Cappello di Paglia
chapter 4
fandom: One Piece
characters: Monkey D. Luffy; Roronoa Zoro; Nami; Usopp; Sanji; Tony Tony Chopper; Nico Robin; Franky; Brook; Trafalgar Law; Bepo; Jean Bart; Shachi; Penguin; Eustass Kid; Killer; Wire; Heat; Kaya; Nefertari Vivi; Viola; Nojiko; Makino; Red-Haired Shanks; Portgas D. Ace
rating: T or PG-13
summary: When one of the Four Capo di Capi Re start encroaching on their territories, the Straw Hat Family, the Kid Family, and the Heart Family form an alliance to take the Capo di Capi Re out...permanently. But will this alliance be successful, or will it lead to their demise? AU. Mob-Style.
genre: action/drama
author's note: So, this chapter is more of a filler. I needed a way to introduce the FBI and some other characters and this is what I came up with. I feel somewhat okay about it. Its a bit random, but, eh, it happened. The main plot line will pick back up in the next chapter! Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of One Piece's characters mentioned in this fic.
Warning: This is AU. Basically, all that remains are their names, faces, and a few personality traits, but other than that, the characters in this story are completely OOC.
FBI Headquarters (Inside a Meeting Room)
"The Mafia Families have been stirring up trouble in the Six Districts as of late, especially with the Supernovas gaining more strength and territories." Director Ishimori Sengoku announced to the roomful of select agents. "But these three…these three are the major problem right now."
Sengoku pointed to the large board hanging at the front of room, the words The Three Terrors going across the top with photos of Luffy, Kid, and Law placed a little below them; the name of their individual Families are posted right above their pictures and underneath each picture are the names of known members of each Family.
~~Line Break~~
Optional Read...
Under Luffy’s picture is the name “Straw Hat Luffy” before a line connects to a picture of Zoro, the name “Santoryu Demon Zoro” underneath it; another line goes off that name before branching out into three, each connected to three different pictures of Nami, Sanji, and Robin, with the names, respectively, “Cat Burglar Nami”, “Black-Leg Sanji”, and “Devil Woman Robin” underneath. The straight line continues down before branching out, leading to three more pictures, these of Usopp, Franky, and Brook; their names are spelled out beneath them, respectively, “Sniper King Usopp”, “Cyborg Franky”, and “Soul King Brook”. With unconnected lines below that, there’s a picture of Chopper, with “Doc Chopper” listed underneath it, then a picture of a pretty blonde woman, a “?” underneath, and then three more pictures with just “?” on them, the names “Sand Maiden”, “Ultraviolet”, and “Mikan” underneath them.
~~Line Break~~
Sengoku planted a hand over Luffy’s picture. “Straw Hat Luffy, Don of the Straw Hat Family.” Next, he pointed to Kid’s. “Eustass “Captain” Kid, Don of the Kid Family.” Last, he landed on Law’s picture. “Death Surgeon Law, Don of the Heart Family.” Removing his hand, he pinched his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “We’ve been calling them the “Three Terrors” because whenever there’s a large incident, these three are usually connected to it somehow.”
“Is something going to be done?” an agent from the back asked.
“That’s why I called you here.” The Director said, grabbing a manilla folder before coming to stand in front of the meeting table. “Unfortunately, surveillance teams each got photos a few days ago of these three Families meeting in an abandoned warehouse,” he threw the folder down on the table, the pictures spilling out, “at the same time.”
No one said anything as the pictures were looked at.
“We’re under the assumption that they had a meeting of some sort, but of what, we don’t know.” He sighed. “Since no blood was shed, it was a peaceful meeting, and that leads me to assume the worst.”
“The worst?” another agent asked.
“That these three Families are talking about an alliance.” Sengoku stated, and that immediately brought pandemonium from almost everyone in the room; he let the talking go on for a little bit before slamming his hand down, grabbing the attention again. “With that in mind, it’s been decided we need to be more…proactive in bringing these Families down.” He eyed each agent gathered. “I’ve decided to select teams to be assigned to the three Families, that way we have someone focused on each.”
Grabbing a box from behind him, Sengoku placed it on the table before looking at two particular agents. “S.A.C. Smoker, A.S.A.C. Tashigi,” they both looked up, “we have chosen you and your team to be assigned to the Straw Hat Family.” He slid the box towards them. “The rest of the files are being sent to your offices now.”
“Heh.” Smoker said, puffing on his customary two cigars as he looked at the picture of the smiling Luffy placed on the board. “Looks too young to be any trouble.”
“Don’t be fooled by his age, Smoker.” Sengoku warned, bringing Smoker’s attention back to him. “He’s a lot more dangerous than his initial appearance leads you to believe.” At this, he turns to glare at the Deputy Director, who just crosses his arms and lets out a grunt.
Tashigi, on the other hand, is looking at the picture of the green-haired Underboss; well, more specifically, the three katanas he has with him. "It can't be…"
"What is it?" Sengoku said, glancing at the woman sitting next to Smoker.
"Nothing, sir!" she immediately said, turning her attention to the box.
"Now, for the Kid Family…"
The young pink-haired agent heard nothing more as he snuck out of the room, his outward appearance calm, though, on the inside, he's anything but. His partner, noticing his hasty retreat, followed him out, a good guess on to why he left.
"Coby." The man called. "Coby! Wait up!"
