Luffy sat on his throne observing the eerily silent atmosphere among his peers. Usually the throne room would be bombarded by conversations ranging from miscellaneous topics, to how their day was going, or simply politics. The once prideful men sat humbled by their recent loss handed to them by the new gods.
It only rubbed salt in the wound when their leader Alpha gloated he could've easily finished them off. However he decided against the idea, willing to come back at any given moment to fight them until their mortal will broke; and only after that would the god's end their suffering.
The usual stoic Raleigh stood up knocking a small table of cigars over with his fist. Anger radiated from the aging swordsman, causing the rest of the council to shift in their seats—this behavior was abnormal coming from Raleigh.
Luffy watched with his hands folded in front of his face, unmoving from his high places throne. His mind too far away from the moment in front of him; his thoughts occupied of the revenge he was going to exact on the deranged leader of the new gods.
The high councilor's eyes trailed the reactions of his comrades as Raleigh continued angrily shouting his frustrations out on the group. Despite tuning it out, he could very well understand why the swordsman had discarded his usual cool demeanor. The Regime council were by far the strongest collection of fighters in the known world; despite not having been tested against Kaido and his Beast Pirates and Shanks and the Red Haired Pirates. They figured they won by default based on the former yonko groups retreating to parts unknown—in the far reaches of their territory.
Every obstacle set before them was taken care of with ease. The councilmen deemed themselves the untouchables with the world at their fingertips. His emperors had expansive territory and armies that covered most of the globe, while the commanders had numerous armadas under their command— former pirates, navy personnel, and their own personal Regime squadrons. The men he sat above had control of the world, yet were defeated handily in less than an hour by highly invulnerable enemies—but not invincible.
Luffy remained unmoving, reminiscing every moment of his fight with Alpha. The gods' deceased brother Delta had been spot on with the assessment he'd given of Alpha during their battle. Alpha exceeded every opponent he's faced up until that point. The high councilor saw himself outmatched in every facet of abilities. The new god leader possessed: extraordinary superhuman strength, superior speed and agility, unlimited durability, an ultra-high healing factor, remarkable senses, enhanced intelligence, and the uncanny ability to teleport. Not to mention his golden cuffs metamorphosed into gauntlets able to suppress his hellfire with ease, and neutralize his own ultra high speed regeneration.
Even if he was outmatched in every possible way, the high councilor would be ready to die at a moments notice for the god's arrogant words. Luffy could feel his knuckles turn white as the throne began to crack from the pressure he applied. No matter what it took to get to their domain; he would get there, no matter the cost. His mind still did not focus on Raleigh, who held his hands on his sides still addressing each one of them, pointing fingers at everyone.
Luffy's eye caught on to something or someone behind Coby's chair at the opposite end of the room. Based on everyone's reactions, he was the only one who noticed. Not even Raleigh noticed when he looked in that general direction. It couldn't be possible, a soldier or officer wouldn't dare listen in on their meeting.
The white dress swayed despite the lack of breeze in the room. Luffy unclenched his balled fists letting them relax on his chair. He could make out an influx of flowing orange hair in the shadowed corner.
"Nami?" Luffy said to himself, slowly rising to stand from his throne. The figure opened the throne room door quietly and abruptly exiting—he only instinct in that moment was to pursue.
Luffy descended the steps slowly, staring toward the large double doors the figure disappeared through moments ago. The council shifted their attention from Raleigh to their leader.
"High councilor, do you have something to say?" Raleigh asked curious to know his former student's thoughts. The rubber man passed the commander without so much a glance.
Luffy didn't hear his question nor paid any mind to his comrades' questions. He simply walked to the double doors, suddenly leaving the meeting.
The doors slammed loudly leaving behind a bewildered council.
"What the hell was that?" Marco asked folding his arms.
"I'll check on him." Sabo stated beginning to stand from his seat.
"Leave him," Dragon interjected, "let him go through whatever he has to, he'll come around eventually."
Sabo reluctantly took his seat. He had a possible theory why Luffy abruptly left the meeting. Awhile back when Luffy first woke up after his battle with Blackbeard; He mentioned he could see interpersonal visions that were all too real to him. Judging by the way he ignored everyones' bombarding questions and his overall lack of awareness of the meeting—it was all too possible. Sabo nodded to Ace who sat on the chair next to him only a few feet away.
Ace floated from his chair flying through the large doors to pursue his brother.
"Great, so now the high councilor has gone off the deep end... now we're in some real deep shit." Marco exclaimed keeping his arms crossed.
The rest of the room couldn't blame Marco for feeling the way he did. They needed their leader after the loss suffered now more than and ever, there couldn't have been a worse moment for him to leave.
