#anyway at least elbaf will be for him

[beanghostprincess]

I was wondering what your thoughts, headcanons, or possible aftermath fic scenarios for this "what if?": What if Usopp had been there with Chopper and the other doctors when they witnessed Sanji get his exoskeleton against Queen? What would Usopp have felt? What would he done? Once Kaido was beat, would Usopp have gone and brought it up with Sanji? Sanji sure the fuck didn't bring it up with anyone and probably swore Chopper to secrecy...

I've been saving this post to write a proper answer to these questions because I think it's such a good and interesting topic that it deserves my attention 100%. Or at least that's what I've been saying, but if I'm being honest it's just that the whole topic of Sanji in Wano affects me personally and it's not exactly my favorite subject (It really is, though. I love it. I just have to be in the right mindset). And since I am drunk and sad I am going to try and tell you what I think. I sincerely apologize if there are any typos here, btw.

Your question kind of reminds me of what I always say about Usopp being in WCI. I personally think he should've been at least either in WCI or here with Sanji when his body got altered. I don't think it's fair we got to see Sanji with Usopp back in Water 7 when he was the most vulnerable but we didn't see Usopp with him when all of this happened. I don't know. Perhaps I'm a bit biased because I'm a Sanuso shipper and Usopp fan, but I really would've liked it.

I think Usopp would've been confused, just like all the other characters witnessing this, but he would've known instantly that something more was going on. Like. It's not only that Sanji's body is getting altered, but that it's affecting him emotionally. Usopp would've known it was upsetting him. And tbh since he saw Sanji wearing the raid suit for the first time, it isn't hard to like, draw your own conclusions. He probably would've known it had something to do with it. Perhaps he would've tried to help with the fight but Sanji would've told him to stop (because he's stubborn and a fucking self-sacrificing idiot and also he was in the middle of a breakdown) and Usopp would've started panicking, basically. Reading Sanji's movements to see what's wrong and panics even more when he sees him not getting hurt the way he should. And when he sees his whole body being, uh, out of place, and Sanji not getting hurt by it, he just starts panicking even more. Like, here we have to keep in mind he doesn't know anything about what happened back at WCI. He knows. But he doesn't know. You know? Anyway- The thing is that I don't think Sanji would've given him the chance to express his feelings because he's in the middle of the fight and because he definitely does not want to talk about it.

Personally, I think Usopp would have brought it up and that's sort of why Oda didn't put him there (and because Usopp was doing his Usonami shenanigans with Ulti and Paypay) (I never talk about Ulti and Paypay I fucking love them wtf). It's a journey Sanji has to go on his own. It's his "nothing happened" moment. The only ones who know something's wrong are Chopper and Zoro, and they for sure won't talk about it because Sanji definitely told Chopper to not say anything and Zoro is... Zoro. Anyway. I think Usopp would've tried to talk about it with Sanji and Sanji would've told him that it's not that big of a deal. That it's nothing. He'll get over it on his own. And tbh I am making it Sanuso because I am the Sanuso princess and I can do it:

Usopp asks Sanji what happened back there, and Sanji refuses to answer and tries to ignore the question. Tries to laugh it away or whatever. Usopp knows something is wrong, of course. Of course he knows, because Sanji has been like an open book ever since WCI happened. Long story short, they have some back and forth with Usopp demanding to know more because he cares about him and Sanji trying to ignore his questions. But, yeah, Sanji ends up yelling and telling him the truth and he instantly feels like shit for yelling at Usopp and scaring him and that only makes him hate himself more. And if that ends up with Sanji crying and having a whole breakdown and Usopp hugging him it's up to you, but to me I 100% confirm that this would happen and Usopp would give him a whole speech about him still being himself despite his body because otherwise he wouldn't be crying.

[syrupfog]

The thing about being a pirate is that you can’t get too attached to anything you own. 

Ships go down. Ships get stolen or looted. You change crews. 

Maybe pre-pirating your whole island was razed to the ground and you escaped with only the clothes on your back and your odd hat. 

It’s just a known fact; don’t get too attached to anything. 

THAT’S why Law keeps his Sora collection a SECRET. 

He knows it’s not wise to keep on board the Tang. He knows he’s just ASKING for a leak. He keeps the comics in waterproof containers as if that will help if they sink.

Honestly rule number one of being a pirate is “don’t eat a devil fruit you dumbass you need to swim” but he’d already broken that rule so he might as well break rule number two; “don’t get attached to anything you own.” 

He got very attached.

When the Tang explodes, everyone makes it out. Which makes sense, because everyone (except for Law) are North Blue survivors, MADE for those icy ocean temps. It’s great, he’s eternally grateful he can trust his crew. 

He’s just a little devastated that his collection is gone.

In the mean time, while debating how to get ahold of a second ship (would Wolf be willing to come out of retirement…?), they’re stuck on the Going Luffy again. Fucking creepy ass ship. But at least Law spends enough time getting pissed at Barto that he barely misses his things.

(That’s a lie; he used to reread one comic a night. He misses them a lot). 

Two weeks into their stay, though, they finally catch up to the Sunny (which of the Straw Hats was dumb enough to give Barto their vivre card?) and as soon as they’re close enough, Law realises that he made a mistake, lounging on the deck to nap. 

Because, like some sort of beacon, Luffy spots him instantly as he slingshots from one ship to the other. 

“TraaaaaaaffFFFFFYYYYYY” 

Law makes a quick room and switches himself with Bepo, who screams as Luffy crashes into him.

“Bear!!” Luffy yells. “You’re not Traffy!” 

“No! Sorry!” 

Luffy gets up and brushes himself off. “Oh, Traffy! When did you get over there?” 

“When you decided to try to kill me with that landing,” Law says, cracking his neck. 

Luffy laughs at him. 

LUFFY is made of rubber. Law is not made of rubber and he does not think Luffy ever remembers that. 

“I’m so glad you guys are here!” Luffy says, ignoring the insinuation that he would commit murder. “It’s been so BORING lately! And Nami says you guys don’t have a ship right now!”

Ah yes, Nami does read the paper religiously. 

“We’re working on it,” Law says, ignoring Bepo’s sad expression. 

“Well until then, you should join us!” Luffy says. “Since we’re in an alliance and all!” 

“We are NOT,” Law snaps, “still in an alliance! That’s finished!”

Luffy laughs. “Okay,” he says. 

Law doesn’t think that okay is real. 

“But anyway, Sanji says you should all come over for dinner! He’s making meat!” 

Barto, who has only just appeared (probably doing his hair), perks up. “Me too, Luffy Senpai??”

“Uh,” says Luffy. “Yeah, sure!” 

Barto has stars in his eyes. 

Law sighs. Barto is too much to handle on the best of days. 

“Fine Straw Hat,” he says. “We’ll be there.” 

They eat on the deck of the Sunny, because there’s not enough room in the galley. It’s a clear, starry night.

The Sunny’s headed to Elbaf. 

Law sits at the edge and watches his crew make up to Usopp and Franky. Bunch of nerds, the lot of them. 

He watches Luffy, too, as he eats a mammoth portion and then immediately lays down for a nap. 

Law’s spent a lot of time watching Luffy.

He doesn’t get it, how one person can have such magnetism. Luffy could have the whole world bowing at his feet if he wanted. Law knows this because he could easily count himself among them. 

He doesn’t understand why Luffy continues to seek HIM out.

He’s a hell of a lot grumpier than Luffy’s acquired crew. He’s also clearly been born with bad luck; it follows him like a plague. He’s not fun to be around. 

But for some reason Luffy keeps finding him and looking happy when he does. 

It’s weird.

Tonight, after half the crews have retired and Luffy’s woken up from his food coma, he does the same thing. He zeroes in on Law and sidles up to him. 

“Hey!” He says, sandals slapping the deck. “You’re being all weird and lonely!” 

“Shut up, Straw Hat. You’re just too friendly.”

Luffy puts his hands in his hips as he laughs. “You’re friendly,” he says. “You’re just not happy about it.” 

That’s incredibly wrong. Law scowls. 

“Now come on.” Luffy reaches down and pulls Law to his feet. “Sanji’s doing dishes.” 

“So…?” 

Luffy puts a finger to his lips.

Then he makes an INCREDIBLE amount of noise as he runs across the deck with Law in tow (and protesting about it) down to the men’s bunk room. 

Chopper and Jinbei are already asleep but the light is on, and Zoro’s sitting in his bunk polishing his swords. He looks at them when they enter and snorts. “Stealing from your own crew, now, Luffy?” 

Luffy laughs and Law starts to protest— or question?— but he’s pulled over to the lockers and Luffy starts rummaging through one that’s full of suits and smells sickeningly of cigarette smoke.

From the bottom he pulls out a box of— 

“Is that— Sora?” Law breathes. This is the GRAND LINE. How did someone get SORA COMICS? 

“Yep!” Luffy opens the box and starts getting his sticky fingers ALL OVER THEM. “The bear said you love this stuff! And that you lost yours!”

“I—“ how did Bepo…? 

Of course Bepo knew. Damn him. Snooping bear. 

“Sanji hates these things. I dunno why he insists on keeping them.” 

Luffy gives up thumbing through them and instead sticks his GREASY HANDS IN and just pulls out 90% of the stack at random.

“Here you go!” 

Law gapes at him. 

“Straw Hat, you can’t just—“ 

Luffy grins. “Sanji won’t to notice!” 

There’s two comics left in the box. Sanji will definitely notice. 

Still, Law could never turn down this opportunity. He takes the stack with REVERENCE, realising these are the OLD ones, the ones with the much darker plot lines and terrible airbrush coloring. 

Holy shit. They’re first editions. 

He may have started crying right there, if not for the fact that he’s suddenly pulled out of his thoughts by incredibly loud, incredibly fake snoring.

He looks over. Zoro’s still holding his sword oil as he “sleeps”. 

If he were a better man, Law would talk to Sanji about this. 

But he’s not a better man. He’s a pirate. 

Law makes a room big enough to reach the Going Luffy and reaches out with his free hand, grabbing Luffy.

He switches them with a Luffy statue from his own “guest” room.

Luffy laughs as Law lets go. “That’s so cool, we should prank people,” he says. 

“Later,” Law says. He sits down on the floor in front of his hammock and starts carefully shuffling through the Sora.

Honestly he’s so caught up in finding out what volumes are there that he almost forgets he brought Luffy with him until the captain reaches out from next to him and points at one of the covers. 

“Hey that looks like Sanji’s brother!” 

Law rolls his eyes and starts talking about how it couldn’t possibly be whoever Sanji’s brother is because Sora came out when HE was a kid and Sanji’s too young for that, and anyway Straw Hat don’t you know anything about the LORE? 

He talks about the lore. 

He talks for a LONG time about the lore.

And the worst part of all is that Luffy pays attention for all of it, nodding like he’s listening. 

(He can’t possibly be) 

(But that’s okay) 

When Law is done going through each comic and explaining the plots in detail, he realises just how much he’s forced down Luffy’s throat.

He starts to apologise but then he looks up at Luffy and sees him grinning. 

“We should’ve taken all of them,” Luffy says. “You clearly care about them a lot.” 

Law… blushes. Gets bright fucking red. “It’s a hobby,” he says. “It’s not important.” 

“But you like it,” Luffy says.

“And that makes it important.” 

Law stares at him. 

He has the unnerving urge to kiss him. 

“Straw Hat…” 

Luffy leans forward, eyes wide. 

Shockingly, he does what Law would never follow through on. 

He kisses him. 

HE KEEPS HIS EYES OPEN, THOUGH. LAW DOESN'T LIKE THAT.

Law reels back after the initial kiss. “LU-YA CLOSE YOUR EYES WHEN YOU KISS SOMEONE.” 

Luffy pouts. “No! I wanna see you!” 

Law scoffs. His face is SO hot. “Shut up.” 

He covers Luffy’s eyes and kisses him back. 

Luffy’s a terrible kisser. 

Law likes that.

He likes that there’s something he’s bad at. Because everything else about Luffy is so incredible. 

Luffy goes to deepen the kiss but when he surges forward he knocks one of the comics with his foot and Law immediately stops the kiss to clean up everything.

When breakfast happens in the morning, Sanji complains briefly about someone breaking into his locker and messing sigh his stuff, but Zoro makes a remark that Sanji’s just upset because he hides sex toys in his locker and got found out. 

They start fighting.

Luffy sits next to Law and eats all his pancakes, while Law picks at the accompanying fruit and eggs. 

Then, under the table, Luffy grabs his hand. 

Luffy’s hand is SO sticky. 

Like, did he stick his hand IN the maple syrup? 

Law lets it happen, though.

It’s good. It’s nice. 

He fell asleep in the hammock last night with Luffy. Reading Sora. 

Pirates can’t afford to get attached to things. Things get lost and looted and stolen. 

But just this once. Just this once Law will try again.

[raconteur-wanpi]

One Piece 1130

Here comes another review / reaction!

