Author's note: Hope you all brought your Sunday best! Because you're all invited to the funeral of Monkey D. Nami...
And so, as always,
Read, Review, & Enjoy!
Light entered into a completely dark room. The cold air met warm air to produce airy condensation that swirled like smoke. The light revealed the space to be a large storage freezer with many items frozen. Among those things was a body draped in plastic, separated from the meats and medicines. Two shadows stretched across the floor as two men entered inside. It was Law and Luffy, the latter of whom looking hesitant. New bandages were covering Luffy around his arms, legs, and head. Law moved forward to be next to the body, and he then removed the cover off.
Luffy's breath hitched upon seeing the revealed body.
Nami's body looked as if it were only sleeping. Peacefully, and having a beautiful dream by indication of her permanent smile left behind from her life. Her clothes were the same as they were on the day she died. The wounds Nami had also received were mended, thanks to Law. She was nearly perfect in form. Her skin had paled with no more oxygen flowing in and frost-covered her body.
"Are you ready?" asked Law.
The straw hat-wearing man released his breath slowly, the condensation showing its flow. "Yeah…" Luffy said calmly.
Placed on a gurney, Nami's body was moved off of Law's Polar Tang submarine. She was carried over to the edge of the barrier, where they were met by Hancock, her sisters, and Elder Nyon. Law transferred the body over to the women. Luffy and Mika then joined the Kuja warriors. Together, the group then traveled deeper into the jungle. Sabo, Bon Clay, and Jinbe remained behind, along with the Heart Pirates to wait.
Elder Nyon led the group further into the island and to a cave behind the village. Inside, Marigold and many Kuja were lined up along the pathway holding lighted lanterns. They trekked deeper into the mountain, guided by the lights of the Kuja. Soon, the group reached a naturally well-lit cavern, and the outsiders were amazed by the scenery.
A single opening allowed light to shine through and water to pour down like a serene waterfall upon a mighty and beautiful tree with gold-colored leaves and a gaping hole in its massive trunk. Around its hanging roots, there are many crystal clear pools of water as large as a rectangle bathtub feeding into one after the other. It flowed until trickling out to become a creek that continued streaming through an exit. As the procession went forward, Mika followed her curiosity to look into the ponds.
"Don't be frightened, Mika," spoke Marigold as she came up from behind.
Mika was confused at first but then followed through with her action. She was now surprised to see a lady beneath the water. The woman looked as if peacefully sleeping.
Marigold explained, "They are our Empresses of Old. Their beauty forever captured to inspire the Kuja Tribe for all time…."
Eventually, the procession stopped before a stone-shaped casket the same size as the pools. The gurney was placed beside it, but it was not time yet to put Nami in it. Two Kuja placed a slide into the gap in the tree that led to the casket. Both ladies then brought up two flat-stone hammers and struck the tree from behind. The tree shook, and from the hole came a large amount of sap flowing down into the box. A layer of liquid was down before it was stopped, and a fire was placed around it to harden. The sunlight was also helping to dry, though indirect for now. Once solidified enough, the women took Nami's body and placed her in ceremoniously. The sap was allowed to continue pouring and engulfed the body. It was slightly upsetting for Luffy and Mika, but they held firm together.
It was all soon over. Enough sap had covered Nami, and it was hardened by flame and the high-noon sun. After chiseling the amber, the now-perfectly preserved Nami was lifted out of the stone and brought over to a pool separated from the rest. The bearers gently placed the amber casket into the water, causing some overflow. Luffy and Mika walked up to the crater as the women left. When the ripples finally settled, father and daughter could see their most precious person forever immortalized with a smile.
Where Are They?
The Whereabouts of the Straw Hat Pirates Revealed
Luffy and Mika returned hours later, with Hancock, her sisters, and Nyon joining them back to the cove. They were bringing with them a cart of food provided by Hancock and the Kuja. When they arrived, the Heart Pirates were preparing to embark.
But before leaving, Law approached Luffy, his usual indifference expressed on his face. He stopped in front of the man and pulled his hand out of his pocket. Luffy was unconcerned by the motion, but he looked down to his legs. Mika was hiding behind him but peering out a little with curiosity. To her amazement, she saw that the man had an orange lollipop and gave it to her. After checking with her father, who signaled with a smile and a nod, she cautiously accepted the gift.
"Stay healthy, kid…" said Law coolly.
