walked up to the bar counter where the women stood, and carefully set his bags beside him.

"Oooh, a new face. Welcome to our humble abode, the Milk Bar. What can I get for you?" Her eyes widened slightly as she looked at Kuwagata's face; it bore a striking resemblance to his.

"A glass of milk, please," Kuwagata responded.

The woman shook off her surprise, then smirked and chuckled at that answer. "What gave it away that we served milk as well?"

"Just good intuition, I guess."

"Coming right up, and since you're new in town, the first mug is free of charge."

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

"I insist. I do it with every new face in town," The lady said with a small smile.

"Alright, if you say so. Guess I'm getting a free drink now."

The lady walked over to the liquor stand and searched for a clean mug. "Those are some pretty big bags you were carrying; you must be really strong to carry such weight."

"Oh, don't worry about that; these bags are like feathers to me."
The lady took out a mug and filled it up with milk from a barrel. "Here you go, sir, one mug of fresh milk. Enjoy."

"Thank you —"

A mug slammed down on the counter a few inches beside Kuwagata's hand. A middle-aged man with one silky eye and golden teeth stood right beside Kuwagata, getting in his face, clearly displeased with his presence.

"Hey kid, Hic, this whole place has been reserved for me and my crew only, scram!" The pirate spat the last word with venom and ferocity. The other pirates in the bar sweat, knowing what's coming.

"Hope the kid knows what's good for him," One of the pirates whispered.

"I hope the kid just leaves; the captain is very scary when he is interrupted while drunk."

Despite the vocal threat and the pirates' whispering, Kuwagata remained seated and unmoving.

"Hey, leave him alone, he ain't bothering any-."

A sword was pressed up against the woman's neck by the captain.

"Unless you value your life, lady, I would recommend that you stay out of this and continue being a pretty little face."

The woman sweated, gulping a little before the captain removed the sword from her neck.

Kuwagata looked at the woman and smiled. "It's okay, miss, I've got this."

The captain was getting more annoyed and pissed off. "Hey! Are you deaf!? I said, ' Scram!"

"I heard you the first time. I just chose to ignore you."

The captain violently grabbed Kuwagata by the side of his scarf, jacket, and shirt. "Listen here, boy, I don't like your attitude. And it seems you don't know who you're talking to." The one-eyed captain pulled out a wanted poster for the captain and shoved it in Kuwagata's face. "I'm the captain of the Cross-X pirates. My bounty is nineteen million berries. I have slain countless strong pirates; no one is strong enough to stop me, not even that all-talk marine, Smoker."

Kuwagata moved to look at the man and slapped the poster out of his hand. "Look, that sounds great and all, but I only came here to enjoy a nice mug of milk, so we can either move on from this without any conflict, or some bruises are going to have to be inflicted, and I really hope you choose the former."

A vein bulged from the right side of the captain's face. He pulled Kuwagata out of his seat and drove a gut punch into him. The pirate captain screamed the moment his fist made physical contact with Kuwagata's stomach. The captain fell to his knees and grabbed his now-shattered hand in pain; it was like punching a titanium wall.

"Wh-what the hell are you made of!?" The captain demanded.

Kuwagata looked down and smirked. "Just have tough skin."

The captain was now at his patience limit. "Pirates! Kill him!!!" The captain drew his sword with his good hand as the other pirates charged at Kuwagata, their swords drawn, yet Kuwagata just stood there. They closed the distance between them.

Kuwagata, with one hand, grabbed Yuurei and gave it a twirl before he swung it, hitting one of the pirates right in the cheek with bone-crushing force that sent him flying across the bar and crashing through some tables and shattering glass mugs, before flying out through the entrance doors of the bar and making a huge crater on a brick wall. Kuwagata got up from his chair and stared down the rest of the crew, motioning them to face him if they were up for the task.

The captain watched in stunned silence, afraid of this random guy's strength. He watched his crewmates shaking in their boots before he snapped out of his fear and yelled at his subordinates. "What are you waiting for?! I said, Kill him!!!"

The subordinates reluctantly charged at Kuwgata with guttural screams and their swords raised high to strike at him.

Kuwagata felt as if everything was moving in slow motion, and with a low sigh, he muttered one word under his breath: "Idiots…"

***

All of the pirates lay sprawled on the ground, unconscious with huge bumps on their heads. Kuwagata put Yuurei behind his back, under the strap, and sighed. The woman was amazed by the display of how fast and easily this random guy took out the pirates with just Yuurei.

"So much for that nineteen-million bounty," Kuwagata said while dusting off his scarf and jacket. Kuwagata turned around to see the women looking at him with amazement.

"Well, damn kid, it's not every day that I see a random stranger come up here and completely wipe out an entire pirate crew."

"Yeah, I guess so, though I do apologize for wrecking the place a bit...um, what's your name, miss?"

"Just call me Asami."

"Right, I apologize for wrecking this place a bit, Asami-san," Kuwagata bows.

Asami shrugged, "Eh, it's just a broken chair or two, nothing that I can't replace."

"I see. By the way, who is this Captain Smoker that I've been hearing about from this town?"

"Smoker? He's kind of the town's protector. He's a marine that has been rumored to have Devil Fruit powers, specifically a Logia, the most powerful Devil Fruit type."
Kuwagata raised an eyebrow, interested in this Smoker guy. "Wow, he sounds like a very strong and respected person."

"You're damn right, kid. Ever since he came to this town, the number of pirates who come visit here has dropped drastically. Though I guess that doesn't mean he can stop every pirate, since..." Asami motioned to the pirates scattered around the bar.

Kuwagata flinched. "Oh, I can take care of that."

***

In the center of the bar, all of the unconscious pirates were tied up in the center of the bar. Kuwagata finished tying the final knot and dusted off his hands.

"Well, that takes care of that. I guess this Captain Smoker is going to take care of the rest." Kuwagata continued to dust himself off.

Asami took a good look at the faces of the now-beaten pirate crew. She looked at Kuwagata with a toothy smile, "Damn kid, you hit them hard, didn't you?" \\

Kuwagata frowned, "Well, they were putting their noses where they shouldn't be, so I had to do something about it."

Asami's face drooped a little. "I didn't get to say it earlier, but thank you."

Kuwagata raised a brow. "For what?"

Asami smiled lightly. "For saving me and my bar, of course."

Kuwagata scratched his head in embarrassment. "It was nothing, just trying to help as many people in need."

Asami stopped chuckling when she remembered something. "Oh, right! I still have to give you your mug!"

***

"What is this?" Kuwagata held a sheet of paper with his two fingers. It was an old recipe for a milk beverage that Asami had just given him.

"The recipe for our world-famous milk!" Asami smiled at Kuwagata.

"But why give this to a random stranger like me?" Kuwagata asked her.

"Let's just say that you remind me of an old customer of mine," Asami said, pointing a finger and winking at Kuwagata.

"And it's the least I can do for you after saving my life...and my bar."

"Are you sure about this? This is an old family recipe that you're giving away to someone you just met."

"Don't worry, I remember the recipe by heart, and I have a spare copy. Plus, I don't have any children of my own." Asami said the last part quickly.

"What?"

"Nothing important! Now I believe that you should get going, before Smoker comes along and possibly starts interrogating you."

***

"It was good to meet you. I hope I get to see you again!" Kuwagata shouted as he left the bar, waving at Asami.
Asami waved back. "I hope to see you again as well! You're welcome here anytime!"
After Kuwagata was out of sight, Asami lowered her hand and formed a melancholy smile on her face. 'He looked just like him,' Asami reminisced about her days with her friend.

***

A younger Asami was serving a man who bore a striking resemblance to Kuwagata. However, instead of beige hair, he had black hair, and both of his eyes were silver. He wore a headband around his forehead.

Behind him, most of Shirokane's crew drank heavily and had a good time, singing poorly in the background. Others gulped down mugs of sake, laughing as they talked.
The milk bar's interior was brighter, shinier, and livelier than it is now.

Asami placed a mug of milk in front of him. "Here you go, Shirokane, your usual as always."

Shirokane smiled widely. "Thanks, Asami, I've been dying to have this milk again!"

Asami rested her arms on the table and propped her head up with them. "So what brings my favorite customer here after so long?"

"Nothing special, I just thought my crew and I could just take a break and see my old friend."

Asami gave him the look that only Shirokane and his crew would know. "Shirokane, I know when you are hiding something from me."

Shirokane swallowed the lump in his throat, then sighed in defeat. "Well, ever since my wife had gotten pregnant with our child, I was thinking about retiring and disbanding my crew so I could be there for my family." Shirokane's expression fell more melancholy. "I just hope my crew will understand my choice and accept it, even though it will be painful to split up."

Asami stood there, a bit surprised by this sudden change of heart. It wasn't like him to make such a bold decision to quit the profession he is widely known for. For as long as Asami had known Shirokane, he was proud to call himself a full-blooded pirate through and through.

Not just any pirate, either. Shirokane D. Oukoku was one of the Four Emperors of the Sea, a man whose name struck fear in the core of the Grand Line, yet here he was, talking about walking away from it all for his wife and unborn child.

"That's... a pretty big decision that you're making," Asami said, her eyes slightly wide from the info she'd just received.

"I know, but I have made up my mind; I'm going to tell them the big news when we set sail tomorrow. I just wanted you to know about it first."

"What made you have a change of heart all of a sudden? The Shirokane I know would never think about settling down for a family." Asami said, smirking at him.

"I guess love works in mysterious ways," Shirokane said, shrugging.

"Well, you have my full support on this decision. If that's what you want to do, then do it," Asami said and patted Shirokane on the shoulder.

"Do you support me enough to finally give me your Leche Dulce recipe?" Shirokane said, dumbly smiling at Asami.

"Don't push it," Asami said sternly.

"I expected that, but thank you, Asami; you're a great friend."

"Hey, a friend is supposed to be there for each other; I'm just doing what any friend should do."

Afterward, they both laughed and kept celebrating, enjoying each other's company. Shirokane and Asami were joined by two other people. One was a female fishman with short scarlet hair, wearing a kimono over a sleeveless shirt. Next to her was a pale-skinned and purple-haired man who wore a gray sweatsuit, boots, and black gloves.

Shirokane wrapped his arms around them. "Hibiki! Ryuji! Join us in our conversation!"

Hibiki sighed, smirking at her captain. "You're always like this when we come here."

"I mean, I don't mind," Ryuji said.

"Of course you wouldn't," Hibiki giggled.

Ryuji narrowed his eyes. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Alright, you two, knock it off." Shirokane sighed, "I swear, you guys are always so competitive against each other."

"Hey, it's not my fault that he thinks he's stronger than me, even though I have a higher bounty than him!"

"I had a higher bounty when I joined your crew!"

"And that all changed the very next time our bounties got updated!"

"You want me to punch your head off, Fish brain!?"

"With pleasure, Lavender head!"

*BAM* *BAM*

Large bumps formed on both Hibiki and Ryuji's heads. Shirokane's fists clenched, smoke curling from them.

"I told you to knock it off!"

"Sorry, captain…" Hibiki and Ryuji apologized at once.

Asami laughed out loud, "Looks like you two pushed your captain's buttons again!"

The rest of the night continued with laughter and fun times. Unfortunately, that was the last time they would stay under the same roof.

***

Asami chuckled and leaned against the wall of her bar. She looked up at the sky and crossed her arms.

Asami re-entered her bar through a door located behind the bar desk that led to her house. The house was nothing remarkable; it had a kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and all the essentials for daily living, plus some personal decorations to spice it up. She turned left and entered her bedroom. Crouching, she pulled an old, rusty treasure chest from beneath her bed. Most of the paint had peeled off, and the old wood chipped away. Carefully, she undid the latches, which clicked open, and fully opened the chest. Inside, she found a Jolly Roger flag, featuring a platinum skull surrounded by water.

A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she held the Jolly Rodger close to her chest. "Fate works in mysterious ways, huh, Shirokane?"

***

Kuwagata began putting away his belongings on his ship. First, he placed the food in the kitchen. Next, he stored the medicine and herbs in the medicine cabinet. Finally, he put the ship parts in the ship's bunker. "Alright, that takes care of the shopping. Now it's time to explore the rest of Loguetown and see what else the town has to offer."

Kuwagata stepped off his ship and onto the plank, ready to explore the rest of Loguetown for the day. Strolling through the bustling streets, he searched for something that piqued his interest. He passed by the usual food stands, clothing shops, supply stores, and the local marine base. None of these places stood out, but he noticed a clothing shop that caught his eye, mainly because it was selling ponchos.

As Kuwagata entered the store, he saw a girl with orange hair in front of him, holding numerous shopping bags filled with clothes. She seemed almost familiar to him. However, before he could think further, the cashier noticed Kuwagata and greeted him warmly.

"Ah! Welcome, sir. Take some time to see what you want to buy." The cashier said.

"Hm?" The orange-haired lady turned around to see who was behind her, her eyes widening and her jaw dropping a little when she saw who it was.
"Thanks, I'll take my ti-." Kuwagata stopped mid-sentence when he locked eyes with the person who was in front of him.

The same girl who, on that fateful day, took all of the money he had on his journey. Kuwagata, who normally had a pleasant demeanor, changed to a look of silent anger. The orange-haired girl gulped, knowing Kuwagata wasn't the same guy he was the last time they met. She couldn't explain why, but she felt his aura was strong, even stronger than Arlong's.

The silence was deafening as the two stared at each other until the orange-haired lady spoke up. "O-oh! It's you! How have you been, friend? It's me, your best friend, Nami! It's been a while since we last saw each other. How have you been?"

Kuwagata, not buying it for a second, decided to play along. "Oh, nothing much, a bit of traveling, training, and getting my financial life back in check after a certain someone stole all of my money."

Nami gulped at the last thing he said; he clearly hadn't forgotten what happened over two years ago. "Hey, I know we had a bit of a rough time the last time we met, and I may have thrown you under the bus, but that was over a year ago, and I'm a changed woman now, so can we just let bygones be bygones and go our separate ways? Heh..." She knew there was no way out.

"Give me my money back," Kuwagata said sternly.

"Oh, your money? Well, funny thing, the money is gone, sorry! Nami blurted the last part quickly as she dropped her bags, ran past Kuwagata, left the store, and ran for her life.

Kuwagata sighed at her escape attempt.

***

Nami ran as fast as she could from the shop; she pushed civilians aside, desperate to get away from him. She spotted a nearby narrow alleyway and dashed in to hide from him. She peeked out, looking left, then right, to see if Kuwagata had followed her, but there was no sign of him in this area. With the coast clear, she leaned back against the wall and put her hands on her knees, catching her breath after all that sprinting. "Okay, I think I lost him."

"Oh, did you, now?" A shadowy figure loomed over Nami, saying with the voice of the male Nami was trying to get away from.

"Yeah, I guess I was overreacting over nothing, hmph, all bark but no bite," Nami muttered smugly, still bent over catching her breath.

"Oh, so that's what you think of me?"

Nami's eyes went wide as saucers when she realized who the shadowy figure was. She turned her head and confirmed it was Kuwagata, arms crossed, leaning against the wall. Nami backed out of the alleyway, and Kuwagata walked toward her. "L-look, I know what I did was pretty bad on my part —"

"That was two million berries worth of gold you stole," Kuwagata said.

Nami stuttered, trying to find a way out. "I-If you let me go, I'll show you my breasts for twenty percent off!"

Kuwagata stared at Nami's desperate attempts with a blank expression, "...Really?"

"...Thirty percent off?"

"Enough of this, just give me back my money."

Before Kuwagata could interrogate her further, a black shoe flew toward his head, but Yuurei blocked it. A man in a black tuxedo, with blond hair covering his right eye and a cigarette in his mouth, jumped off Yuurei and landed on his feet next to Nami.

"Head back to the others, Nami. I'll handle this bastard myself." The blonde man said to Nami.

Nami nodded and dashed off in the opposite direction. The blonde man glared at Kuwagata, who now held Yuurei in a defensive stance.

"Who are you?" Kuwagata asked.

The guy in the tuxedo pulled out a lighter from his pocket and lit his cigarette. He took a long inhale, then blew the smoke out. "I'm the guy who is going to kick your ass. Now let me ask you a question: hasn't your mother ever taught you that it is wrong to harass a lady?" He asked the question harshly.

"I can say with certainty that I wasn't going to do anything malicious to her; all I was doing was asking for the two million berries she wrongfully stole from me," Kuwagata tried to reassure him, but the guy in the tuxedo wouldn't listen.

"Shut up! You're worse than that! As far as I'm concerned, you deserved every single berry you had taken away from you!" He assumed a stance resembling a leg-style martial arts stance.

Kuwagata, knowing there was no way out, took an offensive position, ready to fight him. It was a good thing they were in a more secluded part of town; now Kuwagata could fight without worrying about innocent bystanders getting hurt, or worse.

The blonde man shot forward, drew his foot back, and channeled energy into it before yelling, "Mouton!" Kuwagata braced for impact and blocked the flurry of kicks with his weapon, Yuurei. He pushed the blonde man off, sending him airborne as he crashed to the ground. The blonde man gritted his teeth as he charged at Kuwagata again, ready for another attack. He leaped into the air, raising his foot for a roundhouse kick aimed straight at Kuwagata's neck.

"Collier!"

Kuwagata immediately blocked the kick and jumped above the blonde man, striking him on the head. The blonde man went crashing into the concrete below them. Kuwagata landed next to the mini crater where the blonde man lay and turned his back for a moment. However, he quickly spun around when the same man got up again.

The blonde man huffed, "You're going to regret that, bastard."

Kuwagata sighed, "If you really want to do this, then so be it. I enjoy a good fight anyway."

"I'm going to be king of the piraaaaates!!!!!"

The two stopped midway through their charge and looked in the direction the voice came from; then lightning struck from the same place.

"What the heck?" Kuwagata said in confusion.

"Damn it!" I'll deal with you later!" The blond guy ran off to where the lightning struck down.

Kuwagata watched him disappear into the crowd ahead, then backed up slowly in the opposite direction.

***

Kuwagata stood in front of the ship adorned with a large goat head at the front, holding a big white cloth in his left hand. This had to be the ship that Nami and that Tuxedo guy sailed on. As he docked his vessel, he remembered seeing a blond guy and another with green hair arguing as they walked off the ship. Kuwagata intended to rob this ship and take the money he believed he was owed. He knew this was wrong, but at that moment, he didn't care. After what Nami had done to him over two years ago, he felt this was the least he could do to get his revenge. He jumped high and landed flawlessly on the ship's rails, scanning his surroundings to see if anyone was on board.

'Looks like the coast is clear,' Kuwagata thought.

He jumped off the rails and started searching the ship for where the gold was stashed. "Think, Kuwagata, if I were gold, where would I be stashed..." Kuwagata searched the bedrooms, private chambers, kitchen, and even the bathroom, but found nothing. He decided to return to one of the private chambers to see if the gold was hidden in there.

*CREEK*

He accidentally put more weight on his right leg, and one of the wooden planks rose. Kuwagata removed the false plank, and there it was, the stashed gold in all of its shiny glory. "Bingo." He laid out the cloth and placed the gold on it. He collected until it filled the cloth.

"That should be enough debt to pay." Kuwagata folds the cloth around the gold, ties it into a knot, and effortlessly hoists the huge bag of gold behind his back with one hand. Kuwagata heads out of the private chamber and makes his way off the ship before they catch him.

"Please don't steal it."

Kuwagata stopped in his tracks and looked around frantically. It sounded like someone was speaking in his mind, which confused and annoyed him a bit. "Who's there!? Who said that!?"

"Please don't steal their treasure."

Kuwagata hesitated, almost letting go of the bag, but quickly regained his composure and tightened his grip. "I refuse to let another voice in my head stop me from leaving."

Kuwagata jumped out of the ship and landed on the dock. Unfortunately for him, others were there to see him jump off their ship.

"That's the guy I was talking about!"

Kuwagata turned around and saw five people standing in front of him, each displaying a different expression. Three of them were familiar to him: Nami, who looked shocked; the serious, angry blonde guy; and the green-haired swordsman, who also looked serious. The other two were unfamiliar to Kuwagata. One was a guy with a long nose, whose legs were shaking badly, and who was sweating profusely. Finally, in the center stood a guy with a straw hat, wearing an unreadable expression.

"And he's stealing our money!" Nami shouted, pointing at the large bag he was carrying.

"Bastard, you planned to steal our gold from the start! Didn't you?" The blond guy took a fighting stance.

Kuwagata raised his hand in defense and pointed at Nami. "Relax, I only stole enough gold that this woman over there stole from me."

"Leave Nami out of this!" The blond guy shouted, stepping in front of Nami.

"That's more than enough reason to kick his butt!" Nami shouted.

"Yo, captain, do you want us to take care of him?" The green-haired swordsman asked the straw hat guy.

"For once, I agree with Mosshead."

"Shut it, curly brows!" The green-haired swordsman said angrily at the blonde.

"Y-yeah, and I could unleash my thousand-man army on this guy!" The long-nose guy said, fumbling for words.

"Wait, let him go, guys." The straw hat guy said.
"Eeeehhh!?!?" the rest of his crew, minus the swordsman, screamed in shock and confusion.

"You can't be serious, Luffy!" The blond guy shouted.

"Luffy, you'd better have some plan up your sleeve!" Nami screamed at the now-named straw hat guy.

"There is no plan; he is no threat, and I can sense that he has no ill intent," Luffy said to his crew.

"Well, if that's what the captain said," the green-haired guy said, releasing his grip on one of his swords.

"Tch, fine." The blonde guy begrudgingly listened to his captain.

"Come on, Luffy, you can't let him take our gold!" Nami tried to plead with Luffy, but to no avail.

"Well, if you guys are going to just stand there, I will be taking my leave now. We will probably never meet again." Kuwagata walked past the five crew members and headed back to his ship.

Unfortunately, fate has different plans for our beetle-type friend. Kuwagata noticed a bunch of Marines running toward him. In the center of the lower-ranking Marines was a guy with white hair and two cigars. Based on what the civilians described, Kuwagata guessed this was Captain Smoker. Smoker stood a few inches away from Kuwagata, staring at him as if he were silently judging him. It didn't last long, though, when Smoker pulled out his jitte and pointed it at Kuwagata's forehead.

"Is this another recruited crewmate of yours, Straw Hat!?" Smoker shouted out at Luffy with his gruff voice.

"Oh, this is all a big misunderstanding, I'm not-"

"Yeah, he's part of our crew!"

Kuwagata looked at Luffy in shock, confusion, and disbelief at what he had just said.

"I see, Marines, capture them!"

The Marines started shooting at them, and Kuwagata, who jumped back to avoid the bullets, accidentally dropped the bag of gold in the water.

"No! Not the gold!!!" Nami shouted as she ran and crouched to the spot where the gold dropped. One of the Marines aimed their rifle at Nami.

Kuwagata, seeing this, moved as if his body had a mind of its own and hardened his skin to deflect the bullets in front of her. Nami looked up at Kuwagata, surprised at what he had just done.

"You...saved me?" Nami asked.

"Don't get it twisted, my body moved on its own," Kuwagata said.

A stretched-out hand grabbed Nami, and with a yelp, Luffy pulled her onto the ship, stretching his hand to pull in the others as well.

Kuwagata sensed the other bullets coming his way. He dodged them and, in a last-ditch effort, tried to convince the marines he wasn't part of their crew.

"You got the wrong idea, guys, I'm not even a pirate, just a simple —" Kuwagata is then pulled back by Luffy, extending his arm again and pulling into the ship as well.

"Alright, guys, set sail!!!" Luffy screamed at the top of his lungs.

The ship's sail unfurled, letting them escape quickly from the Marines, who tried to shoot it down, until they were too far out at sea.

 

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Thanks!

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

Kuwagata hit his head on the pole holding the Jolly Roger as Luffy pulled him into the ship, knocking Him out. A large bump formed on his head, and his eyes became pure white.

***

The crew circled the unconscious guy lying on the floor, wondering what to do with him.

"So…what should we do with this guy?" The green-haired swordsman asked.

"Well, I vote to throw him off the ship!!" Nami yelled out.

"I agree with Nami-san!!!" The blonde-haired man said, his eyes turning into hearts as he waved his arms.

"I don't care what you guys do as long as he isn't a threat," the long-nosed man said.

"Take him to the bedrooms," Luffy ordered.

"What!?!?! Why!?!?!" Nami and the tuxedo guy shouted at the same time.

"I said take him to the bedroom hammocks," Luffy ordered again.

Nami punched him in the head, not liking anything her captain was saying.

"Are you Crazy!? In case you hadn't noticed, this was the guy who stole and lost most of our gold!" Nami shouted.

Luffy slowly got up from the blow and rubbed the bump on his head. "I know that you're all not so thrilled about my decision, but I just have a gut feeling that we should keep him on board the ship. Until then, I want all of you to treat him like he's a part of the crew."

The rest of the crew mostly reacted negatively, except for the swordsman, who seemed to stay neutral throughout.

"Hey, Zoro, Sanji, carry him," Luffy said

"Whatever you say, Captain." The green-haired, now named Zoro, obliged.

"Hell no! I won't help someone who tried to assault Nami-san!" The blonde man, now known as Sanji, stubbornly refused.

"Okay, Usopp, help Zoro."

"What!? Why me!?" The long-nosed man, now named Usopp, asked loudly in a panic.

"Because no one else will." Luffy bluntly said

"F-fine, but if he wakes up and starts wreaking havoc, I'm blaming this all on you!" Usopp helps Zoro, and they both carry Kuwagata to the bedroom hammocks.

***

Kuwagata opens his eyes slowly. His vision blurs for a second before his eyes fully adjust to the light. When his vision clears, he finds himself lying on a hammock in a room full of hammocks. He got up from the hammock and rubbed his head in slight pain, clearly still feeling the aftereffects from hitting his head hard.

"Ugh, where am I?" Kuwagata spotted the door and stepped off the ship, finding himself outside the Straw Hat Pirates' ship.

From what he saw, Zoro was sleeping at the left end of the ship, Usopp was working on an invention, and Luffy was sitting on a goat's head.

Usopp was the first to notice him and freaked out.

"Guys! He's awake!" Usopp yelled, waking Zoro.

"Huh, wha-?" Zoro said in confusion, until he also noticed Kuwagata coming down the stairs.

"Oh, look, you're finally awake," Zoro said to Kuwagata nonchalantly.

Luffy stretched out his arm to grab one of the poles, slingshotted himself toward Kuwagata, and landed perfectly on his feet a few inches away from the confused guy.

"I see you're finally awake! Welcome aboard our ship! My name is Monkey D. Luffy! The guy with the swords is Zoro, the guy with the long nose is Usopp, the girl with the orange hair is Nami, and the guy who doesn't like you is Sanji!" Luffy said with his unwavering bright smile.

Kuwagata looked at Luffy, confused, mostly because not only is he on a ship that isn't his, but their captain is welcoming him with open arms, the total opposite of the others. "What happened, and why am I here?"

"You're on my ship after I saved you from that Smoker guy!" Luffy said

"...And how long have I been out?" Kuwagata asked

Luffy thought for a minute and placed his hand under his chin.

"Hmm…About six hours, give or take."

"Six hours!? But my ship and all of my stuff are in Loguetown! Please, you need to take me back!" Kuwagata freaked out and begged.

"Sorry, buddy, but unless you want the Marines to arrest you, you're stuck here with us," Zoro said, then thought for a moment. "Now that I think about it, they think you're part of our crew; they probably have already put a bounty on your head now," Zoro said, slyly smirking at him.

Kuwagata slumped to the floor, realizing he might be a wanted man now. "But I'm not a pirate…I'm just a traveler…" Kuwagata said hopelessly.

"Don't worry, new guy! Being a pirate is a million times better than being a simple traveler! Once you get used to your new life, you'll never want to go back!" Luffy said, slapping Kuwagata's back.

Nami walked out of the kitchen, with Sanji right behind her, eyes like hearts.

"Alright, guys, we're on course to Reverse Mou-"

Nami stopped mid-sentence when she saw Kuwagata slumped on the floor in pure despair. Nami freaked out and hid behind Sanji.

"Please protect me, Sanji!"

"Anything for you, Nami-san!" Sanji swooningly said.

Sanji's eyes returned to normal as he looked back at Kuwagata.

"You're lucky that my captain wanted to keep you on board; otherwise, I would have tossed you into the sea myself."

Nami quickly entered the room she'd come from, with Sanji still swooning over her.

Luffy crouched to Kuwagata's level, his smile still wide and unwavering.

"So, what's your name, spotty hair?" Luffy asked nonchalantly.

Kuwagata slowly raised his gaze to meet Luffy's gaze. "You took me onto your ship against my will, and you think I'm going to tell you my name?" Kuwagata asked Luffy in disbelief.

"Yes."

"...It's Kuwagata"

"Nice to have you aboard, Kabuto!"

"What? No! It's Kuwagata!"

Luffy tilts his head in confusion.

"Isn't that what I said?"

"No, you said Kabuto; it's Kuwagata! Ku-wa-ga-ta!"

"That's what I said, Kabuto!"

"No! My name is Stag-beetle, not Rhinoceros-Beetle, damn it!"

"...What's the difference?"

Kuwagata gives up on trying to correct him and slumps back to the ground.

"Oh, forget it…hmm?"

Kuwagata got up and raised his hand as if letting something small land on it.

"What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" Zoro asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kuwagata rushed to one side of the ship, hoping the waves were still running. Unfortunately, not everyone's wishes come true. Kuwagata looked down at the water, and to his horror, the water was still.

"Oh, no…"

"What's wrong, Kabuto?"

Kuwagata looked at them with panic in his eyes. "Guys, I think we're in the…"

Nami bursts through the door, with Sanji behind her. She has the same panicked expression. "Guys, we've accidentally entered the calm belt!"

"...What's a calm belt?" Luffy asked

"You don't know what the calm belt is!?" Kuwagata asked in disbelief.

"Should we?" Zoro asked

Kuwagata facepalmed. "For the love of—look, between the grandline, there are two ocean belts called the calm belts, which is where we are stuck right now."

"It's called the calm belt, right? And it's pretty peaceful here, so what's the problem here?" Zoro asked.

"The problem is that there are no water currents here; we're sitting ducks here!" Nami explained.

Kuwagata started. "But the worst part is…"

Kuwagata was interrupted when multiple sea kings emerged from the water, looking at the ship hungrily.

"This is the home of the sea kings!" Kuwagata shouted, freaking out with the rest of the Straw Hat crew.

"Do you guys have any paddles!?" Kuwagata frantically asked them.

"Already have them!" Sanji and Zoro spoke at the same time.

Kuwagata sensed something larger. "Guys, we've got a bigger company!"

Another sea creature burst from the sea, forcing the ship back and the other sea kings to move out of the way. It was ten times bigger than all
the other sea creatures, and they lowered their bodies in fear.

"What the heck is that!?" Usopp asked, completely terrified.

Nami mumbled, equally terrified, tears pouring down her face as she gave a despairing smile.

"What are you trying to say, Nami?" Zoro asked.

"This is even worse than all of these sea creatures combined! This is a sea emperor. They are at least ten times stronger and sturdier than your average sea king. But judging by its eyes and skin, it's probably even tougher than that!" Nami blurted out.

"That's not good," Sanji said, sweating

Zoro readied his blades. "Looks like our only way is through them."

Luffy raised his fists, readying an attack. "One gum-gum pistol should do the trick!" Luffy punched the Sea Emperor… nothing happened. "Huh, guess I'll have to use a stronger attack!"

"Luffy, you idiot!" Nami shouted.

The massive creature glared down at the ship, clearly furious about Luffy's actions. The sea emperor lunged at the vessel, preparing to swallow it whole. It opened its jaws wide.

Kuwagata launched himself into the air and drove his fist straight between the creature's eyes. The impact cracked across the Calm Belt like thunder. The Sea Emperor's pupils rolled back, its massive body tipping backward before crashing into the ocean with a tidal splash.

Nami watched in shock and disbelief. "No way…he took it down in one hit…"

"Wow, he's strong," Luffy said with a wide smile.

Kuwagata turned sharply to the Straw Hats. "Paddle, like your lives depend on it, because they do!" Kuwagata shouted to Zoro and Sanji.

"Don't tell me what to do!" Zoro and Sanji spoke simultaneously again.

The two paddled as fast as they could and escaped the calm belt.

***

After a few minutes of paddling, they were back on the ocean current near Reverse Mountain. The Straw Hats and Kuwagata huff and puff after that scary event.

"We made it back to the ocean currents…" Nami said, spotting the red line in the distance

"Guys, I see the red line ahead!"

The rest of the Straw Hats and Kuwagata looked ahead in amazement.

"Whoa!!! It's massive!!!" Luffy shouted out.

"Wow, you can't even see the top of it from these clouds," Kuwagata said.

"Wait a minute."

Nami spotted the Red Line's entrance. It looked like the water was going up the mountain instead of down.

"The entrance to the waterway is going up! We have to go up the mountain!" Nami shouted.

"I can't believe my eyes…" Zoro said

"It's quite the sight," Sanji said with a smirk.

"Alright! Get a good grip on the rudder, guys!" Luffy shouted out

"On it, Captain!" Sanji and Usopp said and entered the room with the rudder.

Holding the ship steady, they successfully entered the mountain.

"We made iiiiiit!!!" Luffy shouted from the top of his rubber lungs.

