Author's note: Ready?

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Around the world, news of the outcome of the "Summit War of Marineford" began to spread like wildfire through the dry grassland. Through newspapers and word-of-mouth, people in every country, kingdom, and island reacted to the change.

Average, law-abiding people felt a massive relief as the monster known as Whitebeard was finally gone. To them, the Marines were clearly in the right. Wherever there were Marine bases, those soldiers who were not summoned felt renewed pride in their organization and in their justice. Not only ordinary people but other pirates as well were becoming enthused by the news. Like Roger's before him, Whitebeard's last words had ignited a desire for adventure, treasure, and power. In the part of the Grand Line called the New World, strong pirate crews began taking islands formerly of Whitebeard's domain to stake a claim and make their name known. Among them, the Supernovas were heading into the New World in the hope of doing the same. Only time would tell if any of them would.

However, there was still concern spreading among the populace. While the death of Whitebeard was, indeed, a win, many also saw the failings the Marines had suffered. Portgas D. Ace, now known as the son of the Pirate King, was still alive, and a new power was rising known as Blackbeard. There was also the problem that now hundreds of dangerous criminals were loose to wreak havoc. Leaders around the world were concerned and felt less willing to rely on the organization for help. Unfortunately, few – if any – countries could not afford to not depend on the world law enforcement group.

The world was changing dramatically, in ways not yet perceived…

After the War

Luffy and Mika's Hard Struggle To Go Forward

Hours had passed since the Summit War had officially ended…

Out in the open ocean, a yellow submarine, the Polar Tang, surfaced from deep below. It was the same one handled by the Heart Pirates and currently carrying Luffy, Mika, Jinbe, and the body of Nami. At the same time, a Marine battleship drifted right next to the vessel with perfect timing. It was a severe problem for the pirates as they rushed onto the deck branding their weapons for a fight. None came; instead, four people leaped down from the larger vessel. Landing safely aboard, the defenders were shocked to find who it was arriving.

"It's Boa Hancock!"

The lady Warlord was not alone; she was accompanied by a young man with a scarred left eye, a top hat, and a black overcoat. He is Sabo, Luffy's other brother, and he was looking tensely at the group. The others behind them were Ivankov and Bon Clay. All of them stared down the group intensely, on guard to fight.

"Where's Luffy?" Sabo asked threateningly but also worried.

Nearly all the Heart Pirates were scared by the man. Before any of them could say anything, loud footsteps alerted everyone of someone approaching. From out of the cabin came Jinbe, his stern expression unaffected by the young man's hostility. He knew he could trust them and that they all were worried.

"Luffy is fine. This crew's captain is a doctor, and he has stabilized Straw Hat's physical condition. But he hasn't regained consciousness yet…."

The Fish-Man then turned to Hancock, "Straw Hat had mentioned you were helping him, Pirate Empress, but how did you find this vessel?"

Hancock answered as she petted her snake companion, "I had Salome track you. He can handle those depths well."

"But tell me," Hancock asked, "What about Mika?"

"She's sleeping by her father…." Jinbe's expression became more somber, "It's best to leave her there for now…."

"As long as she is alright…" said Hancock though still worried.

A new voice spoke from behind Jinbe annoyedly, "She's just fine except for the incessant crying…."

It was Law, coming out of the hull with an irritated expression. He continued speaking, "It's bad enough that Straw Hat's kid keeps crying when we move her from him. I really don't want to have to deal with all of you too."

The female Warlord of the Sea asked crossly, "What do you mean, man. Tell me this instant!"

"The little girl starts crying whenever we move her out of Straw Hat's room. She's been asleep the whole time, and I don't understand why."

Hancock calmed down but was now woeful. "Poor Mika…"

Bon Clay was already in tears, messing with his massacre. "Poor Luffy! Poor Mika! To lose someone so important them so soon!"

"The world can be so cruel," Ivankov added sorrowfully.

