Episode 2

Chapter 1: Decisions

Its been four days since Luffy's miraculous recovery. Trafalgar Law and his crew left the Island after the second day after checking Luffy's vitals to be in the clear. He asked the others to give his regared to Luffy and said to tell him that they'll meet again someday as rival captains and enemies. As it stands, Jinbei and Rayleigh are the only ones left to look over Luffy in their campsite in the gulf of Amazon Lily. Hancock and her sisters visit a few times a day to check up on Luffy along with Margaret, Sweet Pea and Aphelandra to bring the men food. Currently Jinbei was enjoying the fruits the Kuja warriors while Rayleigh was propped up against a tree, a piece of meat in his hand and a strange looking chest lying beside him. It wasn't very big just enough to fit something a few centimeters wide and high. Luffy was lying on his bed a few meters away with the Boa sisters and Nyon-baa watching over him. There was no one else around beside this small group waiting for Luffy to regain consciousness.

They were a little worried as to the mental state the boy would be in. After seeing the horrors of war and experiencing pain and death first hand should rattle anyone, regardless of strength. For one as young and naïve as Luffy to see the ugly truth of the world they lived in was a little dishearening. They knew he would lose his innocence that managed to win them over. They just hoped that they would be able to help him through this painful time and get him back on his feet. But they would soon see that their concerns were for naught as a few minutes later coughing could be heard from Luffy and his eyes slowly fluttered open. Hancock was quickly to his side with a glass of water, she gently eased him up and he gulped it down to quench his thirst and handed the glass back to Hancock. When he finally regained his bearings he looked around and noticed Sonia,Mari, Nyon-baa, Jinbei and surprisingly Rayleigh. He had a few questions on his mind but shelved them for now.

He was surprisingly calm, which the others were quick to notice. Suddenly a loud rumble could be heard, a sound akin to a lions roar. Everyone looked to Luffy who sheepishly looked away. They all smiled at the predictable behaviour of the boy. Surprisingly not a word was spoken yet by anyone as they the girls brought forth the food prepared for Luffy to eat as they all watched him intently. He ate at a measured pace and not as fact and ravenous as they know he can, this worried them somewhat but they decided to wait for him to finish eating to ask him any questions. They didn't have to wait long as he was done after eating a few pieces of meat and some fruits, another alarming gesture compared to his normal appetite. After he was done Rayleigh was the one who took a seat beside him and decided to ask the questions everyone wanted to.

"So Luffy-kun, how are you feeling?". Asked Rayleigh. A simple question but enough for him to gauge his current state of mind depending on the answer.

"Like someone dropped an entire warship on me". Was Luffy's deadpan response.

The answer elicited a round of chuckles from his friends and Jinbei was the next to chime in.

"Its not surprising you're in that much pain considering what you went through. Its pretty normal so it seems you're doing OK". Jinbei said.

"No actually its far from normal, at least for me. I'm a rubber man, pain isn't something I feel regardless if the kind of beating I take, It's one of the reasons I won the many fights I was in so far. My endurance and stamina as well as my ability to tank as many hits mostly come from my Rubber powers. The fact that I'm feeling this much pain after almost 10 years probably says that I lost my ability". Luffy said nonchalantly to those around him as he punched the air and his arm failed to stretch. The others were shocked but Rayleigh on the other hand laughed heartily. He already predicted this outcome so he wasn't surprised. What did surprise him however was Luffy's calm and nonchalant

attitude. It wasn't a bad thing, but he'd like to know the reason behind it.

"You seem awfully calm about this considering the circumstances. Not counting the traumatic events you went through you were also dead for almost 13 minutes. Thats the reason you probably lost your ability. It was a close call. You've been asleep for 4 days. Is there a reason why you're not panicking or throwing a tantrum as I expected you to?". Rayleigh asked Luffy with a knowing smile on his face. He deduced that Luffy reached a similar conclusion as he did and was happy, now his plan would go a lot more smoothly. The Boa sisters, Jinbei and Nyon-baa chose to be silent and just watch thing play out between the two for now.

