A/N:Thanks to everyone for reading, again if there are any requests let me know, I'm always willing to listen to one. As always Enjoy
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XXX
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There was nothing he could've done back then no matter how hard he tried; he was far too weak. Everything he thought he was prepared to lose he wasn't. Luffy saw his friends disappear before his eyes on Sabaody Archipelago at the hands' of the government's assassin Bartholomew Kuma, Admiral Borsalino, and his nephew Sentomaru.
One by one the straw hats vanished into thin air never to be seen again, Luffy saw his world crumbling seeing Zoro vanish in that moment."Hey! What did he do to Zoro?!" Luffy shouted with a strained tone unaware of what happened seeing the vice captain of his crew disappear. "Where did he send him?!"
But the government lackeys refused to answer his distressed pleas. Only telling him his friends would be sent flying for three days and three nights ending up scattered throughout the world.
It didn't matter about staying together at that point Luffy just wanted his friends to run as far as they could. "Run all three of you! Just get out of here!" He screamed to the quivering trio of Sanji, Brook and Usopp. "You can think things over after your safe, Go!" The guttural scream leaving his throat became more hoarse.
A chill ran down his spine seeing Brook vanish before his eyes wondering if he'd ever see his beloved musician again.
"Stop! Sanji!" His plea fell on deaf ears watching the chef become incapacitated and Kuma turning it's attention to the unguarded Usopp.
"RUN! RUN!" Luffy shouted in vein watching a cloud of dust replace the straw hat marksman from Syrup Island.
Even when seeing Sanji sprint toward the enemy raising a kick his voice had lost it's earlier conviction starting to strain from helplessness, "Sanji!" He fell to his knees watching the cook disappear into the air.
"What is this? What do we do...?" His once unbreakable spirit began to crack witnessing half of his crew taken away.
"This can't be...they're all..." Nami was equally torn about the situation feeling the helplessness of the events unfolding.
"Luffy." Robin called out weakly unable to stop him from going into his second gear wanting to put an end to Kuma's actions in an attempt to save his remaining crew members.
"Luffy!" Nami shouted worried to death over his safety, if something happened to him she wouldn't be able to accept it knowing she let her captain fall. She couldn't protest as Franky grasped her forearm forcing her to run with him.
The straw hat captain flinched witnessing Kuma disappear from his sight reappearing in front of the two fleeing crew mates. Even with a Franky strong right to the face it didn't deter the pacifista one bit.
"Wait! Don't, Luffy!" Robin shouted finding her voice again only for Luffy to ignore the warning coming to the aid of his friends. Kuma easily deflected his outstretched fist catching his follow up attack easily sending him tumbling into the ground.
He could only hear Franky shouting his name before a deafening silence, Kuma had taken Franky as well. Luffy climbed to his feet steadily hearing Nami's cries of worry.
"No!" He barley had time to blink seeing the cyborg approaching his frightened navigator. He met her eyes briefly as she reached out for him, "Luffy, help m—"
Luffy only had time to reach his hand out in vein, "N-NAAAMMMIII!" His scream echoed across the land seeing her vanish just like the others, then everything faded to black. The desperation in her voice was the same as it'd been from Arlong Park; she counted on him to save her again and he failed.
The captain's raven hair clouded his eyes guarding the distraught expression, his breathing came out ragged, he felt as if he was suffocating. He had a soft spot for the orangette, she wasn't the strongest in terms of strength in the crew. In that moment Kuma took advantage of her helplessness and he couldn't do a damn thing about it.
The words ran through his head clear as day, "Luffy, help m—" An anger surged through him returning his fighting spirit to take down the cyborg. At that moment he couldn't have cared wether he lived or not, if he couldn't save Nami then what the hell was the point of it all? Had he really been this weak the whole time?
Luffy fell onto his face after a failed strike he put every ounce of remaining energy into, he could only stand helplessly watching Chopper disappear and the pacifista begin to pursue Robin.
"Stop...Stop...Stop..." he didn't recognize his own voice. It had been the weakest it'd ever been in his young life. "Stop...Stop..." not willing to let his spirit completely break he willed himself to try saving Robin.
He reached out to the archeologist trying to pull her away only for the same thing to happen as the rest. Officially alone he finally broke down slamming his fists on the ground letting sorrowful tears fall."What is this...I'm..." he sobbed weakly. The memories of everyone in his crew that meant so much to him ran through his mind. Every critical moment when each of them joined the crew committing themselves to him as a captain.
"I couldn't even save one of my friends...!" He sobbed not caring when Kuma finally sent him along with the others, there had been nothing left to fight for.
XXX
Despite feuds between the emperors Whitebeard declared an all out war on the Marines to rescue fire first Ace. Shanks intervened in Kaido's attempt to stop Whitebeard offering a window for him and his alliance to attack Marineford uninterrupted.
A glimmer of hope ran through Luffy knowing his brother needed his help after being captured and sent to Impel Down to await execution at the hands of the Navy. He gathered new allies and old enemies into an uneasy ceasefire putting aside their differences to fight in the upcoming Summit War.
