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Mika's Decision

See You In 2 Years, Straw Hat Family!

We go back to a few days after the sixteen bells incident, the Kuja Pirates' ship, Perfume Yuda, was anchored just outside the Calm Belt. It was time now for most of Luffy's allies to take their leave. Jinbe was the first, summoning a whale shark to give him a ride.

"See ya, Jinbe," said Luffy cheerfully. "Thanks for all your help!"

The whale shark Fish-Man smirked before replying, "It is I who should be thanking you, Luffy."

"When I was in Impel Down, all I wanted was to reach that battlefield and die with my honor intact. But, as it would seem, fate had other plans…."

"So, with that being the case, let's meet again at Fish-Man Island two years from now. I'll be waiting for you and your crew."

Luffy replied eagerly, "You got it!" He then waved the fish-man off until he disappeared beneath the waves.

Now, it was Bon Clay's turn. The okama was given a small boat provided by the Kuja Pirates as a favor for Luffy. Much like Jinbe, Bon Clay was grateful to Luffy for his actions in Impel Down.

"Your gesture has truly inspired me, Straw Boy! Once I find my crew again, we'll travel to my dreamland, Kamabakka Queendom! But don't think that's the last you'll see of me, though. When you and your crew arrive in the New World, I'll be waiting to help you all!"

Luffy again replied eagerly, "Thanks!"

Bon Clay then gave one last regard, "Oh, and give my love to your daughter too!"

A moment of pause before Luffy answered with a smile, "Yeah!"

From behind, Sabo threw his arm around Luffy's neck as he grinned at him. "That better go double for me," he told his little brother playfully.

"Sure," Luffy said, a little less energetic.

Sabo immediately noticed his brother becoming slightly anxious and tried to comfort him. He told him, "Don't worry, Luffy, whatever happens, I know you'll do what's best…."

Before Luffy could respond, Sabo cut him off as he noticed something upward. "Ah! My ride is here!" he shouted.

Everyone looked to the sky. There was nothing but clouds they could see, including a small black one. It was getting closer fast, and it was soon revealed to not by collected water vapor; it was a murder of crows. None of the Kuja Pirates nor Luffy expected such an arrival. Sabo assured everyone that the birds were, indeed, his lift back to his home base.

Biri became especially curious of his fellow avian. He flew up to the birds and attempted to communicate with them. Unfortunately, the crows did not take his approach as friendly and proceeded to assault the more giant bird, much to his surprise.

"Wait! Karasu!" shouted Sabo quickly. "That's one of my brother's crewmates!"

Immediately, the crows stopped pecking Biri. All of them then flew down to the ship, and once so, one of them spoke, surprising everyone. "My apologies, I was not aware," said the crow.

"Whoa!" said Luffy amazed. "That raven is talking!"

"Actually," spoke the crow again, "I'm Karasu*."

"So cool!"

As Biri landed back on deck, tending to his minor scrapes, he watched with some envy as the crows perched on the railing. Though they were slightly larger than usual, the black birds were gaining everyone's attention and regard. Biri was beginning to feel unappreciated. Something that was noticed by Rayleigh with some intrigue.

Soon, Sabo was off, riding upon one of the crows like Luffy did with Biri. He wished his brother luck and expressed his hope that they would see each other again in the New World. Luffy gave his brother the same sentient. It was not long before both the man and the murder of crows disappeared into the blue sky.

Rayleigh now brought up his interest in Biri, "Say, Luffy, I think you should inform your pal of the situation…."

Luffy turned to the bird. He told his friend, "Biri, I'm going to be training for two years so that we can face whatever's waiting for us in the New World."

The bird became intrigued as Luffy continued explaining. "Mika is going to be staying with Hancock that whole time. Akio's where Sabo's going. I don't know what they'll do, but you're welcome to continue sailing with us!"

