The weather on the shore of the island was raging, punctuated by flashes of lightning. The rain had long since soaked their tired, out-of-breath figures. Each of them had chosen this life-a life brimming with battles, new adventures, scars, newfound friends, and visits to countless islands. As the Straw Hat crew watched their captain, who as always fought with every ounce of his might to protect them, they couldn't shake a sense of unease. They were always afraid, but this time felt different. It felt like a bad omen, signaling that today would be unlike any other.
"Luffy, you can do it! Beat him!"
"Luffy! Keep it up!"
"Luffy!"
Luffy stood on one of the rocks, breathing heavily. He heard his Nakama cheering him on from somewhere behind. He smiled. He always heard them. He readied himself for another attack. Now, he wanted to finish it.
His final attack.
The opponent didn't wait either. Luffy ran and leaped. His Haki enveloped his hands and body. He and his opponent struck at the same moment. There was no time to retreat, no time to reconsider... no time to correct any error.
Luffy delivered a blow to his opponent's heart, and simultaneously received a blow to his own head. The pain was excruciating. He saw his opponent collapse, and then he too fell to the ground. The last thing he heard was his Nakama screaming, and he felt a warm liquid obscure his vision.
Blood.
After that, there was only darkness.
The darkness swallowed him whole.
The world of Aratis exists within each of us. Those who enter often fail to recognize its presence. It is a world teeming with creatures, magic, and strange logic-or lack thereof. Indeed, everything you can dream of can be found here. Quite like a dream, isn't it?
...
"In a world devoid of consciousness, where everything beautiful and magical resides, a brave soul will emerge to challenge the land of wishes and dreams. His spirit will incite rebellion and chaos, and his mind will not rest until his goal is achieved. Beware of him, Aratis, land of the subconscious and lost souls."
He is coming.
Monkey D. Luffy
...
"Our world is in danger," whispered a nervous, slightly shrill voice.
"Endangered? And why is that, my dear servant?" a female voice replied curiously.
"Our clairvoyant has predicted the future. This time, he is certain!" the deep, female voice chuckled.
The laughter echoed around the throne room.
"Dear Zoran, do you remember our clairvoyant's previous predictions? And who do you think these people are now?"
"Um, yes, Madam, but..."
"Silence!" the queen's voice boomed.
"This world has existed for centuries. Look outside," the Queen gestured outward.
"Land of wishes, land of dreams... why would anyone want to change it? Or even escape it? I, the generous queen, welcome everyone under my care and offer them the chance to live in a world where nothing is lacking!"
Zoran, a short, reptile-like creature, looked at his queen with admiration. He revered her power, her words, her self-confidence. But would none of these visions really come true?
"But Zoran, tell me, what is his or her name? Who should I be wary of? Who dares to threaten our world?"
Zoran met his queen's gaze. "His name is Monkey D. Luffy, ma'am."
The Queen sat up straight on her throne. "Luffy, did you say? I will remember that name. One day, he will come here. They always do. I shall be waiting for him. Of course, if he can get here," the Queen smiled.
"Yes, Madam, I will relay this information to the necessary individuals."
"Very well, now Zoran, it's time for a biscuit break!"
The Queen clapped her hands, her mind turning over the name Luffy. She was already imagining what kind of addition he would make to her collection. Perhaps an animal? Maybe a plant? Or maybe, just maybe, something entirely different...
Pain... hunger... These were the sensations Luffy felt after being struck by the attack-a foolish attack from his opponent. He should have been more cautious.
Zoro always warned him about his recklessness and tendency to underestimate his opponents. Usopp often criticized him for being too bold and straightforward for his own good. Nami advised him to be more aware of his surroundings and not wander off alone. Chopper insisted he take better care of his health. Franky and Robin believed in thinking before acting. Sanji tried to keep up with Luffy's voracious appetite, fueling his energy with meals, and reminding him to conserve his strength and avoid unnecessary fights.
But Luffy is Luffy.
Nothing ever goes as planned. Yet, he has his friends, doesn't he? He wouldn't make it without them.
A very familiar figure appeared before him.
Oh.
...
Ace.
"Are you still reminding me of this?" Luffy tried to approach Ace, his deceased brother, but his body stood still.
Oh.
"What did I expect, Ace? That you would suddenly come back to life or that I would be able to hug you?" Luffy said to himself.
No.
Ace looked at him sadly and shook his head.
"What's going on, Ace? What do you want to tell me?"
"It's bad to see you here, Luffy..." Ace's voice resonated, and Luffy's eyes widened. This wasn't what he expected.
"What do you mean, Ace?"
"You must get back. You must, do you understand?"
Luffy felt his head start to hurt; it was too much for him. It wasn't enough that he saw Ace, who had died, standing in front of him, but he had only recently stopped having nightmares about his death. And now this...
"Where the hell are we anyway, Ace? Where is my crew? Where's Sunny?"
