A year and a half had flown by, their final preparations complete. Kaito and Zoro had set sail from Shimotsuki a year prior, honing their skills on several islands in the East Blue. When the promised time arrived, they began their journey in earnest, their first stop: Foosha Village to pick up Luffy.
Remembering the "funny clown," Kaito convinced the others to make a small detour to Orange Town. He recalled Buggy largely because of Coby, a promising young man they had met and encouraged on Alvida's ship before her defeat.
Their path had already begun to reshape the world. In Syrup Village, their defeat of Captain Kuro had led to his arrest, triggering a Marine investigation that exposed the corruption of Captain Morgan. Morgan was arrested by Garp himself and shipped to Impel Down, while his son, Helmeppo, shed his arrogance to become a humble Marine soldier.
But for now, their destination was the Big Top of the Buggy Pirates.
After landing, the trio headed straight for the pirates' station, finding them in the middle of a raucous party. Kaito decided to end their fun in the most direct way possible.
"Hey, Big Red Nose! You have visitors!" he yelled.
The celebration crashed into a stunned silence, shattered a moment later by Buggy's furious entrance. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING A BIG RED NOSE?!"
Luffy and Zoro scrutinized him with unimpressed eyes.
"Oy, Kaito, are you sure he's Shanks' friend? He looks weak," Luffy stated.
Zoro nodded in agreement. "You must be mistaken. How could a weakling like him have sailed on the Pirate King's ship?"
Buggy recoiled. "Who are you people? How do you know that?!"
Kaito replied to his crewmates casually, "Well, every ship has one of his kind."
"What kind?" they asked in unison.
"The funny one," Kaito answered with a grin.
"Oh, I see!" Luffy and Zoro said, slamming their fists into their palms in realization.
"You bastards! How dare you make fun of me! Buggy Bomb!" Enraged, Buggy ordered his crew to fire a cannon.
Luffy glanced at the loaded weapon. "Zoro, that'll cause too much damage to the town."
Understanding immediately, Zoro unsheathed a single sword and sent a flying slash that cleanly bisected the cannon before it could fire.
Buggy and his crew stared, jaws agape. "What was that? Did he eat a Devil Fruit like Captain Buggy?" one pirate whispered.
As his crew panicked, a sweatdrop rolled down Buggy's temple. What the hell are these guys?
"Okay, Luffy," Kaito said. "I'm going to take his treasure while you fight him. Don't end it too fast."
"Okay!"
It wasn't long before Kaito returned with two bulging sacks of treasure, just as a defeated Buggy was sent flying into the distance, his crew scattering after him.
"Tsk, I can't believe that guy and Shanks were on the same ship," Luffy muttered.
Kaito laughed. "Hahaha! I have a feeling this isn't the last time we'll see him."
With that, they set off again, gathering Usopp and the Going Merry in Syrup Village, Nami in Cocoyasi Village, and Sanji at the Baratie. With the crew fully assembled, they continued their journey.
On the approach to their next stop, they saw a large fleet of damaged ships swarming with desperate, hungry people.
"Hmm, Don Krieg's armada," Kaito observed. "Looks like they're being hunted." He sensed a powerful, razor-sharp presence approaching the fleet.
"Hey. That guy is insanely strong," Luffy said, feeling the same aura.
"Zoro," Kaito said cautiously, "I know he's your goal, but it's too early to fight him." He feared a premature clash could be fatal.
Zoro stared out at the sea, his expression grim. "I feel like if I run away now, I'll never be able to catch him."
Meanwhile, Mihawk, who had been toying with the Krieg Pirates for harming civilians, was intrigued. He had felt several powerful presences appear and moved to investigate.
The two swordsmen met on a small, rocky island, the Krieg Pirates trembling at the Warlord's arrival. Mihawk ignored them, his piercing yellow eyes fixed on Zoro.
"Who are you?"
"Roronoa Zoro."
"What is your goal?" Mihawk asked, sensing the challenge in the young man's gaze.
"To be the world's greatest swordsman," Zoro answered, drawing his three swords.
Mihawk studied him. "You must know the difference in our strength. Why challenge me?"
