章 78: Goodbye
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--xLOVEx--
Before dawn, the crew was already awake, gathering their gear in preparation for their escape. The early morning air was cool and everyone was on edge, knowing they needed to move quickly.
Coby entered the room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Where's Vivi?" Luffy asked, his voice curious but not overly concerned.
Coby shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "She said she would meet us at the eastern port. She hasn't decided if she's coming with us yet."
The crew's energy dipped slightly at the news, but they didn't let it slow them down. They knew the situation in Alabasta was complicated, and they respected Vivi's need to make her decision on her own terms.
"Alright," Luffy said, accepting Coby's words without fuss. "Let's go, then."
They moved swiftly, heading toward the Sandora River to retrieve the Going Merry. The streets of Alubarna were quiet, most of the city still asleep after the chaos of the past few days. The only sound was the soft shuffle of their feet on the sandy streets.
As they reached the riverbank, the Going Merry sat waiting. The crew quickly boarded the ship, their movements were quick as they prepared to set sail. Nami took the helm, guiding the ship away from the shore and down the winding river.
When they arrived at the eastern port, the crew disembarked, scanning the area for any sign of Vivi. The port was bustling with activity, merchants loading and unloading goods as ships prepared to set sail. But amidst the noise and commotion, there was no sign of the princess.
"Where is she?" Sanji asked, his eyes scanning the crowd.
"She'll be here," Coby assured him. "Just give her a bit more time."
Soon, navy ships filled the sea, enclosing on them. The crew was tense as they stood at the ready. Sanji looked out at the incoming vessels. "We need to move."
Luffy was still waiting, standing on the upper deck alongside Coby. Last night, Bon Kurei had called them, informing them that he had hidden the Going Merry because the Marines were about to seize it. That was why they had left before dawn. Now, Bon Kurei's ship was suffering the onslaught next to them, as Marine Captain Hina was closing in fast.
Cannons from the navy ships fired special harpoons created by Hina's Devil Fruit ability, each one flying through the air with deadly precision. Coby stood on the deck, his eyes tracking as he defended the Merry against the incoming projectiles. He used his agility and the water darts of Uchimizu to knock the harpoons away, preventing them from latching onto the ship.
Coby's gaze narrowed as he watched Hina's ship draw closer. He thought about her ability to create metal cages with her limbs, and it intrigued him. He wanted that power, but he needed to see it in action first.
Another wave of harpoons shot towards the Merry, and Coby moved swiftly, knocking them away before they could hit. The crew was on edge, but they all worked together to keep the ship safe.
Coby calculated in his mind. 'Her ability is single use, so the price will be over the chart.' He sighed. The gains from his fight with Crocodile wasn't as good as he hoped, as he didn't kill Crocodile. 'Show me my gains,' he thought.
[System Messages:
30 SP awarded for tactical use of Stealth Foot to evade Crocodile's initial sand-based attacks.
50 SP awarded for successfully landing a counterattack on Crocodile by using precise timing and observation.
80 SP awarded for creatively utilizing Bara Bara Detach Hand to strike from unexpected angles and force Crocodile to stay on the defensive.
100 SP awarded for using environmental awareness to avoid Crocodile's Sandstorm technique and minimize damage.
120 SP awarded for exploiting Crocodile's momentary weakness during his attack wind-up and delivering a solid hit.
...
Special Rewards:
Plot Change Bonus: 500 SP awarded for altering the course of events by defeating Crocodile before Luffy's final confrontation, allowing for a more favorable outcome.
Strategic Ability Usage Bonus: 400 SP awarded for smart and innovative use of combined abilities, particularly the effective use of water and strategic strikes to counter Crocodile's Logia powers.
Intelligence Bonus: 300 SP awarded for identifying and exploiting Crocodile's weaknesses and adapting quickly to the fight's changing dynamics.
Resilience Bonus: 250 SP awarded for withstanding Crocodile's powerful attacks and maintaining focus under pressure.
Final System Message:
Battle Efficiency Bonus: 400 SP awarded for surviving and holding his own against a Warlord of the Sea while minimizing damage and conserving energy.
Tactical Superiority: 500 SP awarded for preventing Crocodile from achieving his objectives and helping turn the tide of the battle in favor of the Straw Hats.
Total SP Awarded for Fight with Crocodile: 7,830 SP]
There was nothing to do. Crocodile was a Shichibukai, but in the grand scheme of things, he wasn't that strong. The SP gains reflected that. If Coby had killed him, he was sure he'd have gotten over 50,000 SP, but he hadn't, so there was no point in crying over it. Bon Kurei suddenly called out, standing on the Merry's ridge, "What're you all doing!? We've gotta escaaaaaaape! If we aim for that opening to the south, we can get outta here with minimal casualties! Continue to sail like this, and we'll be done for sure!"
Luffy responded with his usual carefree grin, "Go if you want, but we're staying."
Bon Kurei's chin dropped in shock, "You are WHAATT?" His crew echoed the sentiment, urging him to hurry onboard. "Mr. Bon Kurei! Please hurry! Let's escape by ourselves!"
Nami, remaining calm, added, "We have a promise. We need to be at the Eastern port at noon. No time for detours."
Bon Kurei was bewildered, "This is ridiculous! Is there some treasure worth risking your lives over at that port!? Fine, go ahead and die if you want!"
Luffy's smile brightened, "Nah, we're picking up a friend."
Bon Kurei stood there, dumbfounded, watching the crew. They were risking everything for a friend. "What the hell…," he muttered, realization dawning on him.
So awed by the Straw Hats' determination, Bon Kurei made up his mind. He turned to the crew, his face serious but eyes gleaming with resolve. "I've got a plan!" he declared, already transforming into Luffy. His crew quickly began to dress like the Straw Hats, imitating each member down to the smallest detail, well at least from afar.
