One Piece: From Ninja To Pirates

"Eat up, eat up!"

At the dining table, everyone was devouring their food at top speed, as if something terrible would happen if they slowed down.

"Yohohoho, this is truly delightful!"

"What’s gotten into you?" Usopp asked Brook, eyeing him curiously. "You’ve been unusually excited since this morning."

"What happened?"

As he spoke, Usopp glanced at Meiser. If he remembered correctly, Meiser was always the first to wake up—maybe he knew something.

"I know!" Merry raised her small hand. "Brook said he read the logbook yesterday."

"That’s right!"

Brook exclaimed excitedly, "I read about all your adventures—it was absolutely thrilling!"

"To you all, what happened at Thriller Bark was nothing!"

"You resolved the rebellion in Alabasta!"

"You visited the legendary Sky Island!"

"And even at the City of Seven Waters and Enies Lobby, you clashed with the World Government! Not even a Buster Call could stop you..."

"Reading all that made my heart pound with excitement!"

"Ah, though I don’t have a heart! Yohohoho!"

The records in the logbook had left Brook utterly exhilarated. How he wished he could have been there with his crewmates during those adventures.

"Hahaha, we’ve been through so much without even realizing it," Usopp laughed.

"That’s true. I wonder what else we’ll experience in the future," Nami mused, resting her chin on her hand as she daydreamed.

"Starting today, you’ll be written into the logbook too, Brook."

"Yes, that’s exactly what I wanted to say!" Brook slammed the table enthusiastically. "Now that I’m part of the crew, I must contribute as well!"

The others chuckled at Brook’s excitement—they completely understood how he felt.

"Hey, Brook~" Meiser grinned. "Let me give you some advice."

"Mr. Meiser, I’m all ears."

"Here, you can never let your guard down during meals~"

"Understood! I’ll stay sharp!" Brook declared grandly. "If any enemy dares attack us now, I’ll—"

Just then, Luffy, who had been eating nearby, suddenly announced, "That plate looks good—it’s mine now!"

"Eh?!"

Watching as Luffy snatched his plate of food, Brook froze in shock.

"So that’s what he meant by not letting your guard down..."

He had assumed Meiser was warning about enemies ambushing the Straw Hat Pirates during meals, but... it was because Mr. Luffy’s eating habits were so wild that food could disappear at any moment?

Glancing at Luffy, who was happily munching away, Brook suddenly burst into laughter.

Even though his food had been stolen, it meant Mr. Luffy treated him no differently—he was just as reckless with everyone.

Watching Luffy get fed chili peppers for stealing Usopp’s meat, Brook laughed even harder.

"Yohohoho~"

"To become a true member of this crew as soon as possible, I’ll work even harder!!"

"Don’t be so nervous, relax."

Sanji patted Brook on the shoulder, signaling him to sit down and eat while handing him another plate of food.

It was clear that Sanji knew Luffy’s gluttonous nature well, which was why he always prepared enormous quantities of food during meals, never worrying about anyone going hungry.

As for leftovers?

With Luffy around, no amount of food would remain uneaten!

"Yes, I’ll do my best to eat properly!"

"Yohohoho!"

Watching Brook rapidly devour the food, Sanji smiled and said, "That’s more like it."

They were already crewmates—no need for formalities. Just eat up.

Soon, thanks to Luffy’s efforts, not a single grain of rice remained from the meal.

"Mr. Luffy really has quite the appetite..." Brook remarked.

Most of the food had ended up in Luffy’s stomach, with the others only eating small portions.

"Ahahaha, it’s because Sanji’s cooking is so delicious!" Luffy laughed heartily before dashing out.

The others gradually left the dining area as well to attend to their own tasks.

"Mr. Sanji, let me help you wash the dishes!" Brook volunteered.

"Oh, that’d be a huge help!"

Sanji gave Brook a thumbs-up in approval.

"Merry, let’s go too," Meiser said, turning to Merry. "I’ll teach you something new."

