Flames of the Sun God
A One Piece Fanfic by GreyNimbus
OP/Luffy, Mature/Luffy, EarlyDFAwaken/Luffy, NoPairing
Disclaimer:
One Piece is owned by Eiichiro Oda. I do NOT own anything One Piece related. Obviously(!)
Chapter 12 — Return to Sabaody
The bright sun illuminated the vast ocean as the Perfume Yuda sailed through the calm waters of the Grand Line, carrying the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Monkey D. Luffy. After two long years of arduous training with the legendary Silvers Rayleigh, the time finally came for Luffy to reunite with his crew and continue their journey to the New World.
Perched on the ship's bow, Luffy's excitement was palpable. He could hardly contain his anticipation. His eyes sparkled with unbridled enthusiasm as the sight of his destination slowly rose on the horizon.
"I see it!" Luffy called out to the Kuja Pirates who were out on the deck. "I can see Sabaody!"
As the ship gradually neared the infamous archipelago, Luffy couldn't help but reminisce about the last time he had been there. It had been a chaotic and dangerous place, with powerful pirates and slave traders prowling the streets. But this time, things were different. Luffy had grown substantially more powerful, and his resolve to protect his friends burned brighter.
Boa Hancock, dressed in her regal attire, stepped out onto the deck and stood behind Luffy.
"This is as far as we can go, Luffy. So we'll have to say our goodbyes here." Hancock said calmly.
Luffy stepped off the bow at her voice and stood in front of the Pirate Empress.
"We cannot let anyone discover the nature of our relationship," she added.
Hancock didn't show it, but Luffy could tell that she crying on the inside, not knowing when or if she'll ever see him again.
"I understand," Luffy nodded in reassurance.
"I've prepared…" Hancock pauses as she pulls out a fake nose and mustache and holds it over her face. "...a disguise for you."
"Haha, are you kidding?" Luffy chuckles. "I can't pull that look off!"
"Perhaps, but-"
"Besides," Luffy holds up a finger, interrupting her, "I have a much better disguise. Check this out!"
Luffy buries his hand into his hair, which suddenly turns a flaming white. He pulled out a chunk of the hair by a handful. The pulled hair then begins to shape and take the form of a white walrus mustache. Luffy placed his magically created facial hair over his upper lip and grinned proudly at his spectating benefactors while his hair changes back to its usual black.
The entire crew reacted very comedically—their jaws almost hit the floorboards, and their eyes were as wide as dinner plates.
"Oh, yeah, I guess you didn't know I could do that, huh?" Luffy scratched the back of his head shyly. "Ever since I achieved Awakening, I can create things out of my hair! Pretty cool, huh?"
He gave the Kuja Pirates a moment to recover from their awe since they were not used to seeing such a ridiculous display of power. Once the awkwardness had died down, Hancock walked closer to Luffy and pulled the hood of his cloak over his head. The Pirate Empress gave it to him from her personal wardrobe to conceal his identity from the World Government while he makes his way to reunite with his crew.
"I suppose any disguise will work, but you must be careful," she said, adjusting the rim of Luffy's hood. "Keep your face hidden at all times. The world may believe you've been dead these last two years, but that won't stop anyone from recognizing you the first time you get into trouble. So, if you ever want to set sail again, you'll take my advice to heart."
"I'll do my best," Luffy nodded. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Hancock then walked over to an impossibly large and overstuffed backpack. "Now, for supplies, I've loaded your backpack with fifty changes of clothes, one-thousand lunches, handkerchiefs, and tissues. You'll also find three years' worth of water, snacks, and bug bite ointment. There's also five years' worth of towels, toothbrushes, plenty of soaps, hand cream, and lots of silverware."
"THAT IS ENTIRELY TOO MUCH!" Elder Nyon exclaimed loudly.
But Hancock responded with the bashful smile of an entranced schoolgirl.
"There's no need for all that," Luffy said modestly. "I'll just take half and use it as my overnight bag."
With that, the Kuja Pirates helped lighten the load, which still left the backpack relatively big for Luffy's size. The Elder still thought it was too much, though. But that didn't matter to Luffy.
He rolled the backpack on its side before stepping into the straps, carrying it like a rope-tied mattress. He was now fully prepared to go ashore.
"Well, I hope you can find all your friends," said Margaret.
"Thanks again for the ride, ladies," Luffy bowed respectfully—a gesture of etiquette that was literally beaten into him by his obstinate grandfather. "...and for the supplies."
