+~*~*~*~*~*~+
A yawn passes through my lips as I lean against Zoro. "They'll never stop."
It's been two days since Arlong was defeated, and the villagers are still partying with outstanding energy. There is an abundance of food and alcohol, and the music never seems to stop. These people haven't been this happy in years, and it is nice to see that they can finally let it all go and be free.
"Why lean on him when you could cuddle into my side, darling," Sanji offers.
"Luffy trusts me with her, that's why," Zoro takes a sip of his beer. "Besides, she's known me longer, making us closer. Akari has become a sort of little sister for me at this point."
I goofily smile, "Aw, Zoro, that is sweet. I knew the second I saw you that you weren't the demon that people were claiming you to be, and I'm so thankful that you joined the crew."
"Luffy trusts me too," Sanji grumbles.
I toss a small sphere of chocolate into my mouth, "He trusts you to cook and kick ass, but I know how you like women."
"Hey," Luffy steps up with a bone sticking out of his mouth and his cheeks full of food. His hands are also full of meat on the bone.
"Having a good time out there eating, captain?" I chuckle, lifting my head up just enough for him to see my smile.
"Sometimes you just have to do nothing and eat as much as you can," Sanji says.
"Sanji, was there something on the melon you hard earlier?" Luffy asks.
"That's a lot of meat there," Zoro says.
"It was prosciutto, cured ham," Sanji answers Luffy.
"Melon and ham!" Luffy exclaims. "Where did you get it?"
"I don't know," he shrugs. "This place is one huge party, so it is bound to be somewhere close."
"I'll look around!" Luffy rushes off.
I giggle, "He could eat and eat and eat and never get full."
"I could do the same with booze," Zoro takes a long sip of his beer.
"I have had enough food for now," Sanji says. "However, there is always time to find a girl!" He jumps up and rushes off into the people.
I shake my head, settling back into Zoro, "He really does have a one-track mind."
"A lovesick idiot," Zoro's eyes flutter close.
"I guess it could be worse." Another yawn escapes my lips, and now I let my eyes fall closed.
A snore comes from Zoro not much later. It isn't as cute as Luffy's, but I doubt I'll even be able to fall asleep with all the noise from the partygoers. It just feels nice to be able to close my eyes and know that I can rest. That there isn't danger lurking around the corner. That we finally have a small break before heading back out to sea.
Sometime yesterday, Nami took me out shopping for some new clothes because she wanted to thank me for all I have done for her. It was fun to go to the various shops in town and dress up. We spent hours together joking around, talking about whatever our hearts desired, and buying a ton of clothes. I'm wearing one of the outfits now; a grey t-shirt with a red rose in the middle, white capri pants, and grey shoes. I also have a bow to hold my ponytail in place.
I wiggle to get more comfortable against Zoro. He now has a new shirt from the shopping that Nami and I did. As long as I don't have to see his wound from Mihawk, I'll be find with whatever he wears.
I was also able to talk with a local blacksmith, and he gave me a few new shurikens to try out. He also gifted me some books that he doesn't use anymore, so now my knowledge of the craft can grow.
"Are you two asleep?" Usopp's voice drags me from my rest.
"No, we are just sitting here with our eyes closed," I crack one eye to see Usopp looking down at us. "How has the storytelling been going?"
"Great," he grins. "These people love me, but I had to get away and eat something. Where's Sanji?"
"Trying to find any girl that will give him a chance," I chuckle. "He rushed off some time ago. Same with Luffy, but he wanted to find more food."
"Unless you have something important to tell us," Zoro speaks up with a gruff voice. "Then I suggest you head back out to the crowd because we are trying to rest up before heading out to sea again."
"Sorry, sorry," Usopp holds his hands up in defense. "You really should rest, Zoro. That slice across your chest should have killed you."
"Yeah, well, I can't die yet."
"We'll see you later, Usopp," I let my eye fall shut. "Have fun with your stories to the people of this village."
"See you whenever this party stops," Usopp chuckles, the sound of his feet walking away filling my ears.
"All I want to do is sleep," Zoro pats my knee. "You can go do anything you want, Akari. You don't have to sit with me. I can defend myself."
"I'm just as tired as you are, Zoro," I giggle before a yawn takes over. "Besides, everyone else is running around, and I don't want to be alone."
"Fair enough. Well, hopefully we can get some sleep in before our journey starts back up."
"Hopefully."
+~*~*~*~*~*~+
After another two days in Cocoyasi Village, the partying has stopped, and we have decided that we are ready to get back out to the sea. Sanji stocked up on food, Usopp got some stuff for his traps, and the rest of us got some much needed rest. No pirate crew should ever stay in one place for too long, so we need to get going before the Navy comes for us.