Said agent didn't appear to hear him as he continued to mutter to himself, hands wringing in front of him.
"Coby!" his partner yelled before finally reaching him, laying a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Would you stop!"
"Ah!" Coby startled before spinning to look behind him. "Oh, it's only you, Helmeppo. Why'd you leave the meeting?"
Helmeppo only rolled his eyes. "I saw you get up and leave in a rush. I wanted to see what was wrong." He gave him a look. "Though I'm pretty sure I know already."
25-year-old Solusod Coby is a Supervisory Special Agent in the FBI, one of the youngest in years. He has nape-length, messy bubblegum pink hair, obsidian eyes, light tan skin, a cross-shaped scar above his right eye, round, purple glasses kept on his forehead, and an athletically lithe build; he’s wearing a navy blue two-piece suit, a white dress shirt, a teal scarf, black boots, and a lime green bandana with white flower patterns tied around his head.
"I don't know what you're talking about?" Coby tried.
"Really?" Helmeppo said, raising an eyebrow before shaking his head. "You're worried about them."
27-year-old Morgan Helmeppo is a Supervisory Special Agent as well, and partner to Coby; the two have known each other since the Academy, becoming friends within the first year. He has scapula-length, golden blond hair, kept back with a clip, obsidian eyes covered by an odd-looking blue visor, light tan skin, and a leanly muscled body; he’s dressed in a violet long-sleeved turtleneck underneath a sea foam green vest, violet business trousers, a light brown belt, with a pouch on the back carrying his two kukri knives, black boots, a white top hat, and black leather gloves.
Coby let out a rough sigh before looking around to make sure they were alone. "Well, of course I am!" He started pacing around in front of Helmeppo. "Of all the agents that could've been assigned to him, it had to be Smoker and Tashigi!"
Helmeppo rolled his eyes. "You worry about him way too much, Coby." He then turned to lean against a wall. "I think, if he's made it this far, he can more than likely take care of himself."
"I know, I know." Coby said, running a hand through his hair. "You're right! I know that, but I can't help but worry." He smiled. "After all, I owe everything, everything I've become, to Luffy."
"You better not let anyone else hear you say that." Helmeppo warned, though a small smile could be seen.
Coby crossed his arms, clutching tightly to his biceps. "You really think he'll be okay, even with Smoker after him?"
"He better be, or I'm gonna have to disown that ungrateful brat." A loud, gruff voice sounded from behind the two agents, startling them.
"Deputy Director Garp!" they both said, spinning to face the imposing figure.
Garp didn't even blink an eye before looking at Coby. "I don't want to hear you saying things like that, boy."
"I know, sir, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking about-" Coby was cut off.
"No, no, not that." Garp said, instantly dismissing Coby's words. "I don't want to hear you doubting Luffy." Garp let out a laugh. "Now, he may be a complete and total idiot, but he's strong and has always had the devil's luck." Garp titled his head up, gazing at the ceiling. "I should know that better than anyone."
Deputy Director Monkey D. Garp is a tall, tanned, broad-chested, muscular old man who’s bearded and has short, slightly spiky gray hair, blue eyes, and a stitched scar around his left eye; he’s dressed in a white double-breasted suit jacket, a dark blue dress shirt, an aquamarine tie, white tailored suit trousers, and black dress shoes. Only known to a few high-ranking personal-and Coby and Helmeppo-Garp is actually Straw Hat Luffy’s grandfather, having raised him until he was seven. It’s actually how Garp came into contact with Coby (and Helmeppo); he overheard Coby telling his partner about Luffy and busted into their conversation. Coby had been scared that he’d be fired, but relaxed after Garp told them of his own connection with Luffy; after that, Garp took the two of them “under his wing”, training them and turning them into first-class agents.
"I know, sir." Coby said; feels like he's been saying that a lot. "But Smoker and Tashigi are different. They've got a flawless track record."
Garp was silent for a few minutes, deep in thought, before clapping his hands together, startling the two young agents. “I think it’s about time I pay a visit to my grandson.” He smirked. “It’s been…about ten years since I last saw him. Stupid brat took off and didn’t even say goodbye.” He then looked at the confused Coby and Helmeppo. “You two will accompany me.”
"Uhh…" was their only response.
~~Line Break~~
The Straw Hats' Mansion (Lunch Time)
"SAAAAAANJIIIII!" Luffy whined out, head flat on the kitchen table as he stared at his chef. "FOOOOOOOOOOOOD!"
"Cork it, Luffy." Sanji said as he bustled around the kitchen. "The food will be ready when its ready."
"Uhhhhh…" Luffy groaned out, slumping further in his seat.
"Luffy!" Nami complained, looking up from the map she was working on. "Groaning about it will not make Sanji work any faster!"
Luffy stuck his tongue out at the orange-haired woman, blowing a quick raspberry, to which Nami rolled her eyes.
Zoro let out a chuckle as he resumed tending to Kitetsu III.
“Luffy-bro!” Franky called out from his seat, tinkering with something. “Just think about it this way. The food will taste even more supah if it takes longer.”
"Yeah! If Sanji takes longer, it means he's putting more effort into it!" Chopper said, trying to cheer the raven-head up.
"I guess." Luffy muttered, drawing nonsensical figures on the table.
