A/N: If this did happen, I'm gonna lose it.
This was intended as drabble number 39, but yea.
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Character/s: Zoro, with mentions of the Straw Hat crew.
Rating: T
Notes: Zoro's POV.
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I stare up there, high on that platform.
I could remember that at one time, all I have to do was destroy one platform like the one I'm looking at just to save him.
At one time, that was all the shitty cook and I gotta do.
Now, I could definitely do that. I could cut the base of that platform my eyes glued themselves onto, but he won't be saved.
After years of adventuring on the Grand Line, we finally had our dreams. My strength reached the heavens the moment I surpassed Hawk Eyes. Nami managed to complete her map. Usopp now told stories of his own adventures with us, and no longer spoke of any fabricated story. The idiot cook found his wonder sea, fulfilling his dream along with his mentor's. Chopper became a better doctor, people flocking to him for treatment. It's like he could treat all kinds of illnesses and diseases.
Robin managed to understand what happened during the Blank Century (or so she says that's what it's called), and finally completed her research. Franky fulfilled his dream for the Sunny to become a 'super' ship (just like he puts it). Brook finally got reunited with the whale at the Twin Capes, and played his former crew's one last musical recording intended for that whale.
And of course Luffy became Pirate King.
Which is exactly the reason why he's right up there, where I locked my eyes earlier.
He looked at me, and I saw that smile that I've been familiar with ever since. I returned that smile and shook my head. Just like the old times, huh, Luffy? Then I saw him look around, and the look of surprise that passed his face for a split-second didn't escape my sight.
I know that he told us not to go. But everyone is here. Like hell everyone wouldn't go. He's our captain, and we're his nakama. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be bonded and united like this.
So at times like this, we have to be where he is.
He gave me one meaningful look, like the one that says, "I told you not to be here." to which I shook my head. What I tried to say was, "We could never be not here."
After all, we're with Luffy all the way.
I glanced behind my shoulder. There was Usopp, with Chopper, both looking extremely worried. On my right was Nami with Robin. Nami looked like she's gonna lose it at any moment, but she won't. And for once, Robin looked anxious.
Farther in front of me was the shitty cook, who just continued his daily consumption of nicotine. Not like I could see his face, though. Just three steps away from me were Franky and Brook, with the latter looking at the platform with gratitude.
I returned my gaze to the platform itself. And the look he was giving me was unmistakable.
You guys shouldn't be here.
I gave him a smirk. Even at his own demise, he's still worried about us. Just what kind of heart does he have? No wonder he's our captain.
Anyway, we're here. We're with you all the way, you know that.
I knew he understood that. For Luffy smiled before bowing his head.
That small moment between us was our last. The person beside him announced his offenses and all other shit we didn't care about. Yet, as that marine official read that piece of paper that had all of his charges, I couldn't help reminiscing.
It mentioned Enies Lobby, the first government facility we had overthrown. As the name of the place was said, the memories came flooding in. Next was the greatest prison in the world (until Luffy sacked it, that is), Impel Down. The riot he caused in Marine Headquarters was mentioned as well. And finally, all other measures Luffy took to attain his goals.
I couldn't help laughing.
My captain was a crazy man.
As I thought, when I turned around, every one of us looked pleased with our captain's feats. Indeed, we followed a crazy man. And in turn, we became his crazy crew.
After a few speeches and talks, the moment finally came.
His execution.
And to think that once, he saved his own brother from such.
But now, there's no turning back. Nowhere to run. It was just inevitable, as they say.
As I lifted my eyes to focus on my captain's face, I saw his trademark smile.
Yeah, like he'd fear death anyway. That was just so like him.
Boy, this brings back memories. And the cook remembered that as well, for he looked at me and motioned for the platform's base.
I shook my head. Luffy wouldn't like that. He'll be angry at us if we do that.
"Zoro!"
I turned my head instantly. He sensed what the cook and I were planning?
"Nami!"
He's really calling us, that idiot!
"Usopp!"
Is this how he intended to say goodbye?
"Sanji!"
Just like the old times, then. But at that time, only the cook and I heard it.
"Chopper!"
Now every single person here does.
"Robin!"
Now all eyes are focused on him. I smirked. He's still the attention-seeker idiot I knew.
"Franky!"
That Franky. Already tearing up?
"Brook!"
I couldn't blame them though. What happens next, Luffy?
After you're done calling us, what happens?
The words from before echoed through my mind.
"Sorry, I'm dead."
I expected him to say the same thing.
"Everyone!"
Turns out he wouldn't.
"Thanks."
After those words, there was it again. His trademark smile.
And with that, it happened.
What were those again? What Rayleigh-san was saying back then?
"He was our captain, and he was a great man!"
Deep inside me, I know I could say the same.
Along with everyone else.
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A/N: If Luffy dies in the series, I'm gonna go on an eternal hibernation.
Turned out longer than expected.