I lean against the railing, looking out at the crowd of people ready to see us off.
"Akari, did you have a good time these last few days?" Luffy stands behind me, placing his arms over my shoulders and then setting his hands on mine.
"I would say so," I answer, tilting my head to look up at him. "I was able to eat with you, and then Nami and I shopped. I talked with Sanji and Usopp a few different times, and I even took a nap with Zoro." I chuckle, "Did you tell Zoro that you trust him with me?"
"I told him that you don't like to be alone, and that if he could stay close that would be great."
"What a good captain you are," I giggle, reaching up and patting his cheek.
"Good boyfriend, I think more than captain," he smiles.
I look away as my cheeks begin to heat up. "You've never called yourself that."
"Have I not? Well, it is what I am, even with our relationship. Dumpling, you are special to me."
"Oh, Luffy, I think I figured that out a long time ago."
"Hey, brothers and sister!" Johnny's voice fills my ears.
The two bounty hunting brothers are standing on land. It's been awhile since I've seen them, mainly because they spent a lot of time in the hospital healing from their wounds.
"We are going to head back to the bounty hunter life," Yosaku says. "We wanted to come by and say thank you for everything, Luffy."
"This is where we will say goodbye," Johnny nods. "Hopefully we will meet again out there one day."
"It was such a pleasure to have you two by our sides for a brief time," I wave at the boys. "We'll see each other out on the sea again, I know it."
"Take care you guys," Luffy says.
"You too," Johnny and Yosaku slightly bow before turning and walking off.
"All we have to do is wait until Nami shows up," I place my hand on Luffy's.
"She's not here yet," Usopp hums.
"Maybe she changed her mind and is not coming," Zoro says.
"What do you mean Nami's not coming!" Sanji angerly exclaims.
"Hey, you lied to me, there wasn't any prosciutto anywhere," Luffy snaps at Sanji.
I giggle, "Don't worry, Nami is going to come with us. She told me so herself. She can't stay in one place for too long."
"Set sail, now!" Nami's scream fills the air.
"She's running," Usopp says. "What's up with that?"
"She said set sail, so we should probably listen to her," Luffy says.
The five of us start rushing around deck, raising the anchor and sails, steering the ship out to the open ocean. With the small breeze, we aren't going fast yet, and Nami has yet to make it to us.
"Are you sure this is okay?" Sanji asks.
We're now standing at the stern of the Going Merry, looking back at land as Nami is still running towards us. The villagers are going crazy as they want to thank her properly for trying to buy back the village, and then how she helped to save the entire island in the end.
"If this is the way she wants to leave, then she should be allowed to do so," Luffy says.
"Can she even make the jump?" I nibble on my bottom lip.
Nami reaches the end of the dock, leaping with all her might to land safely on the deck. Without a word, she lifts up her shirt, and a few dozen wallets fall out. "Take care everyone!" She smirks, looking back at the town.
"She tricked us!" The villagers angerly shout.
Luffy and I burst into laughter.
"She really hasn't changed a bit," Usopp says.
"She could turn on us again," Zoro grumbles.
"What a great prank, Nami dear," Sanji gushes.
"Everyone, I'll be back one day!" Nami shouts to the villagers.
We keep an eye on the village until it fades from view, and then we all set up on the deck to dive into whatever tasks will keep us busy. Zoro is off sleeping somewhere, Usopp sets up some chemical set, Sanji is organizing the pantry, Nami is relaxing on a chair, Luffy is running around, and I am in the seat next to Nami sharpening my shurikens.
I'm not sure how much time passes, but the caw of a large bird has Nami jumping out of her seat to go meet the traveling newspaper bird.
"Perfect timing," Nami smiles. She's now wearing a t-shirt with shorter sleeves to show off the bottom of the tattoo she got to cover up the scar her last one left on her. A tattoo that combines a pinwheel and a tangerine vine.
"I wonder what is going on in the world," I reach for the sky to stretch out my back.
"I'll give you the highlights," Nami winks at me. "Now, let's see here. What? Did you really raise the price again? You can't charge this much." She still deposits the amount needed to buy her newspaper. "If you raise it one more time, then I will stop buying from you, understand?"
The bird gives a salute before flying off.
"Why not skip a few newspapers each week?" Usopp asks.
"A newspaper a day is good for the brain, and keeps the doctor away," Nami says. "It is also important to know what is going on in the world."
"Aren't you done with collecting money, so spending a bit more on newspapers shouldn't make much difference."
"Don't be dumb," she points at the boy. "Now that I don't have to worry about giving Arlong money, this is the perfect time to save up for myself. I refuse to be a penniless pirate."