It was a lazy day for the Straw Hat Family, everyone either lounging around the Mansion or out doing their own thing; Usopp, in particular, is still investigating the attacks and who might behind them, with the help of his gang. Besides that, all of the Straw Hats' businesses are in order and nothing else needs to be done. Days like these aren't Luffy's favorites, as he is a person who always has to be doing something. He wished something exciting would happen; how he'd regret those words.
Just as Luffy was about to complain once again, there was a loud BANG that came from the direction of the front door; everyone stopped what they were doing and looked in that direction, wondering who it could be. They weren't expecting guests. Just as Franky was about to get up and answer it, though, there was one more BANG before a loud explosion sounded and the door was sent flying; the Straw Hats watched as it flew past them into the grand room. No one moved, too shocked to do so.
~~Line Break~~
"Huh, nice place." Garp said, looking around the foyer as the dust cleared. "Looks like that idiot has actually done well for himself."
"Garp, sir," Coby spoke up from behind him. "Was it necessary to break down the door?"
"Break it down?" Helmeppo asked, eyebrow raised in disbelief. "He sent that thing flying."
"Serves him right," was the only thing Garp said as they moved deeper into the house. "Now, where would he be?" That's when they smelled food. "Ah, of course. The kitchen." Rubbing his hands together, he started laughing.
~~Line Break~~
"Are we under attack?!" Chopper cried out, running around before diving behind Luffy's chair.
"I don't think so." Zoro said, sheathing his katana. "No one is stupid enough to attack us in our own home."
"Then what the hell was that?!" Franky asked, eyes still wide. "They sent the door supah flying!"
Luffy has this really bad feeling, though he didn’t know why, but the feeling is somewhat familiar.
"What should we do?" Nami asked, folding up her map.
Just as Luffy was about to say something, a loud laugh came from somewhere outside the kitchen; he recognized that laughter. He had nightmares about that laughter, and the person it belongs to. All of the sudden, Luffy froze, tensing up as his eyes widened comically.
"Luffy?" Zoro asked, seeing how tense Luffy became. "What is it?"
"No, it can't be." Luffy muttered out, hands clenched and unclenching. "He can't be here. Why is here?!"
"Who, Luffy?" Nami asked, starting to worry. "Who is it?"
"Ah, here it is!" a gruff voice said from outside the kitchen before a form became visible in the doorway.
Luffy now resembled a deer-in-headlights while Zoro and Nami exchanged perplexed looks; that person looks…familiar, for some reason.
The man in the doorway looked around, cataloguing everything and everyone, before his eyes rested on the very-still figure of Luffy; a wide smile started to spread across his face. "There you are!"
"AHHH!" Luffy screamed, finally able to move again as he sprung out of his seat. "No! NOO!"
Before he could run, though, the man moved, darting over to where Luffy was faster than the eye could follow and slamming his fist into Luffy's head.
"OW!" Luffy yelped as he was slammed to the floor, holding his hands protectively over his head. "Ow, ow, ow!"
"What's the matter?!" Sanji asked, confused, walking around the island. "Why does it hurt so much? You're made of rubber!"
"That's because there's no defense against a Fist of Love." The man said, crossing his arms. "You've been getting into a lot of trouble, haven't you, Luffy?"
Peeking up at the man he hasn't seen in ten years, Luffy ground out, "Hi Grandpa."
Everyone, minus Zoro and Nami, looked down at Luffy before up at the mystery man. "Eh?!"
Zoro and Nami, on the other hand, were nodding; now they remember why he seems so familiar. They've met this man once before, and that one meeting was more than enough. The question is, why is he here? Luffy hasn't heard from or seen this man in about ten years, not since he started his Family.
"What are you doing here, Grandpa?" Luffy asked, still rubbing his head.
"Can't a man come visit his grandson?" Garp said, eyebrow raised. "I'd visit your brother, but Whitebeard would take offense to that."
"It's been ten years, though." Luffy said, the throbbing in his head finally dying down. "I haven't heard from you once, so why are you here now?"
Sanji, who's back to working on the food, noticed something shiny and gold clipped onto Luffy's grandfather's belt; if he isn't mistaken, it looks like a…
"Deputy Director Garp!" someone from outside the kitchen yelled. "Where did you go?"
"I think he went this way, Coby." Another voice sounded.
"Coby?" Luffy questioned, looking at his grandfather in question.
"Wait a minute," Franky said, looking over at Luffy. "Did he just say "Deputy Director"?"
Luffy looked over at Franky before nodding.
"As in…"
"Deputy Director of the FBI, yes." Nami answered, calm as could be.
"EH?!"
"How-"
"There you are," said a voice from the doorway. "We thought we lost…" The voice trailed off as the voice's owner caught sight of Luffy.
Luffy cocked his head to the side; that pink hair looks really familiar. Wait… "Coby?"
"Coby?!" Nami exclaimed, both her and Zoro staring at the figure in the doorway with surprised eyes.
"Uh, yeah. It's me." Coby said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Good to see you again, Luffy, Zoro, Nami."
"Huh?" Chopper asked, looking between the four. "You guys know him?"
"Yeah," Luffy said, finally getting up off the floor. "We met him when I first started the Family. Helped him get out of a…bad situation and took him to the FBI!"
"He's an agent?!"
"Are you?" Zoro asked, still sitting in his seat.
Coby nodded, still a bit bashful. "I am." He looked over at Luffy, who was still shying away from his grandfather. "And it was all thanks to Luffy."
"Huh?" Luffy said, pausing and looking up.
