Blood ties and Jolly Rogers

by Laerys

Summary:

The light in the small square turns on and a voice resonates with words that marked the beginning of an era.

Marco sighed. After all, it looks like he won't have to explain the situation.

Chapter 1

When he opened his eyes, the unfamiliar surroundings greeted him, making him sigh. He looked around, searching for something, but was met with nothing but darkness.

His Haki gently fluctuated through what seemed to be a room. The auras of his crew and other unknown individuals slowly enveloped him, sharpening his senses. His crew was fine, he realized, just like the other people who seemed to notice him but made no move to attack, as if welcoming him or not seeing him as a threat.

A movement beside him caught his attention.

“Captain?” His swordsman called out, his voice hoarse as if he had been asleep for a long time, which might have been the case. His presence seemed weakened but still intimidating. “Luffy?” he called again, receiving no response.

“Are you hurt?” That was the first thing he asked, even though he knew that wasn’t the case. He couldn’t help but ask.

“No. We’re fine,” Zoro replied calmly, shaking off his dazed state and standing beside him despite the darkness. “The others are still asleep,” he added as an afterthought. “Where are we?”

Luffy didn’t answer immediately, sensing another presence approaching them. His Haki surged as if warning the intruder of the limit they could cross. He couldn’t take any risks, not with such powerful presences in the room.

“Sorry-yoi,” the intruder apologized, as if sensing the hostility and understanding it. Luffy frowned. Did he know this person? His voice sounded familiar. “You’re the last to wake up, and we wanted to explain the situation.”

“Do you know what’s going on?” Luffy wasn’t surprised to hear Robin’s voice. His archaeologist seemed to have been busy investigating the room even in the dark while Zoro and he were talking. She approached them, but Luffy’s hand gently pulled her back when he felt her getting too close to the unknown presences.

“They explained it to us when we arrived-yoi,” the voice spoke again, answering the question kindly. “You were the last to arrive.”

“How many people are here?” Robin asked again. Luffy let her go, knowing she was the best person to assess their current situation.

“We believe there are fewer than 100 people.”

“Is there a reason we can’t see?”

At that moment, the lights turned on, causing Luffy to blink at the sudden brightness.

A calm silence fell over the room. The occupants quickly scanned the area for signs of danger, only to be met with wooden walls and a large white square in the center of the room. The room seemed spacious enough for the number of people present—not suffocating, but not overly spacious either. It felt oddly comfortable, as if inviting them to sit and relax.

Luffy turned his gaze to his crew, who were starting to wake up, still a bit dazed. Sanji seemed to be dealing with a headache, though Luffy could tell from his body language that it wasn’t serious. Usopp, on the other hand, ran toward him, hiding behind Zoro, followed by a frightened Chopper, which made him smile. Nami simply approached Robin, asking her a silent question that went unanswered.

Brook, meanwhile, laughed amusedly, murmuring about songs, while Franky stared at the strange square in the center of the room, restraining himself from going to investigate it.

After making sure his crew was okay, Luffy turned his attention to the familiar figures. His discomfort seemed to reflect on their faces, as his crew and the previously unknown person looked at him with intrigue.

“You’re Marco, right?” Luffy asked softly, feeling his chest tighten as he realized the situation.

The now-named Marco nodded, dazed. “I am-yoi. Do you know me?”

Luffy nodded but offered no further explanation. Zoro seemed to realize what was happening the moment he finally saw the man, and his expression turned severe.

“Will you explain the situation?” That seemed to snap Marco out of his daze, and he nodded, pointing to the crowd of people gathered near the white square.

“We haven’t explained it to everyone yet, as we were waiting for you to wake up. Would you like to come closer?” he asked kindly, sensing the growing tension in the unfamiliar crew as they recognized him.

The small crew immediately looked to their captain, the boy with the straw hat. He took a deep breath and smiled, though it didn’t seem genuine.

“Shall we go?” he asked, surprising himself with how flat his voice sounded. Ignoring the growing itch in his eyes, his surprisingly steady hands gestured toward the small gathering, as if urging his crew to move.

“Are you sure, Luffy? We can hear from here,” Usopp spoke nervously, sticking close to him.

Marco watched Luffy with a penetrating gaze. His years of experience allowed him to notice the obvious discomfort and the flicker of panic when Luffy recognized him, seeing through his relaxed facade. His mouth opened before closing again. What could he say?

Luffy smiled, ignoring the concerned looks as he walked forward. Chopper kept glancing at him every few seconds, the glances becoming more frequent until he stopped and ran toward him.

“Luffy, your heart is beating really fast. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Chopper seemed frustrated by his response, but before he could scold him, a voice called out, effectively silencing the worried murmurs of his crew.

As if itching, one of Luffy’s hands flew to his chest, clutching his scar, scratching it until it turned red. His legs gave out, but his body never hit the floor. Someone was talking to him, but his ears were filled with cotton. His breathing quickened, and hot tears streamed down his face. He couldn’t breathe.

Two pairs of hands held him. One seemed to touch his back while the other gripped his hands tightly. He didn’t recognize either of them. Or maybe he did, but his brain refused to acknowledge it.

“Luffy, I need you to breathe,” the unfamiliar voice called softly, reminding him of Sabo, but it couldn’t be him. Because Sabo was dead.

“Hey, Lu, breathe,” Ace’s voice also scolded him, and Luffy might have laughed if he could breathe.

“Come on, Lu, follow my lead,” the fake Sabo spoke again, placing one of Luffy’s hands on his chest and breathing exaggeratedly.

Luffy tried to follow the rhythm of the breathing, but each inhalation felt like the air was burning his lungs. Slowly, however, the cotton in his ears began to fade.

“That’s it, good boy.”

“Shut up,” Luffy’s voice, cold and hoarse from the effort, seemed effective. The person didn’t speak again, though they didn’t move from their spot.

The second voice, perhaps the most annoying, whispered softly, “Can you look at me, Lu?”

The scar on his chest burned. Why wouldn’t they leave him alone? Their voices weren’t real. Why were they still bothering him? Why couldn’t they just leave him alone? He couldn’t… He couldn’t deal with this again.

“Luffy?”

He could feel his crew moving nervously. The air in the room felt heavy, but no one dared to speak, as if trying to understand why he was breaking down. He couldn’t help but scoff. A sigh that sounded more like a gasp escaped his mouth, and he mustered the courage to look up and face the two people in front of him.

Luffy looked at the two figures before him, but their faces blurred in his mind. Were they real? Or just another trick of his brain, playing on his worst fears and desires? He couldn’t afford to believe in them, not after everything he had lost.

Ace blinked as he saw the range of emotions pass through Luffy’s eyes before settling into something resembling emptiness. Sabo swallowed, feeling more nervous as that empty gaze settled on him. He tensed, seeing a hint of uncertainty, realizing that Luffy didn’t recognize him—neither of them did.

“Who are you?”

Ace tensed, feeling Luffy’s words hit him like a punch. “Who do you think I am, idiot?” he said with a mocking smile, but his voice trembled slightly.

“Who are you?” Luffy repeated, his Haki fluctuating with his emotions, sending a cold, almost murderous wave toward the two figures in front of him.

He was alone.

He no longer had brothers. They couldn’t fool him. He wouldn’t allow it.

That seemed to set the room into motion. His crew tensed, preparing for a fight, but the two people in front of their captain seemed confused by the hostility, though the blond seemed to accept it.

“Luffy,” Sabo, always the voice of reason, raised his hands as if showing the boy before him that he wasn’t a threat. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for leaving you alone,” his voice broke. “I’m sorry for making you think you were alone.”