Ace didn't answer for a moment and rubbed his forehead. "If you're here, it means you're dying. What have you gotten yourself into again, Luffy?"
Luffy felt sick to his stomach. Was he dying? No, it couldn't be possible.
"I was in the middle of a hard fight with the crew and I was hit hard." Luffy scratched his head and crossed his arms. "I'm not dying. I must have passed out and I'm dreaming about you, Ace, again. As always. Although this dream is different."
Ace shook his head thoughtfully. "No, Luffy. Apparently not this time."
Suddenly, the world around them began to fall apart. Luffy looked nervously at his surroundings.
"Hey, Ace! What do you mean? And why is everything suddenly falling apart?"
Ace looked at him worriedly. "I believe in you; you are my little brother after all, Luffy," Ace laughed sadly. "So, damn it, do whatever it takes to get out of this!"
"Get out of this? Ace?"
But Ace was already gone. Such an asshole. But Luffy loved him anyway.
"Usopp! Please, help me with Luffy! He's seriously injured..." Chopper shouted tearfully, examining Luffy's open wounds. "It's very serious this time."
Usopp ran to Chopper, and together they carried Luffy's light and unconscious body to a safe place aboard the Sunny, away from the battlefield.
"At least the ship wasn't destroyed..." Nami sighed, rubbing her forehead. She believed that Luffy would pull through. He had been hurt many times during fights and always made it out alive, hadn't he?
Some time later, Chopper emerged from Luffy's cabin, clad in his doctor's white coat. He was not happy. Not at all.
"Friends..." He walked up to them, pausing. What should he say to them? Should he tell them that maybe Luffy wouldn't wake up?
"Luffy is in stable condition but..." Before Chopper could finish, the rest of the crew started cheering with happiness. Luffy is fine, like always! He will wake up and do reckless things, he will eat any food he sees...
Usopp walked up and gave Chopper a friendly nudge on the shoulder with his elbow. "Chopper, I knew you could do it! My Usopp's sixth god sense predicted everything." He pointed proudly at himself with his thumb. Brook was already grabbing his guitar for another song, Franky had opened a can of Coke, and Nami and Robin were already ordering something to drink and eat from Sanji to help them relax.
"Stop it! He's... he's in a coma and has a very serious head injury. His condition is so serious that I don't know when, or if, he will wake up at all!"
Tears were falling from Chopper's large eyes, and his words made time suddenly stop.
"How... how do you not know?" Nami and Usopp shouted in panic.
"Are you sure, Chopper? After all, Luffy can always sleep for many hours after a fight! Maybe it's..." Nami began, but Chopper suddenly interrupted.
"Yes! I'm sure, I'm your ship's doctor! Despite everything... I will try to find a way for Luffy to wake up!" Chopper exclaimed, making it clear to them.
The discussion on the ship continued. One thing was certain: the crew wouldn't give up until they woke Luffy up. They would surely succeed. They always succeeded.
This time would be no different.
The silhouette of a young man lay on the grass, seemingly in a deep and peaceful sleep. Strange monkeys in clothes peered down at him from the trees, pointing at the intruder and chattering amongst themselves.
"Human."
"Food..." Luffy groaned in his sleep.
One monkey approached him, cautiously touching his forehead with a finger. Luffy's nose caught the scent of the fruit the monkey held in its other hand. Suddenly, Luffy's hands shot up in his sleep, trying to grab the monkey. The startled monkey jumped back, making agitated sounds. Another monkey had an idea and dropped some fruit from the tree onto Luffy's head. The fruit hit him squarely, shattering on his face. Luffy's eyes snapped open as he sat up, groaning in surprise.
"Oi! That hurts!" Luffy grabbed his head in annoyance and stuck out his tongue, tasting the remnants of nectar on his face. "Mmm! What's this?"
Then his eyes focused on a figure standing in front of him. "Hm? A monkey? Why does this monkey have clothes?"
"What are you thinking, intruder? We are not just monkeys!" A voice came from above. Luffy looked up and saw more monkeys.
"Woah, a talking monkey? Hey, this fruit is good. Do you have more?" Luffy's eyes lit up at the thought of food, ignoring the monkeys' threats.
Suddenly, Luffy noticed more fruit among the monkeys. Smirking, he stretched his rubber arm, snagged the fruit from the tree, and brought it quickly to his mouth.
"Mmm! Delicious!"
The monkeys stared, their mouths agape and eyes bulging. They all screamed in unison, "Is he stretching?!"
Luffy looked at them, his mouth full. "Hmm? Yeah, I'm made of rubber. By the way, my name is Luffy. Are you talking monkeys or something? Because you said you are not just monkeys."
One of the monkeys, dressed in robes, jumped down from the tree and cautiously approached Luffy. "We are a clan of brave monkeys living in the forests of Silent Village," the monkey declared, puffing out his chest proudly.
