One Piece: From Ninja To Pirates

"So much happened while I was asleep?"

Listening to Meiser’s explanation, Luffy’s eyes were filled with surprise.

He hadn’t expected that after defeating Moria, another Royal Seven Warlord of the Sea would appear!

And after this Warlord... Moria actually got back up and started fighting him?

"That’s right," Meiser nodded. "If Moria hadn’t suddenly intervened, we would’ve been in real trouble."

His Chakra was nearly depleted, and his crewmates were either injured or exhausted.

And Kuma... was practically at full strength!

Just thinking about Kuma’s Devil Fruit Ability made Meiser feel it was absurd.

Why did such an outrageous power exist in this world?!

Luffy nodded, then asked curiously, "But why did that big bear show up here?"

"From what he said, he came to invite Meiser to become a Royal Seven Warlord," Nico Robin explained. "Most likely, the World Government took an interest in Meiser’s abilities."

Robin understood—compared to her, someone who could read Poneglyphs, the World Government was more concerned about Meiser, the Ninja.

After all... his power didn’t originate from a Devil Fruit!

Still, there was one thing Robin found puzzling: How had the World Government been so sure Moria would be defeated by them?

Was this Warlord just weak to begin with?

Or... were they preparing for both outcomes?

If Moria defeated them, Kuma would only need to take Meiser away. If they defeated Moria...

Then he would invite Meiser to become a Warlord?

Hmm, that made sense when she thought about it.

"Invite Meiser to become a Warlord?" Luffy was stunned for a moment before angrily exclaiming, "That damn Kuma, how dare he try to steal my crewmate!!"

"If I see him again, I’m gonna punch him into the sky!"

Luffy was furious. That bastard had the nerve to pull something like this while he was asleep—he wouldn’t let him get away with it.

Seeing Luffy’s anger, Meiser chuckled. "I didn’t accept his offer, you know."

"That doesn’t matter! I still gotta beat him up!"

"Alright, next time we see him, we’ll beat him up!"

"Yeah!"

Luffy nodded seriously, already imagining how he’d take down that despicable Kuma.

Though... in Luffy’s mind, Kuma’s image was that of an actual bear.

"That guy’s Devil Fruit Ability is still a huge problem," Zoro said with a frown. "If we don’t figure out how to deal with it, taking him down will be tough."

Any attack could be repelled—what kind of terrifying ability was that?

Worse, even after being hit, he could use his power to deflect his injuries... That was just broken!

Hearing Zoro’s words, the others fell into thought. The Paw-Paw Fruit’s ability was indeed a serious obstacle.

After venting for a while, Luffy gradually calmed down—until his stomach started growling.

"Sanji!!"

"I need food!!"

"Sanji’s already cooking," Merry said.

Sanji had guessed Luffy would wake up soon, so he’d gone straight to the kitchen after leaving the island.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Luffy woke up.

"That’s great~"

Luffy grinned, showing his teeth. Waking up to a meal was simply the best feeling in the world.

"There’s one thing I’m curious about," Franky said. "Why did Moria help us?"

The moment he spoke, everyone fell silent—even Luffy quieted down. This was something he, too, had been wondering about.

"It might have something to do with something I did."

"Something you did?"

"Yeah." Meiser nodded. "After Moria was defeated by Luffy, he asked me a question. So I told him to search for the answer within himself... and hit him with an Illusion Technique while I was at it."

The group exchanged glances, unsure what the issue was.

"Could the key be... your Illusion Technique?" Nico Robin asked.

"Pretty much," Meiser replied with a sigh. "The ability of this technique is to make the target see the thing they fear most."

"Is that the same ability you used to make that Ghost Woman see a giant cockroach?"

"Yep."

"Giant... cockroach?"

A question mark popped up over Luffy’s head. What the heck was that about?

Meiser gave him a puzzled look. Luffy had been there the first time he used the Illusion Technique on the Ghost Woman.

Oh, right. The kid had been lying on the ground sulking at the time—he probably hadn’t heard.

"That Ghost Woman was terrified of it," Meiser explained. "But why would the thing Moria feared most..."

"...be his dead comrades?"