Sabo was frowning with frustration, but he decided he would give his gratitude to Law for his help. "Thank you for taking care of them…."

"Whatever," Law stated dismissively.

Ivankov now laughed aloud upon hearing Law. "This must be one of those times when someone acts on their instinct. People can truly be amazing sometimes," he said proudly.

"Iva," spoke Sabo, "I'm going to stay here to look after Luffy. Tell Dragon I'll come back once he and Mika are good."

"Of course!"

Bon Clay then spoke, "As much as I would like to go with you Iva to the Kamabakka Queendom, but I have a duty as well to Straw-boy and his kin."

The large okama gave a hearty slap on the smaller okama's back. "Admirable, Bon Clay! We'll be waiting for you," Ivankov said before handing him something.

"My ship is not some cruise vessel," Law stated annoyedly.

Hancock then demanded loudly, "Prepare a room for me at once! And bring me a Transponder Snail. I, too, will not be leaving until my Luffy dear is better."

Law became irritated further, "What?!"

"I can also provide shelter for you," the woman stated firmly. "The government will be looking for Luffy, but they would never think that a pirate affiliated with them would harbor criminals."

Begrudgingly, Law accepted this reasoning. Ivankov and his merry band of Newkamas left aboard the Marine battleship, leaving the stoned Marine soldiers on a smaller boat to be undone later. The two parted ways with the Newkama wishing their friend a healthy recovery. Law's submarine continued sailing now by the direction of Hancock.

But there was one last question left unanswered. "What did you do with…" Sabo stated but unable to finish as it became uncomfortable.

"I placed Straw Hat's woman in the freezer," spoke Law evenly. "Straw Hat can decide what to do when he wakes up…."

Sabo frowned but agreed, "Yeah…."

The journey would take roughly a week, thanks to the self-propulsion of the submarine. It was on the third day of sailing that Mika awoke. She and her father had been moved to their own private room, where she found herself on its bed. The poor little girl was confused as she did not recognize her surroundings. With her father next to her on the bed, Mika tried to wake him up.

"Daddy… Daddy…" Luffy only continued to sleep.

Mika changed targets. "Ma…" She stopped speaking midway.

Painful memories instantly remerged. Mika began shedding tears as she recalled the last moments and the sensations felt during that time. She could not believe them; there was no way her mother was dead. It had to be a dream, Mika reasoned. As the little girl started looking for her mother, her eyes gained their familiar red glow as she subconsciously searched with her Observation Haki. But this time, there was no light, no voice, nor any presence that was her mother. Mika was becoming increasingly scared.

"Mama…? Mama…!"

As Mika's anxious shouts grew louder, it grabbed the attention of some of the adults outside. The first to come rushing in was Sabo, followed by Hancock and Bon Clay before finally there came Jinbe wedging them all through the doorway. Enough force eventually got the group falling through, but Mika's yelling had changed to outright cries by this time. Jinbe was on top of Bon Clay and temporarily immobilized. Sabo and Hancock were able to reach the bedside. They both were worried.

"Mika! Mika!" Hancock said distraughtly. "Everything is okay, sweetie! No need to cry…."

Sabo spoke more anxiously, "Hey, Mika! Remember me? It's Sabo. I'm your father's other brother! Remember?"

Hearing them, Mika calmed down a little. The red glow in her eyes went away. She asked between breaths and sniffles, "I-Is Mama…really…."

Both adults went silent immediately and became hesitant. Neither one wanted to confirm the girl's suspicions; however, their silence was enough. Mika could recognize it and her crying returned tenfold. Jinbe and Bon Clay soon recovered, but they were helpless to try anything. Neither Hancock nor Sabo felt that they could do much either. All the adults could do is bear the young girl's emotional pain and eventually be there for her when she needed it.

Mika would cry herself to sleep that day. When the little girl awoke the next day, she began crying again but because her father remained unresponsive still. Sabo and Hancock returned to comfort the girl, but she was inconsolable. The poor girl fell asleep again, sad and alone. On the day after, there was no crying coming from the room. When Sabo and Hancock checked in, they only saw Mika still in bed and huddled by her father. She neither responded nor moved, and even the food they left for her was untouched. It was becoming worrying for the adults.