Biri thought about it for a moment. He understood what his captain was saying, and the idea of growing stronger was not something he thought of before. However, the bird recalled his adventure with Akio from Sabaody Archipelago to Whitebeard's ship and then to Marineford. Through it all, Biri felt like he had not been able to do much, unlike when he first helped the Straw Hat Pirates on his home island. If the Guardians of Merveille had been with his crew….

A sudden realization made Biri jerk up; an idea had formed. Everyone noticed, but only Rayleigh seemed to know something. Without warning, Biri took off into the sky. Luffy was surprised and tried calling him back but was ignored. It was confusing for the rubber man before Rayleigh spoke up.

"Don't worry. Your friend is acting upon the same desire as you are," Rayleigh told Luffy confidently.

"How do you know?" Luffy asked curiously.

"Observation Haki," Rayleigh stated as his eyes flashed a quick red. "It has a lot uses, including understanding animals to some degree…."

"Really?"

"I think a friend once called it having the 'Fang Heart'…." Rayleigh then stated, "Maybe you'll learn it where we're going…."

While the Kuja Pirates sailed their ship to Rayleigh's destination, Biri flew steadily away with his own goal in mind. His instinct was kicking in, and he allowed it to guide him. A strong gale was giving the avian much lift and speed to help him make it there soon. It took two days of flying, but Biri finally made it: Merveille.

Some of its land pieces had shifted closer together since last he viewed them. As he came closer, the yellow bird could see the village and the inhabitants working. The hamlet had been rebuilt, yet construction was still happening. It appeared the people were improving their community. But it was not the humans or their home that Biri was seeking out.

An elegant caw alerted Biri, and he looked up. Flying from above him, the Bird of Grace in all its beauty and dominance. She greeted her fellow bird and expressed some curiosity. Biri replied in a few squawks. They both came to an understanding, and the Bird of Grace had the larger avian follow her. A clearing outside the village was where they landed, and the Bird of Grace gave out a loud call. In a few moments, several familiar animals arrived at the glen: the Sarookami, the Curlyhorned Mallard, the Devil's Torasame, the Booted Mynx, and a troop of Sentai Hamsters. All of them were curious to be called until they saw Biri. The Straw Hat Pirates' pet explained itself to its fellow animals. It surprised the beasts, but they all understood, and with a nod, they all agreed to help their friend.

Biri's training began immediately. Without a moment to waste, the Sarookami and the Booted Mynx began to attack. Biri managed to dodge the first few swipes but eventually, he was stuck with scratches. It hurt but the bird retaliated with his electricity. His two opponents backed off immediately and were not harmed by the sparks. They soon attacked as Biri ceased his discharge, much to his surprise.

Biri was not giving up; he was determined to become stronger for all his human friends.

Now, to when the newspaper came out with news on Luffy. All the Straw Hat Pirates had received the notice, with Akio being one of the last to figure out the message. He was on Baltigo with the Revolutionary Army thanks to his father, Daisuke, having taken him there right after the war at Marineford. He had understood thanks to Robin telling him via Transponder Snail. She was on her way to him for her own training, but that left him in a conundrum.

Akio did not want to stay here with his father, but the idea of needing to train was something that interested him. He recalled how little he was able to do and how he mostly got in the way. It was almost depressing for him. There was no way he would be as strong as any adult member of his crew, but he could, at least, protect Mika. But he had no idea how to become stronger.

While Akio sat deep in thought, he was interrupted by a commotion going on outside. He rushed over to the window nearby as he, and Koala, peered on the fuss. The crowd of cloaked men and women stood around a dapper young man and another man as he formed from crows until fully materialized. The man was even taller than the other, wearing a plague doctor's mask. Akio thought he was intimidating; however, he recognized the other man.

"That's the captain's brother…Sabo, right?" Akio said, almost unsure.

Koala answered joyfully, "Yep! He must be back from helping him."

Something then clicked within Akio's mind. "And he's pretty strong too…."

"Well, he once told me that he always won against Luffy as kids. He and Ace were tied in wins…."

