Luffy's words surprised everyone, but then a smile spread across their faces. It was just like Luffy to get all fired up about someone fighting for their friends, even if it meant getting punched in the process.
"Even if you're fighting for your friends, I won't lose to you!" Luffy declared, raising his face with a wide grin. "Because I'm stronger!"
He instantly vanished and reappeared in front of the giant Moria. Moria, still mostly unconscious, reacted with pure instinct, his massive claw sweeping toward Luffy. But this time, Luffy was ready. He stretched his right arm back in a coil, and before Moria's attack could land, he launched his fist forward.
"Rubber-Rubber Hawk Gatling!"
Bang! A massive dent appeared in Moria's stomach, and his mouth flew open. A torrent of shadows streamed out. As Luffy continued to spin his fists, more and more shadows were forced out of Moria until he shrunk back to his normal size. Finally, with one last punch, Luffy knocked him out cold.
Moria fell to the ground, but his eyes fluttered open for a second. With immense effort, he looked up at Luffy. "Straw Hat boy... my... my partners..."
"Your partners are fine. I didn't kill them, don't worry," Luffy said softly. Moria's body relaxed, and he passed out completely.
Nami, Usopp, and Chopper walked over and looked at Moria with a mix of emotions. He was a horrible villain who stole people's shadows, but he was also a man who cherished his friends. His willingness to fight a Five Emperor for them was a show of loyalty that resonated with Luffy. It was clear that Luffy had been merciful.
"Alright!" Luffy said. "All those shadows should go back to their owners. Let's just take Moria's treasure and leave his partners alone."
No one objected to Luffy's decision. The shadows would be returned, Moria had been taught a lesson, and they would get treasure as a bonus. It was a win-win situation.
Leaving Moria unconscious, they entered the castle. Nami, with her keen nose for treasure, quickly found the treasury and began to loot everything she could. Carl spotted a piano and decided to take it, too.
"Mr. Carl, can you play the piano?" Marie asked.
Carl shook his head. "No, but Luffy's always looking for a musician. This can be for a future crew member. A party isn't a party without music!"
Luffy gave him a thumbs up. "Good idea, Mr. Carl! Let's take every instrument we can find. Our future musician deserves the best!"
They didn't find any other instruments, but the piano was more than enough. They made their way back to the port with their loot just as Zoro and Law returned, followed by a strange group of people.
A woman with pink hair and thick lips, her hair in twin ponytails, saw Luffy and her eyes lit up. "Hi! I'm Lola! I like you! Marry me!"
"No," Luffy replied bluntly.
Undeterred, Lola immediately looked at Carl. "I like you! Marry me!"
Before she could finish, Robin stepped in front of Carl, her arms crossed in a defensive pose. Lola saw this and instantly backed off. She then turned to Sanji.
"I like—"
"I refuse!" Sanji said.
"Long nose, I like—"
"I'm sorry!" Usopp answered.
Lola seemed used to the rejections. She simply turned and went back to her crew.
"Hello, everyone," a man from her crew said, explaining. "We are the Rolling Pirates, and this is our captain, 'Lola the Proposal Proposer.' She's proposed to over 4,000 people and been rejected every time. We just wanted to thank you all for getting our shadows back."
Luffy waved his hand. He hadn't done it to save anyone, just because he thought stealing shadows was wrong. But now that he knew Moria was loyal to his friends, he actually felt a little bad for him.
Law and Zoro came over, and everyone introduced themselves. They were relieved that everything was resolved so easily. It seemed a Warlord was no match for the Straw Hats. For Law, this was good news. It meant that Doflamingo's downfall was near. Even if he called Kaido for help, he was doomed.
Brook, who had been with Law and Zoro, took off his top hat and bowed. "I want to thank everyone on the Straw Hat crew. It's wonderful to have my shadow back. I can finally go back and fulfill my promise to Laboon!" Tears streamed from his empty eye sockets.
Luffy and the others smiled, happy for their whale friend and his future partner.
"It's time for a party!" Luffy shouted. "This is definitely a reason for a party!"
Nami didn't object. Since they had just stolen Moria's treasure, she was more than happy to celebrate. Sanji got to work, with the rest of the crew helping him prepare and serve the food. Soon after, Luffy raised his glass, and the banquet officially began.
Even though the fight wasn't a difficult one, it didn't stop the Straw Hats from having fun. When Franky started dancing, the party reached its peak.
Carl looked at Brook. "Brook, you're a musician, aren't you? Why don't you give it a try?"
Luffy's eyes widened. "Brook is... a musician?!"
Brook wasn't shy. He walked over to the piano and played a few notes. "Yohohohoho! I can't say I'm a professional musician, but my violin was a favorite of the Rumbar Pirates, and Laboon loved my playing!"
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