The Straw Hats celebrated for a little while, and Kuwagata stood there, feeling like the crew's third wheel. So much has happened to him in so little time.

Luffy stretched his arm, looped it around Kuwagata's neck, and pulled him in.

"Come on, Kabuto! Lighten up! We made it!"

Kuwagata can't help but smile as he celebrates with Luffy.

The ship reaches the peak of the reverse mountain. With how fast the ship is going, the ship launches off the mountain a little.

Kuwagata looked in utter awe at the beautiful view: the sky, the sparkling water in the air, and the rainbow the water had created. The whole
view was like a photo waiting to be taken.

The ship stayed in the air a little longer before landing back on the descending part of the reverse mountain at great speed.

"Guys, I can see the Grand Line from here!" Luffy shouted to his crew.

*GROOOOOOO*

Kuwagata immediately covered his ears in pain.

"Hey, what's wrong with you suddenly?" Zoro asked.

Kuwagata squinted at the descending waterfall, and his face shifted from pain to shock and fear. "Guys, we need to stop this ship, right now!"

"We don't take orders from you!" Sanji shouted

"I don't think he's lying; I can hear it too," Zoro objected.

Sanji used a pair of binoculars to see what was causing the noise.

"I hate to agree with Mosshead, but I am starting to see he's not lying. I see some kind of mountain up ahead!" Sanji said, looking ahead as well.

"Don't be ridiculous, there should be no mountains right in front of the entrance!"

"Guys, it's not a mountain…" Kuwagata said, dread on his face.

The fog cleared, and the thought-to-be mountain wasn't a mountain at all; instead, it was a—

"It's a giant whale!" They all shouted in unison.

"We need to slow down this ship immediately!" Kuwagata shouted at them.

"Idiot, we don't have enough time to slow this ship!" Sanji shouted at him.

"Then our only option is to go around it quickly!"

Sanji, Zoro, and Usopp rushed to the rudder and turned the ship tight. Unfortunately, the water currents weren't exactly cooperating.

"It's no use, the water currents are too strong to make a hard turn!" Nami shouted in horror.

"Don't give up, just keep turning right!" Zoro shouted.

"Don't you think that's what I'm doing!?" Sanji angrily asked him.

The ship got closer and closer to the massive whale.

"We're going to crash!" Usopp yelled out.

Luffy fired a cannon from the ship, hitting the whale's lower body with a massive explosion. The shot slowed the ship significantly, but the Going Merry's head hit the whale and flew off toward Kuwagata, who caught it with both hands.

"W-Who fired that shot?" Kuwagata asked.

"No! Not my special seat!" Luffy yelled, clutching his temples, then stormed out of one of the rooms, an enraged look on his face.

Kuwagata didn't want to think any further. "Quick, steer the ship to the right before it notices us!"

They steered the ship and passed the whale; it looked like they were about to succeed until…

"How dare you ruin my favorite seat!" Luffy shouted, winding up his fist, then drove the punch into the whale's eye. To say the rest of the crew and Kuwagata were in total despair would be an understatement.

"That's what you get for wrecking the Going Merry! If you think that's all you're getting, well, you're —"

"Shut up!" Kuwagata punched Luffy hard in the head, knocking him to the ground.

The whale lets out a mighty roar again, and since Kuwagata can't take that much noise up close, he falls unconscious to the ground.

***

Kuwagata slowly opens his eyes to a peaceful blue sky and the sound of calm water.

"Is this heaven?" Kuwagata groggily asked himself.

"Oh, you're finally awake. Welcome back to the land of the living," Zoro said.

"Huh?"

Kuwagata sat up to take in his surroundings.

"Where are we?"

"Inside the whale, apparently," Zoro said.

"We got eaten? This isn't what I had in mind for what the inside of a whale looked like."

"Young man, there are plenty of things you don't understand about this world."

Kuwagata stood up and saw a small island with an elderly man sitting in a chair, staring intensely at him.

"Um, right…uh, who are you and where are we?"

The man stared at him with the same intense look that made him uncomfortable.

"Don't you know it's rude to ask someone's name before—"

"Stop doing that already!!!!" The Straw Hats yell at the old man.

"As I said before, it's a running gag!" The old man retorts.

"Did I miss something?" Kuwagata asked, all confused

"Don't worry about it; all you need to know is that that man's name is Crocus, and we're stuck inside this whale with no visible exit in sight," Zoro explained.

"Oh, the exit is right over there."

Crocus pointed to the large door gates behind the ship.

"It was right behind us the whole time!?" The Straw Hats shouted in unison.

"...That was easy," Kuwagata said.

"Wait, we can't leave this place without Luffy," Zoro informed his crewmates.

"Yeah, but we don't know where he is," Sanji said.

The entire area starts shaking, and the water, or more specifically, the acid here, moves rapidly, creating huge waves.

"What's going on!?"

"Damn it, it's too early!" Crocus said in worry.

Crocus suddenly dived into the acid, shocking Kuwagata and the Straw Hats.

"Is he insane!? That's acid!" Kuwagata shouted.

Crocus emerged from the acid, climbed a ladder beside the gates, and entered through the door at the top.

"That's one tough guy…"

A while later, the rumbling and waves ceased.

"Looks like the whale has calmed down," Nami said.

"Can someone please tell me what's going on?" Kuwagata asked.

The Straw Hats summarized Laboom and his past to Kuwagata.

"Wow, that is very heart-touching, a whale still waiting for his friends even after all those years."

"I said the same thing!" Usopp agreed.

Suddenly, Luffy and two other strangers burst through the doors with Crocus. One was a girl with long blue hair, and the other was a guy with the number nine on both cheeks.

"Oh, hey gu-"

Luffy didn't have time to finish his sentence when he and the others fell into the acid.

"Luffy!!!" The Straw Hats shouted out at their captain.

***

Kuwagata tied up the now-named Mr. Nine and Ms. Wednesday. Now the latter two are surrounded by the Straw Hats and Kuwagata, the latter with a half-lidded expression, looking love-struck at the blue-haired girl, who was uncomfortable with him being so close to her.

"So, you two were the cause of Laboom's tantrum," Kuwagata said.

"That's right! We need that whale to feed our entire village, and we would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for that rubbery brat!" Mr. Nine said.

"These guys are despicable," Usopp said.

They got free from their bindings and stood close to the edge of the mountain.

"It's been fun, but we have to go," Ms. Wednesday said.

"Hasta La Vista!"

They both jumped into the ocean and swam away.

"Um, should we stop them?" Kuwagata asked.

"Let them go; they aren't a threat to us," Zoro nonchalantly said, sitting on the ground with his hands behind his head.

"But I wanted the blue chick to come with us…" Sanji said, distraught.

"Seriously?" Kuwagata said, narrowing his eyes at Sanji.

"Shut up, dirty mop! You don't get to criticize me!" Sanji yelled.

"Dirty mop?" Kuwagata thought to himself about the strange name.

"What's with the sudden nickname?"

"Well, for starters, you're tall, your hair is long, and those white dots make your hair look extremely filthy!"

The Straw Hats and Kuwagata jumped up in surprise at Nami's bloodcurdling scream.

"What's wrong, Nami!? If it's food you want, I could make you the best food you want!" Sanji said with his heart eyes.

"The compass is broken; it's moving in all directions!" Nami wallowed in despair.

"...You guys seriously weren't going to traverse into the grandline with just a compass, were you?" Kuwagata asked Nami.

"You dare question Nami's navigation skills!?" Sanji said, lunging to kick Kuwagata in the face.

Kuwagata dodged the oncoming kick, then another flurry of kicks from the guy in a tuxedo. After dodging another flurry of kicks, Kuwagata had had enough, grabbed both of Sanji's legs, and threw him off the mountain and into the ocean.

"Quit trying to kick me!" Kuwagata shouted in annoyance and frustration.

"Nice throw," Zoro said.

***

Crocus explained the Grand Line's magnetic fields and that the only thing that can help you traverse these dangerous waters is a Log Pose.

"But we don't have a Log Pose; how are we supposed to get through the grandline?" Usopp asked.

"You know, I had a Log Pose…," Kuwagata said.

"You do!?!" The Straw Hats, minus Zoro and Luffy, said in unison.

"Why didn't you tell us about this sooner!?" Nami angrily shouted at Kuwagata

"Okay, I think you misheard me. I said I had it, not that I still have it; that thing is in Loguetown."

"Well, tough luck that mind of yours gave you!"

Kuwagata squinted, furrowing his eyebrows until veins bulged on his forehead.

"...I'm sorry for yelling at you." Nami bowed rapidly in front of him.

"He put fear in Nami!" Usopp said, flabbergasted.

"Do not worry, I'll give you one as thanks for helping Laboon." Crocus gives Nami the log pose.

"Oh, we're saved, thank you very much!" Nami said, with comical tears pouring from her eyes.

Sanji got back to his crew with Mr. Nine and Ms. Wednesday. "Hey! These guys want a favor from us."

The duo wants the Straw Hats to take them back to Whiskey Peak, and Luffy immediately agrees since that was their next destination anyway. They all board the ship, say their goodbyes to Crocus, and set sail for Whiskey Peak.

***

Kuwagata leaned on the ship's railing, listening to the water. Everything up till this point had happened so fast to him, so this was a nice change of pace, a chance to relax and not think about anything at the moment. That was, of course, until he felt someone tapping at his shoulder.

Kuwagata turned around to see all the Straw Hats looking at him with various expressions. Zoro and Luffy stood with neutral expressions, Sanji with a serious and angry face, Nami with beads of sweat running down her face, and Usopp with a surprisingly curious look.

"We want to ask you a question," Sanji said.

Kuwagata looked at them nervously but kept his expression firm. "And what would that be?"

"Why do you hate Nami so much!" Sanji said, getting into Kuwagata's face before Zoro pulled him away.

"What bushy brows meant to say was, what's your grudge with Nami?"

"Yeah, I get that she has done some shady stuff, but what could she have done to garner this much hatred towards her?" Usopp asked.

Kuwagata had a feeling this would be brought up sooner or later, but complied since they were his only source of transportation at the moment.

"If you want to know, then I'll tell you…"

 

[Xodarap]

Shame he lost his ship and belongings not like the Marines will sail it to the grandline.

Perhaps Bartolomeo will steal it as his ship to the Grandline
Heck if I remember Bartolomeo right his crew didn't even have a navigator relying heavily on den den mushi calls to a a old granny

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

In a dimly lit room aboard the Going Merry, the Straw Hats sit in front of Kuwagata. Most stared at him, anticipating what he would tell them. However, not all the Straw Hats were here, since Nami wasn't in the room. Unbeknownst to them, Miss. Wednesday and Mister. Nine eavesdropped at the door, ears pressed against it, curiosity getting the better of them.

"Alright, we're all gathered around, now start talking! And you better not leave out any details or say any false information!" Sanji demanded of Kuwagata, who took a deep breath and began.

"Before I begin, I want to make something clear: I have nothing against Nami."

"Well, I have everything against you! Now start talking before I kick you off this ship!" Sanji lashed out, saying the last part coldly.

Kuwagata sighed at Sanji's rebuttal and decided to explain how he met Nami. "I met Nami around two years ago."

***

In the middle of the ocean, a small ship sailed alone under a starry night sky. Onboard was Kuwagata, who looked noticeably younger without the white spots in his hair and lacking his signature poncho. He sat outside his ship, holding a newly acquired bo staff in one hand and a devil fruit in the other. This devil fruit was golden, adorned with a swirly, exoskeleton-like pattern. The back of the fruit features beetle wings, while the front has a sharp-looking horn at the top.

Only in the past few months, since he set sail, has he visited many islands in the East Blue, helped many people, and made connections along the way. Kuwagata stared intently at these two items he'd recently acquired, weighing what to do with them: sell them to the highest bidder or keep them just in case. On one hand, he could get a cool, possibly powerful ability from them, but on the other, he'd heard they tasted terrible and would cost him the ability to swim for the rest of his life. Luckily, he was headed to shore on an island named TrunkFin Island, so he had plenty of time to figure something out. It got its name because the island looked like an elephant's trunk with a fish fin on top. He planned to find a pawn shop to see if they were worth selling; after all, devil fruits and high-grade blades sell for a lot.

***

Kuwagata docked his ship and entered one of the many towns and cities of this massive island. He looked up at a huge sign that read "Welcome To Rainbow Trout Capital", and the city lives up to its name. The capital was large and colorful, with many shops, bars, restaurants, and multiple lakes. But what caught his eye most was a large, tall silver building, likely in the center of the capital, surrounded by a lake and bridges.

"Wow, and I thought my home island was massive," Kuwagata said to himself as he explored the vast city. "This city's got everything you'll ever want or need."

He also noticed that all the people here were wearing ponchos, which he found pretty interesting. But before he could think any further, he decided he had gotten a good look around the city, so he headed to the huge silver building in the center of the capital. As he reached the entrance, a man standing beside it walked up to him with a smile.

"Greetings, sir! I take it that you are new here?" He said in a distinct accent.

"How could you tell?"

"You're not wearing a poncho."

Kawagata took a minute to look around and saw all the residents here wearing violet ponchos.

"...Oh, that explains the ponchos everyone here is wearing. Well, it's not to meet you…uh,"

"Name's Trinket, at your service, sir." Trinket bowed slightly.

"And don't worry about the poncho thing; we're not going to force you to wear one; it's just part of our culture here." Trinket cleared his throat. "But I'm getting off topic. Welcome to the heart of the capital and the Island, 'Tour Circulare'; this tower has almost everything you'll ever need! Before you enter, you'll need a map of this place." Trinket gave Kuwagata a map.

He thanked Trinket and went through the tower entrance.

***

"Oh wow, the inside of the building is somehow even larger than from the outside."

And he wasn't wrong; the interior was much larger than the exterior. It was so wide and tall that you needed binoculars to see the other side of the room, and this was only the first floor.

Looking at the map, there were ten floors in total. The first floor he was on was the entrance floor, with the fewest stores, mostly small businesses promoting their products or services. Kuwagata wanted to go to the fourth floor, where all the pawn shops were located. Now all he had to do was get into the cylinder elevators to reach that floor.

As he walked toward one of the elevators, something bumped into him from behind. He turned around and saw no one, which confused him a little until he looked down. A young girl with orange hair who is probably around fifteen to sixteen, lay flat on her butt while groaning and rubbing her forehead in pain. Kuwagata helped her onto her feet.

"I am so sorry, ma'am, I didn't see you there."

"N-no, I should be the one apologizing. I wasn't looking where I was going," The girl sweetly said before she started coughing violently and fell to the ground. Kuwagaa quickly caught her before she hit the ground.

"You don't look or sound so good. Do you want me to escort you to a hospital?" Kuwagata asked with worry in his voice.

Nami gently pushed him off of her. "N-no, I'm fine, I don't need any help."

She weakly got to her feet and, with slow, heavy breaths, made her way to the exit, limping along the way. When she was out of sight, Kuwagata entered the cylinder elevator and started ascending to the fourth floor. To his surprise, the place was packed with shops, people bargaining, and shop owners wearing purple tuxedos. With great effort, Kuwagata snuck around and slipped through the crowds like a spy through laser security, all while trying to find a pawn shop that at least wasn't filled to the brim with sellers.

***

"Dang it! Is it so hard to ask for one half-empty pawn shop!?" Kuwagata shouted, but the noise in the store canceled out his voice, so no one could hear him.

Three hours later, Kuwagata was stuck in a stalemate, trying to find a shop that wasn't full, but as one person left each pawn shop, another dozen people entered. A few minutes later, Kuwagata gave up and left the tower to try again tomorrow. He walked out the door with a slumped, hunched back and bags under his eyes while letting out a tired yawn.

"So, did you get what you were looking for?"

Kuwagata turned his head slightly and saw the man from earlier still standing in the exact same spot. Kuwagata couldn't help but wonder whether this guy took breaks. Instead, he let out a long sigh and answered his question. "No, I haven't; there were too many people on the pawn shop floor."

"Oh, that floor, yeah, that floor can be quite hectic and chaotic, especially at night. I'd recommend coming back early in the morning; it's got the fewest customers then. In the meantime, why don't you get yourself cleaned up and see what the rest of TrunkFin has to offer?"

Kuwagata started to feel better after hearing the recommendation. He'd only met him twice so far, and he'd already grown very fond of him. "I guess I can do that. Thanks for the advice."

"Anything to help a newcomer to our humble island? Now, I think it would be best that you get some rest; you look tired."

It then dawned on Kuwagata that he hadn't rested since he got to this island, or since he set sail from the last island he'd been on. He immediately felt fatigue hit him like a tidal wave. "Yeah, you're right, I guess I've been running on nothing but adrenaline for the past couple of days now," Kuwagata said in a now tired tone and started walking back to his ship.

"Wait!"

Kuwagata stopped in his tracks and caught a purple poncho.

"Take that; it will give you good luck!"

Kuwagata smiled, "Thanks!"

***

The bridge's wood creaked loudly under Kuwagata's tired feet. The sun had just set, and the full moon and many stars lit the night. Kuwagata was a few feet away from his ship and about to get some much-deserved rest. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw a person lying on the floor, unresponsive. He ran up to the person; his earlier fatigue had mostly faded. He gently turned the person over, and it was the same orange-haired girl from the Tour Circulaire; her cheeks were red. Her breathing was heavy and uneven.

"Hey, are you alright?" Kuwagata asked, gently shaking her awake.

The girl's eyes slowly opened, dull as she looked up at him. "H-help, please…"

This was all she said before she passed out again. After recovering from the initial shock, Kuwagata picked her up and took her to his ship for immediate medical care.

***

The orange-haired girl slowly opened her eyes once again, this time to an unfamiliar room. Her eyes adjusted to her surroundings, and she found herself in some kind of room on a ship. She freaked out, thinking that she was on a pirate ship. She tried to get out of the bed she was in, only to lie back down when she felt a splitting headache. The faint sounds of footsteps grew louder and closer until they stopped and opened the door to where the sick girl was resting.

Kuwagata slowly opened the door, the creak growing higher the more it opened. He entered the room with a cup of steaming hot tea in his hands and slowly walked up to her with a warm smile plastered on his face.

The girl watched him set the cup on his desk and pick up the towel that had fallen to the floor when she tried to get up. He dipped the towel in a bucket of lukewarm water, wrung it out, and placed it on her forehead. He helped her sit up, took the tea, and held it to her lips.

"Drink this; it will help you get better."

She refused at first, but reluctantly drank the tea. After she was finished, he laid her on her back to let her rest again. "W-who are you? Where am I?" She asked in a worn-out tone

"My name is Kuwagata. I found you passed out next to my ship. You're the lady I accidentally bumped into in the building a while back. What is your name, ma'am?

"...N-Nami." She spoke.

"That's a nice name. You stay put and get some rest; I've got some soup warming up in the kitchen."

Kuwgata started to head out of his room. Nami, wanting to ask one more question, mustered up all of her remaining strength and energy to ask him a simple question.

"W-why are you helping me?" The girl asked in her raspy voice.

Kuwagata looked at her, his warm smile still present on his face. "You needed help, and I provided the help; that's all there is to it."
Kuwagata left the room for Nami to get her rest.

***

Outside of Kuwagata's ship, Kuwagata and Nami sat on the edge with a fishing pole under the sunlight. Under the sunlight, Kuwagata kept his eyes closed, sunbathing while listening to the soothing waves.

Nami frowned, "What are we doing here? We've been sitting here for over an hour now."

Kuwagata smiled, his eyes still shut. "We're here fishing."

"But we haven't caught any fish!" Nami complained.

"It's not just about the amount of fish you catch; it's also about taking it easy and enjoying the little things in life."

Nami stayed silent, processing what Kuwagata just told him. Maybe after she finally gets the money, she could enjoy the little things.
The string on his pole tugged down in the water. Kuwagata got a bite.

"Got a bite!" Kuwagata shouted as he started reeling in the line. Kuwagata kept reeling, and lots of bubbles formed below the surface. A huge, dark silhouette appeared in the water, and with a massive burst, a beautiful fish emerged, having bitten the bait on Kuwagata's pole. The fish plopped right next to him with a loud thud that slightly shook the platform.

Kuwagata lost his balance and fell into the water. He reemerged, spitting water like a fountain.

Nami looked down, giggling at Kuwagata's misfortune. "I'm definitely enjoying this small moment!"

***

Two weeks had passed, and Kuwagata had finished nursing Nami back to health. During that time, Kuwagata decided to keep the Devil Fruit and weapon with him just in case he needed them. The two got to know each other a little bit more. Although Nami was a bit secretive about herself. Nami has fully recovered from her illness and is thankful for Kuwagata's hospitality. One day, while cleaning his private chambers, Kuwagata removed a wooden plank from the wall, revealing a stash of berries and gold bars. He stashed away more berries he earned doing a bunch of odd jobs on the island. But unsuspectingly, Nami was spying on him. Her eyes turned into big berry dollar signs, and her grin stretched wide from ear to ear.

A few hours later, Kuwagata and Nami were in the kitchen, making dinner. Kuwagata put a pork roast in the oven, and Nami chopped up potatoes and vegetables for Kuwagata to make sautéed mixed vegetables and fried potatoes. Nami looked back at Kuwagata, who was setting the table for them to eat dinner.

"I hope you like my food; this is the first time I've eaten with someone else on my ship," Kuwagata said with a sheepish smile while rubbing the back of his neck.

"Kuwagata…Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm? Sure, go ahead, we have time to kill before the pork roast is finished."

Nami leaned on the kitchen counter as Kuwagata set two frying pans on the gas stove, added oil to one, and butter to the other. He set the potatoes on the oiled pan and the vegetables on the buttered pan and started cooking them both.

"Why did you decide to help me? You had no reason to help someone like me; you gained nothing from it!" Nami said in a slightly frustrated tone, with a frustrated face.

Kuwagata looked at Nami's frustrated face while smiling. "Is it so wrong to want to help people in need? You were in dire need of medical treatment, so of course I had to help you!" Kuwagata asked in a genuine tone.

"!?" Nami gasped in surprise at that answer. Throughout her life until now, besides her sister, mother, and the citizens of her hometown village, she had never met anyone who would go out of their way to help someone of their own free will, without an ulterior motive. For the first time in what felt like years.

Nami smiled genuinely as she looked at Kuwagata again. "You're a strange guy, Kuwagata."

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," Nami said rather quickly.

A loud ringing echoed from the kitchen; the timer told Kuwagata the pork roast was done.
"Nami, could you get that for me, please?"
"Sure." Nami put on oven mitts and took out the pork roast.

***

Kuwagata and Nami sat on the bedroom floor. Around them were many different colored papers. Kuwagata held a piece of paper with both hands, carefully folding it, undoing the folds, and adding new ones.

Nami watched with great interest. "Neat, I would never have guessed that you were into origami."

Kuwagata smiled, still focused on the paper. "Well, when you're out at sea for days by yourself, you tend to get bored eventually. But I actually picked up this hobby a long time ago, with my auntie and uncle."

"Really? That's sweet," Nami said.

Kuwagata handed Nami a black-and-white sheet of paper. "Want to learn how to make a panda? I'll even teach you how to create a necklace for it."

"Sure!" Nami accepted.

Throughout the rest of the afternoon, Kuwagata and Nami made origami of all kinds of shapes, animals, and sizes.

***

After a hearty dinner and some origami, Kuwagata fell into a food coma on his bed. His soft, quiet snores echoed through the room. The door slowly creaked open. A shimmer of light crept into his room's darkness. Nami, in her thief attire, tiptoed carefully, making as little noise as possible so she wouldn't wake Kuwagata. Nami carefully removed the plank holding all the money. Nami's eyes sparkled and morphed into berry signs as the brightest gold bars and berries appeared before her.

"Ooooooh, shiny, come to mama~," Nami said as she put all of the money in her money bag.
Nami struggled to carry her now full bag of cash and made her way out of Kuwagata's room.

*Creeek*

Nami froze when her foot stepped on a loose wooden plank; her weight, combined with the money she carried, made a loud noise that woke Kuwagata. He sat up groggily in bed, his vision still coming into focus. At first, he thought something had fallen in his room, but when he saw Nami carrying a huge bag, he was confused.

"Nami? What are you doing here? And what's with that huge bag? Kuwagata asked, raising an eyebrow.

"U-um, I-I," Nami struggled to come up with a believable excuse for why she was in his room with a large bag on her back.

Kuwagata saw the wooden plank that held his money lay on the ground, and all the money that was supposed to be inside was missing. Kuwagata looked back at Nami, who was now sweating bullets, and put two and two together.

"Nami…are you trying to steal all of my money?" Kuwagata said, hurt by what Nami was doing.

"...You were a fool to just take in a stranger you haven't met in your life..." Nami said in a cold tone with a strange hint of determination. "You wouldn't understand my situation…"

Nami attempted to bolt from the room, but Kuwagata got in between the door and Nami's escape. Nami stopped dead when she faced him.

"Then make me understand. You don't have to do this, Nami. We can talk this out. I can help you."

Nami's eyes soften for a second before snapping back to her cold look. "There is no talking this out, please, Kuwagata, just let me through."

"...You know I can't do that."

At Kuwagata's final response, Nami takes a sharp breath, then exhales just as sharply.

"Then I guess you leave me with no choice." Nami dropped the bag and grabbed the hem of her shirt with both hands.

Kuwagata raised an eyebrow, confused but on guard about what she might do next. "What are you—"

"Happiness punch!"

Nami quickly pulled up her shirt, and a blinding light, brighter than the gold Kuwagata stashed, hit his eyes like a truck.

Kuwagata dropped to his knees and covered his eyes, screaming in pain and agony. "Ah! I can't see! It's like accidentally walking in on someone taking a shower! …Damn it, I made it worse!

Without wasting another second, Nami grabbed the money bag and bolted from the ship to the dock. Nami left the ship dock and headed straight to Rainbow Trout Capital.

Kuwagata recovered a few seconds later and gave chase to get his money back. Nami looked back and saw he was quickly gaining on her.

Crap! Okay, Nami, think. You clearly can't outrun him, especially when carrying this heavy bag!
Nami looked around and saw a few people watching the chase, then she got a cruel idea. Kuwagata got closer and closer until she got a hold of her; that's when she started screaming Bloody Mary.

"Help!!! This guy is trying to get into my pants!!!"

Kuwagata and Nami stopped in their tracks. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The islanders gasped in shock, mostly the women, while the men walked toward Kuwagata with menacing looks, and some cracked their knuckles.

"So, you were trying to force yourself onto a woman, huh?" One of the men said coldly, without sympathy.

"W-wait, this is all just a big misunder—"

"Save your breath; it's not an excuse we haven't heard before." Another man said, getting ready to swing at him.

The guy took a swing at Kuwagata, who effortlessly ducked under it, and the guy accidentally punched the other guy. When Kuwagata saw that Nami was nowhere to be found, he used the distraction to his advantage and ran away. The men started running after him, but Kuwagata was way faster. He quickly got on his ship and set sail immediately. The men ran to the edge of the ship port and watched as the ship disappeared from view.

***

"And that's Nami, and I's history on how we met and got to know each other."

Reactions varied widely from person to person. Usopp looked sympathetic and understanding, Zoro was indifferent, Luffy fell asleep halfway through, and Sanji wore a complicated expression.

"Huh, so that's why you have a grudge against Nami; can't say I blame you though," Zoro said.

"Yeah, I mean, Nami is a part of our crew and our friend, but even I can tell when friends can go too far," Usopp said.

"...You don't know what Nami has gone through her whole life," Sanji began.

"Excuse me?" Kuwagata asked.

"You just don't know the pain she had to go through throughout her life," Sanji said.

Sanji explained her hardships, why she needed the money to free her village, and that they liberated it from Arlong and his pirate crew. Kuwagata was a bit stunned by the new information, but deep down, none of it surprised him.

"I didn't know she went through all of that. This gives me a whole other perspective of her now," Kuwgata said.

"And don't you forget it!" Sanji declared.

"Hm, I'll talk to Nami when I get the chance."

As if on cue, Nami entered the room, her face frantic.

"Guys, the weather is going haywire here! The Grandline is no joke! We need to protect the ship and get through this!"

"On it!" The Straw Hats said in unison.

The Straw Hats rushed out of the room, and Kuwagata stayed until he decided to help, too. The Straw Hats, including Kuwagata, helped each other through the intense storm. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Kuwagata use buckets to throw water back into the ocean. Sanji makes food so they can regain their strength and energy, and Nami leads everyone through the storm.

"Incoming, guys!" Zoro shouted.

A massive lightning bolt was about to strike the boat. Everything around them seemed to slow down. Kuwagata leaped into the air and, for a split second, turned into a beetle hybrid; his horn seemed to absorb the lightning bolt whole. The Straw Hat stared in awe and shock at what he'd just done. Kuwagata then released the energy built up in the horn and shot up into the sky. Kuwagata reverted to his normal form and looked at Nami. They both nodded in understanding and got back to work.

***

After the storm died down, everyone lay on the ground, exhausted.

"Oh man, I'm spent…" Kuwagata said while panting.

"Tell me about it…" Sanji said.

"Well, the most important thing is, we made it…" Nami said and got up. "Listen up, guys, we can't let our guard down for even a second in here. This is the grandline, and we have to understand and predict our next moves!" Nami shouted out to the crew and Kuwagata.

"Well, we won't have to worry about that for some time now, since I think we've reached our destination," Zoro said, pointing to the huge Cacti island.

Mister Nine and Miss Wednesday jumped onto the ship's ledges. "This is where we part ways. Hasta La Vista!" They said in unison, then jumped off and swam to the island.

"They sure love doing that," Kuwagata said.

The Going Merry entered the island, and at first, it was foggy and mysterious. Usopp interjected, saying they should turn around, but Zoro told him to stop acting like a baby. Kuwagata had a bad feeling about it, until the fog cleared up and a bunch of people who supposedly lived on this island were…happy and celebrating that pirates were here? This confused Kuwagata so much that he could only mutter one word.

 

[Xodarap]

Got the wackyness of one-piece down nicely

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

Got the wackyness of one-piece down nicely

Click to shrink...

Glad you're enjoying it. Anything else you like, or want to ask?

 

[Xodarap]

Glad you're enjoying it. Anything else you like, or want to ask?

Click to shrink...

So the white spots in his hair came from the devil fruit right not some amber lead disease?

Compared to luffy who is stronger at the moment?

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

So the white spots in his hair came from the devil fruit right not some amber lead disease?

Compared to luffy who is stronger at the moment?

Click to shrink...

The white spots are a result from his devil fruit. Similar to Kuma's paws when he ate the Paw Paw fruit.

Kuwagata and Luffy are physical equals. Luffy is more unpredictable.

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

"What?"

That was the first thing Kuwagata said when the residents of Whiskey Peak cheered and applauded their arrival. They seemed genuinely happy and excited that a group of pirates, minus him, had come to their island. The air was filled with the joyful sounds of the Whiskey Peak residents. The Straw Hat crew enjoyed the change of scenery and the lively atmosphere. Usopp blew kisses to the crowd, Sanji fawned over the ladies present, and Luffy was happy to be there. As the Going Merry sailed by, the cheering crowd grew louder for Kuwagata, but it wasn't loud enough to make him cover his ears.

Kuwagata felt confused as he observed the scene before him. In his mind, regular civilians were supposed to fear or hate pirates, right? Not that he was a pirate or anything. Still, he had a sinking feeling that this island and its inhabitants had more to them than met the eye.

***

After the Straw Hats and Kuwagata left the ship, a man almost as tall as Kuwagata greeted them. He had long, curly blonde hair and a cheerful smile that stretched across his face. However, Kuwagata felt uneasy upon seeing him; something about the man's demeanor seemed insincere. It made Kuwagata's stomach churn and his mind race, as if warning him not to trust this individual—or this island, for that matter.

"Greetings, pirates, my name is Igaram, Mayor of this Island, and I humbly…ahem ma~ma~maaaa~, welcome you to our humble abode of Whiskey Peak!"

The Straw Hats hear Igaram explain that Whiskey Peak is renowned for its celebration of great music and drinks, and that it truly loves pirates. Kuwagata, however, was not paying attention at all. He was lost in his own thoughts when he began to sense the intentions and feelings of everyone around him. Fortunately, or unfortunately for him, Igaram snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Are you alright, young man?" Igaram asked.

"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine…"

"Splendid! Your friends have already gone inside to celebrate! You should join us!"

"Uh…I'd rather not—"

"Nonsense! You must be exhausted from your long journey. Come now, there's no need to be shy," Igaram protests as he guides Kuwagata inside the celebration building.

***

Inside the celebration hall, laughter, cheers, and positive energy filled the air. Plenty of liquor, music, food, and good times filled the hall as the Straw Hats enjoyed the festivities in their own ways. Usopp shared his adventure stories with a group. Zoro and Nami drank excessively, Sanji was surrounded by women, and Luffy stuffed his mouth with as much food as possible. Overall, they were having a good time.

The same wasn't true for Kuwagata, however.

Kuwagata sat at a table, watching everyone else party and enjoy themselves. He still couldn't shake the tingling feeling in his mind telling him to get out of there; these people were bad news.

"Are you okay, sir?"

Kuwagata was snapped out of his own world once again when a woman, probably a bit older than him, sat next to him.

"...I guess, just a bit tired…I think."

"Oh, well, why don't you take a rest on the couch? On my lap? It's the least I can do to help you unwind after your long journey~." She said, moving closer to Kuwagata, who was getting very uncomfortable with all of this.