Starting with the Yamato cover stories again, it seems whoever is the suspicious kidnapper is also trying to steal Yamato's katana! Or at least, I'm assuming it's the same person. I feel like this means we're going to find out who it is rather soon. Is my bet on Perospero going to be completely and utterly debunked? We'll just wait and see.

Franky and the rest of the strawhats remaining on the giants' ship seem to have decided to call off the search! It's certainly the right decision, because as we'll see later, the rest of the crew is indeed already on Elbaf. It's interesting to see Franky specifically showcasing determination and speaking out the decision, I kinda love it. You have to remember he was the leader of the Franky Family for a long while, nice seeing that element of his again.

The rest of the New Giant Pirates are starting to show up! I remember both Gerd and Goldberg, but getting more dialogue from them is nice, they seem like genuinely charming characters and I love both their designs. They even showed up in Vegapunk's flashback, helping out Saul pick up all the books in Ohara. They seem to not like Rodo very much, which is kinda funny but makes total sense. It's also worth mentioning that apparently, according to Linlin's childhood flashback, Loki, Rodo and Goldberg were all born on the same day, or at least very close to each other! (From chapter 866)

The strawhats unfortunately don't recognize these two, who are certainly their allies, so instead they hide away from them.

This panel of all of them making their escape from Rodo's weird creepy dungeon is pretty cute, I always love seeing the strawhats casually interact. Sanji saying he used to cross a rope bridge like this is very interesting to me, surely there was one in Germa, right?

* Edit: oops, turns out that's Chopper saying it! Big thanks for the corrections in the replies. It's really hard to tell, but that makes more sense, we do see that in Drum Island.

Anyway, Luffy seems to spot something that catches his interest during this walk-away.

Meanwhile, back on the ship with the Giant Warrior Pirates....

Dorry and Broggy have been framed for the Egghead incident by Morgans also! Well, they did go against the government, so it's to be expected. Their bounties increasing to such numbers seems to actually align with real life inflation rates, Oda did his research.

Aaaandd here it is, one of the biggest things in this chapter. Vivi left a message to the strawhats!!!!!!! Being with Morgans, she was obviously able to draw the marking on the photo before it started getting reproduced for publishing. Everyone predicting Vivi joining the strawhats this arc is probably correct, hopefully! Please let it happen. Go get your girl kids!!!!!!

OK, this is the other huge (pun unintended) thing revealed this chapter. More information on Loki and, well.... the revelation Harjudin might be his brother!? They're both the King's sons, right? They both get referred to as princes here, aren't they!?

King Harold is referred to as Loki's father here, so it's safe to assume he was Harjudin's father also. If this is the case, Harjudin going after the Flame Flame Fruit in Dressrosa makes more sense.

Hmm, this narrative is pretty interesting, Loki getting called things like "cursed", "the shame of Elbaf" "not right in the head" etc, it feels like pretty cruel words. Even if he is indeed a horrible and dangerous person, something tells me we're meant to be wary of people being spoken about that way, so it might be a case of the people of Elbaf taking their measures against this guy too far and pushing him into what he eventually turned into.

One Piece loves this narrative, when you have things like Wano's unjust treatment of the Kurozumi Clan or Doflamingo's treatment when he was a child. Yes, Orochi and Doffy did turn out into terrible, horrible people, but the implication of those narratives is that it's the systems that failed them that created those monsters. It's not to feel sympathy towards them or anything, they really don't deserve that at this point, but rather to understand how they were created, and that the people who unwittingly turned them into such dangers were in many ways in the wrong as well. After all, Tama is also a Kurozumi, for example, and Wano needed to get over their treatment of entire clans for the crimes of a few. We even see that with Yamato being hazed for his father being Kaidou in the cover stories, only for Denjiro to scold the younger generation for this behavior. Not to mention, "the shame of Elbaf" does immediately make me think of "the failure of Germa" and such similar things. In fact, if we wanna push that parallel further, Loki being almost married off to the Charlottes' in a similar way, might have in fact been an attempt at "getting rid of the failure" and letting someone else deal with him, rather than an attempt at making amends with Linlin. I do think it's most likely that Loki will be a bad guy, but I think there will also be a narrative on how cruelty breeds more cruelty. Oda's favorite!

And here he is, the "accursed prince". Wow, what a panel! This is such a good drawing in sense of scale and danger. Incredible artistic work. Immediately leaves such a strong impression on who this character is, it's quite the introduction!

[sroloc--elbisivni]

Fic roundup: Heart Pirates, post Winner Island

After seeing @purplehairedwonder's post rounding up her fics from the aftermath of the Law-Blackbeard fight now that it's been animated, I thought I'd make one putting together as many as I could find or remember. These are ones where it's the main focus--I realize it does feature in like, various longfics, as a background/inciting event but my goal was to sift out the ones that are focused on it. If there's one that is post WI focused you know and love I'm missing feel free to toss the link in the replies and I'll update the list. I've done some minor sorting into sections for Lulaw, Heart Pirates crew fics, bad end, and various, and within those things are listed alphabetically.

Lulaw

a beating heart by Heartprts (jiaaa27)

After successfully escaping Egghead, the Straw Hats are on their way to Elbaf when two individuals made their way to the Thousand Sunny. The ensuing events led Luffy to realize his feelings for the dying captain. Prompt: confession | heart swap | i thought i'd lost you

A Thing Both Terrible and Beautiful by purplehairedwonder; E, 3.5k, complete.

Law wants it rough, wants it to hurt, because it’s what he deserves after losing everything. Again. Luffy knows he needs something else.

as I hold your hollow heart by betsib; M, 25k, complete.

The Straw Hats pick up Bepo and an unconscious Law after the events at Winner Island. Luffy is more than ready to help him, but when Law opens his eyes, he is a stranger. Meanwhile, Law wakes up in Dressrosa, with Doflamingo's symbol tattooed on his chest and servants calling him "Corazon".

Ballast by SyrupFog; NR, 7.3k, complete.

Law stands at the helm of a ship that isn’t his. They need supplies, they need to recover (he needs to recover), they need to go back. He can’t— he doesn’t have another choice. They have to go back to Winner Island as soon as possible, as soon as they’re able. There’s just no other option, here. Not for him. Not when his entire crew, save for Bepo, is somewhere out there. They’re strong. They must have survived. Law needs them to have survived. Law and Bepo have commandeered a small marine vessel, but there's a ship that simply won't stop following them, and Law-- Law's having nightmares.

Bet by Salemmcit0; G, 1.3k, complete.

Luffy wants to take care of Law while he's wounded, and he lets him. Both pirate crews are freaking out. And betting about it.

Broken Hearts by Dragon_Fallss; M, 33k, complete.

After retreating from Blackbeard, Bepo takes Law to the Thousand Sunny for help. Law's broken. And on top of that, the virus from the battle makes a surprise return. He now has to deal with his grief and a new body. And Luffy is so kind it's painful.

Call You Mine by All_My_Characters_Are_Dead; T, 8.8k, complete.

“Who would even be crazy enough to date Straw Hat Luffy?” “It’s gotta be someone who’s pretty strong,” one of the bar’s patrons mused. “I don’t see Straw Hat falling for a weakling.” “Strong enough for Straw Hat, and crazy enough to accept his advances,” another patron mused. “There aren’t many people that can say they’d meet those requirements.” “It’s pretty much just the Worst Generation, right?” someone else pointed out. Law scowled at his drink and wished Penguin wasn’t such a busybody. “Makes sense. Those Worst Generation guys all seem pretty close. When they’re not trying to kill each other, anyway,” the bartender pointed out with a shrug. Law had to admit he was right, at least when it came to Luffy. The idea of Luffy dating someone in their exclusive little band made sense to him, too. Or: Five times Law was jealous of Luffy's mystery boyfriend, and one time he realized the mystery boyfriend was Law himself.

Dead Defend No Honour (Day 9 of LawLu Week 2023) by KhepiAri; G, 2.7k, complete.

What if Luffy found out, Law lost it all at the hands of Blackbeard? Will he let Law suffer alone, or will he drag him back to Sunny?

Dissecting a Captain by devils_regrets; E, 10.8k, complete.

Law's anguish and hatred drives him to lash out at the Straw Hat Captain, but Luffy of all people knows that's not how to heal the heart.

Grounding Exercise by heart_sen_ya; T, 2.5k, complete.

The panic didn’t leave Law’s body, but he managed to slow his movements, grip tightly at his first mate’s sleeve. “Bepo?” he huffed. “Real?” The question hung heavy between them. “Yes,” the word was dripping with sorrow, with apology. “Not dreaming. I’m sorry, Captain.” Tattooed fingers curled deeper into Bepo’s sleeve. Law leaned forward into him, his body screaming in protest. He didn’t care. How could he? Here he was, alive amidst tragedy. “Again,” he hissed, vocalizing the thought. “Again?'' The word tasted like poison.

Healing of the heart by Tchell1; G, 10.5k, complete.

In the aftermath of Law and Black Beard's battle, Law is left broken and hopeless. Monkey D. Luffy will not allow Law to fall into despair.

Look Who's Laughing Now by All_My_Characters_Are_Dead; T, 13.2k, complete.

I really like Torao, Luffy thought contentedly. I like him, too. The words felt like a warm echo of his own thoughts, bumping against the inside of his skull in a gentle but insistent way. That was weird. But not the weirdest thing Luffy had ever experienced, so he ignored it. “Did you get something in your eyes, Mugiwara-ya?” Torao asked. “They look a little pink.”

Loss & Regret by CaptainButterBuns; G, 1.4k, complete.

Blackbeard has dealt a crushing blow to the Hearts and Law is left to deal with the trauma but an old ally could be just what he needs to help him through it.

Lost and Found (You) by purplehairedwonder; T, 7.5k, complete.

Five times Law and Luffy almost lost one another and one time they did something about it.

My Heart in Your Hands, My Hands around Your Heart by purplehairedwonder; G, 1.9k, complete

In Luffy's lowest moment, Law takes Luffy's hand and promises that his story will not end. In Law's lowest moment, Luffy takes Law's hand and promises the same.

My Heart, Fragile in Your Hands by purplehairedwonder. T, 2.3k, complete.

“I failed them,” Law whispered, and it felt like a confession—like at church in Flevance. Confession was supposed to absolve someone of their sins, right? He doubted there was a god anywhere who could absolve him of his. And yet, he confessed at the altar of Luffy. “They were my responsibility, and I failed them.” Or, Law wakes up in the Sunny's infirmary after Winner Island.

On fire by Suwym; T, 367 words, complete.

Law has lost practically everything: his father, his submarine, his crew, and that vivre card.

Our Hearts, Made Whole in Each Other by purplehairedwonder. T, 2.3k, complete.

Luffy cupped Law’s cheek with his hand, softly grazing his thumb over a yellowing bruise. “Torao is so pretty,” he said quietly, a note of awe in his voice. Law flushed. “Torao’s heart is beating so fast.” “Yeah,” Law agreed, swallowing. “It is.” Luffy’s, despite a few flutters, was beating steadily in Law’s chest. Law, on the other hand, felt pinned to the spot, one hand holding Kikoku and the other in Luffy’s grip. “You should stay.” Law blinked. “What?” “You should stay,” Luffy repeated. “On the Sunny. With me."

Passing Showers by daggermoon; G, 6k, complete.

In which Law is extremely irritable, lost at sea with an idiot strawhat burrito, and very much out of his depth. ______ He is helpless, no more than an insect in a puddle, clinging to a leaf in order not to drown. Even worse, he has a particularly dumb fellow insect to take care of. Now part of a series *grins sheepishly*

Tattoos by Salemmcit0; G, 4k, complete.

Luffy takes Law and his crew to Swallow Island to build a new Polar Tang, and retouch his tattoos. Nobody knew that Mugiwara-ya was planning on getting one too.

The Heart is a Thing to Be Broken by purplehairedwonder; T, 5.5k, complete.

The Straw Hats learn about Winner Island.

The Lost Case by felsefeslegen; M, 24k, WIP.

SPOILERS AFTER 1081 IN THE MANGA. What happened to Law and Bepo after they defeated by Blackbeard and lost in the ocean? How will they survive and what will happen after Law and Luffy meet up in Elbaf? --- After the total defeat of Heart Pirates, Law and Bepo washed up on a deserted island. After that the thing made them survive became their nightmare, they were rescued from there like a miracle. Yet, Law was broken enough to hurt both himself and others. And mostly, Luffy.

Then Came You by Raiya

„Please Captain don’t die.“ Law could hear Bepo repeat the words over and over. The seawater around him felt like it was holding him in a breathtaking grip, but maybe it was Bepo carrying him. Law did not know if he was unable to move because of the water or his injuries but it did not matter much, he barely could keep himself conscious but tried his best.

These Petals Surface And Scathe by Cooknumber3; T, 17.8k, complete.

What had begun as a flicker of curiosity in Sabaody had turned into an unfortunate crush by the time Punk Hazard rolled around. Dressrosa saw it deepen into devotion, and it sweetened on Zou. Then Wano came and went, leaving him with something he now has to recover from. (Or: Hanahaki disease is cured by confession, not reciprocation. This is the aftermath, where Law tries to move on.)