Raleigh knew his student all to well, he just need his space. "We have to trust in the high councilor, I assure you he's taking the loss greater than no one right now. However he deals with it, we can't mess up his process—whatever he has to do to get ready to take down that son of a bitch Alpha." Raleigh announced placing his hands behind his back.
"Raleigh, even if we were to find someway into their world, we can't take them on alone again. We have no way of knowing how massive their army is—it could be endless." Garp spoke getting the group back on track. Despite the worry he felt over his grandson, he had to trust he'd be alright. The current objective at hand was coming up with a plan.
The former commander of the officially disbanded Revolutionary Army knew exactly how to handle the situation at hand. "It's easy to see what we need to do, we have to call the banners; rally all of our allied forces, we could use every devil fruit user under our registration act." Dragon said standing from his seat, glancing at the emperors and commanders.
"I couldn't have said it better myself." Sabo Interjected from his seat.
"That's possible, I can only lend a few of my brothers however— I can't put the rest of family at risk." Katakuri said, the council knew that tone, his decision was final.
"Understandable Katakuri, we know the deep loyalty to your family, we wouldn't ask to put them at risk. However, we're going to need all the help we can get." Raleigh began to pace back and forth stroking his beard in contemplation.
Borsalino stood up to address the room. "We have to rally immediately. During the battles earlier I pursued to what I assume was their youngest sibling. He explained his brothers are going to conquer and kill us or conquer and rule us, whatever suits them at the given moment. On top of that he said the high councilor's friend is in trouble; I assume he was talking about the one with orange hair, the same girl from Mariejois..." Borsalino trailed off taking his seat. The emotions of not fighting alongside his comrades got to him. The emperor was a prideful man. He thought maybe could've made a difference in the battle, or at least went down swinging with them— he vowed the next time would be much different.
"Yeah that's the one." Sabo said hiding his expression under his top hat. Now his theory was confirmed on what truly irked his brother earlier. Nami remained in their domain and she was in danger. He gripped his cane with his gloved hands, resting his head against the top of it. Sabo couldn't begin to understand his brother's pain; he would help him find his former navigator at the cost of his own life.
Marco spoke up catching everyone's attention. "I have my former Whitebeard brothers on stand-by, ready for anything—just say the word."
"Same goes for me, I have a suicidal rag tag squad at the whim to assist in our venture." Borsalino added. Knowing Kuzan as he did, the man was loyal to his word. He needed that group's services now more than ever.
"Just say the word, the former revolutionary commanders will come to our aid." Sabo said earning a nod from Raleigh.
"Then that settles it, gather the forces—we have one week." Raleigh stated earning glances from the room. This could be their last week alive, they would have to appreciate it.
Garp rose from his seat to stand next
to the dark king. "Take the rest of the night off, rest up. Us geezers will devise a plan for when we arrive in the place, we'll relay the finalized version when we gather everyone." Garp announced disbanding the meeting.
"We still don't have a way into their domain. No one's ever done it, so what do we do? If there isn't an entrance it wouldn't matter about a plan or the personnel we have." Katakuri spoke earnestly stopping everyone in their tracks causing the mood grew dim. They knew he was being realistic about the situation.
"We'll have to hope for a miracle." Raleigh said grimly before everyone left the throne room, heading to their own endeavors.
An officer bypassed the council heading toward Katakuri who remained on his chair.
"Emperor Katakuri, there's someone here at the palace gates to see you." The officer stated standing at attention.
Katakuri paid no mind to the words. "If they're not family, tell them to come back in a few weeks."
"But sir, it is your family."
Katakuri's eyes widened slightly as he followed the officer out of the doors wondering who came to see him so suddenly.
—
Luffy could hardly keep up with the fleeting apparition that kept eluding his movements. Hallway after hallway he would follow the figure into a dead end. Only for it to disappear and reappear in a different location. Heading toward the tall spiraled staircase that led to every floor in the palace, he caught a glimpse of orange near the top.
He followed the white flowing dress up the long spiral staircase; stretching his rubber arm to the very top floor launching himself over the peak railing, landing on the top floor.
Ace hovered a comfortable distance behind his brother, trailing his movements. Luffy's sense of direction made no sense. It was almost as if he was wandering aimlessly with no clear destination in mind. It bewildered Ace to no end watching his brother abandon a meeting to pursue nothing? He decided to follow him further into his office, the deadman began to grow worried.