Law then looked at Luffy. The rubber man said nothing but grinned at the man, showing his gratitude. It started to annoy Law, so he sneered in response. He then took his leave of the two to join his crew.
Bepo walked up to Law immediately and asked, "Can I have—"
"No," said Law coldly.
Mika, with the lollipop in her mouth, soon began waving towards Law. "Thank you for taking care of my daddy!" she shouted.
While he kept walking, Law lifted his hand in a casual wave.
The Heart Pirates were taking their leave, somewhat begrudgingly for some. Most of the crew wished Luffy and Mika the best as they began sailing away. Once out in the open ocean, the men retreated inside, and the Polar Tang sunk beneath the waves. Law already had a destination in mind: the New World. They would only need to survive the trip through the Calm Belt. But, as one of the Sea Kings tried to attack, something stuck it and knocked it out. All the Heart Pirates were stunned but continued traveling, thanking their luck that something stopped it.
Meanwhile, above the water, everyone else also saw the Sea King as it was defeated. It put nearly everyone on guard; they all figured someone strong was approaching. Luffy, Sabo, and Hancock stood in front of Mika immediately. Though she was curious, Mika stayed behind the adults as she watched. Soon, that something splashed onto shore, and it had a human shape. It was a man with graying white hair; he had three scars, one on his right pectoral and another over his right eye. The final one was at his left shoulder; it was circular with some skin damage around it. He was only wearing pants, but he had a soaking wet shirt and cloak in his arms. Everyone recognized the man but reacted differently. Nyon was shocked. Hancock and her sister were overjoyed to see him. Luffy and Mika were astonished. Stunned silent, the remaining three – Sabo, Bon Clay, and Jinbe – could only stare in awe.
"Rayleigh!"
The old man smiled and greeted the group. "Hey, thought I'd find you here, Luffy…."
Rayleigh explained his arrival simply. He had been tipped off by Kuma – before becoming a full cyborg – and he had figured that Hancock was helping him through her route. A little help from Shakuyaku and her on-point intuition also guided him. His wife also gave him a letter to give to Nyon and the Boa sisters, as she had been a friend and benefactor to them. Everyone began settling into a meal, Mika sitting on Luffy's lap with Sabo next to him. Bon Clay tried to take the other side, but he was sidelined by Hancock wanting to be close to her love. The Okama had to settle with sitting with Jinbe. As everyone ate, Rayleigh spoke with Luffy.
"Shakky and I give our condolences, Luffy," said Rayleigh sorrowfully. "We both know how hard it can be losing someone important…."
Between bites, Luffy replied, "Thanks…." Once he finished his piece of meat, Luffy had something on his mind.
"What happened after…." The man did not want to finish the sentence.
Rayleigh answered, "Well, Ace made it out of Marineford thanks to Shanks and his crew arriving."
Luffy nearly choked. "SHANKS?! He was there?!"
"Yeah," Sabo answered this time to confirm. "And you should know, Akio is fine as well."
Now, Luffy almost choked a second in shock. "I forgot about Akio!" He then gasped a second time.
"And Biri!"
Sabo reacted similarly. "Oh shoot! I forgot about your bird friend too!"
Watching them, Bon Clay commented, "They really do act like brothers…."
Jinbe nodded. "I've seen Ace do the same…."
"I wouldn't worry too much about your feathered friend," stated Rayleigh calmly. "Animals tend to be very good at returning in their own time…."
As she finished eating, Mika asked Sabo, "So, where is Akio?"
"He's with my friend and your grandpa. He's probably already at our home base."
Mika was confused. "Grand...pa?"
"Home base?" asked Rayleigh to Sabo curiously.
"I can't say where…." Sabo then turned to Luffy and smiled. "But Luffy, I work in your pop's organization."
"The Resolutionaries?"
Chuckling, Sabo softly bopped Luffy's head. "' Revolutionaries,' you dummy."
"So," spoke Rayleigh, "you know about what Kuma did…."
"Nope. He didn't tell us a single thing about sending Luffy's crew away or why. I didn't even know about Luffy being Dragon's son until I spoke with him about me rescuing Ace."
Luffy began to frown. "So, you don't know where my crew is…."
"Sorry, Luffy. I don't," Sabo stated regretfully.
The news was poignant for Luffy but even more so for Mika. "I miss everyone…" she said sadly.
