Oriana landed swiftly, her feet barely touching the ground before she was off again, sprinting through the trees. The scene before her became clearer as she weaved through broken branches and overturned stones.
As Oriana approached the source of the commotion, her heart clenched at the sight of Luffy, on his knees amidst the wreckage. Though weak and battered, he was alive. But the devastation in his eyes told a deeper story—one of grief and unbearable loss.
"I'm not dreaming, am I?" Luffy's voice trembled, barely above a whisper. Tears began to streak down his face as he stared at the broken remnants of the battlefield. "Ace really is dead, isn't he?"
Jinbei, standing nearby, stepped forward with quiet strength. "Yes, he's gone," he confirmed, sparing Oriana from the torment of having to say it herself. In that moment, she felt a small wave of relief amidst the sea of sorrow. Jinbei had been a pillar of support, not just for Luffy, but for her as well.
Luffy's tears flowed freely, his face crumpling in a way that painfully reminded Oriana of the young boy he'd been when Sabo had died. The same raw pain and vulnerability filled his eyes now, and it shattered her heart all over again. Without thinking, Oriana rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him, holding him tightly. She was careful about his injuries; she needed to be there for him, to be his anchor as much as he was hers.
For a moment, Luffy seemed disoriented, lost in his emotions. But then he realized who was holding him. "Is that you, Oria?" Luffy asked, his voice fragile, filled with doubt and uncertainty.
Oriana hugged him even tighter, her throat tight with emotion. "Yes, sunshine, it's me," she whispered.
Luffy clung to her as if she were the only thing keeping him grounded, his fingers digging into her arms. "I'm so happy you're alive," he said between sobs.
"You dummy," Oriana replied, her voice wavering. "You were the one at death's door. I thought I'd lost you too." Her tears spilled over as she poured all her fear, anger, and sorrow into that embrace. They held each other tightly, both clinging to the only comfort they had left in the world—the bond they shared.
"Oria…" Luffy cried, his voice trembling.
Oriana hummed softly in acknowledgment, offering a comforting sound to soothe him.
"I let Ace get killed right in front of me…" Luffy's voice broke, his grief overwhelming him.
Oriana quickly let go of the embrace, holding his arms firmly. "No, you didn't let Ace get killed. We did everything we could—we got him out of the handcuffs. He chose to die to protect you, even if it meant his own death!"
"Because I'm so weak! Me, becoming Pirate King? Yeah, right. What a joke," Luffy cried, raising his hands to his face.
Oriana's heart ached seeing her brother like this. "Luffy, listen to me," she said, her voice firm yet gentle. "Ace made his choice because he believed in you and loved you. He knew how strong you are, and he gave his life to protect that strength. You're not weak, Luffy."
Luffy shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "But I couldn't do it. I couldn't save Ace…"
"You can't carry this burden alone. We were all there trying our best," Oriana said, her voice wavering. "Ace wouldn't want that for you. He sacrificed himself so you could live. We have to honor his memory by moving forward." She tried hard to believe it herself.
Luffy must have sensed her own doubt because he leaned down and started punching the ground. Oriana didn't know how to convince him. "Luffy…" she muttered sadly.
"Luffy-kun, I can't let you hurt yourself," Jinbei finally intervened.
"It's my body! I can do whatever I want!" Luffy snapped, looking at him angrily.
"In that case, it was Ace's body too. He was free to die, regardless of what we thought," Jinbei replied calmly.
Luffy clearly didn't like that and threatened to beat Jinbei up if he didn't shut up. Jinbei accepted the challenge, ready to fight if it would calm him down.
Luffy charged toward Jinbei, throwing a long-range punch, but the older pirate simply grabbed his arm and slammed him to the ground. "Jinbei!" Oriana yelled angrily. He looked at her nervously before sitting down on the ground.
Oriana calmed down a bit, then saw Luffy come up behind Jinbei and bite his arm. "Ow, that hurt! You little brat!" Jinbei growled as he slammed Luffy into a boulder, holding him by the throat. "Are you blind to everything now? Where is the confidence that you could overcome anything? What happened to the strength you never doubted?!"
Oriana wanted to say something, but a strong feeling told her Jinbei had this under control.
"You've met countless ruthless enemies who could easily crush you and everything you believe in! You've even lost your brother, who was your guide on the seas! A giant wall now stands between you and the world, and you can't see the way forward! Guilt and regret are consuming you!" Jinbei's voice was steady, but firm, as Luffy no longer fought against him.
"It's painful for you now, Luffy! But fight it! Don't dwell on what you've lost! What's gone is gone. Try to remember what you still have!" Jinbei's words seemed to finally get through to the young captain. Luffy slid down to the ground, tears once again brimming in his eyes as he counted his fingers.
