Chapter Text
The first time Dragon saw Luffy again, the boy was five years old.
After a successful mission of helping citizens overthrow their king, it is time for the army he created against tyranny to go back to their headquarters. It would be a long trip of a month or so back to Baltigo as they were currently in the East Blue. It also meant that they had to restock, choosing Dawn Island where Goa Kingdom was located. His men disembarked the ship, off to do their tasks as discreetly as possible, not wanting to rouse suspicions as the kingdom had direct ties with the marines.
Dragon left them be. He had another purpose of his own, one that involved personal matters. Foosha Village was on the far end of Dawn Island. It was a small village where most folks were fishermen. The last time he was here, he was only a teen who dreamt of following his father's footsteps. He didn't exactly grow up in this village, preferring to spend most of his time on the mountains and forests, only coming down when he learned that his father had come home. He avoided everything all together, finally finding the boy he was seeking.
He recognized Luffy in an instant.
Luffy was sitting on a log, overlooking the sea where it met with the sky, creating a myriad of colors in the setting sun. With a stick on his hand, he was drawing aimlessly in the sand below, lost in the swirls of his own creation. Once in a while, the waves would gently lap back on the shore, reaching the boy’s feet. There was laughter as the boy enjoyed the tingling sensation of the seawater.
In the distance, stood Dragon, hiding away with the help of palm trees surrounding the area. He watched with tired eyes and slouched posture, content in seeing his son enjoy himself in solitude. It was calming for him, seeing Luffy as a grown boy who knew nothing about the awfulness and cruelty of the world. His innocence was charming to say the least. The giggles the boy emanated was music to the ears.
Still, Dragon could not deny the yearning. He was human after all, but in the eyes of his men, he was the messiah himself; the harbinger of end to the cruelness brought by the nobles who controlled this world with an iron fist. It was selfish on his part to sire a son when he was already deemed the most dangerous man out there. Perhaps it was selfishness too that brought him here. He thought he buried it in his heart, wanting to see his son, even if he was never there in the first place.
He knew how wrong it was to seek out Luffy. For all there was, Dragon was nobody. From the moment his son was born, he never deserved to be the father Luffy needed. A child always needed a stable life away from conflict, something that was out of the question. For how cruel it might sound, abandoning Luffy was the best option.
He wanted a reminder, the comforting thought on why he was doing it all in the first place. The yearning brought him here on Dawn Island, the place that raised him and where he abandoned his everything. Sometimes, the burden was heavy and all he wanted was to see his—
He was so lost in thought he didn't realize Luffy was already staring directly at him.
Dragon's eyes widened momentarily, staring back at the boy who surely had noticed him by now. Raven eyes and hair he woefully inherited from him, as if looking at a mirror. But before Dragon could leave and forget this encounter ever happened, Luffy stood up and his sandals crunched under the sand, making his approach towards his father, unaware of who he was.
“Hi, I'm Luffy! What's yours?” the boy introduced, nothing but pure exuberant. He was tiptoeing, looking up at the man thrice his size.
No trace of suspiciousness nor danger, just pure childlike curiosity, which certainly was worrying.
“You shouldn't talk to strangers, boy…” Dragon expressed in a deep tone, surprising himself that he answered.
Luffy blinked, tilting his head as he furrowed his eyebrows. “Why?”
“Because it is dangerous. You can never know a person's intention. For all there is, I could be here to kidnap you.”
The first time he was speaking to his son and he was already scolding him.
“Are you gonna kidnap me?” Luffy asked again.
“No…”
“Then it's okay!” Luffy concluded with a giggle. “I wanna show you this seashell. It looks so cool and it's red!” He showed him the shell, deep burgundy with white spirals, he was holding, and looking proud of his discovery.
Dragon didn't answer, instead he stared, taking in Luffy's appearance now that he's standing in front of him. He looked well-nourished, evident with his plump and rounded cheeks. His clothes looked new, though soiled after playing for hours.
Except there were bruises in his arms, pinkish and most of them still swelling.
“Boy, where did you get those?” Dragon asked, trying to remain calm. The rational part of him thought that he probably fell and injured himself in the process. But there were numerous of them and clearly caused by someone.
Luffy blinked, raising his arm and looking at his own bruises. “Grandpa's training me.”
Dragon was silent for a moment, taking in the information. Of course, his insane father's logic was that it was fine to train his five-year-old grandson and turn him into a marine, just like what he did to his son, even if it ended in disaster.
“Where is he?” Dragon asked as he let out a deep sigh.
“Dunno. He always leaves after training,” Luffy replied, biting his lips, mood becoming sour.
“Is he forcing you?”
“No,” Luffy shook his head, smiling yet again as a way to not let him worry. “I'm really happy when Grandpa’s here! He threw me off a cliff and there's lots of snakes. I thought I'm gonna die so I ran really fast and found Grandpa again!”
“I see…” Dragon mused. “What about your parents?”
“I don't have that,” Luffy shrugged his shoulders, completely unbothered by the fact. “It's always me and Makino! And sometimes Grandpa if he has time. Makino's making lemon tarts and she said I can eat it after dinner!”
“It is indeed getting late,” Dragon said as the sun was already emanating the last embers of its light. “She’d probably want you home by now or she'll worry.”
“Oh, yeah. Bye-bye!” Luffy turned his back but before he could leave, he remembered something. “You never told me your name,”
“It doesn't matter,” Dragon said as a matter-of-fact, earning a huff from the boy.
His feet moved on his own, walking towards his son. Luffy remained still, watching his actions, still showing curiosity. Dragon put a hand on the crown of Luffy's head. A simple gesture of wanting to touch the boy he hadn't been able to hold ever since he was a babe.
“Be brave and strong,” Dragon expressed, gently stroking his hair, earning a look from the boy. “And…”
“Hmm?” Luffy hummed in confusion.