"I don't think that would be—"

"Please, I insist," She interrupts, while grabbing his hand.

The moment her hand touched his, Kuwagata's head began to ache.

Once he and the other pirates are knocked out and he's lying on my lap, I'll slice his throat!

Kuwagata felt a mix of confusion and terror as he experienced an overwhelming surge of bloodlust. He could sense her emotions, hear her thoughts, and experience everything all at once. Kuwagata swiftly moved his hand away, confusing the woman.

"Uh, I need to use the bathroom. I'll be right back," Kuwagata quickly said as he stood up from his seat and walked away briskly.

***

As Kuwagata walked away, the island residents passed him by. He began to hear more voices in his head and feel the negative thoughts.

I can't wait to slay another pirate and get my paycheck; it's been due for a month now!

Pirates are so gullible and foolish; one good drink and food, and they're at your mercy.

I don't even care about the paycheck; I just want to see some pirates' limbs fly!

All the residents' thoughts and feelings surged within his mind. Kuwagata did not understand why he could hear their thoughts or feel their emotions, but he knew one thing: he needed to warn the Straw Hats before it was too late. Luckily for him, it took only a few seconds to find them.

Luffy kept eating through the food supply without a care in the world. Kuwagata quickly approached and tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.

Luffy turned his head to Kuwagata, still munching. "Oh…Hey Kabuto, enjoying the party?" Luffy asked, his mouth full.

"Listen, Luffy, we need to get out of here."

"Huh, why?"

"These people are bad news; they're going to kill us once we are at our most vulnerable."

Luffy stopped eating and swallowed the food he still had in his mouth. "You're overreacting, Kabuto, just relax and enjoy the celebration! It's in our honor!" Luffy joyfully said as he resumed stuffing his face with food.

Once he resumed, Kuwagata couldn't get his attention. Frustrated, he went to Zoro and Nami next, who probably have the most common sense out of the Straw Hats.

***

"No way, they wouldn't give us liquor this good," Zoro said as he downed his tenth mug of booze. "You gotta learn how to loosen up a bit, otherwise you'll look older in the future."

***

"Huh? What are you even talkin' about?" Nami squinted, blinking slowly with half-lidded eyes. "I'm 'bout to win a lot… a lot of money, okay? Like, life-changing, build-your-own-ship kinda money, so back off, cause I ain't sharing with ya!"

Nami slammed her mug down, her eyes lit with drunken determination. "Fill'er up!"

Kuwagata watched them keep drinking after they had completely brushed off his warning. Okay, no worries. He may have better luck with Usopp.

***

"You're just overthinking things, man. Just sit down and relax for a change; you're too tense sometimes," Usopp said while sitting down on the couch, ready to pass out at any moment.

***

Sanji was still surrounded by ladies, completely love-struck and oblivious.

"...There was no hope from him to begin with," Kuwagata said, eyes half-lidded.

***

The Straw Hats are all knocked out and fast asleep in the party room, with only Luffy's loud snoring. Meanwhile, Kuwagata paces back and forth outside, thinking about how to escape this crazy island. Should he try carrying the unconscious ones back to the ship? No, that would take too much time. Maybe he could get them all one by one so fast that they won't recognize…If he was fast enough.

"Ugh, nothing is coming to mind!" Kuwagata frustratingly screams-whispers to himself.

Kuwagata sensed a group of people behind him and quickly turned around. He saw the island's residents surrounding him, armed with various weapons. At the center of the crowd were Igaram, Ms. Wednesday, Mr. Nine, and a larger, more muscular woman.

"Hmph. It looks like one of our guests caught on to our plan," the large woman said.

Kuwagata looks at the sheer number of bounty hunters in front of him. But he quickly cleared his head and grabbed Yuurei's hilt.

"You must be bounty hunters. It makes sense; you first get the pirates to let their guard down, and when they're most vulnerable, you strike."

"You're a lot more perceptive and smart than most pirates we've assassinated," Miss Wednesday said with a soft, lilting giggle. "It's a shame you'll still die just like the rest, darling."

"I'm not a pir-...oh, who am I kidding, you guys would never believe me."

The bounty hunters readied their weapons. Some cocked their shotguns, tightened their swords, put on brass knuckles, or prepared their unique attacks. They were ready to strike at any moment; only Igaram had to say the words.

"Kill him!!!"

Tons of bullets and cannonballs shot directly toward Kuwagata relentlessly, forming a huge dust cloud from the barrage of ammo. After they felt they had used enough force, a blur emerged from the dust cloud. A bo staff swung through the air, striking several bounty hunters in the face and sending them flying in all directions as the blur jumped and landed atop the houses. This shocked the rest of the bounty hunters, even Igaram.

As the blur came into focus, it became clear that it was Kuwagata in a new form. His skin is covered with a hard shell, resembling a beetle's exoskeleton. A horn, like a rhinoceros beetle's, protrudes from his forehead, and his eyes have turned amber.

"Impossible, you're a Devil Fruit user!?" Igaram shouted.

Kuwagata ate the Beetle Beetle fruit, transforming him into a beetle man.

A group of swordsman bounty hunters swiftly climbed ladders and drew their swords.

"Forget that, we'll just disarm you by slicing that staff of yours into tiny pieces!" One of the swordsmen yelled out as he charged straight at Kuwagata.

He went for a vertical slice at Kuwagata, who tried to block it with Yuurei. The swordsman swung his sword and sliced the staff clean in half. The swordsman smirked, thinking he had won, until he realized that both ends of the broken Yuurei now protruded. Kuwagata kicked him in the stomach, sending him crashing into the other swordsmen and off the building.

"W-what kind of weapon is that?" Mr. Nine demanded, but Kuwagata kept silent.

Yuurei is a multi-form weapon that can act as a staff, a double-bladed glaive, and twin-bladed blades.

A group of bounty hunters continued to shoot at him, with the bullets bouncing off his exoskeleton and dropping to the ground.

"No way, he's bulletproof too!?"

His exoskeleton is difficult to penetrate, making it almost impossible to harm him. So good luck with that.

"I will only say this once: let the Straw Hats and me leave this island, and nobody will get hurt."

Igaram gritted his teeth in frustration, fear, and anger at the request. "If you think we're going to let you leave, then you're a fool!" Igaram pulled his necktie; a bunch of gun barrels appeared out of his curls, and he started shooting at him, "Igarappappa!"

Kuwagata sliced every bullet in half with his twin blades, moving so quickly it seemed he had vanished from sight.

"Damn it, where did he go?" One of the bounty hunters said.

The others searched everywhere for him, but he was nowhere to be found. One by one, the bounty hunters were struck in the chest and lost consciousness to a swift, indistinguishable force that was Kuwagata.

If I can knock out all of the bounty hunters, that would leave me with time to get the others and set sail off of this crazy island, Kuwagata thought as he blitzed past a dozen more bounty hunters and hit them in the chest with the blunt sides of his weapons, and jumped onto another building.

The moment his feet touched the roof, five other bounty hunters jumped up, drawing their swords and guns. Two of them dashed forward with their blades, while the other three fired at him.

Kuwagata intercepted the two swordsmen, while the bullets bounced off his abdomen.

Kuwagata slashed at the two swordsmen, and the compressed-air projectiles blew them back. They crashed toward the three gunslingers, kicking up a cloud of dust in front of Kuwagata.

"H-he didn't even physically slash at their skin," Igaram said, sweating.

Alright, that should be half of them; now for the other half. Kuwagata thought to himself.
.
.
.

"Alright, that's enough entertainment."

Kuwagata and the rest of the bounty hunters turned toward the voice and found Zoro sitting on another building adjacent to the one Kuwagata was standing on.

"Zoro? How long have you been sitting there?" Kuwagata asked.

"Long enough to know that you're no pushover," Zoro responded, unsheathing one of his swords and jumping to the building where Kuwagata was. "Long time no see…Baroque Works."

All the remaining bounty hunters were stunned when Zoro spoke.

"How do you know the name of our organization?!"

Kuwagata stood there, looking confused.

"Baroque Works?" Kuwagata asked Zoro.

"A criminal organization, cheesy codenames, and the boss's name is a secret to everyone. That's all you need to know about."

"...If you know all of that, then we certainly can't let any of you live now." Igaram declared to the two as he used his Igarrappa, which they dodged, landing on the ground.

"So you ate a Devil Fruit too, just like our captain, and it looks like it turned you into a bug. You ready for this, bug boy?"
"Please don't call me that."

The rest of the bounty hunters interrupted them, and the higher-ranked agents charged at the two. Zoro took the right side, and Kuwagata took the left.

The difference in their fighting styles was striking; they were as different as night and day. While Kuwagata used only the blunt sides of his blades and reserved the sharp edges for cutting large debris or bullets, Zoro sliced through the remaining bounty hunters like livestock.

***

Meanwhile, three bounty hunters escaped the chaos and ran toward the tallest cactus mountains.

"Those guys are absolute monsters! There's no way we can defeat them!" one of the bounty hunters shouted.

"We have to reach the top; he's the only one capable of handling these guys!"

The three bounty hunters kept making their way to the top of the mountain, determined to get there in time.

***

Kuwagata knocked out the remaining bounty hunters on his side, leaving only Ms. Wednesday and Mr. Nine.

He pointed to the two with one of his twin blades. "Give up already, you've lost."

"We'll give up once you're dead!" Mr. Nine shouted as he backflipped toward him, his metallic bats raised.

Kuwagata easily blocked both metallic bats with one blunt side of the twin blades, then roundhouse-kicked him square in the face with bone-crushing force, sending Mr. Nine hurling into a nearby building.

"Mr. Nine!" Ms. Wednesday shouted to her partner.

When the dust cleared, Mr. Nine lay amid the debris of the destroyed building. His eyes were pure white, blood all over his face, his mouth was wide open with a few missing teeth, as well as a footprint on the right side of his face.

"You'll pay for that!" Ms. Wednesday shouted, whistling as if she were calling for someone.

A huge duck appeared beside Ms. Wednesday, and the latter stood on top of it.

Is that a duck? Kuwagata thought, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Let's go, Karoo, let's show this guy what we're truly made of!" Ms. Wednesday placed her arms behind her head. "Get ready for my perfume dance, bad boy~," Ms. Wednesday shook her hips slowly and hypnotically.

Kuwagata watched her dance, confused about what she was trying to do, until the most putrid smell assaulted his nostrils; he fell to his knees, and his eyes watered. He tried to move, but he was completely paralyzed from the neck down.

One of Kuwagata's Devil Fruit's biggest weaknesses is strong fragrances.

Ms. Wednesday pulled out a sharp jewel attached to a wire, slid her pinkie into the hole, and spun it at the speed of a fast fan.

"Now I'll finish you off, Go Karoo!" Karoo dashed forward at full force toward Kuwagata as Ms. Wednesday prepared to strike.

"Peacock Slasher!" Ms. Wednesday shouted out and went for the throat.

The moment the sharp jewel struck Kuwagata's exoskeleton, it shattered into a million tiny pieces, shocking both Ms. Wednesday and Karoo. The perfume's paralysis wore off, and Kuwagata immediately retaliated by kicking the duck in the gut, sending him and Ms. Wednesday to the same building as Mr. Nine, where they both landed on top of him. Now all three of them lay unconscious and defeated.

Kuwagata got up, reverted to his normal form, and brushed dust off his pants. "Next time, listen to what I say," Kuwagata said to the three downed Baroque Works Agents.

A few seconds later, Zoro appeared, seemingly done with his part.

"Not bad, Bug Boy. I might have to start training twice as hard if I want to keep up with your strength."

"Tch, if you're going to compliment me, at least call me by my real name."

Zoro raised his hands defensively, still smirking. "Hey, it's not my fault that your bug form was just screaming at me to call you that."

"Whatever, let's get the others and get the heck out of here."

"Nah, I think I'll just sit on top of one of the non-destroyed buildings and relax with a nice cold beer."

"Are you serious right now!? This is no time to be doing that stuff right now!"

"And who put you in charge? Last time I checked, Luffy is the captain of the ship; you're just here along for the ride. Besides, the crew needs their rest anyway."

"I'm trying to keep up us ali-"

Zoro interrupted Kuwagata, quickly unsheathing one of his swords and pointing the tip right at his throat.

"Let me make one thing perfectly clear: the only reason you're with us is that our captain likes you. You are merely a guest on this ship and have no authority. I don't have to listen to someone the captain hasn't officially invited to join our crew."

After that stern talk, Zoro lowered his swords and walked past Kuwagata, who was still stunned.

***

The three bounty hunters finally made it to the top of the tallest cactus mountain. At the center was a huge white mansion. The three bounty hunters walked up to the porch and knocked on the door. A few moments later, a maid opened the doors and looked at the three bounty hunters with dissatisfaction.

"I'm sorry, but the master is very busy right now," the maid said, trying to close the doors.

One of the bounty hunters held the door open. "Wait, you have to hear us out! Two crazy strong pirates took us all out, including the higher-ranking guys!"

The maid looked at them, annoyed by their persistence. "That is no concern to what you, Baroque Works, do; the master is not part of that organization, so I'm going to respectfully ask you three one last time to leave before I get security."

She kept closing the doors until one of the bounty hunters blurted it out.

"It's pirate hunter Zoro, and a guy with a bug zoan!"

The maid stopped abruptly, closing the door to keep that information from spreading. She then opened the doors fully. "...Come in."

The three bounty hunters let themselves into the mansion, and the maid shut the massive doors behind them.

***

The mansion's interior was even more immaculate than the exterior. The interior was sparkling clean, with a silver floor, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and everything shiny.

"Whoa, so this is where he lives? That's not fair," One of the bounty hunters complained.

"Follow me this way, please," the maid said, motioning for them to follow.

They made their way down a long hallway lined with rows of pirate wanted posters of captured individuals, with pillars showcasing the specific items each pirate possessed.

"Guys, I'm already regretting this," one of the bounty hunters whispered.

"We have to do this, or else Baroque Works is done for!" one of the other bounty hunters whispered.

They reached the end of the hallway, where a golden door stood. The maid opened the door to reveal a large library fireplace, with stacks of books around it and a fire burning in the firebox.

In the center of the room sat a man in his late twenties, with long black hair and hazel eyes, in a rocking chair near the fireplace, wearing a robe and sipping wine.

"Hmm?" He turned his head to see one of his maids and three random guys in his study. "What's the meaning of this?"

The maid bowed respectfully. "Kodama-Sama, you have guests."

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

The dimly lit library fell eerily silent as the maid and three bounty hunters entered without permission. The only sound was the soft crackling of the fire burning brightly in the massive fireplace. The bounty hunters exchanged nervous glances, sweating not from the heat but from the infamous figure in the room.

Kodama stared at the three bandit henchmen, narrowing his eyes in annoyance and a little curiosity. "What is the meaning of this?"
His maid bowed once again, her face apologetic for this interruption. "Forgive me for intruding on your leisure, Kodama-sama. I've brought guests with me who would like to speak with you for a moment."

Kodama took a sip of his wine, savoring the flavor before swallowing. "Do they now? And what could they possibly want to talk so badly that they needed to barge into my home, especially during my relaxing days?"

"W-we deeply apologize for the interruption, but I believe that the news we'll give you will more than make up for it!"

"There are these two really strong bastards that completely tore through all of our fellow hunters!"

"And they both did it without breaking a sweat. We need your strength, Kagayama Kodama."

The three hunters began to talk over one another, much to the maid's and Kodama's annoyance. Kodama raised his hand, and the bandits fell silent, sweating even more at the thought of displeasing him.

"Please, one at a time, ladies. Now, I'll be asking the questions. First, who are these two strangers of merit?"

"They say that one of them is the infamous pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro." The maid replied in her calculated, flat voice.

"Roronoa Zoro? Pfft, you mean the guy who Mihawk humbled? You guys really are pathetic!" Kodama laughed out loud while wiping a tear from his eye.

The three hunters flinched when Kodama burst into laughter after hearing what they had been through. They wanted to protest and argue with him, but that would only get them kicked out, or worse, killed.

A few moments later, Kodama regained his composure and cleared his throat, the amusement draining from his features as if it had never existed.

"Forgive me," he said smoothly. "That was terribly uncivil of me."

He set his wineglass down with a soft clink, eyes narrowing with renewed interest. "Now… who is this other stranger of merit?"

"He is a man with no known infamy or origin, according to what the hunters told me. They say he has a Devil Fruit power that lets him transform into a beetle. He also appears to wield a unique weapon that can split into two twin blades, which can reattach." The maid continued to speak about Kuwagata.

Kodama's fingers stopped just short of lifting the wineglass to his lips. "A beetle, you say?" he repeated softly to himself.

He set his wineglass down and faced the hunters and his maid face to face; his mind shifted gears behind a polite smile. "How…uncommon. And you say his weapon changes shape?"

"T-that's right, it doubles as a double-sided glaive and twin blades, sir." One of the hunters stuttered.

Kodama leaned back in his chair, and his polite smile transformed into a wide grin. "Maria, please prepare my hunting gear. I'm going to pay someone a little visit."

The maid, Maria, bowed respectfully. "As you wish, Kodama-sama." She left the library, the sound of her heels gradually fading.

Kodama turned his attention to the three hunters. "As for you three, I am grateful for the information. I shall reward you for your efforts."Kodama got up from his chair and approached one of his bookshelves. He pushed one of the many books farther back, and the bookshelf opened, revealing several hidden compartments. He grabbed one of the cases inside and walked over to the three bandits, opened it, and revealed a stash of cash. "How does three hundred million berries for your troubles sound?"

The three bounty hunters' eyes bulged, nearly leaping out of their sockets. "T-three hundred million berries!?" one of them squeaked.

"J-just for telling you!?" another cried.

"We can finally quit being bounty hunters," the other said gleefully.

"Now, run along. I've got business to take care of," Kodama said while gently shooing them away. One of the bounty hunters took the case, and the three of them made their way out of the massive mansion.

Kodama watched them exit through the doors to the hallway, still wearing a wide smile. He walked over to the fireplace, wineglass in hand, while the fire danced and crackled before his very eyes. "Now, let's see if this stranger of merit is worth the thrill of the hunt."

***

Walking through the outpost of the unconscious or dead bodies of the hunters next to a stream full of boats, Kuwagata walked over the bodies, avoiding stepping on the possible corpses of the aftermath of Zoro's killing spree. He remembered Zoro's words from an hour ago: he was only there because Luffy wanted him to be, and Zoro had threatened to behead him for "stepping out of line." His feet stopped moving as he stood at the riverbank, surrounded by boats.

Kuwagata narrowed his eyes, jumped onto one of the boats, and began untying its mooring rope. Just as he started to warm up to the Straw Hats, he was quickly reminded they were still just strangers to him. It didn't bother him all that much, though. If the Straw Hats didn't want his help, then they were no longer his concern. He decided to take the boat back to Reverse Mountain and ask Crocus if there was a way to get back to East Blue. After that, he would retrieve his ship in Loguetown.

"Well, it was nice while it lasted, but I guess this is where we part ways, Straw Hats."

"You dare hurt the people that fed us, Zoro!?"

"Idiot, if you would just listen to me—"

"You're going to pay for this! Gum-Gum pistol!!!"

Kuwagata's head perks up at the commotion a few dozen meters away. The sounds of a fight reach him—fists colliding with concrete and swords slicing through debris. It seems Luffy and Zoro are arguing about something, but Kuwagata decides it no longer matters to him; they can resolve their own issues without his help.

As Kuwagata unties the last knot, he begins to board the boat, offering a few parting words to the Straw Hats, though they can't hear him. "Good luck, Straw Hats, you're going to need it."

"You must be the kid with a beetle zoan devil fruit."

Kuwagata snaps his head towards the voice. Kodama sat at the edge of the riverbank, legs crossed, elbow on his knee, chin propped on his hand. As he stood up, he revealed his full gear. He wears scaly body armor adorned with a scorpion symbol on the chest piece. Under the body armor was a black undersuit. He holds a sleek bow with sharp blades at each end.

'Who is this guy? I didn't sense him at all,' Kuwagata thought while a bead of sweat ran down the side of his face before speaking. "Who are you?... Wait, I've seen you in newspaper articles; you're Kagayama Kodama, the world's most dangerous bounty hunter!"

"Looks like my reputation precedes me, but I guess it's to be expected." As Kuwagata's boat drifted downstream, Kodama walked along the riverbank's edge, keeping pace with him. "Now, let's play a little game of "quiz." Tell me, kid, why do you think I'm here?"

Kuwagata hadn't noticed until now that he was sweating and shaking. Kodama's aura was so overpowering that ordinary people would likely faint if they got too close. Kuwagata swallowed the nervous lump in his throat before finally choking out a response. "I-I can only assume that you're here for me?"

"Bingo! Now, next question: why do you think I'm here for you?"

Keeping his eyes on the bounty hunter, Kuwagata brainstormed reasons why everyone is hunting him. "It can't be because I have a bounty on my head; I don't have one."

"Oh, I wouldn't do that just for that reason. I already have more money than I know what to do with. But I digress; I'm here because you're the only beetle Zoan I haven't hunted before." Kodama scanned Kuwagata from head to toe, assessing him closely. "Hmm, compared to the rubber boy and Roronoa Zoro, you have much more potential than both of them combined. This should be interesting."An arrow materializes from the back of his armor, made from the same scales that compose it. He notches it in his bow, aiming at Kuwagata.

"W-wait, I'm not a—" Kuwagata tries to reason, but it all falls on deaf ears.

The moment Kodama released the arrow, it was already aimed at Kuwagata's face; it all happened in a split second, as Kuwagata barely jumped off the boat, and the arrow struck, destroying it. Kuwagata landed on a building on the opposite side of the river edge where Kodama stood, sliding slightly and nearly tripping from the arrow's unexpected speed.

'That was insanely fast. That arrow was aimed right between my eyes. If it wasn't for my enhanced senses, I would have been fish food.'

"So you were able to react, I see. Not a lot of people can dodge my arrows at that speed." Kodama praises with a grin. "You really might be worth the merit after all." He notches another arrow to his bow. "Keep it up, keep me entertained for as long as you can!" Kodama releases the second arrow, this time with much more momentum.

"Shoot!" Kuwagata shouts as he narrowly dodges the second flying arrow, only for it to graze his left cheek, causing it to bleed. The second arrow flies past him, carving a large chunk out of the mountain behind him. Kuwagata, unfortunately, couldn't breathe yet as a horde of arrows rained down so quickly he couldn't escape in time. The arrows struck Kuwagata and the building, kicking up a thick cloud of dust. The sheer number of arrows caused the building to collapse, intensifying the dust cloud. Once the barrage of arrows ceased and the dust settled, all that remained was a large crater where the building had once stood.

Kodama, still standing where he began shooting, jumped to the other side of the edge. He looked around for any sign of Kuwagata. "Hey! Are you still alive? Come on, kid, don't tell me a simple barrage was enough to take you down."

Right on cue, Kodama effortlessly blocked an incoming attack with his bow. Two twin-bladed weapons came down for a downward slice aimed at his head, and the attacker was none other than Kuwagata in his beetle-hybrid form.
Kodama smiles widely, "I knew that wasn't enough to kill you; you are truly starting to live up to what those hunters told me, hell, even exceeding what they said!"

The blades locked momentarily under the force before the pressure finally forced them apart, sending them skidding across the ground. Kodama stopped his skid instantly, while Kuwagata couldn't stop and crashed into another building, forcing him to let go of his twin blades.

Sprawled in the body-shaped crater he had carved into the wall, Kuwagata groaned and gritted his teeth, eyes tightly shut. He slowly opens his eyes to find Kodama standing before him, lunging in for a slash attack with one of his bow blades drawn. Reacting on instinct, he ducks, rolls forward, and grabs his twin blades just in time as the blade whizzes past, missing him by a hair. Suddenly, the top half of the building slides off and crashes to the side with a deafening roar.

"Impressive! Very few people can evade a slash from me at such close range." Kodama's smile fades. "But that's enough of your defense. I want to see what you're really made of. I sense that this isn't your best performance. Show me what you can do offensively."

Kuwagata wasn't one to reveal all his secrets, but maybe if he showed him everything he had, he would be satisfied and leave with his life intact. "Fine," he said, "If it means I get to leave here alive, I will show you."

Kuwagata adopted an aggressive stance, his breathing intensifying as his muscles swelled. His shell and skin felt hot to the touch, steam spewing from the openings of the shell, and his face contorted with rage as he gritted his teeth.

"Brawn Style," Kuwagata grated, his voice now more raspy and deeper.

Kodama watched with interest as Kuwagata undergoes this transformation. "Interesting, I can feel the heat and power radiating off of you." He notches another arrow. "Let's see what you can do in this new amalgamation of a form and fighting style."

He released the arrow, but Kuwagata effortlessly sliced it in half with a brutal and aggressive swing of his blades. Launching himself toward Kodama with explosive force, he shattered the ground beneath him. Kodama caught the blades with his own, creating a force that exploded outward and rippled, hurling debris away from them. Although Kodama blocked the attack, Kuwagata's incredible new strength pushed him back, leaving the bounty hunter astonished.

He smiled widely. "That's it! Come on! Make me work for my prey!" he shouted in joy and excitement. It's been a long time since he found prey that thrilled him this much.

Kodama broke the lock on their blades and quickly notched another arrow, firing it—only for the same thing to happen again. Kuwagata relentlessly charged forward, forcing Kodama to keep his distance by jumping from building to building for better shots. Now in a defensive position, Kodama is relishing every moment of it.

After a while on the defensive, Kodama decided he was done keeping his distance and wanted to get up close and personal. He split his bow in half, and the blades on each end changed and contorted into twin swords.

Kodama launched himself at Kuwagata, unleashing a furious barrage of sword slashes that quickly overwhelmed him. However, Kuwagata stood his ground. The two fighters continued their battle, moving like blurs as their blades clashed and sparks flew in the moonlight. Buildings were destroyed, debris was scattered everywhere, and by the time the fighting subsided, half of Whiskey Peak lay in ruins. Kodama landed slashes and hits that slice through and crack Kuwagata's shell, dealing significant damage.

One of Kuwagata's biggest weaknesses, due to his Devil Fruit powers, is that if someone inflicts enough damage to his shell, it cracks and deals four times that damage back to them. Although Kuwagata tried his best to keep up, Kodama proved to be the more experienced, faster, and stronger fighter. Kodama could at least still admit that Kuwagata fought valiantly.

Kuwagata and Kodama stood at opposite ends, staring each other down. Kuwagata panted; his vision blurred, and his limbs felt like they were about to give out. In contrast, Kodama seemed completely unfazed. He hadn't even broken a sweat; in fact, he looked more energized and alive than ever.

"It looks like you're all gassed out. It was fun while it lasted, and you were so close to my expectations, too," Kodama said in disappointment, until it happened.

Kodama sensed Kuwagata's heat and power increasing dramatically. His eyes resembled a wolf scaling a mountain, reflecting a hunger Kodama hadn't seen in a long time.

"I still have one more move up my sleeve," Kuwagata declared as he got into a stance, readying a final attack.

Kodama was now smiling from ear to ear. "Very well then. Throw everything you've got at me!"

The two charged at each other one final time, and Kodama delivered a powerful slash with both swords. Kuwagata poured all of his remaining
energy into this last attack. He switched one half of Yuurei to the reverse grip.

Kuwagata took a deep breath and then exhaled, channeling Brawn Style into this final move, "Origami Arts, One Fold Style…Mountain Fold!!!"

Their blades clashed, producing a bright flash of light that illuminated Whiskey Peak for anyone awake to see. The two opponents stood at opposite ends of their confrontation. Kodama remained unscathed, while Kuwagata was not so fortunate; a deep gash had formed on his forehead, causing him to drop to his knees.

Kodama retracted his two swords back into his bow and placed them back on the strap on his back. "I must admit, I haven't had this much fun hunting someone in a long time! You truly are something special. I must know what your name is, sir."

Kuwagata lifted his head to Kodama, making eye contact with him, despite the blood sliding down his face. "Why…would I…give you my name?" Kuwagata choked out between heavy breaths.

"Ah, I knew it wouldn't be that simple. Don't worry, I'll figure out your name sooner or later. I think you've shown me enough; you are worthy of being hunted down by me. Get stronger, and when we meet again, I'll properly hunt you down." Kodama said as he left Kuwagata there.

"I-I did it…" Kuwagata weakly muttered before plummeting face-first to the ground, unconscious.

***

Kodama strolled through the ruined Whiskey Peak, fumbling around with one of his arrows. He kept his eyes on the transparent arrow, smiling at his reflection. He was interrupted, however, by the commotion a few feet away. A boy with a straw hat, a green-haired man with three swords, a cross-dressing man, and the princess herself, Vivi. Kodama jumped onto the building above them, hiding his presence to watch the show up close.

"Trying to play decoy so that you can give the princess a chance to escape, huh? I must say that is a noble yet foolish sacrifice." Kodama quietly said to himself.

Kodama continued to watch the scene play out. Igaram got on the ship and set sail…only for the ship to blow up right in front of them. He got a light chuckle from everyone, especially Vivi. After getting his fill of the reactions, he decided to make his presence known and reveal himself.

"Oh, looks like he didn't make it. That's too bad, heh, looks like that multi-limb lady is more heartless than I thought."

The four snapped their heads to see Kodama sitting on a barrel, watching the explosion like it was fireworks. Luffy readies a gum-gum pistol, and Zoro grabs the hilt of his swords tightly just in case. Vivi, on the other hand, is the most terrified.

"W-who are you?" Nami asked in a shaky tone.

"You're Kagayama Kodama, the World's most dangerous bounty hunter," Zoro said, glaring at Kodama.

"The one and only," Kodama said, smiling at the group

"W-What are you doing here?" Vivi asked, stuttering her words.

"Well, let's just say that three little birdies told me someone here has a lot of potential to be my next target, satisfying my need for the thrill of a good hunt." He stood up from the barrel. "After I tested his strength, I was on my way back to my mansion when I caught a glimpse of the entire show with the rubber boy and Roronoa Zoro effortlessly defeating one of Baroque Works' top agents in one hit. So, I decided to sit on the sidelines and watch it all unfold."

"You bastard! What did you do to Kabuto!?" Luffy shouts, demanding to know what happened to Kuwagata.

"Ah, so that's his name. You might want to go check up on him on the other side of this island. He doesn't look so good, hehehe," Kodama teasingly chuckles at them, which causes Luffy to charge towards him with Zoro following suit.

"You'll pay for what you did to my friend, now, Gum-Gum Pistol!!!"

"Two sword style: Oni Giri!!!"

Luffy and Zoro charged forward, with Kodama smirking at their foolish bravery. A scorpion's tail protruded from the back of Kodama and swiftly stabbed their necks, causing paralysis from the neck down. Luffy and Zoro fell to the ground, able to move only their heads and faces.
"What is this?" Luffy asked with his teeth gritted.

"I can't move my body," Zoro said, his teeth also gritted.

"I stabbed both of you guys with my scorpion tail, with a small dose of my paralysis poison. You should be grateful that I didn't give you any more than I did; otherwise, both of you would be paralyzed for the rest of your lives." He crouches down in front of Luffy and Zoro. "But since I'm in a good mood, I'll let you guys go. Oh, what the heck, I'll even tell you how I did it. You see, like you, rubber boy, I'm also a Devil Fruit user. I ate the Scorpion Scorpion fruit model: Deathstalker, the strongest scorpion with the deadliest poison."

"Damn it…You'll pay for this, I swear!" Luffy yells back.

"Unfortunately for you, I have no interest in any of you; the only thing I care about is that beetle boy's growth, so please keep him alive for the time being."

With those final words, Kodama walked away. Only after he was out of sight did the poison wear off on Luffy and Zoro. As the poison fully dissipated, Luffy tried to chase Kodama for what he did to Kuwagata, but Zoro restrained him. Luffy struggles to break free.

"Let me at 'em, Zoro! I'm going to kick his ass for what he did to Kabuto!"

"Idiot, we don't have time for this. We have to get the others and get off this Island! We'll worry about him later!"

Luffy stopped struggling, calming down. "You're right, Zoro, we need to get out of here. You, Nami, go get Zoro and Sanji. I'll go find Kabuto!"

"On it!"

They split into two groups: Zoro, Nami, and Vivi, and Luffy himself. Luffy dashed to the river's edge, seeing the other half of Whiskey Peak in ruins.

"Damn, how am I going to get to the other side? It's too far away for me to even jump."

Luffy saw the two buildings ahead and got an idea. He ran behind them, stretched his arms to grab the tops, and pulled himself back. "Gum-Gum: Slingshot!" he shouted as he released his grip, propelling his body over the river below. He landed perfectly on his feet on the other side. Luffy quickly began searching for Kuwagata without wasting any time.

"Kabutooooo!!! Where are yooooouuuuu!!?? Can you hear meeeeee!!??" Luffy shouted as he dashed around the ruined half of Whiskey Peak. The only sounds he heard were his feet thudding against the debris, his own breathing, and the wind rushing around him.

After a few more seconds of searching, Luffy spotted someone in the distance. Squinting his eyes, he can make out the familiar spotty hair; it was Kuwagata, face down and unconscious on the ground.

"Kabuto!!!"

Luffy rushed to Kuwagata's side and carefully turned him onto his back. His heart nearly stopped when he saw Kuwagata's face. A deep, straight gash ran from the right side of his forehead to the left, leaving it a bloody mess. Luffy couldn't help but wonder how he was still breathing, but that didn't matter; all that mattered was the urgent need to save him. Before he threw him over his shoulders.

