16 The Detour

"Ahhh!" I suddenly woke up screaming, the last thing I remember was drowning to the bottom of the ocean, again. Finishing my thought, I looked around to find myself at the ship's sleeping quarter, as I looked around, someone was coming down from the upper deck. The person who came was Dragon, I guess he used his observation haki to keep an eye on me and came to ask questions when I woke up.

"How long was I out?" I asked him, Dragon remained silent for a few seconds before answering my question., "You were out for about an hour. I have to admit, for a kid you are very tough. No scar or broken bones, you remind me of my old man. Stubborn and smack one hell of a punch just like him, where did you learn to punch like that?" There was genuine curiosity in his last question as he recognized Garp's attack.

With embarrassment, I gave my answer to him (made-up), "Well, as you know I was hiding on the marine ship for a few weeks before coming to the East Blue. The ship belonged to the vice-admiral with a dog mask and for some reason, he fought every day with a guy known as Instructor. I watch their fight in secret every day and learn how to fight. The instructor also taught young marines, so I learned his teaching in secret as his teaching was easy to understand. I guess that's how I learned the basic fundamental of fighting. " As usual, I mix the truth to maintain my story I told Betty three years ago.

Dragon wasn't listening to my story after I told him about a vice admiral and his fight with Z. When I finished my explanation, he began to laugh like he heard the funniest story in a long time, "Oh man, that is my old man alright, always in a fight with someone. I knew your last attack was similar to Garp the Hero's." Dragon spoke to me as he was still laughing. Honestly, I wasn't expecting this reaction from him, still, I did just told him about his father who he hasn't seen for God knows how long.

Finishing our conversation, Dragon left the room with a smile on his face and I got out of the bed to check my condition. 'I'm in perfect condition. Having a passive ability like a horse and dog talisman is very convenient.' I remember Dragon did use some sort of wind-related devil fruit power, so I opened the inventory to check the Pan'ku box. Since the box was inside of my inventory, the demon orb within the Pan'ku box wasn't glowing, so I decided to keep the box hook into my belt and purchase a few things from the shop. 15 minutes later, I'm wearing new clothes with a green jacket covering the box hanging from my belt with an extra small harness attached.

Finishing my new look, I left the ship to find Betty and Ivankov. When I got to the upper deck, I was blinded by the sunlight and when I recovered from it, I saw that Dragon's ship was sailing. 'Dragon decided to take the Grand Line, after all. I wonder if Betty and others joined as well.' As I was thinking, I saw a kid with blonde hair with a tattered blue jacket and blue shorts enjoying the view of the ocean from the ship. He was covered in bandages from top to bottom but I knew who he was and knew his important role on Dressrosa Arc in the future storyline.

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Sabo's POV, 10 Years Old,

When I woke up, I was in the ship's medical room. I don't remember who I'm or my name but the people around me informed me that my name is Sabo and I have amnesia. They also told me that I'm a noble from the Goa kingdom which one of them suggests to take me back to my parents. Hearing that, I immediately refused to go back and beg them not to take me there, I don't know why, but my gut feeling was telling me not to go back there or to my parents. In the end, a man with a face tattoo told me that I can stay with them and take me to their main base in the Grand Line.

4 days later,

The ship docked into an island called Mirefield island, I was still in bed when we docked and about an hour later the entire ship shook as a large explosion can be heard from outside. Getting out of the bed, I went to the window to see something flying over and into the sea, 'What was that?" I panicked as I believe my parents are here to take me back home. A 10 minute later, a ship's doctor came and told me that there was nothing to worry about as some kid decided to fight Dragon (Man with face tattoo) and lost. With relief, I went outside to see what was going on and get some fresh air.

The ship sailed about a half-hour later and I was told by one of the crew members that we were heading to the Grand Line, leaving the East Blue. 'Good, the faster we leave, the better.' Thinking of being farther from my home is better, I enjoy the view of the ocean and its wind. I was about to go back to my room when I saw a boy around my age with a green jacket approach me and introduce himself, "Hi, my name is David, I'm a member of the East army, what is your name?"

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David's POV

I was nervous to meet one of the sworn brothers of Luffy, this guy will be second in command of the Revolutionary Army and carry the power of Ace after his death (Not gonna happen in my watch). As a fanboy of the One Piece, I was shocked like everyone when there is a third brother during Luffy's flashback. Thinking back, it's kinda funny how the son of a pirate, rebel and noble became a sworn brother and each of them flipped the entire world upside by themself.

Believing the first impression is everything, I approach Sabo and introduce myself. "Hi, my name is David, I'm a member of the East army, what is your name?" I extended my hand to shake his hand but Sabo didn't reply or shake my hand. Second, later, he spoke apologetically, "My name is Sabo, according to the crew. I didn't expect another kid to be a member of the Revolutionary Army." "Well, it's not like I'm an active member. I joined 3 years ago but I have been training and learning the basics about the world today." I said it with a bit of pride, but honestly, I was embarrassed about how I couldn't participate in the mission because of my age.

I talk to Sabo about my past and the reason why I fought Dragon before leaving Mirefield island. When I found out the ship was heading to the Grand Line, I remembered something I have to do before leaving the East Blue. "I have to go and talk to Dragon, it was nice to meet you Sabo." "Same here," I said goodbye and headed toward the captain's cabin.

When I got to the captain's cabin I knocked on the door and entered the room when I heard "Enter." I saw Ivankov and Kuma were in the room talking to Dragon about their destination. When Ivankov saw me he rushed to me and smacked me in the head, "I know you are strong but you are not that strong to fight the boss, Cook boy." Ivankov said angrily, but I can tell he was proud of me as he is the one who trained me over the years.

"So, David, what brings you here? Don't tell me you want to challenge me again." Dragon asked with a smile on his face, meanwhile, Kuma remained silent. "No, I'm here to request a quick stop to an island before leaving the East Blue." I said as Dragon looked me in the eye, "We are on a tight schedule, where and why do you want to stop by before we leave East Blue?"

I knew it was a long shot but I had to try, "I want to travel to Cocoyashi village. I know this is a selfish request but I want to purchase a few tangerines. I was once told by a sailor that Cocoyashi village has the most delicious tangerine in the entire East Blue. So I want to take a few with us so I can grow them in the Grand Line."

Both Ivankov and Dragon were baffled by my request, even I would deny the request if I was in Dragon's shoes. Just before they could give me an answer, Kuma steps in and speaks with a gentle voice, "I think that is an acceptable request. We do need citrus fruits to prevent possible scurvy as we couldn't get enough supplies on our last stop." He turned his head toward Dragon as if he knew Dragon would agree with his reasoning.

Dragon scratched his head and said, "I guess we can make a short detour before leaving the East Blue. Fine, we will stop by Cocoyashi village, but you and David have 2 hours to purchase the tangerines and if you're late, you have to find your way to the Grand Line." Kuma nodded and said to me, "I will see you when we get to Cocoyashi village." With that, I thanked everyone and about to leave the room when Ivankov stopped me. "Betty girl told me to give this to you" Ivankov gave me a bag full of my personal belongings and a letter from Betty. I thanked her again and left the room to read the letter.

End of POV,

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After David left the room, Ivankov asked Kuma, "We have plenty of supplies to make two trips. You never make an excuse for others without a good reason." Kuma gave his answer, "I want to know the real reason why he wants to go to Cocoyashi village. He doesn't act like a normal child for his age, as if he has an ulterior motive." Dragon agreed with Kuma as he also suspected David ever since they had their duel, 'This changes a few things for our upcoming plan.' Dragon thought as he continued his meeting with Ivankov and Kuma.

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