"Woah! Look at all the bubbles," Luffy cheered. Tani and Usopp looked up from the notepad in the snipers hand. Staring at the forest of bubbles that coated the top of Sabaody.

The island was made up of large mangrove trees, the entire island being covered in large colourful bubbles. The popping could be heard from miles away.

This was their final stop, before crossing over to the next side of the Grandline.

Nami had explained it to her the previous night, showing her a map of the world. The world was spilt in quarters, with the Grandline being the X-axis, and the Y-axis being a huge mountain of red that circled the whole world.

That's the basics of it all, ignoring the blues. The Grandline was split up into two halves, with the more crazy side being called New world. The only way to New world was either, passing through some place that the marines protected. Mary-joys or something like that. The option that pirates couldn't take.

Or

Passing through Fishman island, which was their only option. Plus it meant they got to go underwater! A wish that Tani had wanted ever since the cursed Skypiea arc.

Enough with the boring explaining stuff though, they had an island to explore!

"Straw hat, before we arrive." Hachi started. Luffy and the crew faced the octopus man. "I need you all to understand a fundamental rule on this island. Something very important that could mean a matter of life or death." he warned.

"Promise, you won't oppose the Celestial dragons."

"Sorry, I might sound totally dumb." Tani lifted her hand. Hachi turned to face her. "But I don't know what that is."

"Right. Um... They're a group of nobles, the highest ranking nobles. They're allowed to live in Mary geoise, and hold a lot of power over the government." he explained. Tani nodded, comparing it to the likes of royalty or the president. That made more sense.

"I need you all to promise me, that job matter what you see these guys doing. You won't fight them." Hachi's mood darkened.

"Even if they kill someone in front of you."

A wave of dread washed over the crew... Well those with common sense.

"Why? They sound like total assholes," Luffy gave a tilt of his head.

"They're powerful, one wrong move against them. You'll have the whole marine force after you."

"Luffy already declared war against the government," Sanji shrugged. Walking out with two trays covered in drinks. "Using an excuse like that, won't work on the numbskull," Sanji tapped his foot against Luffy's head, the echoing bonk left little to the imagination.

"Just... Promise me," Hachi bowed. Luffy gave a shrug.

"If they hurt my nakama, or friends. I will break my promise." Luffy admitted. "I don't care. I'll do what I want." that's their captain.

Always in the pursuit of freedom.

"That's the best your gonna get Octo-bro," Franky gave Hachi a sympathetic pat on the back. The Fishman sighed.

"Alright..." he sounded hesitant. "Let's hurry up and get that boat coating."

"Yeah!"

...

Usopp, Franky and Zoro stated behind on the Sunny. The first two were repairing the boat, while Chopper had placed Zoro under house arrest. Tani made a bet with Nami that Zoro would leave the boat within thirty seconds of them leaving. Nami didn't accept because she had the same prediction.

The rest of the crew followed a disguised Hachi, Camie and Papagyu. The latter two, very excitedly explained the sights. Hachi was reserved and tense, always on the look out. Just watching him, made Tani feel on edge.

"What are those?" Luffy pointed excitedly at a stand, the contents of which were-

"Bubble bikes!" Chopper cheered, his expression dazzling at the sight.

"Sabaody is known for its use of bubble technology," Papagyu started. "The bubbles-"

"Are made up of this super strong stuff, so they can hold a lot of weight," Camie finished for the star fish. Who dropped to his knees? Do star fish have knees? His legs! In defeat.

"Look, they're using the bubbles to hold their bags." Tani pointed out, a couple of women walked past with three bubbles, filled to the brim with colourful bags. Nami was hooked the moment she laid eyes on the innovative device.

"Let's rent a bike," Nami grinned. "I'm thinking a shopping day is in order." the navigator whipped out a wad of cash.

"Aren't we meant to be finding this boat coater?" Brook questioned politely. Nami gave a snicker.

"You guys can, me and the girls are having another girls day." she turned to Sanji, "Wanna tag along?" Sanji moved to answer, but Nami interrupted.

"Of course you do. You're one of us," she grinned. Looping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him into a side hug. The man was blushing hard, the red of his face contrasted with the green of his shirt.