Luffy was outclassed and overpowered by nearly every opponent he came across during the battles, he survived from sheer determination, luck, and a lot of help. The young man's tenacity and willingness to put his life on line served as a beacon of hope for the Whitebeard Alliance—Luffy's attitude had been everything Whitebeard had fought for in his life; the traits a true pirate exemplified.
After the successful rescue a crucial moment came that would change his destiny forever. Helpless and too weak to do anything he felt those same feelings come back to him as before when he lost his friends. He used his last remaining strength to pick up Ace's vivre card, making sure to never lose it. The young man had been unaware Admiral Akainu used that vulnerable moment to attempt to end his life. The next moment he knew Ace fell weakly into his arms letting a trail of blood drop onto his shoulder.
Ace was a man that lived without regrets in his life, only wanting an answer to a question after being raised an orphan—did he deserve to be born? After seeing pops, the crew he considered a family, and younger brother put their lives on the line to rescue him, he felt he accomplished everything life had to offer. He didn't seek to become a pirate king or even an emperor, he did everything for his family, one he was thankful for sharing joyous memories with.
His one and only regret was not being able to see Luffy live out his dream of becoming king. Luffy sobbed hearing his brother's final words, "pops, everyone, and you Luffy...thank you, for loving someone who is good for nothing...and who has such blood in his veins...up till today...thank you..."
The moment Ace fell changed everything for everyone involved in both sides of war. Whitebeard went berserk willing to destroy the Navy on spot and sink Marineford into the sea along with everyone who called themselves a marine. None had been more impacted than Luffy who cried hysterically eventually blacking out into oblivion.
XXX
"Ah your studies are coming along fantastically Nami." Mr. Haredas said reading her report about the new world storms and counter measures to each one. "If you keep this up you'll be a veteran before the next year and a half is up." The old wizard couldn't help laugh happily for his brilliant student of nearly seven months.
Nami gave a small smile and a nod satisfied that her teacher had been pleased with her hard work. Day and night she studied meticulously sometimes falling asleep at the desk unable to make it into bed.
Haredas sighed still seeing her faraway look, he would catch the navigator spacing out most likely thinking about reuniting with her friends. It had been nearly half a year since she tried to steal the weather balloon in an attempt to escape Weatheria, slowly but surely their trust had been built back up since then. He couldn't believe she risked her life just to make sure her captain was alright, it made him ponder just what close of a bond had forged between them.
"Nami would you like to see your captain again?" He questioned folding his hands under his chin.
She nodded once again, "of course I would, even if it were just for a day," she sighed softly, "I suppose it'll have to wait for another year and a half."
"Not...necessarily..." he said cautiously fearing her reaction.
She slammed her hands on the desk causing him to jump back terrified, "What do you mean by that grandpa?! Just what are you saying?" Nami asked bewildered by his insinuation.
The old wizard coughed recomposing himself, "well, once a year I go down to the surface to pick up vegetation only found on the ground below. I'm leaving in two weeks and I could...take you to see him if you'd like." He said feeling his shoulders crunch into his body from the exertion of the orangette's hug.
"B-but," he wheezed being dropped back onto his seat, "it can only happen once and I'll need you to stay completely focused afterwards, no more day dreaming." Haredas scolded raising his voice sternly.
"Y-yes of course, you have my word Gramps, I promise!" She said with a slight flush adorning her cheeks wanting to leap for joy.
"Great, we leave in two weeks, now get some rest you have more studies and lectures tomorrow." He chuckled sending the woman on her way.
"Two weeks..." she whispered collapsing onto her bed before falling asleep dreaming of the day the straw hats would reunite.
XXX
Luffy finally stopped running from the monsters after the first month of training being able to use observation haki to evade most attacks put forth from the creatures. After four months he'd finally been able to use armament haki at will for short bursts battling the monsters to a standstill. Finally when six months passed he'd been given a first real test since the events of Marineford.
Byrnndi World, a pirate who escaped during Blackbeard's prison break of level six at Impel Down had taken Hancock's three sisters hostage in order to get to the warlord. Not willing to stand idly by after witnessing the kidnapping and wanting to prove he indeed grew stronger, Luffy pursued World managing to defeat him while denouncing the credit to Buggy who became a warlord in his own right.
A month had passed since World's defeat and a third of Luffy's training had passed. Despite mastering armament haki Raleigh knew the young man had a year's worth of training left to go, he needed to master the greater forms of his gears if he wanted to conquer the New World to ultimately become pirate king.
"Boy that was some training yesterday." Luffy yawned waking up to the rising sun over Rusukaina's horizon. Each day was like rehabilitation, after the hardships he endured nearly a year ago losing his friends and brother, the young captain finally felt like he was finding himself again. Although he would stay awake most nights dreaming of reuniting with his friends, glad each and everyone of them was safe somewhere in the world.
Luffy left his man-made hut heading over to the fire where the dark king sat. "Have a good rest did you? I hope so because today will be harder than yesterday, we can't afford to take it easy Luffy." Raleigh said handing the captain breakfast.
The pair ate in relative silence when suddenly Luffy noticed the change in the usual stoic swordsman's demeanor. "What's up old man, its not any beasts is it?" He asked determining what could've caused the disturbance. It surely couldn't have been the monsters he battled, they knew damn well not to get to close to their campsite.