“Sabo?”

“That’s right, Lu, it’s me. Can you take a deep breath and calm down for me, huh?” His tone was one Luffy hadn’t heard in years and thought he had forgotten.

Luffy didn’t need any further confirmation. He clung to Sabo’s coat, sobs shaking his small body, but he ignored them, focusing on the warmth radiating from Sabo.

“I thought you were gone too,” Luffy cried out, silenced by the gentle (real, too real) strokes on his back. “I thought I was alone.”

Sabo bit the inside of his lip to keep from crying, holding his younger brother tighter. He didn’t know what to do when he woke up in the room, but feeling the presence of Ace and Luffy left him breathless. He could reunite with them, but at the same time, he felt nervous. He felt he didn’t deserve to see them. Not when he had forgotten them both, not when he couldn’t save Ace and left Luffy alone.

“I’m so sorry, Lu. I’m sorry,” he couldn’t say anything else, not when his body acted on instinct upon seeing Luffy break down at the sound of Ace’s voice. Not when he, too, was on the verge of collapsing if not for the need to comfort Luffy.

“Sabo?” There it was. Sabo swallowed. His name sounded strangled as it left Ace’s throat, and he couldn’t help but shudder in pain. But that shudder was all the confirmation Ace needed, along with Luffy’s obvious recognition, for all that warmth to turn into anger. “Where the hell have you been?” he hissed, raising his voice and standing up. Sabo knew he wasn’t being attacked because Luffy was still clinging to his lap. “We thought you were dead, you bastard. We missed you. We fucking mourned you. And all this time, you’ve been alive?”

Sabo couldn’t help but scoff at the hypocrisy, but Ace didn’t know, did he? “But I’m alive,” he retorted, sounding more annoyed than he intended.

Ace seemed to boil at his response, and before he could reply, Luffy was crying over him, his shoulders shaking with desperation. He hugged both of them tightly, unwilling to let go. “Stupid,” Luffy muttered bitterly, and Ace and Sabo couldn’t help but feel it was directed at both of them. “Stupid older brothers.”

“Hey, brat, stop insulting me and let go. I need to punch that cup bastard.”

That seemed to be enough for Luffy to realize he wasn’t dreaming, and he reluctantly let go of them but didn’t move away. He looked at the two men with curiosity, feeling as if he were ten years old again.

“Where were you?” Ace asked again, patting Luffy on the head for his good behavior, while Sabo received a cold glare.

“Do you remember the incident?” Sabo suddenly asked, feeling cold without Luffy near him.

“How could I forget?” Ace mocked, looking the blond up and down and asking disdainfully, “Did it suit you to leave us?”

That made Sabo bristle and glare at Ace with fury. “I didn’t remember you,” he hissed, angry at himself and his not-dead brother in front of him. “I didn’t remember you, and I…” Suddenly, all his anger evaporated, replaced by fear and guilt. “I forgot you. You were my only family, and I forgot you. I…” Sabo swallowed, unsuccessfully trying to keep his voice from trembling. “I can’t even imagine what it must have been like. For you. For Luffy. Believing I was dead.” But Sabo could imagine it because the person in front of him had already died. “I didn’t even remember you. I didn’t remember you.”

Ace’s eyes darkened, and an unknown feeling ran down his spine. “Why do you say you forgot?”

“I suffered a blow to the head during the accident, and Luffy’s father saved me. Now I’m a revolutionary.”

The declaration caused the room to erupt in murmurs, but Sabo ignored them, focusing on his brothers.

“So I made a life with the Revolutionary Army. They’re my home now, but there was always something stopping me from being happy… I missed you, but I couldn’t remember you. I…” Sabo gasped, finally feeling the tears fall down his cheeks, forcing himself to wipe them away quickly. “I’m so sorry.”

A pair of hands pulled him, and warmth quickly enveloped his body. Sabo couldn’t help but bury his nose in Ace’s neck, wrapping his arms around him as the tears continued to flow.

“I’m so angry that you died,” Ace said with a warm, ironic smile as a few stray tears danced at the edge of his eyes. It was a strange mix of happiness and sadness, a strange sense of closure, but also a promise of a new beginning.

“The feeling is mutual, Ace,” Sabo couldn’t help but reply, knowing Ace would let it slide.

Whitebeard raised an eyebrow at the blond’s response to his son but made no comment, sharing a look with Marco, who simply shrugged.

Luffy, who seemed to cheer up even more, bounced between the two, smiling radiantly. If this was an opportunity to have more time with his brothers, he would take it.

The atmosphere in the room finally relaxed after the emotional reunion. But the calm was broken when a countdown appeared on the white square in the center of the room.

“What?” Franky was the first to snap out of his daze, running to the screen, completely fascinated.

“Wow, this is interesting,” Robin followed, touching the screen, which rippled at her touch, making her blink in surprise.

The countdown seemed to be nearing its end when a familiar voice echoed throughout the room.

「 “Wealth, fame, power. In the past, one man achieved all of this in this world. He was Gold Roger, the 'King of the Pirates.'”」

Ace frowned and rolled his eyes. Why were they watching this?

「 “On the brink of his death, he spoke words that incited the entire world to set sail.

'Do you want my treasure? If you seek it, you can have it. Find it!' 

And the world… ushered in the 'Great Age of Pirates.'” 」

Marco sighed. After all, it seemed he didn’t need to explain the situation.

Chapter 2: Rubber treasure

Summary:

─ Huh?─ Shanks blinked in confusion, glancing at Benn for an explanation.

Benn, however, chose to mock his captain’s misery─ Wow. Looks like Anchor hates you.

The red-haired captain’s face paled─ What?!

─ Saying Anchor hates you is a bit strong, Captain─ Yasopp chimed in, taking a swig from a sake bottle he’d pulled out of nowhere.

Notes:

Hello! I went a little crazy here and out of nowhere 12 more pages appeared in my word of almost 5000 words... And this is just part one!

I didn't want to separate it, but I thought making it longer was tiring, which, isn't it, if I read it I'd be short enough to cry, but, well, I'm writing it so it's a little different, you know?

Still, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

─ By the way, Marco-san ─ Robin was the first to speak after the little white square's introduction left more questions than answers ─ You said they explained the situation to you, right?

Marco nodded, feeling happy to have slightly more intelligent people around compared to his crewmates.

─ When we arrived here, the little square ─ he pointed ─ gave us instructions to watch and I quote 'an alternate future'-yoi.

─ Alternate future? ─ Robin seemed delighted.

─ That sounds interesting ─ Shanks the redhead approached with a big smile towards the motley group of people.

A moan resembling a strangled scream echoed through the room. Luffy, who had been the center of an emotional reunion minutes ago, now stood like a dazzled deer staring at the one-armed red-haired man. Shanks for his part softened and smiled at the boy expecting him to jump on him as he always did, but to his surprise, Luffy ran away from him, hiding behind Sabo.

─ Huh? ─ Shanks blinked confused, looking at Benn to explain what had just happened and why Luffy wasn't in his arms right now.

Benn for his part decided to mock his captain's misery ─ Wow, seems like Anchor hates you.

The red-haired captain's face paled and he looked at his first mate with horror before turning his gaze back to the child hiding from him ─ What?

─ Saying Anchor hates you is pretty strong, Captain ─ Yasopp hurried to comment while taking a sip from a sake bottle he'd produced out of nowhere.

─ Anchor can't hate me! I'm like... his father or something! ─ Shanks' arms moved erratically as he tried unsuccessfully to calm his panic ─ Anchor, come here!

