𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐖 𝐇𝐀𝐓

                                    

                                          

"You want trouble? You just found it." Luffy declared, glaring at a glass bottle as you watched him from behind.
"Gum-Gum...Pistol!" He screamed, his fist stretching back as he punched a nearby chair, smashing it to pieces.
"Luffy, can't you practice somewhere else?" Makino sighed from behind the bar, watching the destruction. "You need to be careful with your new abilities. I know it's exciting, but some people might be afraid of you now that you're...different."
Luffy grinned, his eyes wide with excitement. "I like being different. These Devil Fruit powers are gonna make me the greatest pirate ever!"
You stepped out from your hiding spot, leaning against a pillar. "Luffy, we don't know anything about Devil Fruits yet. We can't just charge around smashing things."
Makino walked over, her calm presence softening the tension. "I can explain something to you two," she said, smiling, motioning for both of you to sit. You and Luffy exchanged a glance and plopped down in front of her.
"No two Devil Fruits are the same," Makino began, her voice gentle but serious. "Each one grants a unique ability to the person who eats it, but there's a reason they're called Devil Fruits."
You nodded, remembering some old sailor's tales. "It's because of the deal you make when you eat one. If Mother Ocean turns her back on us, the sea can take away our strength."
Makino nodded approvingly. "Exactly. The sea becomes your enemy. You can't swim anymore, and being submerged in water will make you helpless."
Luffy, completely undeterred, crossed his arms with a defiant smirk. "All I know is the Gum-Gum and Ban-Ban Fruits are worth more than all of Shanks's treasure. And we ate them. That makes us worth more, right?"
Makino chuckled softly. "You ever heard the saying, 'There's no such thing as a free lunch'?"
Luffy's eyes widened. "Is it lunchtime already?"
You perked up at the thought. "Wait, it's lunch?"
Makino laughed, shaking her head. "How about Luffy puts my chair back together, and then I'll see what I can find in the kitchen."
Luffy groaned, staring at the shattered remains of the chair. Just as Makino was walking off toward the kitchen, your father entered the tavern.
"Shanks!" Luffy exclaimed, jumping up excitedly. "You gotta see what I can do now! Gum-Gum—"
"Luffy, no!" You stepped in quickly, pointing at the wreckage. "You already broke Makino's chair. Let's not break more stuff."
Shanks chuckled, ruffling your hair. "I'd listen to Akane, you know. She's always right."
Luffy was undeterred. "You have to let me join your crew! I'm tougher than ever!" His voice was filled with so much confidence it was almost contagious.
You smiled softly, but something in you shifted. You felt restless, deciding to take a walk outside. As you made your way onto the ship's deck, the peaceful moment was shattered by a voice you recognized too well—the man from the last time.
"Hoho, who do we have here?" His sneer made your stomach twist as he grabbed your dress, lifting you off the ground. "Captain Shanks's perfect little daughter, huh? Tell that pretty waiter to clean our shoes... or else. Got it, red hair?"
You nodded, fear gripping you as his grip tightened. But before you could even think of a response, a sharp voice cut through the tension.
"Hey! Let the kid go!" Yasopp yelled, followed closely by the rest of your father's crew. Your father was right behind them, his face dark with rage.