Luffy noticed that, despite him being unconscious, he had an iron grip on Yuurei tightly in his hands, refusing to let go…but then let go of it when he fully went unconscious.

Luffy carefully took Yuurei from his hands, and Yuurei immediately felt strange. "This weapon feels weird. And it's very heavy."
Luffy put him on his left shoulder and made his way back to the riverbank, trying to find a safe way to get to the other side.

"Damn it, I can't find a safe route!"

Luffy pondered how to get to the other side until he saw the Going Merry in the middle of the river. Nami, Zoro, Vivi, and Usopp stood at the rail, while Sanji steered the ship.

"Guys!" Luffy shouted with a big smile.

"Get in!" Nami shouted to Luffy.

Luffy stretched out his arm to grab the Going Merry's railing, pulling himself and Kuwagata onto the ship and landing safely without further injuring Kuwagata. The Going Merry set sail away from Whiskey Peak.

***

Kodama stood on the edge of the tallest building, watching the Going Merry sail away from Whiskey Peak.

"I'll be seeing you, beetle boy. Next time we meet, it will be on sight," Kodama smirked, but lost it immediately. "I know you're there, Ms. All-Sunday."

A bunch of arms, legs, and other limbs materialized from the ground, then formed into a woman wearing a cowboy hat. "My, to sense me even when I'm so far away, I wouldn't expect anything less from your skills," Ms. All-Sunday praised Kodama.

Kodama scoffed, still with his back to her. "Flattery won't work on me, especially from the likes of you."
Ms. All-Sunday giggled, "Hard words from a hard man, I see."

"Hmmph, I'm guessing you're the one who blew up that ship."

Ms. All-Sunday tilted her head, "And if I was?"

Kodama smirked, "Oh, nothing, it doesn't matter to me. What matters is that you're here at all. I'm guessing the big bad boss isn't happy with the pay I gave him?"

"Mr. Zero is quite furious that you cut the distributions in the partner payout. He wants me to send you this message. "If you don't give me the share that was in our business deal, I'll make sure my sand tears you apart limb from limb."

Kodama chuckled darkly to himself after hearing the threat. "He should have thought about that before his goons destroyed one of my mansions; besides, scorpions thrive in the desert. Tell him that if he wants his distribution to go back to the way it was, he'll build me a massive mansion in the middle of an isolated island with a large pool, bar, and high security that only I'll have access to."

"Very well, just know that he will be very displeased," Ms. All-Sunday said, her form turning back into a pile of limbs, then disappearing.

"Let him seethe in his anger; he knows he can't touch me…Maria!"

Maria instantly teleported to him as if by magic. "Yes, Kodama-Sama?"

"Prepare my ship; we're going on a long detour until further notice."

"Understood, Kodama-sama."

Maria teleported away, leaving Kodama to look up at the full moon and stars. "How long will you keep the hunt going, beetle boy?"

He lifted his arrow to the moon, the transparency illuminating the material. "And the hunt begins…now."

 

[Xodarap]

We have to reach the top; he's the only one capable of handling these guys!"

Click to shrink...

As soon as this line dropped I knew this wasn't going to be cannon

Let me make one thing perfectly clear: the only reason you're with us is that our captain likes you. You are merely a guest on this ship and have no authority. I don't have to listen to someone the captain hasn't officially invited to join our crew."

Click to shrink...

What the hell this reminds me of some of the worst naruto bash fics when you've played straight cannon with additions only to traumatize your OC a major Fanfic sin.

Everything else with the Scorpion man playing the most dangerous game made this deeply unreadable to me.

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

As soon as this line dropped I knew this wasn't going to be cannon

What the hell this reminds me of some of the worst naruto bash fics when you've played straight cannon with additions only to traumatize your OC a major Fanfic sin.

Everything else with the Scorpion man playing the most dangerous game made this deeply unreadable to me.

Click to shrink...

I'm sorry you didn't like this chapter much. I wrote this to give Kuwagata arc long enemies and goals and to demonstrate that Kuwagata isn't part of the crew yet. If you stick around, it gets better.

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

In the hammock-filled room, Kuwagata lay down once more in one of them. He slowly opened his eyes, struggling a bit at first. His vision was blurry for a few seconds before it adjusted to the light. His head felt tight and light, as if he had just woken from a long dream. He tried to sit up but quickly lay back down as a splitting headache hit. He placed his hand on his forehead, and he felt cloth and bandages wrapped around it.

Kuwagata lay there as his thoughts caught up. "What happened? Where am I? The last thing I remember was getting humiliated by Kodama and getting my head sliced up, and asking for my name. Now that I say it aloud, that kind of explains why I passed out."

The door on his right opened, catching Kuwagata's attention. His eyes widened slightly in shock when he realized it was Ms. Wednesday, holding a tray with bandages, cloth, and a teapot with a cup beside it. Kuwagata tried to get up, but pain shot through his entire body the moment he attempted to get up, forcing him to lie back down.

Ms. Wednesday rushed to his side and set the tray on a barrel next to the hammock where Kuwagata lay. "Don't move; you're still recovering from your injury," Ms. Wednesday said, dropping her fake accent.

"What are you doing here? Where am I?" Kuwagata asked, hostile towards the blue-haired lady.

"You're in the sleeping dock on the Straw Hats' ship. I've been the one taking care of you for the past few days," Ms. Wednesday said while pouring tea into a cup and trying to hand it to Kuwagata, but he refused.

"No thanks, after what you tried to do, I'm surprised they even let you on the ship."

"Look, I know you don't trust me, and you have every right to, but our situation is bigger than both of us."

"Pfft, you got the first part," Kuwagata scoffed.

"If you truly knew what was going on beyond Baroque Works, you would be shocked and angry about what is going on. I just ask you to trust me until that point." Ms. Wednesday begged.

"And why should I trust you? You and your group of assassins tried to kill the Straw Hats and me," Kuwagata asked, narrowing his eyes at Ms. Wednesday.

Ms. Wednesday sighed, understanding his hostility toward her. "I was never a part of their group. I was undercover under the alias of 'Miss Wednesday' to infiltrate Baroque Works."

Kuwagata's face softened as he listened to her story. He couldn't explain it, but he could tell that she wasn't lying. "But why go through all that trouble?"

"Because it is my duty to protect the people of Alabasta, my people. My real name is Nefetari Vivi. I am the princess of Alabasta, and next in line for the throne."

Kuwagata's face widened in shock at Vivi's declaration. "You're Nefetari Vivi? As in, the daughter of Nefetari Cobra?"

"You know about my father?" Vivi asked.

"I'd heard about him in a newspaper a month ago. I think it was about him stockpiling on something called dance powder and causing a nationwide drought—"

"My father would never do that!" Vivi interrupted him with a shout, making Kuwagata flinch. "My father was framed by Baroque. They are the ones keeping the powder; they are causing a nationwide drought for my country."

Kuwagata again couldn't sense that Vivi was lying, so he decided to believe every word she said. "Okay, I believe you."

"Really? You believe it just like that?" Vivi asked, surprised by how easily Kuwagata accepted the truth.

"Yeah, it's hard to explain, but ever since I was a child, I've had this ability to tell when someone is lying or telling the truth, and you, ma'am, are telling the truth," Kuwagata said, pointing at Vivi.

"Amazing, so you're some kind of a lie detector?" Vivi said, her eyes wide with stars.

"Y-you could say I'm something like that," Kuwagata said, a bit stunned by Vivi's sudden enthusiasm.

"Alright, let's put that to the test; let's play a game of 'Two truths, one lie'. I'll say two truths about me, and one lie, pretty self-explanatory."

"Wait, I didn't-"

"Let's start!" Vivi began to reflect on two truths about herself and one lie. "Okay, I've got it; I've read over a hundred books, I've been to the Reverie, or I have only one bodyguard?"

"The third one is the lie," Kuwagata immediately answered.

"How did you get it right!?" Vivi asked, astonished by Kuwagata's instant correct answer.

"I don't know; I can just tell," Kuwagata gave his honest response.

"Incredible, you have a rare gift, Kuwagata," Vivi said with a bright smile.

Kuwagata chuckled. "Yeah, I get that a lot in my home Island. So, what do you plan to do? Now that your identity has been revealed," He said, getting back on the subject.

"Well, the Straw Hats promised me that they would take me to Alabasta if I gave them one billion berries in return."

"Let me guess, Nami?"

"Correct," Vivi said, her body slumping slightly in defeat.

The two snickered, then burst into hearty laughter. Vivi hadn't laughed like this in a long time, and it made her feel at home. After a few more minutes, Vivi began to remove Kuwagata's old bandages and cloth and replace them with new ones. When she removed them, the scar was nothing more than a healed sword wound.

"Unbelievable, it's already fully healed," Vivi said, amazed.

"What's unbelievable?" Kuwagata asked, confused.

"The injury on your head was very deep, almost fatal, but within just a few days, it's as if it were nothing more than a flesh wound," Vivi explained.

"I guess it's a miracle," Kuwagata said sheepishly.

"Normal people don't usually survive injuries like that," Vivi said matter-of-factly, then poured tea into the cup and offered it to him.

Kuwagata accepted the kind gesture before he downed the still-smoldering hot tea in one gulp. Vivi lightly smacked him across the head for drinking something so hot. The hit didn't affect him, but he was surprised by Vivi's sudden smack.

"That's not how you drink tea! Show some respect!" Vivi shouted, her angry expression conveyed by slanted and blank eyes and shark-like teeth.

"What's the big idea? This is how I drink stuff in a small cup," Kuwagata said, confused and annoyed.

"You're supposed to take deliberate sips and savor the flavor of the tea, not just hork it down like a pig!" Vivi responded, lecturing Kuwagata about drinking tea.

"Oh, right, I forgot, you're royalty; how would I, a peasant, know anything of the finer qualities of fine dining, and wine tasting, and whatever things you royals do in your free time. How could royals like you know how to fend for yourselves?" Kuwagata mocked her.

Vivi placed her hand on her chest and gasped in mock offense. "Excuse you? I'll have you know that I can handle myself just fine!" Vivi defended herself.

"And yet, you and your hunting friends couldn't take out one single bug. And the worst for you, and the best part for me, I was holding back the whole time."

The two stare at each other, both angry. Then their faces slowly crack into smiles. Kuwagata snickered, followed by Vivi, who tried to suppress a smile. Unfortunately, Vivi couldn't hold it in and burst into laughter, and Kuwagata followed suit.

"Oh, you have no idea how much I needed that. Thank you. It's been a while since I laughed like that," Vivi thanked him, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Glad I could be of help, princess," Kuwagata said, patting her on the shoulder, which made Vivi yelp, flinch, and go stiff. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"N-no, it's not you, I just wasn't ready for that, that's all," Vivi reassured him with a faint, flustered smile.

"Maybe we should have properly introduced ourselves before I did that." Kuwagata got up from his hammock, now that his body no longer hurt, and extended his hand to Vivi for a handshake. "My name is Kuwagata Kagami, and I want to travel around the world and become stronger!"

Vivi, a little taken aback by his enthusiasm, smiled at him and returned the firm handshake. "I am Nefetari Vivi, princess of Alabasta, and my goal is to save my kingdom from peril."

"I'm guessing the Straw Hats have already agreed to help you with your cause. Well, you can count me in too."

"Really? You'll help as well?" Vivi asked, astonished that he wanted to assist her.

"Of course! I don't mind helping you and your country to get rid of the bad guys. Besides, it will give me a chance to test how strong I've become during my training."

"So you aren't part of the Straw Hats?" Vivi questioned.

"No, I am not. I'm just a simple traveler who wants to travel the world and test my strength. But it seems I just can't escape this crew yet; it's like an annoying thorn in my back, only if the thorn were a blade. Speaking of which, where is Yuurei?"

***

Vivi and Kuwagata, with Yuurei strapped to his back, left the resting area and headed to the ship's main deck, where everyone was gathered. Luffy sat on the head of the Going Merry, facing the sea. Zoro sat on the floor, disinfecting his swords with a variety of cleaning products.
Nami stood next to the rails, gazing at the log pose. A few moments later, Sanji emerged from the kitchen holding a dish and handed it to Nami, who gratefully accepted it. Usopp sat on the floor opposite Zoro, focusing on crafting a blue staff with Karoo, who sat beside him, watching with interest as he drank from a cup strapped around his neck.

Vivi cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, "Guys! Look who's finally awake!"

Sanji noticed Vivi, and his eyes widened with excitement, turning into larger heart shapes. "Vivi, my love! Are you hungry? I can prepare some of my best dishes for you!" However, Sanji's cheerful expression quickly vanished when he saw that Kuwagata had now recovered. He frowned and said, "Oh, I guess Dirty Mop is still alive, unfortunately."

"I appreciate your concern," Kuwagata said sarcastically.

"Kuwagata, you're awake!" Nami said happily, approaching him, which made Sanji narrow his eyes as both girls stood close to him.

"Is Kabuto finally awake!?" Luffy turned his rubber head all the way backward, a wide smile on his face, hearing the good news. He quickly approached him and gave him a rough pat on the back. "It's good to see that you're alive and kicking!"

Kuwagata sighed, already accepting that most of them wouldn't call him by his real name. "Yes, I'm still alive and kicking. Vivi has already filled me in on where we're going. It's some island called Little Garden?"

"I assume Vivi has also informed you about our encounter with Ms. All Sunday?" Nami asked, shifting her gaze to Kuwagata and Vivi.

"Yeah, Viv told me every detail. Honestly, it was a bit impressive how much she remembered," Kuwagata said, looking at Vivi.

"Well, you needed to be all caught up with us," Vivi said, a little red in the cheeks.

"Well, regardless, I'm caught up now. So, how long until we reach the next Island?" Kuwagata asked Nami.

"Funny you ask. You woke up just in time. The Island should be visible right about-"

"Guys, I see the Island!!!" Luffy shouted, pointing to the Island not too far from the ship.

"-Now," Nami said, sighing at her captain's vigor.

The Straw Hats, along with Kuwagata and Vivi, spotted the island ahead and were quickly approaching it. Luffy, still wearing his joyful smile, chuckled loudly as he kept his eyes fixed on the island growing larger in the distance. The other Straw Hats mostly wore expressions of wonder and awe, while some appeared indifferent. Kuwagata, however, was focused solely on what this island had in store for them.

***

The Straw Hats, along with Kuwagata, Vivi, and Karoo, sail through Little Garden. They take in the stunning scenery; most of them are in awe, while some remain indifferent. The Garden's interior features abundant vegetation: oversized trees reaching toward the sky, plants the size of an average person, and animals resembling extinct species that died out thousands of years ago.

Kuwagata scratched his head in confusion. "You know, when you name an Island Little Garden, you would expect that the Island was at least on the smaller side. What I'm seeing so far, the scenery goes completely against its name. And I don't know about all of you guys, but I'm seeing a bunch of animals that should have long been extinct."

"I'm with Bug Boy on this one. I don't see how this Island is 'little' by any means," Zoro agreed.

"I can see why this place is called Little Garden," Luffy said.

"Really? How?" Kuwagata asked.

"I dunno," Luffy simply said.

"Then why did you say you could tell?" Kuwagata asked, questioning this strange boy's logic.

"Wait, I've heard about this Island before," Nami said.

"You do? What's the deal with this Island?"

"I know what you're talking about, Nami. I've heard about it too," Vivi interrupted. "This Island is a relic of the past, a literal time capsule. Due to the Grandline's wacky climate, the dinosaurs still live and thrive on this island."

"Man, the Grandline surely works in mysterious ways," Usopp said in wonder. "But I think we should get out of this Island as soon as possible, you know, just so all of you are protected," Usopp said, giving a thumbs-up while his legs shook a lot, as if they were made of jelly.

"You just want to save your own behind," Kuwagata said, narrowing his eyes at Usopp.

"Relax, if we stay on this ship, none of the animals should be able to get us," Sanji reassured.

Little did he know, a shadow loomed over Sanji: a massive pterodactyl flew overhead before swooping down to grab him with its large, sharp claws. Sanji was completely unaware until it was almost too late. The next instant, the pterodactyl's head fell clean off in a swift, straight line, shocking everyone present, especially Sanji. Kuwagata stood between Sanji and the dinosaur, holding half of Yuurei in his right hand.

Kuwagata turned his gaze to Sanji and smirked. "You were saying?"

"Hmph, I knew that bird was there," Sanji tried to rebut.

Luffy suddenly started chuckling, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Luffy, what's so funny?" Sanji asked.

Luffy looked at Sanji with a devious smile, which could only mean one thing. "Oh, nothing, just about to do a little exploring," Luffy replied, his arms swinging excitedly.

"Oh, well, we do need to stock up on food," Sanji realized.

"I'm going to explore this island, too," Kuwagata said, getting ready to jump off the ship.

"What!? Absolutely not! You just woke up; you are still recovering!" Vivi protested.

"Relax, I'll be fine. I feel good as new; in fact, I feel even stronger now. Seriously, my body feels much stronger now," Kuwagata reassured Vivi.

"Well, I'm coming with you, so that I can keep a watchful eye on you," Vivi said, standing right next to him. "And I won't take no for an answer!"

Kuwagata looked at Vivi's defiant look before responding; he was intrigued by her stubbornness and concern for him. "Alright then, if that's what you wish, I won't stop you."

"Hey, Kabuto! Before you go, when you get back, I want you to get nine more of those yummy dinosaurs you just slaughtered. I want a pirate's feast with lots and lots of meat!" Luffy requested to Kuwagata with a chuckle at the end.

"Right, while you're at it, can you also bring in other dinosaurs or other animals that are edible back to the ship when you're done?" Sanji added that Kuwagata does.

"Tch, what am I, the errand boy now?" Kuwagata asked, annoyed by the request.

"Are you defying our captain's orders, Bug Boy?" Zoro asked dangerously, a hint of venom in his voice.

Kuwagata let out a light chuckle. "Our captain? That's amusing," he said, then turned to Zoro with a cold stare. "Let me make something clear, green-haired swordsman: I am not part of this crew, nor am I a pirate. I'm just here until we reach Alabasta. The moment we arrive, we will go our separate ways and never see each other again. After all, you made it abundantly clear that I'm not part of your crew, and I agree."

The others stood there, shocked by Kuwagata's coldness. Zoro gritted his teeth in anger, almost drawing his swords on the spot, but he restrained himself. Luffy, on the other hand, stood by and watched the scene unfold with a focused yet blank expression.

Kuwagata turned his back on Zoro. "I'll get those dinosaurs for you, but only because you asked nicely, and because it'll keep me distracted until we get off this Island," he said, then jumped off the ship before Vivi and Karoo followed suit.

***

Kuwagata strolled through the island's lush green vegetation, keeping his eyes on the sky above, waiting to spot pterodactyls to hunt and bring back. Vivi and Karoo followed close behind him, with Vivi riding on Karoo's back. Despite Karoo's speed, he could only keep up with Kuwagata, who took long leaps with each step. They stayed silent, save for Kuwagata and Karoo's hurried footsteps, the wind rushing past their ears, and the rustling bushes in the breeze.

Vivi watched Kuwagata's back, her face full of worry for him, and after a few more seconds, she decided to speak. "Kuwagata, is everything alright?"

Kuwagata turned his head slightly to Vivi. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"Well, you kind of told off Zoro before leaving. I know you and the Straw Hats don't always see eye to eye, but…," Vivi trailed off, not knowing what else to say.

"Vivi, I'm fine. I was just making it clear to them that I wasn't part of their crew."

Vivi wasn't totally convinced, but before she could ask her next question, Kuwagata screeched to a halt, forcing Vivi to stop Karoo just before a collision. Still, fortunately, Karoo managed to stop in time.

"What's wrong, Kuwagata?" Vivi asked.

Kuwagata placed a finger to his lips in a shushing manner and said, "Shhh, I need you two to stay quiet and don't move." His eyes gradually transformed into a compound structure, resembling an insect's eyes. A single strand of hair protruded from his head, twitching slightly like an antenna. Moments later, Kuwagata plunged his arm into the ground and pulled out a massive dinosaur, at least the size of the trees, fully emerging from the earth, and stomped on top of its neck, holding it down with his hands and arms. The dinosaur choked and gasped for breath from Kuwagata's inhuman grip strength around its thick neck.

"I'm guessing you're some kind of carnivore that digs underground and catches its prey off guard by emerging from the ground unexpectedly, like what you were trying to do to us." Kuwagata's grip tightened further until a sickening snap rang out from the dinosaur's neck, causing the dinosaur's head to fall limp, dead. "You're more on the smaller side, but I guess Luffy would be satisfied either way. Still have to find those pterodactyls though."

Vivi watched the entire scene unfold, her face reflecting her disturbance and concern over Kuwagata's unusual behavior. Karoo, on the other hand, trembled, sweat pouring down his face, his beak hanging open in shock. Before Vivi and Karoo could process what was happening, Kuwagata's voice jolted them back to reality.

"Vivi, Karoo, let's keep moving! We have a lot of ground to cover," Kuwagata called out as he sprinted ahead.

"Let's go, Karoo!" Vivi urged.

With a loud shriek, Karoo dashed after Kuwagata.

***

After half an hour of hunting for dinosaurs, Kuwagata believed he had gathered enough to feed the entire Straw Hat crew. He effortlessly dragged twenty pterodactyls and one ground dinosaur, all tied together with a sturdy rope, which amazed both Vivi and Karoo. The ladder was off Karoo's back, walking beside Kuwagata. They had never witnessed such incredible physical strength, let alone someone who could pull twenty-one dinosaurs at once with a single rope. Now they were taking a simple walk back to the ship.

"Incredible, I've never seen such strength before, especially with the way you took down the other dinosaurs. May I ask how you learned to hunt like that?" Vivi asked Kuwagata, trying to make small talk.

"Why do you ask?" Kuwagata asked her.

"Just to pass the time, you know, until we make it back to the ship."

"You sure you want to know? I don't really share my past with people."

"If you're uncomfortable with sharing, we can talk about something else, like—"

"No, no, it's fine; it'll be a nice distraction," Kuwagata said, clearing his throat. "I essentially taught myself how to hunt because I had no other choice if I wanted to eat. I grew up in an orphanage, where we had to get our own food and water; the 'caretakers', if you can even call them that, only provided shelter, but nothing else."

Vivi's eyes widened a little. "Oh, I didn't think it was that bad."

"Don't worry, it wasn't exactly bad, per se; it was necessary for mine and the others' survival. I was the only kid who had the capabilities to hunt down enough food and water."

"Did you make friends in the orphanage?"

Kuwagata paused at the question, taking some time before responding, "I had two close friends; one of them was named Marianne."

"What was she like?" Vivi asked, curious to know more.

"She didn't speak much and rarely talked to anyone, but she enjoyed participating in activities with the other kids. She loved painting, and her artwork was always remarkable. Once, she gave me a painting that I cherished deeply, but it's still on my ship all the way back in Lougue Town." Kuwagata said the last part bitterly. "And not long after that, she disappeared. No warnings, not even a sign that she was leaving. She just vanished without a trace."

Vivi's face softened with empathy; losing someone important was nothing new to her. "I'm so sorry to hear that. No one should have to go through that, especially a child."

"Don't worry," Kuwagata said, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "This story has something close to a happy ending."
Vivi blinked. "Close to?"

Kuwagata's expression darkened. "The morning after Marianne disappeared, I found the caretakers dead in her room."
Vivi went silent.

"A few weeks later, Bartholomew Kuma took over the orphanage and replaced them with kinder, more responsible people." Kuwagata looked down. "So…yeah. Compared to what it was before, I guess that was happy."

"Kuma, one of the seven warlords, you know him?" Vivi asked, surprised.

"Believe it or not, we have a close relationship, but he hasn't really visited my home island much anymore in the past few years," Kuwagata admitted solemnly.

"To think that you know one of the seven warlords personally, you are truly special, Kuwagata," Vivi complimented, now seeing Kuwagata in a different light.

"Well, when you're about to go to a possible war against another warlord, it would be good to brush up on your warlord knowledge, I guess," Kuwagata said with a smirk, but it vanished as quickly as his antenna stood straight up from his hair. Something is off in the air and on the ground. "Vivi, Karoo, get back again. I'm sensing three massive creatures heading straight toward us."

Vivi and Karoo heeded his warning and stepped back as he drew his weapon, splitting It into twin blades. The three stood in tense anticipation, Vivi and Karoo unaware of what was about to approach. For a few seconds, nothing happened, then they felt a faint rumbling beneath their feet. The rumbling intensified, growing louder and more powerful.

Three massive shadows loomed over them, blocking the sunlight like an eclipse. Vivi and Karoo looked up at the source of the shadow, and the color drained from their faces. In contrast, Kuwagata smirked in anticipation. Three dinosaurs, ten times larger than any they had seen before, were towering over them: one Tyrannosaurus, Spinosaurus, and a Giganotosaurus. Salivating, the dinosaurs eyed Vivi, Karoo, and Kuwagata like a tasty snack, because, to these colossal creatures, that was exactly what they were.

"Where did you come from?" Kuwagata asked, "From the way you're looking at us and the body language you three are presenting, you guys are looking for something to snack on, and I guess we are the snack."

Without wasting any time, the T. rex lunged at Kuwagata, unhinging its jaws to swallow him whole. Kuwagata jumped out of the way at the last moment, and the T. rex smashed its head into the ground. Next, the Spinosaurus lunged forward while Kuwagata was still mid-air, attempting to catch him in a single bite. Kuwagata flipped in mid-air to dodge the snap and delivered a powerful downward kick to the creature's head, sending it crashing to the ground and cracking its skull in the process.

The Giganotosaurus, like the other two, tried to swallow him; this time, he caught it in its mouth as it chomped down on his whole body in one go.

Vivi's eyes widened in shock and horror as one of the dinosaurs ate Kuwagata. "Kuwagata!!!" she shouted.

Her shout accidentally alerted the other dinosaurs, and they stared her down with hungry eyes and a wild need for fresh meat. Vivi and Karoo had nowhere to go; a cluster of trees cornered them, and the gaps were too narrow to squeeze through. Vivi closed her eyes, bracing herself for the inevitable moment when one of the dinosaurs would consume her whole.

Vivi waited for a few more seconds, still expecting to be consumed, but the moment never came. When she opened her eyes, she saw the Giganotosaurus's eyes were white, and it seemed to be choking and gasping for air. The massive creature staggered, coughing and heaving violently, its roars turning into ragged bursts as its throat spasmed. Its enormous neck jerked upward aggressively, and a dull thud echoed from within. The neck quivered more and more, revealing internal bruises and swelling that became visible to anyone nearby. Finally, the Giganotosaurus's whole body collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

The dead dinosaur's jaws were wide open, revealing Kuwagata, unharmed. The two remaining dinosaurs attacked in unison, and Kuwagata leaped into the air. The two collided head-on, leaving them dizzy.

Kuwagata kicked the T. rex downward, driving his heel into its head so hard that its skull caved in, and its brain turned into mush. With a simple slash from half his blade, the Spinosaurus's neck split open, and it, along with the T. rex, toppled onto the Giganotosaurus, producing a loud thud that rocked the entire island. Kuwagata touched down; his work was done.

Vivi and Karoo watched the entire display with wide, shaken eyes. Kuwagata not only hunted a group of dinosaurs, but also took down three apex predators with ease. Vivi knew right then and there that he was far from ordinary.
"Alright, guys, we can head to the ship now. I'm sure Sanji and especially Luffy will be thrilled with the amount of meat we've gathered," Kuwagata said as the three dinosaurs were already tied to the other dinosaurs, dragging them along the ground with one hand.

***

"We finally made it back to the ship!" Vivi shouted in a tired voice, and Karoo collapsed into a heap from the physical and emotional exhaustion of the hunt.

Kuwagata tossed the huge pile of dinosaurs in front of the ship with a simple tug on the rope, sending a massive thud that scared the birds in the area. "Hey, I got your meat, Sanji! Sanji?" Kuwagata shouted at the ship, but Sanji didn't respond; no one did, which confused him and Vivi.

"Where is everyone?" Vivi asked.

"I have no idea; maybe we were taking too long, and they got bored, so they went to either get food or explore themselves?" Kuwagata took an educated guess on what happened.

"That may be plausible, but I don't see why Usopp and Nami would want to explore. They seemed content to stay on the ship."

Luckily, half of that question disappeared when they heard two familiar voices getting closer. It was some kind of argument, with the ground rumbling and shaking. Zoro and Sanji emerged from the dark, dragging their respective dinosaurs to the ship. Zoro dragged a triceratops, while Sanji dragged a much smaller T. rex with a vine rope.

"My dinosaur is clearly bigger, so I clearly won the match!" Sanji argued.

"You said the competition was who could get the most meat out of the dinosaur, and my dinosaur is clearly beefier than yours!" Zoro retorted.

"Oh, there you guys are," Kuwagata greeted them. The two snapped their heads towards Kuwagata.

"Hey, Dirty Mop! Tell Mosshead over here that my dinosaur has more meat than his!"

"No way, Curly Brows, mine clearly has more edible meat than yours. Bug Boy would definitely agree with me on this!"

"Can you two please stop calling me that?" Kuwagata politely asked with half-lidded eyes.

"Answer the question!" Zoro and Sanji both shouted in unison.

"What about my pile?" Kuwagata asked, pointing at the large pile of dead dinosaurs.

Zoro and Sanji's jaws dropped when they saw the pile of dinosaurs next to him. It easily dwarfed the dinosaurs. The two rivals caught. Even the smallest one from the pile, the ground dinosaur, was easily double the size of Zoro and Sanji's catches combined.

"What the heck, your smallest dinosaur is even bigger than mine!" Sanji said, distraught.

"It really wasn't all that; the last three gave me some trouble," Kuwagata admitted. "By the way, where are the others?"

Zoro snapped himself out of his disbelief before answering, "Well, Luffy went on his own to explore the Island, but I don't have any idea where Usopp or Nami are. Maybe we should go look for them."

"If anything bad happened to Nami, they will have to answer to me! Stay put, Vivi-chan, I will be right back!" Sanji dashed off back into the jungle without a single glance.

"Damn it, cook. I'll go look for them, too. Let's split up; we'll be able to cover more ground that way," Zoro said before he dashed off too.

"Well, I guess I'll go searching too. You think you can search by yourself, Vivi?" Kuwagata asked.

"Karoo and I will search on our own. So don't worry about me," Vivi assured Kuwagata, with a smile.

"Alright, but if you are in danger, just scream as loudly as you can. I'll be able to hear with my enhanced senses."

Vivi nodded at him before getting onto Karoo and riding away.

"Well, it looks like I'm the only one left. No time to waste," Kuwagata said before jumping onto the trees and rapidly hopping from one to another.

***

Kuwagata stood atop one of the taller trees, trying to get a better view of the island. His face showed signs of distress and concern. In just half an hour, he heard Nami's screams and Zoro's grunts in the distance, along with the sound of something thick.

He dashed toward the sounds, but found nothing—only perfect wax replicas of the Straw Hats that looked almost exactly like them. From this eerie discovery, Kuwagata concluded that they weren't alone on the island. He climbed back up the tree, using his bug senses to search for any signs of the Straw Hats.

Just then, he heard a familiar feminine scream coming from an open area a few meters away. It was definitely Vivi's voice. Kuwagata wasted no time; he jumped down from the tree and sprinted towards the sound.

After a few seconds of sprinting, he reached an open area. What he saw wasn't what he expected. A large decoration featured Vivi, Nami, and Zoro, all stuck to a wax figure. Next to this figure stood a giant whose entire body was trapped in the same wax. Usopp and Karoo lay unconscious on the ground. In front of them were people whom Kuwagata had never seen before.

One guy had hair shaped like the number three, very pale skin, and glasses. Next to him on his right was a guy with a crimson trench coat with the number five engraved in it. Next was a woman with a yellow dress and hat, holding an umbrella. Lastly, a girl looked very familiar to Kuwagata. She wore a large red hat, a short-sleeved blue shirt with a white cloud pattern, and a dark maroon skirt.

"Hm, who might you be?" Mr. Three asked when he noticed Kuwagata appear.

"Is this one of your other friends, Ms. Wednesday?" Mr. Five asked.

"No matter, we'll deal with him as we've dealt with the others," Miss Valentine said overconfidently and with a sadistic laugh.

Kuwagata didn't pay the three any mind, only the red-haired girl. He looked at her for a moment longer, and then it all clicked. "Marriane, is that you!?"

Marriane's stoic face shifted to pure shock and panic. "Kuwagata, what are you doing here!?"

The whole crowd went silent for a moment before reality hit them, and they started to freak out.

"You know this boy, Ms. Goldenweek!?"

"You know this girl, Kuwagata!?"

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

Everyone in the clearing fell silent. Even Mr. Three, so smug moments earlier, could only stare, his jaw hanging open. Mr. Five and Miss Valentine exchanged amused, curious glances, clearly enjoying how quickly the situation had spiraled out of control.

Vivi's eyes widened. "No way… Kuwagata and Miss Goldenweek know each other?"

"Maybe it's a trick," Nami said, though even she sounded unsure. "Maybe he's remembering wrong."

Zoro narrowed his eyes at Kuwagata and Marianne as they approached. "I don't know; it doesn't look like it to me," he said.