"Come in ladies," Nami called over. Already renting a large bike, "Camie, wanna tag along?" she asked the mermaid. The green haired girl looked excitedly at the bike. Only to have Hachi clap a hand down on her shoulder.

"If she's noticed, she'll be sold off to slavers."

"I'm sorry she'll what now?" Tani questioned.

"This island is notorious for its slavery auctions." Papagyu started. "Nobody is safe. Pirate captains, pretty young women, fishmen, and-"

"Mermaids. The latter being worth the most money, due to our rarity." Camie concluded. Her face falling.

Great... That's just brilliant.

"Is there anything else about this island we should know about? Before we accidently wander to our own demise." Tani groaned.

"Be careful of bounty hunters." Hachi answered. Tani's face paled.

Right... She had a massive bounty.

A pair of arms bloomed from Tani's shoulders, they cupped her cheeks. Tani looked at Robin, who gave her a soft smile.

"We'll protect you," she promised. Tani was more than inclined to believe her. Nami and Sanji flanked her, giving the girl enough confidence in her safety.

"Wait... If Tani is going on a girly day with Nami and Robin, and Sanji... That means she's not having adventures with me." Luffy pouted. Tani gave a soft laugh.

"You'll survive without seeing my silly little face, for a couple hours Luffy." she grabbed his hands and held them up. "We can explore the island later. Just you and me," she grinned. Luffy loved the idea.

"Awesome! Let's do that soon."

"It's a date then," Tani winked. Leaning in to give Luffy a quick peck on the cheek. The captain smiled, his cheeks tinting pink.

Cute... This should be illegal! Not that it matters, they're pirates. Luffy breaks the law as often as he eats a second lunch.

"Come on Tani, we have some shopping to do," Nami grabbed the younger female, dragging her onto the bike. Tani waved goodbye to Luffy and the others.

The bike sped away, heading towards the shopping district of the island. The whole place was split up, based on which mangrove tree you were on. Like Sunny being docked at grove 41. The shopping district wasn't too far away from the bike rental spot. Not that they could get lost, Nami's the greatest navigator alive.

"I vote, we hunt down a better weapon for Tani first." Nami suggested, Tani blinked in surprise at everyone agreed to that.

"No no, it's fine. I can wait for-"

"I meant a better staff. I see you holding my old staff awkwardly." Nami bopped Tani's nose with a wink. "I have an idea that something more pipe like, is your style."

"Or a bat, she certainly has a swinging arm," Sanji pointed out. Tapping the ash from his cigarette. It was nice to see the man so calm, and collected. He used to be so shy or awkward around them.

"Well... If you guys insist,"

...

The group walked out of the store with satisfied expressions. Tani had her new metal bat, safely tucked away in a cover bag. The strap wrapped snuggly across her left shoulder, down across her body. The handle was in just the right spot for her to grab it instantly, if a threat arose.

Which happened to be now.

Amongst the busy crowd, came a small group of thuggish men. All of them staring at the straw hat pirates. Sanji was the first to notice, his leg shot forward at a lightening fast speed. Striking the jaw of a man that got a little too close.

"The black one's got a bounty of 150,000,000. Get 'er first!" the leader called out. He had a helmet with crab claws sticking out the side.

More men dribbled out to the shrinking crowd. Families running from the battle, spectators standing back to watch the show. It felt like a performance, and Tani wasn't one to disappoint the crowds.

Where did this confidence come from? Not that it matters.

Tani clicked her heels together, hand snagging around the handle of the bat. She shot forward, nearing her target before he registered that she'd moved. The bat in her hand went sailing towards this unfortunate bastard's face. Knocking what little teeth he still had, out of his mouth. The man dropped to the ground, Tani continued forward.

A storm was forming above them. The navigator twirled her clima-tact batons, bubbles of hot and cold air floated gracefully into the darkening cloud. Lightening cackled.

Robin clutched her hands down, the cringe inducing sound of snapped bones, clicked around the battle field.

Sanji mowed the forces down like it was nobodies business. Taking on the brunt of the bounty hunter group-

*smash*

Tani narrowly avoided the earth shattering punch of crab guy. His sights set on her pretty little bounty. Tani wouldn't go down without a fight. Bat at the ready, she charged at him.

