Chapter 18: Bullet Joins The Crew

A/N: I'm back. I know I start stories and don't finish them. But this will definitely be one I finish. I promise. So one chapter a week from now on, unless real life gets in the way.

Hope you enjoy and continue to support this fic.

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Eating some candy I sat on a barrel next to the unconscious Bullet.

The crew needed someone to watch him and I volunteered.

So after Crocus gave him a thorough medical exam to make sure he wasn't knocking on death's door I started my assingment.

"Mhm." Bullet moaned.

He then slowly but surely opened his eyes and looked right at me.

"So, you're finally awake." I said. Popping another piece of candy into my mouth after I did so.

Turns out the world of One Piece has gummy-bears.

Who knew?

"Have a nice nap?" I asked Bullet. Putting a cheeky smile on my face as I did so.

Getting an enraged look on his face Bullet attempted to attack me only to wince in pain as he did so. Looking down he finally noticed the bandages covering his body.

"Our Dr. Crocus patched you up on our captain's orders." I explained to him. Eating another gummy-bear after I did so.

"I don't want pity." Bullet spat.

"Wasn't my decision. It was captain Rogers'." I explained. "A lot of the crew wanted to toss you onto the dock and then immediately set sail, but captain Roger vetoed that idea and went this way. So if you have an issue with being treated for your injuries take it up with him."

"Whatever." Bullet said.

'Looks like he's accepted things as they are.' I thought.

Good.

At least he's somewhat reasonable.

Seeing that Bullet wasn't about to go on another rampage I called for the others.

"Everyone he's awake!" I shouted.

As I did so Roger and the rest of the crew came from where they were on the ship and within a few moments Bullet was surrounded.

With basically the entire crew eyeing him warily.

Except for me, Roger, Rayleigh, Crocus, and Shanks.

"So young Bullet, looks like you've finally awoken." Roger spoke.

"Yeah, I have." Bullet said. He then put a feral grin on his face. "So, let's continue where we left off." He spoke.

"Captain enough of this. There's no need to keep indulging this brat." Spencer spoke.

"Yes I have to agree captain." Crocus spoke. "Fighting this boy anymore would put his life in serious danger, and will not stand by and just let that happen." He explained.

Several other crewmembers voiced their protest about Bullet as well.

Which only made Bullet angrier and angrier until finally he snapped.

"Shut the hell up you weakling's!" Bullet shouted. Releasing a burst of Conqueros haki as he did so. "This doesn't concern any of you. Only me and Roger!"

"Alright that's quite enough." Roger said. "I've already made my decision about the matter. Bullet, I'd be happy to fight you again."

"Captain!"

"No, don't!"

The crew started to protest, and that's when Rayleigh finally spoke up.

"Enough!" He said with authority.

This caused everyone to shut their mouths.

"The captain has made his decision." Rayleigh said. "Nothing else to it."

At this everyone simply stopped talking and went along.

Even Crocus, despite his grumbling.

Seeing this Bullet happily smiled.

He then got up and prepared for another fight with Roger.

Only for the match this time around to end in less than a minute, when Roger knocked hi out with a single punch.

Man I wish I had recorder den-den mushi right now so I could've captured that moment.

Note to self: Get one of those in the future.

This time around it only took a few moments for Bullet to wake up instead of over two hours previously.

Just like before he was raring to go.

But that's when Roger denied him.

"That's enough for today." He said. "But if you wish to challenge me again in the future then I'm up for it, anytime."

Hearing this Bullet put a contemplative look on his face. Bu then after a few seconds nodded. "Alright, let's end things here for today." He spoke. "But mark my words Roger, next time we face off I won't lose."

"Hehe, well then I look forward to our next match." Roger happily said.

Bullet simply gave a curt nod at his words.

He then moved to leave the ship.

As he did so I waved at him but he ignored me.

Ah, and I thought we bonded a bit. Looks like I was wrong.

Oh well, not like I'm uspet.

Since there will certainly be more chances for us to get to know each other better in the future.

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A cup of juice in my left hand I watched as Bullet was k.o.'ed by Roger yet again.

For the 30th time.

Several weeks have passed since Bullet appeared.

During this time he's continually challenged Roger, and continually lost.

It's actually getting a bit sad to watch.

Despite this I can't look away. Since this is a part of what makes Douglass Bullet who he is. And I want to understand that. So I can better convince him to join my future crew.

Regaining consciousness after five minutes Bullet simply sat up.

"Looks like I win again young Bullet." Roger said.

"Yeah, you do." Bullet said, putting a small smile on his face. "Anyway, let's go again."

"Sure." Roger said. "Ah but just so you know this might be our last fight for a while." He said.

"Why?" Bullet suddenly asked.

"Because we're getting ready to head for the New World." I explained to him.

"I see." Bullet spoke. "Well then let me come along."

"What?!" Several crewmembers who were also watching the fight shouted.

"Oh, so you want to join my crew huh?" Roger questioned.

"That's right." Bullet stated. "You're the first person I've ever come across that I couldn't beat. And so until I do I won't allow you to escape. So wherever you go, I go."

"I see. I see." Roger mused. "Alright then, welcome aboard." He said.

"Captain, no!"

"Don't do this!"

"Please for once, think things threw before making such a decision!"

"It'll be fine." Roger said, dismissing everyone's cries of protests.

Some to more senior members like Rayleigh and Gaban for aid in convincing Roger to change his mind about Bullet joining us.

However the former simply smiled as usual, while the latter shrugged his shoulders in resignationg.

So with that things are settled.

Bullet is now part of the Roger Pirates.

Moving over to him I stuck out my hand.

"Welcome aboard Bullet." I told him.

"Huh, what you want Siegreich was it?" Bullet rudely asked.

"Yes, that's my name. Siegreich. But since we're crewmates now just call me Sieg. Again, welcome aboard." I spoke.

"Piss off." Bullet snarled.

"Really, because I was hoping we could do a little sparring." I said.

As I did so Bullet looked me directly in my eyes. "You looking to die?"

"Not at all. Just to get stronger. So, you up for it?" I questioned.

"Heh, yeah sure." Bullet said, putting a grin on his face.

The two of us then sparred.

Well rather Bullet beat my ass black and blue without any hesitation.

As I laid on the deck of the Oro Jackson I felt pain all over, but had a smile on my face.

Not because I'm a masochist or anything.

But because now I can truly start working on making Bullet my comrade.

As well as my future crewmate.

Which I won't give up on doing, no matter what.