章節 98: "A Promise to Laboon and the Journey Ahead"

As the Straw Hats gathered around Crocus in the whale's belly, Nami shot him a sharp look, still suspicious of the two intruders lying unconscious nearby.

"So, Crocus," Nami said, crossing her arms, "who exactly are these two, and what were they trying to pull?"

Crocus sighed, glancing at the now-dazed Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday. "They're from a nearby town," he explained. "They wanted Laboon's meat for their village. They thought a creature this big would sustain them for a few years."

Usopp's eyes bulged. "You mean... they wanted to eat Laboon?"

"Yes, unfortunately," Crocus said grimly. "People often see Laboon as just a source of food. But to me… he's more than that."

The Straw Hats listened intently as Crocus continued, his tone softening. "Laboon is an Island Whale, one of the largest whale species in the world, found only in the West Blue."

"He's been ramming his head against the Red Line for years," Crocus explained, sadness creeping into his voice. "He's in pain—physical and emotional. Every time he rams the Red Line, he's hoping that someone will finally notice… someone who can help him."

Luffy frowned, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Why would he do that?"

Crocus took a deep breath. "Laboon has been waiting here for fifty years. He's been waiting for a promise made to him by a group of pirates he considers family—the Rumbar Pirates."

The crew fell silent, absorbing the weight of Crocus's words. Fifty years? Nami thought. That's longer than any whale should be forced to wait.

"Back then," Crocus continued, "the Rumbar Pirates were a lively crew, and Laboon followed them wherever they went, even though he was just a young whale. He loved them, thought of them as his family. But when they reached the Grand Line, the crew feared the dangers they would face. They didn't want Laboon to get hurt."

"But Laboon wouldn't listen," Crocus said, a small smile appearing on his face. "He was determined to follow them, no matter what. Eventually, they stayed here at Reverse Mountain to repair their ship, and during that time, I got to know them too."

Luffy's fists tightened. "What happened to them?"

"Before they left," Crocus continued, "the captain made a promise to Laboon. They'd be back for him in three years, no matter what happened."

The Straw Hats shared a somber look, understanding now why Laboon had been bellowing and ramming his head against the mountain for decades. He had been trying to call out to his friends, hoping they would keep their promise.

"So," Usopp whispered, "they just… never came back?"

Crocus nodded slowly. "Over time, I tried to tell him they might not return. But Laboon refused to believe it. He kept waiting, kept hoping. And every time he hit his head against the Red Line, I was there to treat his wounds."

Luffy's face grew serious as he looked up at Laboon, who was bellowing sadly in the distance. In that moment, he seemed to make up his mind.

"Hey, Crocus," Luffy said suddenly. "Why don't you join my crew and help Laboon by traveling with us? You'd make a great doctor!"

Crocus chuckled and shook his head. "My days of adventuring are over, kid. I may not look it, but I'm old, and my place is here with Laboon."

Reluctantly, Luffy nodded, understanding.

Crocus then led the crew toward a tunnel. "This tunnel will take you back to the open sea. Thank you for helping Laboon in your own way."

As they walked, Zoro broke the silence. "Do you think the Rumbar Pirates are still out there?"

Usopp, ever the optimist, nodded. "They have to be! They promised, didn't they?"

Crocus, however, shook his head, his expression grim. "The Grand Line doesn't spare anyone easily. It's likely they decided not to return."

Sanji spoke up, his voice sharp. "You're telling us you let Laboon keep hoping, even though they were never coming back?"

Crocus's face softened. "I tried to tell him. But what would you have me do? Abandon him? Laboon deserves someone who won't give up on him."

The words hung heavy in the air, and the crew could see the bond that had formed between Crocus and the whale over the years. It wasn't just about waiting; it was about loyalty, patience, and hope.

Without warning, Luffy clenched his fists and turned back toward Laboon. "Raja, hand me the gloves!"

Raja looked confused but tossed him a pair of gloves infused with power. With a fierce grin, Luffy leaped up and struck Laboon hard.

Laboon reacted with a thunderous bellow and retaliated, his massive body moving in sync with Luffy's punches.

The crew watched, shocked, as Luffy and Laboon exchanged blows. Finally, with a gleeful grin, Luffy declared, "That's it! We're rivals now, Laboon! And when I come back after my adventure, we'll fight again!"

Laboon, sensing the sincerity in Luffy's voice, stopped ramming his head against the mountain. For the first time, he seemed calm, as if he'd found new purpose in Luffy's words.

Luffy then took out a paintbrush and dipped it into a bucket. Carefully, he painted a crude yet heartfelt Jolly Roger on Laboon's head.

"There," Luffy said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "This is a promise. You'll wait for me, right, Laboon?"

Laboon let out a gentle, happy bellow, seeming to understand.

Meanwhile, Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9, having recovered from the chaos, attempted to escape back to their own ship. However, in their hurry, they dropped a strange device.

Luffy picked it up, examining it. "What's this thing?"

"It's a Log Pose," Crocus said, watching them. "It's essential for navigating the Grand Line. Regular compasses are useless here because of the unique magnetic fields of each island."

Excited, Luffy held up the Log Pose like it was a treasure. "Guess we're all set then!"

As they talked, Luffy quietly devoured the remaining food, his appetite getting the better of him. Noticing this, Sanji delivered a swift kick to Luffy's head.

"Save some for the rest of us!" he scolded.

Realizing their food stocks were low, Raja quickly summoned supplies from his inventory, setting up a magical chain around Luffy to prevent further sneaky grabs. Finally, the crew enjoyed a hearty meal.

Suddenly, Nami noticed the Log Pose in Luffy's hand wobbling and, to her horror, breaking. She whirled on Luffy and Sanji, kicking them both.

"You idiots! That was our only way of navigating the Grand Line!"

Crocus laughed and, with a smile, handed her a fresh Log Pose. "Here, consider it a gift for helping Laboon."

The crew thanked him, but before they could leave, Laboon surfaced one last time, gently lifting the ship as a farewell gesture. In the process, Laboon inadvertently rescued Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9 from the water, depositing them onto the ship.

The two strangers, regaining their composure, nervously asked Luffy if they could join him on his journey to Whisky Peak.

Crocus shook his head. "They tried to harm Laboon. Are you really going to let them tag along?"

Luffy, ever the wildcard, grinned. "Why not? As long as they behave, we'll take them to their hometown."

With a final wave, the Straw Hat crew set sail for Whisky Peak, the new Log Pose pointing the way. As the crew turned back to see Crocus and Laboon one last time, the old man gave them a silent farewell, his thoughts drifting to the past.

"Thank you, Straw Hats," he whispered, his mind flashing back to another daring pirate captain with a similar grin.

As the Going Merry sailed away, Crocus glanced at his hut and gasped. His modest lighthouse had transformed into a luxurious abode, fully stocked with food, medical supplies, and even a comfortable new bed. A small note was pinned to the door: "Thank you from the Vice-Captain of the Straw Hats."

Crocus chuckled, shaking his head as he turned to Laboon, the last echoes of the Straw Hats' laughter fading into the horizon.