(AUTHOR'S NOTE: Don't mind me but lemme just start off by saying I am VERY FRUSTRATED with this chapter. I had to rewrite this shit TWICE after Wattpad deleted my shit. So this chapter was hard to pull together. But-uh-one major change was made to the canon in this chapter so apologies to some who may not like it but please keep those types of comments to yourself. That's all I ask. Anywho, sorry Loguetown was kinda short, it's kinda the same situation as Baratie. Also I got some-in my opinion-juicy drama in this one, heh heh heh. I hope y'all enjoy the chapter! )

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Chapter Twenty One:

"  To The Grand Line !!! "

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(NO POV)

Isaac walked around the streets of Loguetown alone, thinking to himself about his conversation with that strange woman, Circe. 'Am I really that jealous of a random woman with a sword based on Zoro's reaction to her? I mean, I shouldn't care this much. Maybe he didn't react that way for the reasons I'm thinking, maybe it was something else?' He frowned and shook his head, 'But what other kind of reason could there be!?' 

Isaac looked around before slowly stopping in front of what looked to be a small bookstore. Curious, he entered and saw an older man at the front reading a book. He looked up and gave a friendly smile, "Hello, Young man! Welcome to my small shop of wonders! How may I help you?" Isaac eyed the bookstore, "How long has this store been here? It looks older than most of the shops I've seen around." He asked. The older man chuckled, "Oh this shop has been here for many years. It has been here in Loguetown since the days of Gold Roger's youth! It's my family's pride and joy!" He explained. 

Isaac nodded and gulped nervously. "Do you happen to have any books on a woman called the 'Sea Witch'?" He asked. The man's eyes grew wide before narrowing in suspicion, "My, that's a name I haven't heard in years as forbidding mention of her became an unspoken law...Young man, may I ask how you are aware of her existence and why you want to know more?" Isaac turned to check the outside before sighing. 

"Someone...Someone told me to look into her and her history. He said it would be beneficial." He replied before hesitantly lowering his face cover, revealing his cheek marks. The man looked at him before pinching his cheek, "OW!" Isaac pulled away and rubbed his cheek in pain. "What was that for!?" He exclaimed. "Sorry, I was just making sure those were real." The man chuckled before clearing his throat. "Well, I suppose I can see your reasons as suitable. Follow me." The man walked around the counter and to the right, Isaac following behind him while putting his cover back on. They then stopped in front of a small wardrobe, the man kneeling and opening it.

"This is my personal collection of books on the topic of the Sea Witch as well as her kind." He picked up a book and blew it off, the dust in the air causing Isaac to sneeze before he was given the book. "The Terror Of The Sea: The Rise and Fall 'Sea Witch' Zelda..." He read aloud. He grinned realizing he may be able to find some information after all, "I'll take it!" Isaac exclaimed. "Very well." The old man and Isaac returned to the counter where he was ringing Isaac up, the pink-haired male thanking him repeatedly. Things were finally going his way! Until...

"Help! Someone help! Call the Marines! Buggy the Clown is here and is attacking at the execution platform!" Someone outside shouted. Isaac turned around, worry bubbling inside of him, 'Buggy's back!? Wait-Luffy's at the execution platform!? I need to go he might-' He then shook his head, taking a breath. 'No, Luffy doesn't need my help...But that guy said there were Marines!' Isaac wanted to be there to help Luffy in case he needed it, but he knew he had to get this book to get some answers and who knew when he'd have an easy chance like this again?

Isaac bit his lip and looked at the man, "Thank you for your help, really, but I need to go help my captain!" He shouted and without another word, he ran out of the store following the sound of the screaming civilians. The older man chuckled, "Another pirate, eh? Guess it's a trend for Z-Clan members to go against the law..." He mused.

Meanwhile sounds of thunder began booming from the sky. Nami had met up with Usopp and Sanji and looked up at the sky in confusion before checking her compass, "The atmospheric pressure is dropping fast. I've never seen such a sharp drop before." She said. "I thought I felt something strange," Sanji commented. "A storm is headed straight for the island!" She exclaimed. "We'd better hurry back to the ship or we'll be in trouble." "Is it gonna be big!?" Usopp asked worriedly.

"Hey!"

The three looked and saw Zoro. "Have you guys seen either of them around?" He asked. "You mean Luffy and Isaac?" Usopp asked. "Yeah, first Isaac and I were separated then Luffy and I met up only to get separated too. I also keep getting this feeling...And it's not good." Several citizens were running away screaming. 