Luffy tilted his head to the side, munching on the fruit. "Silent Village, huh?"
"Yes," the monkey pointed east with his hairy finger, "A village not far from here."
Luffy picked more fruit and began stuffing himself. "You guys have some really good fruit up here."
The monkey grunted and asked, "So... tell me, Luffy boy, how did you end up here? We, wise and cunning monkeys, know every wanderer and inhabitant of this area. Your face and name don't sound familiar."
Luffy stopped eating and scratched his head. "Well, since you're asking now, I actually have no idea." He shrugged and started climbing the tree like a monkey, looking for more fruit.
"You don't know?" The monkey raised an eyebrow, watching Luffy's antics.
After a while, Luffy jumped down with a handful of fruit. "To be honest, I find it strange myself. I can't remember anything. Maybe I hit my head somewhere?" Luffy groaned in thought, looking at the fruits as if deciding which one to eat first.
"That would be disastrous!" the monkey exclaimed. "I think the best solution would be to seek help in Silent Village! We monkeys will give you this honor and show you the way! We are not evil creatures."
Luffy swallowed the last few fruits at once, and his stomach now bulged like a balloon. "Yeah, you guys aren't that bad."
The monkey's eyes widened in shock. "Luffy boy!? Is there something wrong with you?"
Luffy laughed, his bloated stomach quivering. "I'm fine, it'll be digested soon."
"Alice, where are you going?" an old, deep voice inquired.
Alice sighed, standing at the threshold with a basket in her hand. A young girl with long brown hair tied in two ponytails, Alice wasn't tall. Unlike the strange and diverse society that lived here, she seemed small in comparison. Their store wasn't large or new, but it was cozy, and the aroma of wood and fabric filled the air. Hats were scattered everywhere. Many people could get lost in this chaos of fabric, buttons, needles, and hats, but not her. She always knew where everything was. It was her chaos, her home.
"To the forest," she replied.
"What must I do to stop you from going back there?" The weary old voice spoke again, echoing a conversation they had had many times before.
"It's an easy way to make money, and you know I love the forest. Besides, I have customers waiting for their ingredients. I can't just stop doing this."
He disliked it when she left the village.
People who looked like ordinary humans were rare. If any were seen, they usually disappeared under mysterious circumstances. When the queen's subordinates learned that a human had appeared, they often took them to the queen.
He didn't know why.
But these humans never returned.
He always tried to believe that the queen helped them find their place in this world or assisted them in finding a way home.
That's what Alfredo always told himself.
He didn't really know where humans came from, but he knew they were different from them. Are there perhaps other realms where humans reside?
Each of these humans always wanted to move forward. If they appeared in one of the villages, they often said they wanted to leave and move on. Other humans learned about the queen and claimed that they had to go to her. But why? Why did they do this?
Alfredo never understood.
Each being had its designated abode in this world, and contentment abounded. Across diverse lands and numerous villages, each individual discovered their perfect niche to call home. In this world of sentient beings and animate objects, acceptance reigned supreme; this was the essence of their reality-Aratis.
Silent Village was his sanctuary, a haven he had not departed from in centuries. Occasionally, he ventured into the neighboring woods, but that was the extent of it. Everything they required was within reach here; there was no pressing need to venture beyond. However, Alice... She too was human, harboring a fervent desire for exploration. Frequently she roamed the nearby forest, her inquisitive nature leading her to inquire about distant lands. At times, a gnawing fear gripped him-fearing the day she might depart the village and never return. Alfredo spared no effort in deterring Alice from leaving the village or falling into the clutches of the queen's envoys who sought to whisk her away from his side.
He refrained from disclosing her humanity, dreading the prospect of alienating Alice or instilling a sense of otherness within her.
His deepest desire was for her to remain by his side, seamlessly integrated among the village's denizens.
Yet, perhaps his motives were purely self-serving.
Human beings were intriguing; for some, they were a harbinger of impending trouble, while for others, they were just like everyone else around here. Strange.
Silent Village harbored a wariness towards humans, necessitating several years for the villagers to wholeheartedly embrace Alice. They were cognizant of her human nature. As for Alice, the peculiarity of it all never ceased to bewilder her. The inhabitants bore an uncanny semblance to fantastical beings or animals, occasionally even resembling oversized insects, flora, or otherworldly entities.
Then she just got used to it.
One day she came up with an idea and a bit of an excuse to leave the village. She collected ingredients in the nearby forest and outside the village and sold them in the village. Ultimately, the residents of Silent Village thought it was not a bad thing because they benefited from it.
It always worked.
He knew that none of the inhabitants or surroundings threatened her, but the queen's servants... if they accidentally found her or...
This made him afraid.
Alfredo, a tall old white hare wearing an elegant hat and suit, emerged from the back of the store, holding an unfinished hat in his hand. "So, I will go with you then."
