Set during their two year seperation, on the day we fans are all dying to know what happened. Thank you Ysaye, German Girl, for reviewing!
The sparring was familiar, the quick pace of ducking and pushing and tapping before retreating. It was a furious rhythm of a deadly dance between Luffy and himself and yet Rayleigh couldn't help think there was a comforting lull to it. He feinted to the side and struck out with his elbow only to become immensely pleased at how Luffy was already a step ahead with his arm pulled back. Easily, Rayleigh tilted his head to his right and Luffy's fist flew harmlessly past him but from the corner of his eye, there was movement and the Dark King jumped back to dodge the foot that tried to swipe him down. Luffy however was not as lucky because the momentum of the attack left his right side bare and Rayleigh immediately dug into the opening, ready to give a reprimminding strike.
The older pirate retreated in alarm instead.
"Luffy?"
The straw hat pirate had dropped his guard completely, his gaze turned towards the sea, still and tense, frozen like the clear sky hanging behind him.
(Rayleigh had not seen such a look from Luffy since...)
"Luffy."
There was a steel note of a demand for an explanation as much as there was concern. In answer, Luffy tore his gaze away and stared at his mentor. He blinked slowly before answering.
"I don't feel so good," Luffy rubbed an eye as he wondered. "Maybe I'm hungry?"
Of course, Rayleigh sighed and called today's practice to an end.
(But vast oceans and unknown islands away, there is splattered warm blood, an eye that will never see again and pain.)