“And before you forget, here's your seashell.”
“Oh,” Luffy said, seemingly forgetting about it. He beamed with a smile. “You can have that one. I have lots of ‘em at home. Bye-bye again!”
This time, Dragon didn't stop him. He watched as Luffy's small figure disappeared in the center of the village on his way back home to a caretaker who would be there to guide and love him, in lieu of a father and grandfather who were nothing but selfish men who’d choose their ambitions over their flesh and blood.
Back on the ship, Dragon was overlooking Goa Kingdom, arms crossed. He was waiting for his men to return, trying to sense their presence as if anticipating trouble. One must never be at ease even if they were at the sea considered the weakest out of all. It was his job to be anxious as the lives of his men were in his hands.
Kuma appeared behind him out of thin air with the help of his Devil Fruit, enabling him to teleport himself and others wherever he wanted. With no words spoken between them, his comrade stood beside him, copying him in staring at the kingdom ahead.
“Dragon,” Kuma acknowledged. “You seem familiar with this island…”
And Dragon’s breath hitched.
Had it been obvious with how he instructed his men on where to find goods and supply. Or with how he described the political structure of monarchy and class division the kingdom was imposing upon its citizens.
The right answer was that Kuma was perceptive like that.
“Not only that, when I went to stretch my legs earlier, I found a remote village on the outskirts,” Kuma continued, unaware of the inner conflict his comrade had been having. “There was a young boy there...” He concluded, striking a nerve.
“If you keep talking about this, you may as well kill me yourself,” Dragon muttered under his breath, agitated. He trusted Kuma with his life but he couldn't allow anyone to know about him, friend or foe.
“What do you mean?”
“A child is their parent’s weakness.”
Kuma’s eyes widened momentarily, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, I’ll forget what I saw.”
And they leave it at that.
That night, alone in his room, Dragon lay awake, cradled by the waves that will bring him to his destination. In his hand was the seashell that was given to him as a gift by his son, when it's supposed to be the other way around.
In the end, he had no regrets seeking out solace. It further ignited the burning devotion to his noble cause.
Dragon dreams— for the first time ever since he started a revolution against the world.
Someday, when all of it was over, he would always be there for him.
The next time Dragon visited Luffy, the boy recently turned seven.
There had been rumors from the east, reaching even as far as the New World. Even if the Revolutionary Army’s enemy had always been the World Government, they still had to keep tabs with pirates as some of them were involved in the slave trade. Most were more interested in the usual plundering and lust for power in search for the treasure that the Pirate King had left. The few handpicked ones were more interested in adventure, romancing the idea of being pirates.
The Red Hair Pirates were stationed at East Blue for almost a year without any news on the reason behind it. East Blue had been known to be the weakest of all seas and yet Red-Haired Shanks decided out of nowhere that he’d frequently linger here. Allegedly, their lives mostly revolved on partying and drinking, keeping mostly to themselves, though once provoked, they were known to be deadly. Pirates do have a code and they were no exceptions to that.
The Red Hair Pirates were never a concern to the Revolutionaries. What made Dragon alarmed was Red-Haired Shanks' frequent visits to Foosha Village.
Dragon was back on his home island yet again, alone this time, disappearing without proper explanation much to Ivankov’s chagrin. He found Luffy on the docks. He was humming to himself, a pirate shanty that he seemed to memorize by heart, evident by the ecstatic sounds he was producing. His legs were swaying back and forth. On his lap was a toy ship he was playing with earlier, most likely bored with it by now. He was staring at the vastness ocean, eyes wide with wonder.
Dragon observed from the shadows, trying to see a glimpse of what Luffy had become. He seemed to grow a few inches taller than the last time, limbs longer and more well-defined. His face had thinned out, losing some of the roundness in his cheeks, but still very plump. His hair was a bit longer, more tousled than before.
The straw hat was definitely the most prominent. It was placed on Luffy's nape, far too large for a boy his age. It seemed far fetched but from the pictures Dragon had seen, Red-Haired Shanks was mostly wearing a straw hat.
Dragon made his approach, steps heavy and the woods creating a creaking sound. It alerted Luffy who turned his head immediately upon knowing that there's someone on his back. Luffy's eyes lit up, recognition in his face as he gave the man his widest smile.
“Hi!” Luffy chirped, waving his hand excitedly. “You're here again!”
If Dragon was surprised by the notion that Luffy remembered him, he didn't show it in his face, remaining cold and emotionless. He had just been a stranger who approached Luffy on a random afternoon more than a year ago. As far as Dragon could tell about children’s behavior, not that he was an expert, they were most likely not going to remember an event like that. Perhaps the boy had mistaken him for someone else?
“Do you still have the seashell?” Luffy asked as Dragon sat next to him, crossed leg.
“Yes,” Dragon answered simply, staring at him eye to eye. “You remember me.”
“Nn!” Luffy nodded enthusiastically. “You have a very cool tattoo! Some of Shanks’s crew has a tattoo, too but none as awesome as yours!”
As easily as that, Dragon confirmed all the suspicions that he had in the first place.
“That straw hat is quite large for you,” Dragon pondered.
“Oh yeah?” Luffy laughed, grabbing it from his back and holding it with both hands. He showed it to the man proudly. “Shanks gave it to me. He said I have to give it back once I’m the Pi—”
As the wind blew harshly, it carried with it the straw hat that flew towards the sea. And before Dragon could do something to retrieve it back, Luffy stood up in an abrupt manner, startled. He let out a yelp of disappointment. Twisting his arms, he released it and aimed for the targeted hat that was far from where they stood.