Kuwagata stopped a few feet away, his breath catching in his throat. The calm, sleepy-looking Baroque Works agent in front of him was gone. For the first time, Marianne looked genuinely shaken.

Kuwagata stepped closer to her. "Marianne…"

She stared at him, stunned. "Kuwagata…"

Then they rushed forward and embraced. Kuwagata scooped her up from the ground, tightening his hug.

"Marianne, what are you doing here?!" Kuwagata asked.

She pushed him back slightly, pointing at him with a frustrated glare. "I asked that question first! You shouldn't be here!"

Kuwagata wiped away a few tears. "Let's just say I'm temporarily hanging out with the Straw Hats until we get to Alabasta." Kuwagata focused his gaze on Marianne. "But what about you? You just up and vanished!"

"I really wish we could catch up, but…"

Mr. Three wiped his eyes, trying to wipe away the illusion of Marianne showing real emotion. "This is unprecedented! Impossible! Throughout our time as partners, Miss Goldenweek has never shown a single ounce of emotion. But this kid here shows up, and suddenly she is losing her marbles!?"

Mr. Three regained his composure and clapped his hands sharply, startling the two childhood friends mid-reunion. Kuwagata instinctively positioned himself in front of Marianne. "As heartwarming as this little reunion may be, the fact remains that you are traveling with the Straw Hat Pirates. Therefore, I'm afraid we'll have to eliminate you as well."

Mr. Five and Miss Valentine stood beside Mr. Three.

"Don't worry, Mr. Three." Mr. Five said, cracking his knuckles. "We'll take care of this bug."

Miss Valentine tilted her head, a playful smile crossing her face. "Hmm, I wonder how many kilos he can withstand before breaking."

Kuwagata tightened his grip on Yuurei and lowered himself into a fighting stance. "Don't underestimate me just because I'm new to this."

Vivi stared in horror, "Kuwagata, look out!"

Before Kuwagata could move, he froze. Something wet was brushing against his cheek. He slowly reached up and touched it with his fingers. When he pulled them away, he saw a smear of lime-green paint. A strange symbol had been painted on his face.

In an instant, all the tension drained from his body. His grip loosened, and Yuurei clattered to the ground.

Kuwagata blinked lazily, then lowered himself to the floor beside Marianne and pulled her into a relaxed hug. "Ah, who cares about fighting?" he muttered. "I'd rather just sit here and be with my friend, Marianne."

"Good work, Miss Goldenweek!" Mr. Three said, conjuring wax from his arm and forming a spear. "Now to finish him off!"

Marianne shot to her feet, raising both of her arms, "Wait! Please don't hurt him."

Mr. Three stopped mid-motion, taken aback by his partner's response. "What is the meaning of this, Ms. Goldenweek?"

Marianne slipped behind Kuwagata and wrapped her arms around his neck, and he hugged her back. "Do whatever you want to the Straw Hats," she said quietly. "But please, leave him out of this. I'll watch over him."

Miss Valentine giggled. "Who would have thought that the emotionless girl would wind up having such a pathetic attachment to someone!" She continued to laugh.

Mr. Three narrowed his eyes, "How very interesting, to think that you, of all people, would care about a random nobody." The wax spear softened and melted back into his hand. "Very well, as long as he remains harmless, I don't care what you do with him."

Marianne bowed slightly, grateful that Mr. Three had spared. She helped Kuwagata back to his feet and gently took his hand. "Come on, Kuwagata, let's go."

Still relaxed under the effect of her paint, Kuwagata followed without resistance. "Where are we going?"

Marianne glanced back at him, her usual sleepy expression returning, though her grip on his hand tightened slightly. "Just follow me."

"Kuwagata, snap out of it, you're not acting yourself!!!" Vivi shouted, but it was in vain.

Mr. Three laughed at the princess's misery and desperation. "Scream all you want, princess!" he said, flashing a wide, creepy smile. "Miss Goldenweek's colors trap can bend a person's emotions to her will. Once she paints you, you become nothing more than her puppet." his smile vanished. "Now then, prepare to become part of my artwork collection!"

Mr. Three's hair ignited, sending flames crawling up toward the candles on the massive cake-like decoration above them. The structure began to spin, and melted wax rained down over Vivi, Zoro, and Nami like snow.

***

Marianne led Kuwagata to the island shore. Far from the chaos unfolding in the jungle. A picnic blanket lay spread across the sand, with a small basket in the center. Marianne knelt and began taking things out one by one: plates, teacups, cookies, and a kettle filled with warm tea.

Marianne poured a cup of tea and handed it to Kuwagata. "Here," she said softly. "I hope you like it. I made it myself."

Kuwagata accepted the cup with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Marianne." He took a sip, and his eyes lit up. "This is really good!"

Marianne's expression softened. She picked up a small plate of cookies and handed it to him. "Here, I also made these."

Kuwagata popped a cookie in his mouth. "Mmm, this is also really good." He said, giving her the same warm smile she remembered from long ago.

Marianne's heart ached. "I missed that smile of yours."

Marianne kept watching him as he enjoyed his tea and cookies, seemingly full of glee and unconcerned with the world. Even though Kuwagata was right in front of her, Marianne couldn't help but frown.

But she had him in her grasp. He was safe. He wasn't fighting back. He wasn't hurt. So why did it feel so wrong? She had done this to so many people before without feeling anything. But with him, it felt different. Sickening, even.

Marianne looked down at her hands, her fingers clenching the fabric of her crimson skirt. "You must be wondering where I've been since I disappeared."

Kuwagata paused, tilting his head with an almost childlike curiosity. "Now that I think about it, I guess I am curious. What happened to you after you disappeared?"

Marianne's chest tightened. That wasn't the reaction she deserved. "A lot happened that night," she said quietly, "More than I wanted to happen."

She took a deep breath and began, "Over ten years ago, on that night, you probably already know that the caretakers came home drunk." She paused, glancing down at her cup. "They were more than just cranky. I was on cleaning duty that day, and I had forgotten one plate." Her gaze fell to the trembling reflection of her tea.

"One plate," she whispered, her voice trembling. "That was all it took for them to decide I wasn't worth keeping alive." She paused and took a deep breath. "They stormed into my room with a knife and lunged at me without hesitation. I didn't even think. I splashed red paint on them, and they stopped in their tracks."

Kuwagata sat quietly, listening.

"When I realized they were under my control…" She grabbed her head, her fingers digging into her hair. "All of it came flooding into me. All of the anger. All of the hatred. All of the pain! I wanted to make them suffer, just like I did."Her breath grew ragged. "So I ordered them to attack each other."

Kuwagata stared at her, his expression conflicted. Even through the calm power of her paint, something in his chest twisted.

A broken smile spread across her face. "And they did. Viciously." Her trembling voice dissolved into sobbing laughter as tears streamed down her cheeks. "After they finished ripping each other apart, I realized something." She stared down at the rippling surface of her tea. "Right then and there… I had become just like them." Her hands shook. "So I ran. I ran, and ran, and ran… and I never looked back."

Marianne's smile slowly disappeared. "Not long after that, Baroque Works found me. They thought my painting skills would be useful to their cause." Her fingers curled tightly around her cup. "By that point, I had already shut my emotions off. I thought if I did that, if I forgot the past ever existed, the pain would finally go away."

She let out a bitter, trembling laugh. "And for a while… it did." Her eyes lifted to Kuwagata, wet with tears. "Until you showed up." She gritted her teeth. "I was doing just fine, by myself…so why?"

Her voice cracked. "Why did you have to show up?!"

Marianne's fingers trembled around her teacup. It slipped from her hands, spilling and staining the blanket. She broke down, tears streaming down her face, soaking into the blanket and mingling with the stain.

Seeing her break down, Kuwagata's eyes and fingers twitched. He clenched his teeth as he slowly raised his hand toward the painted spot on his face. The closer he got, the more his hand trembled. It felt like forcing two magnets together, an invisible pressure pushing the paint away.

But Kuwagata kept pushing. His fingers shook and ached. Every inch felt heavier than the last. Still, he persevered. If saving his friend meant destroying his own hand, then so be it.

With one final push, his fingers touched the paint. He dragged them across his cheek, smearing the lime-green symbol. In an instant, the haze over his mind cleared.

He placed both hands on her shoulders and made her look up at him. Her eyes were red and puffy, with dried tear streaks staining her cheeks. He embraced her with a big, warm hug. "It's okay," He whispered. "I've got you."

Marianne fully broke down in his arms. Years of fear, guilt, and loneliness poured out of her at once. Her screams echoed throughout the shore, ringing in Kuwagata's ears as he held her close and gently rubbed her back.

"I'm so sorry, Kuwagata," Marianne murmured. "For disappearing. For not being there when you needed me most. I'm so sorry for being such a terrible friend."

Kuwagata was quiet for a moment. Then his arms tightened around her.

"Marianne," he said softly, "I already forgave you."

***

Kuwagata carried Marianne on his back, giving her a piggyback ride as they made their way back to the clearing where Vivi, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Karoo had been in danger. A burst of booming laughter echoed through the jungle, startling them both. When they arrived, they found Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and the others celebrating their victory over the Baroque Works agents.

Kuwagata blinked. "I see the fighting's over," he called out. "That's a shame. I didn't get to test my skills on them."

Everyone turned toward him, their expressions ranging from surprise and confusion to relief and irritation. Sanji was the first to move. He stormed over, grabbed Kuwagata by the collar of his scarf and shirt, and yanked him close.

"You!" Sanji snapped. "Where the hell have you been?! Didn't you know that Nami and Vivi were in danger!?"

Kuwagata met his glare. "I was only taking care of personal business."

Sanji's grip tightened. "Personal business? Nami and Vivi almost got turned into wax statues!" he noticed Marianne on his back. For a brief second, his expression softened on instinct, then his eyes narrowed as he remembered who she was. "And why the hell are you carrying one of them on your back?"

Kuwagata's expression softened. "I didn't know it had gotten that serious."

Vivi's eyes shifted to Marianne, and sweat formed along her cheek. "Kuwagata, why are you carrying Miss Goldenweek?"

Marianne lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening weakly against Kuwagata's shoulders.

Kuwagata laid her on the ground. "It's okay, she's not our enemy." Kuwagata paused, glancing back at Marianne. "I broke out of her paint effect. She's a childhood friend of mine." He looked back at the others. "And she told me some interesting stuff that might help us save Alabasta."

Sanji scoffed, his grip still tight around Kuwagata's collar. "And what might that be?"

Kuwagata looked back at Marianne, seeking her approval. Marianne nodded slowly.

Kuwagata turned to the others. "According to Marianne, Crocodile's ultimate goal isn't merely to conquer Alabasta; he seeks an ancient weapon called Pluton."

Vivi's eyes widened. "Pluton? You mean that Pluton?"

Marianne lowered her gaze. "That's what I heard. He calls his plan 'Operation Utopia.' Once he gets his hands on it, he intends to use it to rule the world."

Vivi fell to her knees, her hands trembling as she glared at Marianne. "How do we know she isn't trying to trick us?"

Kuwagata's expression remained firm. "My lie detection didn't go off."

Nami frowned. "That only means she believes what she's saying."

Kuwagata nodded. "I know. But right now, it's the best lead we have."

Sanji finally let go of Kuwagata's shirt collar. "Fine, let's say she's telling the truth. How do we know she's not leading us straight to a trap?"

Marianne lowered her eyes. "You shouldn't."

Everyone went quiet.

"Which is why I plan to leave and go back to my home Island after Kuwagata delivered this information to you." She looked up at them. "I know how Baroque Works moves—their agents, their methods, how they handle things. You don't have to trust me. You just have to consider my words."

Luffy, who had been silent, suddenly smiled, "Pluton, muton, it doesn't matter; I'm going to kick that Crocodile's ass, either way! Now, let's get moving!"

Luffy started running off to the ship, much to no one's surprise.

Zoro smacked his forehead. "Idiot…"

"Well, that is our captain for you," Sanji said with a smirk.

One by one, the others followed, leaving only the giants, Marianne, and Kuwagata behind. Kuwagata watched them disappear into the jungle.

One of the giants looked down at him. "Young man, I haven't seen you around here before. What is your name?"

Kuwagata looked up at the giants. "It's Kuwagata, sirs!"

"Ah, Kuwagata, that's a strong-sounding name ya got there! Gabababa!" The round-bellied giant placed a massive hand on his chest. "My name is Brogy, and this is my dear friend, Dorry. And we are proud warriors of Elbaf!"

Kuwagata tilted his head, "Elbaf?"

Dorry let out a booming laugh, "Gegyagyagyagya! You've never heard of Elbaf, boy?"

Brogy grinned proudly, "Then listen well! Elbaf is the land of the giants, home to the bravest warriors in the sea!"

Dorry crossed his massive arms. "A warrior from Elbaf values honor, courage, and a battle worth remembering!"

Kuwagata perked up at this, "A land of warriors, huh?"

Brogy leaned forward, "That spark in your eyes, you like the sound of that, don't ya? Gababa!"

Kuwagata grinned, "You're telling me that only the strongest and bravest fighters all gather there?"

Brogy smiled proudly, "Only the strongest and bravest are worthy enough to set foot on our homeland!"

Kuwagata closed his eyes. "I see, then I'll make a promise to both of you."

Dorry and Brogy looked down at him. "Hmm?"

"When I make it to Elbaf. When I'm strong enough to set foot there. I want to face a gauntlet of all of your strongest Giants. Only then will I become someone whose strength is undeniable."

The two giants looked at each other. For a moment, silence filled the Island until they erupted into triumphant laughter.

"Gababababa! Very well, young Kuwagata, we accept your challenge!" Brogy declared.

"Gegyagyagyagya! The next time we meet, we'll show you only the mightiest of our kind!" Dorry added.

Kuwagata smiled and raised his fist. The two giants lowered their massive fists to meet his, accepting the gesture with pride. "It's a promise."

***

Back at the shore, Kuwagata stood in front of Marianne, who had a large backpack and a small ship, presumably the vessel she and Mr. Three used to reach the island.

"So, I guess this is where we part ways for now?" Kuwagata asked.

Marianne nodded. "After sharing that classified information, I'm a traitor to Baroque Works now. The only thing I can do now is keep a low profile and try to make it back to our home…Evergreen Island."

Kuwagata looked away for a moment, then pulled her into one last hug. "Just be careful out there, promise me that you will make it back safely."

Marianne returned the hug, tightening her grip around his waist. "I can only promise to try."

Kuwagata smiled. "That's all I ask."

Released from the embrace, Marianne boarded the ship and set sail across the sea. Kuwagata waved as the ship faded from view. Although he could easily use his Devil Fruit powers to see farther, he didn't want to linger longer than necessary. Lingering would make it harder to leave.

***

Kuwagata made it back to the Going Merry, where the Straw Hats and Vivi were waiting. That surprised Kuwagata.

"I thought you guys would've left me by now," Kuwagata said, scratching the back of his head. "You know… with me being childhood friends with a former Baroque Works agent."

Luffy tilted his head. "Why would we leave a member of our crew?"

Kuwagata blinked. "Because of my connection with Marianne. And because I wasn't there to help you out."

Luffy's smile widened. "You just admitted you're part of the crew!"

Kuwagata stuttered, flustered by the slip-up, "Wha- wait! I meant—!" Kuwagata sighed, his shoulders dropping in defeat.

Vivi walked up to him. "Don't say that." She smiled gently. "You've helped us plenty, Kuwagata. Now we have a potential lead on Crocodile's true goal. Thank you."

Kuwagata nodded. "Yeah. I guess I did a good job."

***

The crew set sail, finally leaving the prehistoric island. Kuwagata stood at the railing, watching the wind and water propel the ship forward. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions and events for him. Reuniting with his childhood friend and learned about the island of warriors.

He noticed the giants ahead as the ship passed.

'What are they about to do?' Kuwagata thought to himself.

"No matter what you guys do, keep going straight!" Dorry demanded.

"Right, you heard them, no matter what happens, keep going straight!"

Now Kuwagata was on guard. Why did the giants tell them to keep going straight? As the Going Merry passed between Dorry and Brogy and sailed out into the vast ocean, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Maybe they were just exaggerating. Then his senses started going berserk.

The sea began to shake violently, causing some of the members to drop to their knees. Kuwagata noticed a massive dark shape rising from beneath the surface. The water receded slightly, revealing the creature was an oversized goldfish.

Kuwagata readied Yuurei and got into a fighting stance. "Damn, this thing is too big for me to get a good hit in!"

Luffy glared at him, "Remember what they said, keep moving straight!"

Kuwagata looked at Luffy. "But—"

"Are you saying you don't trust them?" Luffy asked

Kuwagata froze, his grip tightened around Yuurei for a moment before his gaze dropped to the deck. Slowly, he lowered his weapon. "...I trust them."

The giant fish opened its massive mouth, ready to swallow the ship whole. While Nami begged Luffy to turn the ship around, Kuwagata stepped beside her and placed a steady hand on her shoulder.

"We should put our trust in Dorry and Brogy," he said, keeping his eyes forward. "They know what's best for us."

Nami slowly leaned against him, her face pale. "We're going to die…"

Vivi hugged Kuwagata tightly. "If Kuwagata believes we're going to make it, then so will I!"

Sanji watched the display in heartbreak, "No fair, how come he gets to be with the ladies!"

"I think we have bigger things to worry about than that!" Usopp responded.

The fish began to close its jaws when the ship entered its mouth. Everyone was in panic mode. Usopp kept yelling to keep moving straight while crying gallons of tears, while the girls held on to Kuwagata, who, like Luffy and Zoro, was completely unbothered by the situation.

Kuwagata smiled, "Don't worry, guys, just keep moving straight!" He looked up at Luffy. "Isn't that right, Captain?"

Luffy turned over his shoulder, his usual fearless smile in place. "Right! Keep going straight!"

Suddenly, a tremendous force tore through the goldfish from the outside. A massive hole opened ahead of them, flooding the darkness with blinding light. For a moment, it looked like a tunnel carved straight through the monster. The shockwave swept over the Going Merry like a powerful gust of wind, launching the ship forward, sending it out of the goldfish's body, and sending it into the water.

Kuwagata smiled on, watching everyone celebrate their successful departure.

***

"I promise, one day, we'll go to Elbaf!" Usopp declared.

"So will I!" Luffy joined in.

Kuwagata watched as the two started dancing. Then he pointed at himself. "Don't forget about me! Once I get to Elbaf, I'll be so strong no giant will be able to beat me!"

Luffy grinned. "Then join us in our giant dance!"

Kuwagata tried to join in, but the height difference quickly became a problem. Luffy and Usopp tried to throw their arms around his neck, but he was too tall, and Kuwagata kept accidentally lifting them both off the deck.

A few minutes had passed since their departure. Luffy and Usopp continued fawning over how badly they wanted to go to Elbaf, while Kuwagata watched them goof off as he attended to Vivi and Nami, the latter of whom seemed under the weather.

Kuwagata knelt beside Nami, who rested against the pole. "Are you alright, Nami?"

Nami smiled at Kuwagata, "I'm fine. I guess I'm a bit tired from the last adventure." Nami's smile faltered a bit. "Kuwagata, there's something I want to say."

"What is it?" Kuwagata asked.

"All those years ago, when I stole your money. I want to apologize for that. I desperately needed money to free my hometown. It wasn't right to treat you like that."

Kuwagata froze for a moment, then smiled and shook his head. "You don't need to apologize, Nami. I've already forgiven you for a while now."

Nami smiled as she rested her head on the pole.

Vivi looked at Nami, then at Kuwagata. "What will you do after we have saved Alabasta?"

Kuwagata looked at Vivi. "I don't know, really." He looked back at Usopp and Luffy, "I think I've grown quite attached to this crew, even if some of them still aren't quite fond of me just yet."

Vivi placed a hand on his, "I'm sure that they would love you as their newest crew member."

Kuwagata paused, looking at their intertwined hands. "Yeah, I'm sure they would."

Kuwagata and Vivi looked at each other, both smiling. None of them looked away. Kuwagata felt a flutter in his chest every time he saw Vivi; it was unfamiliar but welcome. Judging by her warm smile, she probably felt it too.

A sudden thud interrupted the moment beside them. Nami had collapsed against the deck, her face flushed red and her breathing uneven. Kuwagata's eyes widened. He immediately knelt beside her and pressed a hand against her forehead.

Vivi leaned in, concern spreading across her face.

Kuwagata's expression darkened. "She's burning up."

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

The Straw Hats gathered around a single bed, their faces etched with concern or devastation. Sanji appeared the most devastated, tears streaming down his face. Kuwagata and Vivi gathered closer around the bed, revealing that Nami was lying under the covers with a medical thermometer. Vivi wrung out a towel and placed it on Nami's forehead after soaking it in a bucket of water. Meanwhile, Kuwagata used a wooden mortar and pestle to crush herbs and spices into a fine paste.

Vivi glanced at Kuwagata. "Is it ready yet?"

"Almost," Kuwagata said, completely focused on the bowl.

Kuwagata took a spoonful of the paste and held it towards Nami's mouth. Nami took a whiff and turned her head away in recoil.

Kuwagata's eyebrows rose in worry. "Please, Nami. This will help with your illness."

After a few seconds, Nami turned her head back, opening her mouth slightly to receive the medicine. Kuwagata carefully gave her the spoonful.

Her face twisted from the bitter taste, but she swallowed it without complaint.

Kuwagata lowered the spoon, his eyes narrowed. "This should help her fever go down temporarily. But this is nothing like the illness she had back on TrunkFin Island. She needs a real doctor." He looked at Vivi. "Vivi, how long until we reach Alabasta?"

Vivi pondered for a few moments. "About a week at least, but that's too long. Nami needs medical care as soon as possible."

Kuwagata pulled the thermometer from Nami's mouth. When he read the reading, his blood ran cold. "A hundred and six degrees!? This isn't a normal fever. Something is attacking her body! But why? She was perfectly fine before we left the Island."

Kuwagata paused. "Unless…" His golden-and-silver eyes narrowed, splitting into hundreds of tiny lenses as he carefully scanned Nami's body. His gaze stopped at her right hip. There, barely visible against her skin, was a tiny swollen bite mark.

Kuwagata's breath caught. "A bug bite…"

Vivi looked over sharply. "What?"

"She must have been bitten back on Little Garden." Kuwagata clenched the bedsheet in his hand. "Whatever bit her was carrying some kind of disease. That's why her fever came on so suddenly."

Sanji shot forward, his face pale. "Then cure her! You know about bugs, don't you!?"

Kuwagata slowly shook his head. "Knowing what caused it doesn't mean I know how to treat it. The medicine I gave her might slow the fever down, but she still needs a doctor. Now."

"But if we do that, we'll be setting off course from Alabasta. We'll be delaying our arrival," Usopp mentioned.

Vivi lowered her gaze. "If delaying our arrival means saving a friend," she looked up at them with newfound determination, "Then so be it!"

Kuwagata glanced at her with worry. "Are you sure about this? This is your home we're talking about."

Vivi smiled. "I know it's not very smart to do this, and I want nothing more than to save my country. But I can't sit down and watch Nami suffering." She glanced at the others. "And I know you all feel the same way."

"Vivi…," Kuwagata said softly.

"W-wait…"

The crew heard a weak voice and turned to Nami, who sat up in bed.

She pulled out a newspaper from underneath her bedsheets. "There's something I need to show you guys…" Nami gave the newspaper to Vivi.

Vivi read the entire article, and with each word, the color drained more and more from her face. "No way, more than three hundred thousand soldiers have defected to the rebels!"

"What does that mean, Vivi?" Kuwagata asked.

"This was originally a Cold War. There were 6,000 soldiers and 4,000 rebels. This sudden imbalance will cause the uprising to escalate to further heights."

Nami weakly got out of her bed. "Which is why we shouldn't change course. Besides, I'm fine anyway. You don't have to worry about me anymore…"

Nami tried to walk past the Straw Hats, but Kuwagata stepped in front of her, crossing his arms.

"Sorry, Nami, but I can't let you do that."

Nami smiled weakly. "Seriously, Kuwagata. I'm fine; you're overreacting. A hundred and six degrees is just my normal temperature; now please let me through."

Nami attempted to get past Kuwagata. But he stopped her again, grabbing her by the shoulder.

"I'm sorry for this."

"Wha—?"

Nami felt a quick and firm chop to the back of her neck, which instantly knocked her out. Kuwagata held her firm when she started to fall forward toward him.

"Bastard, what the hell did you do to Nami!?" Sanji shouted, lifting his leg.

Kuwagata raised his hand at Sanji. "Wait, relax, I only knocked her out before she did anything reckless."

"Why you!"

Before Sanji could lunge at him, Luffy and Usopp held him back, the three of them thrashing.

"Calm down, Sanji, he only did it to help Nami!" Usopp reasoned.

"Doesn't matter! I'll teach him not to put his hands on a lady!"

*SLAP*

A bright red handprint appeared on Sanji's cheek as he stopped thrashing about when he saw who slapped him.

Vivi shook her hand, wincing at the sting. "I can't believe you would try to attack him, Sanji." Vivi glared at Sanji. "Can't you tell that he has only been helping Nami!? He helped slow down her illness and detected where her disease came from. Kuwagata has been nothing but helpful this whole time!" Vivi pointed at him. "And what have you done besides panic and threaten the person trying to save her? "

Sanji stared at Vivi, then at Kuwagata, who put Nami back on her bed and placed the wrung-out towel back on her forehead.

Sanji sighed in defeat, "Sorry, Vivi-chan, I get really defensive when I see a lady in need of help."

"I'm not the one you should apologize to."

Sanji gritted his teeth and begrudgingly walked over to Kuwagata beside Nami's sickbed. Sanji paused to watch Kuwagata, completely focused on Nami. Kuwagata made sure that the towel wasn't too hot or cold on Nami's forehead.

Sanji couldn't help but admire how much Kuwagata cared about Nami, in a way he couldn't, and he had to respect that.

Sanji looked at the floor. "Hey, Dirty Mop."

Kuwagata didn't answer.

"...Kuwagata."

Kuwagata looked over his shoulder, "Hmm?"

Sanji made direct eye contact. "I want to apologize for my behavior towards you."

Kuwagata stood up, the height difference apparent, then placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "That's all in the past now. I should have been more considerate with your code of chivalry for women, so I should apologize to you, too."

Kuwagata removed his hand from Sanji's shoulder and offered a handshake. "So, want to start over? My name is Kuwagata, and my dream is to travel the world and become as strong as I can be! Nice to meet you."

Sanji stared at his hand, then smirked and shook it. "My name is Sanji, and my dream is to find the All-Blue sea."

Vivi, Luffy, and Usopp watched with smiles. Luffy, in particular, was happy that the two were finally starting to get along.

***

A few hours later, Kuwagata and Vivi were still watching over Nami, whose bedsheets had been replaced with new ones from Kuwagata. The latter wore a warm coat and gloves because of the drop in temperature. Vivi kept reading the newspaper, her face filled with worry and uncertainty.

Kuwagata brought his attention to Vivi. "You're still worried about your country?"

"I know taking a detour is risky, but I couldn't sit by and watch Nami kill herself for my sake. I love and care for my home country, but I also care about you guys…especially you."

"Vivi…" Kuwagata quietly said.

They stared at each other for a moment, neither looking away.

The door opened, revealing Sanji carrying a bowl of hot soup. "The soup's ready."

Kuwagata and Vivi immediately pulled apart when Sanji walked in.

Kuwagata cleared his throat. "Is it the recipe that I gave you?"

"Down to the tea, with some minor changes, of course," Sanji answered. "But I'm impressed; this soup recipe could be used at a five-star restaurant. We could use something like this at Baratie."

"Good, Vivi, can you feed her the soup?"

Vivi nodded, and Sanji gave her the bowl. Carefully, Vivi placed the spoon into Nami's mouth. Nami accepted the soup and ate it slowly. A few minutes later, the bowl was empty. Vivi took the bowl and walked out.

Kuwagata turned his attention to Sanji. "Hey, so you mentioned the Baratie. I've heard of the place before." Kuwagata frowned, "Didn't get the chance to try their food. But that's not the point. What is your connection to that restaurant?"

Sanji turned his attention to Kuwagata. "Oh, well, I was raised by the owner of Baratie, Owner Zeff. He taught me everything I know about cooking and being a proper gentleman. He can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but he's a good man at heart." Sanji smiled, "I hope the old geezer is doing alright."

Sanji smirked, "What about you? Who was your 'Zeff' growing up?"

Kuwagata paused at the question, his gaze dropping to the floor. Kuwagata lifted his head. "I had three 'Zeffs' growing up. Auntie Hibiki, Uncle Ryuji, and Kuma." Kuwagata lifted his gaze to Sanji. "A lot of other people influenced the person I am now, don't get me wrong. But those three were the ones I could say were my true guardians."

Sanji's eyebrows perked up. "Who were these people?"

Kuwagata smiled. "Auntie Hibiki is a tough but kind fishwoman who could really pack a punch, I would know from experience." Kuwagata chuckled along with Sanji. "And Uncle Ryuji was the laid-back type. We would do all kinds of mischievous stuff behind Auntie Hibiki's back."

"Sounds like they are great people. If you don't mind me asking, who is this Kuma?"

Kuwagata smiled warmly. "Kuma was massive, but warm and kind man. He was like a real-life teddy bear." Kuwagata paused, looking back at the ground. "But he was extremely powerful. In fact, he saved the orphanage I grew up in and turned it into a paradise. Even more so when he said he wanted to adopt me into his family."

Kuwagata's face saddened. "But that day never came. The day he made that promise was the last time I ever saw him."

Sanji's gaze snapped up. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I can't imagine what it must have felt like."

"It's okay, that was a long time ago. Not long after, Auntie Hibiki and Uncle Ryuji adopted me, so it wasn't all bad. Besides, I'm starting to warm up to you guys. And judging by our conversation, you're starting to warm up to me, too."

Sanji scoffed with a smirk, "You wish."

Suddenly, the ship shook violently. Kuwagata held on to Nami to prevent her from slipping off her bed.

"What's going on!?" Sanji asked.

Kuwagata looked over at Karoo. "Karoo, watch over Nami, okay?"

"Waaaa!" Karoo shrieked, saluting him.

Kuwagata looked over at Sanji. "Let's go!"

"Right!"

They both raced out of the room and to the ship dock outside.

"Guys, is everything all right—?"

Kuwagata and Sanji were immediately surrounded by dozens of armed men pointing guns at them. Luffy and Zoro were nonchalant about guns being pointed at them, while Usopp and Vivi were hugging each other in fear of the pointed guns.

In front of them was a massive ship, at least around ten times the size of the Going Merry. And in front of Kuwagata and Sanji, behind the soldiers, was a short, big metal guy who seemed to have a tin can for a mouth, eating a piece of meat that was stabbed with a knife.

"You guys are pirates? You're a mighty small crew if you are," The metal man said, with his mouth full as he popped the meat and the knife in his mouth, which made everyone shudder.

"He just ate the knife, too," Kuwagata grimaced.

"Alright, let me cut to the chase, you people don't happen to have an eternal pose or even a log pose to Drum Kingdom, would ya?"

"Sorry, but we don't even know a Drum Kingdom," Kuwagata responded.

"Oh, I see, then I'll have to do with taking your treasure and your ship."

The metal man unhinged his jaws and took a whole bite of a chunk of the Going Merry.

"Hey, the Going Merry isn't your lunch!" Luffy objected before starting to beat up his portion of the armed men.

"Finally, some action," Zoro said, unsheathing his blades and cutting the men down.

Sanji lit his cigarette and blew the smoke right in Kuwagata's face. "Now things are getting interesting. Ready, Dirty Mop?"

"Blow smoke at me again, then you'll know how ready I am?"

"Six o'clock."

Kuwagata turned around, swung Yuurei in staff form, and hit the men's hips with bone-crushing force, sending them off the ship and into the sea.

Kuwagata narrowed his eyes at Sanji. "I saw them coming."

Sanji smirked and shrugged, "Sure, you did."

"Three o'clock."

Sanji's eyes went wide when he was caught off guard by a bullet and jumped out of the way before kicking the shooter in the head.

Sanji glared at Kuwagata, "I knew that was going to happen."

Kuwagata smirked, "Sure you did."

Kuwagata and Sanji sprang into action, taking care of the remaining henchmen.

Kuwagata's henchmen readied their swords and guns. Kuwagata planted his feet on the wooden floor, which creaked, gripped Yuurei firmly with both hands, and took a deep breath. In one swift moment, he charged forward.

"Dragon Dance!"

Kuwagata, in a blur, sent multiple bone-shattering strikes at dozens of henchmen in front of him, moving like a dragon dance. After the attack, the henchmen all dropped to the floor, completely paralyzed by the blows.

Kuwagata split Yuurei in half, then returned to its double glave form.

"Origami Arts, Two-fold Style, Tiger Beetle!"

In the blink of an eye, Kuwagata sliced through all the henchmen's guns and swords into small pieces with the speed and precision of a tiger beetle, leaving them defenseless and afraid. They all crawled back into a corner, sweating and shaking from Kuwagata's unmatched strength and agility.

"P-please, spare us, we're sorry!" one of the henchmen begged.

Kuwagata raised one of the twin galives toward his head, making the henchmen cower in fear. Kuwagata slowly lowered half of Yuurei, which confused the scared henchmen.

Kuwagata and the henchmen looked to their side and saw Luffy had shot the metal man out of the ship and was flying into the sky, shocking them to their core.

