Chapter 6 Wrapping up and Moving on

Usopp hummed in satisfaction as he set the final trap. This time he would show them what the Great Captain Usopp could do. His boys gave each other high fives and looked proud of their work. The forest was a maze of non-lethal traps and tricks. Usopp needed to practice his stealth maneuvers and the young 'pirates ' needed to add to their arsenal. At this rate, his crew alone might be able to handle the Cat grunts. He still needed at least one of his monster crewmates to handle the hypnotist and captain.

He took a moment to fantasize about finding the two meeting on the beach and taking both out with fireball stars before they even realized he was there. He could tie them up, leave them stranded in a pit trap and call in a tip to the marines. The Great Captain Usopp single handedly taking out the Cat Pirates.

'Captain! We finished the per 'metor defense! The forest territory is secure, sir! '

'Good work crew! ' he praised. 'You left the secret passages clear, right? '

'Yes, Captain Usopp! '

'And you put the secret signs, so you can remember? '

'Yes, yes! Danger signs and all clear signs both! ' Onion held up the little carved markers they 'd been using.

'Excellent! So professional! ' he took a wide stance, 'I will now inspect the forest and ensure that no dangers have escaped our notice! What will my brave crew of Usopp pirates do? '

'Go to dinner? '

'Yeah, dinner! '

Usopp laughed. 'Off you go then! See you tomorrow after lunch. I 'm moving boxes at the grocery tomorrow morning. '

'Okay! See you tomorrow! '

Usopp waved them off. He did a quick inspection of the traps he hadn 't personally helped with. He had to adjust a few wires and retie a few knots but overall, they did well. He left the forest and moved down to the beach for his jog around the island. He could almost manage the distance without collapsing afterwards, so progress.

And hey, who knows when I 'll get really lucky and stumble onto a conspiracy.

XXXxxx

Marine Lieutenant Kirby was not having a good day. HQ had called him from his region to step in on this island because of a very strange report. The island locals reported not only the capture of a big name pirate but they named the local marine unit as acomplices and colaborators. HQ was very interested in finding out what was going on here. The interviews were not going well.

'Pirates? ' the marine asked incredulous. 'That 's who came in and left Arlong like this? '

'The Strawhat Pirates, yes. ' The sheriff reported. 'They came in and spoke to us, offered to help. They took out Arlong and his gang and helped chain them all up like this. '

'You just accepted help from

pirates? '

'Well they were very convincing. And it wasn 't so much an offer as them telling us their plans. Those Strawhats were pretty determined. '

'Can you describe these pirates? ' he made a note in his pad.

'Well the captain is a dark-haired teenager. Fourteen or fifteen maybe. He 's about shoulder heigh on me. Wears a straw hat. I assume that 's where they got the name. Uh ' dark eyes and a small scar on his face. We might have a picture from the celebration. He could eat like a horse, but he was really skinny. He was amazingly fast and a Devil Fruit eater. Gum Gum rubber I think he called it. The other man was Roronoa Zoro. All muscle but lean, slender build. He has green hair and eyes. He fights with three swords. Likes to wander around with no shirt. My height. I 'm sure the marines know him ' '

'

Pirate Hunter Zoro?

' the marine rubbed his temples.

'Oh yes. We had trouble believing it too. He was very insistent that he was a Strawhat. The captain said he was First Mate when we asked about it. Zoro was muttering about getting it tattooed but I don 't know if he actually got one. ' The sheriff sighed. 'The two bounty hunters that came with them left separately. '

'Right. And the rest? '

'The rest? '

'Of the pirates. How many were in the crew? '

'Just the two. '

The marine stopped writing notes, looking up from his pad of paper. 'You expect me to believe that four men took out the entire Arlong Pirate crew? This was a precision strike with minimal casualties. You expect me to believe that such a small group managed to take down the entire crew of fishmen with no fatalities on their side and only four dead fishmen? That instead of killing them, these pirates just tied them up and allowed you to call the marines. Then they just left. No raiding or looting? '

'Actually, it was mostly the two pirates. The bounty hunters stayed out of the main fighting and just took out any that aimed for the civilians or that Zoro sent them to handle. Those six there actually, were their work. ' Genzo pointed to one group of pirates tied up and looking pitiful.