"Geez ossan, thanks for the vote of confidence". Luffy said with a wry smile on his face. He then looked up seriously at Rayleigh and continued. "Honestly, I want to panic, I want to throw a tantrum as you say, but...I know thats not going to change anything. It sounds a little morbid, I know but these last 4 days as you've said have been a strange experience for me".

"How so?". Rayleigh asked curiously.

"Honestly speaking, I gave up. I stopped fighting. I stopped trying. I just felt empty. I lost the will to live. That would probably explain those 13 minutes I was dead.". Luffy answered with a self-deprecating smile.

The others with the exception of Rayleigh were shocked. Luffy, the boy with boundless energy and thirst for adventure, losing the will to live was unthinkable. Yet it happened. A few tears rolled down Hancocks face as she thought about the kind of pain Luffy must have gone through to drive him to that point, she wanted nothing more than to comfort him but knew there would be a time for that later. Right now he needed to get a few things off his chest, so she decided to stay put.

"Then what happened? Obviously you're still alive so it stands to be reasoned something gave you the strength to fight your way back". Rayleigh asked with a knowing smile on his face.

"Hahaha you're right. Honestly I dont know if it was a dream or maybe my subconscious or maybe I really did go into the afterlife, but I met Ace". Luffy answered with a content smile on his face. The others looked surprised but kept quiet and waited for Luffy to continue. "I was wallowing in self-pity when he came along and talked some sense into me. He reminded me of the many things still need to be done, not to mention the dreams I still have to accomplish, for myself and for him. And most importantly he reminded me of who I'm fighting for. The many friends and companions who've put their faith and belief in me and helped me get this far. Giving up now would be a slap in the face of all their efforts. I did lost someone close to me but I cant let that drag me down. I like to believe I have people who care about me as much as I cared about Ace. So I'd like to believe that they would be just as sad as I was if I just gave up when I had a chance". Luffy finished directly a sincere and heartfelt smile to the people surrounding him. Hancock blushed profusely as seeing such a handsome smile on her love and went into her own little fantasy world whereas the others looked at the boy in admiration, happy that he was able to overcome his immense grief and come back to them. They were also touched that he valued them to such an extent and knew their feelings were the same. Rayleigh looked extremely proud at the young man. He put his hand on Luffy's shoulder and spoke to him.

"Thats a wonderful way to look at things Luffy-kun. I know how you feel and I can tell you're on the right track with the way you're thinking. Even so I can tell that something more happened. Am I right?". Rayleigh asked knowingly.

"Ossan, you sure are scary with how easily you can look through me. But you're right. You said I was asleep for 4 days, I guess that makes sense now that I think about it. I dont know if its normal but I had a strange experience. Even though I knew I was still asleep and I haven't fully recovered yet I was strangely...hmmm, aware? Is that the right word?". He answered. He seemed to be struggling to relay the strange event. Honestly he wasn't even sure of all the things that happened after Ace died. It could have been a hallucination or a dream but it felt strangely real. Whatever happened though, helped him realize a few things that need to be set straight.

"Lucid. The word you're looking for is lucid. Its when people sometimes have dreams but are fully aware of their surroundings and happenings". Rayleigh said. Luffy snapped his fingers in realization.

"Yeah, thats what happened. It was strange. I knew I didn't wake up yet but still I felt fully awake and it gave me time to think. From the things that have happened from when I was young and what happened during the course of my journey so far. Four days is a lot time to have to think for yourself and go over all the 'what if's' and 'I wish i did this' kind of theories. I guess all that time spent thinking kind of put things into perspective for me. Truth be told I want to cry, I want to be sad, but I know that isn't going to help me any. I'll take my time to grieve but I have to move on and be strong. Thats what my brother would have wanted for me. Thats why all that time spent thinking have put things into perspective for me and made me come to a realization". Luffy said in complete seriousness. The others were a little awed at this 'new' Luffy. They were used to him being childish and hyper, seeing this serious side of him made them realize that he was forced to mature after enduring the kind of pain he did. It was a little sad that the energetic and fun loving boy they've all come to adore was growing uo so fast but at the same time they realized that this would only help him in the harsh environment he is going to experience in the coming years.