"I didn't expect to meet you at the start of my journey," Zoro admitted honestly. "But I'm afraid if I look away now, I'll never be able to face you again."
Mihawk asked no further questions. He drew his black blade, Yoru. "Remarkable."
Kaito turned to the terrified Krieg Pirates. "You'd better run from here."
The clash lasted for two hours, with Mihawk holding back the entire time. In the end, Zoro was defeated, a massive scar etched across his chest, just as in another timeline. However, Kaito gained valuable intelligence: Mihawk possessed advanced Observation Haki, capable of sensing intent to the point of "Observation Killing."
Seeing his wounded friend, Luffy flew into a rage. "Gear Second! Jet Pistol!"
Mihawk saw the fist coming and, with his foresight, perceived it suddenly enlarging. He raised Yoru to block. The two attacks met, and a burst of Conqueror's Haki clashed between them. Luffy, pouring all his anger into the blow, managed to push Mihawk back a single step before the attack was halted.
Mihawk understood; this was merely a venting of anger, not a true challenge. A slight smile touched his lips. "What is your name, Straw Hat boy?"
"Monkey D. Luffy!"
"Your goal?"
"To be the Pirate King!"
"That is a path even more difficult than surpassing me."
"Don't care! I'll do it! Bleh!" Luffy stuck out his tongue.
Kaito watched proudly, glad to see Luffy had learned when to stop.
Mihawk then turned his gaze to Kaito and the sword at his hip. "And you? What is your goal?"
Kaito met his eyes squarely. "To fix this world."
Mihawk was taken aback for a second before a deep laugh escaped him. "Hahaha! You have chosen a far more dangerous road, my young friend."
"Well, it wouldn't be a dream if it was easy."
"Good. I thought this would be a boring journey, but you are an interesting group. Go, see the world, and challenge yourselves to learn more. Goodbye." With that, Mihawk departed.
Sanji glanced in the direction the Krieg Pirates had fled—toward the Baratie—but said nothing. The crew then continued their journey to Loguetown.
---
Before entering the town, Kaito smiled, sensing three familiar presences.
"Hey, Kaito," Luffy said. "Kuma is there, and he has three strong people with him."
"Yeah. Your father, your brother, and someone I want you to recruit."
"Father? Brother?... Yeah, that's Sabo! No wonder he felt familiar. Okay, let's go see him!" Luffy exclaimed.
"Wait, Kaito," Nami interjected, worried. "You said Luffy's father? Is he a Marine, like his grandfather?"
"If he is, we shouldn't go," Usopp added quickly.
"No," Kaito clarified. "Luffy's father and brother are revolutionaries who fight against the World Government. His father is their leader, Monkey D. Dragon. His brother is Sabo, the Chief of Staff."
"...WHAAT?! His father and brother are revolutionaries?!" Usopp yelled in horror.
"So, one is a Marine Hero, one is the world's most wanted revolutionary, and one is a pirate? What is wrong with this family?" Nami asked, utterly exasperated.
"Poh? So I have a father, and he's like that," Luffy said, as if hearing it for the first time.
Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, and Nami were floored. "Luffy, you didn't know who your father was?!"
"No. I only had my grandpa when I was growing up."
They stared at him. "You never asked?!"
"Asked about what?" Luffy replied, genuinely puzzled.
"About your father's identity!" they yelled in unison.
"I didn't know I had a father. How could I ask about him?"
Kaito was laughing so hard that tears streamed from his eyes. Luffy's straightforward nature never failed to amuse him.
"Stop laughing, Kaito!" the crew yelled.
After landing, they went to the roof of a high building where they met Dragon, Sabo, Kuma, and Robin.
"It's been a while, Kaito," Robin said with a warm smile.
"Yeah, Robin. You look much better now than before."
Meanwhile, Luffy immediately tackled Sabo, and the two brothers began talking and laughing. "It's been so long, Sabo! We missed you!"
"Yeah, I missed you guys, too," Sabo replied, his smile wide.
"Did you miss me too, Sabo?" Kaito asked, inserting himself into the reunion.
"Hmph. I don't miss sick bastards like you," Sabo retorted venomously.
