One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

"Huh? Why are they after us?" Usopp exclaimed in confusion. "We haven't directly challenged any of them, have we? It's the World Government that's set our bounties!"

Zoro, ever eager for a challenge, responded with a dismissive snort. "They probably think taking us down will boost their own reputations," he speculated, his voice thick with disdain and a barely concealed eagerness for a fight. "Good. I could use a real fight to sharpen my skills before the main event."

He instinctively touched the hilt of his sword, Shusui, reflecting on its recent enhancement. Zoro had entrusted Bai Ye with his former sword, Yubashiri, to merge and enhance Shusui, a process that had not only improved the sword but deepened his spiritual connection to it. The prospect of testing his upgraded blade was a thrilling one.

Shakky observed Zoro's readiness for battle with a nod of approval. "I see you're ready to stand your ground." Turning to Luffy, she added, "I've heard a lot about you, Straw Hats. Didn't know about the skeleton, though, or that he could talk."

With a supportive smile, she encouraged them, "So, I'm backing you, Little Monkey. Don't let those rivals push you around."

Luffy, who had been half-listening while demolishing a plate of food, looked up with his usual confident grin. "I don't see any reason to back down," he declared cheerfully. "I won't lose to anyone!"

But the light-hearted moment was shattered by a sudden explosion. A hole blasted through the wall of the tavern, sending debris flying and smoke billowing into the room.

Through the settling dust, a tall, imposing figure stepped forward, silhouetted against the light from outside.

"You won't lose to anyone? Seems like you've forgotten my Fist of Love after all this time!" A rugged yet commanding voice echoed through the bar as an elderly man in a Marine uniform stepped forward.

Luffy's face drained of color at the sight, an expression of genuine fear flashing across it for the first time. "An enemy..." he muttered under his breath, recognizing the uniform if not immediately the face.

Sanji, closer to the door, squared his shoulders and readied himself to attack. But before he could move, the old man disappeared from the doorway with bewildering speed.

"What?!" Sanji exclaimed, his foot still raised in preparation.

Zoro, too, spun around only to find the old man had already reappeared right in front of Luffy at the bar. It was so fast, Zoro barely had time to react.

"WAKE UP, LUFFY!!!" the old man shouted, his fist already swinging down.

BANG!!!

Luffy's head was driven straight into the wooden floor, leaving a sizeable dent where he landed. "Luffy!!!" the crew yelled in unison, surging forward, ready to defend their captain.

"Stand down!" Bai Ye's voice cut through the tension, his hand raised to halt their advance. His eyes locked on the old man—Garp. He had recognized him the moment he appeared.

Like Sanji and Zoro, Bai Ye had also prepared to intervene. But despite recognizing the situation, reacting in time to stop Garp was another matter entirely. While Bai Ye had contemplated stepping in, the sheer speed of Garp's movements had made it clear that intervening was futile.

This was Luffy's grandfather, after all. Sometimes, family had its own way of teaching lessons.

"What kind of force is this old man wielding?" Bai Ye wondered silently to himself, stunned by the display of strength.

WHOOSH!!!

In that instant, two figures burst through the hole Garp had created, heading straight for Bai Ye and Zoro. Their faces were set with determination, but they were not prepared for what awaited them.

CLANG! BAM!

With a swift motion, Zoro deflected one assailant with the sheath of his sword, sending him skidding across the floor. His movements were a blur, faster than ever.

On the other side, Bai Ye had immobilized his opponent in an icy grip, transforming him into a frozen statue. "Looks like we've got a crybaby here," Bai Ye joked, surveying his handiwork.

Garp, now comfortably seated, burst into laughter. "These two were so eager to come along. They wanted to measure their strength against you," he explained with a chuckle.

"Is that right?" Zoro murmured, half-sheathing his sword before pausing, suddenly aware of the larger picture. He turned to Garp, confusion written all over his face. "Wait—who are you exactly?!"

At that moment, Luffy managed to extract his head from the wooden floor, splinters clinging to his hair. "Grandpa... Grandpa!!!" he exclaimed.

"GRANDPA?!" The word echoed around the bar, drawing looks of astonishment from everyone except Bai Ye and Shakky.

Basking in the repeated calls of "Grandpa," Garp couldn't hide his delight.

"So, he's Luffy's grandfather, the Marine Hero?" Usopp gasped, piecing together the family connection.

"Yes, Vice Admiral Garp. He's known for his encounters with the Roger Pirates," Coby added, now freed from his icy confinement. He looked over at Luffy, Bai Ye, and Zoro, nodding in greeting. "Mr. Luffy, Mr. Bai Ye, Mr. Zoro—it's been a while."

Both Luffy and Zoro looked puzzled, their faces showing clear signs of confusion.

"It's me, Coby!" Seeing their befuddled expressions, Coby, now taller and more robust than his former self, felt the need to clarify.

"Coby?" Luffy's voice was tinged with disbelief. "I remember a Coby, but he was smaller, less... imposing."

"That was me!" Coby affirmed, his smile broadening.

"HA?!!!" Luffy's face mirrored his shock, still struggling to reconcile the transformation before him.

At that moment, the other figure who had been sent flying by Zoro regained his composure and strode over. He was notably taller than Coby, with long blond hair and a prominent chin that made him stand out. Bai Ye recognized him immediately, though Luffy and Zoro did not.

As a result, there ensued a somewhat comical exchange of recognition—or the lack thereof. "You know me, I don't know you—oh, it's you!" echoed through the bar as they reintroduced themselves.

Once the introductions were out of the way, Garp casually waved towards Coby and the blond man. "Alright, you two go fix that wall."

This directive seemed to irritate them both. "Vice Admiral Garp, you could've just used the door!!!" they protested.

Garp burst into laughter, clearly amused by his own antics. "Hahahaha! But smashing through the wall is much more fun!"

"I'm now convinced he's really Luffy's grandfather," Usopp muttered to Nami under his breath.

At this point, Shakky chimed in, having observed the chaos unfold. "You're still the same, Garp. Always so reckless."

Garp, turning with a jovial grin, responded, "Oh! Shakky, what a surprise seeing you here! Hahaha!" His laughter boomed, reminiscent of a reunion with an old friend.

Luffy, intrigued, piped up. "Auntie, you know my grandpa?"

Shakky gave a wry smile and replied with a hint of mischief, "Not only do I know him, I know him very well. He used to chase me all over the world."