The day after Sanji returned.
Amidst the relaxed atmosphere following breakfast, Sanji bowed his head once more.
"I caused you trouble this time. Despite everything, I'm sorry for making you worry."
It was true they had all worried, but now that he was back, none intended to dwell on it. Even knowing his crewmates wouldn't say anything, Sanji felt the need to take responsibility for the trouble he had caused. He couldn't just leave it be.
On top of that, he relayed the information from Drake.
"Robin-chan is being targeted by the World Government. It's a bit dangerous to stay on this island. We should leave soon."
Robin nodded, seemingly understanding when he mentioned the information came from Drake. Zepo and Pedro also showed no surprise, looking at Robin with concerned expressions.
"Well, under the circumstances, it's probably best to leave the island soon. Has the Log Pose set for the next island?" Zoro asked.
"That part's fine, but…" Nami trailed off.
"The next island is Water 7, apparently built on shipbuilding. But it's almost time for the storm there. So, I think it's better to stop somewhere else first, then get the ship looked at in Water 7."
"Then let's look for an Eternal Pose at the market—" Usopp began.
"May I interrupt?"
As Usopp, Nami, and Sanji discussed the next island, Robin cut in, her face serious. Pedro and Zepo remained quietly behind her.
"…What is it?"
Luffy, sensing the mood, looked at Robin with an equally serious expression.
"We're leaving the ship here."
The words shocked Nami, Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy. Zoro and Sanji, however, seemed almost as if they had expected it. Luffy, though surprised, calmly asked for the reason.
"Why?"
"Because if we stay here any longer, we'll cause you trouble."
"There's no way you're trouble!? Robin, Zepo, Pedro, you guys have helped us out loads…!" Luffy protested.
"Th-That's right! You helped me on Skypiea, too! And other times!"
Usopp jumped up agitatedly, followed by Chopper. Robin smiled at their words but calmly stated her reason.
"Even so. We only used you to escape Alabasta… Besides, it's not just the World Government targeting me."
The memory of the Four Emperors making a move targeting Robin in Alabasta was still fresh. Luffy and his crew hadn't directly confronted those forces, nor had they witnessed the battle, but the newspapers had covered it extensively for days. It was fortunate that most of the country was desert, limiting the major impact, but there had still been undeniable damage. Being targeted by organizations of that level meant Luffy and his crew wouldn't escape unscathed if they got caught in the crossfire.
She liked Luffy and his crew. They were good companions, cheerful and fun to travel with. That was precisely why she couldn't involve them.
"If I'm leaving the crew, it's proper to tell the captain… right?"
"…Yeah."
It was the way of things in any organization, not just pirate crews. Robin glanced at Zoro with a slightly lonely expression; Zoro nodded without showing any particular emotion. Sanji similarly imagined Robin felt her presence was a burden, leading her to leave. If she intended to explain properly and get the captain's approval, neither he nor Zoro had anything to say. A captain's word carried that much weight.
Luffy, the captain, crossed his arms and declared:
"No."
Robin, Pedro, and Zepo stared, wide-eyed.
"…Why? I just explained the reason, didn't I?"
"You're saying you're leaving because lots of people are after you, and we'll get dragged into it, right?"
"If you understand, then why?"
"Because it doesn't matter."
Luffy flatly dismissed Robin's words. He hadn't let Robin and the others join the crew based on calculated risks and benefits. True, they had saved him from dangerous situations and helped him out. But setting that aside, Luffy liked the three of them as his nakama. If they had reached a point where they couldn't get along and continuing as crewmates became difficult, he might have allowed them to leave. But since that wasn't the case, Luffy would not approve their departure.
"I'm gonna be King of the Pirates."
Luffy continued, addressing the speechless Robin and her companions.
"I'm gonna be the great king of this vast sea. You think a guy like that would turn tail and run just because the enemy is strong?"
A prickling pressure, almost like intimidation, filled the air. He's pressuring her, Pedro realized, catching a glimpse of the man he once admired, Roger, in Luffy's bearing.