Kuwagata looked back at them with a glare, "Get out."

The henchmen scrambled to their feet, grabbed their unconscious comrades, and booked it into their ship, leaving to find their captain.

Zoro watched Kuwagata's display, his curiosity piqued before sheathing his swords. "Huh, he's stronger than I gave him credit for."

Kuwagata jogged over to the others and Vivi. "Is everyone alright?"

Vivi smiled, "Yeah, we're fine, thanks for rescuing us."

Usopp hugged Kuwagata, "Thank you so much for saving us!!!"

Kuwagata patted him on the head, not knowing what else to do before he had to pry him off.

Kuwagata crossed his arms. "Who was that guy anyway? He looked like he was in a grumpy mood."

Vivi frowned a bit. "I don't know for certain, but I've definitely seen him before, but I just can't remember when and where."

Kuwagata placed a hand on her. "Well, you can figure that out later. Right now, it's getting dark soon. You guys go inside and get some rest; I'll be on lookout duty. Make sure Nami takes that medicine before going to bed."

Vivi smiled, "Right. Thank you, Kuwagata."

Usopp tapped Kuwagata's back, "Hey, Kuwagata, I want to ask you something."

Kuwagata turned around and looked down at Usopp. "Sure, what is it, Usopp?"

"I've noticed that you haven't been wearing any warm gear, not even a single coat, since the temperature dropped. Aren't you cold?"

"Oh, that? Well, ever since I ate my devil fruit, extreme temperatures haven't really affected me. I've read up on a lot of beetle physiology and learned that a bunch of beetles can survive the harshest summers and winters."

Usopp's eyes lit up. "Whoa, that's so cool! You're like a walking temperature immunity!"

Kuwagata scratched his head. "You could say something like that."

Usopp leaned in more, "So if I threw you in a volc—"

"No."

"...Okay, but what about an Ice—"

"Still no."

Usopp got closer. "I'm not giving up; I'll get my answers soon!"

Kuwagata pushed him away lightly. "Just give it a rest…"

Vivi and the Straw Hats laughed as they watched Usopp's fascination with Kuwagata's anatomy.

"Hey, Kuwagata," Zoro called out.

Kuwagata looked over to Zoro. "What is it?"

"Meet me inside the hammock room; I want to discuss something wth you in private."

"Uh, sure."

Zoro walked past his comrades and entered the ship, leaving Kuwagata very confused.

***

Kuwagata and Zoro sat down across from each other. Zoro crossed his arms and stared at Kuwagata. Kuwagata had his arms on his lap, becoming increasingly uncomfortable the more Zoro stared at him. Yuurei stood on the floor, perfectly balancing on the floorboard next to him.

"So, what is it you want to talk about, Zoro?"

Zoro pointed at Yuurei. "It's about your weapon. I've seen all kinds of wacky weapons, but I've never seen one like this. It's larger than most blades I've seen, and not to mention, very heavy." Zoro gripped Yuurei and lifted it a little before he had to use both hands to hold it properly.
Zoro gritted his teeth, "Damn it! I can barely even hold this!"

Zoro dropped Yuurei with a loud thud before Kuwagata stepped up, put his foot under Yuurei, kicked it into the air, and caught it with one hand.

"Yuurei isn't a weapon anyone can use; it requires years of intense training and dedication." Yuurei's blades protrude. "Especially with the blades."

Zoro raised an eyebrow. "What's so special about the blades?"

"Okay, first, this weapon's name is Yuurei. Second, the blades are special because one of their main materials is sea prism stone."
Zoro's eyes went wide. "How long did it take you to master such a weapon?"

Kuwagata thought for a moment. "It was right after Nami stole my money, so over two years."

"Another question: what were those fighting techniques you were using? They looked very distinct from one another."

Kuwagata smiled. "Alright, let me explain. I developed two unique fighting techniques: the Origami Arts and Dragon Staff Style. The Dragon Staff Style focuses on the staff form, while the Origami Arts uses the split blades. I would give you a demonstration, but I don't want to accidentally destroy the Going Merry."

Zoro smirked, "You're insane, you know that?"

"This whole crew has a lot of insanity, but none of us are complaining, are we?"

Zoro chuckled, "You got me there."

Kuwagata extended his hand to him. "My name is Kuwagata Kagami, and my dream is to travel around the world and become the strongest I can be."

Zoro accepted the handshake. "My name is Roronoa Zoro, and my dream is to become the world's strongest swordsman."

Once they let go, Kuwagata stretched out. "Well, it's getting late now. You should go get some rest. And don't worry about night watch duty; I've already volunteered."

"Alright then, g'night, Bug Boy."

Kuwagata's eye twitched. "You too, Zoro…"

***

Later that night, Vivi and the Straw Hats slept in Nami's room. Kuwagata sat outside on top of the pole, watching the full moon. He listened to the ocean waves, the ship rocking, and the crisp, chilly wind whooshing past his ears.

"What a beautiful night for a full moon," Kuwagata said, admiring it.

***

Morning had arrived, and everyone was still fast asleep. Kuwagata woke up from his slumber.

"Dang, looks like I fell asleep." He slowly got up and felt the air. "Wait, have we finally…?" Kuwagata's eyes split into compound lenses, and he saw an island. "We've finally found an island!"

Kuwagata grabbed the pole and slid down, landing smoothly on both feet. Wasting no time, he rushed to Nami's room and opened the door a little too fast. The door's swift, loud boom startled everyone awake.

"Guys, wake up! I found an Island; Nami can still be saved!"

"Really!?" Luffy shouted, then launched past Kuwagata, almost knocking him over.

Zoro stretched his limbs. "Finally, I was starting to wonder when we would find one." Zoro walked past Kuwagata and out the door.

"Well, if they're going, then I'll go see it for myself too. Uh, sorry about Luffy, Kuwagata." Usopp said, before heading outside too.

Vivi walked over to Kuwagata. "We've finally found an Island." Viv set her gaze to the floor. "I just hope we're not too late…"

"Don't worry, Vivi. Nami is a strong girl. Once we find a doctor, she'll be up on her feet in no time."

Sanji joined in, "Well, let's hope that this Island's residents don't try to kill us like Whiskey Peak."

Kuwagata chuckled, "Well, if it comes down to it, I'm sure we could reason with them if they aren't bounty hunters." Kuwagata shuddered, thinking about Kodama.

Sanji patted Kuwagata on the back. "Ah, I'm sure they will be friendlier than those guys at Whiskey Peak, so don't sweat it."

Kuwagata looked through the open door and saw Luffy sitting on top of the Going Merry's head. "I hope you're right, Sanji."

***

The Straw Hats docked on a snowy mountain. The island was covered in nothing but snow, blank and white as far as the eye could see.

Luffy, starstruck, let out a joyful laugh at all the snow. "It's an Island of snow! Oh, I love snow!"

"Calm down, Luffy, we're here to get Nami a doctor, and then leave," Kuwagata informed him.

"Yeah, what the bug said," Zoro added.

Kuwagata side-eyed Zoro, but ultimately ignored the name. "Anyway, who wants to go search for a doctor with me?"

Sanji pointed to himself. "You already know I'm volunteering."

Luffy rapidly raised his hand. "I'm coming too!"

Kuwagata looked at the rest of the crew. "Anyone else?"

"I think I'll stay put here for now! Who knows what kind of snow monsters dwell on this Island?" Usopp said.

"I'll just keep watch of the ship," Zoro said.

"I'll go with you to find a doctor with you guys," Vivi volunteered.

Kuwagata clapped his hands. "Then it's settled; my group will go look for a doctor. And the others will watch over the ship."

Kuwagata's face grew serious when he sensed many signatures coming straight towards them.

"What's wrong, Kuwagata?" Vivi asked

"Looks like they're coming to us instead."

Suddenly, a group of people with shotguns and blades. They had them surrounded on both sides of the cliff. On the right side, in the center of the crowd, stood a massive bearded man in green armor, carrying a large, shovel-like weapon.

"I'm sorry, but pirates are not welcome here. Leave now," The man in green armor demanded.

"Please, our friend needs medical attention. Our friend is critically ill. If there's a doctor on this island, please let them see her. We'll leave immediately afterward," Kuwagata reasoned.

"Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that to fool us!" One of the residents said.

"Please listen to us; we are not here to cause any trouble; we only want to save our friend!" Vivi begged.

Sanji scoffed, "Tch, so much for the residents being friendly."

One of the residents was shaking under their boots, hesitating to take the shot or not, before ultimately deciding to pull the trigger at Kuwagata. Kuwagata split Yuurei quickly and sliced the bullet in two, as the pieces went in opposite directions and pierced through the ship's floorboard.

"He sliced the bullet!" One of the residents exclaimed.

"Hey, you almost shot my friend, you jerk!" Luffy shouted, getting ready to attack the shooter, but Kuwagata stopped him.

Luffy looked at him. "Why did you stop me?"

Kuwagata reattached Yuurei and watched the residents back away in fear. That was until Kuwagata knelt and bowed his head to the floor.
"Please, we only want to save our friend from death. Please help us."

Vivi followed suit and bowed beside Kuwagata. "Please, help our friend; we'll do anything."

The man in armor stared at the genuine sincerity. "...Follow us. We'll take you to our town."

Kuwagata and Vivi stood up and bowed from the waist down.

"Thank you for your generosity. We promise you won't regret it."

Luffy looked at the two in awe. "Wow, you guys are seriously incredible."

***

The Straw Hats and Vivi followed the green-armored man, Dalton, and the residents to their hometown. Kuwagata carried Nami on his back, making sure each step was smooth. After a few minutes, they reached a relatively large town with many snow-covered houses and people walking about. Kuwagata and the others noticed that the houses looked damaged, as if they had been attacked relatively recently.

Was this the doing of the previous pirates that came here? All Kuwagata knew then was that they had every right to distrust pirates after that. After all, most pirates are bloodthirsty and will kill as much as they need to get what they want.

"Welcome to our town. It's called Big Horn, and you guys will be staying here for the time being."

Kuwagata's face saddened. "This place looks like it has seen better days."

"Not so long ago, our town was attacked by pirates. Our people have been on edge for the next time pirates show up. So please forgive us for being hostile."

Sanji approached over to Nami, still being carried by Kuwagata, "Nami, look. We finally found a town!"

"Sanji, don't get too close to her; I don't want you to get sick too," Kuwagata worried.

Sanji smirked at Kuwagata and pointed to himself. "Poor, young, naive Kuwagata. When your love burns as hot and brightly as mine, no sickness will overtake me!"

A single oversized bead of sweat appeared on his forehead. "I'm only a few months younger than you…"

"Dalton, I heard that pirates landed on our island. Is everything alright?"

The Straw Hats turned their attention to a relatively tall, massive woman with a semi-afro and a wide smile. Luffy and Usopp freaked out, thinking she was one of the bears they had passed while hiking a while ago.

Kuwagata chopped both of them on the head. "Idiots, that's a lady."

"Don't worry, everything is alright; these pirates aren't a threat to us, Negikuma."

Negikuma nodded her head. "I see."

Dalton looked over at the Straw Hats and motioned for them to keep following him to his house.

***

Inside Dalton's house, he lit a candle and dropped it into the fireplace. Luffy and Usopp sat on the floor, drinking a warm beverage to warm themselves up. Kuwagata gently placed Nami on the bed, covering her with sheets and a blanket. Sanji approached the two, watching over Nami.

"What is her temperature? Do you know what the disease is?" Dalton asked.

"It's 106 degrees, sir. She was bitten by some sort of bug that carried some sort of disease. We don't know what the disease is exactly, but we do know that it's life-threatening."

Dalton's eyes went wide. "How long have you been out at sea?"

"A few days. We've done our best to keep the disease at bay until we found an Island, but the medicine I've been making has been becoming less and less effective." Kuwagata looked at Dalton, his eyes full of desperation," Are there any doctors on this Island?"

Dalton went silent for a moment before speaking, "There is only one doctor on this Island as of now."

Sanji's head snapped forward. "Really!?"

Luffy smiled widely, "That's great!"

Kuwagata's eyes lit up with hope. "Do you know where she is?"

"I know where she is, but the problem is that it's not easy to get to her location." Dalton cleared his throat. "Her name is Dr. Kureha, known as the witch of the snow. Is a lone doctor who lives in a castle on top of one of the mountains called the Drum Rockies on this Island. Right now, it's a castle with no king."

"She usually stays cooped up in the castle, but occasionally, she will come down to the towns to cure some patients. Eyewitnesses say she sleighs down with a reindeer, which is how she got the nickname "The Witch." Then take their stuff as payment."

"Is there any way to find her?" Kuwagata asked.

"Unfortunately, unless you run into her, she usually comes down whenever she feels like it. Your best bet is to just wait until she comes back down."

"...Damn it!" Kuwagata cursed under his breath.

Luffy got up and approached Nami's bed, and lightly started smacking Nami's cheek repeatedly, much to the horror of the other Straw Hats.
"Hey, Nami, wake up. We have to get you to the doctor."

"What are you doing, Luffy!?" Everyone, minus Dalton, shouted.

"What? I'm just waking Nami up to get her to the castle."

Nami slowly opened her eyes.

"Nami, you're awake! Listen, we have to get you to the doctor, but we can't get there unless we get to the mountain, so we'll hike up there."

"Are you crazy!? Do you know what you will do if you take her up there in this weather?" Vivi protested.

"Don't worry, I'll carry her," Luffy said bluntly.

"Luffy, I understand that you have a good reason for wanting to do this, but it's way too risky to bring Nami in this type of weather."

"You said it yourself; we have to hurry up."

"H-he's right, Kuwa-kun,"

Kuwagata looked over his shoulder to see a worn-out Nami, but she had a smile on her face. "It's like you said, we need to hurry, or we won't be able to save Viviv's homeland. I'm thankful for everything you've done for me, but I think I'll leave it to Luffy to take care of me now."

Kuwagata stayed silent. He looked at Nami, who still smiled at him. He shifted his gaze to Luffy, who looked back with determination in his eyes. Kuwagata had never seen so much conviction in anyone's eyes in his life.

Kuwagata smiled and let his shoulder slump a little. "Alright, captain. I trust that you will take our Navigator to the mountain safely."

Luffy smiled, "Thank you…Kuwagata."

Kuwagata looked at Kuwagata, his eyes widening slightly at the use of his real name. Kuwagata sighed, then raised his fist at Luffy.

"Let me reintroduce myself. My name is Kuwagata Kagami, and my dream was to just travel the world and become as strong as I can."

Kuwagata's face became more serious. "But during my time with you guys. I realized that I was dreaming too small. My new dream is to become the strongest being in history. I'll be so strong, not even gods will be able to beat me!"

Luffy laughed out loud and fist-bumped him. "My name is Monkey D. Luffy, and I will be the one who will become the King of the Pirates!"

Zoro and Sanji smirked, and Usopp smiled as wide as he could. Vivi watched the display with wonder and awe.

"Luffy…Kuwagata…You two will be the ones who will ultimately free my country." Vivi said under her breath.

"I take it that you guys are going to climb the mountain?"

"I'm going too!" Sanji volunteered.

"I should also mention that Dr. Kureha's favorite snack is pickled plums. I would highly recommend giving her some as payment so she doesn't steal your stuff."

"But we don't have any of that stuff," Luffy said.

"Don't worry, there is a town that is supplied with lots of it. The problem is that the town is pretty far away from here, even farther away than the mountains."

"I'll go then, just give me the directions, and I'll be there in no time."

"Negikuma will guide you there; she has connections to the city to get you enough pickled plums to satisfy her craving."

***

Outside Dalton's house, Luffy had Nami on his back, with a band tied around both their waists. Sanji stood beside them, more than ready to get going.

Kuwagata stood next to Negikuma, who was about to head out.

"Are you ready, young Kuwagata? We are about to make the journey to Purple Village. I must warn you, this won't be an easy journey. There are a bunch of lapins, fighting bears, and the most dangerous is the infamous ice yeti." Negikuma warned him.

"What is the ice yeti?" Kuwagata asked.

"It is a colossal creature that rules the blue road, an area that connects Horn Town and Purple Village. It is an apex predator-like creature that rumors say has taken down pirates that were foolish enough to enter the pathway improperly. I ask again, are you willing to do this?"

"Whatever it takes. At this point, I'll do anything to see Nami healthy again," Kuwagata immediately responded.

Negikuma smiled and patted him on the back. "You're a good man, Kuwagata."

Kuwagata smiled, a tint of red dusting his cheeks. "I try to be."

Kuwagata walked over to Luffy, Nami, and Sanji. "So, I guess this is where we split off for now?"

Luffy smiled. "Yeah, but we'll see each other soon. Once you get the pickled plums, head straight to the castle."

"Alright, I leave Nami in your care. Take care, Luffy."

"You too, Kuwagata."

"Kuwagata, are you ready?" Negikuma asked.

"Yeah! I'll be there right now!" Kuwagata looked back at them. "I'll see you in a while."

Kuwagata ran up to Negikuma, who was jogging along the path to the blue road.

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

Kuwagata stood beside Negikuma before a massive wooden fence that surrounded a vast section of the snow island, with a massive door in the center. At the center of the door, a sign read, "Blue Road: Beware of the creatures that dwell."

"This is the entrance to Blue Road. Are you ready?"

Kuwagata furrowed his eyebrows in determination. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Negikuma opened the door. Massive, chilly air assaulted their faces as Kuwagata shielded his eyes from the snow. Kuwagata uncovered his eyes and peered inside. Beyond the door was a dark, snowy path, far colder than the land outside the fence.

"Let's go."

"I'm right behind you, Negikuma-san!"

The two entered through the door, into the darkness and cold, and it shut behind them.

***

Snow poured down rapidly, piling onto the already compacted snow. Kuwagata and Negikuma jogged briskly. Their feet crunched against the soft powder, but the snowfall quickly filled in their prints. He lifted his legs higher with each step, his feet sinking deep into the white floor.

Kuwagata grunted in slight annoyance, "Damn, this snow is deep! I can't even see my feet every time I take a step!"

Negikuma looked over her shoulder. "We're on the Blue Road now, so stay close to me at all times. We are in the territory of the Yeti. Got it, young Kuwagata?"

"Right!" Kuwagata nodded.

She looked him up and down, noticing he wasn't wearing any winter clothes. "You sure you don't need any warm gear? Not even a warm coat? It's already very cold here on this island. And the Blue Road is the coldest area on this entire island."

Kuwagata gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, miss. My Devil Fruit helps regulate my body temperature. Extreme heat and cold don't bother me much."

Negikuma took one last glance at him, then turned her attention to the path ahead. "Okay, if you're certain you'll be fine, then I'll take your word for it."

Kuwagata stayed close to her the whole time. They continued their journey through the cold and snowy tundra of the Blue Road. They remained silent for a few minutes, the only sounds the chilly wind in their ears and the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet. Feeling the awkward silence, Kuwagata decided to break it.

"So…do you know what kind of pirates attacked you guys?"

'Why would you ask that, Kuwagata!? That's so insensitive!" Kuwagata cursed himself in his mind.

Negikuma looked over her shoulder back at Kuwagata. "You want to know about that?"

Kuwagata slowly nodded, "If it isn't too much of a hassle to explain."

She turned her focus back on the path. "They called themselves the Blackbeard Pirates."

Kuwagata tilted his head. "Blackbeard Pirates?"

Negikuma's face darkened. "There were only five members, yet they still wiped out all of our soldiers. Their power was so great that none of us stood a chance; it was like they were a natural disaster that no one could have predicted." Her eyebrows furrowed. "And you want to know what our 'wise and all-powerful' King Wapol did?"

Kuwagata didn't feel comfortable answering that.

"He fled the island, taking all of the doctors with him, because saving his own hide mattered more than saving his people." Her eyes watered, and she gritted her teeth so hard they threatened to crack. "It was already hard enough under Wapol's terrible reign as king. Why do we have to suffer for someone else's arrogance!?"

Noticing she was getting emotional, she calmed herself and wiped away her tears. "Forgive me, young Kuwagata, that was very unladylike of me."

Kuwagata shook his head. "Don't apologize. Anyone in your shoes would feel the same way."

She smiled briefly. "Thank you for being understanding; you guys are not like the other pirates."

He attempted to refute that, but went silent, thinking about it for a bit. Ever since they entered the Grand Line, he had gotten to know the Straw Hats, their dreams, their hobbies, and even their struggles. Whether he liked it or not, he had formed a bond with the Straw Hats. The bond wasn't as strong as his Uncle and Auntie's, or Marianne's, but it was definitely the most unique one, if that made any sense.

"Yeah, I guess we are," Kuwagata agreed with a soft smile. "So, besides the obvious intense weather and the Yeti, why else is the Blue Road considered dangerous?"

"You want to know that too?"

"I just want to know what I got myself into."

"Well, if you really want to know, normally the carnivorous lapins don't attack people unless they are hunting for prey or are provoked. Similarly, the hiking bears won't bother you if you show them respect and proper manners. However, in the Blue Road, the lapins that inhabit these harsh environments have evolved to be blue and as large as bears. The bears are even more of a threat; the largest ones can reach up to twenty feet tall, and their claws are so sharp that they can cut through steel."

"Oh? They sound dangerous and strong."

"Yeah, but you should also watch out for the winter raptors, too."

He raised his left eyebrow. "Are they just as bad as the rabbits and bears?"

"Not as strong as them, but they are the most violent and aggressive of the bunch. So I would be careful around them." She then remembered something important. "Before I forget, another thing you should know about the Blue Road animals is that they love to fight, whether it be humans, animals, or even bugs. As long as it's strong, they will fight it."

"They love fighting, huh?" His expression darkened as he smiled. "That makes things more interesting." He blinked, then shook his head. "But Nami's recovery comes first."

Negikuma smiled, "You really care for her."

Kuwagata blinked in confusion. "Of course I do; she's a dear friend of mine!"

Kuwagata covered his mouth in surprise. He didn't expect to respond with that much passion.

Negikuma laughed a little. "I was just teasing you, young Kuwagata."

Kuwagata's cheeks flushed a slight pink with embarrassment, but it faded quickly when he noticed something unusual. A large tree lay split in half, and judging by the cut, a powerful force had done it. Suddenly, he heard a high-pitched screech that pierced through his ears, causing a sharp ringing and pain that vibrated his eardrums. Kuwagata instinctively covered his ears, grunting in discomfort.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

***

It had been a few hours since they started their trek along the Blue Road. Kuwagata and Negikuma hadn't run out of steam as they kept running through the snow with gusto.

"We are making good progress, only another hour to go, and we'll be in Purple Village," Negikuma reassured.

"That's great news, I'm about ready to get out of this darkness myself…hm?"

Kuwagata stopped in his tracks, causing Negikuma to stop and look back at him.

"Why did you stop, Kuwagata? We have to hurry if we want to save your friend."

"...We are not alone."

Negikuma's features sharpened. "How many can you sense?"

"A couple of dozen." Kuwagata said, his eyes narrowing, "And they're hungry."

Negikuma reached for her spear. "It must be the blue lapins. Stay close to me; if we stand very still, they'll lose interest and leave."

They put their backs together and stood completely still in the cold wind. Negikuma heard the brief shuffling of snow and the low growling of the unknown creatures. For Kuwagata, the growling and shuffling were loud and clear. The growling was aggressive and starved, like a large carnivore that hasn't eaten in weeks. Despite the freezing wind, Kuwagata's body felt hotter than ever. His nerves were sharp, his muscles tense, and beneath the fear, a dangerous spark of excitement stirred at the thought of fighting whatever was stalking them. They stood there a few more seconds, then the sounds disappeared with a snap of fingers.

"The sounds just vanished. Is that a good thing?"

Negikuma's face drained of color. "No, not the slightest." She clenched the handle of her spear tightly. "Brace for impact; they are about to spring out."

As soon as the words left her mouth, five blue lapins erupted from the trees, fangs bared, and claws outstretched, and lunged toward them. Two came from the front. Two circled the snow. The fifth dropped from above. The two managed to block the first two lapins' bites with their weapons, forcing the creatures to sink their teeth into the weapons instead of their flesh.

They both shoved the lapins off themselves.

Kuwagata turned to her, "Why are they attacking us? You said that they wouldn't bother us if we stood still."

"I did, but I guess these lapins haven't eaten in days."

One of the lapins lunged at Kuwagata, who kicked his lapin, sending it skidding across the snow until it crashed into a tree. Meanwhile, Negikuma thrust her spear into the lapin's abdomen, causing it to collapse to the ground, presumed dead.

Negikuma pulled her spear free and stepped back, keeping her eyes on the fallen lapin. She noticed another lapin closing in on Kuwagata. She got in between and punched it square in the face, knocking it out.

"Be careful. These lapins are resilient."

"Right, sorry," Kuwagata apologized, but his senses spiked. "Negikuma-san, watch out!"

But it was too late; the stabbed lapin lunged toward her back, lunging at her faster than last time, and raked a deep gash into her back. She screamed in pain, her grip on her spear weakening. The lapin kicked her into the other lapins, as they bit and clawed at her face and unguarded body.

"Negikuma-san!"

Kuwagata gripped Yuurei tightly and drew in a deep, feral breath as his muscles swelled beneath his clothes. His body brimmed with sudden strength. With one precise swing of his staff, he smashed the lapins off Negikuma and sent them flying through the air.

But before he could recover, another lapin rushed him from behind and slashed across his back, forcing Yuurei from his hands. The remaining lapins quickly surrounded Kuwagata and Negikuma, growling and baring their fangs as they closed in for the kill. The lapin that had struck him lunged again.

Kuwagata's frustration flared hotter and hotter. Nami was on death's door, and these beasts were wasting precious time… yet he couldn't deny the thrill rising in his chest at their relentless hunger for battle.

"You guys are very annoying!" Kuwagata snarled, his grin widening. "But so fun to fight!"

In a burst of anger and excitement, he backhanded the attacking lapin so hard that its jaw snapped and its teeth shattered. The other lapins froze for a split second in shock.

Then Kuwagata pounced.

Now in his hybrid form, he fell upon them like a wild beast. The lapins didn't stand a chance against his emotionally charged assault as he pummeled them into the snow one after another. Minutes later, Kuwagata stood in the center of a circle of bloodied, unconscious lapins, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. His clenched fists were dripping with blood. A frustrated grin curled across his face.

"Come on," he growled. "That can't be all you've got. Get back up. I'm not satisfied yet!"

Negikuma watched the carnage on full display, her eyes wide with shock at this side of him. He wasn't like the boy she talked to a few hours ago. She attempted to call out to him, but only a weak choking sound escaped her mouth. Negikuma looked closer at his face, or more specifically, his eyes. The mismatched eyes she was used to were gone. They glowed red, literally glowing red. It was as if his eyes had been replaced with glowing red lights.

Kuwagata continued to laugh hysterically, picking up one of the lapins and punching it in the face. "I said, get up! Unless you want to die that badly!"

"Young Kuwagata!"

Kuwagata blinked, the haze shattering all at once. The red glow vanished from his eyes, replaced by familiar gold and silver. "Huh? Wha- what happened?" He looked down and froze. In his hands was a bloodied, unconscious lapin. He dropped it into the snow as if it had burned him.
Around him lay the others, beaten and bruised, half-buried in the churned-up snow. Then his gaze fell to his hands. They were stained red. And none of the blood was his.

"D-did I do this?"

"Kuwagata…"

Kuwagata turned his attention to the injured Negikuma. He ran up to her, knelt, and sat her up against one of the trees. "You're badly hurt…and I was too caught up in the fight to help you. I'm so sorry."

Negikuma managed a weak smile. "It's not all your fault. I should have known hunger would make them reckless…and I let my guard down too. But that's in the past now; we have to keep going."

Negikuma attempted to get back up, but pain shot through her entire body, forcing her to sit back on the tree.

"Don't move, you're still badly wounded. Just stay right there; I'll apply some bandages."

Kuwagata pulled out leftover bandages he had kept for this long journey.

He stopped at her jacket and looked at her. "Is it okay with you?"

Negikumsa gave him a reassuring smile, "Do what you need to do."

He unzipped her coat and lifted her shirt. Thanks to the tree shielding them from the snow, he could apply disinfectant to the wounds. He carefully helped her lean forward and applied disinfectant to the gashes across her back with some cotton balls, which got a few grunts of pain from her.

Even though the tree gave them good cover, they were still in the cold. He needed to work quickly. Thankfully, Kuwagata's hands knew what to do. Wrapping bandages wasn't too different from tying butcher's twine around a roast or folding paper into a clean crease. Strange comparison, maybe, but it kept his hands steady. He patched her up enough in less than a minute.

Kuwagata lifted Negikuma onto his back, settling her carefully so her wounds would not reopen.

"I've got you, Negikuma-san."

"I'm very sorry you'll have to carry me for the rest of this journey."

"Don't worry, I have super strength. You won't slow me down at all, in fact." Kuwagata got into a running position. "I'll be able to go faster now! Hold on tight, this will be a bit rough."

Kuwagata dashed forward like a blur, kicking up clouds of snow as he ran like the wind. But no matter how fast he moved, the image of his bloodstained hands refused to leave him.

***

Half an hour had passed, and Kuwagata raced down the Blue Road like a speeding cheetah. The snow beneath his feet gradually became shallower and more stable, while the snowfall softened and the darkness around them began to fade.

Negikuma lifted her head from his back, noticing how much quieter the path had become. "We're almost there," she said weakly. "Just a little farther."

"Oh, thank goodness. I was starting to lose feeling in my legs."

Kuwagata continued his swift dash toward the exit of the Blue Road, but they weren't out of danger yet. In the distance, he spotted a small figure. Intrigued by what lay ahead, he used his compound eyes to get a closer look…and his blood ran cold.

The weather grew even worse, and the atmosphere darkened to the point that a normal person would struggle to find their way. Fortunately for him, his compound eyes allowed him to see in the dark.

"Negikuma, do you trust me?" Kuwagata asked.

Negikuma hesitated for a moment, but she reminded herself that this was the real Kuwagata carrying her. "I trust you with my life."

"Thanks. I'm going to put you down very carefully, and I want you to stay as still and quiet as possible until I give you the signal. When I give the signal, head for Purple Village and don't look back. You'll know it when you hear it. Do you understand?"

Negikuma stayed quiet for a moment before responding, "I know what you're about to do, and I know I can't stop you. I just hope that you come back here alive."

Kuwagata slowly and gently set Negikuma down beside a nearby tree, then turned and stepped back onto the road. He planted his feet firmly in the deep snow and lowered his stance, one hand pressed against the ground for balance. The other moved to Yuurei, strapped horizontally across his lower back.

A pair of glowing red eyes stared at him from the darkness ahead. Kuwagata looked up. A massive figure loomed before him, cloaked in navy-blue fur. Its feet were enormous, its claws long and sharp enough to tear through flesh like paper. Large horns crowned its head, giving it the presence of some ancient beast. When it bared its jagged teeth, a low, lordly growl rumbled from its throat and echoed deep in Kuwagata's ears.

This was the Ice Yeti.

Despite her blurred vision, Negikuma was close enough to make out the creature's towering shape. 'So the legendary Ice Yeti has finally shown itself, she thought, her breath catching in her throat. But the stories said it only appears before those it recognizes as truly strong.' Her gaze shifted to Kuwagata's back. 'Kuwagata… just who exactly are you?'

"Run like hell, Negikuma-san!"

Negikuma was snapped out of her thoughts when Kuwagata gave her the signal. Wasting no time, she got out as quickly as she could and ran toward the exit to Purple Village.

Kuwagata looked back toward Negikuma and gave a quick smile. Then he brought his full attention to the Yeti, "It's just you and me now; let's go!"

Kuwagata wasted no time, striking the Yeti upward in the chin with Yuurei and sending it through the air, smashing into the snow and leaving a Yeti-shaped crater.

The Yeti quickly shot back to its feet, using its powerful legs to launch itself toward him with an excited roar, preparing to swipe with its claw. Kuwagata mirrored its movements, rising from the ground and getting ready to deliver another brutal swing. When their attacks collided, the force was tremendous, uprooting trees and scattering snow. Nearby animals were thrown aside like paper and debris.
Their attacks locked in place as they tried to overpower each other. After a few more seconds, they pushed each other back, breaking the lock. They briefly skidded across the snow. Kuwagata dug his heels in. The Yeti slammed its claws into the ground. They both stopped at the same time.

The two combatants locked eyes, then charged at each other again. Kuwagata transformed into his hybrid form, and they clashed again. The fight became a blur of blocks, kicks, and claw swipes. Kuwagata landed strike after strike across the Yeti's body, leaving it bruised, while the Yeti struggled to break through Kuwagata's tough exterior. Although the Yeti managed to hurt Kuwagata, its slicing attacks proved ineffective against him.

That's when the Yeti decided to go for a more blunt-force approach.

The Yeti delivered a powerful kick to Kuwagata's gut, causing him to drop Yuurei and fall to his knees, writhing in pain. The Yeti then delivered an uppercut to Kuwagata's chin, sending him crashing into a tree. Without pausing to celebrate, the Yeti jumped into the air, clenched its fists, and prepared to deliver a devastating blow to Kuwagata's head.

***

An hour had passed, and the two stood opposite each other, both panting with exhaustion. Cracks spread across Kuwagata's shell, blood ran down his head, and his eyes were slightly unfocused. Across from him, the Yeti was bruised from head to toe. Huge purple bumps littered its face, and several teeth were missing.