Margaret giggled. "We were more than happy to help you."
"Your most difficult trials may still be ahead of you," Sweet Pea warned. "I hear that Sabaody has become a den of crime."
"Mm-hm," Elder Nyon nodded. "And because of that, the Navy has been keeping a tight watch over the goings-on there as of late, my boy."
"So, be sure to take extra care!" Sweet Pea warned again.
"Will do!" Luffy gave them a thumbs-up.
"If you ever need assistance, the full force of the Kuja Pirates will come rushing to your aid at a moment's notice," Hancock reassured. "Please, don't hesitate to call on us." The Pirate Empress then turned away with a faint blush on her cheeks. "Also, would you be willing to do me a favor?"
"I already said I can't marry you," Luffy jumped the gun.
"No, no," Hancock bashfully denied. "All I ask is that, when you leave, you do so…without saying "farewell"," she asked, curiosity mingling with concern.
After a moment of silence, Luffy took a deep breath. He had never had to say that to anybody in his entire life, since they were either enemies that he beat up or friends that he wanted to see again.
And Luffy knew exactly which side he wanted Boa Hancock to stay on.
Looking directly into her eyes. "Hancock…" he spoke with sincerity. "You've done so much for me, risked so much. I can't repay you enough."
Reaching out, Luffy gently took one of Hancock's hands into his own. Time seemed to stand still as Luffy's lips met Hancock's delicate skin. The world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their bond. For Luffy, it was a simple gesture of gratitude, but also an acknowledgment of the sacrifices and unwavering support Hancock had shown him.
Hancock's eyes widened and gasped deeply, surprised by the depth of Luffy's gratitude. She felt a flurry of emotions, her heart fluttering at his genuine display of appreciation. Hancock's breath hitched as she felt the soft touch of Luffy's lips on her hand. It was a gesture that stirred something deep within her, a connection that transcended words. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions—gratitude, affection, and an amplified, undeniable fondness for the young captain.
As Luffy pulled away, his eyes met Hancock's, a mixture of determination and kindness shining within them. "Thank you so much for everything, Hancock," he said softly. "I won't forget what you've done for me. You're a really important friend to me."
A smile graced Hancock's lips, her eyes shining with a newfound warmth. "Oh, Luffy…you have an extraordinary ability to touch the hearts of those around you," she whispered, her voice filled with admiration. "You've repaid me with your sincerity, and for that, I'm grateful."
Their bond, strengthened by Luffy's heartfelt gesture, held a promise of unwavering support and friendship as their journey together comes to an end.
Many of the Kuja Pirates, mostly the Boa Sisters, were still comprehending the amount of affection that Luffy displayed to their beloved Empress.
"See ya! Moonwalk!"
With one final goodbye, Luffy tightens his hold on his backpack before leaping off the deck and flying towards Sabaody Archipelago, playfully stroking his temporary, white facial hair.
Despite its name, Sabaody Archipelago is actually a massive mangrove forest growing out of the ocean floor, 10,000 meters below sea level. These towering plans were called "Hustle Muscle Mangroves". They all had natural, white vertical stripes from top to bottom with large numbers written on each tree.
Each tree, or grove, serves as an island on which people can live and build a community. The locals go from one grove to another via man-made bridges that connect around the tree roots.
The unique quality of these mangroves is that they are capable of producing a special type of tree sap resin. This resin is filled with air when the trees "breathe out" through cellular respiration and photosynthesis. This results in the resin forming bubbles that float through the air. Since the resin bubbles are solid and durable enough to lift a person's body weight without popping, the locals have adapted to using this resin in their everyday lives, including merchandising and infrastructure.
The archipelago has a total of seventy-nine groves, dividing them into several different areas, with each one dependent on the area.
Groves 1-29 are the lawless areas where criminals and bounty hunters run amok.
Groves 30-39 has the bubble-themed amusement park attraction, Sabaody Park.
Groves 40-49 is a tourist spot filled with various shops and souvenir stands.
Groves 50-59 is the shipping area.
Groves 60-69 houses the local Marines headquarters.
And finally, Groves 70-79 is where you'll find all the hotels.
(Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 13, Shakky's Rip-off Bar…)
The familiar sights and sounds brought a mix of nostalgia and excitement. As Luffy landed gracefully on the large mangrove root that housed the familiar establishment, he couldn't help but wonder if his friends were inside too. Determined to find out, he dropped his backpack and hurried through the front door.