"I can see you've taken things seriously and I can tell you've reached some conclusion. So, what do you want to do now?". Asked Rayleigh in all seriousness. Now was the time to see whether Luffy knows whats needed to be done. Luffy took a while to settle his thoughts. He looked up at Rayleigh with fierce determination burning in his eyes.

"What I want is to see my friends again. What I want is to get back on my ship and go on more fun adventures with them". Luffy exclaimed passionately. Rayleigh nodded in understanding but an undertone of disappointment can be detected. He was happily surprised however by Luffy's next words.

"As much as I want that to happen I know that right now, its not what I need". Jinbei and Hancock looked shocked as did the others, except Rayleigh. They knew how badly Luffy wanted to re-unite with his nakama. He has said so on many occasions. They've come to realize how much he cherishes the bonds he creates and knew the bonds he had with his crew were unbreakable. So hearing such words from him were a little unsettling and it worried them, especially Hancock.

She remembered the time before she got to know him and fell in loove with him, how he profusely begged her, on his knees even, and threw away his pride and dignity in order to obtain a ship to leave the island to find his nakama. She remembered the look of complete and utter joy plastered upon his face when she agreed to lend him said ship. Although at the time she felt sad at the thought of him leaving and never seeing him again. However fate decided to flip the proverbial table of his reunion and throw the boy into the whirlwind of events that culminated in the loss of his brother and his death for almost 13 minutes. Of course he fought through that and knowing him as well as she thought she did, the first thing he would do was ask to find his crew and re-unite with them epecially after going through such an experience. She felt he needed them now more than ever(although she did wish from the depths of her heart that he would need her the same sometime in the future). However he seemed to be a man who never failed to surprise those around him. The fact that he seemed so serious about it was even more alarming.

"I don't understand Luffy. You've been desperate to find your crew since I first met you. I thought for sure after all that has happened that you would want to be with them". Hancock stated with an unusually solemn expression directed at Luffy. All traces of her fan-girl self disappeared and she was now serious and stern. This was truly the face of the cool and indomitable 'Pirate Empress'. After witnessing her slightly eccentric behaviour around him for the most part made Luffy almost forget that underneath all those layers she puts up lies a fierce and powerful warrior, one which reach the ranks of the Shichibukai. He couldn't help but be captivated by her even if it was only a few seconds. After which he regained his composure before taking on a serious and slightly self-deprecating expression.

"You're right, I really do want to see them. More than anything. But I've also realized that it wont help the situation at all. I'm weak. After thinking it over I've realized how weak I am". Luffy spoke those words which are so uncharacteristic of him. He would usually make a declaration about being 'Pirate King' and laugh that silly way he usually does but here he was calling himself weak. It was unfathomable. Jinbei who fought beside him and saw his strength first hand wanted to object.

"Luffy-kun don't be ridiculous. You are strong, I've seen that for myse-". He was cut off from his little attempt to reassure Luffy by the man himself.

"Jinbei please...let me finish. I used to think of myself as strong. I didn't have much else to boast about. Being raised by mountain bandits, strength was all that mattered. I came to the Grand Line with a crew of 5 on a small ship, armed with a devil fruit and thought I could take on the world. And I did for the most part. I don't mean to brag but how many other rookies can claim to have defeated 2 members of the Shichibukai, saved a country from civil war, defeat a man called God and crush the most powerful and feared assassin from the governments CP9, not forgetting to mention sinking the World Governments judicial island, Enies Lobby all within a few months of their journey". Luffy continued his monologue with a fond smile as he recounted the many achievements of him and his crew during their journey. However he took on a more solemn countenance as he continued.

