Chapter 72: 72. The Promise, Shanks And Luffy
Since the Marineford War, Luffy has remained aboard the Moby Dick, partly due to Whitebeard's passing and partly because he's unsure how to face Shanks.
Their agreement was to meet again in the New World, on the pirate route, not here in the first half of the Grand Line because of Ace.
But as they part ways, Shanks approaches.
"Luffy," Shanks' voice breaks through the tension, and Luffy's body trembles slightly as he turns around, tears welling in his eyes.
Shanks chuckles at Luffy's tears, remarking on how he still cries like a child.
"I'm not a crybaby," Luffy protests, wiping his tears away.
"Do you remember our promise?" Shanks asks, his smile calm.
"Of course, I'll never forget it," Luffy replies with determination. "I'll protect this straw hat with all my heart, just waiting to return it to you."
Luffy takes off the straw hat, looking at it with nostalgia. It's no longer just a hat; it's a symbol of his journey and his bond with Shanks.
As Luffy hands the hat to Shanks, the Red Hair Pirates behind him feel a wave of emotion.
"It's been years since that promise between the boy and the pirate," Yasopp sighs, memories flooding back to that small village port.
Shanks examines the worn hat, reflecting on the passage of time and the weight of their shared will.
"Do you think you're a great pirate now?" Shanks asks in a low voice.
"I don't know about being a great pirate, but I'm determined to be the Pirate King," Luffy declares with a wide grin.
"And have you found companions who won't lose to me?" Shanks continues.
"Absolutely," Luffy replies without hesitation, glancing at his crew behind him. "Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, Nami, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook – the best crewmate in the world."
Zoro and Chopper react with amusement while Shanks smiles at the camaraderie among them.
As they exchange farewells, Luffy's resolve is stronger than ever, knowing that his journey is just beginning, and he's surrounded by the best crewmates anyone could ask for.
Robin chuckled softly, her face turning red with embarrassment as she playfully teased Luffy and the crew. Brook joined in with his own strange smile, while Sanji, Nami, and Franky couldn't help but smile at the lighthearted moment.
"You've really matured, Luffy," Shanks remarked, laughing at the sight of Luffy and his crewmates.
As Shanks prepared to leave, he tossed Luffy's straw hat to him, declaring that Luffy was better suited to wear it on his journey to find One Piece.
"It's yours, Luffy. Let's have a banquet together when you become the Pirate King," Shanks proposed with a hearty laugh.
Luffy, overwhelmed by the gesture, accepted the hat and placed it firmly on his head. "I will," he vowed quietly.
As Red Force prepared to sail away, a steel ball struck Yasopp on the ship. Usopp, wearing his Sniper King mask, stepped forward and revealed his true face.
"This shot is for my mother. I'll surpass you and become the greatest sniper in the world," Usopp declared, his resolve shining through.
Yasopp, stunned by his son's determination, whispered his acknowledgement and promised to wait for Usopp in the New World.
As Red Force disappeared into the sea, Yasopp grappled with his emotions, reflecting on his past and his relationship with his family.
Meanwhile, the Red Hair Pirates onboard tried to console Yasopp, acknowledging the complexity of his situation.
Shanks, sitting beside Yasopp, offered some words of understanding, recognizing Usopp's admiration for his father despite their complicated history.
As emotions ran high, a quiet sob escaped Yasopp's lips, expressing his pride and longing for his son.
Meanwhile, on the Sabaody Archipelago, life continued with its own twists and turns.
The Red Force had vanished beneath the waves, leaving Usopp standing on the shore, his fists clenched tight.
"I'll become the greatest sniper in the world, Luffy," Usopp vowed quietly.
"Of course, I never doubted it," Luffy replied with a laugh. Just as he had always believed Zoro would become the world's greatest swordsman, he had faith in Usopp's abilities.
Nami didn't press Usopp about his encounter with Yasopp and the Red Hair Pirates.
Meanwhile, Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World watched the departure of the Red Hair Pirates with disdain.
"Buggy, have you made your decision?" Rayleigh asked Buggy, who appeared fearful but ultimately chose to leave with Bullet and Byrnndi World.
"Since it's your decision," Rayleigh acknowledged, confident in Buggy's peculiar luck.
Bullet taunted Luffy, suggesting they join forces against the Marines and the World Government. However, Luffy declined, preferring to sail with his crew.
Bullet warned that they would meet again as enemies, intrigued by Luffy's strength.
As Bullet departed, Byrnndi World called out to Crocodile, signalling their own departure.
Luffy faced Crocodile with a mix of disgust and seriousness, remembering their past encounters.
Luffy couldn't shake the feeling that Crocodile had changed somehow, sensing a dangerous aura emanating from him despite his increased strength. However, his attention was mostly focused on Bullet.
"Rayleigh, what's up with Bullet?" Luffy inquired, puzzled by Bullet's behaviour. "He used to be on the same crew as Roger, but now he's just annoying."
Rayleigh explained Bullet's tragic transformation from a talented youth to a lost and power-hungry individual. Despite his current state, Rayleigh believes there is still some good in Bullet and asks Luffy not to kill him but to defeat him and give him a chance to find himself again.
"Bullet isn't inherently bad," Rayleigh concluded, prompting a sceptical response from Nami.
Luffy agreed to Rayleigh's request, expressing his reluctance to kill anyone and his willingness to help Bullet find his way back.
Rayleigh then offered to have the Whitebeard Pirates' shipwrights coat their ship, giving them the option to visit Fish-Man Island or spend two days on Sabaody. Luffy chose the latter, remembering Camie's dream of an amusement park.
Excited by the prospect, the crew agreed to spend two days on Sabaody, knowing they could escape easily if the Marines intervened.
Meanwhile, at the Marine port on Sabaody, Bullet and World effortlessly defeated the garrison soldiers. Despite their prowess, Byrnndi World hesitated to part ways with Bullet and Crocodile, recognizing their formidable strength and potential as allies in their quest for revenge against the World Government.
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