Chương 18: A New Path Forward
As the smoke of the battlefield cleared, the pirates began their retreat, carrying their injured comrades and the weight of the day's events. Standing alongside Jinbei, Luffy, and Ace, Blake watched as the remnants of Whitebeard's legacy faded into the horizon. The war was over, but the loss of Whitebeard had left a gaping wound among his men that would take time to heal.
Shanks' arrival had quelled the flames of battle, and with a firm hand, he had ensured that neither side would push further. Blake had already seen how formidable Shanks was by the respect he commanded from pirates and Marines. It was clear now more than ever why he was one of the Four Emperors of the Sea.
The Red-Haired Pirates were already escorting Whitebeard's body, supported by his sons, now lifeless but a symbol of power even in death. The words of the legendary pirate echoed in Blake's mind: The One Piece exists!
Blake's attention shifted to Ace, who stood nearby, still shaken from the battle but alive. His eyes flickered with a sense of renewal, though Blake knew Ace carried guilt for the lives lost in his rescue.
The sun began to set over Marineford as the groups prepared to depart. They were already on the high sea, with the sill functioning, or more like the non-destroyed ships available. The Whitebeard Pirates, now led by Ace and Marco, gathered their remaining forces. Jinbei stood beside Ace while Luffy and Blake joined them in silence. The Okama ship, filled with the vibrant energy of Ivankov's followers and the Impel Down's 5.5's floor escapees, stood in stark contrast to the somber air around the Whitebeard Pirates.
Big Red Nose and Candle Head had already taken the large, scrambling away from Blake with the rest of the prisoners. And the other one, like Crocodile, was who knows where.
Ace stood facing Luffy, a rare smile on his face, though his eyes were heavy with sadness. "Luffy, you've saved me more times than I can count. I owe you my life."
Luffy, despite his injuries, grinned with that signature carefree energy. "We're brothers, Ace! We'll always have each other's backs."
The moment lingered, both men understanding the weight of what had transpired. Luffy had risked everything to save Ace, and in doing so, they had altered the course of the world. The rest of the Whitebeard Pirates were prepared to return to bury their father, Whitebeard. It was a touching scene as Ace clasped his hand on Luffy's shoulder, looking back at the Whitebeard Pirates, now his responsibility.
Ace pulled Luffy into a quick, brotherly hug before turning away, knowing their paths were separating, at least for now.
Blake, who had observed the entire exchange with a faint smile, stepped forward. "So, I'm guessing we'll be heading your way?" he asked Luffy, glancing over at the Okama ship with Ivankov and the flamboyant escapees preparing for their departure.
Luffy, still smiling, nodded. "Yeah, Blake! You'll love the crew. Oh, wait... we have to find them again!" he said, scratching his head.
Blake chuckled. "Hey, I haven't said anything yet. I just can't let a kid go alone. You'll be lost anyway, I assume. Do you even know how to navigate?"
"We'll figure that out. I'm curious to learn more about your crew. Now that I think about it, how did you end up in Impel Down without imprisonment?"
Luffy was about to answer carelessly but was cut off when Ivankov interrupted, striking his usual dramatic pose. "Ahh~ You're coming with us, Strawhat-boy! And your new friend here too! We're headed back to the Kamabakka Kingdom. You'll be safe there!"
But before Ivankov could even finish his proclamation, Hancock's ship sailed into view, the Kuja Pirates standing proudly aboard.
Hancock's eyes, as always, were fixed on Luffy, her cheeks flushing pink as she descended from the ship in a graceful yet overly dramatic fashion. "Luffy, I've come to take you back to Amazon Lily myself. You'll be safe with me!" She said it like it was a royal decree.
Blake stifled a laugh as Hancock's eyes locked onto him with a mix of annoyance and superiority. "And you, Stinking Man! Stay away from my Luffy!" she snapped.
Blake's cool gaze met hers, unbothered. "Stinking man? Really? That's your best insult? Luffy seems fine around me, but you... well, you're the one simping over him," Blake said with a smirk, nodding toward the oblivious Luffy, who was still scratching his head, unsure of what was happening.
Hancock's face flushed even deeper. "I... I am not 'simping'! I am a mighty Empress!"
Blake's grin widened as he crossed his arms. "Sure, sure, but Luffy doesn't seem to notice, does he? All that power, and yet..." Blake let the sentence hang, enjoying how frustrated Hancock was becoming.