What once was lost, now found by Callunar; T, 7k, complete.

Transcription for Chapter 1082 OFFICIAL!!! THIS IS DEFINITELY WHAT HAPPENED IN CHAPTER 1082. DON'T LOOK AT ANY OTHER SOURCES, JUST TRUST ME.

You didn't have to come by Salemmcit0; G, 1.6k, complete.

After parting ways while leaving Wano, Luffy can't stop looking at Law's vivre card. Days later the paper began to disintegrate. Or, Luffy goes to look for Torao as the Winner Island encounter is going on Day 1 of Lawlu 2023 week - Loyalty

your hands in mine by betsib; T, 1k, complete.

Luffy has always liked Law's hands.

Your Heart, Broken in My Chest by purplehairedwonder. T, 3.6k, complete.

Luffy was far from an expert at having someone else’s heart in his chest, but he was pretty sure what was happening with Torao’s heart wasn’t normal. AKA, Law and Luffy switched hearts after Wano, and Luffy feels Winner Island happen.

10 Days of LawLu 2023 Day 6/8/10: Holding Hands/Hurt & Comfort/Confessions by Straw_Heart3; M, 4.6k, complete.

The aftermath of Law's fight with Blackbeard on Winner Island.

Heart Pirates major role

A Last, Beating Heart by HyperbolicReverie; G, 1.4k, complete.

“Oh, my wonderful crew,” you think, thoughts hazy as bits and pieces of yourself begin to drift in the currents. “Oh, my dear, brave little boys. I hope you can forgive me for not being able to carry you further. I can no longer be your heart.”

Your journey has ended. But this? This you can do.

A Swallow's Cry by Heartprts (jiaaa27); T, 3k, complete.

Klabautermann: a spirit that dwells in ships, an incarnation of a ship that has been well loved and cared for. Tangs, surgeonfishes: a family of marine fish with a distinctive characteristic of having scalpel-like scales at their caudal peduncle. or Polar Tang fought for her family, to her very last breath.

At Our Dream's End by chioccowine; G, 2.5k, complete

A snippet between the Heart's captain and his first mate after chapter 1081 - - - “But, Bepo...” his captain’s body shivered as he uttered softly, like the blossoms of the epiphyllum under the moonlight, silently withering in the gentle wind without anyone knowing. “What lies at the dream’s end? What lies at the end…when there’s nothing left to dream about?” Bepo sniffed to hold back his tears, and he reached out his paws determinedly. Like how the three of them used to do for him when he was still a little cub, he hugged his captain tight, sheltering him from the long freezing night.

Bioluminescent Hearts by Harmonica_Smile (Rescue_Remedy); T, 5.7k, complete.

"No bodies?" Blackbeard fumed. Doc Q and Stronger had bounced across rocky Winner Island when that bear had gone all Sulong and knocked them out. Van Augur's range for warping wasn't that great, and was tricky over open water. He could sharpshoot the skin of a hangnail, but the bear was fast. If he'd managed to get a shot in, they could've finished the Mink off, and pulled the shitty doctor from the water, taken his heart and returned triumphant. Once the horse had woken up.

blessed, not cursed by Heartprts (jiaaa27)

For a few years now, Jean Bart feels like his life is cursed. It all happened too quickly; one moment their ship capsized, and the next moment he's wearing an explosive collar. It was the start of all the curses.

Caught by purplehairedwonder. T, 1.2k, complete.

Maybe this wasn’t such a bad death, Hakugan thought as he felt darkness beginning to encroach on his vision. He’d been on the crew of a Warlord, had helped in the fight that defeated two Emperors, and had seen more incredible, unbelievable things than he would have once thought possible; it had been a much more fulfilling life than he would have had if he’d stayed in his boring, backwater home in the North Blue. He would never regret agreeing to join Trafalgar Law all those years ago. He only hoped that his captain would somehow live on to fight another day; as long as Law lived on, so would the Heart Pirates.

Celebration by purplehairedwonder. T, 1.6k, complete.

As the Heart and Straw Hat Pirates celebrate the jailbreak of the imprisoned Hearts, Shachi tracks down a guilt-ridden Law and offers his captain some moral support.

Cursed by purplehairedwonder. T, 1.4k, complete.

After Wano, Jean had never been prouder to sport the Heart Pirates Jolly Roger on his back, tattooed over the slave brand that had marked him as cursed for so many years. But they had failed Law on Winner Island. Jean had failed him on Winner Island.

Clang, Ding, Zing by Mekachu04. G, 489 words, complete.

Still, it surprised him when Kidd approached him first, a thick pad of blank newsprint that Law hoped he'd gotten permission for before liberating from Franky's workshop. Kidd dropped the heavy booklet on Law with no preamble. an *extremely* short snippet of two very much down on their luck pirate captains dealing with their recent losses. More light-hearted than it sounds.

Food by purplehairedwonder. T, 1.2k, complete

“Sorry for borrowing your kitchen without asking. I just...” “It’s fine,” Sanji said easily before starting to roll up the cuffs on his sleeves to his elbow. “You wanted to make something for your people, didn’t you?” “I...” Clione blinked in surprise. “Yeah.” “I get it,” Sanji said. Once his cuffs were rolled up, he crossed his arms and leaned against the side of the counter. “It’s how people like us show our love, right?” Sanji went on. “Through our cooking.”

going through by aghhhhhh; G, 1.1k, complete.

Hakugan has an idea. Written for Heart Pirates Week 2024 Day 8: Hakugan and Caught

Heart to Heart by MorWicked; G, 1k, complete.

The Heart Pirates have been destroyed, and now they need to help each other remember what matters most. ----- Digging his fingers in amongst the flotsam of pebbles and broken shells, Law wrestled his harrowed anatomy into a position somewhat less prone. Slumping against the familiar form of his salvation, Law found it a little easier to breathe. A heavy paw settled over his shoulders, somehow easing the gravity of devastation even as it rested in a fashion that belied a bone-deep exhaustion.

'homeless heart' by fab_ia; T, 4k, complete.

“They’ll make it,” Bepo says. “They always have before, haven’t they? From the North until here…” It isn’t survivors' guilt. Bepo refuses to call it that, at any rate, because that would mean expressing some degree of doubt that the rest of them have managed to survive. He isn’t sure that he’ll be able to keep going if he lets go of that hope, if he doubts them for even a moment.

Last nights with Tang by Lyy30; G, 6.5k, complete.

Ikkaku has her first and last conversation with Tang.

Loyalty by purplehairedwonder. T, 1.2k, complete.

The only solace the Hearts had after being taken captive by the Blackbeard Pirates was the revelation that Bepo had gotten Law away from the battlefield. They’d all sworn in Wano that they would do whatever it took to protect their self-sacrificing captain, and any of them would have made the same choice, had they been able. They were the Heart Pirates, and Trafalgar Law was the beating heart at the center of the crew. They would hold out until Law came for them, and they would give the Blackbeard Pirates nothing.

Low Battery by killyhawk; T, 1.5k, complete

Two times Shachi carried Law, and one time he couldn't.

Night by purplehairedwonder. T, 1.1k, complete.

Their rescue comes at night.

Wish the 4 of us stay together forever by Horsehead_557; G, 837 words, complete.

Penguin, Shachi, Law and Bepo are all waiting outside to see the shooting star while drinking some tasty hot chocolate until Bepo suggest that they make a wish

Bad end

Broken Hearts by CaptainButterBuns; E, 736 words, complete. Graphic Depictions of Violence + Major Character Death warning.

Law has bitten off more than he can chew with Black Beard and the Heart Pirates pay the ultimate price.

Forced Disease of Despair by ProfessorDatenix; E, 6k, complete. Law/Blackbeard and Blackbeard Pirates. Rape/Non-Con warning.

Law gets turned into a woman in the battle against the Blackbeard Pirates near Winner Island, but something goes wrong and ends up captured by them, being completely at the mercy of mean that want to show their new slut what it means to be a captured woman by an enemy ship

From the Ashes by purplehairedwonder. T, 10.8k, WIP.

Blackbeard takes Law and the defeated Heart Pirates captive after their defeat at Winner Island.

Some version of you. That I might not have, but I did not lose by ImpassiveMoon; T, 3.2k, WIP.

Law doesn't escape Winner Island. Luffy and the Strawhat Pirates, sailing high after their escape from Egghead Island, find out far too late. A butterfly flaps its wings and creates a tornado. What then would a beetle do? A god? Brace yourself. For D will bring a storm.

The promised I have to keep by Horsehead_557; G, 3.35k. Graphic Depictions of Violence + Rape/Non-Con warning.

the young captain taking out his den-den mushi and vivre card luffy like calling the other captain while looking at his vivre card cause it makes him feel like that torao is infront of him “wh-where is” luffy panicked he cant find torao’s vivre card - in something happened to law and they cant do anything about it

the steps to an foretold conclusion by aghhhhhh; T, 3.2k, complete.

Law was always going to die. He is on the altar, heart torn out for the sun.

to the victor go the soiled by Anonymous; E, 8k, complete. Rape/Non-Con warning.

Law had been Doflamingo’s slave-concubine for some years before escaping the clan in his late teens and starting his own crew, but no-one left Doflamingo’s harem. Doflamingo was excited that Law now had a hole that he and other members of his crew had not yet sampled. Variety was the spice of life and all that. Another thing Doflamingo liked was how docile the constant fucking from Blackbeard’s crew, the transformation, and the specially designed seastone adornments had made Law. Straight into the PWP. Hurt, no comfort. If it's not your thing, click right back. Tags are not for show

Other

Aftermath by purplehairedwonder; G, 1k.

The aftermath of the fight at Winner Island.

A Most Surprising Alliance by Cygnus_the_Harper; G, 13.3k, complete. Users-only.

After the battle on Winner Island Bepo and Law flee across the ocean. Finding themselves stranded on a winter island they try to pick up the pieces, find a plan for moving forward, and worry about their crew. This was written after the cover page art depicting Law napping with a leopard and a bottle of vodka. It was such a fun picture that I had to write the adventures of Law and Bepo on that island, and their eventual rescue.

A Promise Fulfilled, 13 Years Later by betsib. T, 5.8k, complete.

Rosinante wakes up on Minon Island on the exact spot where he died, 13 years later. He's surprised to find Law is now a notorious pirate, and sets out on a journey to find him. Written for CoraFest 2024.

a victory every year by betsib; T, 6k, complete.

Law finds himself imprisoned in Impel Down, injured and possibly dying. His only company is Doflamingo, who tells him Luffy has been captured too. All in all, not the best way to spend his birthday.

A Wave Across a Bay by Sleeping_Songbird; G, 785 words, complete.

The aftermath of The Hearts fight with Blackbeard.

Beautiful Savior by Captainkreuger; G, 1k, complete.

Cavendish and his crew save Law and Bepo after Blackbeard defeats the Heart Pirates.

Faded by meowmystery; T, 819 words, complete.

Alone with his thoughts, Trafalgar Law begins to think his past over, which he has done over a million times. No matter how much he tries, he can't seem to come to a conclusion. Is there really an answer?

Fem Law on Winner Island by SilverSphere; G, 1.4k, complete.

This is just a canon-divergence drabble of Law getting stuck as a girl on Winner Island : )

Give Us a Little Love by cptrum; G, 2.3k, complete.

Law and Bepo get away from Winner island, but now what? Bepo is stuck trying to help an injured Law and also get his crew back. A what happened after chapter 1081 (since we still have zero resolution for that).

Hurting by lostsometime; T, 808 words, complete.

It hurts different, is the thing.

In the Light that Falls at Moonrise by Rimetin; T, 12.7k, Smoker/Law.

"The Captain,” the mink repeats, “trusts you.” Smoker chews on his cigars, letting his head fall back again. “Yeah, you said that.” “And you trust him.” Smoker and Law speak with their respective seconds-in-command, gain some valuable insight, and come face to face with some difficult to admit facts. Part 3 of Bitten by the Cold

Magneteers by Mekachu04; T, 2k, WIP.

After fleeing Blackbeard, Law & Bepo have been rescued by the Strawhats. Luffy is more than happy to help Law find his ship and crew, but his crew rightly points out that finding a submarine under the water is a big ask. If only there was someone they knew who could find large metal things and easy move them around. Possibly bring a sunken sub up to the surface with his magnetic abilities. So they detour to hunt down the Kidd Pirates. Unfortunately for Law, Shanks found Kidd first.

Polar Bear, Ocean Blue, and A Glass of His Dreams by chioccowine; G, 8k, WIP. Shanks/Law.

In order to bring Black Beard down to his demise, the Captain of the Hearts seized the opportunity to propose an alliance to the notorious red-haired emperor. The young captain’s willing to offer anything - - As he had nothing to lose.

Salt for Salt (Bone For Bone) by Friendly_Neighborhood_Asexual; NR, 2k, complete.