"I'm here for Coby, Luffy." Garp said, grabbing the back of Luffy's shirt as he continued to edge away and pulled him back. "He was worried."
"Though he has no reason to be," said the person standing next to Coby as he gave Luffy a once-over. "So your the infamous Straw Hat Luffy, huh?"
Scratching his head, Luffy shrugged. "I guess." Then he tilted his head in question. "Who are you?"
"This is Helmeppo." Coby said. "He's my partner."
"Nice to meet ya!" Luffy said with a wide smile. "Any friend of Coby's is a friend of mine!" Then Luffy turned to look at Coby. "Why are you worried, Coby? I'm fine."
"Uh…" Coby said before looking over at Garp.
"Go ahead and tell him." Garp said, plopping down in Luffy's vacated seat. "He'll find out soon enough." Leaning back, he added, "I'll deal with Sengoku if he somehow finds out."
"Find out what?" Luffy questioned, looking between the two.
"Is there somewhere we can talk privately?" Coby asked instead.
Luffy shrugged. "Sure." Looking at Zoro, he said, "I'll be in the living room." Zoro nodded then Luffy looked over at Sanji. "Save me some food!"
"Got it." Sanji said, waving him off.
"Come on!" Luffy called, walking off to the living room with Coby in tow; once in, Luffy sat down on the sofa while Coby took the chair across from him. "So, what's up?"
"Well," Coby said, nervously fiddling with his fingers. "Some new agents have been assigned to investigate you, Luffy."
Tilting his head, he asked, "So? The FBI are always investigating us. Why are you so worried?"
"The Director decided to assign specific teams to three separate Families." Coby said, leaning his elbows on his knees. "You're one of them."
"Okay?" Luffy said, still not getting it.
"The team that got assigned to you, more specifically the two lead agents, are different than what you've been dealing with so far." Coby explained. "These two agents are…tenacious."
"Tena…what?" Luffy asked.
Coby cracked a small smile at that; Luffy is still Luffy, even after all these years. "Tenacious. It means they don't give up easily." Winding his fingers together, he said, "They'll look into everything that's even remotely connected to you to try and find something that'll bring you down."
Luffy pursed his lips in thought. "Who are these agents?"
"S.A.C. Smoker and A.S.A.C. Tashigi." Coby answered. "They have a flawless track record."
"Hmm." Luffy said with a thoughtful nod before his usual wide smile spread across his face. "Shishishi. Don't worry about it, Coby!"
Coby's jaw dropped. "But-"
"We're really careful in everything we do." Luffy said in a lowered voice before laughing again. "But thanks for the heads-up!"
"I-"
"Oh, now that you're here, there's something I wanna ask you." Luffy said, serious once more.
"Okay." Coby said, kind of thrown off by Luffy being serious.
"Have you heard of the attacks going on recently?" Luffy asked.
"Um, yeah. I think so." Coby said, confused. "Some of your territories have been hit, right?"
Luffy nodded. "Yeah, that's right." He folded his hands together. "You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but we have…somewhat of a description on the attackers, and I want to know if you recognize it."
"Luffy…" Coby said, uncertain.
"Just take a look at it." Luffy pleaded. "If you can't say anything, you don't have to." His frown deepened. "Please, Coby."
He sighed and nodded; Luffy would never ask something like this unless it was really important.
Luffy smiled in relief. "Thanks, Coby." Turning to face the kitchen, Luffy called out, "Nami!"
"What is it, Luffy?" she shouted back a second later.
"Can you bring me the piece of paper with the tattoo drawing on it?" he yelled back.
There was a slight pause before she answered, "Yeah, give me a minute."
"Is this really that important?" Coby asked.
Eyes shaded by the brim of his straw hat, Luffy nodded. "These people are attacking businesses and people in my territories." His hands clenched. "I promised to keep them safe and then this happens."
Coby fell silent again.
A few minutes later, Nami came walking in, a piece of paper clutched in her hand. "Here you are, Luffy."
"Thanks." Luffy said with a smile as he grabbed it, looking at it before handing it over to Coby. "Just let me know if there's anything you can tell me."
Nami sat down on the sofa's arm, curious.
The second Coby laid eyes on the kanji printed on the paper, his eyes widened in shock. "Oh no."
"What?" Luffy asked, leaning forward. "Do you recognize it?"
Looking up, he nodded. "This is really bad, Luffy. Like, really, really, bad."
"Who is it?" Nami asked, leaning forward as well.
Folding up the paper, he handed it back to Luffy. "These tattoos are found on the members of only one Family." He swallowed. "The Hundred Beast Family, led by Don Beast Kaido."
"Kaido!?" Nami exclaimed, looking down at Luffy then back at Coby. "You mean Kaido, one of the Four Capo di Capi Re, that Kaido!?"
Coby nodded.
"This is so not good." Nami said, clenching her hands. "Why would he be attacking us, though?" Biting her lip, she shook her head. "This makes no sense."
"Thanks for telling us that, Coby." Luffy suddenly said, his smile spreading across his face. "That's all we needed to know." He hopped up from the couch, more energetic than usual. "I'm hungry. SANJI!" And he ran off to the kitchen.
Coby just stared after him in shock before laughing. "He hasn't changed a bit, has he?" He stood.
