The desert heat hit them like a physical wall as they ran through the sandy streets. Rouge and Luffy were laughing like complete maniacs while Nami practically dragged them by their collars, Usopp trailing behind and complaining loudly.
"Why do I always end up running?!" Usopp wailed. "I'm a brave warrior of the sea, not a marathon runner!"
Rouge grinned, still clutching the stolen jitte. "Come on, Long Nose! Think of it as cardio!"
"I don't WANT cardio!"
They rounded a corner and nearly crashed into the rest of the crew. Sanji, Zoro, Vivi, and Chopper were sitting in the shade of a building, looking exhausted from the heat.
Chopper was sprawled on the ground dramatically. "Ahhh, I can't take this heat anymore! I feel like dying!"
"Oi, Chopper!" Zoro nudged him with his foot. "Pull yourself up. What's going on?"
"It's the heat," Chopper groaned. "It's making me very sick."
Vivi looked concerned. "You're the doctor, right? Why didn't you take any medicines?"
"I took them, but it will take time." Chopper's voice was muffled against the sand. "Until then, I'm dying."
Sanji took a drag from his cigarette, glancing around. "About Luffy... Usopp and Nami had gone to find him before something happened—"
He stopped mid-sentence as he spotted the group approaching. "Oh, look. They're coming." His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Hmm, why are they running while Rouge and Luffy are laughing like crazy?"
Vivi stood up, her expression darkening. "Guys, I have a bad feeling about this."
"OI, ZORO!" Luffy waved enthusiastically. "There you are!"
The group skidded to a stop in front of them. Rouge was still grinning, that mischievous glint in his red eyes.
"Ah, guys! You missed all the fun!" Rouge said cheerfully.
Nami's smile was terrifying. "Rouge..."
Rouge straightened immediately. "Hai, Nami-san! I am not a bad slime!"
Zoro raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"
Usopp stepped forward dramatically, his hands gesturing wildly. "This guy fought with the Marines and took down Smoker! Then he stole his weapon!"
"Borrowed," Rouge corrected.
"STOLE!"
Rouge tilted his head innocently. "Oh, Long Nose, aren't you a good storyteller? You really know how to exaggerate."
"I'm not exaggerating! You literally knocked him out and took his jitte!"
"Well..." Rouge scratched his cheek sheepishly. "When you put it that way, it sounds bad."
Vivi's face went pale. "Wait, you fought Captain Smoker? The Marine with the Logia fruit?"
"Fought is a strong word," Rouge said casually. "More like... played with him a bit."
Nami grabbed him by the collar again. "You IDIOT! Now the Marines are definitely coming after us!"
"They were already coming after us," Rouge pointed out reasonably. "I just made it more fun."
Sanji exhaled smoke slowly. "This guy is insane."
Zoro smirked slightly. "At least he got a good weapon out of it."
"Don't encourage him!" Nami shrieked.
Rouge pulled away from Nami's grip and cleared his throat. "Anyway! The plan. We need to talk about the plan."
Everyone turned to look at him.
"Well," Rouge continued, his expression becoming more serious, "the plan is already in deep shit, so... Plan B."
Vivi blinked. "You have a Plan B?"
Rouge looked at her like she'd asked if the sky was blue. "Obviously. Do you think I don't have another plan with you guys? I've seen how things go."
Nami crossed her arms. "Idiot, YOU'RE the one who blasted the whole plan by fighting Smoker!"
"Oi oi, it's not me!" Rouge protested, pointing at Luffy. "It's Captain!"
Luffy tilted his head in confusion. "Huh? What?"
Rouge grinned wickedly. "Oh nothing. Nami just said you're an idiot."
Luffy turned to Zoro. "Zoro is the idiot, not me."
Zoro's eye twitched dangerously. "Hah? Why am I the idiot?"
"Well, I'm the pirate," Luffy said matter-of-factly.
"What does that have to do with anything?!"
"OK, OK!" Rouge stepped between them, holding up his hands. "Calm down, everyone. Listen to the plan first."
The crew reluctantly settled down, though Zoro and Luffy continued glaring at each other.
Rouge took a breath. "The plan is simple. The Marines are down for now and will come back with more force. So it's best we directly go and fight Crocodile."
"OI OI!" Sanji stepped forward. "What do you mean fight Crocodile directly? Just like that?"
"Wait, Curly Brows, listen first." Rouge held up the jitte. "I just got this weapon which can hit those Logia users."
Zoro's interest was piqued. "Hoh, this can hit them?"
"Right. It's made of seastone, which means it negates Devil Fruit powers." Rouge pointed at Nami and Usopp. "For the next part—Nami, Usopp, you have to go to the watch tower in the capital."
Nami frowned. "Huh? Why is that?"
Rouge's expression became serious. "Crocodile placed a bomb there as backup."
Usopp's face went pale. "A bomb?!"
Rouge nodded. "Right. Ah, I really want to see his face when his plan fails! Hehe."
