chapter 101

                                    

                                          
A New Dawn
The night in Alabasta had been a blur of celebration—fireworks lighting up the sky, music filling the air, and laughter echoing through the streets. The people of the kingdom were finally free, and they had Luffy to thank for it. As the first light of dawn began to break over the newly transformed kingdom, the festivities began to wind down. The streets, once tense with fear and uncertainty, were now full of hope and promise for the future.
On the Black Pearl, Luffy stood at the bow, staring out at the Alabasta she had helped to rebuild. Ace stood beside her, his arm crossed, his gaze also on the horizon. The sight of the kingdom—her kingdom—was something she’d never imagined seeing, but now it was a reality. Luffy’s Jolly Roger flew proudly from every building, symbolizing the protection and new life she had brought to this place.
Ace broke the silence, his voice filled with pride. "I’m proud of you, Luffy," he said, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "You’ve really done it. You’ve turned this place into something incredible."
Luffy’s eyes flickered toward him, a small smile on her lips. "Thanks, Ace. But... it’s not just me. It’s all of us."
Ace chuckled softly, his eyes looking far away as he gazed out at the city. "I know. But you’re the one who led them. They’ve got hope again, and that’s all thanks to you."
Luffy’s smile faltered for a moment, and she turned back to face the kingdom. "I know, but I still worry," she admitted quietly. "I’m glad Alabasta is safe, but... you’re still out there chasing Blackbeard, even after I brought Thatch back to life with the potion. You can’t keep going after him, Ace. It’s dangerous."
Ace’s expression hardened slightly, but his voice remained calm. "Don’t worry about me, Luffy. I’ve got a score to settle, and it’s not something I can run away from. Blackbeard’s out there, and I’m not about to let him get away with what he’s done. I’m doing this for Thatch. For my crew."
Luffy bit her lip, her worry deepening. "But you don’t have to do it alone, Ace. You’re part of this crew now. If you need help, you can rely on us."
Ace gave her a small smile, a bit of his usual cockiness returning. "I’m fine, Luffy. But I appreciate it. You’ve done enough for me." He glanced at the crew gathering on deck, then back at her. "But, just so you know, I’ll always look out for you."
Luffy’s eyes softened, her hand brushing against his arm in a rare gesture of affection. "I know, Ace. Just... promise me you’ll be careful."
Ace grinned and pulled her into a hug, squeezing her tightly. "Don’t worry about me," he said, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "I’ll be fine. I’ll come back once I finish what I need to do. Just make sure Zoro takes good care of you while I’m gone."
Luffy laughed, her heart warming at the thought of her brother’s concern. "You’re such an overprotective big brother," she teased, pulling away from him.
Ace ruffled her hair and turned to face Zoro, who was standing a bit farther away, leaning against the mast with a smirk on his face. "Zoro," Ace said, his voice taking on a serious tone. "You hurt my sister, and I’ll make sure you regret it. Got it?"
Zoro raised an eyebrow, a little taken aback by Ace’s sudden intensity. "Relax, Ace," he replied, a rare hint of seriousness in his usual relaxed demeanor. "I’ve got no plans to hurt her."
Ace gave him one last lingering glare before pulling Luffy into another hug. "I’ll be back soon, Luffy. Take care of yourself."
Luffy hugged him tightly, holding back a wave of emotion. "You too, Ace. Be safe."
With one final wave, Ace stepped back and began to walk toward the dock, where his ship was waiting for him. As he reached the edge of the pier, he turned back to give Luffy one last look. His face softened as he waved, a silent promise hanging in the air. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the distance.
Luffy stood there for a moment, her heart heavy but proud of her brother. She knew he was doing what he believed was right, but she couldn’t help but worry. Still, she knew he would return to her, just as she would always be here for him.
With a deep breath, Luffy turned back to her fleet. "Alright, everyone, let’s get moving," she called out, her voice full of resolve. "We’ve got more to do."
The Black Pearl and the rest of her fleet began to pull away from the port, their sails catching the wind as they set course for their next adventure.
As Luffy stood at the helm, her crew beside her, she couldn’t help but smile. Alabasta was now free, and it would be her kingdom—a place of peace and hope. She would protect it, just as she would protect her crew. The world was changing, and Luffy was at the heart of that change, ready to lead her kingdom into a bright new future.
And as the fleet sailed away, the Jolly Roger flying high on the mast, Luffy couldn’t help but feel the weight of her mission ahead. There were still battles to fight, still kingdoms to build, but for the first time, she felt the full force of what she had already accomplished.
With her green eyes glinting in the sun, Luffy stood proudly at the helm, ready for whatever the future held.