Without waiting for another word, Akio took off for the outside. His many attempts to escape his father had made him an expert in navigating through the structure. Unfortunately, Akio knew he had to pass by a particular room, his father's. It was worst as, after he passed by, the man walked out and noticed the boy instantly.

"Dammit, Akio!" shouted Daisuke frustratedly. "You're not—"

Before Daisuke could make a move, he was stopped by Koala. She had been following behind the boy on his run. At first, the woman was curious, but she had quickly realized what Akio wanted to do. When she saw Daisuke, Koala swiftly stopped the man with impressive strength.

"Koala!?" Daisuke shouted indignantly, "What do you think you're doing?!"

With a striking smile, Koala stated to the man, "Letting the kid make his own choice…."

Eventually, Akio made it outside. He made a beeline for the crowd with all his speed. Once he reached the edge, the boy used his small frame to his advantage and slipped between adults. Akio could hear Sabo's voice as he laughed and spoke with his comrades becoming louder with every adult he passed. He finally squeezed past the last person but stumbled into the center, landing on his hands and knees.

"Hey!" Akio looked up and saw that Sabo was looking at him. "You're Luffy's crewmate…."

Sabo approached the boy and asked, "How are you—"

"Please!" shouted Akio suddenly and desperately. "Train me so I can be useful to my crew!"

No one spoke; everyone was stunned into silence. Akio was staying in the position he was in but looking up at him both pleadingly and determinedly. Sabo was especially so for a moment before he remembered Luffy's act. He was now surprised as he looked at the boy more discerningly. It was an all too familiar sight that brought him back to his own upbringing in the Revolutionary Army and when he was with his brothers in childhood. That made the man's answer obvious.

"Sure, kid," Sabo said with a smile. "But don't think I'll go easy on you…."

Despite the warning, Akio was ecstatic to know he had been accepted. The two separated from the group and moved around to the back of the base. Akio was not sure as to why since everywhere around the place was an open field.

"Well, Akio, we've got about two years to whip into fighting shape," Sabo told the boy determinedly.

Akio nodded. "I am ready!"

Sabo then said, "Good! Let's see what you can do then…."

The man asked Akio to fight him, and though hesitant, the boy tried his best. It was a short bout with Sabo barely having to do much. Akio had little experience in fighting, much less against an adult. Sabo was not all that surprised, but he was far from discouraged. For it meant that the boy was free to learn any style. He only needed to find the right one for Akio.

"So, Akio, what is it you want to do? How do you want to be useful to your crew?"

It did not take Akio long to figure out what he wanted to do. "I want to be able to protect Mika before something bad happens to her and not have anyone have to worry about us…."

Nodding with understanding, Sabo soon began to smile. He had an idea of what would work for Akio.

Before he could say it, someone else started shouting, "Hey! Sabo!" The yell gained both Sabo and Akio's attention and disdain as they turned towards the base.

There standing was Daisuke with Koala nearby, looking exhausted. Daisuke continued to shout, "I don't approve of you training my son!"

Sabo let out a sigh before answering, "Don't need your permission, Daisuke. He's a pirate. He can make his own decision."

"Which I don't approve of either!" shouted Daisuke immediately. He then posed heroically as he stated, "He was named 'Akio' to be a 'hero of light'! A future champion of good should be trained by another such as myself!"

After rolling his eyes at the man, Sabo realized an idea and began to smirk. "I think we should set a goal for you. Something that'll really prove you're ready…."

"Yeah?" said Akio curiously.

"Akio," Sabo told the boy, "In two years, you're going to manage to escape from Daisuke."

Surprised at first, Akio quickly became enthused. "Awesome…."

Daisuke heard this and shouted, "What?!"

Sabo laughed with approval with Akio's attitude. "Then, let's begin…!"

"Yes, Teacher!" said Akio determinedly.

"Hey! As his father, I—"

"Enough, Daisuke…."