Vivi stepped forward urgently. "But where did you get this information? A bomb... that means Crocodile is hellbent on something terrible."
"Well," Rouge shrugged, "I got the info while strolling around before meeting the Marines."
"Details for later!" Rouge waved dismissively. "As for fighting—Sanji, Zoro, Luffy, and me, we're going directly to Rainbase casino."
Chopper finally sat up, looking better now that he'd rested in the shade. "What about me?"
Rouge crossed his arms, that usual playful grin fading into something sharper. "Alright then, Tanuki-san and Princess, you two handle the rebels."
"I'm a REINDEER!" Chopper protested automatically before his voice softened. "But... okay."
Vivi nodded, determination flickering behind her worried eyes. "Yes. The rebel leader, Koza... he's my childhood friend. I have to try talking to him before things get any worse."
Rouge's gaze shifted to Chopper. His tone dropped lower, firm but not unkind. "Chopper, listen. I know you can fight if you have to—you're stronger than you think."
He paused, making sure the little reindeer was paying attention. "But if things start looking bad, don't play hero. Just take princess and run straight to the capital, got it? I'll deal with those brainless brutes myself."
Chopper's little hooves trembled slightly, but he gave a quick, determined nod. "Hai! I understand, Rouge!"
Vivi let out a long, weary sigh as she turned toward the blazing desert horizon. The heat waves distorted the distant dunes like a mirage. "I just hope... it doesn't have to come to that."
Rouge's expression softened for just a moment before his usual smirk returned. "Don't worry, Princess. If those rebels don't listen to reason, they'll definitely listen to explosions."
"That's NOT reassuring!" Vivi shouted, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips despite everything.
Rouge dusted off his hands. "OK, that's it. Now..." His head turned suddenly toward a wall nearby. "Can you show yourself, fire man?"
Everyone immediately went on alert, looking in the direction Rouge was staring.
But nothing happened.
Silence.
The crew slowly turned back to look at Rouge.
Sanji sighed heavily. "Oi, Chopper, that guy is hallucinating. He needs a doctor."
Rouge's eye twitched. "Sighs... hah. Dumb dumb Curly Brows, do you think I'm like you? And you, fire man—don't act. I know you're there from the beginning."
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then, a figure stepped out from behind the wall.
He was tall, wearing an orange hat with a smiling face badge. His presence radiated confidence and strength. "Hoh, I didn't know you were that good."
Rouge grinned. "Well, Haki matters, isn't it?"
The newcomer studied Rouge with interest. "You have Haki? I thought you were bluffing earlier when I heard you."
Luffy suddenly turned around and his eyes went wide. "OOOHHH! ACE!" He bounded forward excitedly. "What are you doing here?!"
"Luffy, you..." Ace sighed, but there was fondness in his voice. "I saw you in the tavern earlier."
Everyone relaxed slightly, though they were still wary.
Nami looked between them. "Who is this guy? You know him, Luffy?"
Luffy nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! He's my big brother!"
The crew's jaws dropped.
"BROTHER?!" they shouted.
Ace smiled and waved. "Yo, everyone. I'm Ace, Luffy's aniki."
Rouge's grin widened. "Oh, let me tell you guys something more. He's the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division Commander."
Another round of shocked silence.
Sanji's cigarette nearly fell from his mouth. "Whitebeard? That's some identity you have there."
Luffy tilted his head in confusion. "Whitebeard? Who is that?"
Nami sighed heavily. "Luffy, you don't know Whitebeard? He's the strongest pirate in the world!"
Ace turned his attention to Rouge, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You know about me. And who are you?"
Rouge straightened up and placed a hand on his hip dramatically. "Oh, where are my manners? I am Rouge—to friends, at least. To others, I'm the Demon King, A Wizard, A Menace."
Ace stopped suddenly, something flickering in his expression. The name had struck a chord.
Everyone noticed his reaction.
Usopp leaned over to whisper loudly. "Ah, he's not a REAL demon. It's just... he's in a childish phase."
"OHH, LONG NOSE-SAN!" Rouge turned to him with exaggerated offense. "Did you just slander me? How rude!"
Ace jolted slightly, shaking his head. "Ah, it's nothing. His name is just similar to someone close to me."
Rouge's expression softened slightly. "Well, no problem then."
Luffy bounded over to Ace. "But Ace, what are you doing here?"
Ace's face grew darker. "I'm looking for a traitor. He killed one of our nakama."
Rouge leaned forward with interest. "Hmm, what's his name?"
Ace's fists clenched. "Teach. Marshall D. Teach. I'm going to take him to Pops."
Rouge's expression became serious for a moment. "Be careful with him, Ace."
Luffy nodded firmly. "Yeah, be careful, Ace!"
Ace laughed, flames flickering briefly around his shoulders. "Haha, I'm strong, Luffy! Did you forget? And I ate the Mera Mera no Mi—a fire Logia."
Luffy's eyes went wide. "WHAT?! You also ate a Devil Fruit?!"