'Two pirates took out most of the crew? I could see Pirate Hunter Zoro taking out Arlong but how did the other guy handle fifty-two men? ' Kirby rubbed his forehead.

'Oh no, it was the captain who took out Arlong. I 'm not sure how they did it to be honest. They were moving so fast I thought they were just blurs for most of the fight. ' Sheriff Genzo corrected cheerfully.

'Right. The fifteen-year-old just blew up the gate, walked in and beat up Captain Arlong the saw-nose shark fishman with a 20 million bellies bounty. Then they just beat up everyone else so fast no one saw it happen. ' The officer was ready to strangle someone.

'Well there were no explosives involved. The young captain just punched the gate. ' Sheriff Genzo demonstrated a windup punch.

'He

punched

that metal gate. '

'You can see the fist mark if you want to look at it. '

'Later, ' he agreed exhausted at the prospect. 'So, this fifteen-year-old

punched

his way in and then he and his one-person crew, the former Pirate Hunter, wrecked the Arlong Pirates with a little help from the two bounty hunters who no one can explain. '

'That sounds about right. '

'And this girl, ' he moved on, 'the one you say reported Nezumi and the 16

th

Branch, where is she? ' he held up the rough sketch of the mousy captain.

'She left to join the Strawhats. '

'She joined the pirates? '

'Yes. She said that you lot were not likely to believe she was coerced by the Arlong Pirates and if she was going to be called a pirate, she wanted to be on the Strawhat crew. '

The marine looked at him hard. That was the first statement that sounded like a lie. As ridiculous as the rest of it was, he believed it. He didn 't believe this answer though. He contemplated calling the man on his lie. Ultimately this girl 's reason for joining the pirates didn 't change anything though. With a sigh he made a quick note.

'You believed this girl about the marines? ' he asked instead.

'I know we 've seen marine ships but never received any assistance in the six years since our island was taken over. Not once. Someone was accepting bribes. I couldn 't say who. Nami could tell you though. She would have been close enough to see people and name names like she did. I 'm sure your own patrol records will confirm if that branch has made a regular tour of this area and what concerns ' if any ' they bothered to report. '

'I assure you; it is being looked into. '

'I 'm sure. ' The amount of sarcasm in that statement could level a small building.

'So, two pirates from a crew no one has heard of just took out the Arlong Pirates worth over 42 million total. Then they recruited a sixteen-year-old girl and then sailed away. '

'I mean, they stayed for the party. Like I said, we might have pictures of them. '

'Right. ' The marine put a hand over his face and did some deep breathing exercises. 'So you 're telling me that this island provided hospitality to a pirate crew? '

'Oh no. ' the sheriff backtracked. 'They just wouldn 't leave. I 'm sure you are familiar with pirates enough to know we couldn 't just kick them out. We are weak and helpless islanders. '

That was a bold faced lie and the sheriff didn 't have the decency to pretend otherwise.

'Pirates are known to party hard. I 'm sure you were faced with some drunken rioting? '

'Oh no. The captain doesn 't drink. He seemed to enjoy the tangerine juice. Zoro drinks like a fish but he 's a sleepy drunk and the biggest problem we had with him was him ending up on the wrong end of the island when he wandered off. The two bounty hunters wandered around playing games more than drinking. '

Kirby felt his eye give a twitch and decided to switch topics.

'Can you describe their ship? '

'Oh, they weren 't in their main ship, they said they had to go get that. '

Genzo sounded amused again so he didn 't want to ask. Nothing good could come from asking. This was clearly a setup.

With as much resolution as he could muster, he looked to the sheriff, 'Can you describe the ship they left in? '

'It was a small raft. You could maybe call it a small sloop. '

'A sloop. '

'You know, a small sloop. One sail, tiny doghouse? Small. ' He held two fingers close together. 'I still think it was more raft than sloop. You know what I 'm talking about? '

'I 'm familiar. ' He rubbed his forehead and looked at his notes. 'Right. '

'Anything else I can help you with officer? ' the Sheriff looked pleased with himself.

