Laboon made a noise that could only be called a questioning whine.
He had been so happy to see the promise kept…that the Strawhat pirates hadn't forgotten and still considered the whale a comrade and friend.
But now Luffy and everyone kept pointing to a nervous looking skeleton with an afro.
He was confused. Didn't a skeleton mean he was dead? But no he hadn't seen a skeleton move or look nervous before.
"Laboon. It's okay if you don't recognize me…I've kept you waiting too long but I've never forgotten my promise, no, none of the crew did."
He pulled his skull open and reached in, pulling out a shell, and pressing.
Music flowed through the air and the skeleton pulled out a violin to play along.
"I've waited so long for you to hear this Yohohoho!."
The music was beautiful, haunting, joyful and yet tinged with sadness.
And familiar. Like that laugh.
By the shore, following the boat, the Rumba Pirates having fun with him and playing their music…and his favorite human was there with an afro.
Tears filled the giant whales eyes and blew three large puffs from its blowhole.
"WheeeeOOOOOOO!!!"
Welcome back!
They didn't need Choppers' translation.
To have two reunions and two promises filled in the same day…Laboon was probably the happiest living creature on the planet.
Not that you could tell from all the crying.