His arms extended— stretched even. Luffy managed to catch the straw hat, letting out a delighted squeal from his victory. Like a rubber that was stretched, it snapped back at full speed, returning to its original shape. But this sudden movement caused Luffy to be off-balance, letting go of the hat on his hand. Thankfully, the boy didn't fall into the sea as Dragon was there to catch him on time along with the straw hat.
“You have a devil fruit…” Dragon stated in monotone, unsure on what to feel.
“It’s the Gomu Gomu no mi. It makes me rubber!” Luffy chuckled. As a demonstration, he pulled his cheeks and it expanded in a way that's not humanly possible.
“...”
“Shanks said I can't swim anymore ‘cause the seawater hates me. Look!” But before Luffy could try to dip his feet in the water, Dragon stopped him on his tracks by putting a hand on his shoulders, causing the boy to look up to him.
“It would be wise if you refrain from doing that,” Dragon reminded with a sigh. It would end badly if Luffy managed to throw himself in the ocean as Dragon could not find a way to rescue his son without him also drowning in the process.
“Re-frame?” Luffy parroted, tilting his head.
“Refrain. It means you have to stop from doing something.”
With the straw hat on Dragon’s hand, he placed it on top of Luffy's head. The boy looked up, flashing another smile that was pure and bright. Dragon properly gazed on his son's face, noticing a scar located on his left eye.
“Where did you get this scar?” Dragon questioned as he traced it over.
“This?” Luffy pointed out. “I wanna come with Shanks but he said I'm a crybaby so I went to show ‘im that I'm strong.”
“By stabbing yourself?” Dragon guessed, praying that wasn't the case.
“By stabbing myself,” Luffy confirmed between giggles.
Dragon was slowly losing all hope that his son could survive on his own without parental supervision. Who was to blame for all this? Him for abandoning Luffy to his grandfather who was as insane as a marine could be. Unfortunately, Luffy was not spared of genes that made them reckless and stupid when it comes to making decisions.
“But Shanks didn't take me.” Luffy mumbled, suddenly out of energy.
“You're still too young to explore the seas.” Dragon could only imagine the things he’d do if Red Hair really did take his son with him.
“But he left his straw hat so we made a promise that I’ll return it when I reach my dream.”
“And that is?”
“I want to be the King of the Pirates!” Luffy declared, standing proud with his arms up in the air.
And Dragon let himself grin, pride swelling up.
One year was enough for a child to grow and change, developing an interest that could change their life. Whatever fate has stored for his son, it would definitely be interesting. He was a D after all, and their family was known for turning the world upside down when they wanted their ambitions to come true. And it's exactly what he wanted for Luffy, to find his own footing, and be free from the shadows that Dragon had casted. Whatever it was that Luffy wanted, as long as he's happy, Dragon was fine by it. He may be young but seeing him so determined and firm with his dream made everything Dragon has sacrificed for worth it.
“Pirate? That's not bad at all,” Dragon said in amusement.
Luffy merrily laughed. “Say, are you a pirate, too? Wanna join my crew?”
Dragon shook his head. “I have my own adventures. You will have yours soon enough.”
“You have a dream?”
“I do, and I’m doing everything to make it a reality.”
“What's your dream?” Luffy asked with childlike wonder in his eyes, and a strong desire to know it.
“I am trying to make the world a better place…” Dragon murmured, taking in a breath as a gust of breeze coming from the sea blew.
For you.
“I hope you can make it happen!” Luffy encouraged, putting his hands behind his head, giggling.
Dragon stood up in a swift move, towering over the boy. “It's time for me to go. It's been a pleasure speaking with you again.”
Luffy frowned slightly, shoulders slumping, contrasting his usual cheerful demeanor. His mood changed in an instant. “You're leaving?”
“There are things I must do,” Dragon said with a heavy sigh.
“Oh,” Luffy expressed in a disappointed tone. He shook his head, and smiled again. “Take care! I hafta go now, too! Makino’s waiting for me.”
“Goodbye, Luffy.”
Luffy nodded enthusiastically. “Bye-bye!”
Dragon stole one last glance at the boy running back home.
A few months later, Dragon was back on Dawn alongside the army he built to protect the person he treasured the most.
Their intelligence unit had reported that a celestial dragon was planning to visit an island on East Blue, known for their prestigious and clean country; the Goa Kingdom. The king himself personally invited the world noble on the recently finished Levely, which the country was a part of. It's for his selfish goal of wanting to elevate his status, a bragging right against the neighboring countries. Twas the night before the celestial dragon would arrive and it's already hell. From the nobles confided in their homes and the walls that separated them from the masses, it was nothing but burning of garbage. That included even the inhabitants who were vermin in their eyes, not a single care for human lives as long as they could benefit in the end.
It was the way of the nobles to pay tribute to the god that will soon arrive.
Dragon was alone, wandering the streets of Edge Town, observing for the meantime. He couldn't act so harshly. Information was the key with this kind of situation. Rash decisions would only result in more death. No person in their right mind would come out of their houses with a fire that burned harshly. The only thing separating the civilians in this area was the high walls. As far as Dragon could tell, it was doing its job of keeping it in that area which made him relieved that these people won't be affected by the disaster. Fumes of deadly smoke were slowly choking everything in sight.
Even if the surroundings were filled with smoke, Dragon spotted a boy, battered and beaten.
With slow steps, Dragon made his approach, nothing but a macabre of pity plastered in his face. Blond hair and blue clothing that certainly made him stood out from the rest of the people living here. A top hat, which usually belongs to the nobility, was sitting a few centimeters away from him.
“What happened to you, boy?” Dragon asked, kneeling next to him to try to see the extent of his injuries.
“M-Mister…” the boy murmured, still having the energy to look up. He took in a few heavy breaths before using his elbows to pull himself up. “The royalty and nobles are behind the fire… Believe me!”
The boy took his hand, clinging in desperation. He looked at him straight in the eyes, blood still spilling from his forehead.