"And while we’re at it, I’ll test how well you’ve learned what I showed you before."

"About that..."

Little Merry’s eyes darted around nervously—clearly not the mark of a diligent student.

Meiser narrowed his eyes. "Seems our little Merry hasn’t been putting in much effort, huh?"

"Come on, follow me outside. Time for your test."

With a resigned sigh, Merry knew there was no escaping this.

Reluctantly, she followed Meiser onto the deck.

Skillfully retrieving a small scroll from her ninja tool pouch, she clapped her hands together, transforming it into a large scroll.

Meiser spread it out on the ground and sat down.

"Alright, kiddo."

"I’ve already taught you how to make a Summoning Technique scroll. Now, draw it out using the method you know."

"After that, we’ll move on to other Sealing Techniques."

Ninjutsu was beyond her for now, so focusing on Sealing Techniques was the way to go.

Still... mastering Sealing Techniques would be incredibly useful.

"Fine..."

Pouting, Merry obediently sat down and began sketching—though her crude drawing made Meiser’s eye twitch.

Guess it was still too soon.

But no matter. Starting now was better than not learning at all. He was sure she’d get it eventually.

As for wasted scrolls?

With enough materials, he could make as many as he wanted, so he wasn’t worried about that.

"Clapping your hands to make a scroll bigger... what an enviable ability," Chopper remarked in awe.

Noticing Chopper approaching, Meiser asked, "Planning to dry those herbs?"

"Yeah, managed to gather some good ones for once."

Although the environment in the Devil’s Triangle Ship Graveyard wasn’t great, some rather special medicinal herbs still managed to grow there.

"I’ll help you with that."

"Okay!"

Watching Chopper walk aside to dry the herbs, Merry’s small eyes suddenly darted around mischievously.

"No slacking off, you hear me!"

Merry: "...Got it."

Seeing Merry behave, Meiser snorted. He knew exactly what this little troublemaker was thinking.

Frankly, these were all tricks he’d outgrown. Back when his cousin Tsunade forced him to study, he’d slacked off plenty too.

Of course, he’d gotten beaten up just as often.

"Hey, Meiser."

"What’s up?"

"So what’s the deal with that Kuma guy?" Chopper asked while arranging herbs. "He could’ve killed us outright, but instead he asked those two strange questions..."

"Is it just some twisted hobby of his?"

"Honestly, I don’t know either," Meiser shook his head.

He couldn’t figure out Kuma’s motives either. It almost felt like... the man didn’t truly want to kill them, yet he hadn’t held back during their fight.

Maybe it really was just some weird hobby, like Chopper said.

"Hey Meiser! Chopper! Come quick, Franky’s got some new weapon to test!" Luffy shouted before running over for a closer look.

"Hmm?"

The two herb handlers turned to see Franky and Usopp tinkering with some bizarre-looking... cannon? at the ship’s bow.

"What is that thing?"

"Oh ho! This is my specially modified cannon!" Franky flashed a thumbs-up. "Both accuracy and firepower have been significantly upgraded!"

"Exactly!" Usopp laughed boisterously. "Combined with my supreme sniping skills, this baby will unleash unstoppable destruction! Ahahaha!"

Watching the two fuss over their contraption, Meiser’s mind drifted back to before Luffy’s crew entered the Grand Line.

If he remembered correctly... Usopp had once bombarded a small reef island with cannons too.

Let’s hope they don’t blast two more people out of nowhere this time.

The thought made Meiser’s expression turn slightly peculiar.

"Everyone, is there anything I can help with~?" Brook came skipping over.

"Oh yeah, we need another barrel of cola. Go fetch one for me."

"Right away!"

The delighted skeleton hurried off and returned carrying a large barrel.

"Just pour it right in here," Franky pointed at the intake valve.

"This spot here...?"

After emptying the barrel’s contents, Brook stepped back. "All set now?"

"Yep! Now witness the power of my masterpiece! Usopp, fire!"

"Roger that!"