"That's harsh. It's been years; get over it already. You don't see Luffy and Ace still crying over it."
"I had nightmares for years because of that day!"
"Hmm, well, that's called building character, you know," Kaito responded calmly.
"Hahahaha! You guys are funny!" Luffy laughed, watching their interaction.
Noticing Dragon's silence, Kaito said slyly, "You don't know what to say to your son, Dragon?"
Luffy turned and looked at the revolutionary leader. "You're my father?"
"Yes, I am," Dragon said, his voice deep and steady.
"Good," Luffy replied simply.
The atmosphere became dead quiet.
The Straw Hats, expecting an emotional scene, were speechless. So were Kuma and Robin. Dragon himself was taken aback; Sabo had warned him about Luffy's character, but he hadn't expected it to this degree.
Kaito, holding back another laugh, explained, "Don't expect much, Dragon. I only just told him about you. Luffy doesn't think about these things. He only knows what's directly in front of him."
Dragon's eye twitched as he finally got a glimpse of his son's unique perspective. Sabo laughed. "Didn't I tell you? Luffy doesn't care about such things."
"Anyway, Luffy," Kaito said, changing the subject. "This is Nico Robin."
Luffy looked at her for a moment before declaring, "I'm Luffy, the man who's going to be the Pirate King. Join my crew."
Robin looked at him, then a gentle smile graced her lips. "Okay. I will be in your care, then."
"Great! Then let's go! I want to see the execution platform!" Luffy said.
The others were, once again, speechless at the sheer casualness of the recruitment.
Sabo shook his head fondly. "Luffy, it was nice to see you again."
"Yeah! We'll see each other again in the Grand Line!" Luffy replied.
After their goodbyes, the groups split up, and Robin followed the Straw Hat crew.
"What do you think?" Kaito asked Robin as they walked.
She smiled. "It is going to be fun, at least."
"Hahaha, that's true."
"By the way," Robin added, "Crocodile seems to have become active again recently."
"Again? In Alabasta?"
"Yes."
"It looks like our theory that someone in the World Government is pulling the strings is correct."
"Could be," Robin conceded, "but Crocodile has too much pride to work under someone."
"Anyway, we'll figure it out when we meet him."
"Are we going to Alabasta?" Robin asked.
"Yeah, it's the best route to Skypiea. We need the money."
"...Aren't you super rich?" Robin questioned.
"I am, but there's no such thing as being too rich. Besides, the crew needs its own funds," Kaito explained.
As they talked, they arrived at the execution platform.
"So, this is where the Pirate King died," Luffy mused, his voice uncharacteristically soft.
"Yeah. I actually think this is the best place to announce our entrance to the Grand Line. What do you think, Luffy?"
Luffy was silent for a moment before bursting into his signature laughter. "Yeah, this is really the best place!"
He then shot up and stood on top of the platform. As people began to notice, Kaito said to Nami, "When Luffy makes his announcement, destroy it with lightning."
Nami, though confused, nodded.
The Marines arrived, and a crowd gathered. Sensing the moment was right, Kaito said, "Now!"
Luffy took a deep breath and yelled to the entire plaza, "I'M GOING TO BE THE PIRATE KING!"
The crowd was stunned into silence by the audacious declaration. On cue, Nami summoned a lightning bolt that struck the platform, shattering it into splinters. Luffy landed on his feet amidst the debris, laughing.
"Yosh! Let's go!"
In the crowd, Smoker was also stunned. As the crew began to leave, he moved to block their path. "Hey, Straw Hat! You're a pirate?"
"Yes! I'm Monkey D. Luffy, the future Pirate King!"
"Then I'll have to arrest you! White Snake!" Smoker launched his smoke attack.
Kaito, noticing a marine lieutenant, said to Zoro, "Hey, look at that girl over there."
Zoro turned and his eyes widened. "Kuina?! Did you join the Marines?!"
Tashigi's face flushed with anger. "Who are you calling Kuina?! I'm Tashigi! Don't compare me to that evil pirate!"
Zoro was taken aback. Kaito clarified, "She's much weaker than Kuina. Don't think too much about it."
