Reborn as Luffy The Pirate King's Return

The battle was over. The sea breeze carried away the last echoes of combat, leaving only the soft creaking of the Baratie and the sighs of relief from its staff and the Straw Hat crew. Don Krieg and his remaining men drifted unconscious on the ruined remains of their ship, defeated and broken.

Luffy sat cross-legged on the deck, grinning as he stretched his arms behind his head. "Well, that was fun!"

Sanji, however, stood by the railing, staring out at the sea. His cigarette burned low, the smoke curling up into the sky. "You just don't quit, do you?" he muttered.

Zeff approached, his peg leg tapping against the deck. "Sanji," he called, his voice gruff yet gentle. "You've got no reason to stay here anymore. You've repaid your debt."

Sanji turned, his usual smirk gone. "Old man, I..."

Zeff sighed, placing a hand on Sanji's shoulder. "That idiot captain of yours just took down one of the most infamous pirates in the East Blue. You think the Grand Line's going to be any easier? If you don't go now, you'll regret it."

Sanji's eyes glistened, but he quickly wiped them with the back of his hand. "Tch. You really know how to push a guy, huh?"

Zeff chuckled. "Go chase your dream, Sanji. Find that All Blue."

The Straw Hat Pirates' New Cook

Sanji turned to Luffy, who was watching expectantly. "Alright, Captain. I'll join your crew. But don't expect me to take orders from an idiot."

Luffy laughed. "You'll fit right in then!"

The Baratie staff gathered, some smiling, some wiping away tears, as Sanji bowed deeply. "Thank you, everyone. I won't forget you."

With that, he stepped onto the Going Merry, his new home, as the crew set sail toward their next adventure. The Baratie grew smaller in the distance, but Sanji didn't look back. The All Blue was waiting.

As the Going Merry sailed into the open sea, Luffy suddenly stood up, his expression serious. "Everyone, gather around!" he called out. The crew turned toward him, curious about the urgency in his voice. Nami, however, remained still, her back turned as her shoulders trembled.

Luffy crossed his arms. "There's one more battle we need to fight." His words carried weight, making everyone tense. "For our crewmate."

The crew's eyes widened in realization, all except Nami, who was crying silently. Sanji, ever the gentleman, stepped toward her. " Nami-chwan... you don't have to cry alone." His voice was unusually soft, his usual flirtatious tone replaced with genuine concern.

Nami wiped her eyes, sniffling, but said nothing.

Luffy took a deep breath. "Nami's in trouble. She's been hiding it from us, but I won't ignore it anymore. She needs our help."

Zoro, arms folded, scowled. "Tch. Just say the word, Captain. If there's someone we need to take down, I'm ready."

Usopp nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "Yeah! Nobody messes with our crew and gets away with it!"

Johnny and Yosaku exchanged glances before punching their fists together. "You helped us, so we'll help you!"

Sanji turned back to Nami, tilting his head. "If this is about that Arlong guy... I'll kick his fishy face in for you. No lady should ever have to cry."

At the mention of Arlong's name, Nami flinched. The pain in her expression was enough to ignite fury in the crew.

Luffy grinned, his confidence unwavering. "Then it's settled. We're going to Arlong Park. We're going to take down Arlong for Nami ."

The crew erupted in agreement, their resolve stronger than ever. The course was set—not for treasure or glory, but for their friend.

The real battle was about to begin.