Crab guy gave a swing, Tani zipped around the impact zone. Her bat flicked to the side, she was gonna have a hard time taking this guy on alone. Unless she took on more... Unsavoury methods.

Tani is a pirate though, it's in there nature to fight dirty. That in mind, she continued forward.

Clicking her heels, Tani used the laws of physics to slide between the much taller mans legs. At the last second...

She swung the bat upwards.

Hitting a home run, the man shrieked like a victory horn. Dropping to his knees, hands cupping his family jewels.

Every man within a mile felt phantom pains in their groins.

"Thunder ball tempo!"

The world went white with electricity, lightening struck everything underneath the cloud.

In other words, just the bounty hunters.

Nami walked over to Tani, the girl still lying on the ground. The red head held her hand out for Tani to grab. Robin bloomed a couple of arms to lift Tani to her feet. Tani dusted her dress off, happy to see no damage had befallen it.

"Shall we continue ladies?" Sanji grinned, walking their bike over.

"We shall," they said in unison, boarding the bike like this was their average Thursday. The crowd surrounding them broke up, going about their days like normal.

The bike ride was filled with lively chatter, from praise about the fight, to discussions on fashion items they wanted to buy, everything that should be part of a girls day out.

"You know who I feel bad for?" Nami said. "All men. I mean, they don't get to have these bad boys," she grabbed at her chest. Lifting up the globs of fat, with a grin. "Girls are so lucky." she sighed. Sanji seemed to look away out of embarrassment, or respect? He wasn't sure. Was it normal for women to talk about this stuff?

"I mean, men can have massive chests too. Have you seen Zoro?" Tani piped up. "You could cup his chest in your hands, and there would still be some left over." Tani made the hand movements. Nami and Robin laughed, Sanji's face heated up at the thought.

"Hey Sanji," the blonde turned to face Nami. "Who has a bigger chest? Me or Zoro," she asked. The blonde fumbled over his words.

"Uh... Um... Well? I would say, in terms of weight. You would win." he held up one hand, "On The other hand. In terms of volume, Zoro wins." he held up the other hand. Nami gave a thoughtful look, hand to her chin.

"We can always test this hypothesis," Robin suggested. Sanji waved his hands at the conversation.

"Is this appropriate?" he asked with a crack in his voice. The girls looked between each other, remembering that Sanji was not, in fact, a woman.

"We talk about this stuff all the time." Tani shrugged. "Took me a while to get used to it, but it's pretty normal now." Sanji's jaw slacked.

"Sorry. I just thought it would be weird-"

"If a guy was listening in on this?" Nami finished for him. He gave a nod. The red head scooted over to his side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him into her side.

"We wouldn't be talking about this stuff, if we didn't want you hearing it," she assured him. Sanji have a shy nod.

"Yeah, you fit in so perfectly." Tani agreed. "Not that your gender has anything to do with it." she waved her hands. Hoping not to offend. Sanji waved her off.

"Sometimes I wish I was a girl..." Sanji admitted softly. Looking away from the girls, who fell silent.

"Sorry, it's a dumb-"

"Why would that be dumb?" Nami said nonchalantly. Sanji snapped his head up, looking at the nonjudgmental expressions of his nakama. "If it's something you've wished for. Why not give it a try? Experiment a little."

"Because..." Sanji's mind came up with blanks. There wasn't any reason against the idea. In fact, the idea never really came up in his mind...

"If we're making you uncomfortable, we can stop." Nami promised. Sanji shook his head.

"It's alright, just... Never thought that was an option." Sanji rubbed his neck bashfully. The girls cooed at the display.

"How about we try dress shopping? I've heard that participating in the other genders traditional practices, can help with easing into a transition." Robin suggested.

"Oh! And if you're not into it. You can tap out." Tani chimed in.

"You're safe with us." Nami was soft with her words. Sanji couldn't have felt warmer. "Whatever you feel comfortable doing, we'll try it."

"Uh... Ok!" Sanji looked determined. "Yeah, let's do it."

They arrived at a fairly quiet shop, filled to the brim with colourful garments. Nami was tossing item after item into Robins waiting arms, they had at least three different piles. Sanji pointed at anything eye catching, Nami would instantly throw it into the Sanji exclusive pile.