Zoro nodded and began to walk away, but an infuriated Tashigi moved to stop him. "You're a pirate, too, right? I'll arrest you!"
Zoro drew his sword. "Well, I never shy away from a challenge."
Kaito smiled. "Hurry up and catch us! Nami, stay with them; they're both directionally challenged."
"Hey, I'm not! Zoro is!" Luffy protested, dodging Smoker's attacks.
Kaito nodded. "That's true. Zoro is the lost one. You're just airheaded."
"Hey!" Luffy and Zoro yelled in unison.
"Hey! Focus on the fight!" Smoker and Tashigi shouted back.
Angered, Luffy and Zoro both tapped into their Haki. Luffy's Haki-infused fist finally connected with Smoker's solid logia body, sending the Marine reeling. Zoro, meanwhile, was about to strike Tashigi's sword when Kaito suddenly appeared, blocking his attack.
"What are you doing?!" Zoro demanded.
"You were about to destroy a famed sword, you idiot!" Kaito said, swiftly disarming Tashigi. "Hmm, as I thought. This is a fine blade. It's better if I hold onto it until you're stronger." He began to walk away with the sword.
Suddenly, a powerful kick aimed at both him and Zoro. They blocked it in unison.
"Sanji, what's your problem?!" Kaito asked.
Zoro also yelled, "What are you doing, ero-cook?!"
"You two need to learn how to treat a lady!" Sanji declared, taking a puff from his cigarette.
"Hmm, but it's a shame for such a beautiful sword to be destroyed. I'll return it when she's stronger," Kaito insisted.
"Return the sword. Now!" Sanji yelled, launching another attack. "Ifrit Jambe!"
Kaito dodged without using his Devil Fruit power and countered with a flying slash. Sanji met it with a slash of his own from his kick, the two attacks canceling each other out in a burst of force.
"Hahaha! Fight! Fight!" Luffy cheered from the sidelines.
Zoro glared at Sanji. "You didn't forget you attacked me too, did you?" He then joined the fray, his swords clashing against Sanji's hardened legs.
Seeing the chaotic three-way fight, Kaito sighed. "Well, it's too much trouble to keep the sword. Here, keep it safe." He tossed the sword back to a stunned Tashigi.
"What the hell are you three doing?!" Nami yelled, suddenly appearing and knocking both Sanji and Zoro on the head. "Let's go get the supplies and leave. Now!"
"Okay, Nami-san!" Sanji said immediately, hearts in his eyes.
The Straw Hats quickly made their escape, leaving a shocked crowd and dazed Marines behind.
After gathering supplies, they returned to the Going Merry. The crew was celebrating Robin's arrival with a banquet the next day when a News Coo dropped off a paper. Kaito bought one.
"Hehehe, looks like our entrance made some noise. We have bounties."
"WHAAT?!" the crew exclaimed, a mix of excitement and worry in their voices.
Kaito read them aloud:
· "Straw Hat" Monkey D. Luffy: 80,000,000 Berries
· "Devil Child" Nico Robin: 79,000,000 Berries
· "Thunder Fang" Kaito Mizunaga: 60,000,000 Berries
· "Pirate Hunter" Roronoa Zoro: 50,000,000 Berries
· "Black Leg" Sanji: 50,000,000 Berries
"What the hell? How can our first bounties be so high?!" Nami and Usopp asked in horror.
"It looks like I'm the reason," Robin said softly.
"I'm not so sure," Kaito countered. "Garp might have had a hand in this."
"Eh? He'd tell on his own grandson?" Usopp asked.
"Hmm, how to explain this... Garp believes in his work and justice. But he's also a grandfather. With those conflicting emotions, he'd report Luffy to the Navy but would expect them to give him face and not set the bounties too high unless Luffy did something extreme."
"What a complicated family," everyone muttered.
"True," Kaito agreed. "But anyway, these bounties are still far lower than our actual strength. If I had to estimate our true threat level, Luffy, Robin, and I would be around two billion. Zoro and Sanji would be around one and a half billion. Usopp and Nami would be around seven hundred million, with some variation, of course."
Nami and Usopp stared at Robin. "You're that strong?!"