Eventually, the Polar Tang met the Kuja Pirates and were escorted to Amazon Lily through the Calm Belt. Once they reached the island, the group was placed in a secluded cover made more secure with a barrier. No male was allowed outside it, keeping intact the Kuja tribe's most sacred rule. Hancock had to return to her people. She would need to inform them of the situation in the world and about their guests. Law and his crew followed their rules, despite the great temptation for the group. Mika remained as she had been for days now. The others could only wait until Luffy finally woke up.

And he would, two days after their arrival.

"NAMI!"

Immediately, a ruckus began as Luffy suddenly bursts from the Polar Tang. Everyone was shocked by the loudness of someone who should be resting. The man went on a rampage with none of the Heart Pirates able to stop him. He eventually broke through the barrier and escaped into the jungle where none of the other men could follow him. During Luffy's riot, his straw hat was left on the ground only to be picked up by Sabo. Staring at it with frustration and sadness, Sabo looked over at the gaping hole in the barrier and took off.

"Luffy!" shouted Sabo.

While Jinbe and Bon Clay stayed behind while Sabo followed the path of destruction his little brother was making. He could hear the smashing of trees and the ground, the cries of the birds scared by man's action, and the quaking beneath his feet with every bunch Luffy threw. Each time, a scream of anguish echoed like thunder through the jungle. It was tearing Sabo's very soul, and he had to help his brother. When all that sound stopped, in an instant, Sabo's heart nearly froze. He rushed through the trail Luffy with haste until he finally reached the end.

Luffy stared up into the deep blue sky in a clearing surrounded by trees both fallen and upright. He was not wearing a shirt, and so his body was scratched up from his reckless charge. The bandages around his left shoulder and pectoral muscle remained firm but lightly cut. His pants were in a similar state. Blood was dripping from Luffy's nose and mouth, as well as his fists and feet. The latter of which was severely injured from his rampage. He was breathing heavily as he stared in deep thought with nearly lifeless eyes.

It was a painful sight for Sabo, who had always known the man as a happy and cheerful person. He approached carefully and tried to gain his little brother's attention. "Luffy…"

When Luffy did not respond, Sabo tried again and said more. "Luffy… It's me, Sabo…."

This time, Luffy reacted as he turned his gaze away from the sky to his brother. He looked confused as he asked, "Sabo…."

"Yeah, it's me, remember?" Sabo said gently, becoming slightly hopeful.

Luffy then responded almost despondently, "So, I'm the one that died…."

"No!" said Sabo instantly, now worried.

"I didn't die that day, Luffy. I got picked up by your father, Dragon, but I had amnesia. But when I heard Ace was going to be executed, I came to rescue him! Just like you did!"

There was a pause with Luffy. He then spoke, "So, then…."

As tears began to fall, Luffy's emotions showed through. "Nami…really is dead…" he said hopelessly.

Sabo frowned and replied dejectedly, "Yes. She did die…."

Luffy let out a cry in despair, "AAAAAAH!" He then returned to his previous activity, smashing through the jungle.

The man threw all his energy into his wild destruction. Trees, rocks, and the ground were decimated by his emotionally driven strength. However, with every smash, Luffy was damaging himself through his fists, feet, and especially, his head. He was in tremendous pain but not from his wounds. A single memory from the war plagued his mind; Nami's final moments. It was worse than any physical pain he had or was receiving. He wanted it to go away, and he was willing to go to extreme measures.

Before long, Luffy received a punch that stopped his tirade. "Dammit, Luffy!" shouted Sabo frustratedly.

It was not a regular punch as it struck the rubber man like a normal. Luffy fell to the ground on his back, not unconscious but shocked by the sensation. He and Sabo were breathing heavily like they had been in a marathon. Neither was moving as well. Sabo looked sorrowful at his younger brother as he waited to see what would happen next. He was surprised when Luffy covered his face with his hands and began crying.