Bepo didn’t know how long he had been swimming, only that his lungs burned and his limbs ached and that he could not stop until his captain was safe. Law was tucked firmly under his arm, pressed close to his side with all the strength the mink could afford, and Bepo couldn’t tell if he was still breathing anymore. He couldn’t dwell on that though - wouldn’t dare to entertain the thought that he might be - his captain was strong, strong enough to survive Doflamingo, strong enough to survive Kaido and Big Mom, strong enough to bring emperors to their knees. Law would be strong enough to survive Blackbeard. Bepo didn’t know if he would be strong enough to survive Law’s death.

Seeing the Light by CaptainJoJo; T, 1.4k, complete.

Law doesn't want to talk about it and Luffy isn't pushing him.

Suns Will Sink to Shade by Rimetin; T, 7.3k, complete. Smoker/Law.

Smoker gnaws on his cigars, puffing thick clouds of off-white smoke. “I’m trying to help you, brat.” “I didn’t–” Law cuts himself off. It dawns on him then that he did, in fact, ask. Involving Smoker was his own express decision, however impulsively made. Bepo certainly hadn't made it for him - hell, he hadn't so much as questioned it. And he hadn't been the one to bring the rumors, either: it had been an innocuous bit of conversation Law overheard, and his traitor brain had latched onto it. Pushed to his breaking point and beyond, he'd heard Smoker's name and only thought refuge. Fuck. Smoker and Law talk some things through. Plans are made. (now with art!) Part 2 of Bitten by the Cold

The Aftermath by RitsukoRyoku; G, 3.5k, complete

This is how I envision the aftermath of that fateful battle as the Heart Pirates recover and recuperate.

what we have left by betsib; G, 716 words, complete.

Bepo and Law are picked up by the Straw Hats after the events on Winner Island, and Law proposes another alliance.

When Stars are Silver by Rimetin; T, 7k, complete. Smoker/Law.

When the air around him thins and fills with bluish static, Smoker knows exactly what it is. He turns in his chair just in time to catch two of his meditating rocks poof out of existence, replaced instead with… A man and a polar bear. SPOILERS for ch. 1081. After Winner Island, Law finds Smoker. Part 1 of Bitten by the Cold

I II II L by darkrogue1 (Lily_Haydee_Lohdisse); T, 764 words, complete.

Bepo worries about his Captain

[moongothic]

We all know how a lot of Luffy's opponents have been in some ways premonitions of the type of person Luffy could end up as if something went wrong in his life. For example Moria is what Luffy could've become had he truly lost his entire crew at Sabaody if Kuma had not saved them

And we know Crocodile is what Luffy maybe could've become had Luffy given up on his dreams and become jaded after losing to him. But like, when you think about it, that's not the only dark reflection of Luffy in Crocodile, is it

'Cause Crocodile, despite employing people for Baroque Works, did not trust anyone around him and did not considder anyone to be anything else but an employee to him. And we know he had been planning on taking over Alabasta for like 14 years (at the very least), BW being a thing for only the past four (pre-timeskip)

So like. Did Crocodile spend the last 14 years alone

Like yes he had his workers at the Casino and Robin etc, so he was like, around people, he wasn't like Brook who was in Total Isolation. But on an emotional level, has he not spent the last 14 years all by himself, completely detached from anyone, unable to trust or rely on anyone else?

That is sad as fucking shit, holy hell

'Cause then you compare him to like Luffy and like

Our sweet baby boy was so afraid of being alone that Luffy literally went through hell just to gain Ace's approval despite Ace trying to signal to him he wasn't interested befriending him

And through out the whole series Luffy reiterates time and time again how he needs and wants his friends around because he literally can't live without them, both on a literal "he can't cook or navigate or have fun by himself" level but also on that emotional level

And Crocodile just. Spent 14 years of his life, if not longer, alone.

Sweet jesus what happened to this man

And that just makes me further wonder, what the absolute fuck were Crocodile's Rookie Pirate days like?? Like did he have a crew or was he just yolo'ing it by himself???

Like. Mihawk's never been on a crew as far as we know. Kuma was a Revolutionary, not a pirate, but he wasn't like alone still. Doflaming, Hancock, Jinbei and Moria however have/had crews of their own. So what was Crocodile's deal? Did he have a crew before? Was he a captain or was he on someone else's ship? (Although surely the Government wouldn't offer the position of a Shichibukai to a cabin boy or the first mate, right)

And if he did have a crew, the hell happened to them??

Like we know Crocodile got his ass kicked by Whitebeard, I just find it unlikely Whitebeard would've pulled a Kaidou on Crocodile's crew and slaughtered them, that's not a very Whitebeard-y thing do, right?? ...Unless Whitebeard was just different 20+ years ago and was willing to annihilate entire crews. We don't know. Or maybe Crocodile and his entire crew were like Turbo Rotten from the beginning and Whitebeard figured they deserved to get wiped out, much like how we saw Shanks wipe out Kid's crew at Elbaf. Or maybe Whitebeard saw no reason to have mercy on someone affiliated with the World Government.

That all said, if we wanted to assume Crocodile had somekind of trauma that lead to him viewing people not only as disposable but also untrustworthy, then maybe losing people dear to him like that wouldn't lead to that mindset. Like Moria witnessed his beloved crew die and that caused him to want to create a crew he couldn't die, so he wouldn't go through that emotional trauma again.

Which leaves me to wonder. If something caused him to lose his ability to (emotionally) trust people, and if Whitebeard broke his dreams... Maybe Crocodile had a crew. And maybe they abandoned him when he lost to Whitebeard. Figuring they didn't need a weak captain who was probably going to bleed to death anyways. Or maybe the crew tried to take his head (after Whitebeard kicked his ass), after all, he was already a Shichibukai, anybody who took Crocodile's head could maybe attempt to take that title for themselves if the Government allowed it, and if not, at least gain more fame for themselves.

Either of these scenarios would certainly result in you losing your ability to rely on others. And leave you willing to spend the rest of your life alone. Who would have in them to go through that again.

Or maybe he came out of the womb unable to trust people and he was just yolo'ing it by himself like Mihawk right from the begining, who knows

Regardless I'm just

[chromatic-lamina]

oof! Chapter 1114 Spoilers

Okay, as ever, brief, because someone has and will cover the monumental stuff, BUT do you think that a certain poor self-sacrificing doctor

might be in need of another self-sacrificing doctor who can extract poisons?

It's be very nice for Robin and me, and Chopper of course! (In this delulu, all of the Hearts are alive and well and on Elbaf!)

Or maybe Bonney will age-regress him and somehow they'll get the poison out, or Poison Pink might appear? Or the poison reacts with some of Caesar's engineered rumble balls, and it strengthens him somehow? Anyway, I'm worried for our reindeer.

And really, I'm here for

this guy ⬆️ Doflamingo—One Piece's perennial chorus. Never absent for long and the Mock Town dudes are still using his goods.

Still pulling the strings in the slammer and outside of it. But yeah, but no, but really he does get all the good lines

Mariejois, here we come! And, 5 metres is Kid (2.05m) standing on Doflamingo's (3.05) shoulders, or a little taller. To him, 5 metres would be like 2!

But I do worry about him getting bed sores and a sore back spreadeagled like that constantly. At least he always seems to have chatty visitors.

And, you'll just need to read the chapter for the real meat. And read chapter 1089 while you're at it. Another poster recommended it, and oof.

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1023 - Initial Thoughts

And we are back again

Snuck us with a break last week given it was Obon in Japan but this time we get the chapter.

Gorosei: Gone, Joy Boy: Insane Haki, Imu: Shooketh And on our way out of Egghead

Let's see what comes next

Spoilers for the Chapter, Support the Official Release too

Back (again) with the Yamato cover story but it continues to stagnate, it's a cute enough cover of Yamato, Denjiro and the kids throwing rocks at him eating oden but it is still a very slow narrative

Emeth's unknotting of joy Boy's conqueror's haki has left quite the impression, everyone from the navy has been KO'd including the vice admirals!

Interestingly the Seraphim are unaffected, since S-Snake tries to awaken a marine about the Straw Hats escaping

I wonder if they simply have stronger spirits or maybe they're unaffected by imposing will since they're not entirely organic?

Dorry and Brogy mention how the haki is even more powerful than Shanks, which you would expect from Joy Boy

Luffy thanks Emeth for the help, but our Iron Giant has gone silent once more

I would've given a lot for Emeth to have given Luffy one last thumbs up

With everyone safe and no enemy in pursuit, the Sunny and Giants' longboat set their sights on Elbaf

Luffy wrinkles out while Bonney seems to sleep beside Kuma, while Usopp gets to reunite with his giant masters (also Chopper gets to meet them for the first time)

Sanji however chats with Vegapunk's corpse

Like dude I know you have questions about what he was saying but, he's dead, there's no speak with the dead here...unless...Brook you got something like that?

And so we get context for the title 'the two week void', I thought it would be media silencing the event but in fact it's events that happened 2 weeks before Egghead

Vegapunk, Shaka and Pythagoras all caught on that someone stole some of the Mother Flame, meaning they knew there was a traitor among them!

Interesting that despite their rivalry, it's the Stella who suspects Lilith immediately, not Shaka, who points out that only the three here have alibis

Like it seems Stella was set on it being Lilith, likely because 'evil' but like, greed is right there man!

They go into 'stealth mode' to make sure the others aren't privy to their data either

It's kinda tragic since Shaka and Pythagoras will die by York's machinations anyway, while Edison and Atlas died by self sacrifice

Pythagoras is the one who identifies York as the culprit a week later, to Shaka and Stella's surprise

Oh that is sloppy York, fake memories, hidden transponder snails, tampering with security feeds, sloppy sloppy

Stella at least apologizes out loud for suspecting Lilith

Shaka also finds evidence of Sea Beast Weapons being deployed without permission, likely on the CP agents

Stella confirms the deceit by replaying the Den Den Mushi's jamming feed, hearing York contact Marejois about him studying the Void Century

1 day later Lulusia happens, and the Stella is furious

Ah so York used one of the weaponized sea beasts to deliver the Mother Flame, that is pretty clever I must admit

With Pythagoras studying the sea levels to confirm the Mother Flame's use, furthering theories that the WG have an Ancient Weapon, Vegapunk laments his role in the destruction

'Only a fool lets their greed run amok, and I personified mine!' - Egghead has had no shortage of badass lines

Stella now begins his countermeasures; there's no point in arresting York right now, she has the WG behind her and motive is uncertain. Shaka offers to run but Vegapunk says to focus on civilians instead, since the WG would chase him to the ends of the earth anyway

Thinking about Ohara, he notes that they have better technology, they will be able to spread their voice farther than Ohara did

Mulling over what the WG is, and how his pursuit for answers leads to more mystery (oh Oda, we know that feeling) Vegapunk states how he'll willingly forfeit his life

And Shaka the Good and Pythagoras the Wise also share that sentiment

Though they do wonder - with head in a jar that is Punk Records in panel - what classes as death for them, since they are still technically androids with good wifi

Vegapunk also notes to prioritize the Cloud Loft device, since making island clouds may be the only thing that'll save people from the seemingly inevitable deluge

York meets up with Stella by the sleeping giant, asking what he's doing. Vegapunk plays coy though, talking about simply furthering the perfection of the Mother Flame

While he's actually sneaking the projector Den Den Mushi into Emeth

2 Days before present, the transmission feed is recorded

The three discuss how the feed will start on the event of their death, but there's still one last countermeasure: erasing their memories!

They cannot let York catch onto their plan, so the shock, the deceit, and the fear was all still real

They have to trust their plan though, even in defeat there will still be victory

As they awaken mind wiped, Stella sees some documents in his handwriting explaining some events

2 weeks of memories have been wiped, they have done it on their own volition, oh btw the government knows about your secret research

Talking about having to experience all the bombshells again like it isn't just one bombshell after another; the WG know, you have to let yourself die, oh and a Yonko and Bonney have just landed here, CP0 are coming to assassinate you, a buster call is coming, Kizaru is there bringing a Gorosei with him

Each one met with the same EHHHHH reaction too XD

Honestly if I were Stella I would be sitting down after all of that, just lie down for another hour

I wonder if that means Shaka contacted Dragon before the memory wipe too?

Further ahead in time we see Stella talking to Sanji while in the pod as they were going down to save Bonney from Saturn

He tells Sanji to let him die, noting how it feels like something else will be put in motion when it does

Sanji though didn't want to entertain that, I bet people will try and absolve him like 'VP wanted to die so it's not Sanji's fault that Kizaru got to him' but nah, he still promised Bonney after this conversation that he'd save Vegapunk and he died

'One more thing, about the One Piece: I want you guys to find it'

One last stamp of approval from Vegapunk

Back in the present Usopp celebrates with the Giants, setting their sights on Elbaf

Luffy's also there but he's too haggard to be festive, so he wants to delay it a bit so he can join in XD

This does feel like it's the end for Egghead. Well at least for the VP and Straw Hats' side.

I still think CP0, York, and the Gorosei have some stuff left to deal with here, plus Lilith is gonna have to wake up and learn about what happened. So I think we're in that lull between arcs, setting up one while wrapping up the other.