"But…"
As Robin tried to argue further, Pedro stopped her.
"Robin. Luffy probably won't listen no matter what you say."
"What are you planning, partner?" Zepo asked.
"Nothing. But I just want him to know that conviction without power is useless."
Conviction without power was dangerous, but power without conviction was just noise, easily crushed. No matter how grand the declarations, without the strength to back them up, they were just laughable boasts. The battle on Skypiea must have shown Luffy that there were opponents his power couldn't reach. Without Komurasaki, they might well have been wiped out there.
"Continuing to shelter Robin carries risks. If you still want her as a comrade, Luffy, you need to become stronger."
"Yeah. I'm gonna get stronger."
Comrades were companions he enjoyed being with. He didn't choose them based on strength or risk versus reward. Even if they were weak, even if they couldn't contribute anything specific, Luffy wanted them by his side. For that, Luffy would risk his life to become stronger.
"…Pedro."
"Let's impose on them a little longer, Robin. If it really becomes impossible, we can just go back to being the three of us."
"But that means…"
In the worst-case scenario, Luffy and the others wouldn't survive. Robin didn't say it aloud, but from her silent expression, Zoro and Sanji could vaguely imagine the "impossible" situation Pedro referred to. The enemies pursuing Robin were that powerful. But Pedro wasn't entirely pessimistic.
"I think Luffy will be alright."
"…Why?"
"A hunch."
But it wasn't just a hunch. His exceptional strength for someone in the first half of the Grand Line. His luck in drawing favorable, albeit low-probability outcomes. The former was proven by defeating Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords, whatever the circumstances. The latter was proven by reaching Skypiea, an island difficult even to reach solely by luck. Strength aside, luck wasn't something everyone possessed. No matter how strong someone was, a single unlucky route could lead to annihilation. Including drawing the Log Pose setting for Skypiea, Luffy possessed something that felt like destiny.
"I'm going to trust my intuition. Robin, Zepo. What about you two?"
"Sounds good to me. Intuition's important," Zepo agreed.
"......I'm not entirely comfortable with it… but if you say so."
"Then it's settled. Sorry, Luffy. We brought it up, but forget about us leaving the ship."
"Yeah! Let's keep sailing together!"
Luffy grinned, "Shishishi."
Usopp, Nami, and Chopper, though confused by how quickly things had wrapped up, were nonetheless happy that Robin and the others were staying. Zoro and Sanji, without exchanging any signal, both let their faces relax into similar expressions of relief.
Just as the atmosphere eased slightly, Uta, who had come to visit again today, burst through the door into the cabin.
"Mornin'! …Huh, what's with the mood?"
Uta entered, wondering why the usually boisterous cabin was so quiet. She naturally took the spot next to Luffy, and then Sanji smoothly placed a cup of tea before her.
"Thanks, Sanji-san!"
"Not at all, anything for a lady."
Sanji beamed under Uta's thanks. Her interruption broke the mood for continuing the previous conversation, but since they had agreed Robin and the others would stay, there were no immediate problems. The topic now shifted to what came next.
"So, what were you talking about?" Uta asked.
"We were talking about the next island," Luffy replied.
"We should probably leave soon. Right, Sanji?" Pedro suggested.
"Yeah. Looks like the World Government is on the move, so the sooner, the better."
"…Next, island?"
Uta, who had been smiling and sipping her tea, froze. Yesterday, the plan had been to stay for a few more days since it wasn't a rushed journey… The sudden change in plans made Uta turn her gaze to Luffy.
"Are you leaving already?"
"Yeah. But the next island's apparently gonna have a storm soon, so we were talking about where to go instead."
"…I see."
Her mood visibly dropped, and even the usually perky strands of her hair seemed to droop in response.
"When are you leaving?"
"The sooner the better, right? Then today."
"Today!? So suddenly!?"
They had already bought most necessities. As long as they acquired food, alcohol, and an Eternal Pose for the next island, they could depart immediately. The only decision left was the destination. Once that was settled, they could procure food based on the length of the voyage. Recalling Drake's words, Sanji looked up at the ceiling, puffing on his cigarette.