"You don't feel that? Concentrate." Raleigh commanded as Luffy obliged.
"Two presences have landed at the beach...one I don't recognize the other..." Luffy's eyes shot open as he sprinted toward the beach leaving his teacher behind ignoring his protests, "it can't be..."
Mr. Haredas and Nami successfully landed on the beach of Rusukaina admiring the pristine morning glow of the island. "It's beautiful..." Nami held in a gasp taking in all the different variety of landscape.
"Yes this place never changes."
"You've been here before grandpa?"
"Oh yes a few times actually, though it's been many years. The last time I was here there was a young man with a straw hat training who eventually went on to become pirate king, his name was Gol D. Roger." Haredas exclaimed proudly taking his slippers off enjoying the feeling of damp sand beneath his feet.
"I see so the former pirate king used to train here, that's what Luffy wants to be." She chuckled taking off her heels.
"Well he couldn't have picked a better place to start." The pair let the ocean water surround their feet enjoying the atmosphere of the morning surface air.
Raleigh roughly grabbed the straw hat captain by his red cardigan preventing him from going any further onto the beach. "Those two?" Raleigh arched a brow, "so that's where your navigator went huh? Weatheria."
" That's really Nami! You gotta let me see me her old man." He tried to no avail to break the iron like grip of his teacher.
Raleigh sighed knowing Luffy wanted to see his crew mates badly but it would only distract him from the training even more if one of them were here. "Wait back at camp." He commanded earning a silent nod from the rubber man as he went back to the huts not wanting to risk having Raleigh leave if he disobeyed him.
The dark king met the old wizard halfway up the beach while Nami stayed behind by the balloon.
"Ah Mr. Haredas, what a pleasant surprise, how can I help you?"
"Greetings dark king Raleigh, I've brought my student to visit a friend of her's, he was the boy from the Paramount War."
"Luffy huh? Yeah he's here, although I am training him to become stronger it'd be best if he didn't have distractions right now." Raleigh stated scratching his bearded chin.
Haredas chuckled folding his sleeves together, "I said the same thing, but please understand it will only be a one time thing and I will be back tomorrow—she really has missed her captain."
Raleigh's gaze shifted behind the wizard's shoulder landing on the young girl who kicked the sand up softly probably wondering what they were conversing about. He grinned unable to deny the wizard's request, "very well but it can only be for one day, they both have to become much stronger if they're going to survive in the New World."
"I couldn't agree more." The wizard said showing a large toothy grin.
"So you'll be back tomorrow at noon?" Nami questioned securing her backpack.
"Yes not a moment after so be ready."
"Thank you grandpa!" She said hugging the old wizard earning a warm smile from him.
"Anytime I'm glad I could help." He said putting his slippers on before climbing into the balloon. Nami watched him ascend as he disappeared into the skyline heading toward his intended destinations.
"Ah Miss Nami good to see you again." Raleigh smiled coming to stand only feet away from the girl.
"It's nice to see you again too Raleigh. Is Luffy around?"
"Yeah Luffy's back at camp. He sure has missed you guys he talks about his you guys often. Here allow me to carry that." He said with a chuckle offering a hand as she gave him her backpack.
"Thank you Raliegh but you really don't have to—"
"Nonsense now come along I'm sure Luffy will be really happy to see you."
Nami's heart stopped beating for a moment knowing she was about reunite with her captain she attempted to see months back the moment news of Ace's death spread across the globe. She couldn't believe he charged into a war alone, even if she couldn't have helped much she wanted to be by his side through it all. But now was her chance to check up on his progress to see if he was truly okay, she had to know with her own two eyes.
Raleigh hid his expression behind his glasses as the pair walked up the beach in relative silence. He could sense her distress about the captain's wellbeing. To make one of the old wizards of the small sky island leave their home was nearly impossible, she must've truly missed Luffy.
"So miss Nami," Raleigh started adorning a friendly smile, "tell me what those old wizards up in the sky have been teaching you."
XXX
Luffy waited anxiously by the fire hoping for the best, he might lose it on his teacher if he refused to let him see Nami—he had to see her.
A rustling in the bushes caused him to stand up nervously, his heart pounded hearing Nami's soft laughs just out of sight. Then it was as if he stopped breathing all together, she appeared alongside Raleigh making his pulse quicken.
"Nami..." he said softly bewildered that she stood before him after being taken away nearly a year ago.
"Luffy!" She shouted upon seeing him for the first time in almost a year. The pair met halfway coming to only feet away from one another. The thought reached them at the exact moment as they wrapped their arms tightly around each other thankful to be reunited.
Luffy was the first one to speak. "Your okay..." He couldn't have been more relieved to feel her in his arms safe and sound. Nami held tears back nuzzling into him never wanting this moment to end, she had nightmares for weeks hearing Luffy shout her name now she finally held him in her arms feeling safer than she had in months and knowing he was safe with her.
Raleigh let a few more moments pass before coughing loudly quickly separating the two reunited crew mates. He couldn't help get a familiar vibe from the pair, it reminded him of old crew mates of his that passed away long ago.