As he spoke, Meiser recalled the expression on Moria’s face and felt a pang of emotion.

"The thing that terrifies others... was the comrades Moria longed for?"

He didn’t know what Moria’s comrades had said to him, but the change in him was definitely connected to this.

Maybe... Moria had made peace with himself?

Like... overcoming his inner demons.

Shaking his head, Meiser said, "Either way, we owe our escape this time to Moria."

"I see..." Luffy nodded. "Seems like that guy’s not so bad after all."

"Wha—?!"

Chopper stared at Luffy in shock. "But he was our enemy before, Luffy!"

"Yeah, he stole your Shadow! Aren’t you mad?"

"Ahahaha, that?" Luffy laughed. "I beat him up, so I’m over it."

He had been furious before the fight ended, but once he defeated Moria, his anger faded. He wasn’t the type to hold a grudge.

Besides... Moria had saved his crew. Luffy was actually grateful to him.

"That’s... so like you, Luffy..."

"Oh, where’s Brook and the marriage proposal girl?" Luffy asked, glancing around for his potential crewmate and the friend he’d made this time.

"Huh?!"

"Usopp’s not here either..."

"Brook’s in the kitchen chatting with Sanji," Meiser said. "Usopp hasn’t woken up yet—he’s still sleeping in Chopper’s infirmary."

"As for Lola and the others..."

Meiser said helplessly, "The situation was quite complicated back then, so Lola and the others left."

"Left, huh..."

Luffy fell silent for a moment. He had really liked those guys—had they already gone?

But this wasn’t something he hadn’t experienced before, so he quickly cheered up and laughed loudly. "Ahaha, well, we’ll meet again next time there’s a chance!"

Seeing Luffy’s laughter, Meiser also smiled and nodded. "Yeah, if there’s a chance, we’ll meet again in the New World."

Nami had mentioned earlier that Lola’s family seemed quite influential, but she hadn’t gone into detail, so Nami wasn’t sure about the specifics.

Meiser pondered—perhaps she was the descendant of some great pirate or an important figure from a certain country.

The one thing he couldn’t figure out was why she proposed to people the moment she met them.

Could it be that she was pressured too much by her family and ran away to seek her own love?

But her idea of love was just too peculiar...

Lost in thought, Meiser fell into contemplation.

Just then, Brook pushed the door open and announced, "Everyone, Mr. Sanji’s meal is ready—"

"Huh?!"

"Mr. Luffy, you’re awake?!"

"Brook!!"

Luffy sprang up from the deck and rushed over to Brook, exclaiming, "Hey, you! You can join my pirate crew now, right?!"

They had already retrieved his shadow, so naturally, he could stand in the sunlight again and continue his journey!

Hearing Luffy’s words, Brook, now bathed in sunlight, laughed. "Yohohoho, I’m glad you remember that. But... there’s one more thing I haven’t told you."

"What is it?"

"I made an important promise with my crewmate..."

"Is it about Laboon?" Luffy grinned, showing his teeth. "Franky and the others told me."

Brook froze, giving Franky—who was leaning against the wall—a surprised look. He clearly hadn’t expected them to share this with Luffy.

"Ah... yes, it’s about Laboon."

"He’s a little whale named Laboon, in a certain strait—"

"Brook, we know Laboon."

"Huh?!"

Brook was stunned, staring at Luffy in shock before instinctively asking, "You know him?"

"Yes!"

Sanji walked over from behind and nodded. "We met that big guy at Twin Cape."

"Mr. Sanji too—"

"When we first entered the Grand Line, we ran into him at the entrance," Nami added. "We also learned that Laboon had been waiting there for fifty years..."

"If that guy knew you were still keeping your promise, he’d be overjoyed."

"After fifty years... he’s still there...?" Brook’s voice trembled slightly.

He had never dreamed that, fifty years later, that little guy would still be waiting there... Laboon hadn’t forgotten their promise!!

"Yes," Nami nodded. "The old man at Twin Cape said you might already be dead, but Laboon refused to believe it."

"Then—he would ram his head against the Red Line every day, never stopping even when he was covered in wounds."