"While all those look like good achievements and make me seem really strong, in the end thats all a lie. All those battle I fought drove me to the brink of death, I had to struggle barely crawled my way out of them. My crew was in just as much danger. It was only thanks to my devil fruit abilities that I miraculously survived. In the end you can say that I did pull through and those experiences have made me a better person sure, I did win against all odds. But now, looking back...it all seems so hollow. While I consider myself strong, I don't think I'm as strong as I could or should be. Actually a better way of saying that is that I'm not as strong as I need to be. Thats what I meant when I said when I'm weak". Luffy finished his little tirade with a downcast expression. The others looked to be contemplating what they just heard. Although they wanted to refute his self-deprecating views aimed at himself they didn't know the full story of Monkey D. Luffy, having only known him a short while. They chose silence over any sudden remarks that could be insensitive to the boys current situation. Rayleigh though was happy at this development. He was a little worried about Luffy and if he would be prepared for whats to come especially with Whitebeard dead and the world thrown to chaos. He thought he may have a tough job trying to persuade him to agree to his proposal, but now though it seem his worries were unfounded. Luffy found the path he wanted to take on his own. He couldn't help but feel a little proud at the emotional maturity the boy seems to be going through. He patted him on the shoulder and nodded at him to continue. He knew the boy needed to get this of his chest.

"When I was young my Jii-chan looked after me, I didn't know my mother or father, and he always raised me with the mentality of joining the Marines. I never questioned it much being a little boy as I didn't really care. Then came the day that Shanks and his crew came to my home town. They all seemed so much larger than life compared to the little boy I was. Hahaha I thought they were the coolest guys. Shanks took the time to talk and even play with me. He ended up saving my life and giving me his straw hat with the promise of returning it to him someday. Its what set me on the road to be a pirate. I wanted to be someone great just like him". Luffy said with a tone filled with admiration for the famous 'Red Hair' Shanks. The others were quiet and choose to let him express the feelings he needed to. He sadly looked at the famous straw hat in his hands and continued.

"Looking back at how I spent the 10 years since meeting him I realize I didn't try as hard to improve myself as I should have. Most of my days were spent fooling around in the woods instead of actually doing things that could actually help me achieve my dream. I would always remember Ace telling me to read more or learn proper manners but I always laughed it off and continued goofing off. I regret not listening to him now. I can't help but think, maybe if I tried more or trained herder I would be stronger, strong enough to have saved Ace". His tone was soft and filled with regret and the others felt symapthy for the poor boy. He seemed so broken.

"Luffy..". Hancock whispered to herself. It was hard for her to see the man she loved like this. But she knew him well enough to know that he will persevere.

"I came to the Grand Line with a flimsy resolve, completely clueless to the world around me. I thought having a devil fruit made me invincible. I thought always shouting about being 'Pirate King' would convince people I was the real deal. In reality, I may have been trying to convince myself. I put my crew in danger and made a lot of reckless decisions which ended up hurting them more times than most. Although I have all those regrets, too many of them to count actually, I'm not going to let them weigh me down. I've been given a second chance at life so to speak. My eyes have been open to the truth of the world. My ignorance has cost me too much already. I want to change that. The fight on the Sabody Archipelago showed me already. We are not ready for the New World. All the previous fights were won by the skin of our teeth. We would be slaughtered in the New World. It a place we know nothing about and after everything thats happened I don't want to recklessly rush in with no knowledge and hope we make it out. We need to be better. I need to be better. Oh my, I seem to have gone way off topic hehehe...sorry about that, just needed to get it off my chest. So anyway, to answer your question Hancock, while I do desperately want to see my crew...as I am now, I'm no good to them. Especially now that I've lost my devil fruit powers. I'm weaker, and as captain, I need to be strong enough to protect them should the need arise. Also after my little performance in the war with my temporary alliance with Whitebeard add in to the fact that the world knows my connection to Ace and who my father is, people will be after us, marines and pirate alike, to make a name for themselves. I'm not strong enough to get them through. I need to be better, stronger, faster, smarter. I just don't know how to go about doing that". Luffy finished, balling his fists tightly whilst making a frustrated expression.

"HAHAHA I thought I might have to hit you over the head and kidnap you to convince you. I'm glad you came to the same conclusion as I did". Rayleigh laughed heartily.

"Eh?". Was Luffy's intelligent response. The others were looking at Rayleigh like he grew a second head.