"We'll see them again soon, Monkey," Luffy said optimistically. "I bet they're all trying to get back too."
"As long as they have my Vivre Card, they will," said Rayleigh. He then spoke directly towards Luffy with curiosity, "But I wonder what you will do now, Straw Hat Luffy?"
It did not take long for Luffy to answer: "I'm going to continue sailing. That's what she wanted me to do, and I'm not going to give up now!"
Tilting her head up, Mika looked at her father with wide eyes of amazement. She thought it was cool that her father was still willing to continue. On the other hand, as she looked back down, she was feeling apprehensiveness towards the idea.
"I'm going to head back to Sabaody and reunite with my crew."
"Are you sure you want to do that?" asked Rayleigh lightly. "Don't you remember what happened to you all on Sabaody?"
Luffy's breath hitched, and Mika began clutching her father's arm tightly. Both remembered the event, though from a different perspective. It was the first time in a long time Luffy had ever felt so useless. For Mika, she had never been so scared. Neither one wanted to think about it, but it did give Rayleigh the answer he suspected.
Rayleigh then continued, "Unless you want something similar to happen again, I have a suggestion for you."
"Whether you accept it or not is, of course, entirely up to you."
Both father and daughter gave the man their full attention.
The question on everyone's mind: where are the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates?
Somewhere in the Grand Line, there is an island shrouded in darkness and covered in ruins. Appropriately named "Gloomy Island," the Muggy Kingdom once ruled here until its demise years ago. It remains uninhabited primarily by humans, but that changed a short while ago.
It was this island that Roronoa Zoro found himself on. The man had no clue where he was, which is much worse than his usual ineptitude with directions. He could only wander around and search for a boat to travel on. No such luck for the swordsman; worst, he was not alone. An old enemy, Perona, was transported to his location as well. She annoyed the Straw Hat Pirate crewmember with both her incessant prattling and her Devil Fruit power, the Hollow-Hollow Fruit. It allowed her to make ghosts that incapacitated targets with negative feelings. Luckily, the woman eventually mellowed out and became dependent on the man's company. They both lived in a surprisingly well-stocked castle. And they soon found out why, after the battle at Marineford.
The castle's current owner was none other than the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule "Hawk-eye" Mihawk, had returned. He was surprised to find he had interlopers but treated them civilly. Finding Zoro at his home was especially interesting for Mihawk given his encounter with his captain. He told the man what had occurred at Marineford, and Zoro left the castle in a rage.
"Get Out Of My Way, You Fucking Apes!"
Now, currently, Zoro was busy trying to get through a tribe of heavily armed and armored primates. They are Humandrills, intelligent baboons that learn from humans and take on their nature, be it good or bad. As a once warring nation, these animals had only seen violence and fought ferociously. But, Zoro was letting all his frustration and anger out in his attacks, defeating them one by one.
"Move It!" shouted Zoro furiously before attacking.
Nearby, Mihawk watched on, observantly and calm. He knew the bond between Zoro and "Straw Hat" Luffy was strong, but the ferocity was more intense than even he would expect. In the distance, Perona was traveling over. She was carrying today's newspaper.
Elsewhere in the Grand Line, there exists the Boin Archipelago, where Usopp found himself. Its wide array of delicious (and addictive) food had made the sniper engorge himself. He was now much chunkier than his standard thin frame, but it did not stop him from running for his life. Not just from the animals and meat-eating plants on the island but from the island itself. The Boin Archipelago were not islands; they were enormous carnivorous plants known as the Stomach Baron. It would eat everything that entered its open maw, closing it to capture everything inside.
Luckily, Usopp had help from a person in beetle-style armor known as Heracles, who had lived in this environment for years. Usopp had been content to live his life of gluttony until today's newspaper arrived for Heracles. Now, the sniper was desperate to leave.
"What's a matter with you, Usopp-un!" shouted Heracles worriedly. "You've been in a lather ever since the News Coo delivered the newspaper!"
In tears, Usopp shouted in frustration, "I Have To Leave!"
"They Need Me! They Must Be Suffering So Much! Nami…!" Usopp could barely bring himself to say it, being too emotional.
But Usopp was still determined. "How Can I Call Myself His Friend and Her Uncle If I'm Not There When They Need Me The Most!"