Hearing Nami’s words, Brook immediately grew tense. That little guy was doing something like this?

Wasn’t he just hurting himself?!

Seeing Brook’s reaction, Nami quickly reassured him, "Don’t worry, he’s stopped harming himself now."

"Luffy made a new promise with Laboon in his own way—to wait for us properly in that place."

Though Luffy’s method had been rough... at least it had made Laboon stop hurting himself.

For them, this was good news.

Listening to Nami, Brook glanced at Luffy, clearly surprised that he would do such a thing.

Still, it was good—at least the little guy wasn’t hurting himself anymore.

But just thinking about Laboon ramming into the Red Line before made Brook’s heart ache.

"Laboon... how could he do that to himself..."

"Because he wanted to find you all."

At those words, Brook couldn’t hold back anymore. His body trembled uncontrollably, and tears welled up in his eyes.

"Then... then is Laboon... still doing well now?"

"Ah, he’s as lively as a mountain," Sanji said.

As he spoke, he struck an exaggerated pose, as if trying to show Brook just how massive Laboon was.

"That’s great... that’s really great!!"

At that moment, Brook’s tears spilled over, and he stood there sobbing loudly.

"I’ve never been this happy in my life!!"

"It’s so good to have lived this long!!"

For Brook, today was the happiest day he’d had in fifty years—the day he received the most wonderful news. Laboon was still alive, still waiting for them in that same place, never changing his mind even after fifty years.

It meant his own perseverance had meaning. Laboon hadn’t forgotten them!!

Thinking this, Brook cried even harder.

"Thank you... thank you all!!"

"I’m so grateful to you!!"

"Don’t be so formal, hahaha," Luffy laughed.

Once Brook had finally calmed down, Luffy asked, "So, what do you think now?"

Brook fell silent for a moment, then looked at Luffy with utmost seriousness. "Mr. Luffy... may I join the Straw Hat Pirates?"

"Haha, sure~"

"Eh?!"

"You’re agreeing just like that?!"

Sanji and the others stared at Luffy in shock, but the next moment, they all rushed to Brook’s side, lifting him up as they shouted, "But... welcome aboard, you damn skeleton!"

"Hahahaha!"

"Yohohoho~"

At that moment, Brook once again tasted what it felt like to be a pirate.

As he looked up at the ceiling drawing closer, he murmured in his heart, Laboon... thank you for waiting for me all this time.

After setting Brook down, Luffy said, "If you want to see Laboon, we can turn back right now."

It would take some extra time, but for Brook’s sake, they didn’t mind making the detour.

Seeing his companions smiling at him, Brook also laughed, and at the same time... he made a new decision in his heart.

Laboon... can you wait for me a little longer?

Now that my pirate spirit has been reignited, I too have the ambitions of a pirate.』 Brook murmured to himself.

Back then, they had promised to reunite with Laboon head-on.

So... he hoped that the day he would meet Laboon again would be after sailing around the entire Grand Line, facing him head-on!!

Thinking this, Brook said, "Luffy’s dream is to sail around the world and become the Pirate King, right?"

"Yes!"

"Then my reunion with Laboon isn’t so urgent anymore." Brook continued, "With our long lifespans, we’ll meet sooner or later."

"When that time comes, I’ll tell him everything that happened along the way!"

Island whales live for centuries, and after fifty years, he hadn’t changed at all, so... their time was plentiful.

Besides... from their current position, going back or going all the way around didn’t make much difference.

So Brook decided to sail around the world with his crew and meet Laboon head-on!

The crew exchanged glances, clearly not expecting Brook to make such a decision, but... since it was his choice, they could only respect it.

"Alright, I understand," Luffy nodded.

"Then...

"Let me reintroduce myself!"

Brook took out a wanted poster and slammed it firmly on the ground.

"Huh?!"

"A wanted poster?"

"You’re a wanted man too?!" Sanji exclaimed in surprise.

"Indeed, I am wanted!" Brook knelt on one knee before Luffy, lowering his head as he spoke solemnly, "I am a wanted man with a bounty of 33 million Berries, known as ’Humming’ Brook!"