The high councilor followed the apparition to his familiar garden stepping out into the sunset. He was most thankful his garden wasn't touched during the battle earlier, he didn't know what he'd do if it got destroyed again. The newly fertilized green grass had just grown back. The gardeners made sure to plant a few small trees in the center as a starting point. It would be months before the garden was back to its original state.
He knelt down next to the small tree examine the small leafs. A slight smile reached his features as he turned his attention to the fading sunset.
He could hear her voice through the wind. "Come and find me Luffy."
He turned around in a flash looking for her form; dashing back into his office. He saw the apparition again; the flowing white dress and orange hair swept through the doors.
"Nami wait!" He called out, pursuing her into the palace.
Once the door to Luffy's office shut, Ace reappeared after deactivating his invisibility ability. The deadman couldn't believe what had transpired in front of him. Luffy was currently hallucinating and hearing things that not even he could see—it was impossible. Ace glanced at the large letter 'D' stitched intricately on his abdomen. It the mark of his resurrection and a physical representation of his duty as a deadman. To walk the earth helping others to stay alive and fulfill their purpose or he faced being recalled back to hell for eternity.
There was no way Nami shared the unique fate as him, she couldn't be a spiritual being cast onto earth like himself—besides, he would've been able to see her. Ace feared his brother was truly losing it like the others were fearing; his demons were coming back to haunt him after the defeat.
There was only one way to find out, he would need reconnaissance on his brother, he was really starting to worry. Without another thought the deadman sped after his brother, bypassing the palace walls.
—
Katakuri witnessed the high councilor flying off into the distance when he arrived at the entrance of the palace. He wondered about his bizarre behavior earlier and if it was related to him flying off. Whatever had occurred, he knew the man would overcome his troubles; though the emperor couldn't help but worry.
"Surprised to see me?" Smoothie asked with her signature smirk and a hand on her hip.
Katakuri broke from his thoughts, smiling warmly through his wraps when he laid eyes on her.
"I am." He said embracing the tall woman who stood just a head below him. "What brings you into town? Did Pudding and the husband come as well?"
Smoothie returned his warm smile. "The couple went to Aluburna, Alabasta to finalize the documents for the expansion restaurants. I came here to..." She paused briefly to reach into the satchel attached to her hip pulling out the documents.
Katakuri couldn't help notice the furrow of her brow when she focused on retrieving the permit papers. He stood mesmerized by her facial features wishing to pull back her bang that hung over her right eye. She showed him the documents before continuing.
"Finalize the capital location's restaurant permit documents. I know your busy, but I was wondering if you could put these at the front of—"
"Already done." Katakuri said offering her a smile. He turned to face an officer, instructing him to take the papers to the contracting office and place it under his name. The emperor would make sure his family got their restaurant constructed and running at the earliest available date.
Smoothie couldn't smile at the way her half brother hadn't changed. Despite his noticeable injuries, he always worried about his family first—he truly was one of the most unselfish people she'd ever met; unlike her, she couldn't help slightly frown thinking of how she left that day without saying so much as a goodbye. It was one of the hardest things she went through personally, but now it seemed things were better than ever—certainly something was different now.
"Are you hungry?" Katakuri asked breaking her from her thoughts.
"I'm starved actually." Smoothie chuckled lightly holding her stomach.
"Well come on then, the food here is more than exceptional." The emperor patiently waited for her to stand by his side before entering the palace.
The pair bumped into Sabo as he nearly fell into Katakuri, not watching where he was going.
"My fault Katakuri, didn't see you there." Sabo exclaimed as an apology, pushing his hat from his eyes. The man was clearly in deep contemplation.
"No worries Sabo." Katakuri stated. He could clearly see his peer in distress, the stoic emperor hardly showed his emotions.
Smoothie recognized the man despite his hat. He was the high councilor's brother, the one who stood right by his side when they invaded. She nodded towards Katakuri, standing to the side so he could converse with his colleague.
Sabo's eyes appeared from under his hat. "That your lady?" He spoke with a slight grin.
"It's complicated." Katakuri said leaving it at that.
"Ah I know that feeling all too well. I'm happy for you both."
"Thanks, appreciate the sentiment. You looking for your brother?" Katakuri asked already knowing his intentions; he could see the future after all.
"Yeah, I've looked everywhere." Sabo deadpanned as he folded his arms; he was starting to worry after not finding him in his usual spots.
"I saw him flying in the direction of fisherman's bay on the far side of the island." Katakuri stated placing a hand on the fellow emperor's shoulder. "He'll get through it, and will be ready to face them—I guarantee it."
"I know, thank you Katakuri, I'll see you around. Oh, have fun tonight." Sabo said showing his signature grin akin to his brothers'.