─ No, go away bastard, don't look at me ─ Luffy didn't even leave his hiding spot, in fact, he curled up further behind his funny blond brother who was looking at Shanks with false pity.

─ Why is he acting like this? ─ Someone asked Ace, who seemed about to faint from laughter.

─ Red-Hair and Luffy made a promise.... ─ before Ace could explain said promise, the white square lit up.

─ It's Foosha! ─ Luffy jumped up, completely ignoring the depressed dangerous captain.

─ So it seems, Lu.

「 This is a small port village. Almost a year ago, a pirate ship anchored at its small harbor. 」

Nami clicked her tongue but didn't comment. She had experienced firsthand what happened when a pirate ship came to a town. Of course, she didn't know the red-haired captain like her captain did, but she still couldn't trust too much. Besides, her captain was hiding for a reason, right? They needed to protect him if necessary.

─ So they'll narrate things and show us images of it, how interesting ─ Robin sat on the small couch next to Nami while sketching some things in her little notebook.

─ It's SUUUPER incredible, I'd love to know how it works ─ Franky vibrated in his seat, wanting to dismantle the giant cube and see its components.

─ Maybe it's like a dial? ─ Usopp frowned, pulling out a small blue shell ─ You know, these can store sounds and create images, maybe there's one that can do both? ─ he murmured, not seeming very convinced ─ Or maybe it's just a visual Den Den Mushi.

─ Well, I'd lean more towards the dial, I don't see any snails around here.

「 In the East Blue, this village was very peaceful. 」

「 ─ Hey, what do you think you're doing, Luffy? ─ Shanks shouted, looking at the boy on the prow with curiosity and some fear, moving closer in case the child slipped and fell into the water. 」

─ Yohoho, Captain, it seems you don't have your scar here ─ Brook pointed out with a smile on his bony face.

Luffy smiled shyly ─ That's when I got it.

─ What do you mean 'got it'?

「 Little Luffy raised the knife high and shouted ─ I'm not joking! I've had enough! Now I'll show you what I'm made of! 」

─ I don't like where this is going ─ Sabo murmured with an empty voice, making Luffy shiver.

「 Shanks, obviously not believing it, laughed and encouraged him ─ Dahaha, do it! Let's see if you can!

─ Luffy's doing something funny again ─ someone murmured in the background. 」

─ Why are you encouraging him?! ─ Shanks shuddered at the shout from the two brothers towards him, they looked genuinely murderous. Yes, maybe it wasn't his best moment, but in his defense, Luffy was a complete mystery even to him.

「 Luffy, obviously not joking, pressed the dagger's tip into his own cheek, surprising all the pirates present. 」

The crew wisely stepped back, exchanging looks of 'Did he really just do that?' as they watched the two men introduced as their captain's older brothers pounce on him with identical expressions of horror.

─ Luffy, brainless idiot! ─ Sabo shouted, grabbing the younger's face with slightly trembling hands. His eyes scrutinized every centimeter of the cheek, finding the small scar underneath. ─ What the hell is wrong with you?! You could have blown out an eye, or pierced a nerve, or—!

─ S-Sabo... ─ Luffy tried to protest, but Sabo wasn't listening.

─ No, shut up! ─ Sabo growled, taking a deep breath to avoid succumbing to panic. After a second, his shoulders relaxed slightly and instead of continuing to shout, his fingers gently tangled in Luffy's hair ─ Don't do that again... ─ he murmured, calmer but with a firmness that made it clear this wasn't a suggestion.

Luffy pouted, turning his face away. ─ I'm not an idiot...

─ What I just saw says otherwise. ─ Ace, who had remained in the background with crossed arms until now, intervened with a mocking smile. But if someone looked closely, they'd notice how his knuckles were white from clenching his fists so hard. ─ Though to be fair, you've always been half stupid.

Sabo shot him a murderous look. ─ Ace, if you're not going to help, at least don't encourage him.

─ Me? I didn't do anything! ─ Ace raised his hands in surrender, but the gleam in his eyes betrayed that he was enjoying every second of the drama. Until suddenly his expression softened and with a quick movement he gave Luffy a light tap on the head. ─ But seriously, little brother, if you pull a stupid stunt like that again, we'll tie you to a mast until you learn.

Luffy rubbed his head indignantly. ─ You guys are exaggerating! Nothing happened!

─ This time nothing happened! ─ Sabo and Ace chorused in unison before looking at each other and sighing.

Sabo ran a hand over his face. ─ My god, raising you was the closest thing to a constant heart attack... ─ Shanks nodded, feeling understood for a moment.

Ace laughed, but the arm he wrapped around Luffy's shoulders was firm. ─ Well, at least it's never boring.

「 The pirates seemed to snap out of their daze and started shouting. Shanks was completely pale as he climbed onto the prow to reach the boy who had just stabbed himself. 」

─ Who would've thought the redhead would be defeated like that by a child ─ Thatch smiled. His soul had nearly left his body when he saw the boy with the knife, but in retrospect it was a funny scene to watch.

「 Inside a small bar, the calm crew raised their glasses, celebrating the past madness. Luffy, who sat on a stool, had a small bandage under his eye and unshed tears glistened in them.

─ It didn't hurt at all ─ he said with a huge smile.

Shanks appeared behind him, hysterical ─ Don't lie and don't do stupid things anymore! 」

─ Please ─ Sabo whispered, though he knew this would only make things worse.

「 ─ See? I'm not afraid of pain! Take me on your next voyage with you! I want to be a pirate too! 」

─ So you did that to make Shanks take you with him? ─ Sanji asked his foolish captain with a look of complete disapproval.

─ Shanks always told me about the amazing adventures he had and I wanted to be part of them ─ Luffy shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

「 ─ You can't be a pirate ─ Shanks said amused ─ You can't even swim, that's a weakness for pirates 」

─ Wait, did you already have your Devil Fruit back then, Luffy? ─ Usopp looked at his captain, who shook his head.

─ Anchor couldn't swim even if his life depended on it ─ Benn answered for him, with a small affectionate smile on his lips ─ That's how he got his nickname.

Luffy pouted ─ The worst part is I always loved the sea!

Nami stroked his hair to comfort him ─ That must have been hard, Captain.

「 ─ If that's the problem, then just let me stay on deck! Besides, I'm really good at fighting! 」

─ It's funny seeing Shanks deny Luffy something he did himself when he was young ─ Izo shook his head at the redhead's hypocrisy.

─ Well, I think that's exactly why he doesn't want Luffy going through the same thing. Plus the danger it entails ─ Marco squinted at the redhead ─ I can't think of any other reason he'd refuse-yoi.

「 ─ I've trained really hard! My punches are as strong as a pistol shot! ─ Luffy punched the air to show Shanks he wasn't lying.

─ Like a pistol? ─ Shanks replied, unimpressed ─ Yeah, sure.

─ Why are you saying it like that?! 」

─ I really can't reconcile this Luffy with our version ─ Usopp murmured. The little Luffy seemed more hot-tempered and, though he wanted to say less mature, it made sense since the boy on screen couldn't be older than eight.

─ Yeah, I used to get angry easily back then ─ Luffy sighed. Now he understood why Shanks didn't want to take him on voyages - he wasn't just a brat, he wasn't ready. He still didn't feel ready.

「 The pirates in the bar started teasing and making noise, telling little Luffy how fun and free being a pirate felt. Shanks looked tired, clearly reluctant to let the boy come with them. His crew kept pushing him to agree until their captain muttered:

─ Well, if you're all so interested, then someone can give up their spot for him.

─ Let's just drink instead! Drink up!