"Former captain of a certain kingdom’s guard, later acting captain of the Rumba Pirates, swordsman, and musician!"

"From today onward, I entrust my life to Captain Luffy of the Straw Hat Pirates. To avoid being a burden, I will fight with every bone in my body!"

"Yohohoho!"

Hearing Brook’s words, Luffy burst into laughter and said, "Welcome aboard, Brook!!"

"Yohohoho!"

"Everyone, to welcome our new crewmate... let’s throw a party!!"

"Yeah!!"

Seeing his companions’ joy, Brook laughed heartily along with them.

Living this long... truly is wonderful!

Meanwhile, outside Thriller Bark, a pirate ship floated on the sea.

"Has Lord Moria’s battle not ended yet..." Hogback gulped nervously.

Ever since the Straw Hat Pirates left, terrifying explosions had echoed across the island, continuing even now.

Just how intense was this fight?

"Battles at the level of the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea don’t end so easily," Absalom remarked.

"True, but..."

Hogback hesitated, knowing full well the extent of their Warlord’s strength.

Could Lord Moria, who had been defeated by the Straw Hat Pirates... really stand a chance against Tyrant Kuma?

Absalom glanced at Hogback and said irritably, "Lord Moria is different now."

"How so?"

"If you didn’t see it, you wouldn’t know." Absalom turned to look toward the island’s direction. "Lord Moria... he’s truly changed."

Having followed Moria for many years, Absalom could naturally discern the state of his captain.

Right now... he only hoped their captain could defeat this Tyrant Kuma.

Hogback looked at Absalom in confusion, unable to comprehend what he meant.

But he didn’t dwell on it. Once Lord Moria returned, he would naturally understand Absalom’s words.

"Speaking of which, where’s Perona?" Hogback asked.

"Her..." Absalom’s expression darkened. "No idea where Kuma sent her."

Though that mischievous girl loved pranks, she was still his comrade.

Not knowing whether she was alive or dead weighed heavily on him.

Hogback froze upon hearing Absalom’s words, then murmured, "So this is why Lord Moria is fighting Kuma..."

Though Lord Moria never allowed them to call him captain... Hogback could tell—he deeply cared about the three of them.

And now, if Perona had been killed by Kuma, how could Lord Moria not be enraged?

This version of Lord Moria... was truly worth following wholeheartedly.

At this thought, Hogback said worriedly, "They must return safely."

Both Lord Moria... and Perona.

Just then, an even more terrifying explosion resounded.

With this explosion, the distant Thriller Bark... split apart!

As if something unimaginably destructive had detonated upon it!!

"What in the... happened?" Hogback gasped in shock.

"This is the level of combat between Royal Seven Warlords..." Absalom gulped. "Truly horrifying."

To think they could reduce an entire island to such a state!

Meanwhile, the two Warlords who had just been locked in mortal combat had now separated, standing atop massive boulders as they faced each other.

The Thriller Bark beneath their feet had been utterly shattered, its foundation crumbling apart.

Seawater surged from below—soon, this place would sink completely beneath the waves.

"See? This is the result," Kuma stated.

After enduring their battle with the Straw Hat Pirates, this massive ship couldn’t withstand the force of their clash.

After all... the Paw Impact he used against Moria was far more devastating than before.

"Just a ship. Broken or not, it doesn’t matter," Moria sneered. "I wasn’t planning to keep it anyway."

Now, Moria intended to head for the New World.

And for that journey, this oversized vessel was useless. So let it shatter—a celebration of his rebirth!

With that thought, Moria raised his left hand, now twisted and battered from the fight.

Subsequently, the fruit’s ability activated, and the Shadow lying on the ground quickly squirmed, forcibly restoring itself to its original form!

Along with the Shadow’s transformation, Moria’s bones also emitted a series of cracking sounds!

Crack, crack, crack..."

Soon enough, Moriah’s twisted arm forcibly returned to its original state!!

Throughout this process, Moriah was in agony, as he had to endure the pain of his arm being repaired!

Yet, Moriah’s expression remained unchanged, still grinning like a madman as he coldly stared at Kuma.

"That’s... quite a terrifying ability," Kuma remarked. "To recover from injuries just like that?"

