Fireflies

Chapter 1

Let's Set Sail!

A little boy quickly carried one of the empty barrels outside of Partys Bar towards a ship anchored at the port. Upon reaching the area, he quickly scanned the place around for anyone nearby. Seeing that the coast was clear, he made a quick dash towards the many barrels that were ready for loading. He placed the empty barrel amongst the filled barrels that were already stationed there and stealthily slipped inside before anyone noticed.

"Captain! Everything is ready!" A voice called out from the ship. "Shall we load in the food crates now?"

A red hair pirate leaning against a signpost turned towards the source of the voice and nodded groggily. It was too early to shout so loud especially after a long night. Partys Bar always throws the liveliest of parties in all of East Blue. He placed his hand over his eyes as shade since his beloved hat was now gone.

"Okay captain! Should we load the booze down in the cellar or on the deck itself? Are we going to drink again soon?" The voice called out again.

The captain glared at the green colour clad officer in annoyance. He could have sworn that his crew member was doing it on purpose.

"Captain?"

"In the cellar." The red hair captain walked towards the barrels that came into view soon. He clumsily waved his hand back and forth between the barrels and the lower section of the ship to emphasise his point.

"Eh What? Captain Shanks? Cellar or deck?" The voice shouted a little louder.

"For God's sake Roux! The cellar!" Shanks threw up his hands in exasperation.

A small giggle could be heard coming from one of the barrels. Shanks frowned but simply brushed it off as his usual hangover hallucinations. He then quickly ushered a few of his crew members to carry the barrels into the ship. It was another one of those hot and humid days and Shanks didn't want to bear another second in the direct heat of the scorching sun.

Not forgetting his manners, Shanks said a quick and short goodbye to the Woop Slap, the mayor of the Windmill Village who was nearby. The mayor simply grunted in reply not bothering to hide his displeasure with the pirates. Shanks simply laughed at the old man's antics. Although he was showing his displeasure, Shanks knew that he actually cared not only about him but other members of the crew as well. Heavens know how many drunk nights they had together wherein the old man would express his concern over Luffy's dream and the Red Hair Pirates' well Being.

"Makino! Did you see Luffy? I wanted to talk to him before I leave." Shanks called out to the young bartender who was talking to one of his crew.

"No Shanks. Today morning he told me that he was going to the mountains with Ace to train. Shall I call for him?" Makino asked worriedly. She knew it would make the young boy really upset if he missed out on saying farewell to his favourite role model.

"No, it's alright. Let him train. Last night he told me he'll get stronger than me the next time we meet." Shanks laughed. "Just tell him to take care though. Thanks Makino!" Shanks grinned and proceeded to walk up the ramp of the ship.

Makino nodded and smiled waving goodbye to the pirates. A few of the townspeople joined her as well. Shanks and his crew were well-liked in the Windmill Village and no amount of huffing and puffing from their Mayor could change that.

"Captain everything is loaded and ready. Let us know when you want us to set sail."

"Thanks Benn. Give me a second I'll be done soon."

Shank's first mate nodded at his captain and went inside the cabin. Shanks looked around inspecting the condition of the ship and stood near the edge of the deck. He half-hoped that he would be able to see the young boy he had grown so fondly of and half-hoped he wouldn't, mostly because of sentimental issues.

"Luffy I hope to see you again soon. Take care." Shank softly murmured to the passing wind and smiled. "Everyone get ready for departure! Set sail!"