Alice shook her head. "You have your business here too. I can handle it. We both know you don't want to go with me. You know... I will bring you your favorite fruits from the forest."
The hare raised an eyebrow, his whiskers twitching. "You're doing it again, Alice. You won't bribe me with fruits again."
Alice smiled sweetly and walked up to the old rabbit, grabbing his arm. "Ah, those red cartoi and nectar from the hell fruit..."
The hare suddenly turned around tensely, raising his furry hands. "Fine! But this is the last time!"
Alice smiled. He always said that. She knew deep in her heart that despite everything, he wouldn't be able to forbid her from going.
Because he knew she loves it.
This old hare had raised her since she was little, and he knew that Alice was always drawn to the nearby forest. No matter how much he wanted to teach her his interests and hobbies related to hat sewing, Alice was still drawn to the forest. Alfredo had found her long ago in the same forest.
Despite everything, she wanted to explore; she wanted to see new things and meet new people.
She never wanted to admit it, but it felt like... like she didn't belong here at all.
Alice shook her head, attempting to push the unsettling thoughts aside. Along her path, she exchanged greetings with contented and serene denizens. There was the crocodile lady who tended a vegetable stall, cultivating her produce with care, and a man resembling a sentient tree with limbs, overseeing a shop stocked with construction materials and possessing adept building skills. Regrettably, Alice remained unfamiliar with all the residents' names, hence resorting to such descriptors.
A shiver invariably coursed through her frame as she approached the village's outskirts, marked by a sign bearing the inscription "Silent Village." Each time she passed it, an inexplicable sensation enveloped her, akin to departing from a tranquil cocoon.
"Guys? How far are we from this village?" Luffy slowly followed the monkeys. He held his arms crossed behind his head and looked up.
Boring.
"It's almost there, Luffy boy.", says one monkey.
Luffy observed his surroundings with a sense of curiosity, taking in the forest path that lay before him with nothing else in sight. Struggling to recall any details of his past, he pondered how he had arrived in this place and questioned his true identity.
He knew his name was Luffy and that he was composed of rubber, but little else.
The sight of talking monkeys only added to the strangeness of the situation, prompting him to label them as "weirdos" with a hint of amusement.
Luffy gazed at the chattering monkeys before him, realizing that perhaps they were the least of his concerns. His bored expression shifted as he peered into the depths of the forest and caught sight of a movement. Abruptly, he halted in his tracks.
"Luffy Boy, the village is around that bend..." the monkey started talking again and turned back to him but realized that Luffy was already gone.
"What?! Where is he?!
...
Alice walked along the familiar paths of the forest. Some ingredients could be hidden between the trees, some closer to specific trees, and others concealed beneath a layer of moss.
She knew everything about this forest.
Alice crouched down and brushed aside the branches to uncover the first ingredient: explosive mushrooms. They were a pungent remedy for removing pests from gardens.
She smiled to herself.
The first mushrooms landed in her basket, and as she reached for another, she turned around to find herself face to face with an intruder. Luffy looked at Alice curiously, his head resting on his hands.
What? He looks like...
He was so close.
Too close.
Alice jumped back and fell on her butt, right onto one of the explosive mushrooms. Suddenly, a musty smell filled the air, accompanied by yellow smoke.
"Oh no! The mushroom exploded!"
Luffy grabbed his nose and screamed.
"Oi! What the hell is this? Why does it stink so much?!"
Alice coughed and waved her arms to disperse the unpleasant smoke from the explosive mushroom. "It's your fault! I sat on a mushroom!" Alice exclaimed.
"But you sat on that mushroom!" Luffy retorted, moving away from the smoke.
Alice looked at him incredulously and blushed.
"Because you scared me! Your face just appeared in the middle of the forest! Who are you anyway? I don't recognize you."
Luffy removed his fingers from his nose, feeling that the noxious smell had diminished. "Oh right, I forgot! My name is Luffy. Nice to meet ya!"
Alice looked at him in surprise. "Luffy...? Um, I am Alice. Nice to meet you too... I guess..."
"So, what are you doing here in the middle of the forest? Collecting mushrooms?" Luffy glanced at the basket. Alice quickly picked it up before Luffy could touch another mushroom and cause another explosion.
"I collect various ingredients, not just mushrooms," Alice emphasized the word 'mushrooms,' but Luffy didn't seem to notice.
"I can help you! I'm good at this!" Luffy grinned goofily.
Alice didn't believe him.
Not at all.
But she decided she might need some company. Maybe then Alfredo would let her leave the village more often.
"Fine, but don't do anything foolish. There are more ingredients like these mushrooms. One mistake and the ingredient is ruined."
Alice decided that after the previous incident, she was done with explosive mushrooms and moved to milder ingredients: schoco-flowers.
After all, what could go wrong with picking flowers?
Apparently, a lot.