"Why don't you two catch up, but Luffy remember we have training soon so don't get too comfortable." Raleigh stated sternly handing Nami's backpack to the bewildered captain who'd yet to take his eyes away from his navigator. The swordsman quickly left the pair to their own musings heading to his own hut.
An air of silence passed between the pair after Luffy put her belonging's in his hut. It still hadn't hit them that they were reunited having time to catch up about what they'd been up to all this time. Nami knew exactly what happened to Luffy, a pang of guilt hit her squarely in the chest knowing he still carried that weight with him. She wanted to ask him about the mysterious 'X' shaped scar plastered across his chest that wasn't there when she last saw him.
"I'm really glad to see you...I thought I lost you guys...I thought I lost you..." he said furrowing his eyebrows trying to forget that singular moment that threatened to snatch away his hope back then.
"I thought so too...I'm glad your doing alright..." she stopped herself short of reaching out for him.
Luffy's signature toothy grin appeared, "What a relief, thanks for coming to see me. Are you hungry, I got tons of left over meat!" He chuckled sitting on log biting into a large hambone earning a small grin from Nami; seeing his signature smile again was all she needed to let the tension leave her body.
"Yeah I am actually hungry it was actually quite a trip." She said coming to sit next to him.
"Oh yeah so who was that weird old guy anyway?" Luffy asked scratching his hair in confusion, "I saw you guys in a balloon."
"That was my teacher from Weatheria, it's a sky island that studies the world's weather and they're all wizards up there." Nami exclaimed taking a bite from a meat leg.
Luffy's eyes sparkled at the mention of 'wizards.' "Cooool wizards are they like magicians? Do they do magic tricks and stuff?" He asked nearly falling off his seat from excitement.
Nami held her gaze on him appreciating his usual attitude showing. Despite being in tremendous amounts of pain he never wanted to make her worry, always willing to make her smile with his goofy antics. She giggled with a slight flush witnessing his warm smile return making her stomach flutter.
It seemed like nothing had changed with two as they continued catching up about their respective training regiments beginning to imagine what it would be like when they all finally reunited. Luffy smiled watching closely as she stared up at the clouds, he couldn't help slightly blush at the current thoughts running through his head at the moment.
"Where's your hat by the way Luffy?" She questioned after they finished laughing.
"I left it up in the mountain ridge, since I'm not a captain and busy training I thought I'd give it a rest for awhile." He said leaning closer to the orangette.
Nami once again found herself in awe; had Luffy actually matured? Even if it was only slightly he changed somewhat drastically in the short amount of time yet remained the mostly same. Still he was far from the boy she met back in Orange Town that she betrayed briefly leaving him stranded on the Baratie. Then again they were both different back then, she had Luffy to thank for making her a better person. All of them owed it to him to get stronger for bringing them from all walks of life together for a common purpose.
"I see." Nami was content with his answer not willing to pry into the events of the Paramount War, if he didn't want to talk about it he had every right to. She couldn't help glancing at the scar again and his newly toned abdomen that she first noticed after the auction house fiasco at Sabaody.
"Your hair," Luffy observed softly stopping himself from touching her orange hair as she turned to look at him, "it's growing longer..."
"Y-yeah, It's a bit different I thought I'd grow it out. Do you like it?"
"No." In an instant her heart sunk hearing his words. She couldn't believe he didn't like new look maybe she could cut it afterwards if he hated it.
"I love it Nami shishi." He laughed causing her to look at him with bewilderment written over her features.
"Why didn't you just say that in the first place?!" She yelled with a demon face bonking him on the head repeatedly only causing his laughs to grow louder.
Raleigh stood still witnessing the exchange between the two crew mates. There was not a single doubt now, his suspicions had been confirmed, he couldn't help wonder if history was indeed repeating itself with these two. Would they follow in the footsteps of his former captain and navigator of the Roger pirates? Only time would tell.
"Luffy," Raleigh called interrupting their playful antics, "its time for training, don't worry miss Nami if Luffy doesn't slack off it shouldn't take the entire day." With one final glance the captain left abruptly leaving her alone at their camp.
Nami sighed softly feeling the soft grass between her toes waiting for when Luffy would return. She didn't want to wander off getting ost especially with the fearsome beasts stalking the jungle. After roaming around Luffy's simple hut curiously wondering how he lived she decided to sleep on his hammock to pass the time.
XXX
Awhile later she heard unfamiliar hushed voices outside hut causing her to immediately raise her guard. Nami slipped the clima tact out of the backpack ready to confront the perceived threats outside.
Nami crouched low standing behind three tall women wearing minimal clothing, they were intimidating whoever they were.
"Don't move." A cold voice said stopping the navigator in her tracks. "Lower your weapon." Nami complied setting the clima tact on the ground at the mercy of the strangers.
"What are you doing trespassing on one of Amazon Lily's sister islands?" The voice asked earning a shrug from the orangette.
"I have no business with Amazon Lily, I'm just here visiting my friend Luffy." She stated evenly earning a shriek from the woman behind her.
"F-f-friend..." she gasped collapsing on the ground with a thud.
"Empress! Empress Hancock! My lady!" The Amazons surrounded their leader fanning the woman who had swirls in her eyes. Nami rose her brows in confusion not understanding what the hell just happened.