"I have my crew!" Luffy's voice cracked, but a spark of resolve shone through. "Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook... and Oriana too! I have my crew and my older sister! We promised to meet up somewhere. I have to go there." He wiped his tears with the back of his hand.
Oriana's eyes filled with tears as she watched her brother regain his strength. Hearing him talk about the people he still had made her think of the family they had lost—especially their father. It hit her hard: going back to their old ship wouldn't feel like home anymore.
The ship, once filled with warmth and laughter, now felt empty without Whitebeard. It had always been a place of safety and belonging, but with their captain gone, it was just a ship—missing the heart that had held them all together.
Without Whitebeard, there was no real home for her to return to.
"I want to see them. I want to see them right now!" Luffy cried, his voice trembling with desperation.
"Then I'll help you find them," Oriana said, crouching down in front of him and offering her hand. Luffy, still sniffling, looked up at her and grabbed her hand, wiping away his remaining tears with the other. She pulled him up, though he struggled to stay on his feet. Seeing this, Jinbei wordlessly picked him up, carrying Luffy as the three of them made their way back toward the camp.
Once they arrived, they noticed the Heart Pirates' ship was gone, but someone else was there. "Oi, Luffy-kun!" an old man called out, sitting casually on a stone. Oriana squinted at the man; he looked familiar, but she couldn't quite place him until Luffy exclaimed, shocked, "Old man Rayleigh!"
Rayleigh smiled warmly. "I'm glad I found you here! And Oria-chan, I didn't expect to see you either," he said, turning to her. "It's been so long!"
"Do you know him, Oria?!" Luffy asked, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Yeah, I met him… what, 23 years ago?" Oriana said, glancing at Rayleigh for confirmation. He nodded with a grin. "Our crews used to clash back then. I tried to beat him when I was only ten, and every time I lost, I'd go back for more!" She smiled at the memory.
Rayleigh chuckled. "You had a lot of fight in you even then, Oria-chan. It's good to see that hasn't changed."
Luffy's eyes widened in amazement. "You fought Rayleigh when you were a kid? That's so cool!"
Oriana nodded, lost in thought for a moment. "Yeah, I was stubborn and determined to prove myself. Rayleigh was a tough opponent. Meanwhile, Roger and my dad were going at it, nearly wrecking the whole island."
Rayleigh chuckled again. "Those were wild times. Your dad was one of the few who could hold his own against Roger. We always respected him for that. I heard what happened to you, Oria-chan."
"Yeah, I went missing for almost two decades, but it wasn't so bad! I met this ball of sunshine, and he became my brother!" Oriana said with a warm smile, gently hugging Luffy.
Rayleigh smiled back. "It almost seems preordained for you two to meet."
Oriana nodded, and Luffy's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You fought against Rayleigh and watched Roger and old man Whitebeard fight? Why didn't you tell me any of that?" he said focusing on something else entirely.
Before Oriana could answer, a group of Amazonians arrived, led by Boa Hancock carrying food, interrupting their conversation. Elder Nyon, the small old woman, and the empress' sisters, Sander-Sonia and Marigold, greeted Rayleigh with respect.
"Rayleigh, it's been a long time," Elder Nyon said happily.
Rayleigh smiled warmly. "Oh, Gloriosa. It's good to see you all again."
Meanwhile, Hancock's attention was fixed entirely on Luffy. "Luffy, I brought you some food. You need to regain your strength," she said with concern. But unlike his usual self, Luffy didn't eat as quickly.
Oriana noticed and teased, "If you don't want this, I'll just dig in." She reached for some meat, but Luffy grabbed it first, taking a slow bite. 'At least you're eating something,' she thought, quietly sighing in relief.
Rayleigh then leaned forward, his gaze serious. "Luffy, are you planning to go back to your crew right away?"
Luffy eagerly nodded. "Of course! I need to see them. We promised to meet at Sabaody Archipelago!"
Rayleigh raised a hand to stop him. "Listen carefully. If you regroup now without the proper preparation, you're setting yourselves up for failure. The enemies you'll face will be stronger, more dangerous. Without proper training, you won't stand a chance."
Oriana understood the weight of Rayleigh's words. "What are you suggesting, Rayleigh?"
Rayleigh, calm and composed, turned to Luffy. "Luffy, to fully harness your potential and master all three types of Haki, you'll need time—two years, to be exact. This isn't something that can be rushed. You need to be patient and let yourself grow stronger."
Luffy's eyes widened. "Two years? That's a long time. My crew's out there waiting for me. I can't just leave them hanging!"
Rayleigh shook his head gently. "If you return now without the strength and knowledge you need, you'll put them in more danger. This is about protecting them, Luffy. It's about being ready for the battles ahead."
