Off to the Grand Line

In the East Blue sea, close to the Reverse Mountain, the Thunder Phoenix was sailing the tailwind of a frightening storm. Grand Line wasn't too far for the young dreamers; however, the ship's condition was worsening upon time.

"Cross, we don't have much time anymore! The lower decks have drowned… If you have a play, say it now!"

Noelle came running up from the storeroom, carrying all her equipment with her.

Swissh… A large wave hit the ship and the ship's rudder was knocked away.

Tears came from Nami's eyes, and she hugged me out of panic. She said, "Ahhh…! Cross, take me back home… this is too much!"

"Hum… Let me think for a second."

With a hint of a frown on my face, I secretly moved my hands towards Nami's breast and started fondling it.

"Cross, Get your hands away from Nami-swan…!"

From methods unknown, Sanji's senses picked this up, and he glared at me.

Unwilling to let the situation escalate further, I said, "Actually, hold on to me too, Sanji. In fact, grab on to me everyone."

"Oh, I didn't know that you swung that way too Cross…"

Sanji's face turned rigid, and he slowly backed away from me.

"What the hell are you talking about! Hold on to me everyone… we're literally going to fly away now!"

Soon everyone tugged on to parts of my body, and I turned certain parts of my body into lightning to fly and carry them at the same time.

I watched the Thunder Phoenix drown with hallowed cheeks… 'I will destroy you all for this, Marines,' I tightened my fists and flew towards the Going Merry ahead of us.

**

Some distance away from me, the Straw-Hats were struggling with the storm in their own way.

"Whaaat… We have no idea where we're heading…?! We're going to end up dead!"

Usopp said, pacing around the ship with nervousness.

"We were supposed to stay in Loguetown longer to find more crew and maps… alas, it may be that fate doesn't want my name to spread as the most beautiful object in the sea…"

Alvida stared at her toes with a little bit of remorse.

Currently, Lucy was sitting at the ship figurehead, whistling to herself.

"Ah, look guys! There're people flying in the air"! Lucy yelled, her eyes sparkling.

Usopp stopped and glared at Lucy.

"It isn't time for your jokes, Lucy. We've to figure out a wa-"

Thudd…! Usopp's jaw dropped, and he fell to the ground from witnessing my crew drop on the ship.

"Cross, you see that lighthouse there… it's called the 'light of guidance.' The entrance to the Grand Line should be there!"

Nami immediately inspected the surroundings and informed me excitedly; however, my attention was currently more towards Lucy and her crew.

I swaggered and turned my head towards Lucy, still sitting at the mast. "Mwah ha ha… You there! Look at me, I'm Cross, and I'm the captain now."

Lucy jumped backed to the deck to get a closer look at me. She pursed her lips with a finger resting on them and squinted her eyes at me.

"Meat guy…! So, your name's actually Cross. I'm Lucy… Nice to meet you!"

My eyes twitched at being called the meat guy again, and I yelled, "This is a hijack… Fight everyone!"

I lifted my trident and pointed towards the trio. Before the fight could even start, Sanji ran towards them with his spinning tornado movement…"

"Wow… Two beauties in this ship! My name's Sanji and it must be fate that's brought us together. ♥"

Zoro gave a blank stare to Sanji and said, "This idiot… We just got the orders to hijack the ship!"

"What did you say, you moss-headed bastard?!"

Soon Zoro and Sanji started brawling it out with each other, forgetting my commands completely.

Lucy watched them fight with wide eyes and a bright smile.

"Shishshishi… You guys all look fun… Why don't you all join my crew? I'm Lucy and I'm going to become the King of the Pirates!"

I bared my teeth at her and said, "First of all… maybe you should use the word queen instead. But if anyone's going to be the one to conquer the seas, it's gonna be me!"

"Oh yeah… I am going to be the King of the Pirates!"

Lucy said, cocking her head. Her 5 feet small figure seemed very tall at the moment. We both glared at each other; lightning sparks seemed to be coming out of our eyes.

"Hey! Cross, these people don't seem too bad. If we're all going to the Grand Line anyway, we can definitely use the extra hands."

Nami came up to me and whispered to my ears.

'Didn't someone in an alternate universe start of with 5 people though,' I rolled my eyes at the idea of teaming up with one of my main rivals.

"Lucy, they all seem to have a navigator. It won't be a bad idea to call it a truce for now!"

Alvida also went up to Lucy and tried to talk sense into her.

Lucy puffed up her cheeks and put on a wronged expression, which momentarily distracted me from how adorable the girl looked.

"So, we've reached the Grand Line have we? Since this was a goal for everyone here, this calls for a celebration!"

Sanji walked in with a barrel and put it in the center. He put his feet on it and said,

"To find All Blues!"

"To become the Pirate King!" Lucy joined in excitedly!

"T-To become a brave warrior of the seas!"

"To be the greatest swordsman!"

"To have my name known in the world as the most beautiful person of the sea!"

"To travel around the world with freedom!" Noelle said.

"To actually become the King of the Pirates and have a harem full of ever-"

Tunkk… Nami smacked me in the head and said, "To draw a map of the world!"

"OFF TO THE GRAND LINE WE GO!"

We all took a glass of Sake soon afterwards to mark the occasion and started celebrating.

During the celebration, I couldn't help but look at Lucy's wide, bright smile that seemed to give me peace of mind for the moment. She was just like a Straw-Hat I loved in my childhood… Of course, with some curves and… damn, her red tank exposed too much skin!

At this point of my time in the One Piece world… I didn't know how precious this peace of mind could be.