It only took a few minutes until Nami gave Hancock a cup of fresh water drinking to regain her senses. "I-I'm terribly sorry for threatening you, we are very protective of our islands to outsiders." Hancock exclaimed inwardly berating herself for threatening one of Luffy's friends.
"It's okay Empress, I shouldn't have been so defensive, I just...thought maybe you were here to rob Luffy or something..." she said trailing off slightly intimated by the older woman considered to be the most beautiful in all the lands.
Hancock chuckled softly, "rob? Heavens no. We owe a lot to Luffy, less then a month ago he rescued my three sisters from a vicious gang of pirates—I'm forever grateful to him for that. We are just here to bring him extra foods in case he gets hungry to show our gratitude."
"I see," Nami couldn't take her eyes off the beautiful woman, she wondered exactly how Luffy met her since she was technically still a warlord. "I am forever grateful to Luffy as well."
"Oh how so Nami?"
"You know me?"
"Luffy mentioned his crew to me before, and I already know who Nico Robin is." She exclaimed earning a nod from the orangette, it seemed everyone knew who the straw hat archeologist was.
The two women went on to exchange their similar stories about their painful struggles from their oppressors; the fishmen and the Celestial Dragons. The more the snake empress listened to straw hat navigator the more impressed with her she became. The girl was smart, resilient, and empathetic far more than herself. It made sense why Luffy had chosen her to be his trusted navigator and she could only imagine how high a regard he must've held for her.
The tale she told about Luffy placing his beloved hat on her head, destroying her monster, freeing the village she grew up in and allowing her to live a life free at sea sounded like something she'd heard out of those soppy romantic books she read as a child. Hancock practically drooled at the thought of that happening to her.
The two woman laughed together sharing the love of Luffy's goofy antics and never ending appetite. The empress even went out of her way to stock the navigator with food making sure she had enough on reserve in case Luffy decided to not share.
"So Nami," Hancock said calming her laughter, "what brings you here exactly? The other times we visited weeks ago you weren't here."
"Well I'm only here for the day, I'm currently training up in Weatheria studying the New World's weather to better navigate the Thousand Sunny in the second half of the grand line." Nami exclaimed with a fond smile appreciating the studies that she was learning on the small sky island.
"Interesting I can see how that could be very useful to you on your journey. Although if you want to be stronger to fight opponents we'd be happy to welcome you on Amazon Lily for a time." Hancock said earning a nod from the navigator.
"I really appreciate the offer empress but I already gave my word to the wizards to train with them but I may take you up on that someday." Nami said giving an appreciative smile.
Hancock stroked a loose strand of her orange hair hiding a slight blush, "there's a saying that we have on Amazon Lily, beauty is our strength."
Nami couldn't help flush, was the empress hitting on her? She couldn't contemplate anymore as the empress crushed Nami in a warm hug pushing her head between her large bosom. "You're just so precious." Hancock stated happily thrilled she had the chance to meet the infamous cat burglar.
"Are you going to stay to visit Luffy and Raleigh?" Nami asked as the empress stood dusting off her long dress.
"No I'm afraid that nasty old man will kick me out for spoiling Luffy but it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope we cross paths again one day Nami." Hancock said embracing the much shorter woman.
"I hope so too, it'd be nice to see you again." The empress couldn't help smile at the orangette's words. She was starting to adore her like she did Luffy.
"Just promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
"The New World is extreme grueling but I know you will all succeed. Whatever hardships you go through always keep that unwavering faith and trust in Luffy—he won't let you down." Hancock exclaimed meeting Nami's gaze.
"Of course Empress Hancock, I'll always trust and believe in him no matter what." She said reassuring the older woman. With a satisfied smile the leader of the amazons and her sisters left her alone once again.
—
"You're distracted! Try again!" Raleigh scolded seeing Luffy's arm inflate rapidly then deflate unceremoniously earning another scowl from the swordsman.
"Dammit! Is this what you want huh? What if your friends are in danger like in Sabaody are you going to let them down again?!"
"NO!"
"Then focus! If you really want to be a king then act like it, the New World isn't a joke, you won't last halfway if you can't master your forms!"
"I know that!"
"Then do it! Think about it kid, do you really want to see your friends taken away again?!" Raleigh shouted earning a feral growl from the captain.
"NO I WON'T EVER LET THAT HAPPEN!" Seeing her be taken away on Sabaody Archipelago all over again caused his arm to inflate to a massive size as it became surrounded in armament haki earning a small smile from Raleigh, his provoking was working.
XXX
"Hey Nami..." Luffy said weakly coming back letting water drip from his hair, it'd been nearly sundown by the time he came back to the campground. She couldn't help become slightly disappointed not being able to spend the amount of time she wanted with him but it was borrowed time right now not her's.
"Hey Luffy, come join me by the fire." She said happily warming up to the faint glow. Luffy gave a worn smile coming to sit next the navigator stretching out his legs. He barley made it to the stream to bathe before falling over onto the table.
"Tired?"
"Beat."
"I know something that will liven you up a little." She pointed to a large bowl of assorted meats piled feet high.
"Hammock delivered food!" He said excitedly jumping onto the top of the pile beginning to devour it from top to bottom.
