The Z Pirates (One Piece/Dragon Ball Crossover)

Buggy sat on a moss-covered rock, arms crossed, eyes darting between the two unnerving twins standing before him. His stomach churned with unease. The jungle around them was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant sound of waves crashing against the island's rocky shores.

For the past day, he had been grilled relentlessly by the girl—Lazuli, as she called herself. And now, as the moonlight bathed the clearing, she stood there, arms folded, a calculating glint in her icy blue eyes. Beside her, her twin brother, Lapis, leaned casually against a tree, looking utterly indifferent to the entire conversation.

Buggy had seen plenty of dangerous people in his life. Hell, he sailed under the freaking Pirate King. But these two? They were something else. It wasn't just the way they spoke or the way they moved—it was the sheer presence they had. Something about them felt… unnatural. Like they weren't bound by the same rules as everyone else.

Lazuli's cold gaze bore into him. "So… you loot innocent people for money?"

Buggy gulped. "W-Well, I mean, not exactly innocent people. It's more like… y'know, necessary piracy. My crew's gotta eat, and morale's important. If I don't let them have their fun, they might rebel, and that would be—"

"Pathetic," Lapis interrupted, scoffing. It was clear for even a blind person that Lapis was disgusted by his presence.

Buggy flinched, but he didn't dare talk back.

Lazuli tilted her head slightly. "Tell me more about the One Piece."

Buggy hesitated. He knew better than to lie. If there was one thing he learned in life, it was how to read people, and right now, everything about Lazuli screamed don't mess with me.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Nobody really knows what it is, but Roger found it. Before his execution, he called it the greatest treasure in the world. My crew and I… well, my original crew… we sailed with Roger to the final island. But at the last moment, I lost my chance to see it." His fingers twitched. He hated thinking about it. Hated remembering that moment when everything was ripped away from him. "Shanks didn't care about it. He never did. But me? I always wanted to claim it."

Lazuli studied him for a moment before exchanging glances with her brother. Lapis rolled his eyes. "This world is boring," he muttered. "Nothing but water. I don't see what's so fascinating about this 'treasure hunt.'"

Lazuli ignored him and turned back to Buggy. "And what happened to your crew?"

Buggy sighed again, this time more dramatically. "We got separated. I don't even think they miss me, honestly."

Lazuli raised an eyebrow. "So you're saying you're alone?"

Buggy felt something cold crawl up his spine at the way she said that.

"Uhh… yeah?"

She smirked. "Good. Then you won't mind taking new orders."

Buggy blinked. "Huh?"

Lazuli stepped forward, her hands on her hips. "We're making a raft. We're leaving this island. And you—" she poked him in the chest, making him flinch, "—are going to take me on your ship. I'll be in your crew, and you're going to attack other pirates, steal their money, and claim the One Piece."

For a moment, Buggy just sat there, his mouth hanging open. Then, ever so slowly, his lips curled into a grin.

The One Piece.

For years, he had thought about it. Dreamed about it. That damn treasure should have been his! But Shanks had thrown it all away, leaving him behind, forcing him to carve out his own path. It was for Shanks, that he lost his treasure map. It was for Shanks that he had to eat that damned devil fruit.

But it didn't sting that much. What hurt was Shanks refusal. He had always known, that he was weaker than Shanks in combat and skills. Shanks was more gifted than him. Buggy knew inwardly that he was more of a coward than Shanks. It was the reason, he wanted Shanks to sail for the One Piece. He simply wanted to accompany his friend to the ultimate goal. Shanks was the more favoured of them. Captain Roger and everyone of his crew liked Shanks. Shanks was the one who inherited the Captain's will.

Shanks should have gone for the One Piece and achieved the Captain's will. His refusal meant a dishonor to the Captain's memory. Try as hard, he might. Buggy couldn't forgive Shanks for that. Shanks had gone against Captain Rogers will and memory. He was never going to allow his Captain's memory be tarnished like that.

But now?

Now he had a second chance.

He didn't know exactly how strong Lazuli was, but she had an aura of confidence that only the truly powerful possessed. If she was as strong as she seemed, this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

He slammed his fists together, laughing. "I like the way you think, girl! You've got ambition! We'll sail together, make a name for ourselves, and I'll finally claim what should've been mine all along!"

Lapis groaned. "You're seriously doing this?"

Lazuli shrugged. "Why not? It beats sitting on some random island doing nothing. And unlike you, I actually like having a goal."

Lapis scoffed, pushing himself off the tree and stretching. "Whatever. Do what you want. I'm staying here."

Buggy blinked. "Wait, you're not coming?"

Lapis shook his head. "Nope. I'd rather live here and explore nature than get dragged into some dumb adventure."

Buggy looked at Lazuli. "You're okay with that?"

She sighed. "He's stubborn. And honestly, I don't care what he does. I've always been more of the adventurous one." She turned back to Buggy, crossing her arms. "So, are we doing this or not?"

Buggy grinned, clapping his hands together. "Oh, we're definitely doing this."

Lazuli smirked. "Then go and build that raft, clown."

Buggy felt his blood pumping. He might have lost his original crew, but with Lazuli at his side, he was back in the game. Well, he could always put up with a little disrespect.

This time, he wouldn't be left behind.

This time, the One Piece would be his.