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Summary: Makino writes letters to Luffy in hope that, if not all, at least one will reach.
May 19th
Luffy,
I can't believe it's only been two weeks since you left to start a journey of your own! How is it out at sea? Is it as amazing as you imagined? Everything is very much the same here in the Windmill Village as before, considering all the time you spent in the forest with Ace over the years. But we at the village still miss you considerably.
I hope you receive this letter. Constantly being on the move, I can't yet tell where you are but I will write in hope that at least one of my letters reach.
Honestly, I wanted to give you a letter to take with you. It was your birthday, after all, and Dadan and I don't know when we will get the opportunity to see you again. But I know you wouldn't have wanted anything to tie you back to home like a silly letter so I thought to do different.
I did leave Ace with a special letter on the day he left however, and I will continue to write to both of you.
I love you both very much and even though you may not feel the same way, I have always felt that the two of you were like younger brothers to me. My younger brothers have grown up!
Until I see you,
Makino.
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September 27th
Luffy,
Excuse me, I haven't written in a while! I can't believe it's already been over four months!
Your first bounty poster already arrived a while ago and you've already moved to your second! Everyone was so happy and an increase at such a large amount was shocking. You must feel so proud just as the rest of the villagers are. Dadan, Dogra and Magra each celebrated in their own ways, likely involving an excess of alcohol and we keep the poster alongside Ace's in the bar. Mayor Woop Slap was proud as well, though he insists otherwise.
How is your crew? We saw the second bounty that appeared with your second in the papers and I'm so happy that you've found people to share your journey with. I look forward to hearing all the stories in the future some day when you return.
Until you return,
Makino.
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December 4th
Luffy,
How are you? I hope this letter reaches you.
I'm terribly sorry I haven't written many letters at all. Oh, I can be a terrible friend sometimes. I've recently started getting sick from something though the doctors aren't particularly worried so I'm certain things will return to normal within a couple weeks. "Nothing much" they said, which was a nice relief.
I also see your crew has increased! The papers just came in today with all the bounty posters of the Strawhat Pirates and I'm thrilled for you! I admit, it worries me when I get to read of some of the many fights you've been involved in, and it makes me nervous knowing only a little of the dangers that exist outside the island. However... it's difficult to beat the worry I felt when Garp-san sent you out to train. I wouldn't see you for weeks at a time on some occasions and you were so small. Only four years old your first time! I look forward to hearing of any meetings between you two while out from the bounds of Dawn Island...
Dadan and the others are doing well. I told her about the letters I've been sending and she wants me to tell you goodluck on her behalf. She misses you especially though she won't say so to anyone else. She is very much like your grandfather, I think. A little proud but they won't say a thing! But I know they care so much.
I wish you the best on your adventures just as everyone else does. That boy, Konn, I know he used to act rudely towards you when the two of you were small. I don't know all the details of that time. There were other children too, weren't there, that used to treat you badly? I wanted to tell you that Konn has grown up a lot since then. He told me a little about how he used to act when you were younger and he's sorry for the things he's done and said. I told him you weren't someone who held on to something insignificant like that. You've really grown, Luffy. He doesn't really believe me, and he wants to apologise personally. Recently he's been trying to get some sort of education. It's very hard for those in his family due to their lack in wealth but I've started to teach him how to read and write. I believe he'll get there one day, even if it takes years! That's what he's been saying too.
When you return, I hope you can see him again and get to know each other. He also seeks the adventures of life.
Well, I think that's enough for one letter... I look forward to seeing you again. We all miss you, Luffy, but we can wait until the day you come back.
Ace has also received a few of my letters! It made me very happy. I received a very long letter from him only a week ago! He told me about seeing you and your crew a little before you received your second bounty and how you were. He says you have a "good crew" and teased that he was more concerned for the well-being of your nakama with you as captain. I had to laugh at that... But we both know you must be a wonderful captain.
Ace says he's been searching for someone recently though he didn't give anymore details than that... I think he didn't want to worry me. I believe the two of you will do greatly though.
Ah, I was going to finish this letter much earlier! I'm sorry it's so long... I wish both you and Ace the best. I'm not sure if or when my next letters will reach him but I hope they do. I hope you write to me one day. You both must be terribly busy but I'm glad you're both following your dreams.
Love you both,
from your sister and friend Makino.
