Newbie's Skill

Fifty-Four

Marines and pirates alike were all fighting when we got to a clearing. I saw a huge chubby guy, and he...imitated Luffy's appearance. I scoffed at the wannabe big shot. I looked around. Damn. They had the whole crew. From Nami to Chopper. I had outran Zoro and Sanji long ago.

"Luffy," I called. "You just got here. How are you already in trouble?" The fat Luffy stuttered over his words. I could tell he was racking his brain for who to respond to.

"Who do you think you are, talking to me so casually? Do you know who I am? I'm Monkey D. Luffy! Son of the Revolutionary Dragon! My bounty is 500 million berries!"

I snickered before I retorted, "That's heartbreaking. You don't even know your own brother?" He winced, terrified and shocked. A female Marine looked at me and clenched her jaw.

"How do you know Straw Hat?" Sentomaru, the Marine, snapped. I shrugged half-heartedly. My smirk widened, and it never faltered. I saw some pirates sweat.

"Call me crazy," the pirate said loudly. "But isn't that...?" I chuckled darkly, tipping my hat to them.

"Salom D. Ashlo, at your service. Now, then. Where can I find my big brother?" I questioned, straightening up.

"I am your big brother," the fake Luffy announced. He was sweating. "Come, join me. Help me fight these Marines and get out to sea." I couldn't help but laugh. I hopped down, and I swung a kick at him, sending him flying.

"My brother could have easily dodged that. You don't even have haki. You could never compare to the real thing." I looked up as a Pacifista shot some blasts at me, and I jumped up to avoid it. Then, he shot up at a hillside with a guy and a large bag. Three blasts. And he simply moved his head from side to side. I smiled. Now that's the Luffy I know.

"Too slow," he said as they all went into shock. "Ashlo," he called, and I perked up, putting my hands in my pockets. "What are you doing here?" The pirates looked between us like they were watching a phenomena happening right before their very eyes.

"I came to tell you something I just learned, but it seems you have your hands full at the moment," I replied. He disappeared from a jump and appeared above the Pacifista that shot at me. One shot took that thing down. "Beautiful work as usual." Zoro and Sanji showed up for the fight. I decided to join in on the fun. "Go. I can handle these goons."

"Who are you calling goons?" someone snapped.

"The lot of you." I stepped and disappeared. It still left Luffy and them speechless. I striked multiple targets before reappearing in my spot.

"Go on ahead with Luffy." Rayleigh appeared in front of me. He smirked ahead, taking out his sword and drew a line in the dirt with a single stroke. "I won't let you interfere with my students' return. Oh, and I'd advise you not to cross this line."

Zoro tugged my shirt, making me fall in line behind them. I caught Vista and Haruka duck back into hiding after seeing Rayleigh take charge. I grinned brightly and just laughed, making Luffy join in, and his crew mates smiled.