A new voice interrupted the father coming from none other than Dragon, from out of nowhere. Koala as well was surprised by their leader's sudden appearance. He stood stoically beside the two as he watched on the scene of Sabo explaining his idea to his protégé. It was a pleasant sight.

"Your son has made his own choice," said Dragon.

"But…" Daisuke wanted to present his argument, but Dragon already had a rebuttal.

"If you want to be his father, after not being in his life for so long, you must learn to understand your son as he is now. You may be able to salvage your relationship if you do…."

Daisuke was left in silence, and his behavior instantly settled.

And thus, like his crewmates before him, Akio began his own training regimen with his mentor, Sabo.

That just left Mika…

On a new day, the sunlight once again stretched across half the world in which Mika was currently staying. The sun was shining upon Amazon Lily. Its brilliant light was peering through the largest window of Kuja Castle, the first to receive it.

It is the room of Boa Hancock, but at the moment, she was not present inside. Instead, sleeping in the large bed, there was Mika, who was being awoken. She rose from her bed and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, but they appeared darkened below them. Her usual energy was entirely gone as she sluggishly moved off the bed. After changing her clothes, having a few modern-styled clothing, the little girl was about to leave the room but stopped just before the door. On the stand next to it, her father's straw hat awaited her. She was hesitant at first but took the hat and placed it upon her head. It had an immediate effect on her attitude as she began to smile just slightly. She then left the room.

"Good morning, Mika!"

Mika walked through the hallways of the castle, being greeted by the many attendants that worked here. Each was doing their assigned task but took a moment to address the girl kindly and acceptingly. The young girl barely spoke but gave every greeter a smile and nod. She eventually walked to where she wanted to go, the main dining room. Here, the Boa Sisters were eating along with Elder Nyon and Marguerite. All of them were quick to notice and talk to her.

"Well, good morning, young one," said Elder Nyon warmly.

Hancock stood from her chair and displayed the breakfast on the table for the girl to see. "We have breakfast out. Please, eat anything you want."

Giving another silent nod as her response, Mika joined the women for breakfast. She did not eat much, mostly some fruit and a little bread.

"Mika," spoke Marguerite softly, "would you like to attend Ms. Goldenrod's class today? All the girls have been asking for you…."

Finally, though still quiet, Mika responded with more than a nod. "Mmm…." After breakfast, Mika left with Marguerite.

Now, the other women could discuss openly.

"She seems to be doing better today," said Sandersonia optimistically.

Marigold was not so convinced. "She ended up in Big Sis' room again, though. That's the seventh time this week."

"And she will always be allowed entrance to my room for as long as I can provide her with some comfort," Hancock stated firmly.

She then became a bit sad as she explained further, "She still misses them greatly…."

Elder Nyon frowned with displeasure. "It's not easy for someone so young to experience so much loss…."

Mika's day went by well. The Kuja in the village, all familiar with the girl, greeted her warmly as they went about their day. It seemed to improve the girl's mood as she and her guide came closer to the school. Upon reaching the building, all the girls welcomed Mika back, which brightened her attitude almost to her usual self. Both Goldenrod and Horehound embraced Mika's return as well. Goldenrod's lesson – on survival in the jungle – was enjoyable to Mika though she kept to herself. Those close to her, Hollyhock and Susan, respected her mildness but kept her included. When school was done, Mika was picked up by Marguerite picked her up and brought her back to the castle. Marguerite handed her off to Hancock, who was waiting for them.

Mika meekly said, "I'm…back…."

"Welcome back, Mika," Hancock said gently.

Once Mika went inside, Hancock turned to Marguerite. "I assume everything at school went well?" she asked curiously.

"Yes, princess. They say she was quiet but active."

"That is good." Hancock then dismissed Marguerite for the day, and she retreated inside the castle.

The rest of the day was uneventful until night's shroud covered this half of the world again. Most of the Kuja were settling down throughout the village. Many homes were dark, with only Kuja Castle having any remaining light left. Not every room was lit, and among them, Mika was sleeping within. She was not in Hancock's room; she had her own room explicitly prepared for her. It was a cozy room with an excellent vantage point of the hamlet below. Of course, the little girl was asleep, so she would not see the sight until morning.