Entering the bar, Luffy's eyes darted around, searching for any familiar faces. And then, his gaze settled on a figure at the counter. It was none other than his mentor, the Dark King, Silvers Rayleigh. The old man was enjoying a shot of whiskey on the rocks.
Leaning behind the counter was another familiar face; Shakuyaku, aka Shakky—a slim and tall woman with short black hair, holding a lit cigarette. She looked very young despite being in her 60s.
Despite their differences in appearance, Rayleigh and Shakky are partners in both business and life.
"Well," Shakky couldn't help but smile, "we were just talking about you, Monkey."
"'Bout time you showed up," Rayleigh said as he turned toward Luffy, his eyes glowing with warmth.
"Hi, Rayleigh! Hi, Shakky!" Luffy greeted the elders with a wave and a wide grin of joy across his face. "Good to see you guys again!
Before Luffy got a response, Luffy's advanced Observation Haki sensed an incoming attack from the counter. The next instant, Shakky placed her cigarette on an ashtray and then disappeared before reappearing in front of Luffy, her leg raised up high, about to deliver a heavy axe kick.
Luffy, being the bonafide Haki master that he is, hardened his fist with Haki before stopping Shakky's attack by catching her by the ankle with ease. Shakky's eyes widened at how easily the Rubber-man stopped her attack.
She didn't even make him flinch.
Shakky suddenly jumped back after Luffy generously loosened his grip. He didn't bother putting his guard up since he was able to sense no malicious intent from the bar owner.
Shakky gave Luffy a satisfied smile before returning to behind the counter.
"What was that about?" Luffy asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Shakky and I were discussing your crewmates and their order of arrival," Rayleigh answered. "Since you were the last to arrive, Luffy, she wouldn't believe me when I told her that you surpassed me, so she volunteered to test you if you ever stopped by the bar."
"Sorry about that, Monkey," Shakky apologized smoothly. "I guess my husband wasn't just pulling my hair." She then motions for Luffy to take a seat at the counter. "Can I get you anything, hun?"
Luffy grinned as he took a seat next to Rayleigh. "Got any meat?"
Shakky chuckled, picking up her cigarette and placing it between her lips. "Of course, but I've got something even better for you today. How about I introduce you to a new world of taste?"
Intrigued, Luffy leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "A new world of taste? What do you mean?"
Shakky went to the shelf behind her, which displayed a collection of differently labeled bottles, before returning with a tray holding various bottles filled with colorful liquids. She lined them up in front of Luffy, who observed them with fascination. Each bottle bore a different label, promising a unique and exciting experience.
"You're 19 now. Isn't that right?" Shakky asked.
"Mm-hm," Luffy nodded.
"That means you're old enough to drink alcohol," Shakky explained, her voice tinged with excitement. "They come in different flavors and strengths. People all around the world enjoy them as a way to unwind and celebrate. I wanna see if your tastebuds have matured as well."
Luffy's eyes widened with anticipation. "I've never had booze before. Are they tasty?"
Shakky nodded, pouring a small amount of the golden liquid into a glass. "They can be. But be warned, some are quite strong, and too much can make you lose control."
Luffy leaned in closer, curiosity getting the better of him. "I'll try it! It may not be meat, but I'm open to new things! I wanna taste all of them!"
With a laugh, Shakky handed Luffy the glass. He raised it to his lips and took a sip, his face lighting up with surprise and delight. The smooth and warm sensation danced across his taste buds, unlike anything he had ever experienced.
His eyes widened as the warm, tingling sensation spread through his body. The taste was unlike anything he had experienced before—complex, yet somehow comforting.
As Luffy continued to sample the different alcoholic beverages, Rayleigh's eyes gleamed mischievously as he observed his former student's reaction. "How is it, Luffy?"
"Not bad!" Luffy said, a smile spreading across his face. "It tastes like a special kind of adventure in itself! I can see why Zoro drinks this stuff all the time."
The elder couple chuckled at that aspect of one of Luffy's friends. Speaking of…
"So, you said I was the last one to arrive," Luffy reminded before his excitement escalated. "Does that mean everyone else made it back?!"
"That's right," Shakky clarified. "Duval and his gang were here earlier but you just missed them. They suffered a lot of injuries while they were defending your ship. Your friends all stopped here, one after the other. They're all currently out wandering the archipelago to kill time."