Zoro crossed his arms. "Another Logia user..."
Ace looked at Luffy's crew with approval. "Luffy, I heard your plan earlier. Do you need my help?"
Luffy shook his head. "Nope, it's my fight."
Ace laughed warmly. "Haha, what can I say? And looking at your crew, they seem strong." His eyes settled on Rouge. "Especially that guy. I guess I don't have to worry."
Luffy grinned. "Hehe, they're my crew members!"
Ace reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper. "Luffy, always carry this."
Luffy took it curiously. "What's that?" Without waiting for an answer, he tucked it into his straw hat.
Rouge stepped forward. "It's a Vivre Card, Luffy. It's connected to Ace. With this, you can find him anywhere in the world."
Vivi looked fascinated. "Huh? What do you mean, Rouge-san?"
"The paper is connected to a person's life force," Rouge explained. "If someone is injured or dying, the paper starts to burn. If they're healthy and alive, it points in their direction."
Nami's eyes widened. "That's a really useful thing!"
Rouge nodded. "I'll make one for everyone later, so don't worry."
Ace looked at the crew seriously. His expression softened as he spoke. "I know Luffy can be a handful sometimes." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Take care of him for me. He may be reckless, but... he's my little brother. Make sure he doesn't do anything too stupid."
The crew was quiet for a moment, understanding the weight behind those words.
Rouge smiled genuinely. "Don't worry, Fire man. We've got him."
Ace wierdly nodded, but satisfied. "Good." He turned to leave, then paused. "Luffy, let's meet again when Pops becomes Pirate King."
"HEY!" Luffy shouted indignantly. "It's going to be ME! I'm going to be Pirate King!"
Ace just laughed as he walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
Rouge clapped his hands together. "Alright! Luffy, let's go. We need to reach the capital city."
As they started walking, the desert sun beat down mercilessly on them.
Nami wiped sweat from her forehead. "Will Ace be okay?"
Luffy nodded confidently. "You don't have to worry about him. He's strong. I never defeated him, even before he ate his Devil Fruit."
Nami's eyes widened. "What? You couldn't beat him even once?"
Usopp shuddered. "The big brother of a monster is an even bigger monster..."
Zoro smirked. "Don't forget, he's a commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. They're on a completely different level."
Rouge sighed dramatically, breaking the serious mood. "Ah, this walk is killing me. I'm getting seriously bored."
He glanced around and suddenly his face lit up. "Ohh! I found a giant crab!"
Sanji looked at him incredulously. "Huh? What are you saying? A crab in a desert?"
Vivi nodded. "There are giant crabs used as camels across the desert, but to find one right here..."
Rouge's grin turned feral. "Some fun after all this walking!"
Before anyone could stop him, he was already running toward a massive shape partially buried in the sand.
"OI!" Sanji called out. "What are you—"
The sand exploded upward as an enormous crab burst from beneath, its claws snapping dangerously. It was easily the size of a small house.
Rouge laughed with pure delight. "HAHA! This is perfect!"
"That idiot!" Nami shrieked.
The giant crab charged at Rouge, its massive claws reaching for him. Rouge dodged easily, his Observation Haki making every movement predictable.
"Come on, crabby! Is that all you've got?"
Luffy's eyes sparkled. "SUGOI! I want to ride it!"
"Don't encourage him!" Usopp wailed.
"Let's see... !" Rouge said.
The crab swung a claw at him. Rouge jumped backward, landing gracefully on the sand.
Rouge was laughing the entire time, clearly enjoying himself. The crab lunged again, and this time Rouge didn't dodge.
Instead, he raised his hand and spoke clearly.
"Expelliarmus!"
The spell hit the crab's claw with invisible force. There was a sickening CRACK as the appendage was forcibly torn from the creature's body.
The crab shrieked in pain and began retreating, but get captured by rouge.
Rouge lowered his hand, still grinning.
He turned back to the crew, who were all staring at him with various expressions of disbelief.
"What?" Rouge said innocently. "It was boring just walking!"
"Awww!"
Nami grabbed Rouge by the ear and started dragging him along. "No more fighting random wildlife! We have a kingdom to save!"
"Itai itai itai! I'm sorry, Nami-san!"
Vivi watched them with a mixture of exasperation and amusement. Despite everything—the danger, the heat, the insanity—she felt hope growing in her chest.
With this crew, maybe, just maybe, they actually had a chance against Crocodile.
Chopper trotted alongside them, fully recovered now. "Rouge, you're really strong!"
Rouge grinned down at him. "Thanks, Tanuki-san!"
"I'm a REINDEER!"
As they continued toward the capital, the sun beginning its descent toward the horizon.
Author's Notes:
Chapter 15 complete! We got character interactions, Ace's appearance, Rouge being chaotic as usual, and some giant crab action!
Don't forget to drop those Infinity Stones if you enjoyed this chapter! The Demon King demands tribute! 😁