─ What kind of allies are you?! 」

Rockstar burst out laughing ─ Well, that shut us up effectively.

─ Sorry Anchor, you were too small! ─ Roux roared with laughter, clinking his glass with the others.

「 Shanks finally looked at Luffy ─ The main reason is you're too small. Maybe in ten years I'll reconsider taking you with me.

─ How dare you, Shanks?! ─ Luffy growled ─ I'm not a kid! 」

─ Captain, if you hadn't set out to sea and Shanks had recruited you instead, would you have accepted? ─ Chopper asked curiously, his little ears perked up attentively.

Luffy went still for a moment, his dark eyes scanning each of his crewmembers' faces. The silence grew heavy as everyone held their breath.

─ Maybe ─ he finally admitted, his voice unusually soft ─ If Shanks hadn't given me this hat, if he hadn't shown me what it means to have a dream... ─ his fingers brushed the old straw hat, that treasure he wore like the seal of a promise ─ I still wouldn't change how things turned out ─ his face lit up with that smile they all knew ─ I don't think I could live in a world without you guys by my side.

─ Luffffyyyy! ─ Nami was the first to react, throwing herself at him with tears streaming down her cheeks. Franky burst into dramatic sobs, while Zoro growled something unintelligible, looking away to hide his emotion.

「 ─ Well, don't be mad, here, have your juice ─ Shanks passed him a glass of orange juice with a mischievous smile on his face.

Luffy accepted it gratefully, chugging the juice in one go.

─ See? ─ Shanks burst out laughing, wiping tears from his face ─ You're still a kid. 」

─ You're a child ─ Beckman clicked his tongue at his infamous and childish captain's behavior. Shanks ignored him.

「 ─ I'm sick of this ─ Luffy growled, moving away from the immature captain ─ I even gave myself a scar and it was useless. 」

─ Why did you think that would work?! ─ Nami was the one who asked this time.

─ Pirates always have scars on their faces, well, Shanks does. So I thought if I did it, he'd accept me into his crew, for my bravery or something... ─ Luffy's voice grew smaller as he saw the incredulous looks from his crew and brothers. He looked away with a pout.

「 ─ Luffy ─ Benn called the boy ─ You should try understanding Okashira's feelings.

─ Shanks' feelings, vice-captain? 」

─ Wow, I didn't know you could be so gentle, Benn ─ Shanks placed a hand over his heart, moved. Benn gave him an unenthusiastic look.

─ I just didn't want Anchor to do something stupid because of you ─ the first mate replied boredly, a puff of smoke escaping his smiling lips.

─ I didn't encourage him!

「 ─ That's right. As our captain, he more than anyone knows being a pirate is great, but ultimately, he's aware that pirate life is very difficult and dangerous ─ Benn looked at Luffy for a moment ─ Get it? I'm sure he doesn't want to mock your desire to be a pirate. 」

Luffy nodded at Benn's words. Pirate life was hard and dangerous, but he couldn't fully understand until he sailed and faced things he never imagined. His body remembered every blow, every defeat; his mind treasured the screams of his nakama disappearing one by one, Ace's warm blood staining his hands while his body, despite his Devil Fruit's power, slowly cooled in his arms. But even with all that, he never wished for another life. Every scar made him stronger, every loss sharpened his resolve. Now he had a promise to keep: protect those who remained, those crazy people who believed in his dream and followed him to the ends of the world. Because there was no turning back: he would be the Pirate King, no matter the cost, and no enemy would take his family from him again.

「 ─ I don't know! ─ Luffy gritted his teeth ─ I feel like Shanks thinks I'm an idiot.

Shanks, as if hearing him, murmured while covering his mouth ─ He can't swim.

─ See?! 」

Benn pinched his nose, sometimes he just wanted to punch his captain and get on with his life. Who argued with an eight-year-old?

「 ─ You seem to be having lots of fun, Captain-san ─ Makino, the bar owner, smiled at the captain.

─ Oh yes, it's a pleasure to tease this kid.

Luffy pointed at the childish captain as if to prove his point ─ He's enjoying it. 」

Sanji opened his mouth to praise the beautiful bar owner, but before he could say anything he received a cold look from his captain, effectively silencing him.

Sabo smiled, remembering the woman who sometimes invited them to eat and sleep at the bar ─ Isn't she the girl Ace liked?

Ace choked on the piece of meat he'd put in his mouth, looking at the blond man in disbelief, his ears turning red along with his cheeks ─ I didn't like her!

─ Is that so? ─ Sabo didn't sound convinced, examining Ace carefully. Ace huffed, throwing another fiery look at the blond, looking not very threatening due to his blush.

「 ─ Do you want something to eat, Luffy? ─ Makino asked while placing the beer barrel on the floor.

─ Yes, I'll pay you with my treasure later.

─ Treasure? Hey, stop lying.

─ No! When I'm a pirate I'll have one! Then I'll come pay you!

Makino smiled ─ Fufufu! I'll be waiting eagerly.」

Luffy smiled softly ─ When I become Pirate King, I'll have to repay Makino for everything she did for me.

─ She seems like an amazing woman ─ Robin said with a smile.

─ She is.

「 ─ Shanks ─ Luffy finally calmed down, looking at the red-haired captain with intrigue, receiving a small grunt in response ─ How much longer will you stay?

─ Well, we've been in this village almost a year, making it our base. Maybe after two or three more voyages we'll leave the village heading north.

─ So two or three more times ─ Luffy murmured. Makino looked at him before sighing ─ I'll know how to swim by then!

─ Alright! Good luck with that. 」

Ace's gaze softened as he watched his little brother murmur. He knew how much Luffy hated being alone, and his desperate attempt to learn swimming was nothing more than fear of abandonment. He was sure Luffy would do anything—even hurt himself—just to avoid being alone again.

「 The bar door slammed open, revealing several figures.

The bandit leader smiled smugly, looking at the pirates with a mix of arrogance and mockery ─ So these are pirates? My first time seeing some. They seem kinda dumb. 」

─ Who's this guy now? ─ Sanji muttered irritably, biting his cigarette.

─ Just some bandits from Mt. Colubo ─ Ace answered the unasked question ─ Big-headed idiots.

「 Luffy bit into the strange fruit in his hand while watching the newcomers enter the bar. 」

─ Wait, wait! Is that...?! ─ Usopp gasped, pointing at the fruit and then at his captain.

Luffy beamed, bouncing like a rubber ball ─ My fruit! ─ he announced cheerfully.

─ So that's how you got it?

─ No, how did you get it?

Luffy frowned, pressing a finger to his forehead as he tried to remember ─ Hmm, I think it was in a small chest in front of me. It was open and looked weird! So I ate it.

─ First rule: don't eat weird things ─ Sabo sighed, giving Ace an unimpressed look as the latter laughed uproariously.

─ Did it taste good? ─ Chopper asked. His own fruit hadn't tasted good, but his hunger had overpowered the flavor at the time.

Luffy stuck out his tongue ─ Tasted like rubber.

─ Interesting that you know what rubber tastes like ─ Ace looked queasy.

「 ─ We're the Mountain Bandits ─ the bandit, introduced as Higuma, smirked ─ But we don't want trouble. Just ten barrels of sake. 」

─ Saying they "don't want trouble" basically guarantees trouble ─ Haruta snorted, eyeing the small-time bandits with boredom.

「 ─ I'm so sorry, but... ─ Makino smiled nervously ─ We're out of sake right now.

─ Oh? How strange. Then what are they drinking? Water?

─ No. It's sake, but it's our last bottle. 」

─ That bastard better not try anything ─ Sanji gritted his teeth, glaring furiously at the worthless bandit.