"Oh yeah, the Sunny!" Luffy exclaimed happily. "How is she?"
"There's not a scratch on her," Rayleigh said. "We finished the coating, too."
"That's great!" Luffy smiled with relief. "Thanks, old man!"
"Just make sure to give credit where credit's due," the old man nodded before bringing up the elephant in the room, "By the way, Luffy, I couldn't help but notice that white mustache. Is it a fake?"
"Oh!" Luffy quipped before casually tearing off the white facial hair. "Yeah, It's fake. Hancock made me promise to stay discreet until my crew and I can sail away."
"I don't blame her. After you caused such a stir at Marineford, the whole world is after you. Wouldn't want them knowing you're still alive just yet."
"Speaking of…" Shakky added before pulling out a sheet of paper that depicted the Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger with a message written around it. "...I thought I should mention that your crew has become more renowned than you thought."
Luffy took a closer look at the sheet of paper.
"'Urgent Crew Needed'?" Curiosity piqued, Luffy carefully read the contents. His eyes widened as he discovered it was an advertisement for new crew members, seeking to join the Straw Hats. Confusion clouded his features as he scanned the details. "But I'm not looking for new crew members. We're already the Straw Hat Pirates! I don't need scrubs on my crew. Unless..." His face furrowed in realization and frustration. "...Imposters."
Determined to unravel the mystery, Luffy stood up from his seat before marching toward the front door.
"It was great seeing you both again, but I've gotta get to the bottom of this."
The couple nodded understandingly. "We understand, Luffy. But listen closely," Rayleigh began, his voice carrying the weight of his experience. "The key is to unveil these imposters' true identities. Seek out those who know us best, our friends and allies. They can help you distinguish between the genuine Straw Hat Pirates and the pretenders." Rayleigh warned, his voice laced with wisdom.
"Agreed," Shakky added, "You must gather information, follow any leads, and expose the truth. With that, you can put an end to this deception and protect the honor of your crew."
Luffy nodded, his determination flaring as he absorbed Rayleigh's words. His fists clenched, and a fire burned in his eyes. "Yeah. I won't let anyone tarnish my crew's good name!" he declared with unwavering resolve.
With nothing more to say, the Straw Hat captain rushed out of the bar, closing the door behind him.
(Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 47, Tourist Area…)
After leaving the bar, Luffy immediately zipped across several groves with his backpack until he spotted the first sign of civilization. Luffy's first steps into the district were met with a whirlwind of activity. The bustling streets were filled with merchants, pirates, and curious onlookers. The Straw Hat imposters seemed to have caused quite a stir, and Luffy was keeping his ears open for any whispers about their whereabouts echoing through the crowd.
With a keen sense of purpose, and his identity concealed, Luffy weaved through the chaotic streets, his gaze fixed on his goal. He visited shady taverns, frequented any potential pirate hangouts, and followed any lead that might bring him closer to the imposters.
As he casually walked through the bustling streets filled with shops and souvenir stands, Luffy immediately noticed the increasing number of pirates hanging around compared to 2 years ago. Some were skulking in the alleys, while some were fighting each other in the middle of the streets. All the locals were either watching their skirmishes play out or decided not to get involved.
'I bet a lot of these pirates intend on joining the crew of those fakers,' Luffy pondered. 'I need to find a place where lots of pirates gather…'
Luffy continued to stroll through the busy streets, his senses honed for any signs of deception while looking from shop to shop for any suspicious characters.
As much as he wanted to, he would much rather find his friends first. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't find them that easily, even with his advanced Haki since he doesn't know what their auras feel like.
As Luffy delved deeper into the heart of Sabaody Archipelago, he stopped when he noticed a sobbing figure blindingly running towards him. Or, in this case, galloping.
The figure was a full-grown, reindeer wearing a blue, round cap with a sideways medical cross on the front, a blue backpack with the same sideways cross, a white and yellow striped tank top, and a pair of orange shorts.
After a quick observation, the final clincher was the crying buck's remarkable blue nose.
"...Chopper?!"
Author's Note:
We're about to get our first Straw Hat reunion! Sorry about the cliffhanger.
Originally, this chapter was gonna be about Luffy shopping for souvenirs for his crewmates, using the money that Rayleigh gave him, but I think I'll save that for something else. On the other hand, Luffy discovered booze!
Luffy's gonna be a lot smarter and resourceful at this point, which might make future chapters a little longer to write, so thank you for your patience.
GreyNimbus out!