"We'll head in the opposite direction," Bon Kurei explained. "We'll draw the Marines away, giving you the breathing room you need to reach the port. It wouldn't sit right with me to abandon my friends, especially when you're risking your lives for yours."
Coby smiled, a hint of relief in his expression. Though many things had changed, Bon Kurei's loyalty remained unwavering. He could have saved him, of course, but he knew that Bon Kurei's destiny lay elsewhere—in Impel Down.
As Bon Kurei and his crew prepared for their daring sacrifice, he struck a pose, thoughts soaring as he prepared to lead Hina and the Marines away. "Stray from the path of a man. Stray from the path of a woman. But there is no straying from the path of a human! If we fall, then may we scatter across the true sky. Okama Way!"
With that, Bon Kurei and his crew set sail, their ship cutting through the water as they headed straight into the west. The Straw Hats watched as Bon Kurei's ship diverted the Navy's attention, the Marines quickly giving chase.
Soon, Vivi's speech began, although it didn't make sense to many. "I went on a little adventure. It was a trip in search of despair across the dark, gloomy seas. Having left my home country, the sea I saw before me was vast. It was hard to believe just how many strong islands there were out there. Plants and animals I had never seen... Sights I'd never imagined, even in my dreams..." She paused, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. The citizens of Alabasta were confused, trying to grasp the meaning behind her words.
Vivi continued, her tone softer now, as if speaking to herself more than the crowd. "There was darkness, though... The ship I was on felt it. But even in that darkness, there were people who talked about a light that would eventually shine on them."
Those who knew her well understood the metaphor. The small ship she spoke of was herself, and the people were none other than the Straw Hat Pirates. She smiled slightly, her voice trembling with emotion. "And on that ship, a special Sakura Tree, never letting rain, snow, or sunlight fall on her, always protecting, cherishing, and loving the ship. It is the most special feeling."
Coby, listening from the ship, smiled knowingly. The Sakura Tree—he knew she was referring to him. The crew realized that Vivi was giving her speech in the capital and understood what it meant. It was past noon, and they had to leave.
"Let's go, she's not coming," Zoro said bluntly, his gaze shifting towards the open sea.
Luffy, however, was stubborn, his usual resolve showing. "She will. She said she will."
As they prepared to set sail, Vivi's voice suddenly boomed from the speakers, echoing across the port and reaching the ship. "Everyone!" The crew immediately turned, their eyes scanning the coast. There she was, standing with Carue, waving at them from a distance.
"She's here!" Usopp shouted, his voice filled with excitement. "Turn the ship. She came to sail with us."
Luffy and Chopper were elated, thinking that Vivi had come to join them again. Nami was about to turn the ship when Vivi's voice rang out, stopping them in their tracks. "I have come to say goodbye."
The words shocked the crew. Nami froze, her hand on the wheel, while Usopp and Sanji exchanged confused glances. Zoro, leaning against the railing, looked over at Vivi with a frown, and even Luffy's grin faltered. But Coby wasn't surprised; he knew it already.
Vivi's voice cracked as she continued, "I can't come with you. I really, really want to go on another adventure with you, but I can't. Because I love this country too much." Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, her emotions laid bare for them to see. "Thank you for everything you have done. I'm thankful to all of you."
Luffy, who had been staring at her, suddenly broke into a smile. It wasn't his usual goofy grin but something softer, more understanding. He respected her decision, and his smile reflected that.
Vivi wiped away a tear and then asked, her voice trembling, "Although I will remain behind, if we meet again sometime, will you call me your friend one more time?"
The crew was silent for a moment, absorbing her words. Usopp and Luffy were about to shout back to her, ready to reassure her, when Coby quickly stepped in, placing a hand on their shoulders. "Marines are here. If we answer, we'll put her on the spot."
Luffy's mouth snapped shut, frustration clear on his face as he struggled with not being able to shout his reply. But then, his eyes lit up with an idea. A grin spread across his face, and he nodded at Coby before looking toward the others. They all knew what to do.
Vivi, standing on the shore, felt her anxiety grow. She wondered if the crew had already moved on, if they no longer considered her a friend because she had chosen to stay behind. But then she saw something amazing.
Lined up on the deck of the Going Merry, Luffy, Coby, Nami, Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, and Chopper all turned their backs to her. They raised their left arms high, each arm marked with the X they had drawn on the day of arriving Alabasta. It was their silent promise, their way of saying they would always be her friends, no matter what.
The X marks, simple but powerful, conveyed everything words couldn't. They didn't need to shout or make grand gestures. The marks were enough.
Vivi's tears flowed freely now, but her smile was wide. She raised her left arm in response, the same X mark visible on her skin. Beside her, Carue did the same with his wing, proudly displaying his own mark.
The day they had drawn those marks on their arms, Luffy had shouted with his usual excitement, "FROM NOW ON, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, THIS MARK ON OUR LEFT ARM... WILL BE THE MARK OF OUR FRIENDSHIP!" The memory lingered in Coby's mind as he held his arm high, X mark clear for Vivi to see. He could feel the energy of that moment, even now, as they silently communicated their bond.
Coby felt so emotional. This scene was so impactful when he first watched it, and even in the thousands of times following, he felt proud to be part of it now in real life. He stood on the deck with the Straw Hats and felt the moment. He felt lucky to die and be in that moment.
Seriously gals and guys, this might be my one favorite scene. I just love that little stance. That silent declaration and promise. Even re-reading this chapter, I cannot help but get my eyes wet. I am a bit of a cry-baby, but well, I just love it. Hopefully you guys like it too. So I raise my left arm for all you guys. (I do have tattoo)
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