38 Chapter 38

38

Besides, the Marine and the World Government was a failed organization. One could notice it just by reading between the lines of newspaper. Luffy had done some research.

Did you know in the New World, some of the safest islands were those that were under Whitebeard's banner? Well, he didn't actually get that from the newspaper but from the information brokers in the black market.

And it wasn't all. The West Blue was one of the safest Blue's because of the Chinjao family or better known as Hoppo Navy.

Sure more pirates originated for West Blue than others, but it was safer than East. And that's because most of the island was under a pirate's protection. The world government only were out for the tax, other than that they turned a blind eye to the most corrupt marines in their ranks.

The only reason why the rumor about East Blue being safer than the rest was because of the government had spread. To symbolize that this was the blue where the pirate king was killed, this was also where the marine hero lived.

So joining that kind of organization wasn't any better than joining a pirate crew in his opinion. If Luffy were to be honest, even joining the revolutionary was much more beneficial for Coby's sense of justice.

But Luffy didn't want Coby to join other parties. Because the boy had some potential. He wouldn't go around with his crew to serve justice and all that, but after he established himself as the pirate king and the world's strongest, he wouldn't mind taking over the World Government.

While the canon Luffy was more inclined toward Freedom, he was more inclined toward Ambition.

Nami turned to him with curious eyes. "How do you know all that anyway?"

Luffy just hummed, before answering, "It's a skill that I've picked up on. I listen to fragments of conversations while walking through crowds to try to gather a full picture of what's going on in the area. It's pretty useful." That was utter bullshit, maybe that was something no one… no, maybe Robin could do. But not him.

He just went along with his canon knowledge and picked up on some cues. And made a wild guess based on his observation. Also, Observation Haki also enhanced one's hearing ability, so it wasn't all that though.

The color of observation was weird in a way, it not only granted a supernatural sense. But also boosted his already five present senses to a supernatural degree.

Nami nodded, wondering if she should try to learn how to do that. Coby was impressed. "That's amazing Luffy! Where'd you learn how to do that?"

Luffy put on a cheeky smile. "A trade secret my friend."

When they arrived at the bar, Luffy noted that Zoro and the others had sensed his presence as well. They might have not known about Observation Haki, but a small burst of Conquere's was enough to make them stand on their feet with their guards up.

Did he have to do it? No, but he was going to make his entrance epic. All dramatic and such.

Luffy walked in, followed closely by his two traveling companions.

He stopped behind the bench on which Zoro and a female sat… no they actually were now standing on their guard. One hand on their sword, already ready to draw at a moment's notice.

"You must be Zoro?" Luffy said casually, standing carefree with arms crossed. The green head in question only narrowed his eyes.

"And you are?" the girl asked. She had black hair and fair skin. She wasn't your average faired skin beauty, had more of an athletic build. And she was someone that Luffy couldn't recognize from the show.

Well, she did look like Teshigi. But why would she be here?

"You a marine?" Zoro spoke this time.

"No actually," Luffy said, a grin on his face. "I'm a pirate. Monkey D. Luffy… but not just any pirate I might add… I'm someone who's going to go to places." He jabbed his thumb towards himself, "the future king of the pirates if I might add, humbly."

The others present in the restaurant would have laughed at Luffy's declaration… but they didn't. Why? Because of a small burst of Conquerers, not enough to knock them out, but enough to make the eat any words they had.

Was he abusing his Haki. Yes, but he convinced himself that this was training in its own way. You know what they say, Never stop the Grind.

Zoro gulped as he looked at his friend, both of them made small eye contact. If the straw hat boy made any sudden moves, they would make theirs. Zoro knew the younger boy might be stronger than him.

The green pride hurt even thinking that, but if both of them jumped in together, he wouldn't have a chance.

"And what do we owe the pleasure?" Zoro's grip on the sword tightened.

"Heard you are the strongest around this water…" Luffy said.

Everyone in the bar had put their conversations on hold and looked on, including Nami and Coby. They watched apprehensively as if expecting a fight to break out.

"…and so I have decided." Luffy continued looking at Zoro and other women. "I want you in my crew."

There was a sudden pause before… "You want to what?" Zoro flabbergasted.

As the straw hat boy laughed, the tension lifted off everyone's shoulders. All of them let out a unified sigh that they didn't know they were holding. "Sorry for being over dramatic, but you guys seem really strong. So I wanted to do a small test… I hope you don't mind." The boy said politely.

Everyone around then wondered if it was the same young man that just a moment ago was drawing thick tension around them.

"Can I get two more rounds over here? It's on me" The bartender nodded, looking relieved, and poured two more cups as Luffy sat down. "Alcohol?!" Luffy frowned, "Do I look like a peasant to you? Bring me Milk! And it better be ice cold with no sugar mixed in it."

Coby sweatdropped, Luffy wasn't kidding when he said he liked milk.

If anyone had any complaints, they didn't question the boy's odd choice of drink. But now looking at the boy's amazing physique. They could guess that he was one of those health-conscious guys who counted everything they put in their bodies.

With that out of the way, Luffy moved his attention to the two blade users."Oh, why are you standing. Sit down." he began, "By the way, what's your name, pretty lady?"

The two of them reluctantly took their seats opposite to Luffy. "Kuina."

Luffy's eyes slightly widened, but he hid it well. "Uh, a wonderful name." He expected changes, but not this soon. But oh well, her aura was just as strong as Zoro's if not stronger than the green head. Well, she did seem a few years older than Zoro. Might be already in her early twenties.

"Anyway, I have a proposal for you guys…" Luffy began but this time Zoro cut him off.