Trying on the outfits was fun, the ladies would take it in turns to show off their fits. A mini runway show, with lots of dress swishing and twirling. Sanji couldn't stop smiling with every word of praise and encouragement the other women would provide.

"Looking good Sanji!"

"Blue really is your colour, try this one."

"I think this one won't hinder your legs, in case we get into a fight."

"Give us a spin!"

Sanji felt something blooming with his chest. A feeling of rightness? Looking in the mirror to find a himself dressed in dark blue, the skirt flowing until his knees.

A familiar face stared back, soft blue eyes, blonde hair that curled inwards. Small smiles that meant the world to the five year old Sanji used to be.

He looked like her, and he's never felt more at peace.

"Sanji? You alright in there?"

"We can help with buttons or zips if you need it,"

Sanji blinked, staring back at his reflection. The vision of his mother disappearing with it. Yet he still felt right. This felt right.

Whipping the curtain open, the women gasped at the sight. Sanji looked stunning.

"We have to get this one! We just have to get it," Nami's eyes shone bright. Sanji couldn't stop the grin from spreading.

Everything felt right.

...

Bubbles filled with bags of clothes, shoes, other stuff, floated above the bike. The group, in high spirits, journeyed back towards the bike rental grove. Hopefully Luffy and his group weren't too far away.

A loud whipping, crackled through the air. The air froze around the straw hat group. What was that?

Stopping their bike, they turned to find an old man, and a young woman. Both of them wore what looked like a space suit, but bedazzled. They're faces contorted into such nasty expressions. They rode atop large...

"Holy shit... Those are people," Tani gasped softly. Staring in horror at the two large men, down on all fours, chains attached to thick metal collars.

The crowd of civilians all parted like the red sea around these... Monsters. Dropping to their knees and bowing, it made Tani feel sick to her stomach.

These must be those nobles that Hachi had mentioned.

"Move faster!" the girl shrieked. Whipping down at the man she rode. He steeled his expression, taking the lashing. Tani could t stand back and watch this-

Arms hugged around Tani's waist, shoulders and hips. Holding her back from making a move. The girl turned to find Robin, shaking her head with a pained expression. Sanji and Nami were also being held back.

Trailing behind the two nobles, was a variety of scantily clad women of all backgrounds. All chained from the neck, dancing behind the two... Tani couldn't think of a word to describe how despicable those people are.

Behind those women, was a parade of dull coloured fishmen, and women. Their faces expressionless, eyes void of any light.

The nobles passed by without any conflict. The mood stuck for a while after their exit from the grove.

"What the actual hell..." Tani clenched her teeth, balling her fist with anger. Sanji lit a cigarette to calm his nerves, Nami was shaking with frustration.

"The celestial dragons." Robin said, void of emotion. "The holy descendants of the original creators of the world government."

"They're disgusting," Nami spat. Sanji put a hand over her shoulder.

"There were so many people in chains." Tani sneered.

"Slavery is a legal trade in these lands." Robin said coldly. "Anyone unfortunate enough to catch the nobles eyes. Are practically done for."

"They had so many fish people... Some of them looked like Hachi." Nami shivered at the thought. "No wonder Hachi kept Camie away. If she was here, she would have been taken away." Nami shook her head, ridding the awful thoughts that bloomed into her mind.

"Hachi and the others will keep her safe," Tani assured.

The air around them unfroze, the people finally feeling comfortable to move again. Live came back to the grove.

"Yeah... They'll make sure she isn't sold off," Nami nodded to herself. Have faith in the captain, and as hard as it was for her to admit it. Hachi had a kind soul, even if he did bad things. She hadn't forgiven him, but of all Arlong pirates... Hachi was the kindest to her.

"Would you like for me to find them?" Robin asked. Already crossing her arms in preparation.

"That would be great," Nami sighed. The oldest of the group closed her eyes. Summoning a plethora of eyes, all over the archipelago. The rest of the group waited in silence for the woman to-

"Oh..." Robin said with a level tone, hints of concern could be heard. The group froze.

"What's wrong?" Sanji asked. Chewing down on the end of the half burned cigarette.

Robin opened her eyes, that icy blue held a slight shake.

"Camie is missing."

What?!

...