Nami smiled fondly before shaking her head. "Nope." She got up as well, cellphone in hand; Usopp needs to be updated. "And I hope he never does."
fandom: One Piece
characters: Monkey D. Luffy; Roronoa Zoro; Nami; Usopp; Sanji; Tony Tony Chopper; Nico Robin; Franky; Brook; Trafalgar Law; Bepo; Jean Bart; Shachi; Penguin; Eustass Kid; Killer; Wire; Heat; Kaya; Nefertari Vivi; Viola; Nojiko; Makino; Red-Haired Shanks; Portgas D. Ace
rating: T or PG-13
summary: When one of the Four Capo di Capi Re start encroaching on their territories, the Straw Hat Family, the Kid Family, and the Heart Family form an alliance to take the Capo di Capi Re out...permanently. But will this alliance be successful, or will it lead to their demise? AU. Mob-Style.
genre: action/drama
author's note: So, this chapter is more of a filler. I needed a way to introduce the FBI and some other characters and this is what I came up with. I feel somewhat okay about it. Its a bit random, but, eh, it happened. The main plot line will pick back up in the next chapter! Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or any of One Piece's characters mentioned in this fic.
Warning: This is AU. Basically, all that remains are their names, faces, and a few personality traits, but other than that, the characters in this story are completely OOC.
FBI Headquarters (Inside a Meeting Room)
"The Mafia Families have been stirring up trouble in the Six Districts as of late, especially with the Supernovas gaining more strength and territories." Director Ishimori Sengoku announced to the roomful of select agents. "But these three…these three are the major problem right now."
Sengoku pointed to the large board hanging at the front of room, the words The Three Terrors going across the top with photos of Luffy, Kid, and Law placed a little below them; the name of their individual Families are posted right above their pictures and underneath each picture are the names of known members of each Family.
~~Line Break~~
Optional Read...
Under Luffy’s picture is the name “Straw Hat Luffy” before a line connects to a picture of Zoro, the name “Santoryu Demon Zoro” underneath it; another line goes off that name before branching out into three, each connected to three different pictures of Nami, Sanji, and Robin, with the names, respectively, “Cat Burglar Nami”, “Black-Leg Sanji”, and “Devil Woman Robin” underneath. The straight line continues down before branching out, leading to three more pictures, these of Usopp, Franky, and Brook; their names are spelled out beneath them, respectively, “Sniper King Usopp”, “Cyborg Franky”, and “Soul King Brook”. With unconnected lines below that, there’s a picture of Chopper, with “Doc Chopper” listed underneath it, then a picture of a pretty blonde woman, a “?” underneath, and then three more pictures with just “?” on them, the names “Sand Maiden”, “Ultraviolet”, and “Mikan” underneath them.
~~Line Break~~
Sengoku planted a hand over Luffy’s picture. “Straw Hat Luffy, Don of the Straw Hat Family.” Next, he pointed to Kid’s. “Eustass “Captain” Kid, Don of the Kid Family.” Last, he landed on Law’s picture. “Death Surgeon Law, Don of the Heart Family.” Removing his hand, he pinched his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “We’ve been calling them the “Three Terrors” because whenever there’s a large incident, these three are usually connected to it somehow.”
“Is something going to be done?” an agent from the back asked.
“That’s why I called you here.” The Director said, grabbing a manilla folder before coming to stand in front of the meeting table. “Unfortunately, surveillance teams each got photos a few days ago of these three Families meeting in an abandoned warehouse,” he threw the folder down on the table, the pictures spilling out, “at the same time.”
No one said anything as the pictures were looked at.
“We’re under the assumption that they had a meeting of some sort, but of what, we don’t know.” He sighed. “Since no blood was shed, it was a peaceful meeting, and that leads me to assume the worst.”
“The worst?” another agent asked.
“That these three Families are talking about an alliance.” Sengoku stated, and that immediately brought pandemonium from almost everyone in the room; he let the talking go on for a little bit before slamming his hand down, grabbing the attention again. “With that in mind, it’s been decided we need to be more…proactive in bringing these Families down.” He eyed each agent gathered. “I’ve decided to select teams to be assigned to the three Families, that way we have someone focused on each.”
Grabbing a box from behind him, Sengoku placed it on the table before looking at two particular agents. “S.A.C. Smoker, A.S.A.C. Tashigi,” they both looked up, “we have chosen you and your team to be assigned to the Straw Hat Family.” He slid the box towards them. “The rest of the files are being sent to your offices now.”
“Heh.” Smoker said, puffing on his customary two cigars as he looked at the picture of the smiling Luffy placed on the board. “Looks too young to be any trouble.”
“Don’t be fooled by his age, Smoker.” Sengoku warned, bringing Smoker’s attention back to him. “He’s a lot more dangerous than his initial appearance leads you to believe.” At this, he turns to glare at the Deputy Director, who just crosses his arms and lets out a grunt.
Tashigi, on the other hand, is looking at the picture of the green-haired Underboss; well, more specifically, the three katanas he has with him. "It can't be…"
"What is it?" Sengoku said, glancing at the woman sitting next to Smoker.
"Nothing, sir!" she immediately said, turning her attention to the box.
"Now, for the Kid Family…"
The young pink-haired agent heard nothing more as he snuck out of the room, his outward appearance calm, though, on the inside, he's anything but. His partner, noticing his hasty retreat, followed him out, a good guess on to why he left.
"Coby." The man called. "Coby! Wait up!"