'Please God, stop helping. ' He spoke before thinking about it.

One of his subordinates choked in a poor attempt to hide laughter.

'I mean to say, I would appreciate you finding any pictures of this Nami girl and the Strawhat Captain. ' Kirby didn 't think there was any way to regain his dignity but damn if he wasn 't going to try.

'My pleasure officer. '

He looked at the list of witnesses and wondered if any of these interviews would be easy. These islanders really resented the marines. Silently cursing the 16

th

Branch, Kirby swore to see them all docked in rank even if they weren 't outright arrested for collaboration.

XXXxxx

'You stole a den den mushi? ' Zoro asked raising an eyebrow.

'Liberated, looted, what do you care? ' she tossed her orange hair. 'It was Arlong 's. It 's not like he needs it now. '

'Be careful with the sea spray. ' Luffy warned.

'Who are you to talk about careful!? ' she hollered back even as she clutched the cat-sized snail further from the edge of the tiny boat. 'Anyhow, have either of you checked in with Sanji? ' she asked.

'Eh? '

'With Sanji? '

'I 'll take that as a no. ' she sighed and looked down. 'Okay then. '

She dialed the transponder number.

'You 've reached the damn Restaurant. When are you coming? '

'Mmmm, the Restaurant! '

'Sssh, Luffy! ' Sorry, is Sanji in? '

'Oh! Is this Miss Nami? ' he asked tone going from bored to hyper.

'Uh, yes. Sanji, please. '

'Sanji won 't tell us anything about you. ' The den den appeared to pout. 'Tell me, how did the two of you meet? You seem like a nice girl. '

'This nice girl wants to speak to Sanji now. ' Nami asked again with an edge to her voice.

Muffled shouting and banging noises were imitated by the snail.

'Nami-swannnn! You called early! One minute- shove off you assholes this is a private conversation! ' sorry my dear! You have my undivided attention. Is something wrong? Do I need to come rescue you? '

'Sanji! ' Luffy interrupted.

'Luffy! '

'Cook! '

'Marimo! Damn. Oh, you idiots should have rung sooner. ' There was no bite in his voice. 'Don 't you know how to pick up a snail? '

'Oy they 're not exactly common! ' Zoro snapped.

'Sanji, ' Nami interrupted. 'has anyone else called? '

'I spoke to Robin briefly, and a certain helmsman. Both said they wouldn 't be able to call again and were just touching base. Our helmsman visited Franky and said all was well there. No news from anyone else. '

'Shishishi, you guys are smart calling each other! ' Luffy smiled.

Nami punched him.

'Nami-chan, are you okay? '

'I 'm fine Sanji. Can you hold on for a little longer? '

'For you, my sweet, anything. '

'I want to fly our colors at the Baratie. '

'You 'll need Usopp for that. '

'Yeah. '

'I 'll see you soon? '

'So soon. '

'Yeah Sanji! We won 't keep you waiting. ' Luffy laughed leaning over Nami to speak into the receiver.

'Shitty captain. You look after Nami-san will ya? '

'Yosh! I 'll take care of her. Be safe, Sanji! '

'You too Luffy. It 's good to hear you. '

'Yeah. ' Luffy echoed softly. 'I 'm glad you 're you, Sanji. '

'Oy, none of that, asshole. ' Sanji sniffed.

'Gonna cry, shit cook? ' Zoro teased.

'Fuck you moss head. '

'Boys, ' Nami snapped 'not now! '

XXXxxx

The Gecko Islands were small but closely clustered. Syrup Village was one of only two towns on this small but cheerful island in the chain. Two slopes one to the north and one to the east of the island provided the only access to the land otherwise surrounded by sheer cliffs. Sandy beach between rock walls gave way to a grassy pastures and farmlands. Large oak trees dotted the landscape before clustering into a small forest on the north end of the island. Zoro leaned against the ship rail as he meditated, letting his haki flow outward to examine the island. There didn 't seem to be any major predators on the island and only a single presence in the center of the island seemed to register above normal.