"Hey! Don't eat them, they're not for eating. You are supposed to collect them, not eat them." Alice walked up to Luffy, who looked at her in confusion with a chocolate flower in his mouth.
"But you said it's chocolate," Luffy replied.
Alice sighed. "This is no ordinary chocolate. And it's definitely not safe to eat. We make medicine out of it."
Luffy's eyes widened with excitement. An image of a small reindeer appeared in his head. "Oh! Chopper would be thrilled!"
"Um, Chopper? Who is Chopper?" Alice paused, looking at Luffy.
Luffy scratched his head, looking confused. "Um, you know, I've been having memory problems since I got here, and I think this name has some meaning, but I don't know what it is yet. When you said 'medicine,' the name Chopper came to mind."
Suddenly, he brightened up again. "But being with you makes me remember things! When I was with the talking monkeys, I didn't remember anything..."
"Talking monkeys?" Alice raised an eyebrow. "You mean the Gypsy monkeys? They are not good monkeys."
"Gypsy monkeys? They told me they are the brave monkeys of this forest!"
Alice giggled. "Oh, and you believed them? They are neither brave nor trustworthy."
"Yeah, of course I did!" Luffy claimed. "They looked convincing, and you don't see talking monkeys every day!"
Alice looked at him strangely. He hasn't seen talking monkeys before? So where is he from? Everything talks here. And not just animals.
He looks like her in some way.
Strange.
"I remember they wanted to show me the way to Silent Village, and then I saw you in the forest and I think I lost them."
Luffy grabbed the back of his head and looked around.
Alice shrugged. "It's okay, I live in Silent Village. When we finish collecting, you can come back with me."
"Um, thanks, I guess!" Luffy smiled.
Alice taught him how to collect various ingredients. With each one, she emphasized that they were "inedible."
Despite Luffy's many foolish ideas and reckless antics, Alice remained patient. She didn't know why. Was it because of the company? Or his eagerness to help? Or maybe it was because he was genuinely curious about her hobby?
Or maybe she liked him?
"Luffy, I think we've got everything for today..." Alice lifted the heavy basket, but suddenly it was snatched from her hands. "What..."
Luffy interrupted her.
"You taught me how to collect ingredients. I'll carry it for you." He said it like it was obvious.
"Um, okay, if you insist."
Luffy walked next to Alice, pleased with himself for learning something new.
And meeting a new friend.
Meanwhile, Alice walked thoughtfully. Luffy's behavior was different from anything else in this world. She could predict Alfredo's response or behavior towards her. When she left the house, she knew who would greet her and what they would say. She just knew it. But with Luffy... she couldn't decide yet whether she liked it or not.
But in some way, they were both similar.
"Chopper, how is Luffy faring?"
Zoro sat beside Luffy, keeping a vigilant watch. The crew had agreed to take turns staying with Luffy, ensuring someone was always there if he awoke. Meanwhile, Chopper tried various methods to rouse Luffy and assess his condition.
It had already been 24 hours.
Chopper stood next to Luffy, applying a special ointment to his forehead. According to the instructions and herbal combinations, it was supposed to counteract drowsiness...
But...
"Regrettably, this attempt has also failed, but I won't give up. There must be a solution."
Zoro remained silent. They all knew Chopper was doing his utmost. Zoro resolved to keep watch over their captain. Conscious or not, Luffy would do the same for them.
He would guard them.
Damn, he would sacrifice his life for them.
"Luffy, you idiot, wake up already," Zoro sighed.
"Ah, you also have the sign!," Luffy exclaimed, his gaze fixed on the placard displaying "Silent Village."
"Of course," Alice replied, her expression conveying disapproval. "If talking monkeys surprise you, then brace yourself for what's to come..."
Before Alice could finish her warning, she realized Luffy had already ventured ahead a few meters. "Hey! Wait up!" she called out as she hurried to catch up with him.
As they delved deeper into the village, they encountered its peculiar inhabitants. Luffy found himself torn between surprise and excitement at the sight of the eccentric individuals.
More weirdos.
His broad smile revealed his eagerness to meet them all.
"So, where are we headed, Alice?" he inquired, turning back to her as she caught up.
After a moment of nervous scanning, Alice pointed towards a house at the village's center. The villagers seemed preoccupied with their own tasks, much to Alice's relief. At the entrance of the house hung a sign that read "Alfredo's Millinery."
"Do you reside in a habitation adorned with hats?" Luffy blurted out as they stood at the threshold.
"We operate a hat boutique," Alice clarified.
"We? Who else?" Luffy questioned.
"Alfredo, my guardian," Alice explained as she led him into the shop adjoining their residence. Hats and materials were strewn about haphazardly. Luffy couldn't resist trying on a stylish navy-blue hat he found within reach.
"Alice! What do you think of this one?" he asked with a goofy grin.