"And you have the nerve to say that about others?" Moriah pointed at the two floating ability gases beside them. "Who was the one bullying people by relying on the power to repel injuries?"

If he hadn’t arrived in time, the Straw Hat Pirates might have been beaten to death by this guy.

Not only that, but this bastard had also used his ability to repel the injuries after being slashed by Moriah earlier.

Honestly, it was downright cheating.

At that moment, a massive fish leaped out of the water, landing right on the injury gas Kuma had repelled behind him.

The next instant...

"Boom!!"

The enormous fish exploded into fragments!!

Seeing this, Moriah’s cold grin widened.

Kuma didn’t bother explaining—this was indeed the convenience his ability provided, and there was no reason not to use it.

Watching Kuma’s silence, Moriah suppressed his smirk and said, "Kuma... you’re truly an outlier among the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea. What did the World Government offer you to make you willingly serve them?"

"Even... undergoing modifications!"

Glancing at the steel on Kuma’s arm, Moriah’s eyes filled with confusion.

After all, those who could become one of the Royal Seven Warlords were all formidable figures, and such individuals were usually unruly and proud.

Yet, someone like him... would willingly become the World Government’s lab rat?

He couldn’t understand it.

Kuma glanced at his shoulder, then replied stiffly, "I have... my own reasons."

As long as his daughter could grow up healthy, not only would he endure modifications by the World Government—even if they demanded his life, so what?

"Suit yourself," Moriah shook his head.

He had only asked out of curiosity, never expecting Kuma to reveal the details of his deal with the World Government.

Otherwise, the World Government might very well revoke whatever they had given him.

After a moment of thought, Moriah said, "Alright, let’s continue our fight."

"Without making you spit out—"

"She’s unharmed," Kuma interrupted.

"What?"

"I said, that little girl is fine," Kuma stated flatly. "She’s still alive."

Hearing Kuma reveal the truth so bluntly, Moriah sighed. "You could’ve just said that earlier."

If he had known the truth right after the Straw Hat Pirates left, he wouldn’t have continued fighting.

Sheathing his massive blade, Moriah asked, "So, where is Perona?"

He didn’t expect Kuma to return her personally, so he planned to fetch her himself.

Instead of answering, Kuma countered, "Are you... sure you want to bring her back?"

"What do you mean?"

Frowning, Moriah stared at Kuma, momentarily puzzled by his words.

"You should understand what the failure of a Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea entails," Kuma said calmly.

Hearing Kuma’s words, Moria was momentarily stunned before his expression darkened.

Yes, he knew exactly what it meant.

He believed it wouldn’t be long before the navy came to besiege him. After all... he intended to set sail again!

And the forces sent to suppress a Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea would at least consist of several vice admirals... no, more likely an admiral leading the operation!

Under such circumstances, bringing along a little one like Perona could indeed pose problems.

At least during this period, that was the case.

However...

"Whether my crew returns is my decision to make!" Moria declared. "It’s not for you to decide!"

"Is that so..."

Kuma nodded and said, "She’s with Hawkeye."

After speaking, Kuma closed his mouth and turned to leave.

The ability he had initially projected was about to return to him. If he didn’t leave now, he might die here.

After all... this was Moria’s territory!

"Hawkeye, huh..."

Recalling the man with eyes like an eagle’s, Moria actually relaxed.

That guy could be considered a true warrior, spending his whole life with swords. He probably wouldn’t bother with a little girl.

In that case... for now, he should focus on handling the imminent crisis.

It wouldn’t be long before the navy came to suppress him.

Once he resolved his own problems, he could bring Perona back.

Then, Moria looked at Kuma and said, "Since you brought me this information, I’ll give you some advice in return."

Kuma paused at his words and replied, "Speak."

"Find yourself an escape route soon," Moria said. "I don’t know what deal you made with the World Government, but... if you don’t extricate yourself in time, you likely won’t end well."

He knew their mindset all too well... a thief is always a thief!

Even if they acted as the World Government’s dogs, the World Government would never truly regard them as equals. This was why Moria had never held the World Government in any esteem from the start.