"Stop jabbering! I am trying to figure out the right formula for a new star. A pepper sauce star. If you were to get this in your eyes, you wouldn't stand a chance."
The words have just left his mouth when Luffy is thrown from the upper deck onto Usopp, causing the poor boy to splash his concoction right into his eyes.
"Why can't I have one!?" Luffy whines as Usopp groans from the pain his eyes are now in.
"This is Nami's tangerine grove!" Sanji firmly states. "I won't let you or anyone else touch them. I will guard this grove with all the love that is in my heart, Nami!"
"That is sweet Sanji, thank you," Nami sits back down, opening up the newspaper and beginning to read.
"What about me?" I ask. "Am I allowed to help tend the tangerines?"
"You are welcome in the grove, of course, Akari," Nami softly smiles.
"At least we are finally headed for the Grand Line!" Luffy jumps up, taking a seat on the railing.
"Usopp, do you need help?" I ask the boy now rolling around the deck clenching his face.
"The world is in a lot of turmoil these days," Nami says. "Another coup d'état in Vira. Geez, at this point, all countries will be flipped upside down."
A loose paper slips from the newspaper, landing on the deck where I catch glimpse of what we have all been longing to see.
"Hm?" Nami sets her newspaper on her lap.
"Whoa," I feel my eyes go wide as a smile takes over my face.
"Oh," Usopp chokes out.
"Oh!" Luffy happily exclaims.
Then we all let out screams varying from excited to surprise to horror.
"Luffy, a bounty, which means you are a real pirate now!" I chuckle.
Luffy chuckles, holding up his Wanted Poster, "Wanted dead or alive! They are saying that I am worth thirty million berries, which means we are worth that much!"
"Geez, as usual you all are being idiots," Nami sighs, placing her hand on her forehead. "Do you not understand how serious this is?"
"I do, but I also knew that it was bound to happen," I shrug.
"The Navy is now after you Luffy! And so will the toughest bounty hunters around. Navy Headquarters is probably in on this whole ordeal."
"Look, I am now known all over the world," Usopp is nervously grinning as he points at himself in the poster picture. Even though he isn't facing the camera and is quite small.
"Stop grinning like an idiot," Sanji says. "That is nothing to brag about, being on a Wanted Poster."
"Now, Sanji, there is no reason to be jealous. If you ever become a big shot, then I am sure that you will be put on a poster too. Captains aren't the only ones that get posters."
"I hope that one day I get my own poster and a bounty," I happily sigh, settling back into my seat. "I wonder if I will get a nickname. There's still so much for us to achieve as pirates, and we are just getting started."
"This isn't a good time to be in the East Blue then," Nami cups the side of her face with one hand.
"Then onto the Grand Line!" Luffy grins.
"Agreed!" Sanji and Usopp smile.
"Hey, there is an island coming up," Zoro points in front of us to an island far on the horizon."
"Ah, so it is starting to come into view, so we are going fast and in the right direction," Nami says. "That island confirms that we are heading towards the Grand Line. That island holds the famous Loguetown, or as many people know it, The Town of the Beginning and the End. The Pirate King, Gold Roger, was born there, and we was executed there as well."
"Where they killed the Pirate King!" Luffy stares at the island.
"Want to stop there?"
Everyone looks around at each other. A knowing glint in all our eyes.
+~*~*~*~*~*~+
"Damn, this place is huge!" Luffy smiles as we reach the entrance of Loguetown.
The town is quite large, with people filling the streets with bags from the shopping that they have done today. The buildings are tall, reaching for the sky, and there is just this buzz that tells me this place is lovely. I'm sure there are all kinds of shops to spend a few hours.
"This is the place where the great pirate era began," Sanji says.
"To think, that Roger was born and raised here, and they brought him back here to kill him," I shake my head. "This town has so much history."
"I'm going to go to the execution scaffold right away," Luffy nods. "Akari, will you join me?"
"Akari is coming with me to shop for a little bit," Nami links her arm with mine.
"I'll meet up with you after, and we can admire the scaffold together," I smile. "I would like to get some more clothes though."
"I've dragged her into the world of clothes," Nami chuckles.
"I can hopefully get some better ingredients here," Sanji says. Then his smile turns into the one where he is thinking about girls. "Maybe even find some cute girls."
"I'll go out and find us some equipment," Usopp says.
"There is something that I need to buy too," Zoro looks at Nami.
"Well, I can gladly lend you some money, with a three-hundred percent interest," Nami chuckles.
"That's high interest," I look at Nami with wide eyes.