Said agent didn't appear to hear him as he continued to mutter to himself, hands wringing in front of him.
"Coby!" his partner yelled before finally reaching him, laying a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Would you stop!"
"Ah!" Coby startled before spinning to look behind him. "Oh, it's only you, Helmeppo. Why'd you leave the meeting?"
Helmeppo only rolled his eyes. "I saw you get up and leave in a rush. I wanted to see what was wrong." He gave him a look. "Though I'm pretty sure I know already."
25-year-old Solusod Coby is a Supervisory Special Agent in the FBI, one of the youngest in years. He has nape-length, messy bubblegum pink hair, obsidian eyes, light tan skin, a cross-shaped scar above his right eye, round, purple glasses kept on his forehead, and an athletically lithe build; he’s wearing a navy blue two-piece suit, a white dress shirt, a teal scarf, black boots, and a lime green bandana with white flower patterns tied around his head.
"I don't know what you're talking about?" Coby tried.
"Really?" Helmeppo said, raising an eyebrow before shaking his head. "You're worried about them."
27-year-old Morgan Helmeppo is a Supervisory Special Agent as well, and partner to Coby; the two have known each other since the Academy, becoming friends within the first year. He has scapula-length, golden blond hair, kept back with a clip, obsidian eyes covered by an odd-looking blue visor, light tan skin, and a leanly muscled body; he’s dressed in a violet long-sleeved turtleneck underneath a sea foam green vest, violet business trousers, a light brown belt, with a pouch on the back carrying his two kukri knives, black boots, a white top hat, and black leather gloves.
Coby let out a rough sigh before looking around to make sure they were alone. "Well, of course I am!" He started pacing around in front of Helmeppo. "Of all the agents that could've been assigned to him, it had to be Smoker and Tashigi!"
Helmeppo rolled his eyes. "You worry about him way too much, Coby." He then turned to lean against a wall. "I think, if he's made it this far, he can more than likely take care of himself."
"I know, I know." Coby said, running a hand through his hair. "You're right! I know that, but I can't help but worry." He smiled. "After all, I owe everything, everything I've become, to Luffy."
"You better not let anyone else hear you say that." Helmeppo warned, though a small smile could be seen.
Coby crossed his arms, clutching tightly to his biceps. "You really think he'll be okay, even with Smoker after him?"
"He better be, or I'm gonna have to disown that ungrateful brat." A loud, gruff voice sounded from behind the two agents, startling them.
"Deputy Director Garp!" they both said, spinning to face the imposing figure.
Garp didn't even blink an eye before looking at Coby. "I don't want to hear you saying things like that, boy."
"I know, sir, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking about-" Coby was cut off.
"No, no, not that." Garp said, instantly dismissing Coby's words. "I don't want to hear you doubting Luffy." Garp let out a laugh. "Now, he may be a complete and total idiot, but he's strong and has always had the devil's luck." Garp titled his head up, gazing at the ceiling. "I should know that better than anyone."
Deputy Director Monkey D. Garp is a tall, tanned, broad-chested, muscular old man who’s bearded and has short, slightly spiky gray hair, blue eyes, and a stitched scar around his left eye; he’s dressed in a white double-breasted suit jacket, a dark blue dress shirt, an aquamarine tie, white tailored suit trousers, and black dress shoes. Only known to a few high-ranking personal-and Coby and Helmeppo-Garp is actually Straw Hat Luffy’s grandfather, having raised him until he was seven. It’s actually how Garp came into contact with Coby (and Helmeppo); he overheard Coby telling his partner about Luffy and busted into their conversation. Coby had been scared that he’d be fired, but relaxed after Garp told them of his own connection with Luffy; after that, Garp took the two of them “under his wing”, training them and turning them into first-class agents.
"I know, sir." Coby said; feels like he's been saying that a lot. "But Smoker and Tashigi are different. They've got a flawless track record."
Garp was silent for a few minutes, deep in thought, before clapping his hands together, startling the two young agents. “I think it’s about time I pay a visit to my grandson.” He smirked. “It’s been…about ten years since I last saw him. Stupid brat took off and didn’t even say goodbye.” He then looked at the confused Coby and Helmeppo. “You two will accompany me.”
"Uhh…" was their only response.
~~Line Break~~
The Straw Hats' Mansion (Lunch Time)
"SAAAAAANJIIIII!" Luffy whined out, head flat on the kitchen table as he stared at his chef. "FOOOOOOOOOOOOD!"
"Cork it, Luffy." Sanji said as he bustled around the kitchen. "The food will be ready when its ready."
"Uhhhhh…" Luffy groaned out, slumping further in his seat.
"Luffy!" Nami complained, looking up from the map she was working on. "Groaning about it will not make Sanji work any faster!"
Luffy stuck his tongue out at the orange-haired woman, blowing a quick raspberry, to which Nami rolled her eyes.
Zoro let out a chuckle as he resumed tending to Kitetsu III.
“Luffy-bro!” Franky called out from his seat, tinkering with something. “Just think about it this way. The food will taste even more supah if it takes longer.”
"Yeah! If Sanji takes longer, it means he's putting more effort into it!" Chopper said, trying to cheer the raven-head up.
"I guess." Luffy muttered, drawing nonsensical figures on the table.