"Dammit…!" Luffy said, his voice cracking. "Me, become king of the pirates?!"

Sabo was heartbroken hearing his brother. "Luffy…"

"I'M SO WEAK!" roared Luffy in despair.

"I COULDN'T PROTECT ANYONE!"

Slowly, Sabo approached his brother. "Luffy…"

Luffy immediately shouted, "GO AWAY! LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"I'm not doing that, Luffy," Sabo stated sternly. "You're in no condition to be left alone…."

Moving his hand slightly, the weeping rubber man sent a vicious glare at his brother. He spoke unforgivably, "You left me and Ace alone for years…."

The comment struck a nerve in Sabo, drawing out his anger. "You little punk…" He then rushed at Luffy and tackled him.

A tussle began between the two brothers. Sabo held the advantage, but he was not used to this Luffy. The young man got some decent punches in on him, much to his surprise. Luckily, even if it was disheartening, Luffy's attacks were weakened by his current emotional state of grief. It did not hamper his anger, unfortunately. He kept fighting back despite feeling weak. Both men were so caught up in their fight that they failed to notice someone approaching them.

It was Jinbe, coming to check in on Luffy's condition. He was seriously concerned about the current activity the two men were doing, and he would put an end to it.

"Knock it off!" Jinbe shouted, clobbering both men simultaneously.

As the two men sat separated from each other, Jinbe continued to shout as he spoke to both. He turned to Sabo first.

"You're Supposed To Be His Older Brother, Aren't You?! Is Fighting All You Brothers Are Good For?!"

Sabo did not respond; he remained on the ground looking away and sulked.

Now, it was Luffy's turn. Jinbe continued shouting, "And Where's Your Confidence That I Was Told Could Overcome Anything?! What Happened To That Strength You Never Doubted?!"

On his back and glaring furiously, an exhausted Luffy could do nothing more than listen.

Jinbe spoke more calmly now, "Ace told me a lot about you, Monkey D. Luffy, and how proud and relieved he was when he saw you. That his kid brother had really grown into his own…."

Luffy, and Sabo too, looked at the Whale Fish-Man, surprised. Sabo had never expected the (to him) usually insensitive Ace to be so personal. On the other hand, Luffy was just astonished that his older brother was impressed with him. Jinbe's words had calmed both brothers' emotions and allowing them a moment to think.

The Fish-Man continued speaking, "I understand what you are going through, though. To lose someone so important to your life, it's like a dark trench, and you don't know which way is out."

"It may be painful now, but you must fight it!" Jinbe stated determinedly. "Do not dwell in what you've lost!"

"Try To Remember What You Still Have!"

Everything became silent as Jinbe let his words sink into Luffy's mind. His expression had softened after hearing what the Fish-Man said. Luffy looked up to the blue sky as he let those words sink in. He tried doing as told. It was simple now that he was calm.

"I…" But before he could state it, Luffy heard something echoing through the jungle. It was something he was all too familiar with, and it made his breath hitch.

"Daddy!"

Luffy breathlessly spoke, "Mika…."

Recognizing the cry in the distance, Sabo was feeling guilty. He realized he had been immature earlier, and he was causing trouble for his niece.

On the other hand, Jinbe looked to known all along. "That's why I came out here…" he stated woefully.

"If nothing else, your daughter needs you, Luffy. She is experiencing the same pain you are and maybe worst with her father nowhere in sight to help her. That girl thinks she has no one, just like you did a moment ago."

The darkness in Luffy's heart began to lighten as his concerns for himself became second to that of his daughter's wellbeing. With his remaining strength, he forced himself to stand up. It was a struggle as if gravity was heavy around him, but he eventually became upright. He attempted to move forward, but he was already exhausted. Before he could fall, Luffy was caught by Sabo.