"If I remember correctly… nearby islands are Pucci, the Town of Gourmet Food; San Faldo, the Town of Carnival; and Banaro Island, the Town of Gambling."
"Town of Gourmet Food!? Let's go there!!"
"Decided just like that!?" Usopp yelped.
Well, Sanji had expected as much from Luffy, but being personally interested himself, he leaned towards Luffy's choice. Nami and Usopp seemed interested in the carnival town, but since Luffy firmly stuck to his opinion, the next island was decided: Pucci.
With the decision made, the tasks were clear. Sanji took Usopp with him to buy groceries, while Chopper and Zepo went to procure medical supplies. Nami, Robin, and Pedro headed out to buy the Eternal Pose and other necessities. That left Luffy, Uta, and Zoro on the ship.
"Aren't you going, Luffy?" Zoro asked.
"Nah, I'm good."
"…Right."
Zoro, seemingly uninterested, went out onto the deck and started napping. Luffy and Uta remained in the cabin, neither initiating conversation, letting time pass quietly.
Suddenly, Uta spoke.
"…So you're leaving already, Luffy."
"We're pirates. We're sailing around the Grand Line, so we couldn't stay together forever anyway."
"Yeah. I knew that, but… now that you're actually leaving, you know."
At least, things were different from back then. The day Uta disappeared, Luffy had been left behind in Foosha Village, told nothing, and ended up fighting with Shanks and the others. When Shanks's crew left him behind, Uta had felt betrayed, thinking she would never see anyone she knew again. But here they were, reunited. That in itself was surely a very good thing.
"Hey Uta. Why don't you become a pirate with me?"
"Eh?"
"I've always wanted one, a musician! Pirates sing, right? So come on, let's adventure together!!"
Adventuring with Uta would surely be incredibly fun. Luffy extended his hand to Uta sitting beside him. Uta looked at the outstretched hand, surprised. If she took this hand now, they could be together like the old days—the thought crossed her mind, but Uta shook her head, dispelling it.
"…I can't, Luffy. I can't go with you."
"......Okay."
Uta forced a smile, her face looking close to tears, and playfully punched Luffy's back repeatedly. Luffy, showing no emotion on his face or in his demeanor, simply let her.
"Geez, you surprised me! But still, I have my dream of becoming the world's greatest diva. You're going to be King of the Pirates, right?"
"Yeah, I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"
"Then this time, it's a race to see who achieves their dream first! We used to compete all the time, but I always won more in the end, so I'll win again this time!"
"What!? Hold on, I won more of our contests! If you hadn't used dirty tricks, I would have won!!"
"Heh heh, sore loser!"
They bickered noisily, eventually tiring themselves out and sitting back-to-back.
"…Hey, Luffy."
"What is it?"
"Will we meet again?"
"We will! You're gonna travel around singing everywhere, right? We're traveling the world too. We'll run into each other again eventually."
"…I hope, we do."
Even if you wanted to meet, some people were hard to find. Uta had an upcoming concert, and she was a little scared to meet Shanks, whom she had invited. She understood why things happened at Elegia – the tragedy caused by her past self, Shanks and his crew taking the blame and leaving her there. She knew they probably still thought of her as their daughter. But still. The fact remained that Shanks had left her behind that day—and being left behind was something Uta truly hated.
"Hey, Luffy."
"What is it?"
"Luffy… don't leave me behind."
"Leave you behind… where?"
"I don't know, but…"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Luffy looked exasperated, feeling Uta leaning against his back as she hugged her knees. They didn't turn to face each other. Right now, Uta just wished this moment, feeling the warmth against her back, could last forever.
***
Sailing at night was dangerous. Best avoided if possible. Still, sometimes circumstances forced it. As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, preparations were complete, only departure remained. Four figures came to see them off at the port. Kaie, Hancock, Uta, and Sora.