It was a lazy day for the Straw Hat Family, everyone either lounging around the Mansion or out doing their own thing; Usopp, in particular, is still investigating the attacks and who might behind them, with the help of his gang. Besides that, all of the Straw Hats' businesses are in order and nothing else needs to be done. Days like these aren't Luffy's favorites, as he is a person who always has to be doing something. He wished something exciting would happen; how he'd regret those words.
Just as Luffy was about to complain once again, there was a loud BANG that came from the direction of the front door; everyone stopped what they were doing and looked in that direction, wondering who it could be. They weren't expecting guests. Just as Franky was about to get up and answer it, though, there was one more BANG before a loud explosion sounded and the door was sent flying; the Straw Hats watched as it flew past them into the grand room. No one moved, too shocked to do so.
~~Line Break~~
"Huh, nice place." Garp said, looking around the foyer as the dust cleared. "Looks like that idiot has actually done well for himself."
"Garp, sir," Coby spoke up from behind him. "Was it necessary to break down the door?"
"Break it down?" Helmeppo asked, eyebrow raised in disbelief. "He sent that thing flying."
"Serves him right," was the only thing Garp said as they moved deeper into the house. "Now, where would he be?" That's when they smelled food. "Ah, of course. The kitchen." Rubbing his hands together, he started laughing.
~~Line Break~~
"Are we under attack?!" Chopper cried out, running around before diving behind Luffy's chair.
"I don't think so." Zoro said, sheathing his katana. "No one is stupid enough to attack us in our own home."
"Then what the hell was that?!" Franky asked, eyes still wide. "They sent the door supah flying!"
Luffy has this really bad feeling, though he didn’t know why, but the feeling is somewhat familiar.
"What should we do?" Nami asked, folding up her map.
Just as Luffy was about to say something, a loud laugh came from somewhere outside the kitchen; he recognized that laughter. He had nightmares about that laughter, and the person it belongs to. All of the sudden, Luffy froze, tensing up as his eyes widened comically.
"Luffy?" Zoro asked, seeing how tense Luffy became. "What is it?"
"No, it can't be." Luffy muttered out, hands clenched and unclenching. "He can't be here. Why is here?!"
"Who, Luffy?" Nami asked, starting to worry. "Who is it?"
"Ah, here it is!" a gruff voice said from outside the kitchen before a form became visible in the doorway.
Luffy now resembled a deer-in-headlights while Zoro and Nami exchanged perplexed looks; that person looks…familiar, for some reason.
The man in the doorway looked around, cataloguing everything and everyone, before his eyes rested on the very-still figure of Luffy; a wide smile started to spread across his face. "There you are!"
"AHHH!" Luffy screamed, finally able to move again as he sprung out of his seat. "No! NOO!"
Before he could run, though, the man moved, darting over to where Luffy was faster than the eye could follow and slamming his fist into Luffy's head.
"OW!" Luffy yelped as he was slammed to the floor, holding his hands protectively over his head. "Ow, ow, ow!"
"What's the matter?!" Sanji asked, confused, walking around the island. "Why does it hurt so much? You're made of rubber!"
"That's because there's no defense against a Fist of Love." The man said, crossing his arms. "You've been getting into a lot of trouble, haven't you, Luffy?"
Peeking up at the man he hasn't seen in ten years, Luffy ground out, "Hi Grandpa."
Everyone, minus Zoro and Nami, looked down at Luffy before up at the mystery man. "Eh?!"
Zoro and Nami, on the other hand, were nodding; now they remember why he seems so familiar. They've met this man once before, and that one meeting was more than enough. The question is, why is he here? Luffy hasn't heard from or seen this man in about ten years, not since he started his Family.
"What are you doing here, Grandpa?" Luffy asked, still rubbing his head.
"Can't a man come visit his grandson?" Garp said, eyebrow raised. "I'd visit your brother, but Whitebeard would take offense to that."
"It's been ten years, though." Luffy said, the throbbing in his head finally dying down. "I haven't heard from you once, so why are you here now?"
Sanji, who's back to working on the food, noticed something shiny and gold clipped onto Luffy's grandfather's belt; if he isn't mistaken, it looks like a…
"Deputy Director Garp!" someone from outside the kitchen yelled. "Where did you go?"
"I think he went this way, Coby." Another voice sounded.
"Coby?" Luffy questioned, looking at his grandfather in question.
"Wait a minute," Franky said, looking over at Luffy. "Did he just say "Deputy Director"?"
Luffy looked over at Franky before nodding.
"As in…"
"Deputy Director of the FBI, yes." Nami answered, calm as could be.
"EH?!"
"How-"
"There you are," said a voice from the doorway. "We thought we lost…" The voice trailed off as the voice's owner caught sight of Luffy.
Luffy cocked his head to the side; that pink hair looks really familiar. Wait… "Coby?"
"Coby?!" Nami exclaimed, both her and Zoro staring at the figure in the doorway with surprised eyes.
"Uh, yeah. It's me." Coby said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Good to see you again, Luffy, Zoro, Nami."
"Huh?" Chopper asked, looking between the four. "You guys know him?"
"Yeah," Luffy said, finally getting up off the floor. "We met him when I first started the Family. Helped him get out of a…bad situation and took him to the FBI!"
"He's an agent?!"
"Are you?" Zoro asked, still sitting in his seat.
Coby nodded, still a bit bashful. "I am." He looked over at Luffy, who was still shying away from his grandfather. "And it was all thanks to Luffy."
"Huh?" Luffy said, pausing and looking up.