"It suits you well. Have you ever donned a hat before?" Alice inquired, observing him in a nearby mirror. After a moment of contemplation, Luffy recalled, "A straw hat."
"A straw hat?" Alice echoed curiously.
"Yes, I remember now... but I don't have it with me," Luffy replied pensively.
Suddenly, Alice approached him and placed oversized navy-blue glasses on his face to complement his hat. "Now you're fully outfitted, Mr. Luffy. Any other requests?" she teased, noticing his amused reaction.
"Will you grant my wish?" Luffy asked earnestly, catching Alice off guard.
"What special wish do you have in mind?" she inquired as Luffy leaned in closer.
"You're skilled at crafting hats, right? Would you fashion one for me? I long for something akin to my old hat-a cherished gift from a friend!" Luffy's request tugged at something within Alice; the word 'friend' resonated like a sweet melody in her mind.
"Of course... I can do that," Alice agreed bashfully as Luffy enveloped her in an appreciative embrace.
"Thank you, Alice! I truly appreciate it!" he exclaimed warmly.
As Alice blushed at his gratitude, a grunt from the back of the store caught her attention. She quickly distanced herself from Luffy in embarrassment as Alfredo entered the room.
"I'm back from my errand!," she said nervously and enthusiastically.
Alfredo regarded Luffy quizzically while Luffy gaped at the large white hare dressed in a suit in front of him. In unison, they both exclaimed, "A boy?"
"A talking hare?!" Luffy added incredulously.
Alice rubbed her temples wearily; perhaps retreating back to the forest was not such a bad idea after all.
"This is Luffy," she introduced him to Alfredo before turning to Luffy. "And this is Alfredo, my caretaker."
"Why have you brought along an unfamiliar companion? And where did you encounter him? Please don't tell me it was deep within the forest all by yourself!" Alfredo interrogated sternly.
"No way!" Alice refuted hastily before being cut off by Luffy's enthusiastic interjection:
"Yes! I met Alice while she was foraging for stinky mushrooms!"
Alice's eyes widened in disbelief, staying in the forest might have been preferable after all.
"Is that so?" Alfredo raised an eyebrow skeptically.
Luffy continued excitedly without realizing he was being discussed as a potential threat:
"Yeah, Alice guided me through the forest and taught me about gathering ingredients. If needed, I would protect my friend within those woods."
"A friend?" Alfredo mused thoughtfully upon hearing this revelation from Luffy.
While many villagers shied away from Alice due to her unconventional pursuits beyond their hamlet's confines, Alfredo accepted her quirks wholeheartedly as his adopted daughter. Now the residents tolerated her eccentricities but they don't forming genuine friendships with her.
Alice neither confirmed nor denied their newfound friendship status with Luffy, as she observed their interaction unfold before her eyes.
"Luffy mentioned he has amnesia and stumbled upon our forest; naturally, I had to assist him," she explained tentatively when prompted by Alfredo's scrutiny.
"That's acceptable; however, as recompense for your escapade, both of you will aid me in crafting hats over the next few days," Alfredo declared mischievously as he observed Alice's dismayed expression and saw Luffy eagerly setting down the hat he had been inspecting.
"Sewing hats? Will you instruct me in this artistry, Mr. Hare? This is fantastic! You're all so hospitable here!" Luffy exclaimed enthusiastically.
Despite feeling exasperated by the turn of events, Alice couldn't help but smile involuntarily at Luffy's infectious enthusiasm while Alfredo chuckled at the prospect of having an eager apprentice for hat-making lessons-a fitting punishment indeed for both mischievous companions.
...
"Here is your room, Luffy," Alfredo announced.
The room exuded a modest yet inviting ambiance. Luffy eagerly bounded onto the bed, testing its comfort with a satisfied grin.
"It's just right, thank you," he expressed his gratitude.
Meanwhile, Alice and Alfredo busied themselves in the kitchen adjacent to the living area, preparing a meal. Recognizing Luffy's potential for chaos in the kitchen and acknowledging his status as their guest, they opted to keep him at the dining table. The spread included forest fruit soup, a peculiar vegetable medley, and dessert.
"You don't consume meat?" Luffy inquired suddenly.
"Meat? No, we abstain from meat consumption in our realm. We subsist on what we harvest or cultivate ourselves," Alice explained.
Observing the array of dishes before him, Luffy remarked, "That's intriguing! Well then, bon appétit!" As Luffy devoured his meal at an astonishing pace, both Alice and Alfredo marveled at his voracious appetite.
"Aren't you partaking in the meal?" Luffy queried with a mouthful of food. "Mmm, it's delightful!" he added enthusiastically.
"Um, yes, glad you enjoy it," Alfredo responded as he began his own meal. Alice regarded Luffy thoughtfully; his unfamiliarity with their dietary customs piqued her curiosity.
"So, in your homeland, do they partake of meat?" Alice probed curiously.