"I'll do that." Katakuri said to himself with a vein accompanying his forehead as he watched Sabo disappear in red flames.
Katakuri and Smoothie resumed their leisure walk into the palace enjoying the company. It didn't take long to get to the expansive upper east wing which housed the private chambers for the councilmen. Each member basically had a whole floor dedicated to them; in all honesty he thought it was a bit much.
"So this is how you've been living! It's incredible." Smoothie proclaimed giddily bouncing up and down at the sight of his private quarters; A custom designed presidential suite, completely made to fit his size comfortably. It came with: a living room, a dining hall, an office, training facility, a patio, and kitchen.
"Now I see why you like it here so much." Smoothie said taking off her long boots.
"I will admit it is nice," Katakuri spoke glancing around his spacious quarters, "though it does get lonely." The emperor began discarding his black boots as well.
"Do you mind if I bathe before we eat?" She asked already heading down the hall.
"Of course, it's the last door on the left. By the way what do you want to eat?" He asked heading toward his bedroom.
"Salmon if you have it, if not anything you get will do." She said disappearing into the bathroom.
Katakuri made the call on the transponder snail in his room ordering their meals from the kitchen.
The emperor made his way toward to the living room, plopping down on his sofa with a box of medical supplies. He could feel his wounds starting to tear open just from moving around.
The fight against Epsilon took everything out of him. The god had unique abilities to control the lances and form them into a storm dragon. However during their final clash he managed to pierce Epsilon's shoulder, wounding him briefly. The beings that called themselves gods could bleed. In his experience, if they could bleed, it could be killed.
A series of knocks on the door broke him out his thoughts. The food arrived via a kitchen staffer.
"That was fast." Katakuri said taking the brown bag of food from the young worker's hand exchanging him with a tip.
"You called at the right time sir, the rest of the council are eating in the hall at the moment." The young man spoke placing the money is pocket.
"Well I appreciate it, keep it up." Katakuri began to close the door only for the young man to protest.
"Excuse me sir! But if I may..."
Katakuri arched a brow but opened the door fully to let him say what he to.
"I just wanted to say that a lot of us saw the battles happen earlier today. We saw how powerful those beings were and... we don't blame you guys for feeling like you failed—you guys didn't. We've seen what you've all done for this world in the short existence of the Regime. We just want you to know, we... still believe in you, we'll always believe in you, and never lose faith. Intelligence, Persistence, Confidence: is the Regime mantra, we all know you guys and the high councilor will not let us down—ever." The young worker finished wheezing heavily from his speech.
Katakuri's eyes widened slightly hearing a young worker from the kitchen speak his truth. If he felt like this, he couldn't imagine how the officers or soldiers felt. It slightly boosted his morale to know that the workers, soldiers, and officers wouldn't lose faith in their abilities despite the heavy loss.
The emperor held a slight smirk. "I appreciate it, you got spunk kid, never lose it and you'll be alright in this life." He spoke handling him a few extra bills.
"Thank you sir." He bowed graciously before leaving.
Katakuri couldn't help smile after shutting the door. He placed the bag on the table pulling out two trays of food.
"Food's already here?" Smoothie asked rubbing a towel on her damp hair sitting on the opposite end of the table.
"Yeah, everyone else is eating in the dining hall." Katakuri said opening his food tray to start digging in.
Smoothie stopped opening her tray to glance at him, "you can join your comrades, you don't have to—"
"I'd rather be here." He states meeting her gaze before going back to eating.
With a satisfied smile Smoothie began to eat her food, enjoying the salmon, rice, and steamed vegetables.
"Would you like some, I know it's your favorite." Smoothie pulled out a large glass bottle from satchel. "It's watermelon."
Katakuri smirked trying to stop himself from drooling over the drink. "I'd love som—" he snatched his arm away abruptly after attempting to reach the bottle; his wounds were starting to reopen and bleed.
Smoothie couldn't ignore it anymore. She stood up, hooking her arm under his shoulder. "Come on, let's get you patched up."
The silver haired woman sat him on the couch grabbing the medical kit placed on the table. "Hold still." She commanded as he groaned trying to sit up.
"You really don't have to—"
"Shut it," a smirk played on her lips while she continued held his shoulder down. "It's the least I can do after all you've done."
Smoothie left for a moment before returning with a warm soapy rag placing it on his wounds.
The pair were silent. Smoothie began running the rag across his open wounds, cleaning them thoroughly. It was rare to see him with injuries like this.
"I didn't want to ask what happened. I knew something major happened when our boat was held up at the red line entrance by a Regime blockade. I was worried something happened hearing access to the capital wasn't possible. I-I'm just glad your okay." She spoke starting to bandage his upper torso and left shoulder.