“This town smells worse than Grey Terminal… It smells like rotten people!”
Dragon listened, allowing the boy to cry his heart out. In a way, he was sharing his burden, anything to help him lift off some of it even for a short moment.
“If I stay here… I’ll never be free!” He bewailed, whole body trembling, unleashing an onslaught of tears he tried holding back but failing miserably. “I’m ashamed of being born a noble!”
There was once a type of cancer so terrible that the sufferer could not bear to be touched. Dragon believed his homeland was suffering from the same thing. The cancer of society that was already so advanced there was no cure for it anymore. There was no god to call who could treat such a thing, but only upon the people themselves, who hopefully once enlightened, would redeem it from its sorrowful state.
Goa Kingdom had birthed a boy, who despite being a noble, related to the oppressors themselves, was severely suffering from its corruption, when his birthright was to benefit from it.
“I know how you feel. I was born in this country, too,” Dragon lamented. “But I still don't have enough power to change it.
There can be no freedom when the powerful treat those at the bottom of society as animals. With the army he created where he sacrificed everything in his life for it to have a chance against the world itself, still, it would never be enough to change the system from within. The Revolutionary Army may have liberated multiple countries and territories but never Goa Kingdom. The corruption had been deeply etched in their society. It started way before the boy was born— way before Dragon himself was born. He, in the same way as the boy, had been treated from it, when they themselves were nothing but sufferers of its effects. As the enlightened ones, they share the burden to spread the truth to make sure that the others have a chance for salvation.
“Y-You’re really listening to me?” The boy questioned, tugging his sleeves. He clenched his teeth as he sniffed.
“Yes, and I'll never forget,” Dragon said, uttering it like a promise and keeping his words close to his heart.
With that the boy's body gave up, losing consciousness. But Dragon didn't allow him to hit the ground, not after knowing the horrors the boy had suffered from. The least he could do was stop the bleeding and give first aid despite the lack of materials in hand. With a clean cloth he had on his pocket, he dressed his wounds to the best of his knowledge. The idea of taking the boy to his ship to treat him did cross his mind but his parents would probably seeked him. It would only raise suspicions if he’d take him.
Making certain that the boy would be alright in his state, Dragon carefully laid him next to a wall. An ominous feeling of dread washed over him, gut feeling screaming at him to seek out the source of such outburst. His rationale still won, letting himself calm down and collect his thoughts. He let his haki do its job, to sense the presence of others. Closing his eyes, he focused. There were numerous people trapped and he could feel the fraught and defeat emanating from their emotions. Then, he found what he was looking for.
The fire outshined the stars, quickly ripping through the tons of burnable materials that the trash heap had an abundance of, not caring for anything on its path. An inferno that leaves everyone inside of it trapped, sealed with the fate of certain death, a cremation like no other.
Luffy.
And a burst of pure, untainted Conqueror’s Haki.
With no second thoughts, Dragon ran at full speed. Terror took control of his heart, slowly gripping it, barely keeping him alive. Desperation fueled his every moment, hoping for once in his life, he won't be late to save his son. With the wind at his side, the fire in his surroundings dissipated, though the intense heat was unbearable.
His prayers had been answered and he found his son, barely conscious.
The scene in front of him involved what he could tell as pirates. They were scattered on the floor, knocked out from the effects of the haki earlier. Still, one of them remained standing, holding a pistol and a sword in each hand, not hesitating to attack the people in front of him. On the other side were bandits wearing the same turbans that indicated that they were from the same family, each carrying their own weapons.
On the back of one of the bandits was his son. Luffy was injured, battered like the boy he had treated just now, but way worse because of the direct contact of fire in his skin.
And Dragon let fury run through his veins.
“Who are you!?” The pirate questioned in a startled manner, pointing the gun on his face.
Dragon didn't reply. He allowed his actions to speak for itself. Imbuing his fist with haki, letting it course through him, he aimed for the pirate’s head. Like a claw that latched on its prey, he showcased the destructive power of his hands by crushing through the pirate’s skull easily. The screams he let out was gruesome as it had not been an instant death as he anticipated. Once he stopped resisting, Dragon threw his body away.
“Y-You…” Luffy whispered.
Despite the cackling of the fire, Dragon still heard the tiny voice that came from Luffy. His son was still alive but every moment counts. With all his power, a gust of strong wind came to their direction, creating a pathway that made certain they would make it out alive.
“Follow me,” Dragon ordered sternly.
“What do you want!?” A boy clenching a pipe screamed with anger, wary of the stranger that appeared out of nowhere and killed a man instantly.
“If you want that boy to live, you have to come with me. I have a doctor aboard my ship.” Dragon replied, patience thinning.
“It's okay, Ace... I-I know him… He’s nice!” Luffy assured, trying to knock some sense on the other boy.
“You always tell that about everyone!” Ace complained with seething eyes.
At this point, it would be easier to just knock Ace out. He was wasting their precious time by being irrational. But before Dragon could do such a thing, the leader of the bandits spoke.
“Ace, do you want your brother to die?”
Ace bit down his lips, all the muscles in his body rigged. “No, but Dadan—”
“Then we’ll follow the man,” Dadan instructed firmly. She turned to face him with a rage that could only be described as a bear protecting her cubs. “If you try to do something funny, it won't go well, understand me?”
Dragon nodded and started running. The bandits behind him were slow but he matched their pace. He could easily take Luffy and get there within a minute but these people could be his son's saviors. They themselves needed medical attention, especially that child Ace who was still adamant on running on his own, not allowing anyone to carry him, running on pure adrenaline rush and he could collapse any second now.
“I-It’s a ship!” Luffy expressed in awe. Despite being put through such a dangerous situation, he could still admire the things that interested him.