"Why do you think I'm here Luffy-kun?". Rayleigh posed this question to Luffy as he wiped the tear from his eye due to laughing so hard.

"Well to be honest I have no idea". Was Luffy's sheepish response.

"Come to think of it, you told us how you got here but not why you came in the first place". Hancock said in a frosty tone while narrowing her eyes at Rayleigh.

Rayleigh noticing the danger signs flashing quickly put his arms up in a placating manner. He knew women well enough to know he needs to start talking quick if he doesn't want to lose important parts of his body.

"Easy there Hancock I only came here because I felt the same way as young Luffy-kun did. I watched them fight on Sabody and I watched him during the war. I believe Luffy-kun is a wonderful captain. As a man who was best friends with the former 'Pirate King' I know a great treasure when I see it. I know Luffy-kun has the potential for greatness. He will reach the height of this world and stand atop as the King. I have absolute belief in that. But as he is now, that potential is being wasted. That's why I want to help. To give him the tools to aid him and nurture him in becoming the greatest. That's the reason I'm here. Luffy-kun, you said you know what you need to do but don't know how to go about doing it, right. You don't need to worry about that anymore. I've already made a plan to take you as my apprentice and train you in the skills you'll need. I was a little worried coming here because I wasn't sure how to convince you to accept my proposal. I see now I didn't need to do anything". Said Rayleigh. Luffy was shocked. The first mate of the 'Pirate King' wanted to train him. It seemed too good to be true. Right at the point in his life that he wanted to be better and he wanted to improve, ine of the most legendary pirates to ever live offered to take him under his wing. He really started to question his unbelievable luck.

"So what do you say, will you accept my help and my training?". Rayleigh asked with a shit-eating-grin on his face, already knowing what the response will be.

"Is that a trick question? To learn from the first mate of the 'Pirate King' is like a dream come true. I'm starting to think lady luck has a crush on me. Of course I accept! This is just what I need to get stronger to protect my friends! Especially now that I don't have a devil fruit to constantly rely on". Luffy exclaimed as he fist pumped with a large grin on his face. The others around him smiled. Even though he went through so much he still had some of that child-like innocence. It made them happy to see he didn't change all that much.

"Speaking of your devil fruit. I have it right here". Rayleigh said those shocking words in a carefree manner as he picked up the chest at his side and opened it to reveal an round purple fruit with 'S' like swirls all over it. The others looked shocked. They definitely realized that Rayleigh was one crazy old dude. Luffy on the other hand looked at the fruit with nostalgia.

"Its been almost 10 years since I last saw it but thats definitely the Gomu Gomu no Mi". Luffy said fondly. His statement backing up Rayleigh's claims.

"Rayleigh-san, how on earth did you get the Gomu Gomu no Mi. I thought devil fruits randomly re-spawn when the user dies. Shouldn't that fruit be in a random location somewhere in the world?'. Was the question Jinbei asked with a muddled and confused expression on his face. The others, including Luffy looked curious to know as well.

"HAHAHA very well. Luffy-kun! Listen closely, this will be my first lesson as your teacher. Its true that devil fruits re-spawn into the world after the previous user dies, however it's not as random as people believe. There is a definite pattern that it follows that can be exploited if need be. You see every devil fruit has an ordinary fruit base. Apples, bananas, grapes etc. There are hundreds, thousands maybe even millions of different kinds of devil fruits, some haven't even been discovered yet. However, like I said, they all have a regular fruit as its base so to speak. This Gomu Gomu no Mi, from the looks of it, has the shape of an apple. So we can conclude that its base fruit is an apple. Now when a devil fruit user dies, lets take Luffy-kun for example, the power of his Gomu Gomu no Mi will reform in the apple, which is the base fruit of his devil fruit, that is closest to him. Think back to when Luffy-kun died for those 13 minutes, Hancock and the rest brought a large collection of food for him to eat when he recovered. I noticed that straight away and inspected the fruits that were brought. Thats how I retrieved the Gomu Gomu no Mi. And that my dear kids concludes today lesson of Devil Fruits 101". Rayleigh's explanation shocked and impressed them, though the latter feeling quickly changed to a deadpan look after seeing the somewhat smug expression on his face.