"Thank you," Sanji hung up the den den mushi, turning to the rest of the crew. "Duval is on his way." the chef sighed with relief.

"Luffy and the others are waiting at the amusement park for us." Tani confirmed from the other room. Though from the flat looks from the rest of the crew. Luffy was probably a mile away from their planned meeting spot.

"What should we do while we wait?" Usopp asked, nervously fidgeting with the pencil in his hands.

"There's nothing we can do." Sanji sighed.

"Robins already looking for any places that could be holding Camie." Nami said. "But we don't have any ideas on where she could be."

"Grove 30 is clear," Robin reported. Nami crossed the grove off her quickly drawn up map. That's 10 of 79... They had a long way ahead of them.

"Tani," the girl looked over at Usopp. "Where would your movie logic say to look?"

Huh... That's a good question.

"Hmm... Grove's 1-10, they're the most important numbers." she concluded. Robin opened her eyes, looking at Nami. The red head lifted the map up, pointing out where those groves were.

It didn't take long to find the auction house.

"Grove 1," Robin supplied. Opening her eyes again, they were turning red from over use.

"Hey... Where's Marimo?" Sanji asked. Only now noticing the swordsman's absence.

"Zoro-bro went for a walk." Franky answered. The cyborg removed his sunglasses and gave them to Robin, the woman thanked him. Sliding them on, she looked goofy, not that she cared. Any darkness in her sights was welcome.

"Knowing Zoro, he's gonna come crashing into the building. Blades a-flying." Tani snickered.

A faint buzzing sound could be heard.

"Sanji my lovely!" Duval waved from his bull. Which was being lifted by four flying fish. "You called me so soon~" he cooed. Happily grabbing his own face.

"We don't have time for pleasantries. There's a fair maiden in need of our help." Sanji reminded.

"My handsome face, and flying gang are ready and waiting for orders." Duval said, still admiring his face. Nami jumped into the conversation.

"We're heading towards grove 1," she commanded. Duval didn't look surprised.

"That's one of Donquixote's auction houses." he said with an air of seriousness. Tani rolled her eyes.

"Alonso really snapped didn't he?" she snickered. That earned her a couple of weird looks.

"The ingenious gentleman Donquixote of La Macha. It's a book from Spain. I didn't really understand it because Spanish is hard. So I only remember the main characters name, and his clumsy horse." she explained. The straw hats gave a nod. Duval ignored her.

"That auction house is the most popular on the island. Often housing celestial dragons." the handsome Duval explained, "Big spenders, means rarer goods. Your mermaid friend will be there." he assured.

"We know she's there." Usopp pointed out. "We just need to get there before she's sold off to who knows where."

"Oh..."

A beat of silence.

"Are you gonna? Take us there?"

A beat of silence... Again.

"Oi, Duval." Sanji kicked the guy in the shin. Duval snapped out of his stump.

"Let's go save your mermaid friend!" he announced. Finally!

The crew split up, everyone boarding separate flying fish. Half would head for the auction house, while the other half headed for the amusement park.

Tani, Franky and Usopp made their way towards the park, keeping an ear out for any signs of trouble.

The carnival grew closer, loud cheers of excitement as roller coaster carts raced, children stuffed their cheeks with fairy floss and popcorn.

"I see Chopper and Brook!" Usopp called, pointing towards the pair. Who sat around with relaxed expressions. Tani let out a sigh.

"No Luffy though," she called back. This could be a problem. "I'll take a look for him, see you at the auction house," Tani waved. Franky and Usopp gave her a nod, turning towards the skeleton and reindeer.

Tani decided to take a left, following her gut. Focusing as hard as she could on her hearing. Luffy's loud-

"CAMIE!"

That was a lot faster than she expected. Tani spotted the rubber captain, hands cupped around his mouth as he shouted for the mermaid.

"Oi! Luffy!" the captain turned to find the flying fish drifting towards him. "Get on! We found Camie."

Luffy stretched himself onto the fish, Tani kicked it into high gear. Speeding towards the first grove.

"Where're the others?" Luffy shouted over the buzzing of the fish.

"They're already there, only you and Zoro were missing."

"Silly Zoro, always getting lost." Luffy snickered.

