SailorStar9: With Chapter 144 uploaded, I present Chapter 145 this fic. For everyone who put this fic on your favorited and followed lists and/or story alerts, thank you, but remember everyone, a lot of authors (myself included) sustain on readers' reviews.

Pairings: Ace/Sasha, sibling Luffy/Sasha and Sabo/Sasha, Background Protector!Law/Sasha

Disclaimers: One Piece belongs to Oda Eiichirō-sensei. Me, on the other hand, own absolutely nothing, except my OC, the pairing and the fic idea.

Chapter 145: Arc 11: Reunited with Dark King Rayleigh! Decision Time for Luffy!


While Sasha was reminiscing about the past, in the depths of the Amazon Lily's forest, Luffy had hit a blank about furthering his training when a ripple of Haki announced Rayleigh's arrival on the island.

"Phew, I'm tired." the dripping wet former pirate remarked, stepping out from the water after disposing a giant Sea King. "Oh, Luffy-kun." he greeted the young pirate who had hurried to the shore in response of the Haki wave.

"Rayleigh-ossan!" Luffy gaped.

"I'm glad I was able to find you so easily." Rayleigh beamed.

"What are you doing here?" Luffy asked.

"Oh, Rayleigh?" Elder Nyon recognized the aged pirate, having accompanied Hancock and her sisters to the shore, the entire entourage having brought food for Luffy.

"If it isn't Gloriosa." Rayleigh beamed. "This sure takes me back."

"Rayleigh." Sandersonia greeted the sisters' savior.

"Ray-san." Marigold breathed in relief.

"It's you two." Rayleigh turned to the sisters.

"Luffy!" Hancock gushed.

"Hey, ane-sama!" Sandersonia and Marigold chided mildly. "That is no way to act in front of a man we're indebted to."

"Do you know Rayleigh-ossan?" Luffy asked the sisters.

"Yes." Marigold nodded.

"It's a long story." Sandersonia added.

"Luffy, you must be hungry." Hancock continued to gush. "I have brought you food."

"Right, I've read Shakky's letter." Elder Nyon looked up from the letter Rayleigh brought. "Looks like she's still the same as ever."

"Yeah, she hasn't changed at all since you left Sabaody." Rayleigh agreed. "She's doing fine. You girls have changed so much over the last thirteen years ago." he looked at the two sisters. "You're grown strong and beautiful."

"Rayleigh, Shakky, Elder Nyon..." Sandersonia listed. "We owe all three of you so much for taking us in after we escaped from the Celestial Dragons."

"Still, this is quite worrisome." Elder Nyon mused. "Even if you personally know Luffy, the fact that you were able to guess Luffy's location so easily troubles me."

"What?" Hancock finally spotted Rayleigh. "How nostalgic. By any chance, are you Rayleigh?"

"You noticed that now?" Elder Nyon snapped. "Just how distracted are you?"

"The very person who sent Luffy-kun flying told me what direction he went." Rayleigh explained. "When Bartholomew Kuma sent Luffy-kun flying, Amazon Lily was directly in his path. Female intuition is frightening thing." he noted, recalling Shakky's explanation on the possibility of Hancock falling in love with Luffy.

"She was perfectly on target, about all of it." Elder Nyon sighed referring to the obviously love-struck Hancock.

"Now, let's get to the point." Rayleigh noted. "Luffy-kun, the Sabaody Archipelago, do you remember what happened to you on that island? Do you think you can withstand such overwhelming power in your current state?"

"Yeah, I know..." Luffy hissed. "Sasha sent a letter four days after we were separated; she wanted everyone to remain where we are and train ourselves for two years."

"A letter?" Rayleigh echoed. "May I take a look? Your sister is a very smart young lady." he remarked, skimming the letter.

"But right now, I've hit a blank as to how to further my training." Luffy admitted.

"That's why I have a second suggestion." Rayleigh offered. "What would you do, Luffy-kun?" he asked after laying out his proposal.

"I never want my crew to be in that situation again." Luffy declared. "That's why..." he bowed to Rayleigh. "Please teach me how to control my Haki!"


SailorStar9: Any OOC-nes is regretted. *Sighs* Don't you just hate plot bunnies sometimes? Reviews are much appreciated.