"Smoothie..." he said softly, his eyes remained downcast before meeting her eyes. "These opponents are the strongest I've encountered, I may not return when we head off to face them."
"Don't say that, the family needs you. We've fought countless battles against numerous enemies, being outnumbered ten to one—" She said continuing to bandage his midsection.
"These enemies are not from this world, they're living gods among us. So if I don't make it back I just—"
"Stop." She commanded, pausing from her work to stare up at him. "Don't say things like that, you never talked like this before." Smoothie went back to her work starting to tape his right forearm, which held a couple of deep gashes and bruises.
"Because in the first time in my life I don't think this is I fight I can win and survive." Katakuri spoke in his earnest tone causing Smoothie to halt her work completely.
Katakuri couldn't read Smoothie's expression as her bangs covered most of her features.
After a few moments of silence, she pressed her thumb roughly against his wound causing him to grunt loudly.
"Stop talking like that." She growled standing up to tower over him, her bangs still hung over eyes. "You're the strongest person I know, you chose to align yourself with the Regime for one reason only; to protect our family. Your willing to make sacrifices for us to make sure we're all happy and safe; stop thinking so little of yourself okay?" She stated folding her arms. Her gaze alluded him as she stared off elsewhere.
Smoothie let out a heavy sigh seeing him fold his hands over his face in contemplation. She filled up two glasses of the alcoholic watermelon beverage before returning back to the couch, plopping next to him.
"Come on, drink up." She spoke earnestly shoving the glass into his hand. His neutral expression remained as he sipped from his glass—it was a start.
"Do you remember when you told me to quit when you were training me to be a sweet general?" She asked eyeing him while taking a drink from her own glass.
"Yeah, I asked you why you were fighting? That fighting to win is an arbitrary reason, to fight effectively you need a defined purpose close to your heart." Katakuri said, repeating his words he'd told her years ago.
"That's right, and I told you my purpose was to protect my family at any and all cost—that was my reasoning for getting stronger." She said closing the distance between them on the sofa.
Smoothie placed her hand on his heart. "You have two families now; the one back home in Totto Land, and the councilmen that have accepted you in their fellowship. Fight to protect everyone Katakuri, remember why you began fighting in the beginning."
Katakuri searched inside himself to find the answer. It was obvious, Smoothie had provided him with the answer. During the battle against Epsilon, he only thought of winning. It was only afterwards he found out his new family needed his assistance as they suffered injuries. Smoothie had been right, she was always right.
The emperor realized her hand was still placed over his heart. He returned the gesture holding her hand tighter to him.
The pair's gaze met, locking eyes fiercely. Their glasses froze in their hands as the two studied each other unmoving, daring one another to breath first.
"Smoothie, thank you." Katakuri said breaking the silence.
"You'll never have to thank me." She dared not break their gaze.
Katakuri smiled warmly placing his large hand on her smaller one. "I was relieved when I saw you today, I wanted to see you."
Smoothie's eyes widened slightly at his confession as their fingers naturally laced together. Her mouth felt dry as she searched for her voice.
"I missed you and wanted too see you as well. I was really worried when our boat stopped a few miles off shore saying the city was under lockdown; I honestly don't know what I'd do if something happened to you." She confessed, placing her hands on the sides of his face.
On cue he moved her bang to see the entirety of her face. Smoothie's sky blue eyes met his scarlet ones as they gazed at one another.
In one swift motion the pair closed the distance giving into their years of lent of desire.
Smoothie was caught off guard at first by his passionate kisses before returning them wholeheartedly. She jumped aggressively on his lap straddling him.
Katakuri grunted from his recovering wounds; She couldn't help but feel a little guilty for causing him pain.
"Don't worry, I'll make it up to you." She smirked devilishly claiming his lips again.
She slowly got to her feet grabbing the bottle from the table. Katakuri watched her with a curious stare.
Smoothie gestured him with her finger to come after her—so he did. He backed her against the wall, throwing her legs around his waist, roughly kissing her.
They couldn't help chuckle as the couple made their way toward his room. He roughly kicked the door open still holding her in his arms, not bothering to close it.
—
Luffy landed on the north side of the island's acre forest. The tall trees on the far end of the island supplied them with: timber, fuelwood, medicine, and fodder. The majority of the forest however was used as recreation, traditional resources, and peoples' spirituality to escape city life. Though he didn't understand fully, the forest held social and cultural values.
He ignored ocean breeze blowing through the forest creating a chill that would've made just about everyone run home for warmth. In the far distance he could see the outlines of white and orange flowing through the tree line.