Usopp stomped hard on the accelerator, immediately building pressure in the cannon as steam billowed out.

"FIRE!"

A gust of wind blew by. No cannonball flew out—just the rattling sound of the pressurized cannon shaking violently.

Usopp: "???"

"What’s going on?"

"Maybe not enough pressure?" Franky adjusted his sunglasses. "Try pushing it to maximum."

"On it!"

With Usopp’s operation, the pressure in the cannon began to rise sharply, eventually causing it to vibrate violently.

The next moment...

"BOOM!!"

The exploding cannon spewed out a massive mixture of cola, staining everyone present.

Meiser: ...

Splattered with cola, Meiser’s lips twitched in exasperation. What on earth was this mess?

"It doesn’t seem like cola..." Chopper licked the corner of his mouth. "It’s salty."

"Salty?!"

Franky froze for a moment before his eyes widened in realization. "Brook, you bastard, did you bring soy sauce instead of cola?!"

"Ah... it does seem to be soy sauce."

"You jerk, what the hell were you thinking?!"

"I’m sorry!!"

Watching Franky chase Brook out, Luffy burst into laughter. "That guy’s hilarious."

"Hilarious...?"

Meiser sighed helplessly before glancing at Chopper. "You’ll have to wash your herbs again."

"More importantly, I think you should check on Merry."

"Huh?"

As if suddenly remembering, Meiser turned to look at Merry and immediately noticed the little one’s pitiful state. Her once-clean dress was now stained in various colors, and her face was smeared like a little kitten’s. Even the Scroll on the ground was soiled by the mixture of cola and soy sauce.

"Pfft..."

"HAHAHAHA!"

Unable to hold back, Meiser burst out laughing at Merry’s appearance.

"Hmph, stupid Meiser." Merry puffed her cheeks angrily.

She was already in such a state, and instead of comforting her, he was laughing at her.

"Can’t help it. You just look too funny." Meiser then turned to Nico Robin, who was holding a watering can. "Robin, could you take Merry to get cleaned up?"

"Hmm?"

Taking in Merry’s sorry state, Nico Robin also couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

"How did this happen?"

"Brook just brought Franky a barrel of soy sauce, which caused Franky’s cannon to explode," Chopper explained.

"I see..."

Nico Robin nodded, feeling as though she had pieced something together. After signaling Merry to follow her, she handed the watering can to Meiser, gesturing for him to water the plants in her stead.

"Leave it to me!" Brook suddenly ran over. "I can help!"

Noticing the large bump on Brook’s head, Meiser’s lips twitched. Did Franky do that? But... what was up with this old skeleton? Why did he seem so uneasy? Almost as if... he was worried about something.

Nico Robin, who had also noticed the issue, cut straight to the point. "Brook... why do you look so unsettled? What are you afraid of?"

At her words, Brook fell completely silent, his usual cheerful expression vanishing instantly. This reaction confirmed Nico Robin’s suspicions.

"Afraid?"

Chopper glanced at Brook, confused. What was there to fear? Hadn’t they already retrieved his Shadow?

"Yes... I am truly terrified right now..." Brook lowered his head. "When Luffy-san invited me to join your crew, I was overjoyed."

"But... am I really capable?"

"In the journey to embrace the New World, we’ll undoubtedly face unimaginable enemies and hardships. What if instead of helping everyone, I end up being a burden...?"

"Would I be kicked off the ship then?"

"Losing my comrades again... returning to those lonely, desolate days... I’m terrified of that day coming."

Seeing Brook’s despondent mood, the others present finally understood why he’d been acting strangely since morning.

So... he was worried about failing to fit in and ultimately being cast out?

"Brook..." Nico Robin spoke up. "I used to feel the same way."

"Eh?!"

"Miss Robin too...?"

"Mhm." Robin glanced at the distant sky, her tone complex. "I too once feared I wasn’t worthy of being their comrade. That’s why I considered sacrificing my life to protect them..."

"At the time, I thought that’s what a proper comrade should do."