Still I really enjoyed the sci-fi nature of this chapter, York's plan was known, but memories had to be erased - which was already established from Kuma's backstory so it's believable that VP refined it some more - so that York didn't know that they knew because what they knew they now don't know XD But it does establish all the 'big brain activity' that led to Vegapunk's final victory. I'm glad to see smart characters being smart too.

But Lilith accusations were uncalled for (they were called for but we like Lilith so it's uncalled for XD).

Egghead has been a spectacular start to the final saga, and knowing Oda this is probably only the beginning, Elbaf is finally on the horizon and the Straw Hat Pirates have overcome their first major trial as a Yonko crew.

But there still lies the fallout of what comes next.

[a-x-ce]

Since I'm not even trying to re-watch OP in order I went back to Fishman Island after Dressrosa ('cause I'm a little bitch and can't do Marineford...) there's the scene where Franky reveals General Franky and he talks about how he accomplished ''Vegapunk's dream'' and I was like, 'oh...'

Franky doesn't even get to utilize General Franky during Egghead, and Vegapunk is pretty much dead (as far as we're told anyway as of current chapters) so like, VP never got to see all the work Franky put into both his creations and himself INSPIRED by him and I'm so sad about it now (maybe we could still get something between him and Lilith).

Franky was sent to one of VP's labs in the 2-year time skip, spent time with people who knew him, learned and created stuff based on leftover ideas from him, and Franky didn't get to show him any of it despite being such a huge fan of his work (not all of it, but the cool stuff at least).

I think that's been a kinda disappointing aspect of arcs lately IMO, the idea that certain members could have more moments of focus in places where they should (Zoro in Wano, Franky in Egghead) and then they just don't. Which is why I do see where a lot of fear comes from with regard to Elbaf and Usopp, I think the only reason myself and a lot of other Usopp fans haven't become disillusioned that little to nothing will happen is just how fucking much and for how fucking long Oda has set-up Usopp having some kind of significant character arc there. If he doesn't do it, it'd be a betrayal of all those years of build-up, which wasn't/hasn't been as apparent with some other characters.

I feel the same way with Nami and at some point getting more information about Oykot because it's been put on hold for so long but there's something clearly very interesting about who Nami is and why she's able to do the things she does (plus that scene in Fishman Island where Shirahoshi tells Nami she feels as though she's known her before and like hmmmmmmmm).

I love re-watching/re-reading One Piece and appreciating all the stuff Oda left in older arcs that now have had payoff in recent ones, I'm just always impressed by his worldbuilding.

[kennydvault]

One Piece Chapter 1094 Discussion

*This is just a text post so I don't spoil anything for people that are just scrolling*

Okay so I know everyone is so excited about the reveal of Saturn's true form (and I think that's really cool too), but I'm so happy that we got some of Kuma's flashback in the panels at the end! Oda's been putting off Kuma's backstory for so long that I stopped believing we would get it before the end of the story. And then we had chapter 1074 when Bonney sees Kuma's memory bubble and I foolishly thought, Oda has written himself in a corner, he can't keep delaying it now...!

It's 20 chapters later but now, surely, Oda has written himself in a corner, and he can't keep delaying it. Right?

I think Atlas is going to die soon. I think we either leave the island with only Stella and Lilith, or just the Stella, and Lilith and Atlas die trying to save him. I don't see Bonney dying while Sanji is there, and I can't see Franky letting Stella die.

Time to talk about Saturn. First thing I want to mention, is that although they did all seem to have knowledge on Sun God Nika, I thought it was interesting he recognized Nika immediately, and called Luffy "Nika" instead of Joyboy or Straw Hat. That, along with the pentagram he used as a portal is making me think that this goes beyond Devil Fruit powers. It's not quite my headcanon yet but I have a feeling that Saturn doesn't have a demon Devil Fruit, he just truly is a demon. Or at least some kind of entity that is opposed to Nika in some way.

Also the Marines ordering to avert their gaze, and then him making a Marine's head explode was horrifying. Way worse than I've seen in One Piece in a long time. If this is even close to the power we’re gonna be dealing with end game then I think Elbaf is going to be longer than I thought. We might need another Wano-esque training arc there for everyone! Honestly this makes Blackbeards’ crew look like small potatoes. Anyway, Oda COOKED this chapter AND NO BREAK NEXT WEEK YES

[cheshire387]

So I slept and with clear head will write down my thoughts on the chapter..

Long post and spoilers under the cut!

Not exactly concerned about Garp, never was a big fan of him, just that he's one of the better marines. Would be ironic if he gets killed by Aokiji(which I doubt but maybe), who he trained before.

But pls unfreeze the bby gurl??

Got terrified when I scrolled down a bit and saw Teach, hoped it's just a flashback and relaxed when I saw it is(so yeah, I wasn't ready for the last part of the chapter but about that later).

Absolutely love how Kuzan and Blackbeards trash talk Akainu.

This scene with Kuzan looks like Oda teasing readers who thought Aokiji is the man marked by flames.

I'm still confused how anyone plans on reading Poneglyphs at this point...

So... Literally was shaking when I saw the hat :')

Somehow seeing Polar Tang this way hurts more than Merry, mostly cause of the origins. There is a difference with Kaya giving Straw Hats Going Merry and Wolf giving Polar Tang he built himself to his four grandkids. Not to mention that was like, the only invention of his that actually worked... I hope Wolf is doing fine and Hearts will return to him one day... If Kureha can live that long so can Wolf. That old man gave enough of his blood to the two teens bleeding out, he can live some more years, right?

Also where is Poneglyph rubbings, did Teach took them? Are they sinking with Tang? Where??

This makes me wonder if government ever done anything to the hearts if those pirates are still alive and free?

At least he accepts that unlike someone 👀

I love Bepo so much QAQ I don't know if it can be considered a true Sulong since it's triggered with rumble ball instead of full moon, but Bepo has control over.

And even in his state Law is still concerned for his crew instead of himself :')

I wonder why narration for Hearts is different from Straw Hats and Kid Pirates, who had pretty much same wording for their defeat at Sabaodi and Elbaf respectively.

Overall, this chapter has wrecked me and I don't think I will recover. God forbid I have faves. Anyway, it could have been much worse, Hearts are alive as far as we know, which can't be said for sure about Kidd's crew and Hearts actually put up a fight before their defeat.

Makes me slightly worried for the ending of Egghead and Straw Hats, seeing what happened to Kidd and Law, but at same time Straw Hats are protagonists and Luffy has insane luck, considering he lost to Kidd when they were picking routes, his destination might be the luckiest one.

Interesting that we see Tashigi two chapters in a row but not Smoker, so I wonder where he's at, thinking that maybe Bepo runs into him and asks for help which could be a throw back to Punk Hazard, but that's just my SmoLaw brainrot. The situation itself is unlikely.

Saw someone saying that "Law and Bepo will run into the man marked by flames", which would be rather ironic seeing as Teach is looking for him yet is the one to set up Law to meet him.

Everything happening in the arc seems to be a set up for Elbaf as it's the closest island to both Egghead and Winner. Though if that's the case I believe Shanks will be gone by then.

I still wonder where is Drake 👀

[brainyxbat]

Chapter 5: Broggy's Bitter Tears of Victory! The Conclusion of Elbaf

(episode 73)

"There's the signal. Today is very promising!"

"You're going?! Your wounds from that last battle still haven't-!"

"It's nothing! The conditions are the same for the both of us! Making excuses during a merciless fight to the death would spoil my name!"

"Hey! Wait, old guy! Don't go!"

"You can't go, Dorry-san! You need to keep still! You'll die if you push yourself too hard!"

"I, Warrior Dorry, am here... at the very least... I will fight to uphold the name of Elbaf!"

-

As the volcano continued shaking the island with repeated eruptions, Dorry forced himself up. Vivi stepped back when he grabbed his house. "Don't tell me he's-!" To her shock, he lifted the whole thing right off the ground.

"Awesome! He picked up that gigantic rock!" Luffy watched in awe.

Vivi distanced herself further. "Luffy-san!"

Before he could move away, Dorry slammed the rock right on him, so he was pinned down. "What're you doing, old guy?!" He struggled under the tremendous weight, and smacked the dirt. "Move this rock! Hey!"

"It can't be stopped," Dorry panted, as the cloud of dirt cleared up, "It was over a hundred years ago, when we started the battle. But running from a battle you've started, is the same as running from the title of "warrior."" He picked up his sword. "If I am no longer a warrior, I will no longer be me." He looked down at Luffy and Vivi. "I'm sorry I suspected you. This is the judgement given by... Elbaf, the God of War. I didn't have his divine protection. That's all."

Luffy seethed in anger, as he started walking away. "Gods, and divine protection, and all that have nothing to do with this! If a God told you to die, would you?! This duel has been interfered with!" Dorry stopped. "A duel that's been interfered with isn't a duel anymore! Isn't that right?!"

"Be quiet!" He ordered. "You've lived only a mere 10 or 20 years; you wouldn't understand the grand words of Elbaf!" He continued his trek.

"Who gives a crap about that?!" Lufy struggled some more, as he punched the boulder. "Hey! Move this thing! Hey! Old guy!" His shouts fell on deaf ears, as Vivi could only watch Dorry leave. "Hey! Old guy! Dammit! I can't move this!"

-

"Okay, Master Broggy! Go get 'im!" Usopp encouraged.

Broggy laughed heartily, with the sniper imitating him exceptionally. "You bet, Usopp! I'm gonna wipe the floor with him for sure this time!"

"Go get 'im, Warrior of Elbaf!" Broggy started heading off for the duel. "You can do it! You're strong! Strong! Strong! You're big! Big!"

"How can he keep doing this pointless fighting?" Nami watched him go.

"Don't call it pointless fighting, you idiot!" Usopp raged, stomping his foot, as Venus glared at her. "Broggy's a brave warrior of the sea, like the kind I'm aiming to be! What gives you the right-"

Nami stood up on the ground. "Anyway, let's return to the ship." She looked at the Log Pose. "Waiting a year for the Log to store up is out of the question! We need to wait on the ship for everyone, and come up with a plan." She started to leave.

"Hold it! Not so fast!" Usopp called after her. "I am absolutely useless in a fight against dinosaurs! As such, we cannot possibly traverse the jungle to reach our ship!"

"What was all that "brave warrior of the sea" stuff just now, then?" Nami interrogated.

"I meant that in the mental sense! I want to be a man who's proud of the way he lives!"

'No choice,' She thought, 'Luffy's group is at the other giant's house. Guess we'll head there.'

"Listen, Nami, Venus-chan. Even if I wind up losing everything someday, and greet death all alone on a deserted island, I'll proudly say this about my life as I die: "I am Usopp, brave warrior of the sea!"" He finally fell on his back.

"Yeah, yeah." Nami started dragging him by his satchel, with the strap around his neck. "Then will you hurry up, and be a dependable warrior?"

"You're choking him!" Venus removed the strap, and started pulling by his overalls instead. "Let's go!" She cheered.

"Oh... alright!"

-

As the duel was about to begin, Broggy laughed obliviously. "Dorry! How was your drink?! Hit the spot, didn't it?!"

"Yeah," He glared, "It tasted "Godly.""

Broggy laughed again. "You're so full of exaggerations! Let's go!" As they fought, he noticed something was off about his opponent. "What's wrong, Dorry?! You're a bit sluggish!"

"Don't be a fool! I'm the same as always!"

-

Meanwhile, Luffy was still struggling to free himself. "Move, you stupid thing! Come on!" He punched the ground in fury. "Just when it seemed like I met an awesome warrior!"

"Luffy-san..." 'Why would he go this far for a giant he just met?' Vivi wondered. 'He hardly seems like a criminal with a bounty on his head.'

"Who is it?! Who's putting a damper on the giants' fight?!"

After a beat of silence, Vivi had a realization. "Come to think of it... Karoo is gone!"

-

A scared Karoo was running from the earlier exchange, before stopping to catch his breath. "Oh? Isn't this the ugly bird the one princess always has with her?" He spit out his drink in fear.

"Yeah." He slowly turned around; Ms. Valentine, and Mr. 5 were right behind him. He screamed in fear, and started to back away. "Don't run away!" Mr. 5 ordered, and he stopped dead in his tracks. "We were lucky enough to meet out here after all. There's something we'd like you to do."

"That's right," Ms. Valentine added.

-

Meanwhile, Zoro had caught his watcher: another, bigger triceratops. He dragged it through the jungle, but realized he didn't know where he was. "Damn, I'm lost. I do recognize this tree, but... it was "go left from the tree wrapped in vines," right?"

He then noticed a certain redhead leaning against another tree close by. "Oh! It's you, Nami!" He smiled with relief. "Perfect timing! I just lost my way, you see, so I wasn't sure what to do." He dragged it closer. "What're you doing here, anyway?" He stopped in confusion when she was strangely still and quiet; and smiling for no reason. "Hey, what's the deal?" He didn't notice two pairs of eyes watching him.

-

"Dinosaur!" Nami screamed.

"Dinosaur! Dinosaur! Dinosaur!" Usopp rambled fearfully.