The high councilor glided through the breeze, flying overhead to the distant apparition in seconds. Upon reaching the tree line, the figure moved again out of sight. Luffy recognized the area he was in now once he exited the acre forest. He began to walk the familiar stone path for awhile before finally reaching an all to familiar gravesite. His breath left his body as he collapsed onto his backside, his breathes becoming shallower by the second.
The breeze blew harder than before nearly sending his telltale hat off his head.
He heard her voice again "Come and find me Luffy."
His heart nearly fell from his chest, the pain of the loss never truly went away.
—
Luffy finished his training nearly collapsing after a nonstop day. He hadn't realized night time had consumed afternoon long ago. For the third straight day, Sanji probably left his food in the fridge; he missed dinner again.
He had to adjust to his newly acquired powers in a hurry. The schedule was dwindling before they would arrive at the holy land of Mariejois. Zoro approached him breaking him from his fatigued state.
"You know you'll catch more wind if you stop hunching over." Zoro stated resting his right arm on his sword hilts.
Luffy grinned standing to meet his first mate. "Yeah you're right, these powers are taking a lot more exertion than I previously thought."
"I don't doubt captain, here—" Zoro held out a sake bottle. "This will help you recover."
"Ah your precious sake, I couldn't it's yours man." Luffy said grinning pushing the bottle back toward the swordsman.
Zoro returned his grin. "Don't get too excited, this isn't one of good bottles, just something I had left over that I forgot about."
"Didn't think I'd ever see you give up one of your own bottles." Luffy said scratching the side of his cheek.
"Do you want it or not?!" Zoro screamed with a demon face growing impatient.
"Shishi, when you put it like that, I'll take it off your hands."
"Good. Since your lookout you'll need it, and I'm taking your blankets and pillows tonight." Zoro spoke heading back in the dormitory.
Luffy smiled slight examining the bottle in his hand before sitting on the deck's steps. With the Revolutionary Armada surrounding them, there wasn't a mandatory reason for him to be a lookout in the crow's nest. If there was a threat he would be alerted by the revolutionaries.
The straw hat captain sat in silence stargazing enjoying the sake; the ocean breeze ruffled his hair as he pushed his hat off his head.
"You missed dinner again." A voice broke him from his musing, he nearly dropped the bottle from the surprise.
"Didn't mean to surprise you, scaredy cat." Nami teased sitting next to him.
Luffy's eyes narrowed. "I'm the scaredy cat." He smirked, a mocking tone dripped from her voice.
Nami rolled her eyes at his playfulness. "You really shouldn't miss time with the crew Luffy." She said turning serious suddenly.
"I know." He replied simply, sipping the sweet sake, he knew she was right.
Nami pulled her knees closer to her chest resting her head on his shoulder. "They all really look up to you, not having you there worries them." She spoke causing him to glance at her serene expression.
The navigator was so much more than just that. In the recent and brief time they've been together, they began to grow emotionally closer—truly becoming one another's emotional anchor. She confided in him things the other crew members wouldn't tell him. He hadn't realized missing a few dinners was a big deal, but to her and the crew it apparently was.
"I won't miss anymore, I've just been really busy with trying to master my new abilities." Luffy said placing an arm around her shoulders. She immediately grasped onto his arm holding his touch there.
"I know, you're doing your best to protect our family." Nami said happily holding onto him tighter.
"Of course, even if I have to..." he paused hesitantly, glancing at her before continuing, "die again, it'd be worth it to protect you guys."
Nami turned to look at him. "I know you would and you mean that but remember to come back for our future. We need you Luffy...I need you." She said gazing into his eyes intently.
"I know what you mean. But Nami... I can't fix the sunny, heal wounds, shoot, cook, read poneglyphs, navigate, and I sure as hell cant sing." Luffy chuckled imagining himself singing with a guitar in hand.
"I'm sure you can sing beautifully." Nami laughed devilishly.
"I really hope you don't make me." He mock whined taking a gulp of sake to relieve himself of his thoughts.
"Oh I will Luffy, don't worry about that." She winked laying her head back down on his shoulder.
A few moments of comfortable silence passes by before he speaks again.
"My point is Nami, is that without you guys I couldn't do anything. You guys don't need me, I'm the one that needs you guys. I mean I don't exactly do much except fight, which is a natural easy thing for me to do." Luffy spoke looking toward the stars once again, swigging from the sake bottle in his hand.
Nami held a fondness in her eyes for the captain. "Don't think so little of yourself. In truth Luffy, we all stay because of you. You were the one who never gave up on a single one of us when we needed you the most. You Luffy," she held a hand to his heart feeling the strong beat, "you hold us all together."