I can't hold out much longer, Kuwagata thought, tightening his grip on Yuurei. I'll have to finish this with one more move.
Kuwagata lunged forward again, swinging Yuurei toward the Yeti's face. Pain shot up in his body, causing him to miss the Yeti's head. Kuwagata fell to his knees once again, groaning in pain.

Damn it, I took too many hits after my shell cracked.

The Yeti saw Kuwagata drop to his knees and took advantage of the opening. With a roar, it launched itself forward one last time, winding back its fist. Blue ice coated its knuckles as the wind around its arm compressed into a violent spiral.

Kuwagata barely managed to stand when the fist slammed into the center of his chest.

Time seemed to slow. Cracks raced across his shell, spreading wider and wider until the Yeti's fist broke through. The chest plate shattered. Kuwagata's eyes went white as blood burst from his mouth. The punch and its shockwave launched him meters away. He crashed through tree after tree before slamming into a massive boulder, shattering it on impact.

Then he hit the snow and lay still. But for the first time since the beginning of the fight, Kuwagata did not get up.

***

Kuwagata slowly opened his eyes, snow gently landing on his face. His injuries had disappeared. He blinked, his vision adjusting…only to see Kodama standing beside him, looking down at him with cold disappointment.

Kodama shook his head. "How disappointing." He crossed his arms. "You can take down the largest creatures on this planet, but you can't handle a single Yeti."

Kuwagata gritted his teeth. "Shut up."

Kodama's smile widened. "Oh? Did I strike a nerve? Good." He crouched down to his level. "Use that frustration, that anger. Use those emotions; they are your key to becoming stronger! Let them know that you are not someone to mess with! You want to become the strongest being in history, right?" He leaned in closer. "It felt good, didn't it? That much power in your fingertips? The way you dominated your opponents? You've already lost yourself to the thrill once; why not just give in to your instincts?"

Silence filled the void; neither of them spoke for a long while. Kuwagata slowly got up, staring down at Kodama, who looked up at him with that same poisonous smile.

"You're right about one thing, Kodama. I do want to become the strongest in history…but." His expression softened. "I'm going to achieve it my own way. And if I have to use my emotions to achieve it, then I'm going to control them and use them to my advantage." Kuwagata looked at his reflection in Yuurei's blades. "I am Kuwagata Kagami, a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, and right now, they need me more than ever."
Kodama looked at him with an unreadable expression, then started giggling, then laughing full-on. "I knew I picked the right one!"
As if he were made of snow, the wind blew his figure away.

***

Kuwagata's eyes snapped open as he sucked in a sharp breath. Pain shot through his body all at once. He looked down at himself. His injuries had returned, and his shattered chest plate was still broken open. He was back in reality.
But this time, he did not stay down.

With renewed determination, Kuwagata forced his trembling legs beneath him and rose to his feet. He nearly stumbled again when his silver eye throbbed with sudden pain. When he opened it, the world looked different.

It was as if he could see through flesh and bone, down to the smallest details beneath the surface. Kuwagata split his vision into countless focal lenses, locking onto the Yeti, who was still standing in the snow and trying to recover from their battle. He scanned the Yeti's weak points and identified its shoulders, chest, and stomach as critical areas.

"I've got one last chance to end this. I'll make sure I don't miss."

Kuwagata transformed Yuurei into its twin-bladed form, its legs expanding before it launched into action.

A massive X-shaped slash tore across the Yeti's chest, with Kuwagata standing right behind it.

"Origami Arts: Three-Fold Style: X-Scissor!"

The Yeti's eyes went white. It dropped to its knees, swaying for a moment before finally collapsing into the snow with a massive thud. It lay there motionless. Finally defeated.

Kuwagata's vision blurred, "I…finally…defeated the Yeti…" His grip on Yuurei loosened.

Then he collapsed on the snow, unconscious.

***

Inside a small house in Purple Village, Kuwagata lay asleep heavily beneath thick blankets, the warmth of a crackling fireplace washing over him. Fresh bandages covered his chest, arms, and forehead, hiding the worst of the wounds he had suffered on the Blue Road.

Kuwagata slowly opened his eyes. "Oh great, where am I now?" He scanned the room and realized he was in someone's house. Next to his bed was a chair with his shirt and poncho neatly folded.

Kuwagata looked up at the ceiling. "I really need to stop waking up in other people's houses wrapped in bandages."

With a sharp groan, Kuwagata pushed himself upward on the bed and swung his legs over the side, slowly pressing his feet against the cold wooden floor. The room door slowly opened. Negikuma stood in the doorway, bandaged and leaning on a cane, with another person beside her. It was a man with long purple hair tied in a bun, along with a long purple beard that reached the floor.

"Young Kuwagata, you're finally awake! I was so worried," Negikuma said, relief washing over her.

"How long have I been knocked out?"

"About twenty hours, young man," The purple-haired man responded.

Kuwagata looked at him. "Sorry to ask this, but who are you?"

"Oh! Where are my manners? My name is Gentian." He shook Kuwagata's hand. "You must be Kuwagata. It's nice to meet you."
Kuwagata chuckled, "Likewise, sir."

"We found you unconscious in the middle of Blue Road when my good friend Negikuma begged me to come rescue you. It's a miracle that you didn't suffer any frostbite. Any normal person trekking through the Blue Road needs heavy winter gear just to avoid getting it."

Gentian's expression darkened. "That reminds me, my friend told me that you fought the Yeti. Tell me everything that you can remember."

Kuwagata looked down at the floor. "Oh, right…that. The Yeti kind of just showed up when we were almost there. It challenged me to a fight. I told Negikuma to run to Purple Village. I don't know how long we fought, but I remember it dealing an almost fatal blow to my chest. I crashed through lots of things until I lost consciousness. But like a person rising from the grave, I got back up and defeated the Yeti with one of my signature moves. Then I lost consciousness."

Gentian's eyes were wide. "You actually defeated the Yeti?"

"Just barely."

"Well, I'll be. I never thought I would see the day a normal human could defeat the legendary Ice Yeti. Many strong men have attempted to fight it, but none have succeeded, and even fewer escaped with their lives."

Kuwagata smirked a bit, "I wouldn't call myself a normal human." Kuwagata's smile dampened. "Wait, you said that I was unconscious for twenty hours?"

Gentian blinked. "Indeed, I did, young man."

Kuwagata started to panic, "Oh no, I've slept for too long. We need to get those pickled plums for Doctor Kureha! Do you have some?"

Gentian raised a calming hand. "Easy, young man. Negikuma told us everything. The pickled plums are already packed, and lucky for you, we have a faster route you can use. You can take one of our sleighs."

Kuwagata's nerves relaxed from the good news. "Oh, that's good. Sorry for the freak out, I've been through a lot for the past…four days now."

Gentian sat beside him. "You must really care for that Nami girl and your crew to be acting like this. That's an admirable quality in a person."

Kuwagata's expression softened. "It's funny. When I first met them, I despised them. I wanted nothing more than to get off that ship and sail as far away from it as possible."

A faint blush dusted his cheeks as he smiled. "But now…I can't imagine traveling without them. And the funny thing is, I don't want to imagine a reality where I never met them."

"Love works in mysterious ways, young man."

Kuwagata's face turned red. "W-what?"

Gentian laughed, "Platonic love, boy! I meant platonic love."

Kuwagata grumbled to himself while Gentian kept laughing, and Negikuma joined in.

***

Outside Purple Village, Kuwagata and Negikuma boarded a sleigh Gentian and the villagers lent them, with several reindeer harnessed at the front. Although Kuwagata had only been there a short while, he had quickly gotten along with the people. Many praised him for defeating the Yeti, but Kuwagata brushed it off, insisting he had only done what needed to be done.

Gentian handed them a map. "Follow this path through the Blue Road. At the end, you'll find a hidden passage that will lead you straight back to Horn Town in less than half an hour." He smiled. "You should probably get going now. Wouldn't want to keep your crew waiting."

"Got it. Thank you for everything." Kuwagata bowed slightly.

Negikuma snapped the reins, and the reindeer dashed forward, carrying the sleigh back into the snowy depths of the Blue Road.

"Bye, Kuwagata! We'll miss you!" the children of Purple Village called, waving after him.

Kuwagata looked ahead into the snowy tundra once again. Hold on, guys. I'm on my way!

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

Kuwagata and Negikuma raced through the Blue Road on the sleigh, with the snow hitting their faces. The reindeer galloped through the snow at amazing speeds. They weren't as fast as Kuwagata's top speed, but they were getting the job done. But even if he wanted to run ahead, his body still hadn't recovered from the fight.

Kuwagata looked over at the map. "According to the map, the shortcut should be coming up to our left, in the next five minutes."
Negikuma nodded, "All right, we're making good progress." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, young Kuwagata, you'll be able to save your friend in time."

"You don't have to reassure me; I know I will."

The moment didn't last long; Kuwagata forced the reindeer and sleigh to grind to a halt, kicking up a snowstorm of dust around them. When the snow cleared, something stood in front of them that Kuwagata hoped he wouldn't have to see again.

The Yeti.

The Yeti slowly approached the sleigh, the large X-shaped wound across its chest still fresh. Kuwagata narrowed his eyes. Something about the creature looked different now that battle no longer blinded him. Its frame was slimmer than he remembered, its posture less brutish, and its long white mane fell around its shoulders like a cloak.

A female? Kuwagata clicked his tongue. It didn't matter. Not right now.

He jumped from the sleigh and landed directly in front of the Yeti. Now that they were face to face, the height difference was impossible to ignore.

Before Kuwagata could say a word, two massive arms wrapped around him. His entire face disappeared into a mound of soft white fur as the Yeti squeezed him tightly against her chest, swaying side to side like an overjoyed girl whose crush had finally noticed her.

"Mmph!?" Kuwagata's arms flailed helplessly.

Then she lifted him into the air, giving him a clear view of her face. Her eyes had turned into huge hearts, her long eyelashes fluttering as she stared at him with unmistakable affection.

Kuwagata froze. "Wait…" His face went pale. "I've been fighting a woman this whole time!?"

Negikuma blinked twice. "Well…that explains why she was following us."

Kuwagata snapped his head towards her, "That's what you're focused on!?"

***

After the Yeti let go of Kuwagata, she signed to help Kuwagata understand what she was trying to communicate.
Kuwagata nodded, "I see, so you want to help us get back to Big Horn?"

The Yeti nodded.

"And that your real name is Yuki!"

Yuki nodded.

"...And after I rescue my friends, you want me to be your mate."

Yuki nodded rapidly.

"Well, I can accept two of those offers. Let's go."

Yuki eagerly took the center harness between the reindeer, practically bouncing with excitement as Kuwagata secured the straps. Negikuma snapped the reins again and, like someone who had eaten the Speed-Speed Fruit, burst through the snow as if it were invisible. Kuwagata and Negikuma held on to the sleigh, keeping themselves from falling off.

"Holy crap, she's fast!" Kuwagata shouted.

"It's to be expected from the legendary Ice Yeti!" Negikuma responded.

Kuwagata spotted a small gap between the trees. "Wait, this is the spot. Go left, everyone!"

Yuki and the reindeer made a sharp turn, carving through the snow as they shot into the gap. A few feet ahead, the snow suddenly split open, revealing a massive hatch hidden beneath the white powder.

Kuwagata's eyes widened. "That's it! That's the shortcut! Go through there!"

Yuki and the reindeer galloped forward, getting closer and closer. The sleigh slid down into the hatch. Once they had completely plunged into the opening, it closed behind them. The interior was pitch-black, and only Kuwagata could see anything.

"It's very dark in here!" Negikuma said.

Kuwagata narrowed his eyes, the tunnel stretching clearly before him. "Don't worry, I can see the path! Negikuma-san, keep the reins steady! Yuki, straight ahead!"

"As you wish, my love!" Yuki said in a feminine voice.

"...What?"

"What's wrong, young Kuwagata?" Negikuma asked.

"Didn't you just hear Yuki speak!?"

Negikuma stared at him. "...No. I only heard low growling."

Kuwagata slowly turned back toward Yuki.

Yuki glanced over her shoulder, her heart-shaped eyes sparkling. "Looks like only you can understand me, my love! I knew we were destined for each other!"

Kuwagata's face went pale, and he tightened his grip on the sleigh until the wood began to creak. "That's not how that works!"

"Geez, can that Yeti shut up about her crush?" One of the reindeer said.

"I can hear the reindeer too!"

Before he could think about the situation any longer, light began to emerge from the tunnel's end. Kuwagata switched off his night vision as he noticed the brightness ahead.

Kuwagata smiled widely and exclaimed, "We're almost there, guys! Just a little further to go!"

"You heard the young man! One more push!"

Yuki and the reindeer surged forward at full speed. The light grew brighter and brighter until it was nearly blinding. As the light dimmed, they found themselves at Big Horn's entrance.

Kuwagata threw a fist in the air. "We made it, guys!"

Negikuma smiled and gave him the bag of pickled plums. "You know what to do, Kuwagata."

Kuwagata looked at her, puzzled. "Negikuma-san, you're coming with me, right?"

Negikuma smiled sweetly. "Oh, I wish I could, but…" Negikuma showed the cane. "I'm in no condition to go any further than this. I've done all I could. It's up to you now. But I know that you will do it."

"Negikuma-san…"

"You're a very kind soul, young Kuwagata. I may have only known you for a short time, but I can tell that once you set your mind on something, you'll never give up until it's done." Negikuma pressed the bag against his chest. "Now go, your friends are waiting!"

Kuwagata stared at Negikuma, tears threatening to spill, before he clutched the bag to his chest. "Thank you for everything."

"Go!"

Yuki let out a low growl, but Kuwagata heard her voice clearly. "Get on my back, my love! I'll take you there!"

"Still not your love," Kuwagata chuckled, climbing onto her back. "But I'll take the ride."

Kuwagata shoved the thought aside. He later figured out why he suddenly understood animals. Right now, Nami came first. With a burst of speed, Yuki dashed into the snowy forest with Kuwagata, heading to the mountain with the castle.

***

Deep in the forest, Yuki raced through the snow like a sprinter on a mission, while Kuwagata clung to her back, focused on reaching the castle as fast as possible. He clenched the bag of pickled plums close to his chest. As they passed by, lapins and other animals hid behind trees or scurried away, keeping their distance from the legendary Ice Yeti.

As they drew closer to the mountain, the snowfall grew heavier.

Kuwagata spotted the mountain through the storm. "I can see it from here! We're almost there, Yuki!"

Yuki looked over her shoulder. "Of course, my love! I'll get us there in no time!"

"Still not your love!" Kuwagata shouted.

Yuki only smiled wider and pushed herself harder, kicking up snow in her wake. A minute later, they finally reached the mountain's base.
Kuwagata climbed off Yuki's back and looked up at the mountain, marveling at its height.

He turned to Yuki. "Alright, I'm about to transform. Can you hold onto my clothes and the pickled plums?"

Yuki's face turned beet red, a dreamy smile spreading across her face. "T-take care of your clothes?" She placed her hands on her cheeks. "At least take me out on a date first."

Kuwagata clenched his fists. "Not that kind of thing!"

Yuki giggled. "I'm only kidding, don't worry." Yuki pointed to herself. "Don't worry, my love, you can count on me."

Kuwagata calmed down and smiled at her. "Thank you. Now don't freak out; this is going to look a bit odd."

Kuwagata closed his eyes, focusing. A few moments later, his body shrank, seemingly disappearing, while his clothes fell to the snow.

Yuki started to freak out and dug through Kuwagata's clothes. "L-love!? Where did you go!?"

"I'm right here. Please stop digging through my pants."

Yuki froze as a tiny rhinoceros beetle crawled out from the folds of Kuwagata's clothes.

"Is that you, my love?"

Kuwagata buzzed up to her face on tiny beetle wings. "Yeah, it's me."

Yuki blinked. "Why are you so tiny all of a sudden?"

"Zoan Devil Fruits usually give you a hybrid form and a full animal form," Kuwagata explained. "The form I used against you was my hybrid form. Most full Zoan forms keep the user around their normal size, or make them even bigger."

He glanced down at his tiny beetle body and sighed. "Mine makes me the size of an actual bug. Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised."

"Well, I think you look quite adorable in this form!" Yuki gushed and cooed.

Kuwagata blushed a bit, "Th-thanks."

"I made my love blush!"

"Once again, I'm not your love!" Kuwagata sighed in defeat. "Let's just get to the castle."

Kuwagata's face softened when he looked at Yuki's chest. The X-mark was still fresh.

"...Yuki?"

"Yes, love?"

"The scar I gave you, doesn't that hurt?"

Yuki touched the X scar, rubbing it tenderly with her fingers and smiling warmly. "No, it doesn't. Among Yetis, a scar left by a worthy mate is something to be proud of. It means we've been claimed."

"Oh, that's… reassuring," Kuwagata said, not knowing how else to respond. "Well, let's get to climbing."

***

Yuki climbed up the mountain, gripping the icy ledges with one hand while clutching Kuwagata's clothes and the bag of pickled plums in the other. Every so often, she glanced toward Kuwagata's tiny beetle form to make sure he was still keeping up.

Kuwagata wasn't having much trouble flying up the mountain. His wings buzzed rapidly as he weaved through the freezing air. The real problem was the falling snow. In his tiny form, every frozen clump that fell from above felt less like snowfall and more like a boulder crashing into his path. Thankfully, they were already more than halfway up the mountain.

"Are you okay, my love!? Are you sure you don't want to ride on my shoulder!?" Yuki shouted to Kuwagata.

Kuwagata buzzed angrily through the wind. "For the twentieth time, I can handle myself! Just keep going!"

"Anything for you, my love!"

Kuwagata sighed. He'd never get her to stop calling him that.

***

Yuki reached the top of the mountain, with Kuwagata following close behind. She placed his clothes and the bag of pickled plums onto the snow. Kuwagata flew through his shirt collar. As he entered, his body began to grow; his arms pushed through the sleeves, his legs slipped into his pants, and his feet settled into his hiking sandals. Once his head popped through the collar, he was fully back in his original form.

Yuki clapped her hands. "Wow, that's impressive, my love."

Kuwagata dusted the snow off his poncho. "Thanks. It only took me a month to get that right."

The two noticed the massive castle before them. Up close, it looked even larger than it did from a distance.

Yuki gazed at the snow castle. "So this is the castle? I've heard of this castle before, but I had no reason to be here until now."

Kuwagata secured Yuurei back onto the strap. "Alright! No time to waste! Nami and the rest are waiting for us!"

Kuwagata and Yuki dashed towards the large doors.

***

Kuwagata gently knocked.

Kuwagata stood before the large doors, waiting for someone to answer. Nearby, Yuki hid behind a castle wall. Kuwagata had told her it probably wasn't a good idea for someone like her to suddenly appear at a stranger's door.

After about a minute, Kuwagata shifted on his feet. "Someone should be here by now. Maybe I didn't knock hard enough?"

He raised his hand to knock again, but the doors slowly creaked open. Kuwagata quickly lowered his arm.

When the doors fully opened, a woman with white hair, a sharp chin, and a smile that anyone could mistake for a witch stood before Kuwagata.

She held a wine bottle and took a quick chug.

This must be Dr. Kureha, Kuwagata thought to himself before speaking. "Excuse me, miss. I apologize for interrupting your time, but are you Dr. Kureha?"

"That's correct, boy," Kureha said, still staring at him with an unreadable expression. The silence started to unsettle him.

Kuwagata cleared his throat. "My name is—"

"You're Kuwagata. And you're here to give me the pickled plums, am I right, boy?" Kureha answered.

"How do you—"

"A certain orange-haired brat told me, ehehehehe!" Kureha laughed.

Kuwagata's eyes widened slightly. "Nami… talked about me?"

Kureha took another swig from her bottle. "More than you'd expect. Whenever she was awake, she kept asking whether you had made it back yet. The blonde brat didn't take too kindly to that."

Kuwagata tightened his grip on the bag of pickled plums, squishing them slightly.

Kureha frowned. "Hey, watch the pickled plums! …Oh?"

Tears streamed down Kuwagata's cheeks, yet a wide smile spread across his face. It wasn't his usual warm smile or playful smirk. It was the expression of someone who had finally let his guard down.

"Thank you for telling me, Doctor," Kuwagata said softly. "I'm ready to come inside now."

Kureha scoffed and smiled, "Just get in here. Your friends have been worried sick about you." Kureha looked over at the bandages. "And I see you need some medical attention."

***

Kureha guided Kuwagata through the cold castle's towering walls. To anyone not from this island, the freezing temperatures would hit them immediately. However, since Kuwagata had consumed his devil fruit, the cold felt to him like nothing more than a warm summer breeze.

Kureha looked over at the tall man. "I've got to say, climbing all the way up here by yourself is impressive. Not a lot of people are crazy enough to climb up all this way for medical attention."

Kuwagata scratched his neck. "I didn't exactly climb the mountain."

"Oh, then you used the ropeway."

"... There was a ropeway?"

"Yeah, I installed it a while ago."

"You mean I could have used the ropeway this entire time!?"

"Eh, I wouldn't recommend using it anyway. Too dangerous for normal people."

Kuwagata stared at her. "Then why install it?"

Kureha grinned. "I never said I installed it for normal people. I installed it just for myself! Ehehehehehe!"

Kuwagata slumped slightly, defeated and exhausted. After a few minutes of silence, Kureha guided him to a door. She opened it, revealing the entire Straw Hat crew and a small, blue-nosed reindeer gathered inside, chatting among themselves. They stopped talking as soon as they noticed Kureha and Kuwagata beside her.

Kuwagata waved at them, saying, "Hey, guys. Sorry, I'm late."

"Kuwagata!!!"

Luffy leaped into the air, landing on Kuwagata's shoulders and hugging his face from the side. Vivi rushed over and hugged him around the torso, while Nami, despite Kureha's objections, got out of bed to join the pile hug.

Sanji approached the pile hug. He looked annoyed for a second before his expression shifted to a smile. He put a hand on Kuwagata's shoulder. "It's good to see that you're not dead."

Kuwagata froze. For a moment, he didn't know what to do with his arms. Then his smile trembled, and he wrapped them around whoever he could reach.

"You guys didn't have to worry about me. You know I'm too tough to be killed that easily."

"Idiot…," Nami muttered against his chest, "That doesn't mean we won't worry."

Luffy smiled widely, "Yeah, like Nami said, you're one of us! So of course, we would worry about you!"

Sanji smirked, "Besides, if you died, Nami-san would be sad. And then I'd have to kick your ghost ass."

Vivi looked at Kuwagata with teary eyes. "Don't ever think you don't belong with us."

The blue-nosed reindeer approached Kuwagata, still being piled on.

"Who might this be?" asked Kuwagata.

Luffy smiled even wider, "This is Chopper, our newest crew member!"

"You must be the Kuwagata guy they've been talking about," Chopper said.

"Yes, yes, I am, and you are absolutely adorable."

Chopper became mushy. "Oh, you! Just because you think I'm cute, don't think I'll warm up to you, you bastard!"

Kuwagata looked at Sanji.

Sanji shrugged, "You get used to it."

Kureha clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention in the room. "Touching reunion. Now get the orange-haired brat back in bed before I throw all of you out." Kureha grabbed Kuwagata's hand. "You're coming with me; I have to do surgery on you."

"You sure, I feel fi—"

Kureha pressed her thumb to a bruised spot on his wrist, and he yelped. "When a doctor says you're not fine, you believe them. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good, now let's go."

***

Kuwagata lay face down on an operating table, unconscious from the anesthesia Kureha had given him. Kureha stood beside him, sterile gloves pulled tight over her hands as she examined the damage across his back.

Her eyes narrowed. "Two fractured shoulder blades, three lacerations in your spleen, cracked ribs, and over thirty fractures across your spine and vertebrae…" She stared down at him, half irritated, half impressed. "How were you even able to move, kid?"

Kureha began removing the bandages covering him from the waist to the neck. When she reached his shoulder blades, something caught her eye. After she had finished removing the bandages, she could hardly believe her eyes.

"Are those…gold feathers growing out of his shoulder blades?"

Golden feathers protruded from Kuwagata's back. Between the feathers from the shoulder blades was a star-shaped birthmark. Kureha narrowed her eyes and used a pair of tweezers to carefully pluck one free. She held it beneath the operating light and turned it between her fingers. It gleamed like polished metal, yet bent as lightly as a normal feather.

Kureha's smile faded into genuine curiosity. "Well, I'll be damned. It's made of real gold."

Kureha focused her attention on the star on his back. "That's one interesting birthmark you got, kid."

***

Kuwagata slowly woke up in a bed. He sat up and realized he was in a room next to Nami, but she wasn't there.

"Wait, we can't stay here any longer; we have to get Vivi to Alabasta!" he exclaimed. He quickly got out of bed, got dressed, and left the rest area to find his crew.

Outside, he saw the rest of his crew playing in the snow. Luffy and Usopp were having a snowball fight; Zoro sat on a large snowball; and Nami and Vivi chatted, while the others kept busy with their own activities.

"Hey, Kuwagata is awake!" Luffy exclaimed.

"What are we still doing here? We need to get to Alabasta as soon as possible.

Sanji smirked, "Well, that's what we were going to do. We were originally going to drag your body back to the ship, but since you're up and ready, we don't need to do that."

Luffy walked up to Kuwagata and raised his fist at him. "But before we set sail, I want to hear you say it."

Kuwagata blinked. "Say what?"

Luffy smiled wider. "That you're part of my crew!"

Kuwagata couldn't believe it. After everything they'd been through on this island, Luffy still wanted to hear him say the one thing he wanted to hear.

Kuwagata raised his fist and connected his knuckles with Luffy's, forming a fist bump. "Monkey D. Luffy, from now on, I am part of the Straw Hat Pirates. Kuwagata Kagami, the man who will become the strongest in history!"

Nami smiled, "Well, it's about time."

Sanji looked on, "Heh, at least I'll have someone who can help me in the kitchen."

Usopp smiled proudly, "That's my bug pupil, everyone!"

Vivi looked at him longingly, feeling something flutter in her chest. "Kuwagata…"

Luffy smiled, "Then it's finally official!"

Zoro narrowed his eyes, "Not yet…"

Zoro unsheathed two of his swords, pointing them at Kuwagata.

"Hey, what's the deal, Zoro?" Luffy asked.

Zoro ignored Luffy, keeping his focus on Kuwagata. "Listen, you may have everyone convinced that you're part of the crew. But you haven't convinced me. If you want me to truly acknowledge you as one of us." Zoro got into his two-sword style. "Prove your strength to me."

Kuwagata stared at Zoro for a second.

Nami intervened, "Wait, Zoro, he just got finished with surgery; don't you think you're going a little too far?"

"I accept your challenge, Roranoa Zoro."

"Huh!?" Nami said.

Kuwagata drew Yuurei from his strap. "If this is the only way to prove to you that I'm worthy of standing with this crew." Kuwagata spun Yuurei around and pointed the staff at Zoro with both hands. "Then I'll show you my resolve! The strength behind the words I say!"

Zoro smiled, "I like the sound of that."

"Wait, guys! There's no need to—"

"Nami-san, let them do this. When two men put their pride on the line, you don't step between them." Sanji responded.

Nami sighed in defeat.

***

Kuwagata and Zoro stood several feet apart outside the castle. Their feet shifted against the snow, carving shallow marks into the white ground. Kuwagata gripped Yuurei tightly, ready to swing at any moment. Across from him, Zoro drew two swords, one in each hand, then pulled the third free and clamped the handle between his teeth.

Neither of them moved. They stared intently at one another, each searching for the smallest flaw in the other's stance.
On the other side of the field, the rest of the crew stood watching the duel about to unfold. Luffy sat criss-cross on top of a snowball, while Usopp stood beside him with his arms crossed. Sanji stood to the left, hands tucked into his pockets. A good distance away, Nami and Vivi watched, worry written across their faces.

"Are you sure this is a good idea for them to fight?" Vivi asked, concerned.

"Of course not! We are wasting precious time we could use sailing to Alabasta! Besides, Kuwagata shouldn't even be fighting! He just got finished with his surgery!" Nami responded.

"Well, there's no point in talking them out now. Even if they wanted to," Usopp said, then smirked. "But even then, it's sacrilegious to interfere in another man's fight for his honor!"

"But couldn't they settle it once we get to Alabasta?" Vivi asked.

Sanji lit up his cigarette. "Vivi…Nami, when two men agree to a duel, no matter what, they have to settle it with a victor."

Luffy smiled, "Exactly, Sanji." He looked at Nami and Vivi, still smiling, though his voice was firm. "Nami. Vivi. Don't stop them. This is their fight."

Back on the field, Zoro and Kuwagata sprang into action, sprinting at each other at full speed. Kuwagata split Yuurei into its twin blades as Zoro lowered his stance, ready to strike.

"Three Sword Style: Onigiri!"

"Origami Arts: Three-fold Style: Crane Base!"

The blades collided with a beam of light, blowing the snow away and forming a crater beneath their feet. Their blades locked, each trying to overpower the other. The deadlock held for several tense seconds until Kuwagata pushed Zoro back, his feet sliding through the snow.

He's actually pushing me back!? Zoro thought, completely shocked.

Zoro slid back faster and faster, his grip on his swords weakening under Kuwagata's overwhelming strength. Before he could be forced any farther, Zoro broke the deadlock and leaped backward, putting distance between them.

Damn, Zoro thought, tightening his grip. He wasn't even in his beetle form, and he was still this strong? A smile tugged at his lips. This'll be more fun than I thought.

Kuwagata pointed his blade at him. "I can tell you're holding back. Are we done, or do you still have a few tricks up your swords?" Kuwagata taunted.

Zoro scoffed. "Heh. So you noticed." His grin widened as he clenched the sword between his teeth. "Good. Then I don't have to ease you into it."
Zoro dashed forward again. This time, the force behind his attack nearly knocked Kuwagata's blades from his hands. Kuwagata dug his heels into the snow and forced him back, their weapons scraping together in a shower of sparks.

Kuwagata pressed Zoro with heavier and heavier swings, each strike harder than the last. Zoro gripped his swords until his knuckles turned white, his jaw clenching around the third blade as he fought to keep his footing.

"Why are you holding back?!" Kuwagata shouted.

Zoro offered no answer. He kept blocking Kuwagata's furious barrage, his gaze fixed on him.

Kuwagata saw an opening at Zoro's chest and took the chance to deliver a thrust kick. Temporarily knocking the wind out of him, Zoro went flying back until he stabbed his two swords into the snow, stopping his momentum.

Kuwagata let out a heavy breath that crystallized in the frosty air. "Now…Are you going to take this seriously, or not?"
Zoro drew several strained breaths as the air returned to his lungs. He's fresh out of surgery and still forcing me to work this hard…You really are something, Kuwagata. Just imagining how strong you truly are when you're fully healthy is a terrifying thought."

Zoro sheathed his blades. "This fight is over; I've seen everything I needed to see."

Kuwagata lowered Yuurei, but his glare remained. "You never stopped holding back."

Zoro scoffed with a smirk. "Neither did you. You haven't used your beetle form once."

Kuwagata paused.

Zoro walked past him with a satisfied grin. "But we'll find out who's stronger another time. Welcome to the Straw Hats, Bug Boy."

Kuwagata looked over his shoulder and watched him go. A small smile spread across his face. "Guess he saw through me, too."

***

After a scolding from Nami, Vivi, and especially Kureha, Kuwagata decided to spend some time outside, having a snowcastle contest with Luffy, Usopp, and Sanji. Zoro meditated in the snow, while Nami and Vivi chatted nearby. Chopper was inside the castle, going to tell Kureha he was leaving the island to join the Straw Hats.

Luffy finished his snowcastle, a badly crafted igloo. Luffy admired his masterpiece with satisfaction. "I've totally got you guys beat! Hm?"

Then he saw Usopp's snowcastle, and his jaw dropped. Usopp's was a small house with a built-in fireplace.

Usopp patted his snow fortress. "Get a load of this, Luffy. I have a house made of condensed snow blocks with a fully built-in fireplace, beat that!"

Luffy slumped down, "Aw, man…"

"Ahem…" Kuwagata cleared his throat.

Luffy and Usopp turned toward the sound. Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at what they saw.

Kuwagata's snowcastle was a full-blown castle standing nearly fifty feet tall. Like Usopp's, it was built from tightly compressed snow blocks, but it had far more detail, complete with towers, battlements, and carved window frames.

Kuwagata smiled. "You like it? It even has snow furniture inside."

"Wow, this looks so cool!" Luffy said, admiring Kuwagata's snowcastle.

"How did you build this so fast?" Usopp asked.

Kuwagata smirked, crossing his arms. "A magician never reveals their secrets."

"Hey, guys! Feeling a little left out here."

The three turned their attention to Sanji, whose castle consisted of two highly detailed snow figures of Nami and Vivi.

"Take a good look, men, this is what a real snowcastle looks like!"

Kuwagata tilted his head slightly. "Sanji, this isn't a snowcastle…"

"Of course it is! It has a door and everything!"

Sanji opened the door on Nami's stomach. "See!?"

"I guess…" Usopp said.

"Screw you guys, none of you have any taste…"

Usopp turned to Kuwagata. "Well, I guess it's safe to say that you win this one."

Kuwagata pumped his fist, "Alright! …Huh?"

Kuwagata spotted a white figure in the woods. It was Yuki, hiding behind a tree. Kuwagata had temporarily forgotten about her.