"But they showed me through actions how wrong that was." As she spoke, Robin looked at Chopper and Meiser who were smiling at her, her lips gradually curving upward.

"We even defeated a Buster Call just to save this stubborn fool," Meiser said with a laugh.

Hearing Meiser call her a stubborn fool didn’t anger Robin—instead, it made her smile brighter.

She had indeed been extremely stubborn back then... but that experience showed her exactly what kind of comrades she’d gained.

"A... stubborn fool?"

"Brook, true friends don’t need such worries," Robin said. "If you still can’t find your answer, just go ask Luffy directly."

"Do your best, Brook!" Merry cheered, waving her small hands.

Robin smiled and turned to leave with Merry.

"Ask Mr. Luffy directly...?"

"I agree too," Chopper said. "When we first met Luffy, we all had our own problems... but in the end, Luffy always gave us the answers."

Though he didn’t understand how Luffy’s incredible intuition worked, his words always hit the mark. That’s why he fully supported Robin’s suggestion.

"But asking Mr. Luffy is..."

"Hey, Luffy! Brook wants to talk to you!"

"Eh?!"

"Mr. Meiser, why would you—"

"What’s up? What’s up?" Luffy came running over, his face full of curiosity as he looked at Meiser. "What do you need?"

Between words, he took a big bite of the meat in his hand, chewing happily.

"Brook has something to ask you," Meiser said, pointing at the skeleton.

It was better to resolve Brook’s psychological issue sooner rather than later—otherwise, he’d keep suffering.

Now that they were comrades, Meiser didn’t want that for him.

Luffy blinked, tilting his head at Brook. "What is it?"

Looking at the completely unpretentious Luffy, Brook fell silent for a moment before speaking: "Mr. Luffy... is it really alright for me to join the Straw Hat Pirates?"

"Yeah!"

"Huh?!"

"Such an immediate answer?" Brook stared dumbfounded at Luffy and said, "But I..."

"I’ve already acknowledged you, of course you can join!"

"Brook, you’re my nakama!"

Seeing Luffy’s toothy grin, Brook froze.

For some reason, he found this smile incredibly reassuring, and unconsciously began to relax.

"Because... I’ve been acknowledged..."

"Now you can rest easy, Brook," Meiser said with a chuckle.

Hearing Meiser’s words, Brook instinctively turned to look at him, then glanced at the other crew members on deck—everyone was smiling at him.

At this moment... Brook’s heart found complete peace.

"Yeah!"

"Everyone, I look forward to working with you from now on!"

"Whoo!"

Suddenly, Meiser jumped up, grabbing both Luffy and Brook while pulling Chopper along, landing beside Franky and the others.

"Huh?!"

"Meiser, what are you doing?"

"To celebrate Brook letting go of his worries, let’s all take a shower together!"

"Hahaha, sounds good, let’s go right no—"

Before Usopp could finish speaking, he noticed a swirling water vortex suddenly appear on the deck nearby.

Seeing this, Usopp’s heart skipped a beat.

"Don’t tell me it’s..."

"BOOM!!"

A Water Dragon suddenly surged forth, crashing directly onto Meiser’s head before transforming into a cascading waterfall.

"SPLASH~"

The massive torrent of water forcefully flattened all six of them onto the deck.

"Damn it, Meiser! Who uses Water Release for a shower?!" Usopp roared with shark-like fury. "Are you trying to kill us?!"

As Usopp lifted his head to continue yelling, he got a mouthful of water, nearly choking him.

"This is way more fun, hahaha!"

"Yohohoho!" Brook laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying this interaction with his crewmates.

It made him feel incredibly at ease and relaxed.

"Meiser, make the water stronger!" Luffy shouted.

"Right on!" Franky boomed. "The SUPER me today isn’t afraid of some puny water flow!"

"Stronger! Stronger!"

"Got it!"

"BOOM!!"

"Damn you, Meiser, I... glug glug glug..."

"Hahaha."