A Pirates Promise
Luffy x Fem!Reader
word count: 1.4k
Summary: Early on in Luffys adventure he stops at your Island and saves you in more ways than one.
Note: not edited.
Warnings: forced relationship with villain, Romance Dawn era
Masterlist
The Straw Hats had finally arrived at a new island, and Luffy's excitement was palpable. This meant they were one step closer to the One Piece, and soon he would be KING OF THE PIRATES!
As they made their way through the bustling marketplace, Luffy's thoughts were consumed by food. He entered the first tavern he saw, and his heart skipped a beat when he spotted you behind the bar, cleaning glasses. He plopped himself right in front of you while his green-haired friend and the orange-haired woman settled at a nearby table.
“What can I get you?” you asked politely.
“One of everything!” he replied, his eyes full of enthusiasm. Of course, without any money, that wasn’t an option. Still, even after you found out about his financial situation, you smiled kindly and set a bowl of rice in front of him.
“Thanks, lady!” he beamed, diving into the rice as soon as it hit the counter, crumbs scattering everywhere. He swallowed what was in his mouth and introduced himself with a wide grin. “I’m Monkey D. Luffy! And I’m going to be King of the Pirates!” His energy was infectious, and you couldn’t help but laugh at his antics, realizing you could talk to him all day.
Luffy animatedly shared stories of his incredible adventures, revealing he’d already defeated a clown pirate and a Marine captain. In return, you told him about how this tavern had been in your family for generations and how you had to go to five different shops to find the right oil just to clean the bar that morning. He gaped, quickly lifting his plate off the counter, brushing off the crumbs. “That was a close one,” he laughed.
Just then, the tavern grew quiet as Jessum, Captain of the Jessum Pirates entered, his sneer deepening when he saw you, his girlfriend, chatting with the newcomer. Stalking toward you, Jessum shot a glare at Luffy. “I’ll take a glass of sake from the top shelf, Y/N, and give the kid whatever he wants,” he said.
Suddenly, you remembered the precarious situation you were in and did as you were told. Luffy, however, remained oblivious, still chattering away.
“Y/N,” Luffy said, “Wow, I like your name!”
You managed a small smile and placed a new bowl of rice in front of him, earning you his biggest grin. Luffy then turned to Jessum. “Hey, thanks, pal!” he said, bringing the spoon to his mouth. “We’re going back out to sea soon. You should join us, Y/N!”
Under Jessum’s possessive gaze, you felt uncomfortable. “Um, I can’t… I’m sorry.”
Luffy wasn’t expecting that answer. “Hey, what’s wro—” Before he could finish, Jessum slammed him into the wooden bar, causing not only it but the shelves of liquor bottles and plates to collapse.
“Luffy!” Nami cried as Zoro drew his swords.
Jessum growled, “Get off my island! No one’s allowed to be here unless I say so.”
Luffy ignored Jessum, staring at the destroyed counter, the one you’d said was built by your grandfather and had been lovingly cared for by you.
“Hey,” Luffy said, stepping toward Jessum. “Y/N spent all morning cleaning that counter, and now it’s destroyed.”
“Please stop!” you pleaded, knowing Jessum had a 15,500,000 berri bounty.
But Luffy’s fists clenched tighter. “This guy disrespected you and your place of work.”
“Luffy—please,” you gently grabbed his arm. “Please just go.”
For a moment, he softened, looking at you. “I will, but only because you asked me to, Y/N.” Luffy looked over to his small crew. “C’mon, let’s go,” he said unhappily.
As they left, Jessum yanked you from behind the bar. “Are you upset with me, my love?” he said in a mocking tone.
“You didn’t need to be cruel,” you spat.
Unfazed, he replied, “I think you’ve forgotten, my dear. You are mine; I own you.” He pulled your arm, forcing you closer. “And unless you want me to visit that hovel you used to call home, I’d think twice about trying anything.”
Tears brimmed in your eyes as you thought of your brother and you nodded compliantly. He smirked at your obedience and grabbed your chin roughly. “You really are the most beautiful girl on this island.”
When Jessum released your chin he stalked toward the door. “Clean this place up. I’d hate for us to lose any more business today.”
OoOoOo
“What the hell was that back there?” Nami chastised as they walked back to the docks.
Luffy was uncharacteristically quiet, replaying the way you looked at him as you’d begged him to leave. He didn’t want to abandon you, but you’d asked him to go, and if that’s what you wanted, he’d listen, even if he hated it.
“Hello!” Nami waved a hand in front of his face angrily. “Are you even listening?”
Before Luffy could respond, a sword swung at his face. Luckily, Zoro intercepted it with a clash of his own steel, sending the young attacker sprawling to the ground.
“I’ll handle this,” Zoro said coolly.
“Try it, you Jessum pirate scum!” the attacker shouted.
“Wait, you think we’re with Jessum’s crew?!” Nami exclaimed.
“Are you not?” the inexperienced swordsman said, picking himself up. “Forgive me for attacking; I’m just trying to save my sister, Y/N.”
“Sister?” Luffy asked, eyes widening. “You’re her brother?”
“Yes. When Jessum first arrived, he laid siege to this island, destroying houses and claiming businesses. When he came to the tavern, I tried defending it the best I could, but I failed. Jessum was about to kill me, but Y/N offered herself in exchange for my life. I—”
Luffy didn’t wait to hear the rest. He sprinted back toward the tavern, where he found you sweeping debris into a pile.
“Luffy?” you gasped, dropping the broom. “What are you doing back here?”
“Where is he?” was all he asked.
“If Jessum sees you—”
“I want him to show himself.”
“Well, well, well, I thought I told you to leave,” Jessum sneered, entering the room.
“Stay away from her!” Luffy shouted fists clenched.
Jessum smirked, unfazed. “You think you can take me on, kid? You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
“I know enough,” Luffy replied, determination burning in his eyes. “You’ve hurt her, and that’s all I need to know.”
Jessum laughed, drawing his sword. “Let’s see if that sentiment lasts after you’re dead.”
Luffy didn’t back down. He threw the first of many punches that day.
OoOoOo
The people of your island rejoiced as word spread that Monkey D. Luffy had taken down the Jessum Pirates single-handedly.
“Can you believe it?!” your brother called as he ran over, pulling you into a hug. “You’re free!”
You smiled. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”
“Back at ya, sis,” he said, though his smile faltered as he glanced at the ruined tavern, your family’s pride for generations. “Can’t say the same for this place, though.”
You were about to answer when you noticed Luffy nearby, waiting as if he wanted to talk.
“Luffy,” you said, approaching him. “Thank you. You didn’t have to—”
“I did it for you,” he replied, sincerity clear in his eyes causing your heart to speed up.
“Still, how can I ever repay you?”
“Join my crew!” he said quickly, surprising even himself. “I mean, if you want. I know you have a life here, but think of all the adventures we could have… together.”
You smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck. “The tavern was never really my dream anyway.”
Luffy’s grin widened, his eyes shining with determination as he hugged you back. “You won’t regret it. I promise you I won't let anything or anyone hurt you ever again.” and you believed him.
Saying goodbye to your brother was hard, but he understood. With one hand Luffy held your bags and took your hand with the other, talking the whole way back to the ship about how your life was about to change.
As you walked toward the docks, his excitement grew with every step, talking about the endless sea, the cool islands, and the adventures waiting for you. The familiar sound of waves lapping against the shore made you glance back one last time. The tavern that had been your family’s pride was now in ruins, but somehow, your future felt brighter than ever.
And with that, the small Straw Hat crew set off once more, carrying you toward a destiny wilder and more wondrous than anything you’d ever imagined—just like he promised.