"With our luck, we'll find him on the-"

"Hey! There's Zoro!" and sure enough, Zoro was wandering around below them.

"I rest my case." Tani moved to land the fish, Luffy had other ideas.

"Gum gum grab Zoro," he grinned. Tossing his arm down to latch around Zoro's waist.

Zoro didn't appreciate this at all. Letting out a shriek that was very out of sorts for Zoro.

Luffy pulled up way too fast, the swordsman slammed into the captain at full force. The imbalance was felt instantly. Tani lost some control of the fish, which bounced and dipped in an attempt to straighten itself out. Luffy laughed brightly, ignoring Zoro's angry snarl.

"I think I see the place!" Tani called out. Spotting a large building, covered in bright pinks and yellows. Luffy narrowed his eyes at the place, Zoro seemed to share his expression. God they were both gonna be the death of her.

"Crash the fish," Luffy commanded. "Right there." Pointing at a spot in the roof. Tani gave him a nod, trusting that he would keep her safe from the crash.

If Tani had a nickel for everytime she's crashed a flying fish, she'd have two nickels. Which is a lot, for something so utterly ridiculous.

Tani pulled the handlebars up, the fish gave a nose dive. Heading straight for the auction house. Luffy grabbed Tani, tossing her towards Zoro, who caught her without missing a beat.

*crash*

Zoro rolled off the fish, Tani held to his chest. He landed on the ground with a thunk, back first. Cushioning the girls fall. Zoro let out a pained hiss. Idiot! They forgot he was still injured.

The dust settled around them. They stood in a large room, filled to the brim with seats. Fancy dressed nobles taking up the spaces, paddles with numbers on them in hand. The room was void of windows, with the only light source being the bright lights from the stage.

Standing on the stage was a man that looked like the stereotypical 80s disco man. Big Afro, large sunglasses, neon jumpsuit with bell-bottoms. Beside him was a large fish bowl, Camie floating inside it with chains and a collar on her neck.

It made Tani sick to her stomach.

Tani wasn't the only one bothered by all this.

Luffy was on his way down the staircase, sights set on Camie. Hachi came running from atop the stairs, when had he gotten here?

Tani looked up to find the rest of her nakama all standing at the top of the room, a paddle in Nami's hand.

"Luffy, please stop," Hachi begged. Grabbing Luffy around the waist in an attempt to stop him.

"Why? Camie's right there." Luffy responded, continuing down the stairs. Hachi panicked, dropping his jacket, all six of his arms moving to restrain the straw hat captain. To no avail.

Loud gasps filled the room, an aura of disgust found its way into the murmurs of the auction house attendants. Throwing insults at the octopus Fishman.

The urge to grab her bat and smack every. Single. One. Of these people. It was hard to keep her cool, but she would wait. It's not her place to draw first blood. Especially in such a volatile environment.

Tani's ears caught the sound of bells. Now this wasn't uncommon, she was surrounded by nakama that wore her bells with pride. Nakama that were at the top of the stairs...

Not the crowd.

She searched for the source, who the hell was in the crowd? Were they a fellow bell user? Or someone she's befriended before?

A golden shimmer, reflected into her sight. There! A small golden bell dangled from a reddish-orange string, wrapped several times around the handle of a sheathed sword. Tani stared at the man who owned said sword.

He looked familiar, maybe from one of the posters in Oscar's room. Right! The guy with the spotty hat. She'd only glanced at it, so his name wasn't registered in the recesses of her brain.

His skin was a dark tan, which contrasted against the white patches that littered his skin. Fluffy white hat with brown spots, black hair that stuck out. A blindingly yellow hoodie with a smiley face on it.

He was staring back at her, silver eyes holding an amused look. Beside him were two men with funny hats, wearing white jumpsuits with the same smiley face. Oh and they had a giant polar bear in an orange version of the jumpsuit.

What the-

*bang*

A body hit the floor. Tani slowly turned to find a pink body laying slump on the ground, red spilling from the fresh wound.

"Hachi!" came gasps from the straw hats above.

"I killed it! I killed the ugly monster!" came a dopey voice, a man in the same get up as those nobles from earlier?! Held a gun, dancing around excitedly.

Tani felt her blood boiling. Zoro snapped his hand around her arm, the girl looked up to find a stoic expression staring at the shitty bastard that danced around. A sense of barely restrained bloodlust oozed from the swordsman.