"Pirates're here!"

"Run!"

"It's Buggy the Clown!"

 Usopp then pointed behind Zoro, "Well there's Isaac!" He exclaimed. He was about to yell to get his attention but Isaac booked it straight past them. "Woah! Where's he going!?" 

"LUFFY I'M COMING!" They could hear him shout. "Luffy? What's he talking about?" Sanji asked. More citizens came running in the same direction with more celebratory expressions. "It's time for the execution! Buggy the Clown's gonna execute Straw Hat Luffy!" Usopp looked terrified, "He's going to be executed!?" "That idiot!" Nami hissed. "Let's go!" Zoro shouted before running off too. Sanji threw the giant fish he was holding at Usopp, "Hold this!" "Hey-!"

Nami then began dragging Usopp in the opposite direction, "Wait where are we going!?" "To the harbor, of course, dummy!"

A storm was coming. Isaac could tell by the dark clouds and sounds of thunder above him, but I also knew he was getting closer to the execution platform because of the sound of Buggy's laughter echoing off the buildings around him. He then noticed Zoro and Sanji running on the opposite sides of him, "Zoro! Sanji! You're here!" He exclaimed.

"Look Zoro I'm sorry for-"

"That doesn't matter now! We gotta save Luffy!" Zoro cut him off and Isaac nodded in agreement. They made it to the execution platform but were blocked by huge crowds of people there to witness Luffy's execution. The three were able to see Luffy at the top of the platform, his head and hands trapped under prisoner stocks. 

"STOP THE EXECUTION NOW!" They shouted in unison and everyone turned to look at them. Zoro tied his bandanna onto his head and Isaac's face cover had fallen off due to the strong winds of the storm. Luffy grinned, "Zoro! Sanji! Isaac!" He exclaimed. Zoro gripped his sword, "Luffy, you idiot! Guess all that fooling around caught up to 'ya, huh?" Sanji smirked, "If you're starting a sideshow, let me join you." Isaac drew his sword, "Alright Boys, let's drive away these damn pirates and save our captain!" 

The crowd looked at Zoro and Isaac in terror. 

"I-It's Pirate Hunter Zoro!"

"And look at that guy's cheek marks! It's Sky-Boy Isaac!" 

The crowds of civilians were quick to flee in terror. "Hey guys!" Luffy shouted. Buggy chuckled, "So Zoro and the Z-clan brat are here! But you're a little too late!" He raised his sword getting ready to decapitate Luffy. "We gotta bring down the platform!" Zoro shouted. The pirate Alvida, raised her hand up, "Go get them boys!" 

The various Buggy pirates charged at the three, a fight breaking out between all of them. As Isaac struck multiple opponents he then noticed an all too familiar face. "It-It's you!" He exclaimed. The plum-haired woman from before's cloak was gone revealing an outfit similar to that of a circus' ring-leader, and she now wore a black top hat. Circe sashayed towards Isaac, "My, guess we can't help but run into each other. And since you know me as a pirate now, you may refer to me by my full title as Circe the Ring-Woman. Unfortunately for you, Sky Boy, we aren't going to be on friendly terms anymore. It's time for me to take you out!" Circe began glowing red as well as the swords of fallen pirates. "IT'S SHOWTIME~!" The swords rushed and surrounded Isaac, their blades clashing with Isaac's as he held them at bay. "So I'm assuming this lover of yours is Buggy!?" He shouted in between strikes. 

"Of course! How could you not love him!? He's strong, a great leader, and so handsome too~! Especially his lovely nose!"  Circe gushed. Isaac rolled his eyes, before his expression turned into one of worry at the sound of Buggy's triumphant laughter. "No one can stop me now! There's nothing you three can do! This is the end for your captain!" He shouted. "Zoro! Sanji! Isaac! Usopp! Nami!" Luffy called out before looking up with a grin, "Sorry but...I'm dead." 

"LUFFY NO!" Isaac cried out.

Suddenly a huge bolt of lightning came down onto the execution platform, shocking Buggy and damaging the the structure enough to cause it to come crashing down. Luffy's straw hat flew in the wind as the rain began rapidly falling before the hat fell at its owner's feet. Luffy picked it up, still grinning widely. "Awesome! I'm still alive after all." He cheered. 