'We 're here! ' Luffy 's exuberant shout broke his concentration and Zoro opened his eyes.

He was sweating slightly which annoyed him.

I should be stronger than this. Observational Haki is a mental discipline. I should be able to manage the same level of competence as I did Before.

He grabbed the captain before he could rocket off the ship.

'Don 't capsize us Luffy. This little ship can 't take much rocking. '

'Oh! Right. Sorry! ' He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

'Just another minute. ' Nami chided, pulling in smoothly. 'Zoro, can you-? '

He was already pulling off his boots and rolling his pants up. Getting carefully to his feet he hopped out and pulled the front of the ship further up on shore. ' He planted a stake in the sand and tied off the boat.

'Let 's take a look around. Usopp has to be here somewhere. '

Nami fussed with the cabin for a moment, ensuring her precious maps and treasure were secure. She had to race up the slope to catch the two boys.

'Hey! You guys couldn 't wait two minutes? What 's the big idea? ' she punched each of them in the shoulder.

'Sorry Nami ' they snickered not sorry in the least.

Zoro smiled as he wandered with his crew towards the sleepy town. It was a blast from the past. Last time it was the three of them as well. He laughed as Luffy darted for the restaurant at the edge of the village.

'This is the same place, isn 't it? ' he asked Nami.

'Yeah! Wow, this takes me back. ' She entered Moshi and found Luffy at a booth already chatting with an overwhelmed old man as he ordered what sounded like half the menu.

'There 's my friends! ' Luffy grinned at them. 'This old man said Usopp works here sometimes but he should be off with his friends somewhere. '

'Three guesses where that might be. ' Zoro settled into the booth. 'Onigiri and ramen for me. Three of each. '

'Oh well he likes the forest, could be at the east shore, or visiting the lady Kaya. ' The old man replied, assuming it was a genuine question.

'Thank you for your help. Do you have sandwiches? ' Nami placed her order quickly.

'Let 's eat and go, I 'm ready to find Usopp. '

'Yosh! I 'm just so hunnnngry! '

'Us too. ' Zoro assured him. 'We skipped breakfast to dodge that storm and it 's late for lunch. '

'Usopp understands the food-hierarchy rules. He would expect you to eat. ' Nami agreed.

'Food high-archly? '

'The order of importance for food in relation to other tasks. ' Nami offered.

Luffy looked at her in confusion as they were served the first round of food.

'Look Luffy, we all know that food is important, ' Zoro started.

'Mm hm '

'There are very few things more important than food, and those are clearly very important things. Then there are the we-have-time-to-grab-and-eat-on-the-way, and put-it-in-your-pocket, food times. '

'Right. ' Luffy agreed with a nod.

'The crew figured out a loose system for categorizing emergency vs food. ' Nami added to clarify.

'You need a system? Shishishi. I thought it was obvious. ' He took a large bite of meat looking between them.

'No. ' Zoro bluntly ended the explanation and began shoveling down his noodles.

'Our point is that Usopp would understand. ' Nami kept talking because she had to have the last word.

Zoro rolled his eyes at the witch but didn 't fight her if she wanted to go around stating the obvious. He ate as quickly as the dishes were served, slowing down on his last bowl of ramen so Luffy could get his last three helpings and finish together. Stuffed and happy they began the trek towards the big house. Nami was extra clingy, pulling him onto different pathways every few minutes. He let his senses expand counting the sheep in the fields and finding that one source of threat again. It was difficult with Luffy beside him as a beacon to keep his haki focused further afield. Zoro could recall his early training with Mihawk and experiencing the same troubles.

I shouldn 't be back to that square one.

He growled softly because that wasn 't it either.

I didn 't have this range when I was first learning or this level of comprehension for what I sensed. It 's like I have the techniques but no control.

He stopped walking for a minute. The nagging familiarity snapped into place. It was like his sword skills. He retained the knowledge and understanding of all his techniques, but his physical endurance and speed were hindering the execution of certain moves. Did haki work like a muscle? Did he need to rebuild his spiritual strength as well?