In another part of the Grand Line, Brook had landed in the poverty-stricken country called Hungeria on Lazy Bones Island. The people of this land were trying to summon a demon to vanquish their foes, three members of the Longarm Tribe. Instead, Brook landed in their summoning circle and was mistaken as a "demon lord." Taking pity on its people and being suckered by a pretty face, the living skeleton helped them defeat the invaders.
'Luffy, Mika…. You both must be in terrible pain right now. I will sing for you when we reunite, for that is what a musician does. I'm coming!'
Unfortunately… "Luffy, help!" shouted Brook, terrified.
When Brook set the men free, they took hold of him and dashed away to escape. The Longarm Tribe men were going to use him to make a profit.
In Paradise, the first half of the Grand Line, a wintry island known as Karakuri Island held the futuristic country called Baldimore. It was here that Franky was sent, and it was like a paradise of mechanical ingenuity. After an initial mishap with his fuel, the cyborg was helped out by a few locals and journeyed to the country's most prized possession, the lab of Doctor Vegapunk. After hearing the news about the war, Franky was determined to find an ice breaker ship and escape.
"Just don't push the self-destruct button, please," warned one of Franky's aides, an old man and grandfather.
Franky shouted, "Of course I'm not going to push a self-destruct button!"
On his way, Franky encountered Marine soldiers from the Marine Base stationed on the island. They chased him inside the lab, careful not to damage anything. Franky eventually gave them the slip and found himself in a room filled with blueprints. He was amazed by the many ideas Veganpunk had come up with, many centuries ahead of the time. Unfortunately, none of them were plans on how to build an ice breaker ship.
However, Franky did find a button with the skull-and-crossbones on it. "A pirate symbol?" he questioned as he pressed it without hesitation.
A massive explosion erupted, taking out the lab and the mountain nearby. It horrified everyone on the island. From then on, this event would be spoken often as "the Nightmare of Baldimore."
But far from the chaos, in the South Blue, the exact opposite had occurred on an island called Birdie Kingdom. For years, giant birds - Masukeredomo Goayu Birds – and the local human inhabitants were constantly struggling. Everything changed when Chopper arrived. Using his ability to talk with animals, the young doctor settled the misunderstanding between the two factions. Peace now reigned as an understanding was reached; the humans only wanted the plants that grew on the single giant tree the birds call home. They had no desire to eat their eggs or hunt them. As gratitude, the enormous birds offered Chopper a ride home.
"Goodbye, everyone! Take care!" said Chopper before the bird took off.
The sight of the open ocean below and the azure sky above calmed Chopper and the bird. Chopper was even a bit nostalgic, but his thoughts soon returned to the disturbing news he had learned recently.
'Poor Luffy… Poor Mika! I'm on my way, guys!' Chopper was determined to get back to Sabaody Archipelago and help his captain and niece.
By coincidence, a News Coo was flying by Chopper. The little reindeer was quick to attract the smaller bird's attention and paid for a newspaper. On the front page, the young doctor saw something shocking.
"Eh?! Luffy?!"
Somewhere else in the Grand Line, there is a pink paradise island, Momoiro Island, where the Kamabakka Queendom resides. Ruled by the Revolutionary Army leader Emporio Ivankov, said ruler had returned to his home to find they had a guest. This Okama utopia was where Sanji landed, and he had a unique experience when he first arrived. When the newspaper came with news of Marineford, he fought to escape and saw an opportunity when Ivankov returned.
Unfortunately…
"So, this is you?" asked Ivankov as he held Sanji's (first) wanted poster.
Sanji replied with an instant and furious, "No!"
"So you're not with Straw Hat!" accused Ivankov instantly.
"I am!" Sanji shouted in agony. "It's just that shitty bounty poster…."
Ivankov scoffed and told the man, "It's no use. As long as there is even the tiniest percentage that you are a government goon, I will not give out even a speck of information on Straw Hat Boy!"
"Fine then!" shouted Sanji in frustration. "That is me! I don't care anymore! Just give me a boat!"
"I see," Ivankov said, impressed, "I feel your passion. In that case, if you really want information on Straw Hat Boy…."
"Yeah!" said Sanji, hopeful.
The large okama then spun around and shouted, "I Won't Let You Have It!"
"Oh! You got us good, Iva!" roared the crowd, having watched the display.
It annoyed Sanji greatly. He began yelling at the crowd as they tried to convince him to put on a cute dress. Ivankov had no more time to give to the man as he was soon alerted to a call. It came from none other than the man the Okama followed, Dragon.