While running, Venus suddenly tripped over a root, and tumbled on the ground. "Venus!" Nami raged. "Fine time to fall! You're on your own!"

"No!" Usopp protested, and returned for her.

To Nami's chagrin, after he hoisted Venus on his shoulder, zipped away at lightning speed far ahead. "Hey, you! You're too fast!" She stopped to catch her breath, oblivious to being watched. "Urgh, that guy. She's just a liability with that clumsiness." She then perked up at a certain captain. "Luffy! What a relief!" He was standing in front of a tree, hand up as if he was waving. "What are you doing here?" She walked closer, and immediately noticed something was off; he wasn't moving a muscle, and he had a strange texture to him. Before she could react, she was soaked in a strange, white substance.

At the scream of terror, Usopp stopped dead in his tracks. He looked back, and realized it was just the two of them. "N-Nami?"

"Where could she have gone?" Venus wondered aloud, as they scaled the area. She then gasped in realization. "You don't think-?" She stopped, and held onto his neck and shoulders when his legs started shaking.

"Nami! Nami! Nami! Nami!" He glanced every which way, tears of terror falling. "This is not good. Luffy!" He started a mad sprint once more, making Venus yelp in surprise. "Luffy! Luffy! Luffy! Luffy!" He jumped into a clearing. "Luffyyyy!" In his haste, he bounced off a rock, and crashed into a wall, before falling on his back. "Oww." Venus also suffered some brunt; on her backside from the rock, and her head lastly when falling from his grip.

"Oof," She groaned from next to the rock, then perked up at seeing two familiar faces close by. "Hey! Luffy, Vivi!"

Usopp then jumped to his feet, and ran up to them, dragging her behind. "Terrible news! A dinosaur ate Nami!"

"Seriously?!" Luffy exclaimed in horror.

"We were running through the jungle to get away from it, and then suddenly she was gone! Oh! What do I do now?! I let my friend get killed!"

"It was my fault!" Venus cried. "If I hadn't tripped-"

"No, I was going too fast!"

"H-hold on!" Vivi tried to cut in. "Calm down, you three!" They all turned to her, now calm. "If she suddenly disappeared, does that mean you don't know for sure?"

"Are you crazy?!" Usopp exclaimed. "I was too terrified to check, and make sure!"

"Everything was a blur," Venus added.

"If it wasn't a dinosaur, it was a wild beast! What else could it have been?!"

"I don't know," She admitted, "But if people from Baroque Works have followed us onto this island, then it'd make sense why only Nami-san was targeted, and not you two."

"Eh?! Baroque Works is on the island?!" Usopp cried, but then blinked in confusion. "But... why wouldn't they go after me, or Venus-chan?"

"Because you guys are most likely not on Baroque Works' assassination list."

"Oh, I see!"

"Plus, that alcohol might've been meant for us too!" Luffy had an epiphany.

"Alcohol?!" Usopp asked. "What about alcohol?!"

"Broggy brought your alcohol to Dorry," Vivi replied, "And when Dorry drank it, it exploded in his stomach."

"What?! Alcohol exploded inside his stomach?!"

"That's awful!" Venus exclaimed.

Usopp looked behind his back. "You're saying he went to the battlefield all busted up like that?!"

"I tried to stop him, but I wound up like this instead!" Luffy added.

"You can't be serious! Those two've fought evenly for 100 years with all their might! It's probably the most pride-filled battle in the entire world!"

"Yeah," Luffy agreed.

"They can't settle the fight like this now!"

-

Close by, the duel was still going on. "What's wrong?!" Broggy asked obliviously.

Mr. 3 and Ms. Golden Week were listening in, while on a picnic. "He's still fighting," She remarked through eating a rice cracker.

"Yes. Dorry the Blue Ogre is quite stubborn, indeed." He chuckled. "Perhaps I should assist one of them." The tip of his top knot went ablaze.

Out of nowhere, a wave of wax washed up, and Dorry slipped. 'One century... it was a long battle!' Broggy took advantage of the opening, and swung his axe.

The horrified crew saw the blood flying from by the victim's house. A weakened Dorry fell to his knees, dropped his sword, and collapsed before Broggy. Luffy seethed, as Dorry's last words rang through his mind. 'This is the judgement given by Elbaf, the God of War. I didn't have his divine protection. That's all.' To everyone's shock, he started bashing his face in the ground, repeatedly. "Luffy!" Usopp's eyes widened.

"Luffy-san?!" Vivi exclaimed.

"Stop!" Venus cried.

"Who was it?!" He screamed. "Show yourself!"

-

In the jungle, Ms. Golden Week looked behind her back at a sudden holler. "Mr. 3, I think I heard something.

He laughed mockingly. "How funny! An underdog loser, yelping out here in the jungle!"

-

Broggy panted, as he held his bloody weapon. "Seventy-three thousand... four hundred sixty-seven fights... 73,466 draws." He looked up with a wide smile. "And one win!" He dropped his axe on the ground, then set his shield in front of an unmoving Dorry. He turned around upon hearing strange laughter. "Joyful tears of victory, huh?" Mr. 3 remarked. "Simpleminded people have it so easy." He sipped his tea. "Though, perhaps I'll congratulate you for now."

"Joyful tears?!" Broggy glared. "What would you know?! Just who are you?!"

"Mr. 3. Please excuse the codename. I'm a mere formative artist. And this is my realist painter assistant, Ms. Golden Week." He gestured to the girl still eating. "What's more, I've already captured you."

Broggy looked down, and saw that his feet were tightly encased in wax. "W-what is this?!" He tried to pull himself free, but the wax was too strong.

-

Meanwhile, Luffy was still struggling himself. "Alright, Luffy!" Usopp glared. "I dunno who we're dealing with, but I'll go take care of them myself!" In contrast to his determination, his knees were shaking again.

"Count me in!" Venus decided.

"No!" He protested. "I can't let you!"

Venus frowned up at him. "I'm not helpless, you know. Just because I'm a girl-"

"No, i-it's not that!" He assured. "I'm scared you'll get killed!"

"I'll be fine."

"I can't chance it! Please stay with Luffy!"

She looked up at him, and sighed, before sitting next to the captain. "Okay. Just be careful."

"Then I'm coming too!" Vivi added.

"Yes!" Usopp agreed. "Please come with me! That'd be reassuring!"

"There's no need for that!" Mr. 5!

They all turned around to see him and Ms. Valentine approaching them, the former keeping a battered Karoo hostage. "You guys!" Luffy glared.

Vivi gasped in horror when he was thrown thoughtlessly to the ground, and ran to his aid. "You can have him back. We don't need him."

"Karoo!"

"Why, you...!" Usopp glared, before turning to Luffy. "Hey, who are they?"

"The guys from that last town!"

"What are you doing here?!" Vivi demanded. "Karoo has nothing to do with this!"

"That's right," Mr. 5 agreed, "This bird has absolutely nothing to do with this. The only one we considered dangerous was that Straw Hat man. We were planning to lure you both out by having this bird squawk, but he was too obstinate."

Venus ran to join Vivi by Karoo's side. That explained his injured state; she deduced that they tried to beat a call for help out of him, to draw them in, but he refused through it all. "You're so strong."

"But then we saw Straw Hat already took himself out of the picture. So we have no use for that thing anymore."

"Karoo," Vivi cried, and he quacked weakly.

Ms. Valentine laughed mockingly. "What a stupid bird!"

"Why, you...!" Vivi seethed.

"Don't you insult him! Witchy-Witchy... Ball!" Venus launched an energy ball at her, but she dodged effortlessly.

"Are you the ones who put a bomb in the alcohol?!" Usopp demanded.

"Yes, that was us," Mr. 5 replied, "Who're you? Are those two on the list?"

"No. They must be their friends. But let's make them disappear too!"

"So you interfered with the giants' duel!" Usopp glared.

"It was them?!" Luffy raged through more struggling. "I'll kick their asses!"

Vivi, alongside Venus, jumped to her feet. "You're the ones who are going to disappear!" She whipped out her weapons.

"Oh?" Mr. 5 smirked. "You're going to try struggling, Ms. Wednesday?"

Ms. Valentine laughed. "Do you stand a chance against us Officer Agents?"

Vivi came charging in. "Peacock Slasher!"

"Take this!" Usopp joined in with his slingshot. "Special Attack: Exploding Star!" To his delight, his attack hit its mark. "Yes!"

But Ms. Valentine floated upward, out of the smoke. "What a nice, explosive blast!"

"Nose Fancy Cannon!" Mr. 5 shot a mucus explosive at Usopp, hitting him directly.

Ms. Valentine laughed from high above. "What a pity!"

"Usopp!" Venus' eye widened in terror.

"10,000 Kilogram Press!" Before she could do anything to stop her, Ms. Valentine had the sniper pinned to the ground.

Vivi charged at Mr. 5 with her slashers, but he stepped aside, and tripped her up with an explosive. "Calm down, now!" He caught her by the neck, blocking her airways.

"You big jerk!" A furious Venus began charging in to fight him bare-handed.

"Nose Fancy Cannon!" He shot another explosive, this time at her; she was sent hurtling back, crashing into the boulder, and landing by a horrified Luffy, limp on her side.

"Venus!"

"Venus-chan!" Usopp cried from under Ms. Valentine.

"I don't like being interrupted, shortie." He turned back to Vivi, who watched in horror. "Now Ms. Wednesday, there's no need to be so upset. We're not going to kill you just yet." She struggled to pry his hand off. "We only came to abduct you. On Mr. 3's orders."

"Mr. 3?! The Wax-Wax Fruit man?! He's on this island?!"

"That's right. He's a candle man who controls the wax he secretes from his body."

Luffy's eyes widened. "A candle man?!"

[beanghostprincess]

I talk quite a lot about Sanji going on a journey during the story and having to discover himself first to accept his feelings for Usopp, but I don't talk enough about the importance of Usopp becoming a brave warrior of the sea first and foremost before seeing himself capable of confessing his feelings to Sanji. He has already accepted he is in love with him. He just needs... To be braver. Stronger. For him to actually do something about it.

So I imagine this happening by the end of Elbaf. Do not ask me what happens during this arc in this concept, because I do not know. What I do know, though, is that Usopp becomes stronger. Not in the physical sense, but emotionally. He learns to see his qualities and begins to stop running away from every danger. Perhaps it happens right after a catastrophe, the whole crew getting hurt and him being the only one capable of saving them. Maybe he acquires Conqueror's Haki, but that's just self-indulgence because I really, really like the whole concept of Usopp saving everybody with it. It is not the point-

Everyone is safe now. He has his big brave warrior moment. Maybe he even breaks the Sogeking mask at some point when he was trying to hide himself. It's a whole deal. And he is supposed to feel like he has accomplished his dream or, at least, that he is close enough to do so. But Usopp realizes that this is only the beginning of a journey and his dream is something he can only achieve by accepting the title for himself (I love this bit of his character so much you don't even know). And there is one thing left.

The whole crew is still recovering from whatever the hell happened, but at least now they can freely enjoy their time in Elbaf. So it is that type of moment at the end of an arc where everybody is chill and you know nothing can go wrong because the music is cute and everybody is eating and drinking like they've been starving for ages.

Sanji is probably learning about their cooking methods, and I really wanna see him fascinated by the giants' cuisine. Imagine the biggest of pots and this little guy literally skywalking to cook because he can't reach the thing on his own. Adorable. I adore him. Everybody is having the time of their lives.

And you know... Usopp knows Sanji knows. Sanji knows Usopp knows. It's that kind of "I love you and I know you love me and we love each other but we need some time first" relationship and they haven't had any time to talk about it. This has been going on for, like, forever. Since Skypiea type of forever. So Usopp is dying. He wants to reach out to him. He wants to go ahead and kiss him without hesitation and finally become the man he wants to be next to Sanji. He is shaking with fear.

The thing is, he is afraid. He is still scared. And Usopp doesn't think he will ever stop being scared when it comes to stuff like that. When it comes to love. But as long as he keeps pushing forward and being brave, then, it will be alright with him.

So he approaches the huge kitchen they have going on outside in the party (because of course they're having a party) and he sees Sanji skywalking to cook. Again, it looks silly, but Usopp is extremely fond of seeing Sanji cooking with the people he admires so much and learning stuff about the culture Usopp loves. He knows Sanji is not doing it for him, but it makes his heart do a funny twist anyway.

And I imagine that this could be funny-- Sanji looking down at Usopp from up there while he cooks and kind of losing balance (because who wouldn't lose their balance when looking at Usopp? He is definitely wearing Elbaf's attires too, and he looks... Good. Saying good is an understatement. Extremely fucking hot slounds better) and falling right into Usopp's arms.

Usopp catches him, of course. He always does. And Sanji is having this moment™ where he is feeling dizzy and out of balance and safe in Usopp's arms. I am going for a superhero type of comic looking pose here, btw. And Usopp is still scared. And anxious. And Sanji is looking extremely handsome in his clothes too. And Usopp just really, really, wants to kiss him.