Or, if Mika's restless tussling was any indicator, much sooner….

Mika awoke in a cold sweat and a gasp. She was breathing heavily as she stared ahead blankly, her mind processing. It took only a moment before the little girl finally snapped out of her shock. Tears began to fall as Mika expressed sadness and pain as she recalled everything she experienced a short while ago. She quickly leaned over to grab her father's straw hat on the bedstand nearby and held it close. It provided some comfort as it felt that her father was still with her. Maybe even her mother. She hoped with all her might, but it paled in comparison, which made her feel worst.

The little girl left her room and rushed down the hall. Mika stood in front of a large set of doors and was hesitant. She eventually got the courage to push the door open. Cautiously, the anxious tyke peered into the lighted room. It was Hancock's room, and the woman was not yet asleep. She was finishing up her nighttime preparation but noticed her door creaking.

"Mika," Hancock said knowingly as she turned to see the girl. She could see the girl's sad expression, which made her frown sadly herself.

"More bad dreams." Mika nodded and sniffled.

Both females got settled into Hancock's bed. They sat separately as Mika continued to hug her father's straw hat. Neither one spoke to the other; Mika was too sad and depressed, and Hancock was unsure of what to do.

'This makes for the eighth time,' Hancock thought worriedly. 'I have to say something this time….'

"So, Mika…."

"Ms. Hammock…" Hancock ignored the incorrect naming and listened to the girl. "Do you have a mama…?"

Hancock was surprised by the question but answered. "In our society, we are raised as a community. Everyone helps teach the young ones. Rarely are there blood siblings formed like with I and my sisters, but it was our mother's desire to keep us close. I don't remember much of about her…."

A smile formed as Hancock remembered something nice. "There is someone I remember fondly, however. She was a bit of a rebel, but she looked after us well. She was a little rough, but she always looked after us. Providing food, comforting us when we were scared, helping us, she did it for us."

"Like a mama…." Mika pointed out.

"Yes, I guess so," Hancock said with a small smile. She then stated, "It was even thanks to her we got to join the Kuja Pirates at such a young age, due to her wild training…."

Mika brought up a point, "But, didn't you guys get taken away while at sea…."

"Yes…." Hancock became more solemn as she continued speaking.

"When we returned, I had wanted to blame her for everything we experienced. But I was told she had been searching for us for all that time. She had even gone out on her own. I couldn't bring myself to say anything to her. We had already decided we would lie to everyone about what had happened to us, but I have not talked with her in a long time."

The young girl asked, "Don't you miss her?"

"Yes and no," Hancock stated plainly. "For the sake of protecting us, I have to keep our secret from everyone, even her. But she is doing well. She's actually the nurse at that school you went to today."

"Ms. Horehound?" Mika said, surprised.

"Her journey to find us had really changed her. She actually started that school so that a better eye could be kept on our young Kuja. It was approved by the last empress, and I make sure it is well-kept for her. It's the best I can do for her, really…."

"…I think you should tell her," Mika said bashfully.

Hancock looked at the little girl, alarmed, but Mika continued explaining her thought. "Me and my momma had a fight before…."

"Mika…" Hancock said sadly.

"I never got to tell her sorry…." The young girl began to hug her father's straw hat tightly as she started feeling depressed. "I can't tell her anything anymore…."

Sensing the girl's depression, Hancock enwrapped Mika in a hug to comfort her. She understood what the child was going through, and she was also beginning to think she may have a point. It would be a thought for later; Hancock was more concerned with her charge. She separated a little from Mika so she could clearly tell her something.

"You still have another parent with who you can share these feelings…."

Mika understood but became glum. After separating fully from Hancock's embrace, she told the woman, "I don't know if wanna go on any more adventures…."