'Zoro? ' Nami had her hand on his shoulder. 'Is something wrong? '

He looked at her in disgust. Of course something was wrong. Everything is wrong. He was weak and useless like this. He didn 't have the physical strength, speed or endurance to protect his crew. The mental advantage he assumed he had for using haki was now crippled as well. He 'd only needed to use light levels of armament haki and observational haki. He hadn 't even noticed his own weakness. His chest was tight, and he could feel his rage building. It was a similar feeling to Perona 's Negative Ghost attacks. The thought made it even more difficult to focus. Where was Perona? She wasn 't exactly a friend but he owed her something. He would have to see her to safety too. He was feeling a bit dizzy.

'Deep breath Zoro, like this. ' The stupid witch was still babbling.

He humored her mimicking the breathing. It helped, surprisingly. He did it a few more times, centering himself as he did when meditating. That caused his chest to loosen and his shoulders to relax. The anger and frustration melted away as he focused on his goal. He would get stronger. He would be the world 's greatest swordsman, however long that took. He would protect his crew.

'What was that about? ' she demanded.

'What? ' he snapped defensively.

'You just stopped and freaked out over nothing. What do you call that? '

'You seem upset. Is something wrong? ' Luffy questioned looking serious. 'Zoro stopped walking and wouldn 't answer. '

'Just realized something is all. I 'm fine now. Obviously. '

'Huh. ' Luffy nodded once, clearly thinking hard.

'Well are you going to share? ' she demanded again.

'None of your business. ' He snapped back and began walking again.

'Wrong way. ' Nami looked pissed.

'Whatever. ' He changed direction so he was on the path again.

'Not that way either! We just came from there! '

'Well you 're not even walking at all! ' he shouted back turning again. 'Let 's go already. '

'Don 't worry about him Nami, Zoro is strong. '

He wanted to puke because he wasn 't, not anymore.

'It 's not about being strong, idiot. ' Nami punched at the captain but Luffy dodged with a laugh.

'Zoro shouldn 't worry either. ' Luffy said loudly looking towards the sky.

'Whatever. '

He focused on the present and staying at Luffy 's side as they made their way to Usopp. He hoped the sniper didn 't have much to accomplish before they could set sail. He wanted to collect both man and ship and get moving. Sooner was better although he suspected they would have to spend at least one night here. It was frustrating. Four of them would still only be two-fifths of the crew. He hated how long this was taking.

Focus on the present. Get stronger. Focus on that presence which has started moving.

'Heads up. ' He warned.

'I feel it too. '

'Someone coming? Is it that blade cat captain? '

'Dunno. ' Luffy shrugged rolling his shoulders with a smile.

Zoro dropped his hand to his blades, resting casually rather than any intent to draw. Even if it was an enemy, they weren 't approaching with any intent to fight. They came around the hill and had a clear view to the large manor. Headed their way was a boy in brown overalls. He dropped his hand away and grinned.

'It 's Usopp! Gum-gummmm rockettt! ' Luffy flew away from them without a thought.

'Usopp! ' Nami was running.

Zoro let her get a head start before pushing his speed. He reached Usopp just in time to catch him as Luffy plowed into him.

'Good one Zoro! ' Luffy acknowledged.

'You 're so fast still. ' Usopp sounded jealous.

'Not still, and not fast enough. ' Zoro disagreed.

'Cheaters. ' Nami reached them, out of breath, and wrapped all three boys in a group hug.

Zoro protested immediately. He did not need to be ' Luffy 's arms joined Nami 's wrapping the group in a knot. Resigned he let himself be snuggled into the sweaty stinking mess of his nakama. They were all awful. He let his cheek rest on top of Usopp 's head noting the full foot of difference in their heights. That would make for great jokes later. For now, he was glad to have them all where he could see them. This was fine. He reached out to check for threats and was unsurprised to find all the potential right in front of him. He should have known from the start. The Strawhat sniper was the biggest predator on the island after all. Usopp was strong enough to take out all kinds of threats.

'You 're finally here! I 've been waiting. '