"I'm here for Coby, Luffy." Garp said, grabbing the back of Luffy's shirt as he continued to edge away and pulled him back. "He was worried."
"Though he has no reason to be," said the person standing next to Coby as he gave Luffy a once-over. "So your the infamous Straw Hat Luffy, huh?"
Scratching his head, Luffy shrugged. "I guess." Then he tilted his head in question. "Who are you?"
"This is Helmeppo." Coby said. "He's my partner."
"Nice to meet ya!" Luffy said with a wide smile. "Any friend of Coby's is a friend of mine!" Then Luffy turned to look at Coby. "Why are you worried, Coby? I'm fine."
"Uh…" Coby said before looking over at Garp.
"Go ahead and tell him." Garp said, plopping down in Luffy's vacated seat. "He'll find out soon enough." Leaning back, he added, "I'll deal with Sengoku if he somehow finds out."
"Find out what?" Luffy questioned, looking between the two.
"Is there somewhere we can talk privately?" Coby asked instead.
Luffy shrugged. "Sure." Looking at Zoro, he said, "I'll be in the living room." Zoro nodded then Luffy looked over at Sanji. "Save me some food!"
"Got it." Sanji said, waving him off.
"Come on!" Luffy called, walking off to the living room with Coby in tow; once in, Luffy sat down on the sofa while Coby took the chair across from him. "So, what's up?"
"Well," Coby said, nervously fiddling with his fingers. "Some new agents have been assigned to investigate you, Luffy."
Tilting his head, he asked, "So? The FBI are always investigating us. Why are you so worried?"
"The Director decided to assign specific teams to three separate Families." Coby said, leaning his elbows on his knees. "You're one of them."
"Okay?" Luffy said, still not getting it.
"The team that got assigned to you, more specifically the two lead agents, are different than what you've been dealing with so far." Coby explained. "These two agents are…tenacious."
"Tena…what?" Luffy asked.
Coby cracked a small smile at that; Luffy is still Luffy, even after all these years. "Tenacious. It means they don't give up easily." Winding his fingers together, he said, "They'll look into everything that's even remotely connected to you to try and find something that'll bring you down."
Luffy pursed his lips in thought. "Who are these agents?"
"S.A.C. Smoker and A.S.A.C. Tashigi." Coby answered. "They have a flawless track record."
"Hmm." Luffy said with a thoughtful nod before his usual wide smile spread across his face. "Shishishi. Don't worry about it, Coby!"
Coby's jaw dropped. "But-"
"We're really careful in everything we do." Luffy said in a lowered voice before laughing again. "But thanks for the heads-up!"
"I-"
"Oh, now that you're here, there's something I wanna ask you." Luffy said, serious once more.
"Okay." Coby said, kind of thrown off by Luffy being serious.
"Have you heard of the attacks going on recently?" Luffy asked.
"Um, yeah. I think so." Coby said, confused. "Some of your territories have been hit, right?"
Luffy nodded. "Yeah, that's right." He folded his hands together. "You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but we have…somewhat of a description on the attackers, and I want to know if you recognize it."
"Luffy…" Coby said, uncertain.
"Just take a look at it." Luffy pleaded. "If you can't say anything, you don't have to." His frown deepened. "Please, Coby."
He sighed and nodded; Luffy would never ask something like this unless it was really important.
Luffy smiled in relief. "Thanks, Coby." Turning to face the kitchen, Luffy called out, "Nami!"
"What is it, Luffy?" she shouted back a second later.
"Can you bring me the piece of paper with the tattoo drawing on it?" he yelled back.
There was a slight pause before she answered, "Yeah, give me a minute."
"Is this really that important?" Coby asked.
Eyes shaded by the brim of his straw hat, Luffy nodded. "These people are attacking businesses and people in my territories." His hands clenched. "I promised to keep them safe and then this happens."
Coby fell silent again.
A few minutes later, Nami came walking in, a piece of paper clutched in her hand. "Here you are, Luffy."
"Thanks." Luffy said with a smile as he grabbed it, looking at it before handing it over to Coby. "Just let me know if there's anything you can tell me."
Nami sat down on the sofa's arm, curious.
The second Coby laid eyes on the kanji printed on the paper, his eyes widened in shock. "Oh no."
"What?" Luffy asked, leaning forward. "Do you recognize it?"
Looking up, he nodded. "This is really bad, Luffy. Like, really, really, bad."
"Who is it?" Nami asked, leaning forward as well.
Folding up the paper, he handed it back to Luffy. "These tattoos are found on the members of only one Family." He swallowed. "The Hundred Beast Family, led by Don Beast Kaido."
"Kaido!?" Nami exclaimed, looking down at Luffy then back at Coby. "You mean Kaido, one of the Four Capo di Capi Re, that Kaido!?"
Coby nodded.
"This is so not good." Nami said, clenching her hands. "Why would he be attacking us, though?" Biting her lip, she shook her head. "This makes no sense."
"Thanks for telling us that, Coby." Luffy suddenly said, his smile spreading across his face. "That's all we needed to know." He hopped up from the couch, more energetic than usual. "I'm hungry. SANJI!" And he ran off to the kitchen.
Coby just stared after him in shock before laughing. "He hasn't changed a bit, has he?" He stood.
Nami smiled fondly before shaking her head. "Nope." She got up as well, cellphone in hand; Usopp needs to be updated. "And I hope he never does."