Oriana placed a hand on Luffy's shoulder, her voice soft but firm. "I know it's hard, Luffy, but Rayleigh's right. If you want to protect them, we all need time to grow."
Luffy clenched his fists, torn between his desire to reunite with his crew and the wisdom in Rayleigh's words. After a long pause, he nodded. "Alright. If that's what it takes to protect my crew, I'll do it. I'll train for two years."
Rayleigh smiled knowingly. "I know two years feels like a long time, but it's necessary, Luffy. You'll need this time to truly develop your Haki and be ready to face the dangers ahead."
Oriana, sensing Luffy's internal struggle, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Two years might seem like forever, but if it means you can keep your crew safe, it's worth it. They'll understand. They trust you."
Rayleigh nodded, continuing, "Before your training begins, you need to send a message to your crew. Let them know you're safe and that they should take this time to grow stronger too. The best way to do that is through the newspaper. Everyone will see it, including your crew."
Luffy looked puzzled. "How do I send a message through the newspaper?"
Rayleigh's grin widened. "Leave that to me. We'll create a special message—something only your crew will understand. It'll signal them to wait and train for two years, just like you."
Luffy's shoulders relaxed slightly as the plan sank in. "Alright. If it means they'll be safe and ready, I'll do it. But… I need to make sure the message reaches them. We should head back to Marineford."
-x-
When the men attacked the Marine base, Oriana waited a distance away from them, out at sea. She was afraid that if she got too close, old memories might resurface, and she might start destroying the island along with the people on it.
After the message appeared in the newspaper, signaling to the Straw Hat crew that they needed to train for two years before reuniting, everyone began preparing for the long separation. Jinbei, having fulfilled his promise to protect Luffy, decided it was time to return to Fishman Island. Before leaving, he made sure to promise Luffy that they would meet again in two years.
Rayleigh, Luffy, Oriana, and the Kuja Pirates then made their way to Rusukaina, an island within the Calm Belt that Rayleigh had chosen for its harsh conditions. The island was known for its dangerous wildlife and extreme climate, making it the perfect place for Luffy's training. Rusukaina was also conveniently close to Amazon Lily, which meant Hancock could keep an eye on them from a distance.
As they landed on the island, Hancock, always doting on Luffy, smiled warmly and told him, "Don't worry, Luffy! I'll come every day with food to make sure you're well-fed."
But before Luffy could respond, Rayleigh interjected with a stern look. "That won't be necessary, Hancock. If Luffy is to grow stronger, he needs to fend for himself. Part of his training is learning to survive in harsh conditions, which includes finding his own food. We're here to prepare him for the challenges that lie ahead, and that means no coddling."
Hancock initially got mad at Rayleigh, her eyes flashing with anger. "How dare you deny Luffy the food he needs!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in frustration. But after Rayleigh calmly explained the importance of Luffy learning to survive on his own, she gradually calmed down. "I see… It's for his own good," she finally conceded, though a trace of worry remained in her eyes.
Oriana had been quietly observing the exchange from the sidelines, her thoughts focused on Luffy's upcoming training. As the tension subsided, she stepped forward, her expression soft but determined. "Luffy," she called out, catching his attention. "When I see you in two years, I expect you to be a lot stronger."
Luffy turned to her, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Don't worry, Oria! After this training, I'll even surpass you!" he declared with his usual confidence.
Oriana chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, you think so?" she teased, crossing her arms. "Because I was planning to do some training of my own. Don't think you'll be the only one getting stronger."
Luffy's eyes widened in surprise before he broke into a wide smile. "Then it's a challenge!" he said, his competitive spirit ignited.
She gave him a firm nod. "It's a deal. In two years, we'll see just how strong we've both become. But remember, no matter how much you grow, I'll always be your big sister." Luffy's grin softened into a more heartfelt smile. "I know, Oria. And I'll always be your little brother."
Oriana felt a lump in her throat as she realized this moment felt more like a farewell than just a temporary parting. Without a second thought, she pulled Luffy into a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you, sunshine. The Grand Line is going to be quiet without you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Luffy, uncharacteristically solemn, returned the hug with equal warmth. "I'll get stronger," he promised, his tone resolute. "So I don't have to lose anyone ever again. Take care of yourself, Oria."
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," she reassured him, forcing a somewhat genuine smile to her lips. She wanted to believe those words, but the thought of not seeing her little brother for two long years weighed heavily on her heart.
Luffy hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more, but before he could find the words, Rayleigh's voice cut through the moment, calling him over to officially start his training.
Oriana reluctantly released him, watching as he turned to join Rayleigh. As Luffy walked away, she couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and sadness, knowing that when they next met, they would both be changed—stronger, perhaps, but also marked by the time and experiences that lay ahead.
