chapter 86

                                    

                                          
Reunion Through the Mirror
The Black Pearl sailed steadily across the calm ocean, the crew busy with their individual training routines. The air was thick with purpose, each crew member honing their skills, preparing for whatever awaited them next. Luffy, as always, was pushing herself harder than anyone else.
She had taken her training to the next level, practicing her Devil Fruit abilities, her magic, and all three Hakis. She was in the midst of refining her Voice of All Things, honing her ability to understand the deeper currents of the world around her. It was a delicate balance, using her powers to connect with the living world while controlling the flow of energy around her.
In addition to her Devil Fruit mastery, Luffy had been perfecting her Dual Swordsmanship with her two blades, Azura and Abyss. The swords had become an extension of herself, both of them glowing with a dark, ethereal energy. She swung the swords in fluid motions, each strike faster and sharper than the last. Her connection with them was growing deeper, and her skill was becoming legendary.
Beside her, Dorry and Broggy, the two giants she had recently recruited, eagerly trained under her watch. Both were enthusiastic and excited to learn Haki and the Six Styles—techniques they had never encountered in their long lives. Luffy was more than happy to teach them. The giants, with their incredible strength and resilience, were quick learners, their eyes alight with determination as they followed her instructions.
Luffy couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the giants practicing. They had already formed a strong bond with the crew, and seeing them eager to improve was a reminder of how far they had all come.
Just as Luffy finished her latest round of training, her bracelet buzzed with a familiar signal. She raised her arm, the communication system flashing to life. It was Nojiko calling from the communication cabin.
Luffy’s grin widened, and she quickly responded. "Nojiko, what’s up?"
"Nojiko here!" her voice came through, chipper and urgent. "Luffy, you might want to come down to the communication cabin. I’ve received a call through the two-way mirror—it’s for you."
Luffy’s eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "A call? From who?"
Nojiko’s voice softened. "It’s from your father, Monkey D. Dragon."
Luffy’s heart skipped a beat. Her father—the leader of the Revolutionary Army—hadn’t contacted her directly in a while. Without a second thought, she turned and dashed toward the cabin, her steps light with anticipation.
Inside the communication cabin, Nojiko stepped aside as Luffy entered, her eyes bright with excitement. Luffy’s heart raced as she saw the familiar reflection of the two-way mirror. There, on the other side, was her father, Monkey D. Dragon.
"Hey, Luffy," Dragon’s voice echoed through the cabin, his presence commanding yet comforting. "It’s been a while."
Luffy beamed with joy, her green eyes sparkling. "Dad! It’s so good to see you! I’ve missed you!"
Dragon smiled warmly, his usual stoic expression softening as he saw his daughter’s radiant smile. "I’ve missed you too, Luffy. You’ve been doing well out there, I take it?"
Luffy nodded enthusiastically. "You could say that! We’ve been training hard, getting stronger, and meeting new people. It’s been an adventure, but I’m managing!"
Dragon’s eyes gleamed with pride. "I’m glad to hear that. You’ve come so far since the last time we spoke. But I have something important to tell you."
Luffy leaned in, eager to hear what her father had to say. "What is it, Dad?"
Dragon’s expression softened even more. "I’ve finally managed to help Sabo remember you and Ace."
Luffy’s breath caught in her throat. "Sabo?" Her voice trembled with emotion. "You’ve… you’ve helped him remember?"
Dragon nodded slowly. "Yes, he was lost for a long time, but we’ve worked together. He remembers everything now, Luffy—his time with you and Ace, the promise you made to him. He remembers it all."
Luffy’s heart swelled with joy, and her face broke into the widest smile she had ever worn. "Sabo… he remembers?!"
Before Dragon could reply, the mirror suddenly shimmered, and Luffy’s heart skipped a beat. A familiar figure appeared in the reflection—Sabo, his blue eyes alight with warmth and happiness.
"Sabo!" Luffy’s voice cracked with emotion as she saw him. "Sabo, is that really you?!"
Sabo smiled, his eyes full of love and affection. "It’s me, Luffy. I remember everything now. I remember you, and I remember Ace. I’m so sorry I was lost for so long, but now, I’m back. I’m back for you."
Tears welled up in Luffy’s eyes as she looked at the reflection of her long-lost brother. "Sabo… I missed you so much. I thought about you every day. I’ve never forgotten the promise we made. We’re going to be together again, I swear!"
Sabo chuckled softly, his smile warm and full of emotion. "I never forgot you, Luffy. Not once. And now that I remember everything, I’m going to make sure we keep our promise. I’m going to help you, and I’ll fight by your side."
Luffy wiped her tears away, her heart overflowing with happiness. "I’m so glad, Sabo. We’ll be together again soon, I know it."
The reunion was filled with joy, laughter, and promises. Even though they were separated by the sea, the bond between them was as strong as ever. Sabo’s return to her memory was a moment Luffy had longed for, and now that it was real, her heart felt fuller than it ever had before.
Sabo’s smile grew wider. "We’ll reunite, Luffy. I’ll be there when the time is right, and I’ll fight alongside you. We’re family, and nothing can break that bond."
Luffy’s voice was full of conviction as she responded, "I’ll wait for you, Sabo. We’ll make the world a better place, together."
As the conversation continued, Luffy felt a weight lift off her chest. The family she thought she had lost forever was coming back to her, piece by piece. She wasn’t alone anymore.
After a while, Dragon spoke again, his voice serious but warm. "I’ll be in touch, Luffy. Keep growing stronger, and remember that I’m always watching over you."
Luffy nodded, her green eyes shining with determination. "I will, Dad. And thank you—for everything."
As the connection was cut, Luffy stood there for a moment, her heart still racing. Nojiko, who had been silently watching the reunion, smiled softly at her.
"Are you alright, Luffy?" Nojiko asked, her voice gentle.
Luffy wiped her eyes, a wide grin spreading across her face. "I’m more than alright, Nojiko. I’m happy. Sabo remembers, and that’s all that matters."
Nojiko nodded, understanding the depth of the moment. "I’m so glad for you, Luffy."
Luffy turned toward the door, feeling a renewed sense of strength. "I won’t let anything stop me. I’m going to keep fighting, keep moving forward—for Sabo, for Ace, for everyone."
With a deep breath, Luffy headed back out to the deck, her heart now lighter than ever. The winds of change were blowing in their favor, and with her brothers by her side, there was nothing she couldn’t face.
As the Black Pearl sailed onward into the unknown, Luffy knew one thing for sure: the journey ahead was brighter than ever.