"After what these boys put me through, I think it is low. For you though, Akari, for being such an angel, five-percent interest, but only if I feel like it. I want to spoil you," she tugs me closer. "Now, Zoro, do you want some money or not?"
"Fine," he grumbles, holding out his hand.
Nami spends a few minutes dishing out money to whoever wants it, and then we all go our separate ways. The plan is to meet up in the center of town in a few hours.
"Can I just say, Nami, that you are like the sister I wish I had," I sigh, looking around at the buildings of the street we are walking down.
"I'm glad that I could be someone for you, Akari, after all that you have done for me," Nami replies. "Without you, this whole pirate thing would be a lot harder. I'm glad that I have a girl to talk to and understand what I go through."
"It feels good to know that you will listen and have actual advice if I need it."
"I'm actually surprised by how much Luffy listens with the way he acts sometimes," she sighs. "I understand why you gravitate towards him now. There's just something about the two of you that fits together like a cannon and a cannon ball."
I giggle, "I think that comes with knowing each other our whole lives, but that is nice to hear."
"He knows when to be serious and treat you right, so at least he isn't a complete idiot in that area. Whoa, look at this fancy place!" She drags me into an expensive clothing store.
"Ah, hello ladies," a man with a hairstyle like a clothes hanger and a long swirly mustache greets us. "How may I help you?"
"We'd like to try some clothes on," Nami elegantly smiles. "Could you pick some outfits out for us?"
"Of course!" He widely smiles, running off to grab some items.
"This places seems extremely expensive, Nami," I shuffle on my feet as I take in all the fancy dresses and elegant skirts, shirts, and accessories. "I could never pull any of this stuff off."
"First of all, yes you can," Nami releases my arm, so she can stand in front of me and look me in the eye. "And second of all, trying on doesn't mean we have to buy anything," she smirks.
I slowly grin, "Ah, I see what you are doing. Always a cunning cat."
She shrugs, "Anything to have a little fun."
"Ladies, I have some items that I think you will love!" The man returns with his arms full. "Please, step into the dressing rooms and we can start trying things on!" He places half his stack in one dressing room, and then the other half goes into the other one.
Nami and I go into our own dressing rooms, and quickly try on the first thing that catches our eyes.
"How do I look?" I twirl in the elegant blue dress to get the skirt to float.
"Amazing," Nami gushes clapping a few times. "And me?" She poses to show off the corset shirt, skirt, and fuzzy coat she is wearing.
"Ready to take on the business world," I nod.
"Stunning, both of you!" The man exclaims.
We head back into the dressing rooms, coming out minutes later to show off our next outfit. Nami is now in an elegant red dress with a fluffy scarf, while I am wearing a black tube top, mini skirt, and white robe.
"Oh, such elegance! Such fabulous looks!"
I giggle as I head back into my dressing room.
Nami and I spend the next half hour or so trying on outfits and being complimented by the man. It feels nice to be this carefree and have some fun. I may not feel like myself in many of the outfits, but it feels good to step outside of my comfort zone. Nami's compliments lift my confidence up, and it is fun to see her strut her stuff in all the fun outfits.
"Now I take it that you will be purchasing everything?" The man smiles.
"No thanks," Nami giggles. "We prefer casual clothes.'
"Maybe next time then?" The man begins to cry.
"Probably not!" Nami links her arm with mine and pulls me out of the store.
I chuckle, "That was a lot of fun."
"I knew it would be, and to see the look on that man's face when we didn't buy a single thing. These are the kinds of memories I want to make."
"Are we actually going to find a clothing store to buy some outfits now?"
"Of course," Nami nods. "We still need to make sure that we have plenty of outfits in case the Grand Line has islands spread far apart. I want to see you in all kinds of cute outfits!"
My cheeks heat up slightly. "That's kind of you to say. I've never really thought about the clothes I've worn. Just hoped that my sister's old clothes would still be good to wear."
"That is not the mindset anymore," she bumps me with her hip. "Look, that cute store is just what we need." She tugs me towards the shop that looks a lot simpler compared to the last place that we were in. "Now this is just what we need."
We start at one end of the store and make our way to the other, picking out anything that we find cute that is in our size. Our pile grows so big that I am surprised we can even carry it. Eventually, we make it to the counter and set our haul down for the lady to ring up.
"We'll take all of this!" Nami grins.
"Please," I offer a tiny smile.
"Really?" The lady behind the counter asks. "I hope that you have enough money to cover it all."
"A bit rude," Nami pushes her lips together. "Of course I have enough money."
"My apologies," the lady begins to ring everything up and place it into a bag.
It takes a while for our stack to be gone through, but Nami quickly pays before we head back out to the street.