Isaac didn't even realize until after releasing a sigh of relief that the swords had fallen onto the ground and Circe was rushing to her partner's side. He resheathed his sword and ran to meet up with Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji. "We've gotta get out of here. Our troubles aren't over." Zoro said. 

Meanwhile, from his higher hiding space, Marine Captain Smoker called out, "Attack! Surround all the pirates, now!" His cadets all cheered in affirmation as they began rushing in, multiple fights breaking out. "Holy crap, things have gotten crazy!" Isaac exclaimed. "We've gotta get back to the Going Merry or else we won't be able to leave the island!" Sanji shouted. 

The four of them began running away from the execution site in attempt to get back to their ship. "The Straw Hats are getting away!" A Marine cadet yelled. The four pirates were fighting their way through multiple Marines and more kept coming after them. "What the Hell is up with all this rain!?" Isaac exclaimed. "Nami said that if we don't leave now we'll be stuck here for good because of this storm!" Sanji explained. 

"Which way is the sea!?" Zoro asked. "I dunno, the rain's making it hard to see!" Luffy replied. "Well we've gotta figure out how to find the ship soon because we've got a lot of Marines on our tail!" Isaac cried. "Woah! Who is that!?" Sanji exclaimed. Isaac growled, 'Dammit it's this lady again! I was finally starting to get over this!' 

"I didn't know you were Roronoa Zoro, and a pirate to boot." Tashigi said. "You...You lied to me!" She shouted. Sanji looked at Zoro angrily, "Wait! What the Hell did you do to that girl!?" "You never asked me for my name. So I never lied to you." Zoro explained. "You know I won't be letting you leave with that legendary sword! Give it to me! The Wado Ichimonji, now!" Tashigi demanded. Zoro smirked, "Come and get it." Isaac stepped in front of Zoro, drawing his sword. "Sorry Zoro, but I'm taking this one." He said. "What!? Why!?" Isaac looked back at Zoro with a sharp and determined look in his eye. "I didn't get you your swords like I said I would. I know you said it didn't matter, but it matters to me. And I can tell that sword is important to you, so as your friend I'm gonna make it up to you by defending your precious treasure!" Zoro saw that look in his eye and was filled with some confusion. 'That look in his eye...It seems familiar.' He thought.

"Hold on! This is a fight between Roronoa and me!" Tashigi protested. Isaac glared at her, "Too bad! You want Zoro's sword, then you have to go through me first!" He barked. "So be it." She said before drawing her sword and the metal of their blades made contact, signaling the start of their battle. "Isaac! You can't just fight a girl!" Sanji shouted. "Don't get in my way Sanji! Just go! NOW!" Isaac shouted. Not wanting to piss the shorter male off further, the three guys continued onwards to the ship. 

"Sergeant Major Tashigi's got one!" A Marine exclaimed as they had finally gotten caught up.

"It's the Sky Boy! I didn't know he was a swordsman." 

CLASH 

"You have no idea how valuable the Wado Ichimonji truly is! I can't allow it to stay in Roronoa Zoro's possession!" Tashigi shouted.

CLANG

"I don't care how valuable you may think it is! Hell, I wouldn't care even if you told me it was made of some kind of rare metal! All I care about is making sure my friend's most prized possession isn't taken by some Marine lady who thinks she's better than us!" Isaac retorted. Fueled by anger once more his arms were glowing pink as well as his sword. 

"STEEL PINK!"

Isaac swung his sword hard enough to throw Tashigi's out of her hands before pinning her to the wall with his own. The two were breathing heavily, glaring at each other intensely. 

"Sergeant Major Tashigi lost to the Sky Boy!?"

"Well his power clearly put her at a disadvantage otherwise she surely would've mopped the floor with him!"

Isaac leaned close to Tashigi's ear. "Game over, Miss Marine." 

"Isaac." 

Isaac felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to see Zoro. "You've won, it's time to go. Come on." Isaac shook his head rapidly as if he was trying to erase something from his mind. "I..." He sighed and resheathed his sword. "Okay...Sorry." He mumbled. The two began to walk away, and Tashigi's mind was racing.

Why didn't Roronoa Zoro insist on fighting her himself? And why did the Sky Boy not finish her off immediately as she lost like the merciless being she was told he was? 

"WHY DIDN'T YOU LET HIM KILL ME!?" Tashigi cried out. "And why did you let him fight me instead of you!? I get it...It's because I'm a girl, isn't it!?" She clenched her fists. "It's pathetic that you won't take me seriously and fight me yourself! It's humiliating! You may be physically stronger, but you don't have the guts! This sword isn't just for decoration! I don't even think you know what it means to carry a sword. 