Robin smiled. "I was actually quite weak before, but the training methods from Kaito increased my strength dramatically."
They turned to Kaito. "What training?!"
Kaito just smiled. "You'll know in time."
The crew held another banquet for their new bounties and then set a course for the Reverse Mountain to enter the Grand Line.
---
After successfully navigating the mountain's upward current, the crew descended the other side, only to be met by a colossal whale. Just then, Kaito spoke.
"Luffy, the musician is here. And with someone you'll be surprised to meet."
"Eh? Oh, is that...?" Luffy asked, his eyes widening.
"Laboon! It's been a long time!" Kaito called out. Then, to the crew's horror, he asked, "Can you swallow us?"
"Ooooooh!" Laboon made a deep, resonant noise and opened his cavernous mouth, swallowing the Going Merry whole.
The crew panicked, but Kaito calmed them. "Don't worry. Once we're inside, you'll understand."
Inside Laboon's stomach, they found an artificial island and three people waiting for them.
"UTA!!!" Luffy yelled in shock and delight, leaping from the ship onto the island.
Uta hugged him tightly, a genuine smile finally breaking through her usual melancholic expression. "Long time no see, Luffy."
"Uta, what happened? Why are you here? Did something happen to Shanks?"
"No, Shanks is fine. It's just... something happened," she said, a pained look flickering in her eyes.
"Anyways, Luffy," Kaito interjected. "This is Brook, the musician I recommended for our crew. A Devil Fruit user, as you can guess."
"Yohoho! I am Brook, the gentleman skeleton. It's a pleasure to meet you all." Brook said, his hollow eye sockets lingering on Nami and Robin. "Oh, what beautiful ladies. Might I be so bold as to ask for a glimpse of your—"
"Like hell you can!" Nami immediately kicked him on the head, sending his afro wobbling.
Luffy turned to look at Brook and burst out laughing. "What an interesting guy! Yosh, join my crew, Brook!"
"Okay," Brook replied cheerfully.
The group was speechless again for a moment before laughter filled the cavern.
Luffy then turned back to Uta, his expression turning serious. "So, what's going on, Uta?"
Uta took a deep breath and began to tell her story. After Shanks and his crew visited her home, the musical kingdom of Elegia, she had accidentally awakened the demonic entity, Tot Musica, with her Uta Uta no Mi powers, leading to the island's destruction. Shanks and his crew defeated the demon, but to protect Uta from the guilt and the World Government's wrath, he made the heart-wrenching decision to leave her, making it seem like a betrayal so she wouldn't abandon music.
Heartbroken and feeling betrayed, Uta grew to hate Shanks. It was then that Brook, the skeleton, appeared on the desolate island. Uta and the island's caretaker, Gordon, were startled, but they grew to like the gentle, musical skeleton. When they asked why he was there, Brook explained the truth.
"I heard that Red-Haired Shanks destroyed this kingdom. A friend of mine, who thought that was out of character for him, suspected the Tot Musica demon had been unleashed again and that Shanks was covering for the person who did it."
Uta was confused, but Gordon paled, pretending ignorance. "Tot Musica? I've never heard of such a thing!"
Brook continued, "My friend recently discovered legends about a destruction-seeking demon linked to Elegia's history. It seeks a user of the Uta Uta no Mi to sing the song that unleashes it. Because the sheet music itself can manipulate the user, I have come here to destroy it."
Hearing this, Gordon ran off and returned with the very musical score for Tot Musica, which Brook promptly destroyed. He then asked about Uta's distress.
After understanding the full story, Brook contacted Kaito, who arrived with Kuma's help.
"You shouldn't blame yourself," Kaito had told Uta. "The destruction was caused by the demon, not you. Don't let its shadow control your life. You should improve yourself and create new songs that summon angels of peace and love, not demons of destruction. Shanks shouldered the guilt of destroying an island to protect you because he believed in your potential. You should honor his sacrifice by keeping your dream alive."
Uta cried, "But I thought he betrayed me! He was just protecting me all along..."
"You don't understand how dangerous Tot Musica is," Kaito explained. "If the World Government knew you were responsible, they would hunt you relentlessly. Shanks could protect you, but people would die in the conflict. Knowing you, you'd never be able to live with that guilt. He chose the path that would hurt you the least to keep you safe."