They weren't allowed to make the first move.

Luffy's sandals slapped on the steps with every angry step he took. Hachi weakly protested.

"Please... Stop," he begged. Struggling to take every breath. "You promised... You promised me you wouldn't fighr them," Hachi reminded.

"No I didn't," Luffy corrected. Still moving forward.

"I'm a pirate Luffy, I deserve this." Hachi said with a shake in his voice. "I just wanted to atone for what I'd done to Nami." he whispered. A sob in his throat.

"Ew! It's still alive!" the dopey noble shrieked. Pointing the pistol at Hachi again. That was the final straw.

Luffy stood in front of Hachi, his expression hidden in the darkness of the room.

The noble shot at Luffy twice, the approaching man dodged each shot without flinching.

"Get away! Filthy peasant," the noble started sweating, firing shots frantically at Luffy. The younger man balled his fist, knuckles whitened with how tight he clenched.

Luffy's entire body twisted, rearing back his arm. He didn't stretch it out like normally would. Luffy looked up, a dangerous glint in his eyes. His fist sped towards the nobles face.

The world lost colour, the impact of Luffy's fist smashing against the celestial piss stains dopey face...

It was glorious!

Dopey went flying bouncing up the stairs, until he landed at the feet of Tani and Zoro. He was knocked out, face contorted in pain.

Zoro kicked him, his body rolled down a couple stairs. For good measure, Tani walked over and spat on the guy.

Serves him right.

The auction house was silent. Nobody knew how to respond to such an aggressive assault against the very people deemed too powerful to touch.

"Sorry everyone," Luffy looked up at his crew. Though they could tell he didn't regret his actions. "Looks like we're gonna have to fight our way out."

"Would this count as a Straw hat adventure, without a battle to cap it off?" Tani snickered. The rest of the crew joined.

"You guys are nuts," a man called from the crowd. The crew spotted a man with deep red hair, his build was massive, like a brick wall. Red coat draped over his shoulders, no shirt, lots of belts. He had nice make up though, that lipstick suited his brutish smirk.

He looked familiar too. Probably another pirate.

"We've got company," Zoro grinned. In need of something to stab. Tani grabbed her bat, this was gonna be a mess.

"Someone grab Camie." Nami instructed. "Chopper, Usopp. Bring Hachi over here, before he bleeds out." the pair raced down to help the fallen Fishman.

The bystanders evacuated the room. Shrieking in fear of the blood thirsty pirates. Ironic, Tani wanted to laugh. Leaving only the Straw hats, guards, the red haired pirate... And that spotty hat guy.

Tani couldn't let herself think about him right now, bat at the ready.

"Call the admiral!" the female noble from earlier commanded. The older man she was with, whipped out a den den, the colour was pure silver. Similar to the buster call den den that Spandam had.

He pressed the button, seconds before Luffy knocked him out too. The captain was getting annoyed.

"We're just grabbing Camie. We'll leave right away." Luffy told the guard, punching one of them away.

"There's marines surrounding the building Straw hat-ya." the spotty hat guy called out. Sitting there with both arms resting on the backs of the surrounding seats. A smug look on his face, this was the most fun he's had in ages.

"Woah! Cool polar bear." Luffy grinned. Only to get smacked in the back of the head, right! He had to fight these guys.

Tani being about as subtle as a peacock among pigeons. Thwacked her way towards the guy, she had some questions, and no idea when she'd get to ask them again.

It was getting hard to keep up with the onslaught of guards. Using a weapon that she wasn't skilled with yet, it was no surprise that someone would sneak up on her.

The surprise came in the form of a kung fu fighting polar bear. Who clocked a guard in the ribs with a powerful kick. Tani turned back to stare in shock. The bear noticed her expression, and immediately apologized.

"Sorry," he gave a bow. Tani waved her hands.

"No? Wait, why are you saying sorry?" Tani blinked. How do you respond to a talking, kung-fu fighting polar bear, from a rival? Pirate crew.

"Tani! Pay attention." the girl was grabbed from behind, pulling her out of a guards swing. Baton buzzing with electricity. That guard was hit in the back with a fire bird star (Tani would never forget an Usopp style attack).