「 Shanks smiled calmly at the bandit ─ Seems we messed up by drinking all the sake. Our bad ─ The pirate captain raised his unopened sake bottle as a peace offering ─ Here, take this one instead.

The bandit snatched the bottle—then smashed it over Shanks' head. Glass shattered against the straw hat, drenching it completely. 」

Zoro looked startled for a moment before remembering something and glancing at his captain. So this is where he learned it...

「 ─ Hey, who do you think I am? Don't underestimate me ─ Higuma sneered ─ One bottle isn't enough for us.

Shanks ignored him, staring guiltily at the soaked wooden floor ─ Ah, the floor's all wet now...

─ See this? ─ The bandit leader waved his bounty poster ─ I'm worth eight million berries. One of the most wanted around here. I've killed plenty of guys like you. 」

Marco couldn't help but snort. Credit where it's due—eight million was high for the East Blue.

─ U-um, Red-Hair-san, sir ─ Usopp stammered, addressing the senior captain directly. Shanks tilted his head and smiled at Yasopp's son.

─ Yeah, kid?

─ C-Can I ask what your bounty was back then?

Shanks thought for a moment ─ If I recall, mine hasn't changed much. One billion and forty million berries.

Yasopp's son gaped, as did several of Luffy's crewmates. Shanks' smile brightened. Pretty impressive, right?

─ Stop looking so smug ─ Benn scolded, taking another sip of sake ─ You look like an idiot.

Shanks' smile vanished as he grimaced at his first mate ─ Do you have to be so mean all the time?

─ Only when you're being a bastard.

「 ─ You don't know who you're dealing with. 」

─ Is he talking about himself? ─ Ace muttered, pity in his eyes.

「 ─ Bandits and pirates just don't mix.

Shanks sighed, picking up larger glass shards while side-eyeing Luffy to check for injuries ─ Really sorry, Makino-san ─ He eyed the wet floor ─ Got a rag?

Makino snapped out of her daze ─ Ah, don't worry, I'll handle it...

Higuma clenched his teeth, hating being ignored. He raised his sword and swept it across the counter—sending plates and bottles crashing to the floor.

─ Since you love cleaning, enjoy doing more of it! ─ He smacked his lips, looking angrier than pleased. 」

─ Ah! ─ Nami gasped in realization, her eyes shining as she connected the dots. ─ That's why you didn't fight back against Bellamy...! It was like what Shanks did with those bandits!

Luffy rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, avoiding his crew's gazes for a moment. ─ Hehe... yeah. ─ He finally admitted, looking up with a timid yet wise smile. ─ I learned not every fight is worth dirtying your fists over. Sometimes... being strong means knowing when not to fight.

Zoro gave an almost imperceptible nod, silently acknowledging his captain's growth. Meanwhile, Usopp and Chopper exchanged awed glances.

─ Hear that, Benn? ─ Shanks whispered, voice thick with emotion ─ Our Anchor, my Anchor... finally understood.

Benn exhaled cigarette smoke in a long sigh ─ Stop looking so moved ─ he grumbled, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward ─ Though I suppose it is something to be moved about.

Shanks nodded, feeling pride's warmth vibrate through him. His Anchor had truly grown so much.

「 ─ I'm outta here, you bunch of idiots ─ The bandit leader finally left the small bar, leaving tense silence behind.

Makino knelt beside the red-haired man in concern ─ Are you alright, Captain-san?! Are you hurt?

Shanks sighed ─ I'm fine.

Like a switch had flipped, the bar erupted in laughter, mocking how pathetic their captain looked on the floor. Shanks laughed too, fanning himself with his straw hat. 」

—They really don't care, do they? — Chopper whispered, eyes shining with admiration as he watched Shanks' pirates laugh like nothing happened.

Zoro, without looking away from the scene, pulled the little reindeer onto his lap with uncharacteristic gentleness. — Not a big deal — he murmured, calloused fingers sinking into Chopper's fur with a calm he only showed the crew — Just some idiots with bruised egos. Not worth dirtying your hands over.

Chopper tilted his head thoughtfully. —Then... when is a fight worth it?

Sanji interjected without looking — When the harm's deliberate — his voice unusually free of sarcasm — When they hurt someone worth protecting.

Zoro nodded, the scar over his closed eye prominent in the dim light. — A man's pride isn't in answering every provocation... but knowing which battles define who you are.

Whitebeard smiled. These brats were more interesting than he'd thought.

「 ─ Why are you laughing?! ─ Little Luffy's face scrunched in anger as he shouted at Shanks, who fell silent at the outburst. 」

Luffy groaned in embarrassment, hiding his face against Ace's neck as the latter shook with laughter.

— Oh boy, your younger self seemed quite different, Captain. Yohoho.

Luffy flushed, pouting at the relentless teasing — I don't think like that anymore! — he weakly defended.

Robin hid a smile behind her hand, stroking her captain's hair — We know, Captain-san.

「 ─ That was so dumb! Why didn't you fight him?! Who cares if there were more of them! Letting them treat you like that isn't manly at all! 」

— Shut up, idiot! — Luffy pointed at his younger self, his rubber body completely red as if held over fire — You don't know anything!

— This is hilarious! — Vista mocked, watching the child with pity and amusement. People could be so cruel.

「 ─ Look, I get how you feel, but... ─ Shanks looked at Luffy with understanding, trying to make the boy listen ─ It was just a bottle of sake. No need to make a bigger mess.

Luffy huffed angrily, starting to walk away from Shanks in disappointment.

─ C'mon, don't go, Lu... ─ Shanks grabbed Luffy's arm as he stormed off shouting.

─ Stay?! I don't wanna see a coward like you! ─ Luffy walked briskly, but Shanks didn't release his arm, expecting to pull him back—except Luffy's arm just kept stretching.

The bar's commotion returned. 」

— Incredible — Those who hadn't seen the boy use his powers were amazed. While Devil Fruit users weren't rare in the New World, seeing their abilities in action remained astonishing.

「 — Y-Your arm stretched! — Shanks blurted out intelligently, stating the obvious. The bar grew louder.

— It's gone! — Roux shouted, drawing the crew's attention. The small treasure chest sat empty — The Gomu Gomu no Mi we stole from that enemy ship! — The portly man turned to Luffy, showing a well-drawn sketch of the fruit — Luffy, did you eat this?!

Luffy stood stiffly, sweating — Yeah, I ate it for dessert! Tasted nasty though... — he muttered at the end. 」

— It's entirely Shanks' fault-yoi — Marco glared at the redhead with disdain — Who leaves a Devil Fruit within a child's reach?

Shanks looked remorseful — Didn't think he'd eat it.

— Think first!

「 — That was the Gomu Gomu no Mi! A Devil Fruit, one of the sea's rarest treasures! Whoever eats it becomes a rubber man who can never swim again! — Shanks ranted while stretching Luffy's cheeks.

Luffy's jaw dropped to the floor — Ehhh?! Seriously?!

— Idiot! 」

— Can't blame the brat for your own negligence — Izo raised an eyebrow, disapproving.

Whitebeard burst out laughing — So that's where it ended up. Interesting.

— Kinda sad, but Luffy couldn't swim anyway, so who cares? — Sanji said boredly, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.

— I think his fruit suits him SUUUPER perfectly, Captain — Franky struck a pose — Can't imagine him with a different one.

— When you say it like that, you're right. It's like it was made for him — Nami smiled, tugging Luffy's cheek — You're adorable, even as a kid — she cooed.

— I'm dangerous! — Luffy protested, leaning into his crew's doting.

