🂴 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

033 ❘❘ Memory 5 (Part 2)

Sentomaru raised an eyebrow, his tone darkening. "Don't worry. You're not going to set sail. Things have changed these past two years. I've officially become a Marine now!" The weight of his declaration hung in the air, his resolve firm.

"I will capture you right here!"he challenged, the words heavy with intent.

"PX-5!" he barked, and a massive Pacifista resembling Bartholomew appeared, its cold eyes locking on Luffy as it began to hum, preparing to fire.

Luffy's demeanor shifted in an instant, the air around him thick with focus and readiness.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

Three beams streaked toward him, but Luffy dodged with ease, a blur of motion. "Too slow," he muttered.

Booommm!

The explosion erupted behind them, shaking the ground. Sentomaru's expression froze, his confidence crumbling. "What?!" he gasped, eyes wide in disbelief.】

"Wahh! Luffy's so cool," Chopper said, his eyes sparkling as he leaned forward, hooves barely touching the ground. The arena lights reflected in his wide eyes, mirroring the fiery determination of his friend.

Sabo sat on the edge of his seat, tense with anticipation. Despite witnessing Luffy's growth countless times, seeing his brother fight with such fervor stirred something deep within. Memories of laughter, training, and brotherhood surged, thickening the air with nostalgia.

But as moments passed, Sabo's excitement faded. His gaze shifted to Ace, whose face was unreadable, eyes distant. The flickering lights cast shadows over Ace's features, emphasizing the tension etched across his brow.

"Hey, Ace, you okay?" Sabo asked, nudging his shoulder gently, though the action felt loaded with unspoken words.

Ace met his gaze slowly, expression blank, but his eyes spoke volumes, turbulent emotions simmered beneath the surface. He stared at Luffy, now a formidable fighter, but marked by a scar that marred his skin.

"That scar on Luffy's chest..." Ace's voice cracked. The reminder of the Marineford War hit him hard, a symbol of sacrifice, pain, and lost brothers.

Sabo's understanding was immediate. Without hesitation, he placed a warm hand on Ace's shoulder, grounding him. "Don't worry about it. It's not your fault. Luffy would've done the same."

Ace froze, his eyes stinging, turning away. "Why?" His voice was barely a whisper, raw with vulnerability.

Sabo's chuckle broke the silence, easing the tension. "Cause we're brothers."

For a moment, the weight in Ace's chest lifted, a flicker of relief fighting back the guilt that had been drowning him. Sabo's smile sparked a fragile hope, maybe, just maybe, he could rise above the shadows that clung to him.

With a renewed determination, Ace looked up, his gaze shifting back to the arena where Luffy was preparing for his next move.

【Luffy's grin lit up as he raised his arms. "Gear Second!"

His focus sharpened, body coiling like a spring ready to snap. With a flicker of intensity in his eyes, he coated his fists in Haki, the air around him crackling, alive with power.

"Gomu-Gomu no..." His voice rang out, sharp and confident.

The PX-5, a hulking mass of metal, surged forward, lasers cutting through the air like deadly beams. In the blink of an eye, Luffy was gone.