7 Chapter 6 - Blacktown

"Ahhhhh!"

Bob screamed out as he just came to the biggest realization. In the world of One Piece events happen fast, some takes days others happen within a week. But the thing is this year is the year Ace and Whitebeard both die.

Two major figures in the world.

While Bob can't be considered one of the 3 brothers, he did befriend them. Seeing Ace die would shock the world and Luffy would be sad. Sure it would help his growth as a character, but did Ace really need to die?

Bob started rubbing his blue hair causing it to get all messy.

He did not intend to mess with Luffy so he wouldn't conflict with the story. He really wanted to see how things turned out.

There was not anything he could do right now. Time wasn't on his side and he did not know how strong he could become to change anything.

"If I can, i'd rather save them both. But, we'll see how things turn out."

Bob set his first goal in the world. He'd let things progress normally until the Marineford arc starts.

Maybe he could become like Shanks and stop the war. How cool would he be if that happened!

Bob took a deep breath to calm himself down. One thing at a time, slow and steady wins the race.

For now, he continued to row his little boat. He didn't have a sense of direction here out on the sea, but he had faith that he would make land eventually.

Low and behold, after being at sea for four days Bob found an island come into view.

It had a large pirate ship docked. The ship was smaller than the one Shanks had, but still it was bigger than Luffy's first ship.

As Bob approached the island he could feel the depressing air, he almost wanted to turn around and find another island to go to.

"What island is this? I know that Luffy didn't travel to them all, but still how could he miss this place?"

Bob's small boat came to shore, but a fisherman spotted him.

"A visitor? Leave and never look back. Trust me, this place is not where you want to be."

"Why?"

Bob asked a simple question.

"This is Blacktown, things used to be good a few years ago before bandits came. They said we had to give them fees if we wanted to keep our businesses open. Some refused, and the same night we never saw those people again. Two years ago a pirate ship landed here to resupply, they fought with the bandits. We thought we had hope, but who knew they'd be worse than the bandits! They demanded we pay them for protection against the bandits, if not they'd beat us senseless.

Now this island is divided into two factions. One half is ruled by pirates, the other is ruled by the bandits. It's the worst place to be."

Bob listened to the man closely. This place sounded like it was in chaos, and Bob was relatively peaceful. He's never killed a man before. He even had a small doubt about his own fighting skill.

However, he knew if he turned away right now he'd never amount to anything in the future.

If Luffy was here, he'd save this town and gain a crew member. Shanks? Probably just save the town.

Both of them were pirates, but if he was going to choose the way of a Pirate Hunter he needed to have more resolve and become ruthless.

"What about the Marines? Shouldn't the have a base nearby or something?"

The man laughed as he listened to Bob. The Marines? Yeah, right.

"What about them? The base commander here gets 20% of whatever fee the bandits or pirates take from us. They don't really care too much, they are corrupt! Trust me pal, you need to leave and never return before you're stuck here just like the rest of us."

Bob shook his head.

"Sorry, I need to resupply. Once I have everything I need, i'll leave."

"I would ask for you to take me with you, but I have a wife and kid. I can't leave them behind and that boat of yours seems to hold only two."

Bob felt bad for the man.

Some of the pirates in the One Piece world were given a bad name because of the pirates that had no ambition. They just bullied the weak and dodged the stronger.

Bob got out of his boat and pushed it onshore.

"Ah, what's your name man?"

"Dave. You?"

"Bob."

"That's… very plain. Why'd your parents name you that?"

Bob laughed inwardly, he actually named himself if he was being honest. However, how could he explain that to this guy?

"No clue, but its my name. How about you show me around town, i'll need to go to places quickly if I want to leave just as quick."

"Sure that's no problem."

Bob had other plans besides just coming up to resupply, he wanted to learn more about these two factions. Who the leaders were and maybe get in contact with a real Marine.

Dave talked about how it would be nice to leave this island or at least live in peace. He also talked a lot about his family.

Bob listened to the man talk. He also asked a few questions here and there, but he mostly listened.

Bob felt his stomach growl and stopped walking.

"Anyways like I was saying…"

Dave stopped talking when he noticed Bob wasn't by his side. He turned around and saw Bob standing still.

"Dave, you hungry?"

"A bit, why?"

"How about we get something to eat first before we get those supplies. I can't carry everything I need on an empty stomach."

"Alright, I know just the spot."

Dave took Bob to a place called 'MarryGold'. It was basically a tavern that's been around since Gol D Roger first became a pirate. It's a family owned business.