"Oh no," Raleigh said facepalming, "Hancock was here again wasn't she? She knows I forbid her from coming here and spoiling Luffy." He said sighing as he took a seat across from Nami. Eventually Luffy joined the pair as the dark king told tales of the adventures of the Roger pirates; In all honesty it reminded the pair of their crew all too well.
Raleigh lived too long seeing too much to be played a fool, he could notice the pair's subtle movement and gestures sitting closer to each other. He supposed he intruded on them enough today. "Well I am quite tired an old man must be well rested after a hard day's work."
"Huh?! You didn't work at all! I did!" Luffy shouted receiving a nip on the chin from Nami.
"You're kidding right Luffy? Do you know how hard it is to train someone like you?!" Nami asked rhetorically receiving a nod from the swordsman.
"Right you are miss Nami." The two shared chuckles as Luffy just grasped his hair questioning what was going on. "Well goodnight you two, stay outta trouble." Raleigh said leaving to his hut.
Nami shifted closer to Luffy's warmth laying her shoulder in his chest. They decided to stargaze as the navigator tried to teach her captain the name of some constellations that he told her what kind of animal it reminded him of. She blushed slightly staring up at his features being extenuated by the flames of the fire.
"Nami..." he said softly causing her to silently gasp coming to meet his gaze.
"Yes..."
"I-I know you miss everyone but why come and see me?" The question made Nami's eyes widen slightly realizing in this moment how close they'd been sitting.
In was now or never, "I am really worried...about everyone but when I heard what happened I-I just had to see if you were okay..." she said trailing off searching his onyx eyes.
Luffy remained silent remembering the painful memories blacking out at the crescendo of the Summit War and the aftermath of his awakening when he refused to believe his brother perished. He let out an long exhale threatening to become lost in his painful memories until he felt Nami's soft fingertips on his arm.
"Please Luffy...don't shut me out." She scooted closer laying her chin on his shoulder silently begging him to open up—she needed him to.
Luffy bowed his head low hiding his eyes releasing another loud exhale, "I'm a failure Nami... I was too weak to do anything. I couldn't save any of you guys, I couldn't save my brother, not even myself..." The captain couldn't even look his navigator in the eye feeling shame.
"Luffy you're not a failure..." her soft voice brought his gaze back to her.
"I'm not so sure..."
Nami sighed telling him of her past that he'd not known having walked away from Nojiko on Cocoyasi village choosing to forgo the tale of their origin. Luffy couldn't believe the horrors that she went through as a small kid, he couldn't have imagined losing Ace that young.
"For the longest time I felt like a failure...hopeless...not truly experiencing any true friends or freedom, dreaming of it. Then you came along, changing my world giving me everything I missed out on growing up. So please don't think your a failure, I'm sure the crew would say the same when you helped them." Nami stated now resting her head against his shoulder nuzzling into his warmth.
"You're right Nami...you're always right," he sighed softly, "you miss her don't you?" He questioned looking up toward the stars decorating the night sky.
"Of course everyday I miss her, I always will." She said turning to look at the captain holding back her own tears seeing silent ones fall down his cheeks.
"I'm trying to move forward...I really am but it's hard I-I..." Nami cut him off wrapping her arms around Luffy as he let the tears fall freely onto her shoulder. "I miss Ace so much Nami...I..."
"Shhh it's okay now Luffy I'm here it's okay..." she repeated whispering into his ear tightening the hug. She felt his arms slowly wrap around her waist and back clinging onto her like she was a lifeline.
The pair held onto to one another for what felt like hours until Luffy pulled back to gaze into Nami's hazelnut chocolate eyes not taking his arms away from her. He couldn't help notice she let her own trail of tears flow from her eyes experiencing his pain also. It finally hit him why she was here, when he lost Ace going through tremendous amounts of pain and anguish, she felt that as well.
"Luffy..." her eyes flickered from his lips to his eyes before she closed the distance placing her lips on his. It only lasted a few seconds before she pulled back with a smile. Something had indeed changed between them and she truly felt this way after he rescued her from the golden lion Shiki. Seeing him risk his life against an opponent that outmatched him heavily stole her heart.
"Nami..." he couldn't put into words the emotions he felt running through him. He couldn't help blush seeing Nami's fiery orange hair and flawless skin becoming extenuated by the flames of the fire. Without warning he returned her gesture placing his lips on hers to which she immediately released an exhale wrapping an arm around his neck to keep him in place. Their lips melted together tasting, teasing, and applying more pressure, the desire growing by the second.
Nami whimpered softly feeling Luffy's tongue part her lips melding with her's. Soon their mouths were becoming one and an unfamiliar heat grew between them. Luffy's hands ran along her arms before he encircled her waist roughly pulling the orangette onto his lap earning a giggle from her.
She didn't waste time reclaiming their passion wrapping her arms around his neck. They both laughed at the surprised of falling off the log onto the ground with Nami straddling her captain. When their chuckles came to end only the heat of their passion remained as they glared at one another with a smile.