The Wind Granma came into view. Aboard were the members he had recruited over the years, waiting for his arrival to carry out whatever bidding he had to them. They were overlooking the fire and upon setting sight on their leader alongside the bandits, they put down the ramp in order for them to board.
“You’re late!” Ivankov screamed as a way of greeting him.
“They are injured. Tend to them at once,” Dragon ordered, setting his sight on the doctor onboard who nodded in agreement.
Dadan hesitated. Nonetheless, she allowed it for Ace and Luffy to be taken inside the lower deck where the infirmary was located. Ace was still complaining, cursing the revolutionaries who were carrying him to put him down, pride still getting in the way of helping him. Dadan had to resort to violence by giving the boy a punch on the head. Luffy was about to collapse from exhaustion, eyes were groggy and breathing was heavy, groaning in pain. The remaining bandits who were not injured remained on deck, huddled in the corner to not get in the way of the revolutionaries. It was as far as he could help Luffy.
Out of the corner of Dragon’s eyes, he could feel the lingering gaze of Kuma. Dragon paid him no heed, knowing that the man had already figured out the connection he had with the boy. They could talk about this once all of it was over.
Letting himself calm down and focused, Dragon took his attention into other matters. The cries of all the other people still trapped were heard throughout. Dragon could sense all of their presence, confined in a small area where there’s no escape as all four corners had already been ablaze. Their fear had escalated, sensing that they were all losing hope in the face of such catastrophe. He directed gusts of wind towards them, so strong it almost made some lose their balance. The fire flickered, dancing in protest before fully extinguishing. They screamed in relief, realizing they could still be saved.
“How awful they are to burn the area and residents here!” Ivankov said in disdain, turning to look at Dragon. “By the way, how did you know about this in such an outlying country in East Blue?” They grinned, probing more by leaning. “Is there something special about this country?”
“This country is an example of how the world would be in the future. There can be no happiness in a world where the undesirable are simply thrown away. Someday, I will change it!” Dragon declared, full of conviction. The words of the noble boy echoed in his mind, doing everything he can to carry on his will. He stepped forward, overseeing the people who managed to reach their ship and find solace.
Raising his right hand in the air, Dragon roared, “Those of you who are willing to fight for freedom, come aboard!”
The fire continued burning, a new profound resolve as the newly liberated individuals rejoiced.
The next day, Dragon was acting on his own again to watch the ceremony of the celestial dragon’s arrival.
Before that, he made sure Luffy was alright by all means. He didn't visit him, merely asked the doctor about his condition with the good news of full recovery. From what he gathered, once the two boys had been treated, the bandits did not hesitate and leave without any goodbyes.
He trusted his men to take matters in their own hands, knowing full well that Kuma and Ivankov would manage just fine without him for a few hours. They tended to the wounded, having adequate medical equipment on board. They moved the ship in a place where they could not be tracked, hidden from the guards who checked the trash heap once the sun started to rise.
It was a festive affair with colorful banners and marching bands music filling the air. The port was abuzz with activity, everyone gathered to celebrate such an occasion. Families were out, dressed in their best extravagant suit, exchanging pleasantries with other nobles with their fake smiles. Seeing a celestial dragon in the flesh was once in a lifetime experience after all.
Around noon, Dragon spotted the ship arriving towards the port. There was no doubt it's a ship belonging to a world noble with the decor oozing with high end materials. Aboard were the numerous Cipher Pol agents whose job was with communications. Marine soldiers were stationed at every side, making security tight. Saint Jalmack was on the deck himself to see the celebration on, when his kind would usually stay inside a cabin.
The appearance of a small fishing vessel was what made Dragon worry.
It was an ant compared to the colossal size of the noble’s ship where it's headed straight. A black flag with crossbones, signifying that he’s a pirate, was proudly flying on its mast. There was a commotion at the port, buzzes of conversation echoed, creating a distress amongst the onlookers who were all wondering who would dare to create a commotion when there's a historical event in the making.
The first shot was fired, done by Saint Jalmack himself.
Looking at it, Dragon realized just who was onboard the vessel. Blond hair, blue clothing, and the striking top hat with goggles, there was no doubt about it. It's the noble he saved from last night, still clad with the bandages Dragon had wrapped. The boy was panicking, doing all he could to extinguish the flame that was quickly spreading all over the boat.
Before Dragon could do anything, a second fire was shot, directly hitting the boat. This time, it completely submerged in the sea, flames burning stronger. The boy was bleeding heavily, clinging on a lone piece of wood, desperately holding for his dear life.
Dragon gritted his teeth, clenching his fists hard as a way to suppress the anger he was feeling. He hated waiting. Rescuing the boy now was currently out of the question. Too many bystanders, civilians and guards alike. He hoped that by some miracle that it would not be too late.
If a world noble could easily kill a child just because he would not be damned for the consequences of such action. If that's what it takes for them to continue holding to their powers. If the system continued to favor the rich rather than the needy, just where exactly was this world headed to?
In the end, the wind understood him, sympathizing with the inner turmoil that was slowly consuming him. It became the anger that he could not express in a way that would be equal to justice. The wind brought him the wreckage and nothing but pieces remained.
He pulled the boy up, searching for a sign of life. The boy was breathing, barely, holding on with his dear life. A burnt mark on his left eye that would certainly result in scarring. Scratches littered his body and no area was left untouched. The smell of burnt flesh was nauseating and putrid, something that could be stuck in his nostrils for days. Such a fragile creature that was almost gone within seconds.
Dragon's luck had run out at that point. Ivankov and the others have already sailed away to a neighboring island as they had already overstayed their welcome on this one. It took a while to get there, already midnight by the time he made a landing on the ship’s deck where most were awaiting his arrival.
“You’re late again, Dragon!” Ivankov complained. “You kept us waiting for so long!”