"Bepo," spotty hat guy summoned. The bear jumped back to his side. Right! The reason she headed this way.

"Where did you get those?" she addressed the mystery man. He looked at her, that smirk never leaving his smug face. Oddly enough, it wasn't bothering her.

"Get what? Silent bell Tanisha,"

"Wow, you know my bounty poster name," she clapped, "Answer my question. Who gave you that bell-"

The pirates in front of her all winced slightly, followed by the sound of bodies dropping. Guards fainting without a reason... Did Luffy do that?

No, it wasn't Luffy. He looked just as bewildered by the display of power.

"Holy shit, is that Rayleigh?" the guy with an orca hat pointed out to penguin hat guy.

"Well, today just keeps getting more interesting." spots commented. Luffy would handle whatever was happening over there. Tani needed answers now.

"Answer my damn question," she huffed. Bouncing her bat on her shoulders, trying to look intimidating. Her heart said that this guy should cut her in half without a second glance.

"You did," he shrugged. The confusion on her face was priceless.

"I don't even know who you are."

"Trafalgar Law," he introduced. "Now you know who I am," smug bastard...

"I'm not gonna ask again Trafalgar." Tani glared. The man sighed.

"Take a look at it, as you've said before." he handed her his sword. This guys got balls if he trusts his weapon in her hands... Not that she could do anything with a sword that was pretty much as tall as her.

"Each bell is unique to their owner."

Tani grabbed the bell that dangled from the string.

It was gold. Her gold.

"How?" she sighed to herself quietly. Law took his sword back.

"There's your question answered." he smirked.

*Boom*

Tani's hair went flying from the force of an explosion. A black smoke rose to the roof.

What was that?

"You saved me!" Camie's voice called from the stage. Oh right, Tani was so caught up in this mystery. That she forgot all about the Camie kidnapping thing.

"Who's the old guy?" Zoro asked. Sheathing his swords. The old man smiled.

"Apologies for earlier," he gave a thoughtful look. "Though, you all still being awake. You all must be abnormal." he spoke with humour.

"Not everyday you encounter 'Dark king' Rayleigh," the red head smirked. Rayleigh shook his head.

"I'm a simple coat engineer now." the old man corrected. "I'd prefer if you didn't toss my former title around like that. A peaceful life isn't possible for that man." he declared before making his way towards Hachi.

"Long time no see Hachi, quite the rowdy bunch you've brought with you." Rayleigh chuckled. Sitting beside the Fishman, Chopper was still wrapping bandages around his torso.

"Release the celestial dragons!" a voice demanded from outside. Rayleigh hummed.

"Looks like the whole building is surrounded." he informed. Nami gave a groan.

"Luffy... Can we go to one island, without you causing this much trouble?" wishful thinking on Nami's part. They'd never get such a luxury.

"Psh, I'll do you all a service." Red head guy waved nonchalantly. "I'll take care of the marines while you all escape. Consider it a thank you for the entertainment," he sounded so smug, what's with all these pirates and being smug?

This gracious offer didn't tide over with Luffy or Law.

"Like you could handle them all. Eustass-ya" Law glared. Rising to follow Eustass out the door. Luffy ran up the stairs, following the two men towards the entrance.

"Should we even bother trying to stop him?" Sanji asked, Nami shook her head.

"He's an idiot. It would be impossible to even try."

"If you can't reason with him, you might as well watch the carnage." Tani sighed, following their captains lead. Even though she didn't intend to join the fight. Might as well see what those other captain's could do.

The rest of the Straw hats, as well as the crew mates of Eustass and Law, followed. Rayleigh lingered behind the next generations pirates.

The nostalgia felt refreshing.

"Let's see what they're capable of."

(A/N: What's popping everyone! Sorry for the slow updates. Sabaody is painfully short, so I never know where to cut the story!

So! Trans Sanji (gender questioning?) am I right? I've had this planned for a while now (ever since I saw that pink island he was sent to for time skip). How did I do? I got my best friend (who is trans) to read over that section, just to make sure I was being respectful of the subject matter. Any feed back from trans readers would be really appreciated! As I want to represent the trans community with utmost respect.

Love you all so much! Seeya!!! Smooches)