Using her instincts she ground her hips into Luffy's causing him to groan placing his hands onto her hips keeping her in place. Nami wasn't an expert by any metrics but she knew enough about the process. Nojiko told her awhile back before what love and sex was to which she rolled her eyes saying she'd never do that with any man that just wanted her body. Looking at Luffy's flushed face beneath her she knew he was different, he didn't care about her looks; it was the character she displayed throughout her time she spent with him.
She giggled softly feeling Luffy's fascination with her smooth thighs running his hands up her legs earning the desired reaction reaction from him. She ground her hips again feeling the full length of him softly moaning at the sensation.
"I love you Luffy." She said leaning down to rest her forehead against his.
"I love you too Nami." He stated cupping her cheeks. Mikano's words rang true, loving someone to him meant never wanting them to leave his side—he needed her by his side in the upcoming years. "Even after I become king and you finish your maps, will you sail with me?"
"Where else would I go idiot?" She said sweetly kissing him over and over starting to become used to this sensation. Their tongues danced happily together as his hands found their way to her ass giving a firm squeeze causing her to moan onto his lips. She grabbed his strained member through his shorts earning a growl from the captain as she glanced down between their hips feeling a warm aching in her core.
Nami bit her lip nervously, "Luffy do you want to have sex with me?"
He wasn't exactly sure what she meant but he could tell by what they were doing already and silent pleading in her eyes, he couldn't deny her. "Yeah."
"So much?"
"Yeah so much."
The navigator giggled at his response throwing her arms around his neck. "Then you shouldn't keep me waiting captain, take me to bed."
Luffy kissed her forehead lifting the woman to her feet before chuckling. "What's so funny Luffy?"
"You're short without your shoes," That earned him a punch to the cheek as he laughed when he saw her blush, "but your still really beautiful though." He finished causing her crimson shade to grow darker. Without warning he scooped Nami placing her against his chest carrying her into his hut. He laid her downs gently making sure to be gentle knowing how delicate she was in his arms. Immediately upon being laid down she kissed Luffy's chest and abdomen stripping him of his cardigan, her hands greedily roamed over his torso as if it was made of gold.
"Nami..." he was still in awe of her new found passion for his body. While she still couldn't believe where his hardened body had come from all of a sudden, she loved the feeling off her tongue against his abs.
Luffy held in a gasp when she grabbed his hands placing them against her growing breasts earning groans from them both. He was enthralled by the feel of her soft breasts even through the tank top and bra she wore. When she discarded her tops letting Luffy see her topless she could help hold her arms protectively over her bosom.
The owlish eyes of her captain roamed over her as he softly placed his hands on her arms removing them with no resistance from his navigator. His eyes immediately glued to the hardened pink nipples causing him to salivate.
"L-Luffy d-don't stare." Nami stuttered becoming more flushed then she'd ever been in her young life. The moment those words left her mouth his lips hungrily licked, suckled, and gently nibbled on her breasts earning loud moans from the woman. "Luffy that's feels so good."
The straw hat captain left hickey marks all over her chest becoming addicted to her sweet scent, and soft succulent skin. He sucked on her left nipple roughly, "not so rough Luffy..." she said as he went back to gently kissing her breasts.
"Your...really beautiful Nami, more than any other—" he was abruptly cut off her lips. She pulled their chests together moaning at the feel of her sensitive chest against his scarred one.
"Luffy...I-I'm ready for you...I'm...ready to have sex." She said softly feeling small against his chest. Nami felt on cloud nine knowing how deep her feelings for Luffy went. It was a gradual buildup from the moment he rescued her; with each new adventure they shared the closer they became until Water Seven. Depite being at odds over Usopp's departure, the day after they drew together when the crew became more divided then it's ever been.
Wordlessly he kissed her breathlessly until she laid comfortably on the hammock positioning themselves together. In one swift motion they were completely naked against each other groaning at the contact of his hardened length against her wet core.
"Are you sure?" He questioned cradling his arms around her head earning a sweet kiss as an answer. With a little guidance from her hand he found her spot pushing forth separating the hot wet folds.
Nami yelped clawing his back from the dull pain of being penetrated for the first time. Luffy pushes forward a little unsure even when she forced him to stay put keeping her legs draped across his waist. He suddenly started to pull out seeing blood on his groin and tears running down Nami's cheeks.
"I'm hurting you Nami..." he said softly trying to force himself away from her.
"I-it's okay Luffy..."
"But your bleeding..."
"It's supposed to happen, please don't stop it will pass I promise." She said in between pants touching his cheek softly.
"Nami I-"
"Please Luffy, I really need you right now." She said nuzzling into his neck pulling him back down on top of her.
"Alright, are you feeling any better?"
"Yeah it feels okay...you should try moving now."
With a nod he rolled his hips slowly into hers as she moaned softly before repeating the motion finding a comfortable rhythm. He could hear her pants growing more ragged as she sank down further raising her hips causing him to plunge deeper in her core.
"Luffy..." she whimpered feeling him hit her womb stretching her out fully. His pace had increased causing both of their bodies to glisten in sweat making them come closer to their first climaxes as she squeezed him tightly.
"Nami...you're really tight, I feel something..." he spoke causing her to clutch his cheeks.
"You have to pull out Luffy if you don't I could get pregnant."
He blinked a few times searching her flushed features, "You don't want to?"