— Of course you are — Nami kissed his forehead.

Notes:

I want to know your answers which is better:

"Anchor can't hate me! I'm like... his father or something!" Shanks' arms moved erratically, as he tried unsuccessfully to calm his panic. "Anchor, come here!"

or

─ Anchor can't hate me! I'm like... his father or something! ─ Shanks's arms moved erratically, as he tried unsuccessfully to calm his panic ─ Anchor, come here!

Personally, I like both forms, on Wattpad (In Spanish) I used the second one a lot, which is why when I translate it I do it with the second option. But which one do you like more?

Chapter 3: Promises

Summary:

— Hello, Usopp — His captain's warm and affectionate voice filled his ears, his eyes blinked feeling his blurry vision rise — You're hugging me, right? — he could only nod — It means I'm here, I'm real. Can you look at me?

Notes:

I have nothing appropriate to say...

Enjoy the chapter!

「 ─ It seems I underestimated Shanks ─ Luffy growled, biting the juice glass ─ I thought he was a real pirate. What a fraud. 」

Shanks shrank in on himself, as if every word from Luffy were a direct blow to the heart. Was he getting old? He was sure Luffy wasn't saying those words to him right now, but when he ignored him and ran away from him when he called, it felt like losing his arm all over again. Had his anchor really stopped needing him? Did he hate him? He remembered every time he arrived at the village dock and the boy came running to greet him, all hugs and smiles, and now? Luffy had ignored him, like a wet rag.

Benn watched his captain's pathetic spectacle with a mixture of exasperation and amusement, and with a sigh, he slapped his back with his open palm.

─ Captain, why don't you just ask him directly instead of feeling sorry for yourself? ─ Benn's voice was flat, but the glint in his eyes betrayed that he was enjoying every second of the drama.

Shanks raised his face, his cheeks shiny from crying, and murmured in a broken voice:

─ What if he says yes? What if my anchor doesn't love me anymore, Benn?

The first mate snorted. Perhaps he had underestimated how pathetically sentimental his captain could get when it came to Luffy. I mean, the man would find an idyllic spot to talk about every adventure he'd had with the boy whenever someone joined his crew or he simply remembered something funny about the kid.

─ For the love of the sea, Shanks... ─ Benn rubbed the bridge of his nose ─ Either you ask him or I'll write a poem in your name.

That seemed to work. Shanks straightened up as if all the confidence in the world were on his shoulders and, with determination, turned to where Luffy was curled up between Ace and Sabo, and his voice boomed with a tone so grave that Benn blushed for him.

─ Luffy!

Silence fell over the room and all eyes turned to the redhead, except, obviously, those of the rubber boy who didn't even blink, too busy talking to his brothers.

Shanks swallowed hard and Benn saw his captain's determination crack.

─ L-Luffy! ─ This time Shanks's voice sounded like a pitiful whimper ─ Are you mad at me, anchor? Why won't you look at me, champ?

By all the seas, now he was begging. Benn seriously considered poisoning himself with sake.

Then the miracle happened.

Luffy turned his head sharply and tilted it with the expression of a confused puppy, as if Shanks had asked why the sky was blue. Benn was completely sure that if he asked him, he wouldn't even know.

─ Huh? ─ he blinked innocently, ending the cold treatment ─ What are you talking about, Shanks?

Shanks bloomed instantly, his defeated posture transforming into pure energy upon receiving a scrap of attention.

─ You're ignoring me! ─ he accused, pointing his finger, Benn had to bite his lip to keep from laughing at the pathetically childish voice.

Luffy scrunched his nose and his obsidian eyes shone with something between the disappointment and fury of a wounded puppy ─ You forgot our promise... ─ he murmured and his voice sounded small, like the child who once ran into Shanks's arms on the Foosha dock.

The room looked at Shanks with disapproval at that.

Yasopp, obviously enjoying the atmosphere, couldn't resist teasing ─ Wow, Captain, making Anchor cry now? ─ an extremely large smile was plastered on his face.

Shanks panicked and when he didn't answer, Luffy's eyes began to glisten with unshed tears and the emperor crumbled faster than a house of cards in a storm.

─ Of course I remember it, pup! ─ he stammered, his hands trembling wanting to hug the boy ─ How could I forget the most important promise of my life?!

─ Then why are you talking to me?! ─ Luffy shouted, tears rolling down his cheeks as his fists clung to the straw hat as if he feared it would be snatched away. The tears blurred his vision, but not enough to not see the betrayal of his own ideals ─ I promised to give it back when I became a great pirate! And I'm not one yet! ─ a hiccup broke his voice ─ If we see each other now, that means I failed!

Sanji shook his head ─ What a cheesy drama... ─ he murmured, exhaling a bit of smoke; feeling his heart break at his captain's voice.

Thatch hit the floor, stifling his laughter ─ Look at the redhead! He looks more nervous than when he faced Mihawk!

Ace and Sabo, on the other hand, turned to Shanks with looks that could melt steel. Ace crossed his arms, flames dancing involuntarily on his shoulders, while Sabo adjusted his glove with a gesture too calm to be innocent.

─ Did you really make him think that seeing him before was failing? ─ Ace growled, his fist clenching sparking and Marco had to step closer in case he had to stop... whatever was happening.

Sabo hummed in agreement ─ How curious... I never took "Great Shanks" for someone who would play with a child's dreams.

Shanks paled. For the first time in years, the emperor felt genuinely ashamed. With slow movements, he knelt down to Luffy's eye level, his golden eyes seeking the dark ones of his anchor.

Among Whitebeard's pirates, the silence was absolute.

Thatch dropped his cup of sake ─ Shit... have I drunk too much? ─ he murmured.

Jozu crossed his arms, completely tense ─ Shanks doesn't kneel even before kings...

Even Marco, always serene, slightly opened his eyes.

Because it wasn't just any child.

It was Shanks's anchor.

The future the redhead had helped mold.

─ Lu... ─ his voice came out soft at the nickname ─ You're right. A promise is sacred ─ the boy nodded without looking at him ─ But today doesn't count ─ he added in a soft murmur, stroking the shiny face of the boy who was still hiccupping ─ This is just... a break in the journey.

And then, with a gesture that had marked Luffy's heart years ago, Shanks adjusted the straw hat on Luffy's head as if sealing a new pact.

─ It's still yours, until you become the Pirate King.

Someone in the crowd gasped. They had heard the story, millions of times. How Shanks had given the hat to a boy who reminded him of his captain and now they were here, witnessing the scene, only this time with a smaller, more peaceful pact.

Luffy could no longer contain himself and with an impulse that made his rubber joints creak, he launched himself against Shanks's chest like a human projectile, clinging to him with a strength that would have suffocated any normal man. The emperor barely swayed, his laughter resonating warm and deep as he wrapped his one arm around his boy.

The scene was as touching as it was dangerous.

Benn Beckman watched the spectacle with sharp eyes, his cigarette forgotten between his fingers. Every noisy kiss Shanks planted on Luffy's blushing face, every childish laugh from the future Pirate King, was a double-edged sword.

─ Good thing the only witnesses are trustworthy ─ he murmured to himself, mentally calculating how many heads he'd have to blow off if this scene reached Marine ears.

As Shanks played with Luffy's cheeks as if he were still that child from Foosha, Benn exchanged a significant look with Yasopp. Both knew what this meant:

In that embrace, Shanks wasn't just showing affection. He was marking territory. Declaring to the world, without words, but with total clarity, that Monkey D. Luffy was under his protection. That anyone who dared threaten that boy would have to face not only the Straw Hats, but the full wrath of an emperor.