Uta cried for a long time before finally calming down. "What should I do? How can I summon an angel instead of a demon?"
"I don't know for sure," Kaito admitted. "But staying here will only depress you. You should see the world and understand it, so your songs can express its true nature. See the suffering caused by injustice and sing about it. See why people become pirates, Marines, or revolutionaries. Only when you understand the world's truths can you learn to use positive energy to summon an angel."
Uta agreed and had been traveling with Brook for over ten years since, seeing the world clearly and honing her music and her heart.
"As long as you are alright, then it's fine," Luffy said, trying to encourage her. "You didn't forget about your dream to be the best singer in the world, did you?"
Uta smiled, seeing that he hadn't changed much from their childhood. She replied after a moment of thought, feeling helpless. "Luffy, I don't think I can create the world we dreamed of. There's too much suffering, and I don't think I can create a utopia with singing alone."
Luffy was about to speak when Kaito cut in. "Why do you think that?"
Uta looked at Kaito but remained silent.
"You should have found an answer, but you are afraid to say it. If you don't acknowledge the problem, you won't be able to fix it," Kaito pressed.
Uta kept silent for a while before speaking. "There seems to be too many things wrong. Too much pain. I still can't find the answer."
Kaito nodded. "You aren't alone. Every person sailing or living is looking for answers. Most live their whole lives searching. I, myself, am looking. At first, I thought the Revolutionary Army was the answer, but they are also still searching. So I collected clues and found three things:
1. Some people don't want us to find answers.
2. The person who found the answers decided to die, but not before leaving a clue.
3. To change the world, a lot of people will die in the process.
After realizing that, I decided to look for the answers myself before trying to fix anything, but not without learning from the past. So I did what Roger hinted for people like us to do: seek out Laugh Tale."
"Even if it means destroying other people's lives?" Uta said emotionally.
"Yes," Kaito replied, his voice firm. "I'm not going to pretend I might not make mistakes or harm innocent people along the way, but that is a guilt I'm willing to bear for my dream."
"I don't think you are right. I think you should try to find it peacefully."
"Uta, that ship sailed when a whole island of scholars, along with ordinary civilians and children, were destroyed for just trying to understand the truth. My enemy is powerful, merciless, cruel, and manipulative. If they knew—no, if they just doubted for a second that I might be a threat, they would gladly use innocent lives to make me hesitate or give up."
Uta remained silent, then started crying again. "It's so painful."
"Well, you can just give up your dream and let us try to achieve it for you," Kaito said bluntly.
Luffy suddenly punched her lightly on the arm. "What are you doing, Uta? If people give up their dreams because it's difficult and painful, then it's no different than death! I don't understand what Kaito is saying, but I know that giving up isn't an answer!"
Kaito nodded. "Don't think about Elegia or what you've lost; think about what you have. You are alive, trying to make a world without suffering. To achieve your goal, you went out to see the world with Brook. I know you've seen a lot of pain, but haven't you also made friends and sung songs that made people happy? Don't just look at the negative; look at the positives, too."
Uta began to think, then nodded through her tears. "Yes... yes, I have made a lot of friends and lots of happy memories. You're right."
Luffy finally smiled. "Then join us, Uta!"
Uta wiped her tears and shook her head. "No, I can't. I can't go against Shanks."
"Oh, are you going to join Shanks, then?" Luffy asked.
"No," Uta said, her voice growing stronger. "I will keep singing and believe in you two. I will wait, preparing for the day when I can become the best singer in a world without suffering."
The crew smiled as Uta finally found her resolve.
"Yohoho! That's wonderful, Uta-san! You have finally found your answer and I will be happy to go with them as a musician to look for angle summoning sheet.!" Brook exclaimed.
Uta smiled and said.
"Thank you Brook and I will keep Laboon company then."
With warm farewells, the Straw Hats said goodbye to Uta a Laboon who promised to meet again. As the Going Merry was gently released from Laboon, the crew set their sights on the Grand Line, their journey and their legend truly beginning. You