"I still think Daddy will be the King of the Pirates, and I still wanna see more cool stuff. But Daddy and everyone aren't super strong like I thought. And I'm…."

"Just a kid," Mika admitted though slightly frustrated.

Hancock, despite herself, giggled a little that made Mika confused. The woman immediately explained herself, "From what I've seen, if you are any kind of kid, you are very much your father's child…."

"You're as reckless as he was in trying to fight my sisters, take on Impel Down, and rescue his brother. Almost identical even, but I can see some of Nami in you. Even though we haven't known each other for long, I can see it. You are just as bright, maybe with some training…."

That final word drew Mika's intrigue. "' Trainin"…?" she questioned with hope.

It was an instant change in attitude that Hancock noticed immediately. A new thought arose that gave made Hancock smile proudly. Though it was not something she had ever tried before, Hancock was going to for this little girl: for her and her parents.

Both females slept together as they had done nights before, only now, there was a different kind of attitude they were sleeping on. Something had changed, but it had to wait until morning. When the sun rose on a new day, Hancock rose first and awoke Mika after getting dressed and making some preparations. One of those was the new clothes she had for the little girl; it was a red-orange tiger skin tank top and matching gym shorts. The shirt was skintight, but the shorts were slightly loose. On the back of the shirt, the Kuja Pirates Jolly Roger was sewn onto it. Before leaving, Mika placed on her father's straw hat before following the woman.

At breakfast, none of Mika's usual greeters were there, which she found strange. When she was finished, Hancock brought Mika through a new passage that led further into the castle. They entered a long and dimly lit tunnel before finally seeing a bright light at the end. Mika was surprised to know that they were now outside and surrounded by jungle. Before her was a vast and smooth dirt field, and the other Boa sisters and Elder Nyon were waiting for them. Before Mika could greet them, Hancock immediately demanded her complete attention.

"Monkey D. Mika, daughter of Nami and my darling Luffy, I am going to offer you a proposition…."

Mika blinked confusedly. "A what?"

"A deal, child." Hancock explained further, "You wonder if you should go on any more adventures with those you call family. Well, if you allow me to teach and train you, you may just discover if really you can or cannot!"

As she watched on, Elder Nyon was a little surprised. "She's quite enthused about this," she spoke aloud.

"Yeah," said Marigold, also surprised. "I've never seen Big Sis like this before."

Sandersonia was much more amused with the display. "I know, this is going to be interesting for her."

"Your father is training to learn how to use Haki. I can teach you the same thing," Hancock stated confidently.

Mika responded surprisedly, "You can?!"

"You are already naturally gifted in Observation Haki, and you have access to Conqueror's and even the legendary Empress' Haki of our old tales. I will sharpen all those plus Armament Haki to that of the level of a Kuja warrior."

"Whoa…" Mika said, amazed.

"But," Hancock continued solemnly, "that is only if you agree."

"It will be tough. I will not coddle or baby you during your training. You will hurt, and you may even suffer a little. It will all be hard on you, but I promise you that you will be prepared for anything the New World will throw at you…."

It was a lot to take in for Mika. She had not considered the idea of training as her father was doing. Of course, the young girl had many things on her mind. Now that it was presented to her by Hancock, Mika took serious consideration of the notion. She had always admired how incredible and strong her family appeared to her, and she knew they would only be better after two years. To do the same thing, train for that same time, Mika began to wonder if she could be like them.

As she thought about it, Mika looked up and saw the brim of her father's straw hat. She took it off and stared at the hat that was the symbol of her family. In her mind, Mika could see and hear all those she cherished, and they were giving her their support like they always did.

"Kaw!" said Biri cheerfully.

Akio was smiling as he spoke encouragingly, "Mika!"

"Yohohoho!" Brook laughed before saying cheerily, "Mika!"

Franky was next as he lifted his sunglasses, grinned, and gave a thumb up towards the girl. "Mika…!" he said coolly.

Coming after was Robin, smiling so maturely but lovingly as well. "Mika…" she said affectionately.