And when Benn saw how Marco the Phoenix watched the scene with an understanding smile and how Luffy's own nakama relaxed seeing their captain so genuinely happy, he knew the message had been received.

Because on the seas of this world, some connections were more powerful than any weaponry. And what bound Shanks to Luffy was precisely the kind of bond that could change the course of history.

Meanwhile among the crowd, hidden in the shadows of the room, Teach watched.

His eyes shone with an unusual glint, like the edge of a knife under the moon. Every laugh from Luffy, every show of affection from the red-haired emperor, was just a piece moving in his direction.

A weak point, a weakness.

And most dangerous of all: living proof that even the strongest men had something to die for.

His fingers closed around a bottle of rum, but his gaze never left Luffy.

─ How interesting ─ he whispered to himself, smiling against the rim of his glass ─ Very interesting...

「 ─ Do you really think that about him? ─ Makino asked, wiping a glass curiously ─ I think it's brave to have endured everything he went through and still laugh.

─ You just don't understand these things, Makino ─ Luffy snorted, pouting ─ There are times when a man must act!

Makino simply laughed, not seeming offended by the comment ─ Uhm, I guess I don't know about those things. 」

─ You didn't know about those things either, anchor ─ Shanks, back to his usual self with a child now sitting on his lap, teased.

─ Shut up, Shanks.

「 The bar doors opened, revealing the bandit from the previous time. Luffy looked at the men with nervous surprise as they entered, mocking the silence, and sat scattered among the tables.

─ What are you waiting for? We're customers! ─ Higuma slammed his fist on the table ─ Bring sake! 」

─ Uff that bastard is an idiot ─ Sanji bit his cigarette, he was used to dealing with that type of customer, who often shut up when his kick passed near their faces while he served other tables.

The scene changed.

「 Makino ran urgently towards the village chief's house, throwing the door open without thinking to knock.

─ Mayor-san, there's trouble!

─ What's wrong, Makino? Why are you here? ─ the old mayor asked, frozen in place by the sudden interruption.

─ Luffy was kidnapped by the mountain bandits! 」

That got everyone's attention.

─ What?! Luffy! ─ Chopper's cry echoed like a gunshot, his trembling hooves clutching Usopp.

Nami brought her hands to her mouth, her heart pounding so hard she was sure it would burst ─ You were kidnapped?! And you never said anything?! ─ she shrieked, pointing a finger at Luffy that trembled with rage and worry.

Luffy blinked, completely oblivious to the chaos erupting ─ Eh, yes... but, I'm fine.

─ Why did you never tell me Luffy was kidnapped?! ─ Sabo roared, turning to Ace with bloodshot eyes. His gloves creaked as he clenched his fists, the air around him distorting from the heat of his anger.

Ace looked at him in astonishment before his face wrinkled in confusion ─ I didn't know either! ─ he defended himself.

「 ─ You really are very interesting ─ bandit one said, mocking the brat in front of them.

─ Yeah, he doesn't seem to feel pain even if you hit him.

Behind the wooden crates, the citizens watched from afar, whispering frantically.

─ H-Hey, we should try to help Luffy!

─ But... they're mountain bandits, they'll kill us! ─ one pointed out as if it weren't obvious ─ Besides, it seems Luffy was the one who started it! 」

─ Well, I can't blame them, they had a pretty high bounty for the East Blue, they must have been quite dangerous for the citizens ─ Izo reflected, worried.

─ They still could have done something! ─ Haruta refuted, pointing at the hiding citizens.

「 ─ Shit! ─ Luffy shouted, while attacking again ─ Say you're sorry!

Higuma caught the boy's cheek, stretching it and throwing the child away like a rubber ball, while mocking him for being strange. Luffy growled on the ground, bruised.

─ It's a new type of human ─ Higuma rubbed his beard with interest ─ If we sell him to a circus, maybe we'll get good money for him. 」

The Straw Hats paled in unison, images of a little Luffy being manhandled like cheap merchandise appearing before them.

Franky slumped into the armchair with a metallic clank, his trembling hands clutching a cola bottle.

— This is NOT SUPER! — he shouted, his eyes turned into spirals in shock. His cooling system whistled in protest. "My blood pressure isn't designed for these scares!"

Brook, normally unflappable, gripped his tea so hard the cup cracked.

— C-Captain... — His voice sounded like a out-of-tune violin, his bones clattering clumsily —. What an interesting childhood, yohoho...!

Chopper was already writing frantically in his medical notebook: "Possible childhood traumas: 1) Kidnapping, 2) Dehumanizing treatment, 3) SALE IN CIRCUSES?!"

Nami clung to Zoro, sobbing incoherently — Why did you never tell us that?!

Zoro, though serene, had unknowingly split the armrest of his chair. —When we find those bandits... — he murmured, Wado Ichimonji vibrating in its sheath as if sensing his bloodlust.

Sanji lit a cigarette with hands that barely trembled, the smoke coming out in agitated puffs. —Circus, huh? — His blue eyes shone like blades under his bangs. —We should show them our fire show...

Robin smiled — How curious... — she whispered, phantom arms already blooming on the back wall — Circuses need clowns, don't they?

Usopp, pale as a sheet of paper, clung to the present Luffy, snatching him from Shanks's lap as if afraid he'd be taken away again.

— B-But you were rescued, right?! TELL ME YOU WERE, LUFFY! — he murmured, squeezing his captain tightly.

Luffy, smothered in Usopp's arms, nodded, hugging his sniper to calm him down.

— By the seas, Luffy is going to give me a heart attack at this rate — Ace murmured, stroking the back of a pale Sabo.

「 Luffy, now with a stick bigger than himself, charged forward in an attempt to hit the bandit.

─ You're so stubborn ─ Higuma raised his foot, kicking Luffy in the face, smashing Luffy's face against the ground. Luffy let out a cry, more from shock than pain ─ But we were just drinking and having a good time, did we say something we shouldn't have?

─ Yes, you did! ─ Luffy shouted, under the leader bandit's boot, writhing in an attempt to get out ─ Come on, say you're sorry!」

— Did that hurt? ─ Chopper, sunk in his captain's lap, asked.

Luffy shook his head without his usual smile — It was more the surprise than the pain — he explained, opting to answer directly rather than with a smile that didn't seem to be working — Though I got scraped against the floor, it wasn't anything serious.

— I'm so grateful you ate your fruit — Nami whispered, earning a nod from Sanji.

「 ─ Luffy is furious ─ one of the inhabitants murmured, watching the fight from afar.

─ Why did you have to pick a fight with them?! ─ another whispered, worried.

The bandits kept hitting Luffy as if he were a ball, until finally the old mayor reached them, shouting:

─ Let that child go! Please!

The bandits stopped, amazed that someone from the village would try to stop them.

─ I don't know what Luffy did, but I don't want any fights ─ The old man panted, kneeling before the bandits in a pleading position ─ So if he offended you, I'll pay you, but please, let him go! 」

Luffy's eyes softened, he was so grateful to the mayor and to Makino for everything they had done for him. Makino had raised him like her own son when his grandfather abandoned him on the island and the mayor, well, he was an interesting figure who scolded him multiple times for being a hyperactive child.

「 ─ That's what I expect from a wise old man ─ Higuma smiled, looking at the two figures with amusement ─ You know how the world works. But not in this case! This boy can't be saved anymore, because he has really made me angry.

Higuma raised his foot, kicking Luffy in the face again with more force this time.

─ He made me very angry, when this rubber brat, insulted me! 」

— Wow, for a full-grown adult, a child's words must have hurt him quite a bit — Nami mocked, rolling her eyes at the pathetic man on screen.

