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The last day!!
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The winds were sharp that morning, carrying the scent of salt as they whipped across the Grand Line.
Above the deck of the imposing warship docked near Marineford, a flag fluttered in the wind. It was deep black, embroidered with a crimson fist striking through a white skull.
It was the symbol of a name that was now whispered across the seas with awe and dread.
Divine Fist Luffy
This wasn't a standard Navy warship anymore. It was something else.
Zoro stood at the bow, arms folded, his three swords resting calmly at his hip. His eyes were sharp, scanning the waves with a restlessness that only a swordsman thirsting for battle could understand.
Behind him on deck, a small gathering of elite figures had already assembled.
Ain leaned on the railing, sipping from a steaming cup of tea, her gaze distant but focused.
Near her, Binz stood straight-backed, his arms crossed, silently watching the others. His loyalty to Luffy ran deep, ever since the day Luffy had crushed Edward Weevil in an act of vengeance that the World Government would never dare approve of.
For Binz, it wasn't about orders anymore. It was about honor.
Gion and Kujaku chatted near the mast, sharing sly smiles and brief laughter, the kind of easy camaraderie that came from being aunt and niece... and something else in private.
Prince Grus, leaning against a barrel, nervously tapped his fingers against the wood, glancing at the others. Sparring with Luffy, Kuina, and Zoro had made him strong and confident. He had developed a sort of friendly rivalry with them all.
But the mystery of today's meeting gnawed at him.
Doll stood by Hina, arms crossed, her sharp gaze fixated on the approaching footsteps she heard from below deck.
Doll was clearly frustrated at missing Kuina's birthday two nights ago. But Gion had informed her of Luffy's request, and when Luffy called, she would answer without fail.
Chaton, who used to scowl whenever Gion gave Luffy her attention, now leaned against the side, resigned and amused. Jealousy had slowly morphed into admiration… though the sight of Gion gently brushing her hair back and casting glances toward the gangway made his eye twitch.
And there, standing slightly apart from the rest, with gravity itself seemingly bending gently around him, was Issho. His cane sword rested beside him, and though his eyes were closed, a small, unreadable smile curled on his lips.
Everyone had their reasons for being here, but not all knew why they were gathered.
The air changed, and everyone paused as the sound of purposeful, heavy boots echoed against the wooden steps.
Tap... Tap... Tap...
All heads turned toward the top of the boarding ramp.
Luffy climbed up slowly, a half-grin tugging at his lips. His coat fluttered behind him, and beside him walked Kuina, her gait confident, Wado Ichimonji resting on her hip, her eyes sharp and calm.
The two looked like war gods descending from the heavens.
"Yo," Luffy greeted casually, raising a hand.
"A bit late, don't you think?" Zoro scoffed with a smirk. "I was about to take a nap."
"Haha! Sorry, sorry," Luffy laughed. "Had to avoid a lot of eyes. Make sure no one stops me today."
Kuina flashed a teasing glance toward Doll. "Nice to see you finally made it, Doll. I thought you were dodging my party because you couldn't pick out a dress."
Doll rolled her eyes but smiled. "Don't flatter yourself. I was on duty. But I'll make it up to you later. I already had bought a gift for you"
"Oh, I look forward to it then." Kuina winked and smiled.
Gion walked up with a light chuckle, brushing her fingers along Luffy's arm. "So… mind telling us what our goal is this time, dear Vice-Admiral?"
Luffy grinned mischievously. "You'll find out soon. But first, thanks, everyone, for coming on such short notice. I know some of you have questions, but trust me… It's worth your time."
Chaton folded his arms. "I still don't get it. You pulled us away from our posts without saying a word. Luffy… what exactly are we doing here?"
Luffy's smile didn't fade. He walked to the center of the deck, everyone's eyes following him.
Then, he turned slowly and said, "We're going to have a training session… but not just simple sparring, but a real intense session. One that'll push us all to the next level. But this time… It's not just sparring."
A hush fell over the group.
Luffy's next words rang out like thunder.
"We're going to fight Kaido of the Beasts."
"...Huh?" Prince Grus's voice cracked, his face pale. "Wait… what?"
The deck exploded into overlapping gasps.
"Wha—"
"Kaido?!"
"Luffy… have you lost your damn mind?!"
Even Doll's eyes widened.
Ain stiffened for a moment before she relaxed, and Kujaku's facial muscles twitched in surprise.
After all, they knew how strong Kaido was... the Four Emperors were no joke.
Only Zoro laughed among the gathered people.
"Heh. Now you're talking," Zoro muttered, stepping forward and resting his hand on his sword. "I've always wanted to test my steel against that damn beast. Let's see if the so-called 'strongest creature' can handle my blade."
"You idiot," Kuina said with a smirk, elbowing him. "You really think Luffy's going to let you take that fight? We both know he's claiming that one."
Zoro clicked his tongue. "Tch. Fine. I'll take out his second-in-command. One of those All-Stars. Doesn't matter. Anyone strong will do."
Meanwhile, Chaton looked like he was having a breakdown. "You're all insane! Kaido?! Do you realize what you're saying?! He's a monster! He's—he's one of the Four Emperors! You don't just 'challenge' a Yonko!"
"Come on, Chaton, just look at yourself. Already scared so silly..." Gion said softly, walking past him and leaning on Luffy's side with a smile. "You should learn from Luffy. Even a young man like him has more guts than an ugly guy like you."
Prince Grus was stunned speechless. He looked from Zoro to Kuina to Gion, then to Issho.
"Don't tell me you're okay with this, Issho-san!"
Issho chuckled softly, tapping his cane on the deck.
Tak... tak...
"Well, actually, I am also interested in knowing how strong the monsters like Four Emperors are…" Issho said with a small smile, "I look forward to seeing it myself."
Grus's jaw dropped.
Doll's voice broke the silence. "Luffy… you better explain now."
Luffy stretched and then sat on a barrel, relaxed and completely casual despite the tension boiling around him.
"Oh, come on... be more confident in yourself," He said. "We all have been training so hard for so long. Don't tell me you never think about fighting the Four Emperors one day. Then, what's the point of training and sparring every day? Just be content with your current rank and retire early..."
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