The only reason he had agreed to become one of the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea was so he could stay here peacefully as a shut-in.

Hearing Moria’s words, Kuma didn’t respond. Without even a gesture, he instantly vanished from the spot.

Along with him disappeared the mass of gas floating nearby.

Gazing in the direction Kuma had departed, Moria narrowed his eyes and muttered, "Why does he seem different from the rumors?"

Would the Tyrant really warn him about such things?

It seemed this guy was more complicated than he’d imagined.

Shaking his head, Moria transformed his Shadow into bats that lifted him into the air.

Seated atop the giant bat, Moria silently watched the gradually quieting island below and murmured, "I can’t help feeling reluctant to leave..."

But Moria also knew this island couldn’t be saved. That it had lasted this long was already a miracle.

Thus, Moria sat silently on the bat, watching the island gradually sink until it completely disappeared beneath the waves before turning to leave.

Soon, Moria spotted his Pirate Ship on the open sea.

"Ah, it’s Lord Moria!!"

"Lord Moria!"

Seeing Moria flying back, Absalom was beyond excited.

Hogback also looked thrilled—this meant their captain truly possessed combat strength on par with Kuma!

Landing on the ship, Moria nodded and retracted his Shadow before asking, "Hmm, are you all unharmed?"

"We’re fine," Absalom replied. "Did you defeat Kuma?"

"No." Moria shook his head frankly. "That guy isn’t so easy to take down."

The Paw-Paw Fruit’s abilities were too overpowered—killing him wouldn’t be simple.

Absalom nodded in understanding. After all, Kuma was one of the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Meanwhile, Hogback stared at Moria with gleaming eyes. He noticed their captain seemed genuinely different now—at the very least, his energy and spirit had changed.

As a doctor, he was highly sensitive to such things!

"Lord Moria—"

"Call me Captain."

"Eh?!"

Absalom and Hogback gaped at Moria in shock. They never expected such a request—hadn’t he forbidden them from using that title before? The first time they’d tried, he’d scolded them harshly.

"Starting today, I set sail anew!" Moria declared with firm resolve. "Will you continue to follow me?"

Absalom and Hogback exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. "At your service, Captain!!"

"Gehihihihi!"

Receiving their affirmation, Moria laughed heartily, his joy unrestrained.

Then, his gaze turned to Hogback as he pondered what kind of Devil Fruit to acquire for him—something to ensure at least basic self-defense.

As for Absalom, there was no need to worry. The Invisibility Fruit’s power alone greatly boosted his survival odds.

"By the way, Lord Mor—"

"Hmm?"

Absalom: "..."

Under Moria’s stare, Absalom quickly corrected himself. "Captain, have you heard any news about Perona?"

Old habits died hard—it wasn’t easy to switch after years of calling him "Lord Moria."

"Perona, huh..."

Moria glanced at the distant sky and murmured, "The current situation isn’t suitable for bringing her back. She’s safer where she is than with us."

"Besides, we don’t have time for that now."

"Eh?!!"

"What do you mean?"

The two stared at Moria dumbfounded. What did he mean by "safer elsewhere"? And... what did he mean by "no time"?

"The Marines will come to hunt us down soon." Moria grinned. "Hell, an Admiral might even show up."

Absalom: "..."

Hogback: "..."

The two looked utterly flabbergasted at Moria. He hadn’t mentioned anything about an Admiral joining the hunt!

"What, scared?"

"Captain... is it too late to let us off now?" Hogback sobbed. "I want to take refuge with Perona too."

"That won’t do~"

"Why not?"

"Kuma has already left. I don’t have that kind of ability to send people flying~" Moria shrugged.

Hearing this, Hogback and Absalom exchanged glances before sighing in resignation.

"Ah...

What else can we do? Might as well follow obediently.

"You two idiots, show some backbone! Watch how your captain beats up a Marine Admiral!"

"Yes..."

"Louder!"

"YES!!"

"That’s more like it!" Moria laughed heartily with hands on his hips. "Starting today, I’m going to train you two properly."

"Gehihihihi!"

"No way—"

"No objections allowed!"

"Gehihihihihi!"