Journey to One Piece

54. Don Krieg

"How do you know this? How much do you know about me?" Nami asked nervously as she didn't know how Ken knew of everything.

"Do you think I would allow anyone to join our crew and do no background research on that person? Luffy might not care but I do."

When Ken pointed out about the brand she used her other hand to hide the tattoo. All this time she was hiding this tattoo in the fear that others might be able to recognize it and capture her. But it seemed that all of this failed in front of Ken.

"If you know so much then why are you here? On this crew? All I see is an idiot Captain? You are so powerful. You can even change the weather. Why did you choose this route?" Nami asked angrily. She didn't expect all her secrets would be unveiled in front of Ken. She still had fear for Arlong as what he had done was a traumatic experience from childhood itself.

A scar that might not heal in a long time.

"You really think our Captain is an idiot? He has more knowledge and experience than he shows. He might be goofy but he is my brother. There are other reasons to join his crew but that can be discussed later."

Nami was silent. All the time that she had been with this crew all she felt was happiness and the feeling of freedom. She could sleep peacefully for the first time in a long time in the sea. She didn't have to look over her shoulders for backstabbers.

And Ken was right. Though she proclaimed Luffy as an idiot, in her mind she could tell that Luffy wasn't one. He was serious when the situation demanded. It was just her emotions that burst out at that point when she felt vulnerable.

"Arlong is a pirate who came from the Grand Line and he is close friends with one of the Shichibukai, one of the 7 Warlords of the sea." Nami said still in her fear.

"Arlong was just one of the crew members of Jinbei. They have battled together once but when Jinbei joined the system he had to let go of Arlong. He is not all cuddly with Jinbei. The pirate group is already dismantled." Ken replied.

"You know of the Warlords too?"

"As I said long before I do my research. Now tell me, you have seen part of our power. Do you think Arlong can stand against us?" Ken asked.

"I am very close to 100 million bellies. I don't want my village to suffer." Nami said, still adamant.

"He already is in relation with a naval base captain. He will use him to take your money and this will never end." Ken said.

Nami was silent. After a minute she said

"Let me think for tonight. I will give you an answer tomorrow."

The next day everyone woke up as usual and Luffy went to the restaurant to convince Sanji, but today wasn't going to be a normal day for the Baratie Restaurant. When Gin left, many of the chefs were already in fear thinking that Kreig would come later. That speculation proved to be true.

When Ken and others were enjoying the great food at the restaurant, The Krieg Pirates had arrived with their broken ship. The ship looked like it would break at any given moment. The broken ship was anchored near the restaurant and Gin came with Captain Krieg on his shoulder.

"Please help me. Please. he hasn't eaten anything in the past few days. Please.. We have money. We can pay you." Gin was on his knees begging.

Krieg himself was half dead and begging. Of course the chefs were mocking him as the Krieg Pirates were notorious for their deception and having a huge crew. Now they looked pathetic so of course, the chefs and the other customers were enjoying themselves after seeing such a huge pirate group was on their knees.

But Sanji being Sanji came and provided food for Krieg. All the chefs almost went to war against Sanji but he still provided food for Krieg. The customers were horrified by this act and everyone left in the shortest moment.

Everyone. Except the Straw Hat Pirates and the two bounty hunters.

Owner Zeff was seeing all of this from the upper floor and just shook his head. He and Sanji had  lived through hunger and they knew perfectly how torturous it was. He didn't stop Sanji but he also felt that Sanji shouldn't be so kind hearted in this ruthless sea.

After his meal, Krieg was back in good condition and he proved exactly like the rumors were being told. He backstabbed and proclaimed that he would take over this restaurant and make himself a new crew.

"I am here for the logbook of Red Foot Zeff. It is said that he is the only person who came back unhurt from the Grand Line. I need that Logbook and with that I can travel to the Grand Line... Hahaha.." Don Krieg laughed.

Luffy and others were surprised that Owner Zeff was a legendary pirate who had gone to the Grand Line. Krieg gave an ultimatum of an hour to make food for the rest of the crew who were starving.

Of course the chefs were having none of it and they were ready with their knives, pitchforks, swords and every weapon that they could get their hands on. Only the Strawhat members were enjoying the show. Usopp was shivering looking at this but when he saw that his friends weren't exactly affected he tried hard not to show his fear.

Ken, who was enjoying the show, turned his head and looked in a certain direction. He could feel it.

That person was here.

Dracule Mihawk, the Hawkeye, one of the Seven Warlords.

"Zoro do you feel it?" Ken asked.

"Feel? What.... Eh!!!" Zoro's eyes went wide open when he tried to use his nose to understand what Ken meant. He felt it. The person he had been waiting for was here.

His destiny was here.