For him to do so, Sanji only needs to bring his hands to Usopp's neck and joke, saying "Oh!! My hero!!" or something like that. He isn't expecting Usopp to do anything, really. They have been flirting that way for ages and he was just messing with him, bringing his face closer and calling him hero and brave warrior and my savior. But it makes Usopp's head spin with confidence, and he kisses Sanji.

Imagine fireworks behind them and dramatic music because that is exactly how Sanji sees all of this. Usopp just feels sweaty and nervous and extremely happy. Except that now Usopp has the confidence to, when he moves away from Sanji's lips (still close enough to kiss him again and again and again), say: "Sorry it took so long."

"Was it the outfit?" Sanji pinches one of Usopp's cheeks, raising an eyebrow at him. He can't help but smirk. "Do I look handsome enough for our brave warrior of the sea to want to kiss me finally?"

Usopp frowns at him, but Sanji's smile is contagious. "You always look good, idiot."

The cook hums teasingly. "Mm. It did take you long to kiss me, though."

"I was figuring some stuff out."

"Still scared?"

Usopp takes a deep breath. "Always. But now I feel..." He wants to drown in Sanji's blue eyes and grin. He feels safe. "Braver."

It makes Sanji laugh. Beautiful. "News flash, you have always been brave and you are the last one to notice."

Usopp chuckles. "I guess so."

"Well..." Sanji sighs dramatically, getting ready to light up one of his cigarettes. "Was this just a one time victory kiss thing or is the brave warrior of the sea going to kiss me again?"

Usopp doesn't need to think twice for this. He doesn't think he ever will.

[immernichts]

Screw it, here’s my One Piece theories/speculations. They’re messy and scrambled together, as I was tired when I wrote most of this.

•Elbaf arc will have Luffy discovering some plot twist related to Shanks. (Since the Red-Haired pirates were recently there and the locals are familiar with Shanks, it seems like a good opportunity for the story to reveal more about him. Possibly something darker. The way all the people there were basically worshipping Shanks and his crew was… actually a little suspicious to me?) (I have this horrible idea of them finding out the Ohara books in Elbaf’s library were burned before they arrived.)

•I go back and forth on whether or not Kid is alive (admittedly I’m leaning towards ‘doubtful’ right now) but I could see Killer possibly having survived?

•I’m fairly certain Barto and co are fine though lol.

•We’ll get a flashback to when Shanks first arrived at Foosha. (I just really want it. Also it’s odd that we haven’t actually seen it yet, outside of a filler arc. Perhaps Oda’s hiding something?)

•Enel returns. For some reason I could see him doing a heel-face turn? Maybe he’ll drop some valuable information.

•Shanks and Blackbeard are working together. (This is soooo out of pocket, and I don’t really want this to happen, but hear me out–We haven’t seen their confrontation yet, and I feel like there’s going to be more to it than just showing how Shanks got his scar. The emphasis on Shanks and Blackbeard being enemies, while currently not showing much actual interaction between them just seems really suspicious to me. I don’t think Shanks would work with Blackbeard because he likes him, but maybe he’s doing it as part of his end goal. My mind keeps drawing something between Shanks being a Celestial Dragon baby at God Valley, and Blackbeard possibly having some kind of connection to Rocks D. Xebec.) (Shanks is probably not evil, but definitely morally ambiguous. We don’t know a lot about Shanks but there’s no way he could be pure evil. Film Red booklet saying he ‘has his own plan for the new era’ seems to hint at him being somewhere on the anti-hero to sympathetic villain scale.)

•Makino’s baby is a boy. (It’s popular in fanfic but I really don’t want him to be named Ace, I just would find it really cliche.) Also Shanks is Makino’s baby daddy. (There’s… really no other candidate? We know it’s not some rando because Oda was all ‘it’s probably that person 😏’. Anyways, I think Shanks probably returned to Foosha sometime after Ace died.) Makino will become plot relevant because of the above, maybe? (Shanks is an Emperor and (ex?)-Celestial Dragon, so it’d probably not be good if that was made public.)

•Woop Slap and Makino knew Dragon before he became a revolutionary, and presumably also had a close relationship with Garp. (Woop Slap had a conversation with Makino where he seemed to imply he was familiar with Dragon, and Dragon was apparently from Dawn.) Also, I have this headcanon that Makino is an orphan. (Owned and ran a bar alone at *at least* 18 years old, and possibly younger. No parents seen or alluded to, which seems especially odd for a small village.)

•We’re gonna get a flashback arc centered on either Garp or Dragon, preferably the latter. (We’re so overdue on learning more about Dragon. Presumably we’ll see his falling out with the Marines, I think it’ll be revealed he and Akainu were buddies/enemies, we’ll see Luffy’s mom, the significance of Dragon’s tattoo will be explained, and we’ll see him leaving Luffy with Garp.)

•Dragon and Shanks encounter each other at some point and have a conversation about Luffy. They have an interesting contrast in Dragon being the dad Luffy never met and Shanks being an older brother/father figure to Luffy. Maybe they’ll have a fight, since they possibly/probably have different ideologies.

•Maybe Dragon and Roger met at some point in the past? Thought it was interesting that Dragon was shown walking away dramatically frowning after Roger’s execution, plus the two of them were considered the biggest threats by the world government.

•Portgas D. Rouge shows up in a flashback, we’ll see how she and Roger met. Maybe we’ll learn more about the ‘D.’ initial through this.

•Charlotte Pudding gets a major role in final arc. Maybe gets to rescue herself from Blackbeard.

•Bonney’s bio dad makes an appearance. Maybe just a brief cameo.

•Going to die:

-Bonney’s bio dad if he shows up pls?

-Sengoku, Fujitora, actually a lot of the older marines really. (They just scream ‘going to die’ idk.)

-Garp (Can easily see him performing a heroic sacrifice. Although I think him living would be a nice counter to him telling Koby about how the old aren’t worth saving.)

-Dragon (I think Luffy’s lack of emotional attachment to him makes this less likely [the real reason he abandoned Luffy lmao] but I can picture it. Maybe sacrificing himself to save Sabo or something.)

-Shanks (I don’t want it but it’s absolutely a possibility.)

•Finale/Epilogue:

-The seas merge together, islands possible form together as a single continent. (Unoriginal since everyone else seems to be speculating this, but I definitely feel like the story’s been hinting at it.)

-I could see the series ending with no romantic partners for any of the Strawhats.

-Luffy gives his hat to Makino’s kid as a call back to the first chapter.

[yamatossideboob]

ONE PIECE 1124 Spoilers!

This week's toasts:

Egads!! A ne'er-do-well lurks yonder! Save us, tall and beautiful man!

DJ Albatross lighting up Longitude Festival uns uns uns uns

Tell that overgrown drumstick what for Vivi!!

I love these reminders that Morgans is legit dangerous. Like he could turn the whole world against Luffy & co by the time they reach Elbaf unless Vivi can put a spanner in the printing press.

Also I love Wapol handwringing in the bg, he's such a good comic side character lmao

"If the world is going to be destroyed, I don't expect to live though it anyway" HARD. FUCKING. LINE. Very D.

This is probably the greatest week of Morgans' life. At least since the end of the Paramount War, or maybe Roger's execution. Man's gonna be laying eggs when BB makes good on Catarina's Saturn copy.

Safe travels Sentomaru, you did jack and shit, and Jack left ahead of ya.

More seriously, given the next few pages, I wonder will Sentomaru be pivotal in a certain Admiral doing a face turn...

"Have you ever killed a close friend?" Akainu has a reason/s for being the way he is. And while I hate him as a fictional person, I also keenly want to know what that reason/s might be. Might this be foreshadowing...?

Oh fuck what if this is foreshadowing Akainu vs Kizaru down the line????

Seeing Stella's near-lifeless body like that, limp on Kizaru's light sword, is still quite upsetting.

"If you have time to sit there and doubt me... then come over here and see my work for yourself, you ungrateful brat!!!" fucking. felt. any lingering doubt as to how Kiz feels about this, begone. Fuck... He's an antagonist, but I'm really feeling for him right here.

"I'm sorry brother..." I'm fucking feeling this too, what a rare and sincere moment of non-bloodlust from Akainu.

Vegapunk asking for an escape from Egghead doesn't quite gel with the reveals from last week, but it's not hard to chalk this up to him keeping up the pretence to fool York, or else to get the Strawhats off Egghead with or without him.

Jimbei being part of the crew nbd, we love to see it. Two burly uncles assessing the adventure.

"moping over one geezer dying" stfu mosshead no one asked you. worst Strawhat back on his bullshit. I hope Sanji spat in that beer

omg they sit on giant chair

let Lilith briefly grieve her outer headmates Usopp, read the room pls

I'll be honest lads, I read this 'Satellites aren't dead' bit and just fucking laughed. Fuck sake Oda. If this wasn't wholly plausible given the whole Satellite hivemind situation, I would be seriously miffed! Alas, this was speculated heavily by many, and it endures scrutiny. Lilith probably means their personalities were uploaded to Punk Records as digital avatars, or something along those lines? Fuck it maybe we can get an Ace force ghost this way, why not.

Wait maybe Zoro's earlier line was pre-lampshading this turn? My bad Mosshead.

I just love Luffy's about-face. The gods bear fickle moods and Nika is no exception lmao

Aaaaaaaaaaaand finally here's the arc wrap feast. Aaaaah. Satisfying. Robin looking beautiful but of course. She'll reunite with Saul soon!!!!!!!!!

"I don't care if you guys end up as my enemies" I hope I'm reaching with this one but... can anyone tell me what foreshadowing is

Like what a strange and ominous remark. I know Luffy's whole MO is being benignly selfish but are we about to get some serious interrogation of that trait of his? No. No we're not. But it's an intriguing notion heheh.

Okay so this is almost certainly Shanks, right. I'm going from the shape, the glug of what's certainly an alcoholic bevvie, and the air of impatience about them. Shanks has been waiting, what, about a quarter of a century for this? You can't blame him for looking at the clock for clock-out time. Babysitting the dawn of the world is tiring work I imagine.

No word yet on the next chapter on the Viz site, so next week may likely be a break. 2 weeks will be a sore wait, but next time we'll either likely meet this waiting figure, or get some world developments en route to Elbaf!

Cya in September nakama! 💪✖️

[tokiro07]

evildalek79 replied:

Kuma being a special race is interesting & surprising. I’m gonna wait till the official Viz translation before I start theorising but anything’s possible! (Does that make Bonney a part of that race to then?) Just out of interest, since so much has happened recently, how has it affected your previous theories? Like, Carrot isn’t here anymore, Pudding is looking like she’s coming back, there’s loads of stuff that links to your Grand Monet Theory. So much in such little time!

In short, it’s all going exactly as I expected: I’ve been wrong about basically everything! Not in the precise details, anyway. Vegapunk and Monet didn’t appear at Wano, Carrot didn’t join the crew, Monet wasn’t necessary for finding Vegapunk’s island, no one fell from the sky to mirror Jaya, etc.

Carrot not joining was definitely a surprise, but since a lot of people used that section of my argument as evidence AGAINST Monet, I call this a win! Especially since I had to jump through a lot of hoops to justify the possibility of both of them joining

After Whole Cake Island, it was clear that Pudding wasn’t going to join, at least not anytime soon, so things had to go one of two ways: she’d join later and contribute to my multiple female recruits theory, OR she wouldn’t join and she’d be captured by Blackbeard so her Third Eye would allow him to understand the Poneglyphs. As has been made obvious now, the latter was the case, though honestly the two options aren’t mutually exclusive and saving Pudding could bring her into the crew

I think she’s going to be the catalyst that makes the (likely former) Big Mom Pirates into Straw Hat allies, most likely led by Katakuri

In the broad strokes, I’m feeling pretty good about myself, and by extension about Monet’s chances

The biggest thing in my favor currently, I think, is that Egghead is divided into strata, with the highest EXPLICITLY recreating the cloud sea of Skypiea, suggesting that the arc may in fact find a way to mirror Skypiea like I predicted, just likely not in the way I predicted. That and the fact that we went to Vegapunk’s island in the first place, most people were expecting Elbaf, but I knew better!

For the sake of expediency, I am willing to bet against the crew actually GOING to the moon (though I still desperately want them to, I think that plot point is too good to pass up, but y’know), but the general vibe that I expected is going strong

I was right about Bonney being present, but that one was honestly a gimme in my opinion. I couldn’t have predicted Kuma being part of an unknown race, but I DID predict that the Reptilian race would crop up in previously known characters, so if he’s a Reptilian, then I was right! Whether Bonney is one or not remains to be seen; it’s possible that she was adopted and Kuma is her stepfather, but I’m willing to bet that she’s part-(UnknownRace)ian and simply doesn’t know it because of how diluted her bloodline is (the same way that Chimney didn’t look like a mermaid despite being 1/4 merfolk)

The best thing about this development though is the confirmation that Kaido was NOT from a special race as many people claimed. His statement about Yamato being the “child of ogres” led people to conclude that the final race were the Ogres, who....have exceptional strength...and resilience...

...