The call came from the secret base of the Revolutionary Army on Baltigo, the island of white soil. There was a structure built into one of the many giant stone columns, housing hundreds of people. A balcony on the tallest level had a man and several of his subordinates on it making the call. It was Monkey D. Dragon speaking with Ivankov through a secured line thanks to the White Transponder Snail, capable of scrambling signals from eavesdropping. There was much the two had to discuss, but something interrupted them.
"Ahhh!"
"Get back here!"
"Hm? What's going on there?" asked Ivankov, hearing the yell.
Dragon let out a sigh before answering. "That would be our guest…" he then looked off to the side.
Akio was running out of structure, making a dash for the cove where Dragon's ship made birth. He was wearing new clothes, supplied by the Revolutionary Army, as well as a cloak. Behind him was Daisuke, the boy's father, chasing after him. He, too, had new clothes on, blue pants with buckles along the legging, and a blue-and-white striped jacket with a yellow hood that was down. Like the many Revolutionary Army members, he also had a cloak though it flurried like a cape. The man soon caught his son before he could make it too far from the base. Akio struggled in the man's hold as he tried to escape.
"Let…me…go!" strained Akio. "I'm going back…to my…crew!"
Daisuke stated frustratedly, "I'm your father! You don't have to go back to that pirate crew anymore!"
"I…want to!" Akio then stated, "I hate you, Daisuke! You're the worst!"
"Why you little…!" said Daisuke angrily.
Akio shouted more determinedly, "I Need To Go Help Mika!"
Releasing another sigh, Dragon returned to his conversation as Daisuke returned with Akio. As Dragon was about to speak, another one of his subordinates came running onto the balcony. He was carrying another Transponder Snail. The man looked excited.
"Boss! We got a call from the East Army Division! They found her! The Light of the Revolution!"
Dragon's expression showed his surprise. He took the call immediately.
The East Army Division was located in the East Blue, both Dragon's and Luffy's home sea. A dangerous mission the group was given; the liberation of Tequila Wolf. It was a country, but it was a large stone bridge spanning an undetermined amount of length in actuality. Its construction was a task set upon the World Government by a Celestial Dragon seven hundred years ago. To make such an architectural feat, slaves were used as the primary workforce. Any person would do, which is how Nico Robin, flung here by Kuma, found herself a part of it. Luckily, the Revolutionaries attacked and freed everyone. Now, with Robin in their care, the troop was on the move to help her return to her crew. That did not mean the group could not make a call.
"Um, Ms. Nico," spoke the Revolutionary soldier nervously.
In a carriage all by herself, Nico Robin sat unresponsive to the man's entrance. She continued to stare at the window, her bangs shadowing her eyes. Her mood was solemn and heavy. The man felt like he could not take another step inside, or it would be his life. Regardless, he had to speak with the woman.
"I know you said to leave you be, but our leader would like to speak with you..."
Again, Robin did not respond. She did not dismiss the man either, so he took a chance to set up this meeting. He brought up the transponder snail and told his leader that he was speaking with Robin.
"Nico Robin…" spoke Dragon through the transponder snail. "I'm pleased to say that it's an honor to finally meet you…."
Robin continued to not respond.
Dragon continued speaking, "I apologize that this message comes at a rough moment for you, but I hoped that you would hear me-"
"Leave me alone!" A new voice spoke, catching Robin's attention as she recognized the owner.
Dragon responded, "Sorry, Nico Robin, we're having have some…."
"Is that Akio?" Robin asked immediately.
"…Yes. I am not trying to coerce you. He is not being held against his will. His father is the one doing that…."
"I see…" Robin thought for a moment. She then looked at the newspaper in her hand.
It was today's newspaper with a news story making the headline. There was something that caught Robin's eye on the front page.
In the newspaper, some big news was front and center. A great disturbance had erupted at Marineford. It came from none other than "Straw Hat" Monkey D. Luffy. Except, he did not have his signature hat on him. He stood in a solemn stance, his fist held over his chest as if honoring someone or thing that had fallen. It was a stark contrast to the hundreds of Marine soldiers around him. Something was drawn on both his right arm and left chest; his arm had "3D2Y" with the "3D" crossed out. And on his chest, a heart with a ribbon around it that had something written on it, "Nami."
What was Luffy doing back in Marineford?
TO BE
CONTINUED…