A demon face appeared briefly, "No! Not right now are you kidding?!" He laughed loudly agreeing with the decision. In that moment seeing his unadulterated laughter while they were having sex Nami realized it wasn't just that they were having—they were making love.
She wrapped an arm around his neck passionately kissing him forcing him to continue his rhythm. "Maybe one day when we finish adventuring at sea okay?" A smile graced her lips seeing his happy expression.
"Sounds good." He said before claiming her lips once again hungrily darting his tongue to wrestle her's.
"Luffy I'm close..." she moaned in his ear causing him to start to pull out even with her walls tightening threatening him to spill inside of her. At the last moment he pulled letting his hot seed jet onto her stomach finally sending her convulsions over the edge as she felt her first orgasm. They found each other's eyes sharing one final after bliss kiss before collapsing onto one another.
"That...was great...how was it for you?" He asked unable to catch his breath, it felt like he went through another round of training.
"You're amazing...I can't stop shaking..."
"Wait?! Why are you cold?!"
Nami giggled punching his chin, "no idiot I'm shaking because you made me feel really good, amazing actually." She said a slight blush coming over her features as she laid her head on his heart listening to the heavy beating.
"Luffy?"
"Hm.."
"How did you get this scar...?" She asked tracing the outlines with her fingertips.
"I got it from Akainu the Navy admiral, he came after me when I tried to escape; thankfully I was unconscious when it happened but regardless it's a mark of my failure and I'm determined to never fail like that again." He stated earning the full attention of the orangette laid up at his side.
"I know you won't."
"How?"
"Because you're unbeatable in my eyes and I believe in you with all my heart."
Luffy's eyes widened as their lips met again, he'd truly found love in his navigator and it made him the happiest man alive not willing to disappoint her. They exchanged 'I love you's.' before falling asleep in each other's arms peacefully dreaming of their crew's reunion.
—
Noon soon came with Mr. Haredas landing in the same spot as the previous day. The pair spent the day sharing good times and sharing an occasional kiss wanting to save the next time for when they met again.
"Thanks again Nami I'm really glad you came to see me."
"Of course, after all you'd be lost without me." She smirked. They shared a final hug before she took her belongings leaving to join Mr Harades.
Just before they were about to climb in the balloon he noticed the look on the navigator's face causing him to sigh—he knew far too well about young love.
"Go after him girl."
"What?"
"Go on!" He said shooing her away as she immediately threw her backpack onto him earning a wheeze.
She sprinted for her captain meeting him when he stepped onto the beach slightly surprised to see her coming back. Nami nearly tackled him from the force of their hug. She nuzzled into his neck kissing him like it was the last time.
"See you soon." She whispered before he pulled her by the waist kissing her deeply dipping the woman back earning a giggle.
"See you soon." He said breaking their kiss watching her run back toward the balloon. Luffy let out an exhale watching it ascend into the air waving to the pair.
Mr. Harades chuckled when she finally turned away from the island after it vanished from sight. "So I take it you enjoyed your day with your boyfriend."
"Shut it gramps!" She shouted punching him in the head.
"That's no way to thank me!" He whined.
"Then don't tease people you old wizard!"
Luffy returned to camp greeting Raleigh who prepared lunch for him. "So miss Nami returned to Weatheria with then?"
"Yeah."
"Alright let's resume your training. Remember to master the gears beyond your third form, you need to fight for something bigger than just yourself." The swordsman exclaimed rising from his seat on the log.
"Of course I have everything to fight for now."
"Good."
XXX
(2 Years Later)
"Heeeey!" Luffy waved from the giant bird being accompanied by Chopper, Zoro, and Sanji. The moment the cook laid eyes on the women of the Sunny he shot off from his nosebleed landing in the bay with a splash.
"Hiiiii!" Nami shouted back waving her arms toward the group. It had been a year and a half since their last encounter and seeing everyone, especially Luffy had been a huge relief.
When Luffy finally landed he wrapped his arms around Nami first after she was the first one to him. They shared a quick loving kiss surprising everyone except Robin who just giggled at the exchange.
"Hey Luffy."
"What's up Nami?"
"When did this happen?!" Usopp yelled standing between the two being ignored by the crew.
Everyone gave cheers of approval even Sanji getting fished out water and blue from blood loss gave a shaky thumbs up before passing out.
"SUPER! I'm really happy for you guys! By the way Luffy check this out!" Franky said pushing his nose changing his hairstyle taking the captain's attention away from Nami causing her to puff her cheeks out in annoyance.
"Woah Franky you look so cool!" He said with sparkles in his eyes wanting to press the cyborg's nose.
"Okay focus! I dont see whats so cool about that Luffy besides this is no time to be fooling around it could be any second now before the Navy's on top of us!" She shouted just as cannon fire struck the water near their ship.
The captain and navigator shared a quick glance exchanging a smile knowing they had their family back and were going to experience a new adventure, together. It was onwards for the straw hat pirates to the New World.
A/N: One more one-shot before I go back to the three chapter format but it will a minute until I get there. I'm dedicating most of the time of writing to Elseworld's second part so just a head's up if the last one-shot and next story comes at a later date then expected.