This is set after the Straw Hat Pirates regrouped after the 2 years apart but is before they go to Fisherman Island.

I do not own One Piece.

Luffy POV

I was happy to see my crew again. I could sense the strong energy coming off of each and every one of my crew. It brought joy and pride in my heart, seeing how they grew. I smiled wide as I raised my hand. "It's great to have everyone here again!" I shouted.

"Aye!" was the response of my entire crew. "Shishishishishi" I laughed loudly. I smiled, seeing my crew looking so different. Nami's hair grew down to her waist. Robin's hair became more wavy and she looked as calm as ever. Usopp wasn't the same weak looking guy anymore. He had a goatee and a musuclar built. Chopper looked a bit taller and his hat style changed. Sanji grew taller and he now had facial hair. Franky's body changed too. He looked about 99% robot now. I smiled, my crew will become the best in the world.

"Sanji! Cook me some meat! Let's party!" I shouted out loud. My crew shouted in agreement as Sanji chuckled.

"Alright you shitty captain", Sanji said with a grin as he went into the familar ship's kitchen to prepare a big feast. I laughed loudly. I watched my crew talk to each other, telling stories about the 2 years. Usopp was telling stories about how he defeated 50 sea kings to Chopper who stood in awe with stars in his eyes. Robin and Nami were giggling and sharing details about their experience. Franky was dancing to Brook's or should I say the Soul King's new song. Sanji began to bring out food and started handing them out, starting with the girls first. I smiled wide.

"Sanji! I want dessert tooooo" I shouted, missing his amazing cooking skills. Sanji tsked as he glared up at him.

"Wait your turn! I am serving Robin-channn and Nami-swannn right now" Sanji shouted, though there was no anger in his voice. He missed having this familar convo too. I laughed loudly.

"Luffy", a calm stoic voice said, from behind me. I tensed up but then quickly calmed down when I recognized this voice. I turned to face my first mate and best friend. My eyes widened, seeing how different Zoro looked now. He was a lot more muscular now and taller. But the thing that caught my attention the most was his eye. He lost one. I frowned slightly. If I was there with him, he probably wouldn't have lost it. It's my fault. I should be protecting them. I'm still so weak. I'm pathetic. My eyes grew dull and empty for a second before I smiled brightly.

"Hey Zoro, long time no see!" I said with a wide grin. I shifted my feet slightly, feeling his gaze studying me as if I was doing something wrong. "Why aren't you partying? I'm sure Franky bought some sake!" I said calmly as I stared at the male. Zoro frowned slightly. "Go have fun! Don't worry, I will be down there in a sec" I assured quickly. Zoro stared at me for a minute longer before walking down to greet the others. I watched Zoro go down as Chopper and Usopp ran up to him. I smiled. My first mate is really strong. He may be terrible with directions but he's no pushover.

"Luffy! It's time to eat! Hurry up or you won't get any!" Sanji shouted jokingly as I grinned wide.

"Shishishishi! I'm coming" I shouted as I jumped down. I ran inside as I ate with my crew. I smiled brightly. "Wow Sanji! You are the best cook ever! Even better then Hancock!" I boasted happily. Sanji blinked.

"Hancock?! You mean the most beautiful's woman in the entire world?!" He shouted in disbelif as he groaned. "Not fair! It's as if the world is taunting me!" he cried out sadly. I laughed hard. After we all ate, I walked out and sat on Sunny's head. I stared up at the dark starry sky. "Did you want something, Zoro" I asked curiously, sensing his presence with my haki. Zoro walked up and sat down in front of me.

"Luffy, we need to talk. I wanted to talk tomorrow but I just can't hold it back anymore" he said calmly. I frowned slightly, sitting up straight. This sounded serious. "I know what happened at Marineford. Hell, everyone knows what happened at Marineford" he explained calmly. My body tensed up as soon as I heard the word Marineford. "...We all know about Ace, Luffy. I..no we.. we want you to know that you're not alone" he said slowly.

Not True.

"We want you to know that we are here for you. Forever"

Lies.

"We will be with you every step of the way for now on"

Liar.

Words came through my head as Zoro said those to me. If you were truly there for me, you wouldn't have left me alone, Zoro. My hat covered my face, showing him no expression. "Luffy, I know you're hurt. I'm sorry for not being there with you. Fighting alongside you. I'm the worst first mate there is" Zoro said calmly. He pressed his hand on his heart. I slowly stared up at Zoro in surprise.

"Zoro, you are the best first mate ever. I'm the captain, I don't need help. Besides, remember your promise? If I get in your way, you can kill me" I said calmly as I frowned slightly.

"You have saved me from death. You protected this crew with your heart. I'm sorry for not being there where you needed me. After being with you for all this time, I changed. I have a new ambition now, captain" he said sternly. I blinked in confusion. A new goal? What kind of goal is better then being the strongest swordsman ever? "If I can't even protect my captain's dreams. Then whatever ambitions I have is nothing but talk. My new ambition is to fulfill your dream!" he said determinedly. My eyes widened, staring at my first mate as I smiled brightly.

"Thanks Zoro!" I said happily as I stood up. "I feel better already! Well it's getting late! Might as well go hit the hay" I said before quickly leaving. My eyes darkened.

"You will only slow down everyone around you!". Voices appeared in my head. Taunting me and telling me negative things.

"King of the Pirates? Bahahahaha more like King of the weak!". My hands shook as I bit my lip, walking into the captain's quarters.

Sorry Zoro...But I don't think I can be the strong captain you know anymore.

How was my first chapter? Sorry if some of the characters are a bit OC! I will try and update this story better then my last few! Please Review! It will give me motivation to do better XD