"Robin, take care of yourself. Things were hectic, and we didn't get much time to talk… but I pray your journey ends safely."
"Yes. Thank you, Kaie-neesan."
Even though she knew intellectually it was better not to publicly display a close relationship with Twilight, Robin allowed Kaie to embrace her. Kaie didn't place importance on blood ties. Wishing her little sister figure, with whom she had spent much time in the past, a safe journey, she gently stroked Robin's head. Hancock watched them from behind, looking envious.
"To be treated so preciously by Kaie-neesama…! How enviable!!"
"You… why did you even come…" Sanji muttered.
"Hancock-san is technically my escort, you know," Uta explained.
Sanji, struck by Hancock's beauty, had turned to stone again for a moment, but by the second time, everyone was used to it. Figuring he'd recover eventually, they left him on the deck, and he returned to normal when Sora came into view.
"Sanji. I heard you spoke with Judge…"
"Yeah, there was just something I was curious about."
"I see… Take care of yourself, okay? I'll always be on your side."
"I know."
"As long as you know… Oh, right."
Before she forgot, Sora took out a sturdy-looking box. She handed it to Sanji, making sure he held it firmly. Sanji looked puzzled, holding the strange object.
"What's this?"
"Something important. It will help you when you're truly in danger."
However, it wasn't a box small enough to carry around all the time. Sora told him to open it only when absolutely necessary. As Sanji turned the box over, examining it from all angles and trying to guess its contents, Sora hugged him. Her height was only slightly less than Sanji's, not much different. She hugged him tightly, as if for the last time, then released him after a few seconds.
"Be well, Sanji. You're my precious son too. As long as you're healthy, nothing else matters."
"…Yeah. You too, Mother."
Even if it wasn't a final farewell, crossing the sea was always risking one's life. The possibility of misfortune striking at any moment was never zero. Sora knew this well.
Finally, Uta stood before Luffy.
"......"
"......"
"…Take care."
"You too. I can't come see your concert, but I can listen on the radio, right?"
"Yeah. Should be able to."
"I'm gonna get stronger and become King of the Pirates. You do your best too, Uta."
"Don't need you to tell me!"
They bumped fists, saying their goodbyes. As they did, Luffy glanced towards Hancock.
"Take care of Uta for me, Hammock."
"It's Han-cock!! Do you have any intention of learning people's names!? …You don't need to tell me; escorting this child is a job entrusted to me by Kanata-sama. I will do my utmost. Is that sufficient?"
"Yeah, thanks."
Having said their farewells, they boarded the ship. As the sun gradually set, the ship pulled away from the pier, its sails catching the wind and billowing wide.
"Setting sail~~~~!!!"
Luffy held onto his straw hat, watching Uta wave from the pier. Her back hair drooped, and her face looked close to tears, but Uta still tried to see them off with a smile. Sanji watched Sora waving but noticed a familiar man at the edge of his vision. Drake, realizing Sanji had spotted him, raised a hand in farewell. Despite the short time, Sanji gave a wry smile, acknowledging the various ways Drake had helped him.
"See you again, Luffy."
The ship was already distant. Her voice likely wouldn't reach him. Still, Uta whispered "See you again" instead of "goodbye," as if wishing for their reunion.
—Their next destination was Pucci, the Town of Gourmet Food. What awaited them there, only the gods knew.
***
—Simultaneously, in the New World, Hachinosu.
Twilight executives were always present on this island, but today, a particular tension filled the air. The forces dispatched to Alabasta: Junshi, Lycoris, Gem, and Miss Goldenweek. Teach and his crew, who had hitched a ride from Midgard. And Douglas Bullet, the "Demon Heir." Additionally, Feiyun had returned from Punk Hazard, bringing Caesar Clown.
Enough power to potentially fell a nation had returned almost simultaneously, leaving the subordinates unable to hide their nervousness at the imposing gathering. They assembled in Kanata's office inside Hachinosu, lining up to report. Kanata smiled serenely.
"Welcome back—you've returned well, my brave warriors."