Nami stared into his onyx eyes, etching his gaze into her mind. She couldn't help notice his eyes dart back and forth from her eyes to her lips.
"You always tell me what I need to hear, I'm glad to have you by my side Nami—I wouldn't want anyone else to be my Pirate Queen." He said offering a small smile. After they would finish at Mariejois, the crew would end things after a quick pit stop at Elbaf, before conquering Raftel.
"I'm really happy to hear you say that, you are the only king in my eyes. I'll always want to be by your side Luffy—we will do this together." She said interlocking their hands as he rested his head atop hers.
"I'm really happy Nami," he spoke softly causing her to look at him, "but I supposed that's only natural, because when you're happy, it makes me feel happy as well." Luffy exclaimed showing his signature smile.
Nami's heart skipped a few beats as she launched herself into his embrace. "I am happy, so long as we stay like this—I couldn't be happier Luffy."
The pair pulled back to glance at one another, passionately kissing like their first time all over again. The two couldn't get closer as Luffy gripped her waist deepening their kiss.
Nami realized what they both wanted at the moment, she just had one question beforehand.
"W-wait Luffy," she panted from the passionate embrace. "Did you bathe?" She asked curiously.
"Hm, yup!" He said somewhat ignoring her question and reaching for the hem of shirt.
"No you didn't!" She yelled bringing her fist down on his head. "You're a terrible liar." The navigator smirked folding her arms.
Luffy gripped his sore head trying to rub the steaming bump on his head.
"Alright I deserved that one." He smiled accepting his punishment for his attempted slick attempt.
"Damn right you did." She stated standing up to leave.
Luffy stood as well pulling her back to him by their interlocked fingers.
"You didn't let my hand go, does that mean you're not completely mad at me?" Luffy asked showing his grin that she loved so much.
Nami tried not to let his contagious grin break her mock anger. "No, I'm still mad." A small smile played at her lips.
"Sorry." He said softly, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her tightly to him.
"It's forgiven, if you give me your earnings from your guys' poker night." Nami playfully said wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Nami, I need that to buy my favorite meats." He pouted trying to find a way out of his punishment without relinquishing his funds.
She sighed softly causing his breath to catch in his throat. "Well then I guess I can't—"
He halted her words by pulling her closer leaning towards her face. "Of course you can have my winnings, I'd give up everything for you." He said causing her to grow crimson. Something about Luffy turning from playful to serious at the drop of hat made her knees go weak.
The two couldn't lock lips faster giving into their desires. They whispered each other's names into each other's mouths exchanging "I love you's." If the couple continued this they might not stop until they went all the way.
"Woah, they actually said it..." a voice and shush broke their passionate make out session.
The couple pulled apart quickly realizing they weren't alone. Only a feet away Usopp and Brook stood slowly eating from a snack bag, not taking their eyes off their eyes off the navigator or captain.
"Guys." Luffy said awkwardly looking their way. Nami could only look the opposite direction with a disgusted huff. Rarely to never had they expressed their public affection in front of the crew out of respect—it was best that way. However being spied on in a private moment was something completely different.
"How long have you guys been standing there?" Luffy asked curiously as the two continued staring at them.
"An hour." They answer in unison.
"An hour?" Luffy asked disbelieving he didn't notice they'd been there for that long.
"Are you guys serious?" Nami palmed her forehead in annoyance and frustration such an imitate moment had been ruined. It took a lot of work to get to that point and it went down the drain.
"Its part of a marksman's training; to stand incredibly still, becoming invisible to the naked eye." Usopp exclaimed with a smirk.
"I'm just here for the love fest yohoho!" Brook added continuing to much on the snacks loudly.
Nami and Luffy shared a glance before ignoring the peeping duo.
"I'll go wash up, I have a long night ahead, I'm on lookout." Luffy spoke earning a nod from Nami.
"In that case I'll warm up your dinner and leave it waiting for you. I'm heading to bed soon, after I deal with them." She said with last part with gritted teeth.
"Even if we die it will be worth it seeing this huh Brook?" Usopp said nudging his skeletal friend.
"For you maybe, I'm already dead." Brook chuckled earning a silent scream from his marksman buddy.
"Ah take it easy on em, they're harmless Nami." Luffy smiled at her furrowed brow. The more angry she got the more cute he thought she looked.
Before they could meet lips again Brook's voice made them pause.
"They're about to do it again." The skeleton nearly squealed.
The couple's moment was officially ruined.
"Thanks for tonight Nami, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Of course Luffy, see you tomorrow."