Luffy promptly replied, "Indeed! Meat is abundant there! For instance, we catch fish that Sanji expertly prepares!"
"Sanji? Who is Sanji?" Alice inquired further.
"Um..." Luffy paused mid-bite. "He must be associated with food-perhaps a cook chef? Your presence seems to trigger memories for me! First Chopper and now Sanji! I wonder how many more individuals there are and who they might be."
"Ah, that's intriguing indeed. They could be your kin or companions," Alice speculated.
"It's plausible! Wow, having numerous friends would be incredible, wouldn't it, Alice?" Luffy mused cheerfully before resuming his meal.
"Certainly. I believe you're correct," she concurred with a smile.
"And now you're my friend as well. Therefore, my friends are yours too," Luffy declared warmly. Alice blushed at his words but found herself touched by his sentiment.
"Truly? But..." she began hesitantly.
"Yes! Alice, you're truly kind-hearted. I'm certain they'll hold you in high regard just as I do!" Luffy affirmed earnestly.
Her heart fluttered at his words; could she truly have such a vast circle of friends?
Was such a notion even feasible?
Yet compelled by Luffy's sincerity, she chose to believe in the possibility.
Alfredo had been silently listening to their exchange before interjecting solemnly:
"Firstly, we must ascertain Luffy's origins and aid him in recollecting his memories; undoubtedly, his family is concerned about him." With resolve, Alice joined them at the table to continue their discussion.
Luffy leaned back in his chair momentarily and closed his eyes as empty plates surrounded him-a sign of satiation. A peculiar sensation nagged at him; he usually possessed a greater capacity for food consumption. However, now was not the time for such musings. Anticipation for new adventures stirred within him as he gazed at Alice and Alfredo, another journey awaited him.
"Hmm... Another one?" he pondered aloud. So he's already had more adventures? Grateful for each returning memory fragment, Luffy eagerly anticipated the restoration of all his recollections.
"We were already en route with him, but he..." The cloaked simian stammered nervously, his fear palpable.
The imposing tiger-like creature growled in fury, chastising, "As always, your unreliability astounds me! You've already lost one human under your watch."
Approaching the monkey on two legs, the enraged tiger seized him by the neck, hoisting him aloft. "You have disappointed me," he snarled.
"Commander! Please forgive us! This boy sought passage to the Silent Village! He undoubtedly made his way there!" the monkey pleaded desperately as the tiger's sharp fangs gleamed menacingly.
"His limbs stretch! He possesses peculiar abilities; claims to be crafted from rubber," another monkey chimed in. The tiger arched an eyebrow at the moniker 'Rubber-boy.' Aratis was no stranger to oddities. With a cold resolve, he let go of the monkey and he strode past them towards the village.
"I will locate you, Monkey D. Luffy."
Alfredo had thought that instructing and nurturing Alice was demanding until Luffy entered their lives. "Luffy, why did you blend multiple materials simultaneously? And why are you sporting needle marks all over?" Alfredo gazed at Luffy incredulously.
It was a momentary lapse in attention.
"Um, sorry... I may have erred slightly," Luffy chuckled sheepishly.
"Alfredo! You can return to your workplace. I'll assist Luffy," Alice interjected, fetching a stool and situating it beside Luffy at the table.
"Very well. I trust that together you will... handle this situation," Alfredo conceded before exiting to resume his duties.
Seated beside Luffy, Alice couldn't help but chuckle at his chaotic hat-making attempts. "Sewing isn't your forte," she teased as Luffy grinned mischievously.
"Hey! Don't mock me. And remember, you promised me a hat," he retorted playfully.
"Yes, I'm aware of that promise and won't forget," Alice affirmed with a smile as she endeavored to mend Luffy's damaged hat. Pausing for a moment, Luffy quizzically remarked, "Why are we tucked away in this rear chamber when your shop is just beyond that door? Even Alfredo tends to business there."
"Our boutique boasts renown in neighboring villages; affluent patrons often seek us out for bespoke headwear," Alice explained while resuming her needlework on the hat. "However, Alfredo deems it safer for me to remain concealed; one can never predict the nature of our clientele."
Raising an eyebrow, Luffy questioned, "Is that not strange?"
Alice met his gaze furtively before responding, "Not particularly. Upon my initial arrival here, our villagers regarded me with suspicion; hence, Alfredo's protective measures don't surprise me."
Luffy fell silent momentarily before his countenance brightened as if struck by a recollection. "Oh yes! I meant to inquire if there are other humans here. Thus far, you're the sole human I've encountered amidst individuals resembling talking animals and..." Alice dropped her needle in shock.
"Human? What do you mean?" Alice's puzzled expression mirrored his astonishment.
"Huh? Well... we are humans-both you and I," Luffy clarified hesitantly.
"Human? B-But... Alfredo never disclosed..." Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the jingle of a bell-a customer had arrived.