"Stay safe, Luffy," she whispered to herself as he disappeared into the distance, already anticipating the day when they would reunite, both preparing to face whatever the Grand Line had in store for them.
When the two men disappeared into the island's forest, the Kuja Pirates went back to their ship. Oriana went onboard with them. "I'm sorry, but I need a moment alone," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The pirates nodded in understanding, stepping aside to let her pass.
Oriana found her way to one of the rooms below deck, closing the door behind her. The silence of the room pressed in on her, and she finally allowed herself to feel the weight she had been carrying. She had used Luffy's condition as a way to distract herself, to push back the reality of her own situation. But now, alone in the quiet, there was no avoiding it.
The memories of everything she had lost came rushing back—her father, her crew, her sense of home. She had been so focused on protecting Luffy, on keeping him safe, that she hadn't allowed herself to fully grieve. Now, with nothing left to distract her, the grief hit her like a tidal wave.
Oriana sank onto the bed, her head in her hands. The tears she had held back for so long finally began to flow, and for the first time since Marineford, she allowed herself to mourn. The ship's gentle rocking did little to soothe the storm of emotions inside her as she struggled to come to terms with everything that had happened.
The main source of Oriana's grief was the overwhelming loss of her father, the man who had been her anchor in her life. He had been her source of comfort, wisdom, and strength, and now he was gone, leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill.
She had always been strong, but her father had been the one she leaned on when the weight of the world became too much to bear. He had been more than just a father; he had been her savior, her captain, and the person who understood her better than anyone else.
But now, alone in an unfamiliar ship's cabin, she couldn't avoid the truth anymore. Memories of her father filled her mind—his voice, his laugh, the way he always knew what to say to make her feel better. She could almost hear him telling her to stay strong, to keep going, but it wasn't enough. The fact that he was really gone hit her hard.
Oriana curled up on the bed, holding onto the blanket as if it could somehow make her feel less empty. She cried for her father, for the advice she would never hear again, and for the future that now seemed so uncertain without him.
When her mother died, Oriana was just a small child, too young to fully understand what had happened. Her memories of that time were fuzzy, filled with fragments of feelings and moments that didn't quite make sense to her. She knew she had lost something important, but she didn't really grasp the reality of it.
But with her father, everything was different. She was older now, fully aware of what it meant to lose someone so dear. She had grown up with him, learned from him, and leaned on him during the hardest times. He had been her protector, her guide, and her constant source of strength. Losing him felt like losing a part of herself. The pain was sharp, clear, and overwhelming in a way that her mother's death hadn't been.
This time, there was no escaping the grief, no way to push it aside. She had to face it head-on, knowing that her life would never be the same without him.
Lost in her thoughts, Oriana barely registered the sound of a knock at the door. She didn't feel like talking and didn't bother to answer. The door creaked open, and soft footsteps approached.
"Oriana?" a familiar voice called out, but she remained silent, not wanting to engage.
"It's been hours since we left Luffy on the island, and you haven't eaten anything. So, I brought you something," Hancock said, her tone gentle.
"It's alright. I don't feel like eating right now," Oriana replied, hoping to end the conversation quickly so she could be alone again. She wasn't ready to deal with anyone, not even Hancock, who had been kind to her. All she wanted was to be left with her thoughts, no matter how painful they were.
"If there's anything I can do to help you in any way, just tell me! You're my sister now. And I'll do anything for my sisters." Hancock said as she sat down on the bed next to her.
Oriana turned to her, confusion in her eyes. "I'm a stranger to you. Why would you do that for me?"
Hancock's expression softened, and she met Oriana's gaze with sincerity. "You're important to Luffy, which means you're important to me too."
Oriana tried to keep herself together, to stay strong and not show any weakness. But the way Hancock was looking at her, with genuine care and understanding, broke down the walls she had built. Oriana couldn't hold it in any longer. She buried her face in Hancock's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. "It hurts. It hurts so much that I would give up my own soul to get him back!"
Hancock gently stroked her back, comforting her as she let all the pain pour out. "Your love for him proves how great he was," Hancock whispered, her voice soothing. "It's okay to let it out. You don't have to be alone."
When Oriana finally composed herself, she took a napkin and wiped away her tears. "Thank you for letting me… cry," she said, feeling a bit embarrassed that someone outside her family had seen her so vulnerable.
Hancock smiled warmly. "That's what sisters are for!"
Oriana was torn between the urge to tell Hancock that they wouldn't really be sisters since Luffy wasn't likely to marry her and the simple comfort of feeling a sisterly bond. She decided to leave it unsaid for now. After all, she had always wanted a sister.