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December 17th
For Luffy,
I will try to write more often. More letters mean a higher chance you'll get one. That's my hope.
I'm happy to say that I've made a full recovery. It wasn't anything big, thank goodness. Just a sort of stomach bug that goes away with the right diet for a week or so. I haven't heard anything more regarding you or Ace.
How is the sea? What islands have you visited? Have you met any of the strange creatures Shanks would talk about when he and his crew stayed? I remember the stories he would tell me. He mentioned once of witnessing a seaking that was eight times the size of his ship and that it had only been small in comparison to those in the Calm Belt! Is that true? I have to say, I was more than a little suspicious. Then again, I haven't been out to sea before. I'll leave that to adventurers like yourself.
I miss you and Dadan wants to say hi. She wants to do that personally though. We can wait. Until then, make the most of your adventure!
From Makino.
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January 2nd
To Luffy,
It's already the start of a new year and I hope your travels have been good to you.
I am always looking out in the newspapers for any news of you and your brother. Everyone is.
How is everything? I'm sure with the adventures you experience with the people you meet you won't feel the need to miss a little simple place like Dawn Island. I can only imagine the places you've seen.
Ace told me a little in past letters of some of the islands he had been to and I was amazed at how much variety of life there is in the world! I haven't heard from him in a while which is to be expected when travelling so much I imagine.
I have yet to hear from you... But I won't let myself worry. I know you'll come through whatever happens. It is what you've been preparing your whole life for, after all.
This letter is only short. Mayor Woop Slap sends his regards. He actually said he missed you yesterday! "That brat and his idiot noise" more precisely. But it's his own way and we both know it.
I look forward to one of my letters reaching you, whenever that may be. Until then, I'll be patient.
From Makino.
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January 12th
Oh Luffy, I just saw the papers yesterday please be okay. Ace is... I can't..
Oh Luffy, I hope you're both okay.
Please write if you receive this. I couldn't lose either of you... Please please please get this letter.
-Makino
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January 14th
Luffy, how are you? Have you seen the papers? I don't want these letters to come too late.
You both have always been like little brothers to me.
You've always been so carefree yet so stubborn. I know you'll want to protect Ace in any way you can.
Please do what you can but... watch over yourself. I don't want to lose both of you. Either of you.
I hope you have the help you need. That some miracle will happen. Knowing you, you'll do something reckless.
Please, both of you come safely.
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January 15th
Luffy,
I'm not sure if or when you will get this letter. This one is written more for me than anything.
I hope you're okay. I know Ace is in a bad position right now but I also know that as someone who cares dearly for another, it's important for us to stay strong. I don't know what will come from the next couple weeks but I sincerely hope that whatever happens, we get through. Ace wouldn't want you suffering needlessly and neither do I. Oh, how I care for the both of you. I can only wish for the safety of you both.
Dadan's scared for you both as well, and I'm doing what I can to be comforting. I'm sure you will manage something. Ace's new family, I'm certain, will help provide the strength the two of you need to get through this. Ace has only spoken good things of them.
Lots of love, from Makino.
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January 21st
Luffy...
I'm so sorry I couldn't do anything. I... rread read the papers and... oh, Luffy. I love you both so much. Please stay safe. Look after yourself. I don't know how you are or where you are but I hope this letter reaches you. More so than all the others I have sent. Sorry for the wet spots on the paper. I really am such a klutz!
Don't forget how much I love you. Or Garp, or Dadan or Woop Slap and so many others.
Konn is also worried though he hasn't seen the papers. He's still so sorry for the past. I told him it's okay. We all love you so much. I only ask that you don't forget us.
We know it's hard. Really, we do. I lost my mother at the age of sixteen and I still miss her dearly.
It's okay to be heartbroken, Luffy. It's okay to grieve. Each of us knows what it is to lose, no matter what it is we have lost. But Luffy, I know it will be a hard thing to read and accept what I am saying right now. I would never have listened to anyone who dared try to tell me this at the time of my mother's passing but it is something I wish someone had told me in order to save for later:
No matter what, it's okay to feel whatever it is you are feeling right now, but happiness still exists in having been able to share our lives, however briefly, with that person in the first place.
Hold on to those that surround you, dear Luffy.
I miss you and send you my care,
Until I see you, From Makino.
