Journey to One Piece

271. Only Luffy has those rights

This was an entirely new revelation for Ken, one that promised to change many things moving forward. The New World harbored an array of novel Devil Fruits, each different from the last. If Ken were to defeat a few possessors and acquire their distinct abilities, it could be a monumental game-changer.

However, this didn't imply that Ken could wield various Devil Fruit powers at once. He would be limited to just one. Ken had never contemplated acquiring a Devil Fruit ability before, deeming it unnecessary given his formidable existing powers. But if he stumbled upon something truly extraordinary and potent, he might reconsider.

Back on the ship, Ken stowed away the Devil Fruit. Being of the logia type, this fruit held considerable power; it might fetch a good price, or he could choose to bestow it upon the Revolutionary Army.

"Is that unsightly fellow secured?" Zoro inquired. Ken simply nodded, opting not to delve into the details of his actions. For the next few hours, the Straw Hats reveled in the depths of the ocean world. Ken always kept a watchful eye on Luffy, hoping to discern if he, too, could hear the calls of the sea beasts, much like Roger and Momonosuke.

Speaking of Momonosuke, they would be reuniting with him soon. Sigh, that mischievous youngster!

En route, Luffy and the others encountered Surume, a colossal octopus. Luffy set out to tame the creature, a feat he accomplished effortlessly. A single glance into Surume's eyes was all it took. Luffy's Conqueror's Haki had come a long way in the past two years.

With Surume's aid, they safely navigated Merry to Fishman Island after an arduous journey. Unlike the canonical story, they encountered no complications in landing. And, thankfully, Vander Decken IX was nowhere in sight. Ken considered himself fortunate, for had Vander Decken been present, Ken might have been tempted to dispatch him then and there.

There was no compelling reason to spare that wretched man's life.

Upon reaching Fishman Island, Ken employed his Haki to confirm if Ace and Jinbe had already arrived. Thankfully, they had, accompanied by an unexpected guest: Marco.

"Why is Marco here?" Ken mused in confusion, though he didn't voice his bewilderment to the others. They had just landed, and Luffy was profusely thanking Surume. Surume, in turn, seemed elated to receive recognition. With that, the crew moved on, but Ken lingered a moment, casting a backward glance at Surume, who wore a smile.

"Hody is coercing you, isn't he?" Ken ventured. Surume stiffened, uncertain of how to respond. Summoning some fortitude, Surume nodded.

"Don't fret. We'll handle him," Ken assured, then turned and made his way toward the rest of the crew, who were now calling for him. Soon they were on the Fishman island and unlike what Nami had expected, the Fishman were welcoming. 

Especially when they realized that it was the Straw Hats. Jinbe had already instructed his fellow Fishmen to keep an eye out for the Straw Hats. They were now renowned worldwide and had made a name for themselves. In Fishman Island, they were held in even higher regard.

This was due to the fact that the safety of Fishman Island was owed to the Straw Hats. The Whitebeard Jolly Roger still flew high at the entrance, alongside the Straw Hat Pirates' emblem.

For some reason, or perhaps due to a cautious respect for the Straw Hats, the Big Mom pirates didn't demand protection money from them, and other pirates were hesitant to launch attacks. This was likely because the Whitebeard Pirates, though their leader had passed, were still a force to be reckoned with. Ace, Marco, and the other Commanders were alive and well, and Blackbeard hadn't moved to dismantle them or claim their position. So technically, there were still four Yonko.

However, Marco had been shrewd about it. Aside from the islands very close to Whitebeard's original territory, they had willingly ceded other islands. There was an unspoken agreement that the other three Yonko wouldn't pursue their group. Fishman Island was one of the islands still under Whitebeard's domain, and the Straw Hats' flag only added an extra layer of security.

The Straw Hats were eventually guided to a secluded spot, where they were met by Ace, Marco, and Jinbe, all sitting and enjoying themselves.

"Luffy... Ken... You made it. You're late," Ace exclaimed, rising to his feet with a laugh. He embraced his brothers and greeted everyone warmly. He was overjoyed to see them. Marco and Jinbe shared in the merriment.

"Thanks for waiting for us," Ken expressed, his gaze fixed on Jinbe.

"The Straw Hats aided me greatly when we made our escape. It's only right to meet them when they're in my homeland," Jinbe explained.

"What have you been up to lately?" Ken inquired.

"Just staying in my homeland for now," Jinbe replied.

"Then why not join us?" Luffy suddenly suggested. This sudden proposal left everyone momentarily stunned, but it brought a smile to Ken's face. Luffy had an uncanny knack for recognizing valuable additions to the crew.

"Are you, Straw Hat Monkey D. Luffy, formally asking me to join your crew?" Jinbe inquired, as if making it official. Luffy responded with an enormous grin.

Jinbe returned the smile and declared, "Honestly, after Marineford, a part of me wanted to join your crew, but I refrained, thinking it might be inappropriate. Now that you've extended the invitation and I have no firm ties here, I, Jinbe, the first son of the sea, accept the Straw Hat Captain Monkey D. Luffy's invitation to join your crew."

This proclamation sparked exuberant cheers and dancing all around. Ken had half-expected Luffy to ask Jinbe later, perhaps when they were leaving the island. But Luffy, being Luffy, had little patience for such formalities.

"This calls for a celebration and we need to have a banquet." Marco said. This made the Straw hats look at him with weird eyes which made Marco confused.

"What is it?" 

"Only Luffy says those words." Ken said. Marco turned around and only to see Luffy sulking since he didn't get to say his favorite words.