Just then, ever oblivious, Luffy yawned loudly, his exhaustion catching up to him after the day's events. "I'm so tired..." he muttered, and without any further warning, he collapsed into a deep sleep on the deck.
Hancock immediately rushed over, her face filled with concern. "Luffy?!"
Blake groaned and knelt beside her. "He's just asleep. Relax. Honestly, your overreactions are kind of embarrassing." He leaned back, watching as Hancock tried to control her outburst of emotions.
"You don't understand!" she protested, her voice a mix of frustration and panic.
Blake, already bored with the conversation, waved her off.
"Yeah, I get it. You're obsessed with him. But how about we stop acting like this is a soap opera and focus on getting out of here?"
Hancock, visibly annoyed, turned away, muttering something about "men" and how irritating they were. Blake smiled, enjoying how easy it was to fluster this woman.
As the decision loomed over their heads, whether to follow the Okamas or Hancock's Kuja Pirates, the latter's persistence ultimately won out. Hancock refused to leave Luffy's side, and after much bickering and drama, they boarded the Kuja ship for the trip back.
The Kuja women aboard the ship were initially suspicious of Blake's presence, their strong distaste for men evident in their glares. But Blake, quick on his feet and always a few steps ahead, found a quiet corner to avoid the hysterics that ensued whenever one of the Kuja Pirates passed by him. He had no intention of entertaining their strange dynamics.
Meanwhile, Luffy, still fast asleep, was left in Hancock's care, much to her delight. Whenever he shifted or turned in his sleep, Hancock swooned dramatically, sending her crew into giggles and admiration for their captain's undying affection.
Blake shook his head, watching the whole ridiculous scene unfold. He couldn't help but smirk. "These women are something else."
As they neared Amazon Lily, Blake found himself in a quiet moment with Hancock again as she attempted to convince him to stay away from Luffy and the island. "You... stinking man, you will not bring your filth to Amazon Lily!" she declared with her usual air of superiority.
Blake sighed, pretending to be deep in thought. "Hmm, 'filth,' you say? Well, Luffy seems to be doing fine on your island, and last time I checked, he's just as much a 'man' as I am."
"That's different!" Hancock protested, her cheeks reddening. "He is... special!"
Blake raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, he's special, alright. But he's also passed out, so I'll go wherever he's going, whether you like it or not."
Hancock glared but had no response. Clearly, Blake wasn't someone she could intimidate as easily as she had hoped.
Their bickering continued until Gloriosa, the elder of Amazon Lily, stepped in. She chuckled at their antics before proposing they move to a nearby island instead because no men were allowed to come in Amazon Lily.
"Maybe he will bring some sense into you," Gloriosa muttered to Hancock, who could only pout in frustration.
Blake smiled, knowing that no one could win an argument against him.
After departing from Amazon Lily, the Kuja Pirates set sail towards a nearby island, per Gloriosa's suggestion. Blake sat calmly on the deck, observing the ocean and feeling the quiet calm after the storm of Marineford.
Still, deep in his slumber, Luffy was being doted on by Hancock, who continuously threw frustrated glances toward Blake. However, her attempts to maintain her superiority complex were met with Blake's composed demeanor, further agitating her.
Blake's thoughts drifted toward the future. He had learned much about this world, but there was still much to uncover. Luffy's nature intrigued him, not just because of his recklessness but because of the people drawn to him—people like Hancock, Jinbei, and Ace, all of whom were formidable.
As they neared the small island close to Amazon Lily, the crew began to prepare for departure. Despite their fondness for Luffy, the Kuja Pirates were relieved to be rid of Blake. Hancock tried once more to convince Luffy to stay, but with him still asleep, her pleas fell on deaf ears.
Blake noticed Gloriosa quietly observing them. Her ancient wisdom and insight into Hancock's emotions were apparent. As they docked, she stepped forward, gesturing to the nearby island where they were to head. "This place should provide you a peaceful respite. However, not many come here... except a few occasionally."
Blake gave a nod of thanks, turning to Luffy, who still snored away without a care. "Seems like we'll be safe for now."
However, as the group stepped onto the new island's shores, Blake's sharp eyes noticed something strange. There was a presence on the island—someone waiting. It wasn't long before they were greeted by a tall figure whose aura was calm but strong. His silver hair and unfamiliar, weathered face became visible through the trees.
Blake's attention was locked on the man before them.
"Oh, hi Rayleigh!" commented Hancock unconsciously.
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