"Mika!" Chopper shouted excitedly.

Smirking, Sanji happily spoke, "Mika!"

Beaming with pride, Usopp too called out to the girl, "Mika!"

As Zoro followed next, he was actually smiling as he encouraged the girl, "Mika."

Her father, Luffy, with his hat on, was grinning merrily as he said her name lovingly, "Mika!"

And though it made her a little sad, Mika saw her mother too. Her warm smile like sunshine as she looked at Mika full of pride and happiness and love, "Mika…."

Finally, they all spoke together, "No matter what, we'll always be here for you!"

[Cue "We Are! To the New World version"]

A single tear fell from Mika's eye, but the girl was smiling now. She wiped away the teardrop with her whole arm before looking back at Hancock. Confidence and excitement were brimming from her that made the woman and her observers happy.

"Okay!" Mika then placed her father's straw hat back on her head confidently. She looked up again and continued, "I'll do it!"

Hancock smiled. "Excellent!" she said enthusiastically.

"Then, from now on, you shall address me as 'Mistress' Hancock…."

"Let's go, Auntie Hancock!" Mika shouted heedlessly but enthusiastically.

The woman was shocked. "Au-Auntie?!" Hancock was astounded to be addressed with such a title. But she was not mad; she was instead blushing as her mind made assumptions.

'Mika considers me family, which means I'm only a step away from being considered a 'mother!' If my darling Luffy sees how well I and Mika get along….' However, while Hancock was hypothesizing her eventual nuptials, Elder Nyon asked the girl a question.

"Why did you call the empress of the Kuja' auntie?'"

"Well, my Auntie Robin teaches me lots of stuff, and that's what Auntie Hancock is doing now, right?"

Neither Elder Nyon nor the younger Boa sisters could fault the young girl's logic. However, as they looked at Hancock, they all realized the same problem. 'But now, she's going to be fretting over this for the whole two years….'

Hancock eventually broke out of her thought to address Mika formerly. "Very well, I shall accept that title. Shall well begin?"

Mika threw her arms up into the air and cheered, "Yeah!" She then rushed forward to her teacher, ready to be taught.

Come aboard and bring along all your hopes and dreams

The first scenes of Straw Hat Pirates – from the anime – play by. Luffy bursts from a water barrel, overjoyed. Zoro is tied to a post, bloodied but surviving.

Important scenes flash by. The first of the moments, it was Shanks as he gave a kid Luffy his straw hat. It followed quickly by Nami holding the newborn Mika lovingly with Luffy looking down happy. The last scene is the family of three, Luffy and Nami and a five-year-old Mika, between them, as they smile joyfully.

Together we will find everything that we're looking for…!

Continuing the first scenes' montage, Usopp stands with his old Usopp Pirate crew flag near him. His legs were shaking, and he appeared frightened. Sanji is carrying two steaming plates in the Baratie. He was contently serving the patrons of his master's restaurant.

ONE PIECE!

The important scene shows Mika as she takes her father's straw hat and places it on her head. She then lifts her head to reveal her confident grin.

Further continuing the montage, Chopper hides inversely in Drum Castle. He becomes shocked by something, most likely the comment Nami made at him about his hiding. Robin is next, appearing as she did as a Baroque Works' agent. She sat on the Going Merry's interior railing as she caught Luffy's straw hat amusingly.

Compass left behind, it'll only slow us down

In Water 7 is where the Straw Hat pirates first met Franky. The man was performing his entrance ending with his signature pose. Brook's introduction was more casual; the living skeleton was having a cup of tea, as he thought absentmindedly.

Your heart will be your guide

Raise the sails and take the helm

Though angry, Akio's first encounter with the Straw Hat Pirates (Mika) was once guarded as he protected his mother. As for Biri, the poor bird was scared and trapped in a cage. Things would turn out better for him in time.

