Chapter 18 - May Senpai
Sailing after the Strawhats was surprisingly difficult with the recruits manning the deck. Ropes weren't tightened correctly and some were standing in the way of others leading to loads of chaos on board. May, as one of the Chore Boys, was also expected to help out. He was tightening the ropes when he was approached by two others.
"The Vice Admiral sent us to help out. I'm Koby, this is Helmeppo." Koby introduced himself. It was easy to see that the boy was shy but had mustered up to introduce himself.
"Great to meet you, I'm May." he introduced himself and the three of them soon got to work while chatting away.
"I saw you in the base with Garp, I don't want to pry but why are accompanying the Vice Admiral to meetings. Are you his grandson?" Koby inquired.
Helmeppos eyes lit up at the mention of May being Garps grandson, never to miss an opportunity to make important acquaintances.
"No I'm not related to the old geezer. But he is teaching me, so we are kinda close." May answered. Helmeppo and Koby were shocked how he was talking about a Vice Admiral of the Marines but were even more surprised as he disclosed their relation.
"Do you think he will take more disciples?" Helmeppo asked.
The two looked at May with hopeful eyes, awaiting an answer but just in that moment they heard someone calling out from behind them.
"May would you please join us below deck, the South Blue Trading Company is almost out of copies."
"On it." May called back and the two could barely see him moving as he blinked to the side of the beautiful woman that had just called him.
They had tracked the Strawhats to the Gecko Islands, but they had no clue where exactly they were hiding, so Garp decided to split his crew into smaller teams to search the towns and villages. May even got his own team as Garp explained that this was his turn to show him his leadership qualities. His team consisted of Koby, Helmeppo and eight more new recruits who were all eager to prove themselves.
They took one of the smaller boats to make their way to Syrup Village, a village that was known for its shipyard. May was sure that Garp had already expected to find his grandson there, as they were probably searching for a ship, and thus sent out May who had made a promise to Garp to protect his family. Even if it went against the Marine.
The village was quite small but the villagers seemed lively and greeted them with open arms. As their troop reached the village entrance, May spotted three little kids running away yelling something about 'Warning Captain Usopp' and something May wasn't able to hear as they passed around a corner.
As they walked along the main street people greeted them and May commanded his recruits to ask around for a pirate crew with a boy with a straw hat. May himself took Koby and Helmeppo towards the only public building he spotted, the Meshi was a nice little restaurant in the middle of Syrup Village. As they entered an elderly woman greeted them from behind a counter "Young man, you must be hungry. Come sit down. I'll tell my husband to prepare something for you."
"How kind of you, but we are actually searching for a pirate. I'd be happy to come back to your offer once he is in our custody." May said.
"What did that brat do this time. Are you by chance looking for a boy with a long nose and a sling. 'Cause I know he says he is a pirate but he is just making up stories. He can't help it." the woman said.
"No worries, Ma'am. We are looking for a real pirate. Their captains always wears a straw hat and his first mate has green hair and wears three katanas on his hip. Have you seen them?" May inquired.
"Those three, they were so nice. They went up to Miss Kayas mansion with Usopp."
"Thank you for the information, Ma'am. We'll make our way to the mansion, to arrest the pirates. I guess it's the only mansion, the one at the end of the main street?" May said.
"Yes. That's the one."