"I had no idea". Stated Hancock, honestly awed at the rare piece of information just given.

"Me either..". Jinbei felt much the same.

"That's so cooool. Rayleigh no ossan you sure know a lot". Was Luffy's exuberant replay. He literally had stars in his eyes as he looked at Rayleigh. The latter didn't help the situation at all as he looked even more smug than before.

"Well...I am a legendary pirate". Was his nonchalant reply as he puffed out his chest and flicked back his hair.

"Stop screwing around and get to the point!". Hancock said as she hit him over the head while screaming at him with shark teeth.

"Sorry sorry\, I got caught up in the moment.*ahem* Anyway\, I have your devil fruit right here Luffy-kun. Do you want to eat it?". Was Rayleigh's question. Luffy stopped smiling after hearing that. He sad a serious look on his face as he contemplated his decision. Finally he smiled and looked at Rayleigh.

"I'm glad you were able to get this fruit back for me. Though I have no intention of eating it, I would like to ask if I can have it". He was smiling happily as he spoke.

"Luffy are you sure you don't want to eat it? It would help you greatly on your journey". Hancock asked him worriedly. She wanted her love to have every tool he could to make him stronger so he would eventually come back to her. Hearing him say that he didn't want to eat it was a little troubling. The others felt the same, they thought he would be happy to have his ability back. Rayleigh too was a little puzzled. He saved the fruit so Luffy can have his ability back and boost his power. He wasn't sure what Luffy was trying to do. He still handed the fruit to him though.

Luffy looked at the fruit fondly with a sincere smile on his face. "This fruit has helped me through so much in my life however I feel as though I've relied far too much on it that my own strength has decreased as a result. I actually ate this fruit by accident. I remember sitting next to Shanks on the bar talking and joking with him when I saw a tasty looking fruit. I ate it without thought and the next thing I know Shanks was shouting at me telling me that I ate a devil fruit and that I'd never be able to swim. He wasn't angry at me though, we eventually laughed it off. It was because I ate this fruit though that Shanks lost his arm. I was sinking in the ocean and he came and rescued me, as a result he left himself open to a sea-king who ripped off his arm". Luffy finished with a sad tone as he remembered those events. Hancock and Jinbei were shocked at finally knowing how such a powerful and legendary pirate lost his arm. They didn't expect Luffy to be at the heart of it. "Although he never held it against me, I've always felt guilty because of it. So as you can tell, I have a lot of regrets in eating this fruit as it was never my fruit to begin with. Now, I can finally return it to its rightful owner along with his hat when I see him. Right now, I want to get stronger and rely on my own body. Eventually if I come across a fruit I like I'll probably eat it. However I think the era of 'Straw Hat' Luffy the Rubberman is over. This is my new chance at life. I want to change and be a new and better person. Thats why I wont eat this fruit". He said this with his eyes burning with fierce determination.

"Well said Luffy-kun. I thought you would be happy to regain your powers but now I understand your determination. I'll make you stronger than you ever were with that devil fruit thats a promise. I actually thought because of your abilities you would recover much faster and we could put my plan into action but now we'll have to wait a few days till you're fully recovered". Rayleigh said while rubbing his chin in a contemplative manner. That caught Luffy's attention.

"What plan are you talking about?". Luffy asked with an interested expression on his face.

"Hoho well I see no harm in telling you. I planned on taking you back to Marineford to do a little ceremony for the dead so to speak. We will do a lap around the island, ring the ox bell and lay some flowers for those lost in the war. This is to tell the world that you're still alive and to make a statement as well. But the main purpose of doing this is to get a message to your crew. To let them know that you all will be taking a break from your journey to improve yourselves and prepare for the New World. I remember you all saying that you'd meet in 3 days at Shakki's bar. We need to change those '3 days' to '2 years'. This is for the purpose for you all to train and improves yourselves, mentally and physically, for the New World and come back better than ever. I was thinking we can do the message in the form of a temporary tattoo. So what are your thoughts on this?". Rayleigh asked him seriously. Luffy was a little taken aback by the thought of not seeing his crew for 2 years. He wanted to get stronger but he didn't think about what that would mean for the rest of his crew.