Anyone could be a potential client.
"Oh Alfredo, my old friend! Your establishment remains as popular as ever," the towering tiger entered with a smirk.
Alfredo tensed momentarily before setting aside his unfinished creation and approaching the visitor cordially.
"Greetings, Raphaël! Are you seeking a new hat today? I have an array of fresh designs..." Alfredo began before being cut off by Raphaël's solemn declaration,
"I regret to inform you, Alfredo; my visit today pertains not to hats but rather another matter-although perhaps on another occasion."
Raphaël perused the displayed hats with his furry paw before addressing Alfredo directly: "You possess keen insight into all matters around you; thus, I've come seeking assistance... I am in search of a human."
Alfredo's heart skipped a beat at Raphaël's revelation. Prepared for such eventualities, he had established covert communication with Alice long ago for such exigencies.
Accidentally dropping his hat buttons to signal danger was their prearranged distress signal-a warning that prompted Alice to act swiftly when threats loomed near them.
Grabbing Luffy's hand urgently, she guided him deeper into their abode through the back exit-a path leading towards safety amidst looming peril.
"What are you doing, Alice?," Alice hushed him.
"We are in danger, we must leave. Alfredo signaled to me that a dangerous customer had come to the store"
"What? So we just left him alone with a dangerous person?" Luffy exclaimed incredulously.
Alice shook her head. "It's not like that. Alfredo isn't in immediate peril, but we are."
"So, humans?" Luffy probed further.
"If that's the term you prefer to use, then yes, humans," Alice confirmed.
Leading them through the dense foliage, they traversed in silence until Luffy's curiosity got the better of him.
"Why are you unaware of your human identity?"
Alice was at a loss for words; even she couldn't unravel this enigma. "Alfredo never disclosed it to me. I sensed my divergence from the locals here but lacked clarity on the matter. Now I suspect Alfredo is concealing something from me," she lamented, perturbed by this revelation.
"I'll seek answers upon our return," Alice concluded abruptly, closing the discussion. Sensing her unease, Luffy opted not to press further.
"Oh, my buttons! What a forgetful fool I am!" Alfredo chuckled nervously before turning his attention back to Raphaël. "Did you mention a 'human'? I've never heard of any sightings of a human here," he remarked as Raphaël perused the hats thoughtfully.
"Indeed? Could this human be concealed or harbored by someone?" Raphaël pondered aloud while trying on a hat before the mirror. "Splendid," he remarked with satisfaction. "I trust you implicitly, Alfredo; you comprehend the repercussions of harboring a human and wouldn't risk such an endeavor."
Drawing closer to Alfredo, he leaned in with a smile, his fangs glinting ominously. "Although I initially declined a hat, I've had a change of heart-I shall take this one." Alfredo beamed with pride as he finalized the transaction.
"If you encounter a human, inform me promptly, Alfredo. The Queen will undoubtedly reward you handsomely," Raphaël intimated before departing.
Sighing heavily, Alfredo settled into a nearby chair and removed his hat, his furry hand massaging his furrowed brow-an air of foreboding loomed over him.
it's not good.
What can he do?
...
Meanwhile, Luffy and Alice arrived at a secluded spot within the forest-a cavernous retreat adorned with a gentle waterfall cascading into a pristine reservoir surrounded by luminous flora.
"Oh man, Alice, this place is incredible!" Luffy marveled as he began disrobing; observing his actions caused Alice to blush profusely.
"Luffy, what are you doing?" she stammered nervously as Luffy proceeded to shed his attire, revealing his toned physique beneath his shirtless form.
"Hmm? I intend to take a dip in the water!" he declared cheerfully as he prepared to remove his shorts.
"W-Wait! You needn't disrobe entirely!" Alice interjected frantically.
"What's wrong with that? Swimming without clothes is better!" Luffy countered innocently as he stood clad only in his boxers-prompting Alice to panic further.
"People don't typically bathe in the nude here!" she blurted out impulsively.
Luffy paused momentarily before flashing a broad grin. "Is that so? In that case... I'll take the plunge as is! Will you watch over my belongings? Thanks." With that, Luffy dashed towards the reservoir and dove in with gusto.
It really worked.
Left alone momentarily, Alice took a deep breath and splashed water from the cascade onto her face in an attempt to quell her embarrassment and flush away her rosy cheeks inexplicably ignited by Luffy's actions.
In another setting, a serene garden-a cloaked figure conversed with a slightly plump ginger cat savoring tea tranquilly. "Have word reached Her Majesty?," queried the cat between sips of tea.
"Definitely," affirmed the figure cryptically.
The cat pondered briefly before asserting confidently: "If a human arrives here, we shall be prepared."
"Do you believe this plan will succeed this time?" inquired the enigmatic figure.
The cat smirked knowingly as he rose from his seat.
"There shall be no room for error henceforth."