He glanced over at the pair before quickly kissing her on the forehead, disappearing into the men's quarters of the ship.
Luffy could hear his friend's footsteps as they tried to rush after him.
"Where do you think you guys are going huh?! You ruined a perfectly good moment for me!"
"We're sorry!"
He could hear the yells of pain even from the halls. The captain couldn't help smile hearing her words. He truly needed her by his side to become a king, he couldn't imagine not having her. He would hate to see the man he'd become if he lost her.
—
"Brother"
"Brother."
Ace and Sabo shook the high councilor out of his nap as he awakened from his slumber.
"Man it took us forever to find you, we're glad your safe." Ace said letting out a sigh of relief.
"Yes, if I hadn't gotten word from Katakuri where you headed off to, I feared we wouldn't have found you." Sabo exclaimed taking a seat next his younger brother.
The two sat beside him examining the large grave that sat a few feet in front of them.
"We're sorry Luffy, we know this isn't easy, ya know. Having your future stripped away like that..." Ace spoke staring at the flowers rested atop the grave.
"It's alright Ace, I'm going to find her again. After coming face with that bastard Alpha, I know what I need to do." Luffy said throwing a fist into his palm.
"That's the spirit. She needs you now more than ever." Sabo said relaying the urgent news discussed in their meeting to him.
"Alright then than settles it, we need to prepare right now, we don't have time to waste." Luffy stated standing with his brothers.
"We'll give ya a minute." Ace said stepping off to the side with Sabo.
Luffy stood over the grave resting his palm softly on the dirt. "I'll come and find you just like you told me to. I'll never stop trying to free you from where you don't want to be—I keep my promises."
The trio stood at the top of the hill readying to depart.
"I'm glad your alright brother." Sabo said with a renewed smile.
"Same here, were just looking out for you after the whole incident awhile back." Ace added. Ever since that day the elder brothers were looking out for Luffy more closely than they'd ever been, despite his overall improved morale.
Luffy knew they were referring to the time he was defeated by the deceased Arlong. "I know, but It's different now. I have a chance to right my wrongs in some way."
"Damn straight brother, we'll be with you every step of the way." Sabo smirked showing a thumbs up.
The brothers couldn't help but notice Ace's lack of enthusiasm.
"What is it Ace?" Luffy asked trying to read his expressionless brother.
"I know a way into their domain, but your not going to like it." He deadpanned looking toward his younger brothers.
"It doesn't matter what it is, I'm willing to accept the consequences of my actions." Luffy said earning an approving nod from Sabo.
The trio landed at the front gates of the palace being greeted by the guard on duty.
"High councilor, the empress of Amazon Lily is here. We told her you weren't here and to make an appointment. But she was adamant about not leaving and insists your friends." The guard said walking with the trio.
"She is, thanks." Luffy stated, waving him off as he broke from the group.
In the Lobby the trio met with Empress Hancock and Elder Nyon.
Sabo couldn't help take a few steps back trying to avoid the elder who eyed him hungrily.
"It's good to see you." Luffy said breaking their hug. He truly didn't expect to see her for years due to the reclusiveness of their island—he wondered what brought her to his city. However there were bigger things on his plate to worry about.
"It's nice to see you as well Luffy. May we have a word?" She asked flashing him a warm smile.
"I would like to, really. But I'm gathering my council right now. You two are welcome to wait in my office. I'll be up with Raleigh after the meeting concludes." He said before disappearing up the staircase with his brothers in tow.
Boa couldn't help feel a pang of disappointment at his lukewarm greeting. She understood he was busy however with all the pressure that came with being the high councilor. She promised herself whatever he needed she would be by his side providing for him.
Katakuri finished getting dressed sitting on the edge of his bed. Smoothie was fast asleep breathing evenly as her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm. He truly would miss her when she left the following morning, he hoped he could say goodbye just in case it was the last time.
"Don't go..." he heard her soft voice call to him before he could reach the door.
"I'll be back in a few hours, get some sleep." Katakuri said placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
"See you soon." She said softly before drifting back into a peaceful sleep.
He couldn't help release a sigh of relief watching her sleep so peacefully. The emperor was now truly content with himself to go off to battle the new gods on their domain.
Katakuri arrived late to the meeting finally taking his large seat near the high councilor's.
"Alright now that we're all here, Ace has a breakthrough." Luffy said signaling the deadman to the center of the room.
"Alright, I have a way into the new god's domain," Ace pushed his hat over his eyes glancing at each one of his comrades before continuing, "but none of you are going to like it."
A/N: An unexpected chapter, from an unexpected person, hopefully surprising some people, as always thanks for the read