55 Chapter 55

55

"Then call the Marines, tell them to send help. Unknown pirates have attacked the island, don't say anything else. Make it seem like an emergency." Luffy said.

Coby looked at Luffy confused. "But Luffy they are the black cat pirates… so then why?"

Luffy looked at Coby, "Well, the Marines think that the catman is dead. So if we call them, they would try to cover up the incident, by not coming. Marines and the world government have a way to cover things up. They might act all high and mighty, but they are just a bunch of scum." Luffy said, "So if we say that they are unknown, we have better chances of getting help. Why do you think no powerful Marine ships attacked pirates like Alvida? They don't have good fighters here in the weak sea… its also that most of the islands don't give world nobles there Heavenly Tributes, so they just send weak guys here."

Coby nodded slowly, processing the information, his guts told him Luffy wasn't lying… but it was still hard for him to believe that. Maybe he was being biased towards marines… and he didn't know what the whole Heavenly Tribute was, he didn't ask. Just kept his mouth shut for now. Nami was also on the same boat but for different reasons.

That afternoon, after Coby, Kunia, and Marry had been bandaged up and briefed about the situation to the whole village, the villagers were very happy. And they even volunteered to look over the pirates.

And when the Marines came with two ships, they were very much surprised to find the whole thing done by two youths. Coby and Usopp.

Well, Zoro and Kuina did help, but they were already blacklisted from the Marine Bounty hunting operation. They didn't have any bounty, but they wouldn't be able to cash in bounties either, and was considered criminal. That's why they didn't show up when collecting the bounties.

Some found it hard to believe, but Coby's wounds made them believe the story. And just like Luffy predicted, Coby and Usopp were offered triple the price for Captain Kuro, if they kept the incident under the wrap.

They didn't want to lose their reputation… just like Luffy said. Coby again was torn apart from what he saw, was every Marine that way? The boy clenched his fist. And he made a decision…

Usopp of course took the money, and gave it back to the village. The village idiot was now celebrated as their hero now. Usopp also took the chance to overexaggerate his victory, but the villagers knew of the long nose's quirks and took every word with a grain of salt. Though they were very grateful for the money Usopp left them.

Even though Usopp was always causing problems in the village, the villagers were quite good towards the professional lier. Almost all of them gave a helping hand when Usopp's mother died, so in a way, Usopp was trying to repay the favor.

Poor Nami was almost crying blood seeing so much money and not getting their hands on them. But she didn't try to steal it either. So after everything, all of them except Luffy made their way to the beach.

After that, they arrived at the beach, only to see a dumb situation unfolding.

Luffy was carrying a ship on his shoulder. A whole freaking ship! A ship that was humongous for the straw hat boy. But he carried it with ease and drooped it in the sea, and gently pushed it onto the waters.

Coby's mouth was on the floor from what he saw, and Usopp having the same reaction. Kunia and Zoro seemed impressed, and they both looked at each other and nodded.

A silent agreement.

Nami on the other hand, looked over at Luffy's amazing physique. So all those muscles weren't just for show. She felt a light blush on her face.

"It's called the Going Merry," Merry said. "It's an older model, but it should be helpful to you. Consider it a thank you gift." It was still a relatively small ship, but it was much more spacious than what they'd been using up until now.

Luffy and Sparky looked at the ship. This was going to be their new home.

Usopp was looking at the ship fondly as Coby, Luffy, and Nami boarded, but he also looked a bit uncomfortable. He looked from Luffy, to the ship, and back to Luffy.

Before he could say anything though. Zoro spoke, "I think it's time we settle this Luffy." He said as he tied his green bandana.

"Yes, it's a good time as any." Kuina agreed.

Luffy smiled amusedly. "Let's make it quick. I will knock you guys out but don't worry, next time you wake you, you will be on the ship. Are you ready?"

"Of course we are." Zoro snorted putting all three swords in effect.

"Aren't you being cocky here," Kuina said as she made herself ready with her own blade.

"Am I?" Luffy's sound came from behind. She was wide-eyed as she jumped forward, but she felt a thud on her neck, and she was knocked out.

"Oni Giri…" He slashed Luffy appearing behind him. But he was wide-eyed when he saw that all there of his blades were tied by Luffy's chain. A chain that came from the nameless naginata on his shoulder. Before Zoro could do anything he was also hit in the back of his neck.

The green swordsman walked forward, his losing consciousness fast. But had to say something. "We will be in your care… Captain." With that, he fell. But Luffy was already near him as he grabbed Zoro before he could fall. Kuina over his shoulder.

"Well, that ended fast," Luffy said as he again jumped to the ship.

"Are you serious?" Nami was wide-eyed and bamboozled right now.

Coby chuckled warily, he knew Luffy would win. But not this fast. He didn't even use his rubber body nor his blades. Just how powerful was the new captain of the straw hat pirates?

"Eh, we have a journey to make. Washing time won't do us any good." Throwing one body to Sparky, the other to Nami. "Give them some time to rest in their beds."

All of them were so shocked that they didn't comment any further and followed their orders.

"Um…" Usopp began awkwardly, but he had a shine in his eyes. Luffy was strong, and that was the type of person he wanted to follow. "I was wondering if your offer to join your crew was still was still in effect." Luffy looked at him confusedly.

"Huh?" was all he said.

Usopp looked down. "Well, it's OK if it's not. I'm sure we'll meet on the sea someday," he said. Already feeling down.

"What are you talking about?" Luffy asked, confused. "You already joined, remember? Now get on."

Usopp's eyes widened before a wide grin spread across his face. "I'm…I'm the Captain!" he shouted, jumping into the air with his fist raised.

"Not a chance," Luffy said as Usopp climbed aboard. "But if you want you can be one of my Sniper or Gunsmen… or both. Tell you what, you can be one of my main Officers."

"Then I will be the Sniper King Usopp. One of the main Officers of Strawhat pirates." The long-nosed boy said, as he got up the ship.

"Ata boy!"

And so their journey started.