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January 30th
Luffy,
I hope you're getting through. I'm sure that, even though I haven't met them, your crew will always be there for you. In the time I came to know Shanks I saw how much he loves and needs his crew and I know that you can rely on those close to you. I'm worried. Again, don't mind the stains on the paper. I'm a little clumsy and I admit that I haven't been the most well recently. Either way, I'm sure Doctor Chiko-san will know what's wrong with time. Until then, I wish the best for your health and safety.
Love from Makino.
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February 4th
Luffy (if this arrives),
I'm so happy. I saw the papers, though it came late.
I've been watching out for the papers. Dadan and some of the others, too.
Even Konn is keeping an eye out, hoping to hear about the progress of your adventures. He's grown so much over these past several months especially. Even more so in the last few weeks more than anything. He lost someone once when he was very young but after seeing you in the papers again after so long, especially after that day, he only looks up to you Luffy.
We're all still worried for you but we know you can do it.
Love from Makino.
#
*1 year time skip*
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January 28th
Dear Luffy,
I haven't written for a very long time and I hope that you can forgive me.
(please at least let one of my letters arrive)
In truth, I've been praying that you would write to me or Dadan. We both worry and Dadan has actually been voicing it. Nothing has appeared in the papers since the couple weeks after the war and... well, even the East Blue has its rumours. Some say that the Strawhat Pirates have died. I've tried to keep away the thoughts... I couldn't bare to lose you as well... Someone must be there for Dadan. We're all trying to stay strong Luffy.
My health is still towards the downside... It's been a long time but Doctor says that it'll take more than that to fix a heart. I had no idea worries and stress could impact a body so much. The Doctor is doing everything he can and Dadan has been trying to visit. My body has been struggling as of late and walking through the forest is not as safe as it once was.
I look forward to seeing you again, Luffy.
Until we meet,
Makino.
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August 22nd
To Luffy,
I hope you and your nakama are well. Dadan's getting by and I'm trying my best. She's actually been assisting in the bar for the past few months! It's surprising, I know! But someone has to take care of the bar and neither my mind nor body are up to it for the time being.
I'm happy to say that I've been getting a little better! It's been wonderful to see Dadan more regularly. She's truly been a real mother for you and Ace. She misses you. She misses both of you. I can not imagine what it must be to lose as a mother...
When... if... you return... if you send a letter... please give her a hug. She needs it.
Wishing you the best, wherever you may be,
Love, Makino.
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December 29th
Luffy,
I don't know what to say. I'm not getting better. Though I can at least pick up this pen so I thought it good to write. Even if it has been so long. Everyone needs a distraction at times, I think.
Listen, I'm not sure when I'll be able to next write. If any letter reaches, please know that I love you. I'm not upset at you for not having written, though I want to know in person if you are safe...
Dadan's been helping out at the bar. Some of the others have helped a lot as well since my declining health. Konn has been especially helpful! My, he practically owns the place. But he expects nothing in return. He reminds me a lot of you in a way.
I love you very much and dream for your safety.
Love, Makino.
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January 8th
Luffy,
Ah, if this letr manajes to find its way to you, youll need to thank Konn.
Hes writing this one for me thankfuly. Unfortunatly my helth hasnt been particolaly particulrly
very good but there are many peeple helping me. Im not sure when Ill be able to next write.
When I can I will. Konns gotten so much better at writing and reeding than when he started! Im proud of him. Hes reelly getting there espeshally since he only started lerning not to long ago at an older age. He thinks hes slow but even if thats true he shouldnt wory. I know hell do grate!
I love you very much.
Until later
Makino and Konn.
(Sorry Luffy for my handwriting and stuff I will improov over time!)
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January 24th
Luffy!
I read the newspapers today and Im so exited that your safe! I was so releeved! Konn is writing this letter for me to but resently Ive started feeling much better. Doctor Chiko-san ses says I shood be alright in a couple months or so. Im so glad. I am so happy that your safe and with your crew. Konn is also exited for you too even if he takes a wile to admit it over this letter to you.
I cant express enough for how grateful I am that your okay! Were all cheering for you!
Love You Luffy,
From Makino and Konn.
(sorry again for my writing. I think its a little better then last time...?)
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February 6th
Dear Luffy,
I'm writing to say that this is my final letter.
