🂴 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

025 ❘❘ Memory 3 (Part 4)

"Of course, I do," Law replied, his voice dripping with disbelief, as he stared at Usopp with narrowed eyes, questioning the absurdity of the situation unfolding before him.】

"Well, isn't that how alliances work?" Izo's voice was light, curious, with a hint of amusement.

Ace's smile flickered, a knowing gleam in his eyes. "Who knows?"

His gaze shifted to Luffy, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Ace had always watched over his younger brother, noting how Luffy remained unchanged despite the tragedy that had once stained their past. But as the thought of it crashed over him, his smile faltered. He had died. The weight of that hit like a stone in his chest. How had Luffy coped after his loss? Had anyone been there for him?

Ace's eyes narrowed, his mind pulling him back to the present. Perhaps, just maybe, he'd find out now. His focus sharpened on the mirror before him, its surface reflecting not only their reality but the chaotic threads of fate weaving them all together.

【Usopp lagged behind Luffy, jabbing his finger toward Law with exaggerated emphasis. "Listen," he said firmly, mischief lacing his tone. Law glanced back, brow furrowed. "Luffy's idea of an alliance is... a bit different from yours."

Luffy, ever innocent, flashed a wide grin. "It's like being friends, right?" His voice bubbled with enthusiasm, sincere and oblivious to the storm of disbelief that was about to break.】

A chorus of chokes erupted from the surrounding crew members, punctuating the air with incredulity. Questions whirled around like leaves caught in a storm, their disbelief manifesting in mutterings:

"Did he actually assume that a Pirate Alliance is just like forming a friendship?!"

"Is he serious?..."

"Is he stupid?"

Each remark carried a weight of astonishment, a blend of confusion and incredulity painting their expressions. Those unfamiliar with Luffy's nature couldn't be blamed for their bewilderment; it wasn't every day they encountered a pirate who saw an alliance through the lens of camaraderie.

【Usopp's gaze shifted to Law, his expression hardening. With a sharp snap of his fingers, he added, "If you're thinking of taking control, it won't be that easy, either."

Luffy, unfazed, casually scratched his nose. "That's what they say."

Usopp sighed, exasperation clear in his posture. He clapped a hand on Luffy's shoulder, muttering, "Once he feels sure about something, he won't back down. It's a pain in the ass!" His voice carried affection and frustration as he shot Luffy a sidelong glance. "His selfishness is as formidable as the Four Emperors."】

Ace's laughter suddenly filled the air, loud and carefree. The thought of Luffy being called selfish brought a nostalgic warmth to his chest. After all, who didn't know Whitebeard was one of the Four Emperors?

Yet, amidst the laughter, a shadow flickered across Ace's mind. He realized he had no idea what had transpired after his death.

The bliss of seeing everyone again, while naively believing it was only him and Thatch who had died, was a testament to the idea that ignorance can indeed be a blessing.

【Luffy, still oblivious, flicked his booger away, the tiny projectile soaring through the air and landing squarely on Chopper's face.

Law blinked, sweat trickling down his temple, his disbelief obvious. "But what your crew member is doing has nothing to do with—"

"Hey! Don't flick your boogers on me!" Chopper snapped, his face twisted in fury as he glared at Luffy.

Luffy, wide-eyed, burst into laughter. "Oops, my bad!" His voice was pure mischief.

"I can't even dodge in this form!" Chopper's voice was full of exasperation.

"I'm sorry," Luffy said with a laugh, a trace of sincerity breaking through his amusement. But the moment was lost on Law, who watched helplessly as his attempt at authority crumbled beneath the chaos.】

"He's really willful," Shanks said with a soft smile, his eyes closing as a chuckle escaped him. Memories of little Luffy danced in his mind. "To say he's not the same as the boy I met... that's an understatement."

It was true. The Luffy Shanks remembered was quick-tempered, his eyes full of awe for pirates, like they were gods. The same boy who once foolishly stabbed his own face to prove his worth, a reckless, endearing spirit, if not a little alarming. But now, Luffy had grown, the lessons from that fateful day on Dawn Island echoing in his every move. Losing his arm had given him wisdom, one Shanks saw woven deeply into the man he had become.

【Growing impatient, Law turned around, raising his hand in a gesture of authority. "Oh, all right. We don't have time to argue. You guys can take care of the samurai yourselves." He gestured sharply toward the horizon. "I'll investigate the drug that was administered to the children. Which one of you is the doctor? Come with me. We'll have to distract Caesar." He directed his question at the Straw Hats, his voice steady but edged with urgency.

However, Luffy and Usopp exchanged sly grins in the background, a conspiratorial glint in their eyes as they seemed to concoct something mischievous, a plan that hinted at playful trouble on the horizon.】

With that, the mirror threw out the glass ball, and the memory flickered and faded away.

"EHHH?!!!! WHYYY?!!"

Many were disappointed that they didn't get to see what happened next; curiosity hung in the air like a thick fog, each person silently yearning for a glimpse into the unfolding drama. Whispers of speculation flitted from one corner of the crowd to another, their eyes darting expectantly towards the Straw Hats.

Suddenly, a burst of laughter rang out, slicing through the tension and drawing everyone's attention like a moth to a flame. The sound was rich and infectious, bubbling up from the Straw Hats gathered nearby. Even Robin, usually poised and composed, was caught in the wave of merriment, her melodic laughter weaving through the air like a gentle breeze.

"I remember what happened next," Nami said, her voice bright with amusement as she threw a teasing glance at Law, who stood apart from the group, his usual calm demeanor momentarily disrupted. "You're lucky it wasn't shown."

Law stiffened, his jaw clenching as irritation flickered across his features. The heat of embarrassment surged through him, tightening in his chest like a vice. He said nothing, his silence a testament to the mortification he felt. Memories of the incident flashed vividly in his mind, and he preferred to swallow the memory whole, letting the laughter of his crewmates wash over him like an unrelenting tide. They could laugh as long as they wanted; acknowledging the moment would only extend the conversation into a realm he wanted to avoid.

"Hmmm..."

The sound of a thoughtful hum halted everyone's movements, like the sudden snap of a twig in the stillness of a forest. Heads turned, curiosity piqued, as all eyes fell upon deformed bunny like demon standing nearby. It's crimson gaze seemed to pierce through the twilight, fixed upward as if it could see beyond the stars themselves.

"It's done," Milly muttered, her voice low and enigmatic, before sweeping its gaze over the gathered crew, the anticipation in the air shifting like leaves in the wind.

"It's time to rest!"

Its words hung in the air, infused with a sense of finality, bringing a sudden stillness that replaced the earlier laughter, as the crew processed the shift in mood.

───── · ·End of Chapter 25· · ─────

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