— Guys like that are made of nothing but ego — Zoro spoke, while methodically cleaning his sword.

「 ─ It was your fault! Stupid monkey!

Higuma's expression contorted and with a fluid movement, his sword was drawn from its sheath.

─ Well, I was going to sell you, but now I'll kill you. 」

Usopp held Luffy in his lap, paling at the sword inches from his future captain's neck. What would have happened if Higuma wasn't all ego? What would have happened if Luffy hadn't been made of rubber? Thousands of possibilities swirled in his head, before a squeeze snapped him out of his panic.

— Hello, Usopp — His captain's warm and affectionate voice filled his ears, his eyes blinked feeling his blurry vision rise — You're hugging me, right? — he could only nod — It means I'm here, I'm real. Can you look at me?

He swallowed, the spiral in his mind had calmed, but the trembling in his body still persisted. Oh, he'd had a panic attack over his captain, how funny. He forced himself to lift his head and look into the obsidian eyes that conveyed too many emotions for his turbulent mind to associate.

— That's it. I'm here — Luffy murmured, smiling softly at him, while squeezing him in a hug. His body relaxed at that, feeling another weight settle at his side, upon seeing Chopper he couldn't help but laugh.

— Do you feel okay? Does anything hurt? — he asked worriedly.

— I'm fine — Usopp let out a long sigh — I just got really scared.

Chopper nodded, putting his hoof on his wrist to check his pulse, seeing that he didn't say anything and nodded, he seemed to have completely calmed down. He didn't know why he had had such a big reaction. He loved his captain, yes, but that little adventure had been years ago and Luffy was very much alive hugging him and laughing with Chopper. Maybe it was the guilt, the guilt from fighting with Luffy hadn't faded, not even after two years of separation and seeing his captain, thrown on the ground by a self-centered idiot, felt bad. (Just like when Usopp told him he would replace him when he didn't need him anymore).

Before their fight, his mind kept playing tricks on him, telling him his captain hadn't suffered and had been a child with all kinds of luxuries, that his dream didn't compare to the ambition of his crewmates and the way he constantly reminded himself how he could be replaceable. Perhaps, if Usopp had had more ego and been full of himself, he would have ended up like Higuma.

No, no. That was wrong too.

A trembling sigh escaped his lips. It was no use going over the same thing again and again, it only tired him out. Guilt was a thick fog that didn't dissipate with reasoning. He felt bad, period. And maybe, just maybe, it was okay to feel bad for a while. Because it meant he cared. That he still cared enough for it to hurt, and that was okay.

「 ─ I was wondering why no one came to greet us, so this is the reason...

Shanks appeared behind the mayor and Makino like a shadow, his smile was still the same, playful and peaceful, but his eyes had a hint of danger.

─ Ah, it's the mountain bandits from the other time ─ His gaze drifted to the boy under the bandit's boot and a small tic appeared in the hand holding the sword ─ Luffy, didn't you say your punches were as strong as pistols? ─ he teased, the boy told him to shut up.

─ Pirates? ─ Higuma asked boredly ─ Why are you still in the village? Are you going to clean the whole town this time? ─ he mocked, twisting his foot on the boy's face ─ I suggest you just leave. If you come any closer, we'll shoot you dead, coward.

Another bandit pointed a pistol at Shanks's temple, who was unfazed by the weapon.

─ Didn't you hear, imbecile? Don't come any closer! I'll blow your head off!

The remaining bandits threw out similar taunts and insults, laughing at the pirate captain.

─ If you point a gun at someone, it means you're prepared to risk your life. 」

The gazes of the more veteran Straw Hats fell on Luffy, who wasn't looking at them, blushing deeply.

— I should have known it was a repeated phrase — said Nami with amusement, watching as Luffy hid his face in Ace's neck.

— It was still intimidating, Captain! — Usopp helped him, it was really intimidating.

Shanks looked at the children with curious eyes — What happened?

— Luffy said something similar to Usopp — Zoro answered dryly, explaining absolutely nothing.

— Similar? I'm sure they were the exact same words — Nami continued after Zoro's vague explanation.

Shanks smiled at that — Aww anchor, I didn't know I had impressed you so much — his hands traveled to the boy, pulling him into a hug. The boy grumbled, cursing him throughout the hug. Shanks's smile only widened.

「 The ignorant bandit let out a 'Huh?' not understanding what Shanks meant.

─ I said you shouldn't use this to threaten people ─ Shanks pointed at the pistol with his hand.

The bandit couldn't look confused before falling dead on the sand.

─ W-What have you done, damn you?

─ T-That! That was cheating! 」

Marco couldn't help but laugh — Cheating-yoi? What is this? School?

— It's stupid, how can you accuse a pirate of cheating? It's literally our existence — Izo raised his perfect eyebrow, looking at the bandits with boredom.

— And it's not even cheating! It was a direct attack, it's not like they tricked him or anything — Thatch shouted, indignant.

「 ─ Who you have in front of you, are real pirates ─ Shanks explained boredly, looking at the bandits with cold eyes.

─ Silence! ─ a bandit told him to shut up, sweating profusely ─ This is none of your business!

Shanks let out a laugh at that ─ Well, bandits. Let me explain something to you ─ he said in a technical tone ─ You can throw food or drink on my head, even insult me or spit on me and I'll still laugh, but... ─ his voice dropped, becoming a growl ─ I don't care what your reasons are! I won't forgive anyone who messes with my friends! 」

The Straw Hats looked at the screen in silence, admiring how the words sank deep into their little captain's mind. Luffy rarely talked about his past and if he did, it was because they found out things themselves or simply because they asked him directly.

With what they saw on the screen, they could understand a little better what kind of person had influenced their captain to become who he is today. Shanks had taught Luffy many things that, although already ingrained in him, were molded into what their captain is now.

— He really admires him — Nami said sweetly, watching her captain shy away from the older captain's touch.

— That experience made Luffy learn a lot — Robin smiled softly — It not only taught him when a fight was worth it, but also the value of his crewmates.

— Do you think our Luffy would have been different if he hadn't met Shanks?

Robin thought for a few moments, before sighing — Maybe? — she responded in a doubtful tone — Redhead-san taught Luffy what a pirate crew should be; loyal and friendly. He also taught him that strength isn't everything. It's hard to say, since Luffy was just a child, and children are selfish, but yes, maybe our Luffy could have been a bit wilder and less careful if he hadn't met Shanks-san.

— Then I think I'm glad Luffy met him.

Notes:

That's right... A new watching! Because I'm mentally frustrated with the previous one, although I'm not going to abandon it, I still need a break.

I hope you like this Watching as much as the other one.

Some simple explanations:

1. It won't go in order. This is more of a reaction in some ways, more intimidating. Characters can appear and they can leave the room (not of their own free will, of course, it's more like... a Pokémon choice?)

2. Sabo and Luffy (like his crew), as you already saw, are after the Marineford arc, while the others know absolutely nothing about the future, they are like blank papers, that is, they come from the era in which Luffy had not yet left the sea.

The crews that are currently there and those that would remain stable would be:

- Straw hats.

- Whitebeard's crew.

- The redhead pirates.

- Sabo.

3. Like I said, it won't go in order. They will react to eggs and there may be SabAce mentions, because it's the only trope I need in my life. Although this one does bother you, it can be read as platonic, since there will be nothing out of place.

4. You can recommend scenes for me to react to. This book is both an outlet for me to write and a challenge. So I look forward to your comments!

And... would that be all?

Thanks for reading!

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Paving the way together