"You guys can take a look inside my snowcastle. I gotta go take care of something real quick."

Before they could say anything else, Kuwagata ran into the woods. Zoro walked over to Sanji, who also saw Kuwagata rush into the snowy woods.

"What's his deal?"

Sanji shrugged, "I have no idea."

***

Kuwagata ran deep into the woods, trying to track Yuki. After running for a while, he stopped and scanned his surroundings. Kuwagata attempted to call out to her.

"Yuki! Where are you!?"

Kuwagata was grabbed from behind, enveloped in a tight hug and a blanket of white fur.

"I'm right here, love!"

Kuwagata turned around to face her. "Yuki! I'm so sorry. I almost forgot about you."

"Don't worry about it. It was nothing." Yuki let go of the hug. "So, I take it that you're about to leave soon!"

Kuwagata's face softened. "Yeah. We'll be leaving in about an hour or so."

Yuki's expression turned sad for a moment, but she soon brightened up. "I'll be rooting for you and your crew."

Kuwagata hugged Yuki tightly, surprising the Ice Yeti greatly, but accepted it.

"Before I go, I want to say thank you…for helping me. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you, Negikuma, or Gentian."

"As I've said, I'll do anything for you."

They released the hug, smiling at each other for a minute. Yuki then dashed into the woods, leaping into the air with her powerful legs.

Kuwagata stayed there until she was out of sight. Once she was out of sight, Kuwagata made his way back to his crew.

***

"Where did you run off to?" Sanji asked.

"Just needed to use the bathroom," Kuwagata said bluntly.

"Why didn't you just use one of the bathrooms in the castle?" Zoro asked.

"Shooting out my pee would have destroyed the toilet," Kuwagata said quickly.

"You can shoot out your pee like a water gun!? That's so cool! Gross, but cool!" Luffy exclaimed.

Kuwagata cleared his throat. "Setting aside that, where's Chopper? Shouldn't he be here by now?"

Zoro shrugged, "Your guess is as good as mine."

The Straw Hats heard commotion coming from inside the castle. Chopper, in his reindeer form, pulled a sleigh and galloped fast toward them.

Behind him, a raging Kureha threw weapons. The Straw Hats screamed out in confusion.

"What the heck is going on!?" Kuwagata asked.

"Everyone, get on the sleigh quickly; we have to get on the ropeway, now!"

"You heard the reindeer, get on the sleigh!" Luffy shouted.

Everyone quickly got on the sleigh, minus Kuwagata. Kureha stopped him in his tracks when she threw a spiked mace in front of him.

"You, gold boy. Don't think that scolding I gave you was the last you've seen of my wrath!"

She threw a spear at him, which he backflipped and kicked away.

"Sorry, Doctor, but I have to get going now. See ya!"

He jumped into the ropeway, slid down the rope, and caught up to the sleigh. He grabbed the sleigh and kept sliding down with his crew.

Kuwagata smiled. "This is really cool! It's like riding with a sand walrus!"

"What's a sand walrus?" Luffy asked.

***

Once they reached the ground, Kuwagata jumped onto the sleigh and plopped right between Vivi and Usopp.

"Everyone alright?" Kuwagata asked.

"Yeah, I think so," Vivi said.

"I thought I was going to die there for a second," Usopp muttered.

"Full speed ahead, Chopper!" Luffy shouted.

Chopper stopped in his tracks when he saw something in the sky.

"I said full speed ahead, Chopper," Luffy said.

Kuwagata grabbed Luffy's head and made him look up. Numerous cherry blossoms drifted down, casting a beautiful pink hue. The Straw Hats stared up in awe at the beautiful display unfolding before them. Chopper, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears fell from his eyes as he screamed out.

***

A few minutes after they set sail, the Straw Hats celebrated Kuwagata and Chopper's recruitment into the Straw Hat Pirates.

Luffy raised a mug. "Alright, guys, let's celebrate our two newest crewmates. Chopper and Kuwagata."

They clinked their mugs together, and the celebration continued. Luffy shoved chopsticks up his nose and made funny faces. Chopper followed suit. Sanji made a feast to commemorate, and Zoro kept drinking like there was no tomorrow. As the celebration continued, Kuwagata stood to the side, watching it all unfold with a smile.

Vivi approached, "Not much of a party person?"

Kuwagata looked at her. "It's not that; I sometimes just like watching other people have fun."

Vivi giggled, "I know the feeling. So, how do you feel right now? Now that you're an official member?"

Kuwagata paused for a moment before smiling, "It feels really good. Like, I finally found people I can truly connect with. I never really connected with many people my age. Yeah, I had Auntie Hibiki, Uncle Ryuji, and Kuma. But no one truly around my age, besides Marianne?"

Vivi looked down. "I can relate to that; I didn't have a lot of friends growing up, too…"

"Really? I would guess that the kids in Alabasta would want nothing more than to be friends with the princess of their country."

"Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Because my father was very protective of me, I was pretty sheltered when I was little. But he's still a good man at heart; he wanted what's best for me and our kingdom."

Kuwagata stayed silent, looking up at the stars. "You know, I wish I could meet my parents, even if it's just for a minute."

Vivi looked at him empathetically. She lay her head on his shoulder. "I also understand that feeling. My mother died when I was very little. The only thing I have left of her memory is pictures."

"I'm so sorry to hear that."

"No! Please don't apologize, I've come to terms with it for a while now."

Kuwagata held her hand and looked her in the face. "Vivi, I promise you, we will do everything in our power to save your country, no matter what."

"You really mean that?"

"I know that."

Vivi's cheeks reddened, but she couldn't tell if it was from the cold or from her heart. "Kuwagata…"

Kuwagata and Vivi drew closer, their faces nearly touching as their lips almost met.

"Hey, Kuwagata, Vivi!"

Kuwagata and Vivi immediately separated, letting go of each other's hands.

Luffy called over to them. "Come on! Celebrate with us, or I'll eat your portions!"

Kuwagata and Vivi looked back at each other, then they started laughing.

"Let's join back in!" Kuwagata suggested.

"Agreed!"

Kuwagata walked up to the crew, getting their attention. "Alright then, since Chopper and I are now part of the Straw Hat Pirates. I need to know what everyone's role is on this ship."

Luffy raised his hand. "I'm the Captain!"

Zoro pointed to himself. "The Vice-Captain."

"Well, you already know what I am," Sanji said.

"Kuwagata already knows I'm the Navigator," Nami said.

"I guess you can say I'm the marksman of the crew," Usopp declared.

"That leaves me as the doctor," Chopper said.

Kuwagata thought to himself. "Hmm, I see, then I guess I'm the quartermaster."

"What's a quartermaster?" Luffy asked.

"A position that's higher than the Vice-Captain," Kuwagata answered.

Zoro smiled, "I see that you're aiming to be better than me, huh?"

Kuwagata chuckled. "Alright, in all seriousness, I'll basically be responsible for managing supplies and equipment."

"Then it's settled, Kuwagata will be our quartermaster. Let's continue the party!!!"

The Straw Hats kept partying and having fun before the inevitable calm before the storm.

***

Most of the Straw Hats were passed out in hammocks, warm blankets tucked in. Kuwagata had put them all in the hammocks, deciding to be on lookout again. Kuwagata leaned on the Going Merry's rails. He relaxed and listened to the waves, and stared at the stars.

"It sure is a peaceful night, tonight. The stars seem to be shining brighter, too."

Kuwagata turned to get a better look at the stars, then stopped in his tracks. A person stood in front of him, but it wasn't any of the Straw Hats. It was some ghostly person wearing a raincoat, with no face except for a warm smile. Even though he had never seen this person before, somehow, they seemed very familiar.

They spoke, "Thank you"

That was all they said before they disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Kuwagata stood there, a bit confused. "That was weird."

Kuwagata shrugged it off and went to the other side of the ship. He grabbed Yuurei and looked at his reflection in the metal handle.

"Luffy…Vivi…everyone. I promise you all that I will never let anything happen to you guys."

 

[CrystalGauntlet]

It had been over a week since the Straw Hats set sail from Drum Island for Alabasta.

Kuwagata had been confined to bed because of Vivi. After scolding him for fighting Zoro, she had pulled rank as the princess of Alabasta and ordered him to rest, especially since he had undergone surgery not too long ago. Despite Kuwagata's best efforts to argue, she had forced him to stay in bed for the past week.

Sanji, Nami, Vivi, and Chopper regularly brought him food and water. The latter gave him medicine and checked on him. He was not allowed to leave his room unless he needed to use the bathroom, take a shower, or both.

Currently, Kuwagata lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His mind began wandering.

It's been a hell of a couple of weeks. Nami and I rekindled our friendship, and now I'm a member of the Straw Hats.

Kuwagata smiled as a blush spread across his face. And I think I like Vivi. I think she likes me too.

Kuwagata continued staring at the ceiling. A few more minutes passed before he finally got up and stretched his limbs and back.

"I think I've rested long enough. I feel as good as new." He examined himself for a moment. "Actually…I think I'm stronger now."

Kuwagata stopped in his tracks when he heard a commotion outside. Thanks to his advanced hearing, he recognized the voices of Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper. From the sound of it, they weren't happy.

Kuwagata finished his remaining stretches before leaving the room. Outside, Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper were kneeling beside the railing, staring dejectedly out at the sea.

Nami, Zoro, and Vivi stood behind them. Nami and Zoro watched the three while shaking their heads. Vivi, on the other hand, appeared lost in thought.

Kuwagata spoke up. "Hey, guys. What did I miss?"

Nami, Zoro, and Vivi turned toward him. Vivi jumped at the sound of his voice.

"Kuwagata? What are you doing up? You should be in bed!" she exclaimed.

Kuwagata cracked his neck. "Yeah, but I'm almost certain I've fully recovered. In fact, my body feels stronger than before."

Zoro raised an eyebrow. "You say you're stronger, huh?"

Kuwagata noticed the distress on Vivi's face. He walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder, and she looked up at him.

"Are you okay, Vivi?"

Vivi lowered her gaze. "Not really. Remember when I told you about the Baroque Works hierarchy?"

Kuwagata nodded.

"We encountered Mr. 2."

Kuwagata's eyes widened. He immediately spun around and searched the deck. "Where is he? Tell me where he went! I'll grab Yuurei and take care of him in seconds!"

"Calm down, Kuwagata. He already left."

Kuwagata's shoulders relaxed slightly upon hearing that.

***

Vivi brought Kuwagata up to speed on their encounter with Mr. 2. She told him Bon Clay's real name, explained how his Devil Fruit worked, and revealed that he could even impersonate her father.

Kuwagata looked at her. "But how did he get away?"

"I didn't know what he looked like. By the time I realized who he was, he was already gone."

Zoro stood and smirked. "It's a good thing we ran into that guy. Now we know how his powers work, and how to counter them."

Suddenly, the ship began rocking violently. Bubbles churned across the ocean's surface as a gigantic catfish-like creature emerged beside them.

Usopp and Chopper screamed at the top of their lungs.

"We're all going to die!" Usopp shouted.

"It's a sea monster!" Chopper cried.

Luffy and Zoro immediately rushed toward the railing. Sanji burst from the kitchen and joined them, the three of them staring hungrily at the enormous creature.

Kuwagata studied the Sea Cat. Despite its massive size, it looked utterly terrified and had already begun backing away from the ship.

"It looks like dinner to me!" Zoro declared.

"I can't wait to eat you!" Luffy shouted.

Sanji rolled up his sleeves. "All right, how would you like to be cooked?"

Vivi grabbed a broom and struck all three of them across the head. Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji collapsed onto the deck, dazed.

"You do not eat Sea Cats!" Vivi shouted. "They're sacred animals in Alabastan culture!"

"Oh, that's good to know…" Luffy murmured in a daze.

Kuwagata approached the Sea Cat. She instinctively recoiled, fear filling her eyes.

Human…scary… she said.

"It's okay, girl. I'm not going to hurt you."

Kuwagata closed his eyes and sensed the Sea Cat's fear. He softened his presence, allowing his calm intentions to reach her. After a few moments, her fear began to subside.

The Sea Cat slowly moved closer until they were face to face. Kuwagata reached out and gently stroked her head.

She closed her eyes and purred.

Kuwagata smiled. "Good girl."

You…not scary. Me like you.

***

Once the Sea Cat had calmed down, she descended beneath the water. Kuwagata waved goodbye as she disappeared beneath the waves.

Chopper ran up to Kuwagata and jumped onto his shoulders. "I didn't know you could communicate with animals too!"

Kuwagata smiled. "Yeah, you could say that. I've always gotten along with animals, but I only recently became able to understand them."

Chopper's eyes lit up. "You're so cool!"

Nami walked up beside him. "Wow. You're a natural with animals, aren't you?"

Vivi joined them at the railing, still visibly astonished. "It can take years for a tamer to earn a Sea Cat's trust, but you did it in less than thirty seconds."

"Really? It seemed pretty easy to me. Though, I guess you could chalk that up to how much time I spent around animals growing up."

He turned toward Vivi. "Remember when I told you I had two friends?"

Vivi nodded. "Yeah, I remember."

"I meant two human friends. Back on my home island, I had plenty of animal friends too."

"What were they like, if you don't mind me asking?" Vivi asked.

Kuwagata crossed his arms in thought. "I can tell you about three of them."

He raised one finger. "Binko."

He raised a second. "Drago."

Then he raised a third. "And Shiza."

"Binko is a twenty-foot-long boar, Drago is a rainbow-colored Komodo dragon, and Shiza is a beautiful red peacock."

Kuwagata smiled as he recalled them. "I met them in the forest on my home island when I was little. I had gotten lost, and a pack of wolves nearly ate me. Then those three came to my rescue and scared them away. It didn't take me long to realize they practically ruled the forest."

Kuwagata gazed up at the sky. "They helped me toughen up. By following them, I learned how to hunt and find water."

He looked back at the others. "That's why I'm such a good hunter."

"Hey, guys!" Luffy suddenly shouted from the bow. "We finally made it to Alabasta! I can see the island from here!"

"We'll stop at a city called Nanohana. It'll be the best place to hide the ship," Vivi explained.

Zoro's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "All right, guys. I have an idea."

***

To keep Mr. 2 from deceiving them with his Devil Fruit power, everyone drew an X on their left arm with a permanent marker. They then concealed the marks beneath strips of cloth.

Kuwagata examined his covered mark. "I see. We can reveal these marks to prove we're really ourselves. That's pretty smart, Zoro."

Zoro smirked. "I can be smart too. Besides, we'll have to remain on guard at all times."

Kuwagata finished tying a strip of cloth around Karoo's marked wing. "How does that feel? It's not too tight, is it?"

Karoo shook his head. It fits perfectly, Kuwagata!

Kuwagata smiled. "I still need to get used to understanding you."

Chopper pumped himself up. "I'm ready! Whatever I need to do, I'll do it!"

Usopp patted him on the back. "That's the spirit! But, um…don't hesitate to run away if you get scared, all right?"

Kuwagata lightly chopped Usopp on the head. "You'll be fine, Usopp."

Luffy's smile widened. "All right, everyone. No matter what happens once we reach that island, the X beneath this cloth will be the symbol of our friendship. Understood?"

"And no matter what happens, we're all coming out of this alive!" Kuwagata declared.

"Right!" everyone shouted in unison.

Luffy pointed toward the approaching island. "Now, let's go save Vivi's country!"

He immediately raised his other fist. "And eat!"

Kuwagata paused. "…That too."

***

Once the ship's anchor had been lowered, Kuwagata admired the beautiful Alabastan city before him. He had read about strange islands throughout the world—an island covered in water, an island inhabited by living toys, and even a rumored island that flew through the sky.

After spending so many years merely reading about such places, exploring the world for himself still felt like a dream come true.

Luffy suddenly leaped from the ship and charged toward the city.

"GIVE ME FOOD! NOW!"

Kuwagata facepalmed. "…And there he goes."

"I swear, that idiot…" Nami grumbled.

"No surprise there…" Usopp muttered.

"He can take care of himself. Let's find something to eat first, and then we'll get to work," Zoro said as he climbed down the ladder.

Sanji and Kuwagata jumped from the ship together.

"I wonder what the culture and food are like here," Kuwagata said.

Sanji snickered. "You're already sounding like our captain."

Kuwagata gave him an annoyed but playful look. "Oh, very funny, Mr. Chef."

"Wait."

Everyone stopped and turned toward Vivi.

"What's up, Vivi?" Kuwagata asked.

"Karoo and I are too recognizable here, and Baroque Works already knows what most of you look like. We'll need disguises."

As Kuwagata surveyed the harbor, he spotted a boat made entirely of wax with a large number three emblazoned on its side.

"Guys…I think Mr. Three made it to Alabasta."

Sanji raised an eyebrow. "How? I thought we left him stranded on Little Garden."

Vivi narrowed her eyes. "He must have used his Wax-Wax Fruit powers to create another ship. We'll have to be extra careful."

Usopp snapped his fingers. "I know exactly what to do."

***

Nanohana bustled with activity. People walked in and out of shops, stopped at street vendors, and purchased supplies.

A large, tower-shaped disguise moved through the crowd. Hidden beneath it, Usopp, Nami, Zoro, Vivi, Karoo, and Kuwagata shuffled forward in single file, with Kuwagata bringing up the rear. Sanji and Chopper walked alongside the disguise, guiding them through the city.

"Was this really the best idea you could come up with?" Zoro asked irritably.

"Yes! Now shut up and keep moving. We're almost there," Usopp replied.

***

They reached a secluded part of the city, and the six of them quickly shed their disguises.

"Aha! My disguise worked like a charm!" Usopp declared.

Nami scoffed. "Even if it was ridiculously cramped…"

Kuwagata smiled. "Well, the important thing is that it worked." He turned toward Vivi. "Isn't that right?"

Vivi smiled back at him and nodded. "Right. For now, though, we need to stock up on supplies."

She looked at Sanji and Chopper. "Since Baroque Works doesn't know what you two look like, could you handle the shopping for us?"

"Of course, Vivi, my love!" Sanji exclaimed.

"Don't forget to bring back plenty of food," Zoro said.

"And Tabasco sauce," Usopp added.

Sanji frowned. "I don't care what either of you wants."

"Sanji, if you happen to find some protein powder, could you please get some for me?" Kuwagata asked.

Sanji's expression immediately softened. "Oh, sure thing."

Zoro's eye twitched. "How come he gets special treatment?"

Vivi's eyes widened. "Oh, that's what I forgot! Guys, remember when I told you about the hierarchy in Baroque Works?"

"Yeah, what about it?" Kuwagata asked.

"I failed to mention a special unit that ranks above even the Officer Agents. Its members take command whenever Crocodile is absent. There are only two of them, one man and one woman."

"What are their names?" Zoro asked.

"Mr. Fraction and Ms. Good Friday. They're said to be twice as strong as Mr. One, and they work exceptionally well as a team. They've never failed a single mission."

Kuwagata's expression grew serious. "They sound pretty tough."

Vivi lowered her gaze. "Yeah, and we still need to cross the desert. I know it isn't fair to ask all of this of you, but…"

She bowed deeply.

"Please help Alabasta! Please save my kingdom!"

Everyone fell silent.

Kuwagata sighed. "Vivi, we already told you. We're going to help you, no matter what."

Vivi lifted her head. "Kuwagata…"

Sanji smirked. "Besides, whatever Alabasta has waiting for us is nothing compared to what the sea has already thrown our way."

"I'm more interested in fighting the Warlord anyway," Zoro added.

Usopp raised his fist. "You can count on us, Vivi!"

Unshed tears glistened in Vivi's eyes as she smiled. "Thank you. Thank you so much, everyone."

Kuwagata surveyed the group. "All right, everyone. Are we ready to head for Yuba?"

"Yeah!" everyone shouted in unison.

Kuwagata paused. "Actually, we still need those supplies."

The others faltered.

"…Right."

***

Half an hour later, Sanji and Chopper returned with the supplies and several sets of new clothes.

Sanji gave Nami and Vivi traditional Alabastan dancer outfits, although Vivi found hers far too revealing. Zoro, Usopp, Chopper, and Sanji received considerably simpler Alabastan clothing.

Kuwagata's outfit, however, looked like something an ancient pharaoh would wear. It consisted of a long-sleeved, metallic-gold tunic; a broad, decorative belt; flowing, sheer panels around his waist; and ornate golden cuffs. Long black pants and matching boots completed the ensemble.

Kuwagata looked himself over and grinned. "Damn. I look good."

Vivi's gaze lingered on him. Her cheeks turned as red as tomatoes. "Y-you look great, Kuwagata."

Kuwagata raised his fist. "All right! Now we're ready to head for Yuba!"

Everyone else raised their fists with him.

"Yeah!"

The group fell silent once again.

Kuwagata slowly lowered his fist. "…Wait. We forgot about Luffy."

Everyone groaned.

Kuwagata sighed. "Let's go find our captain…"

***

Amid the busy streets of Nanohana, a young woman strolled casually through the crowd. Long, wavy pink-blonde hair flowed down her back, with a red hibiscus flower tucked above her left ear. Freckles dotted her face, and she wore a wide, carefree smile.

She wore knee-length red shorts, beige sandals, and a floral tank top beneath a loose, sheer poncho.

As she strolled through the city, a man stepped in front of her, carrying an assortment of perfume bottles.

"Excuse me, miss! You happened to catch my eye, and you're the perfect woman to try my new perfumes!"

Before she could respond, another man pushed forward, several Alabastan dresses draped over his arms.

"Sorry to interrupt, ma'am, but I couldn't help noticing your beauty." He presented the dresses to her. "You would look wonderful in these! Please, take them. I'll even give them to you free of charge!"

The perfume seller panicked. "W-well, these perfumes are free too! Please take them!"

The young woman gracefully accepted both gifts. She then let go, but instead of falling, the dresses and perfume bottles stayed suspended in the air around her.

Both men fell silent.

The woman's smile widened. "Thanks for the gifts, boys!"

She winked, then skipped past them, humming a cheerful tune. The clothing and perfume floated after her.

The men's eyes nearly popped from their sockets.

"She's a Devil Fruit user?!"

The young woman continued strolling through the bustling city, humming cheerfully to herself. Eventually, she noticed an elderly fortune-teller sitting beside the road.

She approached him. "Excuse me, sir. I'm looking for two pirates."

She placed two wanted posters in front of him. One was for Monkey D. Luffy, and the other bore the name Portgas D. Ace.

"They should have arrived here some time ago. Do you know where they might be?"

The fortune-teller studied the posters. His eyes bulged when he recognized the second one.

"T-that's Fire Fist Ace's wanted poster!"

The woman leaned closer. "Is that a problem?"

The fortune-teller studied her face, his expression filled with recognition.

"Y-you're Portgas D. Ann! Captain of the Floral Pirates!"

Ann immediately covered his mouth and raised a finger to her lips.

"Quiet down! You'll blow my cover!"

She sighed before continuing. "Now, when I take my hand away, you're going to calmly use that crystal ball to tell me where they are. Got it?"

The fortune-teller quickly nodded.

"Good," Ann said, slowly removing her hand from his mouth.

Once Ann removed her hand from his mouth, the fortune-teller held his hands over the crystal ball. "Hmm…I sense that they're both inside a restaurant down the street. Take a left, and you should find them."

Ann's expression brightened. "So they're close! Thanks, old man!"

She immediately bolted in the direction he had indicated.

The fortune-teller watched her disappear into the crowd.

"…She forgot to pay."

***

Meanwhile, Kuwagata searched Nanohana's crowded streets for Luffy. He had separated from the others so they could cover more ground.

"Damn it! Where could that rubber-brained idiot be? I've checked almost every restaurant in the city!"

Kuwagata was about to enter another restaurant when he heard a woman shouting, followed by several startled screams.

Out of the corner of his eye, he barely caught sight of someone rushing toward him before she crashed into his body. The impact knocked Kuwagata onto his back and sent the woman tumbling on top of him.

"Ow…" Ann groaned. "Sorry about that."

Kuwagata opened his eyes and looked up at her. The moment he saw her face, he felt as though Cupid's arrow had struck him.

He couldn't explain it, but her presence stirred something remarkably like what he felt around Vivi.

"Are you okay, sir?" Ann asked.

Kuwagata stared at her for several seconds. "Y-yeah. I'm fine."

Before either of them could say anything else, they heard footsteps approaching.

Ann glanced over her shoulder and saw a group of Marines charging toward them.

She turned back to Kuwagata. "You're coming with me."

"Wha—?"

Ann grabbed his hand and ran before he could stand, dragging him along the ground behind her.

"Look! She's taken an innocent bystander!" one of the Marines shouted. "Don't let her escape, men!"

Ann continued sprinting at an inhuman speed, dragging Kuwagata along behind her.

Being pulled across the ground wasn't enough to injure him, but it was becoming increasingly irritating.

"Hey! Let me go! I can run by myself!"

Ann glanced down at him and winked. "Nope!"

Ann took a sharp left, then darted into a narrow alley. The pursuing Marines thundered past the entrance without noticing them.

Ann finally released Kuwagata's hand. He climbed to his feet and began dusting off his new clothes. After peering around the corner to make sure the Marines were gone, Ann turned her attention back to him. She slowly looked Kuwagata up and down.

"You're really tall."

A vein bulged on Kuwagata's forehead. "You dragged me through the sand, and that's all you have to say?!"

"…Yes." Ann paused. "Oh! That reminds me!"

She pulled out the two wanted posters and held them up. "Do you recognize either of these guys?"

Kuwagata examined them. His eyes widened when he saw Luffy's face.

"That's my captain. Why are you looking for him?"

Ann's face lit up. "You're part of my little brother's crew?! That's awesome!"

Kuwagata stared at her. "You still haven't answered my question…"

"Oh, right!" Ann pointed at the posters. "These two are my brothers!"

Kuwagata looked from Luffy's poster to Ace's, then back at Ann.

"…What?!"

***
Using his antennae to sense his crewmates' location, Kuwagata hurried through the city until he spotted them in the distance.

"Guys!" he shouted, rushing over.

"Any luck finding Luffy?" Vivi asked.

"No…But I found someone related to him."

Usopp raised an eyebrow. "Related how?"

"You're not going to believe this. Luffy has siblings!"

"WHAT?!" everyone shouted.

"I had the same reaction. And they aren't just any siblings; they're pirates!"

Before Kuwagata could explain further, Luffy tore down the street, with a crowd of Marines chasing him.

"RUN BACK TO THE SHIP, EVERYONE!" Luffy screamed.

No one argued. They grabbed their supplies and ran toward the ship.

The Marines continued chasing them through the streets.

"I'll handle them!" Smoker shouted, surging ahead of his men. "The rest of you, fall back!"

He raised his fist. "White Snake!"

Smoker's arm became a stream of smoke that twisted rapidly toward the fleeing pirates.

Acting on instinct, Kuwagata partially drew Yuurei and slashed through Smoker's smoky arm. The blade forced Smoker's body to become tangible, leaving a cut across his arm and causing him to recoil in pain.

Smoker stared at the wound in disbelief. "He cut me? That blade contains Sea-Prism Stone!"

A wall of fire and spiraling wind erupted between the pirates and the Marines. The Marines shielded themselves from the blazing gusts while Smoker stared intently at the combined attack.

Ace and Ann emerged through the swirling barrier, positioning themselves between Smoker and the fleeing pirates.

Ace glanced sideways at Ann. "I see you finally decided to show up, little sister."

Ann giggled. "This place wasn't exactly close to where you told me to meet you."

Ace chuckled. "No excuses."

The siblings looked back at the Straw Hats.

"Get back to your ship, guys," Ace said, smirking. "It's good to see you again, Luffy."

Luffy grinned. "Good to see you too, Ace! Ann!" He turned toward his crew. "Let's go, everyone! They'll handle this!"

The Straw Hats resumed running toward the Going Merry.

"Luffy, who were those two?" Nami asked as they fled.

"Hehe! They're my big brother and big sister!"

Everyone gasped.

"So Kuwagata was telling the truth?!" they shouted.

Kuwagata's head whipped toward them. "You guys thought I was lying?!"

Usopp avoided looking at him. "…A little."

***

The Straw Hats boarded the Going Merry and weighed anchor, setting sail quickly.

Once they had put some distance between themselves and Nanohana, Vivi gave Karoo a letter to deliver to her father in Alubarna. After watching Karoo depart, the crew finally relaxed.

Zoro turned toward Luffy. "So, those two really are your siblings?"

Luffy nodded with a broad grin. "Yep! They're both three years older than me, and they left our home island three years ago. They're also twins…although they don't look alike."

Kuwagata scoffed. "They're called fraternal twins, Luffy."

Luffy blinked. "What does being friendly have to do with it?"

Kuwagata facepalmed. "Forget it."

Luffy rocked back and forth atop the barrel he was sitting on. "I still can't believe those two have Devil Fruit powers!"

Kuwagata blinked. "They didn't have those powers when you were growing up?"

"Nope! Even before they ate their Devil Fruits, I was nowhere near their level, and I already had my powers! Those two were in a completely different league!"

Sanji shrugged. "I suppose the older siblings of a monster would be even bigger monsters."

Luffy smirked. "But I bet I could kick their butts now!"

"I doubt that," Kuwagata replied.

"I'm with Bug Boy on this one," Zoro agreed.

"Whose butts did you say you were going to kick, dear brother?"

Luffy froze at the sound of a woman's voice behind him.

Ace and Ann stood atop the railing, staring down at him with matching smiles.

Startled by their sudden appearance, Luffy toppled from the barrel and landed on his butt. He quickly scrambled back to his feet.

"Uh…no one in particular."

Ace and Ann burst out laughing.

Kuwagata noticed the tattoo covering Ace's back. "That symbol… You're a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, aren't you?"

Ace nodded proudly. "Whitebeard is the greatest pirate alive, and I'm going to help him become the next King of the Pirates."

Ann smirked. "Not if I beat him to it and become the first Queen of the Pirates!"

Kuwagata studied her as recognition dawned. "Ann… You're the captain of the Floral Pirates, aren't you?"

Ann placed her hands on her hips. "Indeed, I am!"

"You and your crew are a pretty big deal. Where are the rest of them?"

"They're already in Alabasta, but we're spread across different cities. We promised to meet back in Nanohana within the next few days."

Kuwagata nodded. "I see."

Before anyone could continue, several Baroque Works ships appeared across the water and closed in around the Going Merry.

"Baroque Works!" Vivi cried. "They found us!"

Ace and Ann exchanged a knowing glance before nodding to each other.

"Leave it to us!" they declared in unison.

Both siblings leaped from the railing. Ace landed on his small boat, while Ann's lower body dissolved into a swirling wind current, leaving her hovering above the sea.

Ann called down to him. "Hey, Ace! Let's see who can destroy the most ships!"

Ace smirked. "You're on!"

He ignited his foot, channeling flames into his small vessel's engine. The craft roared to life and shot across the ocean toward the enemy fleet.

Ace drew back his clenched fist as flames engulfed his arm.

"FIRE FIST!"

He thrust his fist forward, unleashing a colossal blast of fire. The attack tore across the water, obliterating half of the Baroque Works fleet in a single strike.

Ace looked up at Ann and called out, "Beat that!"

Ann puffed out her cheeks, then raised both hands into the air.

Multiple spheres of compressed wind formed around her, rapidly expanding as the air pressure inside them intensified.

"GALE BULLETS!"

Ann swept her hands downward. The compressed-air projectiles screamed through the sky and punched through the remaining ships, piercing everything from their decks to their hulls. Within seconds, the vessels were riddled with holes like Swiss cheese. Seawater poured through the damaged hulls, sinking the ships one after another.

The Baroque Works took care of all the ships.

While the others were starstruck by their performance, Kuwagata couldn't believe it. They destroyed the entire fleet in seconds without breaking a sweat. He now saw he had a long way to go if he wanted to become the strongest in history.

***
The Straw Hats held a celebratory feast in honor of Ace and Ann.

Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper raised their mugs and clinked them together.

"Give it up for my siblings!" Luffy shouted.

"Yeah!"

The three began chugging their drinks.

Nearby, Kuwagata sat beside Ann, surrounded by mugs and plates piled high with food. He eagerly dug into his meal while Ann watched him with an amused giggle.

"You have a huge appetite," Ann observed. "It might be just as big as Luffy's!"

Kuwagata stopped eating. "You think so?"

"It damn near rivals his!"

"With the amount of energy I burn every day, I need plenty of protein and vitamins. Otherwise, I'll wither away!"

Ann laughed, and Kuwagata quickly joined her.

Sanji approached them carrying a tray with a colorful drink.

"Ann-swan! I made this special drink just for you!"

Ann took the glass from the tray. "Thanks, Sanji!"

"Anything for you, Ann-swan!" Sanji turned toward Kuwagata. "Would you like one too?"

Kuwagata nodded. "Sure. I'll take one."

Vivi watched Kuwagata and Ann laugh together. Seeing how quickly they were getting along, an unfamiliar ache tightened in her chest.

***

After the celebration, the Straw Hats docked the Going Merry at a port along the route to Yuba.

Ace explained that he was hunting Blackbeard. He had recently heard reports that his target had been sighted in Yuba, so he decided to accompany the crew for the time being.

With several days left before she was supposed to reunite with the Floral Pirates in Nanohana, Ann decided to join them, too.

Besides, she wanted to learn more about Kuwagata.

With Ace and Ann accompanying them, the Straw Hats set out across the desert toward Yuba.