No, if Kuma were an Ogre, he’d have horns and Oda wouldn’t be beating around the bush like this

I did see someone on twitter point out that Bonney has some interesting parallels to Big Mom: both are big eaters with pink hair and ties to the unique races of this world. It almost seems like Big Mom could be Bonney’s mother and that the reason she doesn’t have a member of this race is because Kuma stole her away. I think that would have been brought up earlier, or Big Mom’s children stats would be missing one (we’ve seen a complete list of her children and there haven’t been any inconsistencies like that), but since Bonney was introduced before Big Mom’s debut, she herself is a living hint to the connection, so other implications may not have been necessary

Honestly, we’re getting so many new pieces of information so quickly every chapter that I feel like I don’t even have time to speculate. Every time I have a thought it gets addressed pretty much immediately

This is the most emotionally engaged I’ve been in a while, cus I’m way more interested in the questions and the answers than I am in the fights. I loved the Nika reveal, but learning the name “Lunarian” alone was the biggest single talking point I ever had. Forward progress in the lore is the kind of thing I live for, so if things keep up like this and battles are more expedient to make room for story and character progress, I am HERE FOR IT

[holykillercake]

Barrels, Bets and Balls

pairing: Zoro x Drunk!Reader

word count: 1.9k

summary: The Straw hats are presented with millenary rum from an Ancient Giant Tribe and, well, no one is giving you that anymore. 

higlight:  ¨And then you said ¨maybe I should wear your underwear.¨

warning: Don´t read and drive. 

notes: HOLD MY BEER! Hi, guys! This was a lovely request from @roronoatrash for a drunk s/o! I have to say this is my first time writing a drunk character so I´m a bit nervous hahaha I really really hope you like it! Have fun and drink responsibly! <3 @vemuabhi​

𝕷𝖊𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖘, 𝖗𝖊𝖖𝖚𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖘, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊!

¨Agh!¨ you mumbled when you tried to lift your head from the pillow. It felt like the Thousand Sunny had run over you a thousand times. 

¨Hm?¨

¨Regret ... mhbeh ... thing...¨ your mouth was so dry that talking became almost impossible.  

¨What´s that?¨ Zoro asked, definitely amused by your deplorable state.

¨Hmmm... I don´t... regret... anything.¨

¨Of course you don´t. You don´t remember anything.¨ he shifted on the bed, making it look like a black hole was opening in the mattress. ¨Here, take this.¨ He handed you something.

¨I don´t need your pity... ma-marimo.¨

¨This is not pity, Y/N. This is a painkiller. Come on, you´re gonna feel better.¨

When he helped you to sit on the bed, you noticed something stuck to the window, preventing the sun from entering and blinding you. The greenette removed a few locks of hair that laid plastered across your face before helping you with the herculean task of taking the pill.  

¨If the stupid cook is not dead he must have made coffee.¨ he stood up, grabbing your slippers and placing them in front of you. 

In the meantime, your mind tried to gather whatever useful information you had to understand what had happened, but everything was a void blank. 

¨You ok?¨ he asked, hand on the doorknob. ¨Do you want me to bring it to you?¨

¨No, it´s ok...¨ you pinched the bridge of your nose, making one last effort to remember at least a crumb of the previous hours. You were fast to give up, though. ¨What happened?¨ 

¨Uhhh, you got drunk and passed out.¨ he said like it was no big deal. 

¨Hmm, ok...¨ you took a few seconds to digest his words ¨but when you say ´you´ you mean ´you me´ or ´you guys´?¨

A chuckle left his mouth ¨Come and you´ll see.¨ 

The sun shone high in the sky, forcing you to wince back into your room like the time you had your shadow stolen. You stumbled and lowered yourself to the floor, crawling away from the light. 

¨You go!¨ you said dramatically, covering your eyes ¨Run away and leave me! Tell everyone... that I fought until the last moment!¨

Zoro scoffed at your poorly performed scene, walking closer to you and squatting, back turned to you. ¨Hop, soldier. We don´t leave nakamas behind, right?¨

Your cheeks reddened with his gesture, and you hid your hungover smitten smile on the crook of his neck. ¨Hold tight, Y//N.¨

Oh, I will. Ouch, my head!

As soon as you reached the main deck, your eyes widened, ignoring the bright sun, and your mouth fell in a perfect O. 

¨Oh my freaking... what happened here?¨

If it weren't for the countless barrels, you would have easily thought that you had been chewed up by a sea king. 

The Straw Hats were scattered across the deck, mixed with garbage, blankets, and rolls of toilet paper. Their unorthodox positions would definitely grant them a stiff neck.

Zoro carried you to the kitchen where you found Usopp and Chopper talking at the kitchen table.

¨... like I fasted in a desert for forty nights, and then I survived... a buster call. And like... all of the battleships were pointed at me. And I was catching fire before that.¨ you heard Usopp whine to the doctor, who wrapped some bandages on him. 

¨Oi, who made coffee?¨ Zoro asked purposely loud.

¨SHHHH!¨ you and the sniper hissed at him.

¨Sanji did.¨ Chopper answered ¨Oh, Y/N, how are you feeling?¨

¨Like my heart is beating in my head.¨

¨At least there´s a heartbeat.¨ the swordsman replied, putting you close to a chair so you could take a seat. ¨Hm, Chopper, I saw the cook dead outside.¨

¨Yeah, he made coffee and then passed out again.¨ Chopper discreetly pointed at Usopp´s bandages. 

¨He passed out and spilled hot coffee on me!¨ he roared, stopping midway to whine. 

¨But you two look pretty good, though.¨ You referred to Chopper and Zoro. 

Not Usopp, definitely not Usopp. 

¨Night watch. I didn´t drink last night.¨ the doctor sighed, relieved. 

¨And I can handle my alcohol.¨ the greenette bragged, placing a steaming cup of coffee in front of you. 

¨What happened anyway?¨ 

¨Oh! You don´t remember too, Y/N? That millenary rum was really strong!¨ Chopper asked, fascinated by the effects of the beverage. 

¨Millenary rum?¨ 

¨Yeah! It was a gift from an Ancient Giant Tribe!¨ 

¨Giant tribe?¨ you kept repeating every word he said, double-checking to see if you were not hearing things. 

¨Y/N, what´s the last thing you remember?¨

¨Hmm, let me see...¨ you rested your elbows on the table, hands covering your eyes. Wow, even thinking hurts.

                                                <~>

¨I swear to God, Tony! When Luffy falls into the water, you can not jump after him!¨ you yelled, panting from climbing back to the ship and soaking wet of salty water. 

He pouted and whined. You only called him ¨Tony¨ when you were upset with him. 

¨So-Sorry Y/N... AaaAgh...¨ his voice trembled, and you couldn´t help but soften a little. 

¨Ugh, forget it.¨ you laid down on the grass and sighed, the reindeer on your belly ¨Are you alright, Chopper?¨

¨Y-Yeah...¨

Zoro emerged a few seconds later, carrying Luffy on his shoulder. 

You had engaged in a fight against some bandits who were causing trouble on an island called Gran Brabados. From what you could understand, they were descendants of the Ancient Giant Tribe who emancipated from Elbaf after years of conflict. 

¨I don´t wanna be rude, but¨ Usopp spoke to one of them ¨I thought giants were warriors. Like Broggy and Dory. Those guys fought for over 100 years!¨

¨Well, most of us are, but some are not. That's why we left Elbaf.¨ the giant said ¨We're not interested in war, we're interested in rum!¨

All of you stopped for a second, wondering if you heard the same thing.

¨Eh?¨ you spoke.

¨We don´t make war! We make rum!¨ he threw his huge hands in the air, chest puffing out of pride.

¨Oi, really? Give us some!¨ Zoro immediately threw Luffy on the floor and ran towards the giant. Next thing you knew, the giant burst into laughter. 

¨Gabababa!¨ he hunched as he laughed ¨Sorry, but tiny people like you can't handle it! Gababababa!¨

You were not sure what offended you the most, he calling you all, who just saved their asses, weak or having to dodge the huge drops of saliva that came out of his mouth. 

After insisting a lot, he ended up giving in, presenting the straw hats with barrels and barrels of millenary rum. Yeah, millenary. Rum distilled for one thousand years, or at least that is what he said. 

The celebration didn´t take long to begin. Because Luffy had decided to set sail that same day, you would all be bathed with a pleasant sunset as you partied.

¨Wow!¨ you shouted after chugging the first tankard. ¨Oooohh, this is good booze!¨ you shook your head, already feeling the kick. 

¨Girl, you should go easy on this. It´s super strong.¨ Franky said, making you scoff at him, possessed by some waspish Viking demon.

¨And here I thought you were hard-boiled.¨ 

¨What?¨ 

¨O-Oi, Y/N...¨ Usopp said, worried, sipping his drink. 

¨Haven´t you learned anything with Tom-san?¨ you clicked your tongue ¨Meh, I guess I´ll be the one making things with a DON around here!¨ you chugged more of the rum. 

The shipwright glared at you with a red beam coming out of his left eye. You remember questioning yourself for a second. Maybe you had said too much, but it was just for a brief second before you insulted someone else. 

Back at the kitchen table, flashes of the events from the last night began to pop in your mind. Guilt and embarrassment gushed over you, making you twist and cringe. 

¨And then you said ¨maybe I should wear your underwear.¨ Chopper shivered as he quoted your words.

¨Nooo...¨ you cried out.

¨It gets worse, Y/N.¨

¨What?! How?!¨

¨Because after that,¨ Zoro started to speak, and you saw him struggle to stop a smile from cracking. That was not a good sign. ¨you said "your balls are so small Robin could have grabbed them with one hand!¨ 

The men laughed and slapped the table as you looked for a place to bury your head or a knife to stab yourself in the heart. 

¨WHY DIDN´T YOU STOP ME?¨ you yelled, pulling your boyfriend by the collar and shaking him. 

He placed a hand on your forehead, a silly thing he did every time you got too nervous. ¨Oi, you´re a big girl. You know what you´re doing.¨ 

¨Noo, obviously I don´t!¨ He smiled. 

He would not be the one to tell you, but he did have to stop Franky from Radical Beam-ing the hell out of you several times. For some reason, you were very keen on insulting the cyborg's masculinity. 

Another thing he wouldn´t tell you was that he didn´t touch the rum in the last night. He decided to remain sober and look after you, making sure you would not kill someone or get yourself killed. 

However, despite all the trouble you gave him, he recognized your strength. Straw hat after straw hat, you managed to defeat everyone in a stupid drinking contest. 

The biggest achievement was to drag Luffy into the game since he dislikes the taste of alcohol. When he denied being part of it, you teased him by saying,¨I think you are just scared, Luffy. You know what, maybe I should be the Captain of this ship! Maybe, I will be the Pirate King!¨

That was about the sixth punch Zoro took for you. Or because of you. 

The darker the night fell, the wilder you all got. And then insults began to come from every direction to every direction. You were arguing, then laughing, then crying and apologizing. If it wasn´t for Zoro, Chopper would have had a heart attack. 

¨Nami, you thief! Give me back my queen, or I´ll be forced to shoot a Bidori Moshi at you!¨ Usopp yelled, holding a bunch of cards in his hands. 

¨Oi, Usopp! How dare you speak with a lady like that?! I´ll kick you in the face!¨

¨Bring it on, Sanji! I eat eggplants like you for breakfast every day! AND IT´S GOD USOPP FOR YOU!¨

¨Zoro...¨ Chopper cried, falling close to where the swordsman was sitting. ¨W-What are we going to do?¨

¨Uh? Ah, sit back and relax. You know these guys, they are ju-¨

¨Y/N-san, may I see your panties?¨

¨Well, too bad for you I´m not weari-¨

¨OI! Y/N!¨ Zoro dashed over, throwing you on his shoulder. 

That was about the first punch Brook took for you. Or, again, because of you. 

And then, as the number of biological hazards began to decline, managing the situation became easier and easier. Chopper took care of the fallen drunken, and Zoro threw blankets over them.

In the end, it was you and Luffy. You were still arguing about the things you said earlier. Both of you were exhausted but didn´t want to give in. The argument only ended when you withdrew your words, saying that he would be the one to become King of the Pirates.

Luffy fell dead asleep immediately, and Zoro took the cue to approach you. ¨Hey, Y/N. Our time, let´s go?¨

You turned to him and nodded, red cheeks and tired eyes. He had to scoop you up and carry you back to your room since your legs were not part of the equation anymore, and you would let go and fall every time he tried to carry you on his back. 

¨Heeey, you´re not drunk!¨ you whined, almost falling asleep. ¨Why aren´t you drunk?¨

¨Cause you drank everything.¨

¨Noo, I can find s´more.¨ you uncovered yourself, trying to get out of bed.

¨I bet you can.¨ he said, covering you again and pulling you closer.

The warmth of his body, altogether with his hand gently rubbing your back, made your system shut down. 

¨You know... I can kick your ass... in a drinking contest...¨

¨Yeah,¨ he chuckled ¨I bet you can.¨

That was definitely not true, but for you, well, for you he could pretend it was.