chapter 97

                                    

                                          
 Uniting Forces and Facing the Truth
After bidding Smoker a quick farewell, Luffy and Ace made their way out of the bar, leaving behind the stunned patrons and the hushed whispers about the infamous Straw Hat Pirate Captain. As they stepped out into the sun-drenched streets of Nanohana, Luffy led Ace toward her ships, the powerful fleet that had carried them across the Grand Line, ready for the next phase of their journey.
"Here they are," Luffy said proudly as they approached the Black Pearl. She motioned to the other ships that were anchored in the bay, each one gleaming in the sunlight. "This is my fleet, Ace. These ships are unlike anything you’ve ever seen."
Ace’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of the Seaheart, Stormrider, Marauder, and Baratie, each ship standing as a testament to Luffy’s power and her ability to create something greater than any ordinary fleet. His jaw dropped, and he laughed. "Luffy, this is... this is a dream," he said, his voice filled with awe. "I knew you were strong, but I didn’t know you were capable of something like this."
Luffy grinned, clearly pleased with Ace’s reaction. "They’re not just ships—they’re a symbol of what we’re building. I’ve got plans for all of them." She motioned to the ships with a dramatic flourish. "Each one’s special in its own way."
Turning to the crew who had gathered around, Luffy’s green eyes shone with pride as she introduced Ace. "Everyone, this is Ace—my brother. He’s going to be traveling with us for a while."
The crew looked at each other, recognizing the significance of the moment. Chopper ran up to Ace, excited. "You’re Luffy’s brother?!" he exclaimed. "I’m so glad to meet you!"
Ace laughed, scratching his head. "I didn’t think Luffy had so many friends. I guess I’m going to be part of this crew for a while, huh?"
Luffy nodded, a mischievous grin on her face. "Of course, Ace. You’ll fit right in."
After the introductions were made, Luffy turned back to the ships. "Alright, let me show you something that will really blow your mind." She turned to Nami. "Can you show Ace how the ships sail on sand?"
Nami gave a nod, her face brightening with excitement. "Watch this, Ace. You won’t believe it."
Luffy explained, "These ships can sail on sand, just like they can float on water. It’s one of the many tricks I’ve learned. They’re not just ships—they’re made to adapt."
As Nami began to guide Ace through the ships, demonstrating how they could glide across sand as easily as water, the rest of the crew watched in awe. It was a sight to behold. The Seaheart sailed across the sand dunes like it was gliding through the waves of the ocean, its sails billowing in the dry wind. Ace was left speechless, his eyes wide as he took in the incredible sight.
Luffy grinned. "Remember when we crossed the Reverse Mountain?" she said to the crew, her voice full of nostalgia. "We used this ability back then to make the ships fly. It’s been a game-changer ever since."
The crew exchanged looks, remembering the days when they first crossed the Grand Line, unsure of what lay ahead. But now, they had built something extraordinary, something that made the impossible seem achievable.
"Speaking of the Reverse Mountain," Luffy said, her expression growing serious, "I think it’s time to check on Laboon." She turned to the side and closed her eyes, reaching out with the Voice of All Things.
Through the deep connection she had with the giant whale, Luffy spoke to Laboon. "Laboon, it’s me, Luffy. We’re leaving Alabasta soon, but I need you to wait here for us. We’ll be back after we deal with Crocodile."
In the silence that followed, a voice rang back in her mind, filled with the familiar warmth and strength of Laboon’s response. "I’ll wait for you, Luffy. Take care of what you need to do, and I’ll be here when you return."
A contented smile spread across Luffy’s face as she opened her eyes. "Laboon says he’ll wait for us," she said, her voice soft with affection. "He’s always been there, just like the crew."
As Luffy turned back to face her fleet, a familiar figure appeared on the horizon. The unmistakable Mister 2—the former Brook Worker who had been working for Crocodile—was approaching.
Luffy’s eyes narrowed, and she turned to the former Brook Workers who had joined her at Weskey Peak. "It’s time," she said, her voice cold and steady. "Capture him."
The crew who had undergone the training under Luffy’s guidance immediately took action. They moved quickly, surrounding Mister 2, who seemed caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the former Baroque Works members, now standing firmly beside Luffy.
Mister 2, realizing what was happening, raised his hands in surrender. "Wait—wait! I didn’t know you’d be here! I’m just doing my job!" he protested, his face a mix of panic and confusion.
Luffy approached him calmly, her green eyes unwavering. "You joined Crocodile and left everything behind. But you made a mistake," she said, her tone firm. "Now, we’ll show you the truth."
Her voice softened slightly, and she turned to the former Brook Workers who had joined her cause. "Tell him the truth. Tell him why you left your old lives behind."
As they spoke, the weight of their words sank in. They told Mister 2 about Crocodile’s crimes and what they had learned about his true intentions—how he planned to seize control of Alabasta and betray those he had worked with. Slowly, the realization began to set in for Mister 2, his eyes widening as he heard the full story.
"You... you really left him?" he asked, his voice full of shock.
One of the former Brook Workers nodded. "We realized we were on the wrong side. Luffy showed us a new way, one that’s better for everyone. We’re fighting for something bigger than just ourselves now."
Mister 2, his face torn with inner conflict, finally sighed. "I see now... You’ve all changed. And I can see how strong you’ve become." He looked at Luffy, respect slowly filling his eyes. "Alright, you’ve convinced me. I’ll join you. If you’re really planning to take down Crocodile, then I want to be a part of it."
Luffy smiled, her green eyes gleaming. "Glad to have you on board. We’ll make sure we finish this—together."
Turning to Nami, she continued, "I want you to get the Rain Base's evidence and make sure we have everything we need to expose the traitors. We need the full picture if we’re going to take Crocodile down."
With the newest ally now on their side and the plans coming together, Luffy nodded to her crew. They had made a powerful stride toward their goal, but the road ahead was still fraught with danger. The journey to the capital awaited, and with it, the ultimate confrontation with Crocodile.