“One Piece, Two Piece, Red Piece, Blue Piece”

A Fan-Fiction by neomage

(DISCLAIMER: The title of this series of vignettes was inspired by the Dr. Seuss book title, “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.” I hold no claim to ownership of that book title.

One Piece is the property of Eiichiro Oda and Shonen Jump.)

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Vignette 10

Aokiji looked somewhat apprehensive as he sat down at the table in the smoky bar. “I hope you realize, it will not look good for a Marine of my rank to be seen in your company,” he said in a low tone.

Sitting down next to the Admiral, Garp chortled. “No need to worry,” he said. “When this man makes arrangements, he makes them thoroughly.” He then looked across the table at a figure in a dark green hooded robe. “Isn’t that right, son?”

The addressed figure smirked a little and raised his head, revealing a face with red tattoos on the left side. “Quite so, Father, quite so,” he replied. “And thank you for coming on such short notice…all of you.”

He appraised the men sitting at the table before him: besides Aokiji and Garp, there were Red-Haired Shanks, Hawk-Eyes Mihawk, and the huge Bartholomew Kuma. “Heh…who’d have thought?” Shanks now spoke. “The infamous Revolutionary leader, Dragon…to think that he could be Luffy’s father, and Garp’s son…”

“Hmph.” Dragon turned his attention to Garp. “So, Father…Luffy knows about me now, yes?”

“Indeed he does,” Garp replied. “Although I probably shouldn’t have said anything about it to him…but then again, it won’t make much of a difference to him as to who you are in the eyes of the world, or what you’ve done. He doesn’t know the whole story yet.”

“That is just as well. I would rather tell him myself, when we meet eventually.” Dragon then turned to Aokiji. “My apologies for my son wrecking your precious judicial isle, Admiral. I hope the World Government’s budget can cover the repairs.”

“Meh, it happens,” Aokiji shrugged. “It was quite a gamble you took, though, that the Straw Hat crew would actually be able to rescue Nico Robin and escape Enies Lobby alive.”

“And yet it was a gamble well worth making, wouldn’t you say?” Dragon returned.

“As have all the other gambles you have made, evidently.” Mihawk’s eyes narrowed a bit as he said this. “Like how you predicted what the outcome of the war in Alabasta would be…or what the Straw Hat crew would do on the Sky Island…”

“Mmm-hmm.” Now Dragon’s face was suddenly serious. “But there is still a great work for them to do. If they are to endure the challenges that lay ahead, they must become stronger, better than they are at the moment.”

“Pshaw! Luffy and his friends are much stronger than that, Dragon! You’ve seen their bounty posters that the Marines have issued, haven’t you?” asked Garp.

“I know I have,” and here Mihawk reached into his coat and pulled out several bounty posters. Shifting through them for a moment, he selected two and placed them face-up on the table for the others to see. “The two strongest members…Monkey D. Luffy, 300 million Berries; and Roronoa Zoro, 120 million Berries. If these bounties indicate the threat levels of these two alone…”

“And that doesn’t even take into account the threat levels of the others on their crew,” Aokiji noted. “I even think some of those other bounties are inaccurate…”

“In any case, Luffy and his nakama are developing impressively,” Shanks commented.

“Yes…but against what lies in store for them on their journey, it will not be nearly enough.” Dragon shook his head. “They need to be further fortified…particularly considering the movements of one very troublesome annoyance.” He looked across at Shanks. “You should know who I am talking about…” and here he pointed to his own left eye for emphasis.

Shanks nodded in understanding, his face instantly grave. “Marshall D. Teach…”

“Yes, I have my worries about that man…who knows what he may be up to.” Aokiji scowled. “So what is to be done?”

“That is where my old friend here comes in.” Dragon now turned his attention to Kuma, who so far hadn’t said a word. “Kuma…?”

As one, the others turned and looked at Kuma. He, in turn, merely nodded. “Yes…I understand what is to be done.” He glanced over at Dragon. “It will be done.”

“Hmm?” Aokiji lifted an eyebrow. “And what is this that you’ve got in mind, Dragon—using one of the World Government’s Shichibukai for your own ends?”

“Relax, Admiral,” Dragon said coolly. “Kuma and I have…history, shall we say? I understand him; he understands me. That is all there is to it.”

Mihawk smirked. “You do have big plans for the Straw Hats, don’t you, now?”

“I have plans for Luffy,” Dragon returned. “His nakama will simply be reaping the benefit of the spoils. Not that I have any problem with that, of course…” He chuckled. “And no, Father, those plans do not involve Luffy becoming a Marine. You may as well get that silly dream out of your mind before you become senile.”

“Hmph.” Now Garp scowled. “Blame it on the Red-Hair for corrupting my grandson…”

“Says the man who nearly killed his own grandson and called it training,” Shanks countered.

“In any case…let us now focus on what is next for Luffy and his crew as they continue their journey. As I said, there is still much that they must do.” And Dragon’s eyes flashed.

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neomage: Read this chapter and draw your own conclusions from it. And bear in mind, as you do, that this is strictly non-canon…although it may just be the basis for spoilers. And those of you who’ve read the manga past the Enies Lobby arc will know what I’m talking about.

Well…more to come, in due time! Review soon, please!