“I’m sorry,” was all he had to say.
“Hey, that's a child…”
“That's awful!”
“Hurry up! We have to treat him!”
“Call the doctor! It's urgent!”
The revolutionaries scrambled, taking the boy from his hold to get the medical assistance he needed. It's as far as Dragon could help him now. It was up to the boy himself, if he had the strength and will to survive such an ordeal.
“Where did you get that boy?” Ivankov asked, crossing their arms on their chest.
“Shot by the celestial dragon.”
“Tsk,” Ivankov expressed in disdain, face contouring into sourness. “Of course, they'd do something like that.”
“Let’s sail! Head back to Baltigo!” Dragon ordered, knowing that their time in East Blue had come to an end.
A few days later, Sabo had awoken.
That's what they concluded to be his name from the belongings that Dragon had recovered which seemed far-fetched since the boat he had used had been stolen. He had been in a trauma-induced comatose and everyone feared the worst. Still, he proved them wrong as his condition improved. Once the doctor said that he was about to wake up, most had been at the infirmary, wanting to show support.
Just as Sabo opened his eyes, Ivankov's large face came into view, making the boy flinch, screaming.
“Don't surprise him,” Inazuma reminded, shaking his head in disapproval.
“Vi wasn't gonna do that! How rude!” Ivankov defended, crossing their arms.
“Where am I…?” Sabo asked, eyes wandering on the unfamiliar surroundings.
“It says Sabo on your possessions. Is it your name?” one of the revolutionaries asked, showing the handkerchief with a stitch of a name on it.
“Yes…” Sabo muttered, placing a hand on his forehead. “W-What happened…?”
“You were shot,” Dragon stated as a matter of fact.
“You're the old man last night… You saved me?”
Dragon nodded. “You’ve been asleep for three days. We are currently sailing but we can still go back and search for your parents.”
“N-No, not my parents!” Sabo protested in a raspy voice, panicking.
“Relax, boy. We’re not forcing you,” Inazuma sympathized.
“I only have my brothers… I have to get back.” Sabo bit his lower lips, looking up at them with teary eyes.
“Is he fit enough to travel?” Dragon asked, turning to the physician.
The doctor seemed horrified that he would suggest such a thing in the first place. “It might reopen his wounds. Traveling will only worsen things.”
“Perhaps my hormones could help?” Ivankov suggested which was quickly turned down.
“He's too young.” Dragon shook his head. He turned to the person who could help him in this situation. “Kuma, you remember Foosha Village?”
“Yes,” Kuma answered simply.
“Once this boy is healed, we will send back there.” Dragon said, knowing that the healing process may take weeks. They couldn't possibly be in Dawn for a prolonged period of time without anyone noticing them.
“B-But I have to go now! I—!” Sabo stopped on his track, hands reaching for his forehead, groaning in pain.
“You must rest for now. We’ll get you home, I promise you.”
Sabo didn't answer as he lost his consciousness, slipping back into slumber.
The next few days were blurry. It was nothing but pain for the noble boy. Tubes were connected in his right arm, delivering fluids and medication. He took the antibiotics without complaints and ate the grovel he was provided but Dragon could see that he's only forcing himself to.
The nights were another thing. Sabo would wake up, thrashing on his bed with a piercing scream. It was like he was back on the boat as his skin was slowly being burnt by the fire. The boy would desperately try to hide the tears mingling with sweat that soaked his sheets.
Sabo stirred from his sleep, pushing his upper body up to sit down. “Dragon-san…?” He acknowledged, probably learning the name from Inazuma or Ivankov.
“How's your eye?” Dragon asked, knowing it's the part that was affected the most.
“I can see glimpses. Still super blurry though.”
“You're having nightmares.”
“They're about my brothers...” Sabo clenched his fists. “The last time I saw them, they're in trouble. Dawn is a small island so word travels fast. They probably thought I died.”
“You're alive. That's all that matters.”
“I d-don’t know if they are…”
“Worrying won't do anything. Go back to sleep.” Dragon reached to tousle his hair, which the boy didn't appreciate at all.
Dragon was always there for him, sitting by his side. Sabo would always seek his company, apparently asking the revolutionaries where he was all the time. At first, he didn't understand why until Ivankov came up with an explanation. The boy knew it was him who saved his life and he felt more comfortable with him than anyone else on the ship.
Dragon indulged him out of the feeling of guilt. There were echoes in his mind that what happened to the boy was his fault too. That night, when he saw Sabo on the ground, beaten, he should have brought him aboard their ship already. Maybe then, he wouldn't have to suffer in such a senseless peril.
Two weeks later, the physician had deemed it fit for Sabo to be returned home, surprisingly fast for someone that young.
Sabo appeared happy for the first time in a while, delighted that he could see his brothers again. He stood on deck, wearing clothes twice his size since they had no children’s clothing on board. Inazuma had to stitch it for him just for it to fit properly. His wounds still appear harsh, but not as red as they were once before. It was still a long journey for a full recovery but Sabo was insistent to be reunited back to his family.
Dragon would personally accompany Sabo home, wanting to make sure he would be alright till the end. Bringing him here was his responsibility and so was bringing him back.
“I don't understand Kuma-san’s powers,” Sabo stated, looking for an explanation.
“He has the ability to send things flying at full speed,” Dragon replied.
“Oh, so it's like teleportation.”
“Dawn Island is not far away from here. We will be there in no time. It can still be uncomfortable for you though.”
Sabo shrugged it off, appearing brave. “I can take it just fine.”
“Dragon, Sabo,” Kuma called, walking towards them. He removed the white glove from his right hand. “Are you ready?”
“Before I forget something.” Sabo walked forward, in front of the revolutionaries who had gathered to see him go. Removing his top hat, he bowed his head. “Thank you for taking care of me!”