"Come again you two!" The lady waves as we leave.
"Where to next?" I place my hands on my hips as I look at Nami with the large bag in her hands.
"Hm, well, something is off out here." She furrows her eyebrows, pulling out a navigating tool from her pocket. "Barometric pressure has dropped, which is the reason the air is different. A storm is on the way."
"Should we get everyone and head back to the ship?" I tilt my head to the side.
"Probably the best option," she places her tool away. "Damn, I wanted to walk around a bit more with you. Maybe find some cute shops."
"I'm sure that there will be islands on the Grand Line that we can do that."
"Come on," she nods, and we head off towards the center of town.
It takes us a while, as there are people everywhere, but we reach the edge of it at the same time Zoro (now with three swords) and Usopp and Sanji (carrying a large fish) do. We truly look like oddballs.
"Hello everyone," I smile. "Have a good day shopping?"
"Even better now that I am back with you, darling," Sanji gushes.
"So where is he?" Zoro asks of Luffy.
"He wanted to see the execution scaffold," Nami answers. "I'm sure he is close by."
"If only I could see over these people," I push onto my tiptoes to try and see the center of the plaza. "Wait, someone is on the scaffold! Wait, that's Luffy!"
Luffy is up on the execution scaffold, held down by a large wooden shackle.
"What!?" Usopp exclaims.
"Why is he up there?" Zoro groans.
"Holy hell, Zoro, look, we know that man who is up there with him," I tug on Zoro's shirt sleeve.
"Did that dumb clown follow us all the way here?"
"We have to save our idiot of a captain," Sanji steps up next to me.
"Usopp, come on," Nami says.
I glance back to see Nami and Usopp rushing back in the direction of the Going Merry.
"The criminal, M. D. Luffy, is guilty on charges of being on his high horse and upsetting me!" Buggy's voice floats down from the scaffold. "The punishment for that, is being executed by me, in grand style!"
I roll my eyes as the pirates in the main square begin to celebrate by screaming and firing their guns.
"You're the one being executed!" Buggy yells at Luffy.
"Hey, stop joking around!" Luffy freaks out.
"No, you stop messing around!"
I shake my head, "What is wrong with those two?"
"Now, we will commence the execution!"
"I'm sorry!" Luffy is emotionless. "Please, don't kill me!"
"Dumbass!" Buggy places his foot on Luffy's head. "As if I would even think of sparing you!"
"Sometimes I really wonder about him," I shake my head.
"Any last words? You have a big audience listening to whatever you want to say."
Luffy purses his lips together, refusing to speak.
"Ah, never mind that last word crap. No one wants to hear it anyways."
"I!" Luffy takes a deep breath. "Am going to be the King of the Pirates!!"
I burst into laughter as the crowds around us is in shock.
"At least he is true to himself," Zoro nods towards a clearing.
"It that really all you have to say, rubber-boy?" Buggy evilly laughs. "Do you even understand what is happening?" He raises his sword above his head.
"Time to help!" I giggle, rushing off in front of the boys.
"Stop the execution!" Sanji and Zoro shout as they run behind me.
"Akari! Sanji! Zoro!!" Luffy's face lights up with a big smile. "Help me!"
"Ah, so Zoro and the little girlfriend has shown up," Buggy chuckles. "No matter! You are a second too late!"
"Tear down the scaffold!" Zoro commands.
"Got it," Sanji nods.
"And kick some ass in the process!" I slam my foot into the face of a pirate now charging at his, pulling my shurikens out.
"Out of my way!" Zoro bellows, slashing at anyone that comes close to him.
"Idiots," Sanji grumbles as his feet connect with any part of a pirate that he can reach.
Buggy lets out another sickening laugh. "You can see the whole thing from down there! Just run away now, for you captain is dead!"
"Damn you!" Sanji cries out.
"This can't be the end!" I nail a guy in the junk and duck under a punch.
"Zoro! Sanji! Akari!" Luffy's joyful voice floats down to us. "Sorry, but I'm a goner!" He chuckles.
"NO!" Zoro screams at the top of his lungs.
"Don't talk crazy!" Sanji's cigarette falls from his lips.
"He laughed," I breath out, letting my shoulders go slack.
Then, like a stroke of grace from the gods above, the biggest lightning strike lands on the execution scaffold. The wooden structure bursts into flames in the blink of an eye, and I know that Buggy was the one that was hit directly. I can also see his body in flames, which is what he deserves for holding such a grudge against us.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hope you enjoyed reading! I had a hard time deciding when to stop this chapter, but I think I picked a good spot. I would love to know what you thought! :D
Also, the hiatus is over for now! I am excited to get back to writing and posting for this story!