Nothing's wrong here in at Windmill Village or Mt. Corvo, and I'm much better than I was these last two years, but I don't want to interrupt your adventurous life. One day you'll return to us, I know. Even if it isn't for that long. I look forward greatly to that day. We all do. Konn especially. He wants to apologise personally for his behaviour in the past and I just know that you two would make great friends. He's hoping that maybe one day, when you come to visit, you might take him with you, so he's working to get a lot stronger. I love you very much Luffy. Dadan and I miss you. When you get back, we'll all celebrate together! Eat the best of food and listen to the greatest of music and we can all listen to the stories of your adventures both good and bad that have made you the person we'll meet again in the future and you can be sure to introduce us to your crew! Oh how I look forward to that day.
No matter what, don't forget us.
We will never forget the little Luffy of Windmill Village that would soon storm the world with everything he has to offer.
Dadan says "Hi brat!" (exactly that...), Mayor-san sends good luck.
We all miss you but we know we will see you again. You mean very much to us Luffy.
From Makino.
P.S: Konn says he can't wait to hear your stories and show you how much he's improved when you return.
OPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOPOP
"Ah, Luffy, it's a letter for you," Nami walked towards Luffy's regular seat at the figurehead where he continued to stare off into the beautiful line where the sky meets the ocean.
"Eh?" he turned around so that his gaze met his navigator's.
"Someone wrote to Luffy? SUPEERRR!" Franky's voice came from the rear of the ship but Luffy could see the weird angle he held his body as he brought his arms up to meet in his regular strange yet super pose.
"It doesn't say who its from on the back... strange... I don't recognise the writing either..." she reached out with the hand that gripped a filled envelope.
"Oh?"
He took hold of the envelope and opened it. The handwriting on the back felt... familiar.
"Um, Nami...?"
"Hm?" Luffy awkwardly rubbed the back of his head as he looked from the now-opened letter to her.
"Could you please help me? I er... can't read..."
"..."
"..."
"But you can read all of our bounties..."
"I know how to read numbers! I'm not that dumb..." his voice lowered to a mumble. "Besides, everyone has pictures with their bounties so of course I know who is who!"
"Okaaayyy..."
"Pleeeaaase Nami...?"
"Fine... but don't think it won't cost you at some point," she said as she took the letter from her captain.
It wouldn't cost of course, and they both knew this. Still, his navigator and thief had to keep up appearances.
Luffy smiled at the end of the letter. It wasn't the usual sun-big grin that seemed to take up a third of his face and light up the world. It was small, but content and unusually at peace. So that was Makino's last letter, was it? It was sad, that he had never seen the others. He hadn't even thought of what Makino would have faced over the past two years since losing Ace... Of course she and Dadan would have been heavily impacted... But she said she was improving and he was glad. Each of them would handle their grief differently. And she had mentioned Konn as well. Luffy still remembered that kid who threw small stones at him while yelling insults with a couple other kids. So Makino was helping him too, hey? That was good. He was suddenly excited for the day he would return home. Of course he wasn't in any rush to do so, and now he knew his family was safe, no matter the pains of the past. He didn't need to worry.
Makino and Dadan really had done a lot for him. A lot he had been too blind to see at the time.
"-ffy?"
"Huh?" Oh, had Nami been saying something to him...?
"Jeez, seriously, Luffy? I was asking if you needed some paper."
"Paper? Why would I need that?" his head tilted in unmasked confusion.
"Well, I mean, you are going to reply aren't you?"
"Nah...!"
"Eh? Why not? This Makino person sounds like she's really missed you. And Dadan too. And who's Konn anyway?"
"Mm... just some people. But I'm not going to reply."
"How come?"
"I haven't written to them ever. The next time I see them, it'll be when I return. I know they'll do great until I get back. It'd be bad if I suddenly got into whatever her adventure is. So I won't write."
"That doesn't really make sense but... okay...?" her voice trailed off as she decided to tend to her precious tangerines.
It didn't need to make sense to anyone else though, and he was okay with that. Luffy simply knew that Makino and Dadan must have gone through a lot in the time he had been away. They all had their own journeys and for him to suddenly interrupt her one right after she had made a resolve would be cruel. He wouldn't write. He would see them for himself again and they would all celebrate and then he could hear her stories for himself.
That would be a good day...
OWARIMASHITA
Well, I'm happy. I hope you guys liked it. ^v^