“No worries, lad.”
“Try not to catch a cold!”
“Take it easy. Just rest when you get back.”
“Be careful out there, Sabo-boy. Hee haw!” Ivankov yelled, going with the theatrics.
“Please for the love of god, don’t forget to drink your meds,” Inazuma reminded, sipping from the wine on his hand, which usually happens only when the okama is stressed.
Sabo gave them a sheepish smile before standing beside Dragon again. “I’m ready.”
With a touch of Kuma's paws, Dragon and Sabo were sent flying.
And as quickly as that, they were at the outskirts of Foosha Village.
Upon their arrival, the bubble that brought them there vanished, leaving a trace of large paw print on the ground. Dragon stood up, helping Sabo on his knees, checking if he had hurt himself. The boy looked alright, much to Dragon's relief.
“We’re really back,” Sabo said in awe, looking at the familiar scenery of windmills and cows. “Kuma-san's powers are amazing.”
“Indeed.”
“But how are you supposed to go back to your ship, Dragon-san?” Sabo wondered, blinking.
“I have my ways,” Dragon said but didn't expand on it further. “Where do you live?”
Sabo pointed at the mountains. “There. I'm fine on my own. You can just—”
“Leaving you like that is out of the question. It's bear-mating season and they might hurt you.”
“You're familiar with this place,” Sabo prompted. “You said you're born here, right?”
“That's a long time ago,” Dragon sighed, surprised with the notion that the boy still remembered that simple statement of his despite being beaten up that night. He carried a bag that contained medical supplies they had provided for the boy. “Now, lead the way.”
Sabo appeared wanting to pry more, but didn't say anything. He started walking with Dragon closely following him.
How many years had it been since the last time he had trekked this Mount Colubo. He spent most of his childhood in the deep forests and lost with wanderlust. He had been Sabo's age when he conquered the mountains by defeating every ferocious animal that came his way. Still, Dragon wouldn't consider this place as home. Unpleasant memories still linger on his mind, including those harsh training his father forced to instill on him.
The trek had been manageable. Dragon could sense every creature who wanted to go their way, sending a threat to not bother them with the help of his haki. Noticing that Sabo was struggling but doing his best on hiding it, which seemed to be second nature at this point, Dragon spoke up.
“Let me carry you,” Dragon motioned, stopping on his tracks.
Sabo shook his head stubbornly. “It's just up ahead. I can still walk on my own.”
“Either you argue which would waste more of our time or just climb on my back so that you can finally rest with your brothers.”
Sabo gave a petulant scowl. Still, he obeyed, puffing with annoyance. He clung on Dragon's broad back, pride wounded.
“Everyone needs a break sometimes,” Dragon said, standing up and continuing walking, carefully carrying his precious cargo.
“Can I ask you something, Dragon-san?” Sabo queried, wrapping his arms around the man’s neck.
“You already are.”
“Why did you save me that night?”
“You were hurt, boy. There's no other reason,” Dragon remarked. “I admire your conviction. For someone so young, you seem to be aware of the world’s injustices.”
On his back, he could feel Sabo’s breathing hitched. Noting that the boy won't speak, Dragon added.
“Never lose that. It's not time for you to die yet.”
Dragon didn't comment on it but Sabo's arm's tightened on its hold. He buried his face on the man’s shoulder.
“Thank you… I will never forget it.”
They settled on silence, continuing onwards. Looking back on it, the way Sabo was addressing his comrades was with familiarity. He may have been timid at first, but in the two weeks he spent there, he already formed connections. Dragon could see him fitting right in, not that he’d ever force the boy to fight alongside them.
Dragon almost stopped on his tracks upon sensing Luffy's presence nearby. He was not alarmed but was rather relieved that his son seemed to be recovering well. Multiple people were in the same area where they were headed.
It suddenly made sense, the brothers that Sabo may have been talking about were Luffy and the boy named Ace.
“We’re here,” Sabo proclaimed and Dragon put him down. “It's them!”
Dragon didn't stop him, allowing the reunion to unravel. Luffy and Ace were outside, fighting from what appeared to be a practiced match. Gone was the trace of burns on Luffy's body but still appearing fatigued and with scratches and scrapes. They stopped on their tracks, appearing to have recognized the source of the yelling. A moment of stillness where neither Ace or Luffy moved and fazed, then Luffy found his footing.
“Sabo!”
Luffy was not hesitant, running full speed. His arms stretched, throwing it around Sabo, tackling him on the ground which caught the older boy by surprise given the groan that escaped from his lips. The reaction had been spontaneous with Luffy being a babbling mess as his voice cracked, saying words of apologies.
Ace was unnaturally still, lips were parted and still in denial about what's happening. He stared with his gray eyes that looked dull, too overwhelmed to move. It took him a while to take it all in. When it finally set in, he jolted towards his brothers reflexively. His arms embraced them both, weeping openly.
Sabo was there to offer them assurance. He was stroking Luffy's back on one hand and holding Ace close on the other. The words that came out from his mouth were incoherent, struggling to keep it all together. Seeing his brothers in such a state, made his heart cry out.
Dragon observed fondly, hidden in the shadows casted by the trees. In such a display of affection, he felt like an intruder in their private reunion. He had already done his part. He had found Sabo, nursed him back to health, and brought him back to his family where he rightfully belonged. It was his time to heal together with his brothers.
It was a cue for him to leave as his assistance was no longer needed. Silently, Dragon slipped away from his hiding spot, careful to not disturb them. As he walked, the echoes of crying and laughter grew faint behind him. Satisfaction settled in, allowing his lips to form a gentle smile. It was a victory of his. He prevented a celestial dragon from tearing apart another family, especially if that one involved the brother of his son. As long as he made Luffy happy, that was all that matters.