That legendary place

That the end of the map reveals

Now, several scenes are shown of each Straw Hat Pirate crew member doing their specialized training. Chopper is first as he crushes herbs determinedly. Somewhere outside, under Sabo's watchful eye, Akio is practicing some strikes.

Is only legendary til someone proves it real

Flying through the trees, Biri dodges an attack by the Sarookami before discharging to strike back. Next comes Brook, and though he is trapped in a cage, he plays his song joyfully and with purpose.

Through it all, through all the trouble times

Through the heartache, through the pain

On Gloomy Island, Zoro had recovered and was fighting the Humandrills. He was fighting their leader, the largest of them, wielding a blade like Mihawk's own Yoru. He was just as formidable of an opponent as the man himself.

Know that I will be there to stand by you

Just like I know you'll stand by me!

Similarly, Sanji, too, was facing a tough challenge. He was participating in Ivankov's test and already facing against four Newkama Kenpo fighters. One by one, Sanji dealt with each of them as he rushed for the goal ahead.

Quick flash by; first of the Thousand Sunny anchored off one of the mangroves in the Sabaody Archipelago. It is followed by a close of the Straw Hat Pirates' jolly. The last scene is of the entire Straw Hat pirate crew together as a group side by side, happy and cheerful.

So come aboard and bring along all your hopes and dreams

Usopp runs through the Gluttony Forest, his speed significantly decreased by his new and tremendous size. It did not stop him as he was determined to become a new and improved version of himself. In his hand, he had the key to that version of himself, a couple of multicolored seeds. But until he could effectively use them, he would have to dodge the carnivorous plants out to get him.

Together we will find everything that we're looking for~

In the secret lab of the genius scientist Vegapunk, Franky had recovered from his outing as the "scared beast of Baldimore" and returned to begin his work. As he grabbed the hanging tools above his workstation, Franky was focused intensely on a design he was planning for himself and his crew. There were so many blueprints of brilliant ideas, and they inspired Franky's own creativity.

There's always room for you if you wanna be my friend

Sailing through the East Blue, Robin was being provided for by the Revolutionary Army as they made their way to the Grand Line and Baltigo within it. She was currently sitting on the deck, remaining guarded for her own safety.

We are!

We are on the cruise!

Robin stood up from her chair and walked over to the railing to look out a smile. She was smiling as she thought of her crew and precious niece. Seeing them in only two short years would be worth it for her.

We are!

A beast - a giant rhinoceros - is sent flying back. Luffy stood opposite with his fist extended out. Rayleigh was a short distance away, observing keenly. The young man looked up to reveal his determined expression set on his goal. His training was only just beginning.

Now, we return to Amazon Lily. Hancock has already begun teaching Mika about Haki, demonstrating Armament Haki first. Though she was paying attention intently, her mind wandered a bit to the blue sky above her. The little girl's smile brightened as she thought to herself a pledge to all her family and friends.

'Biri… Akio… Uncle Brook… Uncle Franky… Auntie Robin… Uncle Chopper… Uncle Sanji… Uncle Usopp… Uncle Zoro… Daddy…'

'I'm still not sure if I want to go on adventures anymore, but I'm super sure I wanna see you all again…!'

'So, Mama, please watch over me! 'Cause I'm gonna train super hard so I can make the decision all by myself!'

WE ARE!

GO TO

NEW WORLD!

Author's Note: And there you have it, the completion of Season 1 on One Piece: Destiny.

I would like to thank everyone for reading to the end as well as to anyone who cut out at a "certain" point. Mika, Akio, Biri, Luffy, and everyone's journey will continue in Season 2!

Extra special thanks to wolf191000, Lord Ashwood the 42nd, and Goku275!

It's a brand New World now, folks. Things are in motion that you can only guess at. Destiny is twisting and expanding beyond its measures. And the Straw Hat Pirates will face it all, a little broken but still good.

Yeah, still good.

But, until then, I'm taking a break! Dealing with the aftermath of THAT incident has definitely left me exhausted. So, until Season 2 comes out...

Ja ne!