"I gotcha," Sabo said kindly.

Surprised, Luffy smiled as he accepted Sabo's help. "Thanks…"

"No problem…"

With Luffy securely on his back, Sabo began trekking back to the cove. Jinbe followed behind, keeping a watchful eye in case help was needed. He was also smiling as it appeared that his words had taken effect on both men. They traveled together down the path with steady haste, and soon, they had reached the barrier. On the other side, they could see Mika crying and the Heart Pirates trying to cheer her up. It was not working, so the group continued walking to her.

But Luffy stopped them. "I'm not sure I can do this…" he stated hesitantly.

Sabo looked at his brother, confused. "What's up?" he asked.

"She…Mika…she looks so much like…."

Mika then let out another cry through her wailing, "Daddy!"

The hesitation within Luffy disappeared instantly. Luffy slipped off Sabo's back. He nearly stumbled, worrying both Sabo and Jinbe, but he stood tall and strong. Slowly, the man started walking towards his crying daughter. Sabo and Jinbe remained behind, though on guard, in case Luffy needed help. As the young man approached, he was spotted by the Heart Pirates' Bepo (the Polar Bear Mink) signaled his crewmates to move away. The group did so as Luffy came closer and went to their captain's side, sitting nearby. Eventually, Luffy was close enough.

"Mika…" spoke Luffy.

Hearing him, Mika calmed down a little to finally see her father. Her expression was still woeful; she was still shedding tears and had a runny nose. It was starting to make Luffy cry, whose own expression showed worry and fear. What Luffy looked like did not matter to Mika as she rushed immediately over to him. Luffy quickly kneeled, and both embraced in a hug. Both parent and child held to each other tightly as a new wave of tears fell. They began to talk as they shared many things with each other.

"Daddy! You left me alone!"

"I'm sorry, Mika."

"Mama's really—!"

"I know!"

"It's all my fault! If I hadn't—"

"It's not your fault!"

"But, if I didn't—"

"I made mistakes too! You were just trying to rescue Ace like we all wanted to! We got distracted!"

"But… But…" Mika's crying intensified. "Mama died hating me!"

"What?" Luffy asked, confused.

"Because I didn't listen to her to go back home!" The little girl then buried her head in her father's shoulder.

"Mika…" Luffy said, surprised.

Mika spoke though muffled by her father's shoulder, "Now she hates me forever…."

Immediately, Luffy hugged his daughter a little tighter. Through his crying, he told his daughter proudly, "She never hated you, Mika."

Pulling her head up, Mika looked at her father – tears still falling – confused. "What…?"

Luffy began to smile just a little. "Mama told me. First, she said you're grounded…."

The only response from Mika was a sniffle.

Luffy then continued with his smile becoming brighter, "And, that she will always love you. No matter what."

"R-Really?"

Grinning, Luffy told her confidently, "You know how bad I am at lying…."

And Mika did know. More sniffles soon erupted as Mika became emotional again; however, she was now feeling less depressed. She was starting to shed fresh tears before placing her head back into her father's shoulder. Luffy's own had ceased falling as he now comforted his daughter.

Around the father-daughter duo, everyone was respectfully giving them their privacy. Though, with the area so small, everyone could still hear much. Most of the Heart Pirates were crying, having been emotionally touched by the conversation. Law was unfazed and more focused on Luffy's straw hat, which Jinbe earlier gave him to watch. Joining Jinbe and Sabo, Bon Clay was also crying as he too was stirred by his dear friend's and his daughter's moment. Both Sabo and Jinbe stood by with proud smiles towards Luffy. Neither Luffy nor Mika paid attention to any of them, though. They were in their moment.

"Daddy…" spoke Mika softly.

"Yeah…"

"I still miss Mama…."

"I do too, sweetie."

"Could you…tell me stories about Mama?"

"Yeah, I can do that…."

"Daddy…"

"Yeah?"

"I wanna see everyone else again…."

"Me too."

TO BE

CONTINUED…