"I know that you said you would train me but what about them? How will they improve? I don't even know where they are". Luffy asked.

"I thought you might ask that. I actually do know where they are. The same way I knew where. The person who sent you flying to this island told me so". Rayleigh said with a smile.

"wha?!". Was the best reply Luffy could offer. He was extremely confused. Rayleigh in turn put on a serious expression as he looked at him.

"You may not realize this Luffy, but on the Sabody Archipelago when your crew were cornered by Kizaru and those pacifistas you had absolutely no hope to win. When Bartholomew Kuma sent you all flying he actually saved your lives. His actions allowed your crew to get out alive and live to fight another day. That was his last act as a human being as I'm sure you know by now that his personality was erased and he was turned into a human weapon". Rayleigh told him with all seriousness. He had come to have a great deal of respect for Kuma after his actions.

"But...why?". Luffy was even more confused than before. That just brought up more questions than actual answers.

"As for your crew mates, he sent them to places where they can get hands on training in their specialty skills to improve themselves. For example you cook is with your friend from the war Ivankov and your swordsman is on an island belonging to Dracule Mihawk, just to name a few. They are with people who can improve them and most importantly they are safe. So now I ask you again. You are the captain, the decision lies with you. What do you think of my plan?" Rayleigh asked him once again. Luffy thought about this for a while. It was a tough decision to make but in the end he steeled his resolve and decided.

"I want to get stronger. I want them to get stronger too. So we can be safer and face any challenges that come our way. Lets do it!" Was Luffy's fierce reply. Rayleigh was content with his young charge. His decision would mean a better chance to be the man he should be. The others looked impressed at this sudden turn of events too. Rayleigh then turned to Jinbei.

"Jinbei, could you stick around till he gets better. We're gonna need your help infiltrating Marineford and making an escape. Are you up for it?". Was his question.

"Anything to help Luffy-kun". Was Jinbeis immediate response. Rayleigh was impressed that Luffy could instill such loyalty in a man like Jinbei. Luffy looked at his new friend with a smile a on his face.

"Jinbei, thank you so much for everything. For helping escape Impel down and fighting the war and for saving my life too. Thank you". Luffy said with the utmost sincerity as a few tears threatened to spill.

Jinbei laughed heartily at him.

"There's no need for such words between friends Luffy-kun for I know that you would have done the same for me". Said Jinbei. Luffy happily nodded knowing what Jinbei said was true. Luffy then turned to Hancock and gave her a genuine smile that made her almost swoon, she was able to keep her composure though.

"Hancock". Luffy said her name with so much passion she was barely able to keep herself from fainting. "You've given me more help than I could ever ask for. You were willing to give me a ship to re-unite me with my crew, you even went againsts your own wishes to take part in this war just to give me the chance to break into Impel Down, not forgetting you gave me the key to my brothers handcuffs and now you're even taking a risk to keep me safe on your island. But most importantly, you gave me the chance to see my brother one last time. Although I lost him, it was thanks to you I was able to hear his last wishes which gave me strength to live on. I honestly don't know what I could ever do to repay you. Thank you, thank you so much". Luffy's speech was filled with such emotion that Hancock couldn't help but shed a tear.

"You don't have to thank me Luffy. Like Jinbei said, there's no need for such words between friends. I would do anything to help you. Always remember that". She said with such a sincere and genuine smile that amplified her beauty to such an extent that even an idiot like Luffy was affected, if the red dusting on his cheeks were anything to go by. Rayleigh and Jinbei just laughrd at Luffy's embarrassment, much to his annoyance. The rest of the day was spent joking around and having fun. Luffy was happy. Even though Ace was gone, he still had people he could call a family to help him through these times. He made a vow in his mind as he laughed at a joke Rayleigh told him.

'I promise I'll get stronger. So I never have to know that feeling of losing someone important to me ever again!'. Was his silent declaration.

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