Or so he thought. His heart was onto something. Are Luffy and his brothers truly safe here?
He looked back on the night of the fire. The first was Sabo, begging to be heard as he laid down in the cold, harsh ground beaten within an inch of his life. Then there was Luffy and Ace, trapped inside the fire and threatened by a pirate who almost pulled the trigger of the gun. Then Sabo again the very next day who unfortunately obtained the interest of a world noble. The final straw of it all being Luffy and Ace thinking that their brother died, alone and forsaken.
To think that if Dragon had not intervened during those situations, they would certainly lose their lives tragically at such young ages.
You could just take them.
His heart murmured, beating fast. He left Luffy on this island for a reason. To keep him safe from experiencing the harsh truths of life. But if Garp won't do such a thing as he was never around choosing his career over family, just like he was, who was taking care of Luffy? What was the point of all this? It was not late, he could still turn back and—
“Daddy…?”
And the world came to a stop.
Slowly, Dragon turned around, seeing Luffy who followed him all the way back here.
“You're my Dad, right?” Luffy asked, words heavy with desperation. He took a step forward, unsure of what it entailed.
“Yes.” Dragon swallowed hard, voice caught in his throat. “I am, Luffy.”
He could have just lied, forget this whole thing had transpired, and let the wind take him back to the army he had created, the one he chose over the son he had currently standing right in front of him.
But to deny that he is Luffy's father was like killing himself in the process.
“You're leaving again?”
“I must. There are things that only I can do.”
Luffy didn't reply. Instead, he bowed his head, hiding away his face in the brim of his straw hat. He was chewing his lips, whole body trembling slightly.
“But you just got back…” Luffy lamented, almost broken. “Why are you always leaving? Can't you stay with me, please?”
Luffy looked up once again, maintaining eye contact. He took a few uneasy steps, before sprinting, clinging on his father's leg. Luffy was clutching the fabrics of his pants tightly, as if anchoring him in place. Tears swelled up and it trickled down his cheeks. He sniffled, trying to stop himself from a full wailing, putting on a facade of appearing brave but failing miserably.
Dragon knew the dangers of attachment all too well— the scars of absence from a father to his son. He was battling his own emotions and yearnings that made him human. The desire to hold his son and comfort him, to whisper reassurance that despite leaving him alone, his father would always come back. But doing that was basically allowing himself to be close with Luffy. An action that could only deepen the wounds of separation for both of them.
It was too late now. The pain of being left behind by the family who was supposed to be there for him at all times was already etched in Luffy's heart. First, from his father who gave him away when he's barely a year old and then from his grandfather who chose his career over his family. Despite the laughter and smiles Luffy was always showing, he was lonely, and no amount of apologizing nor atonement could ever make up for it.
“Luffy, I—” Dragon’s lips trembled, swallowing to moisten his dry throat. “I’ll come back for you.”
“I know…” Luffy sniffed again, using the back of his wrist to wipe away his snot. “But it still hurts...”
Just this once, he thought, a moment of weakness.
Dragon kneeled down to his level, allowing Luffy to entangle his arms around him. He did the same, letting the warmness his son provided envelope all his being. It's something the two of them wanted— dangerously needed their whole lives. A gentle touch of stroking Luffy's back in a circular motion, getting used to the rhythm. Just when Dragon thought Luffy was settling down, his cries turned full blown, wailing further.
“Were you scared?” Dragon asked, lamenting on the atrocity his son experienced in the past few days.
“I was,” Luffy admitted, sniffing. “A-Ace almost died then we thought Sabo was killed...”
“It’s okay. You're together again.”
Luffy squirmed on his hold. “B-But I couldn't do anything to help my brothers!”
“What you have shown is braveness. Do not beat yourself over it.”
“But I’m weak! That's the reason why you won't take me with you!”
Something behind those words tore Dragon further apart. There was the fracture of his failure showing itself again. How could Dragon ever make Luffy understand that his leaving was to protect him and not because of weakness on his part?
Luffy's whole body quivered in every cry. “That's what Shanks thought, too. That's why… he left me all alone…”
“Luffy,” Dragon murmured, close to his son’s ear. “I know my actions have hurt you. I've been a bad father all these years. But from now on, I will do my best. That's why..."
Dragon wiped away Luffy's tears as a way of atonement. That one tiny act shall start their relationship anew.
“Will it be alright if I stay by your side?” Dragon continued.
Luffy's eyes widened, lips ajar. A smile formed in his face, exuding brilliance and vividness, like the sun itself.
“Okay!” Luffy laughed, hugging him close once again.
It was a difficult choice, something he couldn't take back now, not when Luffy was already latching on and ready to be taken away. It was a promise and the world would burn first before his son could be taken away from him. It was done irrationally and in the heat of the moment but one Dragon will never regret.
“Luffy! Get back here! Don't just run off with a stranger!” Ace’s voice echoed, tracking where his wayward brother went, emerging from the bushes.
It was not just him. There was Sabo not far behind who was supposed to be resting but the worry for his brother disappearing was a pressing matter. There were the bandits too, ready to bring Luffy back in case the man would resist. There was their leader, Dadan, holding an axe in her hand with the look of a protective bear for her cubs.
“Luffy, come here, little brother. Dragon-san has to leave,” Sabo bespoked, ushering him back.
“No!” Luffy whined, hiding behind Dragon's legs.
“I swear if you don't get back, I’ll make you regret it!”
“No, no, no, no!”
Dragon sighed heavily at that point, knowing he had to intervene. He picked Luffy up, noting how slender and thin he had been. Luffy hugged his nape tightly, looking at his face with wonder since it was the first time for him to be that close to his father.
“My name is Monkey D. Dragon. I am Luffy's father,” He introduced simply. “And I would like to take you three with me.”