Zoro turned around annoyed. "Would you shut up for one second!?" He pointed at Tashigi, "Your face! It looks exactly like my close friend's who died a long time ago! On top of that, you're talking just like her! Don't imitate, you copycat woman!"

"What!? You're so rude! Stop talking like a child! I live the way I am! I don't know what your friend was like but I'm the one who feels upset! You ever think before you talk!?" Tashigi barked back. Before Zoro could say anything back a strong whirlwind blasted across Loguetown, knocking down people and parts of buildings alike. 

Isaac stood up slowly, looking around and noticing Luffy, Usopp, and Sanji now in the same vicinity. "Wh-What just happened?" Luffy asked. "LUFFY!!!" A loud shout from Nami came from the sea in the distance as Nami and the Going Merry were being slowly swept away. "Nami!" Luffy cried out. "We've gotta go or the ship will be gone soon!" Sanji exclaimed. "Right!" Everyone said in unison before running in the same direction...Except for Luffy who ran in the opposite. "Luffy what are you-" Isaac was cut off as he noticed Luffy jumping and grabbing onto some railing and stretching his arms out.

"GUM-GUM..."

The other four looked at their captain fearfully. 

"WHAT!?"

"No-He can't!"

"I've got a bad feeling."

"I can already feel the motion sickness kicking in..."

Luffy then launched himself from the railing in the direction of his four friends who were running away before he grabbed onto them and they all flew high into the air, everyone screaming until they hit the Going Merry's smaller sail. Nami looked over at them, smiling and feeling relieved. "Thank God you all made it!"  Isaac looked at his captain wide-eyed. "Please, Cap...Never do that again..." Luffy laughed, "No promises, Izzie!" 

 Isaac sighed before eyeing Zoro curiously. 'He mentioned that Tashigi lady looking like his dead friend...I wonder if he'll let me ask him about that later...' He thought. "Ugh! It's almost like the ships' gonna tip over!" Luffy shouted as the waves grew stronger the further out to sea they got. Nami pointed out into the distance, "Look! A light!" "Is that a lighthouse?" Usopp asked. "It's a 'guiding light'. The Grand Line lies right ahead of it." Nami explained. 

"The Grand Line is just up ahead..." Luffy sighed happily. "What now?" "Well, do we have to go in the middle of a big hurricane like this?" Usopp asked. "I don't think there could be any better of an official start to our adventure than this, Usopp." Isaac said with a smile. Sanji grabbed a barrel and placed it in front of them. "Okay then. I think we should say something to mark the occasion." Everyone agreed. Sanji then placed his foot on the barrel first;

"I'm going to the Grand Line to find the All Blue!"

Luffy then put his up next. 

"I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"

Then Zoro;

"I'm gonna be the World's Greatest Swordsman!"

Nami placed her heel up on the barrel.

"I'm going to draw a map of the whole world!"

Then Usopp put his foot up;

"I guess I'm going...To become a brave warrior of the sea!"

The four of them looked at Isaac to go next. "I guess I never asked 'ya Izzie. You got a dream?" Luffy asked grinning. Isaac was quiet. He hadn't thought about what he was going to do now that he was here. His former dreams seemed impossible now due to the lack of technological advancements and then there was the fact that there were so many new possibilities in this world that he wanted to try. Admittedly, he felt a little guilty. His goal should be the same as anyone else's when being sent to a new world; Finding a way home. But since coming here he'd hardly felt homesick, in fact, he felt more at home with these new friends he'd made than anywhere else despite the short amount of time he'd been with them.

He still had so many questions about himself to figure out now that he was here, so for now he decided to establish a temporary goal. After all, in his point of view you had to know who you are in order to know what you want. Isaac took a deep breath.

"I'll be honest. I'm not settled on a dream for myself yet...But I do have a goal to set now!"

He stomped his foot onto the barrel with the others.

"I'm going to rediscover who I am in this world to find my dream!"

Luffy laughed, "Well I guess that works for now, but as soon as you've realized your dream I wanna be the first to hear it!"

Isaac grinned, "Of course, Cap."

The five of them stood there smiling for a moment before Luffy shouted, "And now, to the Grand Line!"

"YEAH!"

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TO BE CONTINUED...