The rain had lightened into a gentle drizzle as Vivi dashed through the streets of Alubarna. Her breath came in fast bursts, not from exhaustion, but urgency. Every step splashed through the puddles forming between cracks in the stone. The city, still soaked in rain and healing wounds, pulsed with life again. People were sweeping debris, checking on loved ones, and lifting fallen stalls—but when they saw Vivi running, their attention turned.
"Princess! Thank you!"
"You're safe!"
"Is the war truly over?"
She didn't stop. She nodded, waved, smiled—tears mixing with the rain—but her eyes never left the direction of the harbor. She had to reach them. She had to speak her heart.
Down the main road, past fallen statues and crumbled fountains, the rooftops thinned. The sea wind carried the scent of salt and freedom. Vivi pushed herself harder, her sandals slipping slightly on the slick stones. Her lungs burned, her legs ached, but she ran faster, arms pumping as memories flooded her mind—of sailing with them, of battles, laughter, shared meals under stars.
She remembered how Luffy made her laugh when she was ready to cry. How Sanji cooked for her without asking. How Nami stayed awake charting maps for their safety. How Zoro stood between her and danger. How Usopp told tall tales to lift her spirits. Each memory drove her feet forward.
By the time she reached the crest of the hill overlooking the port, the rain had stopped entirely. Sunlight broke through the clouds in golden rays, casting light over the calm harbor. The puddles shimmered like polished glass. The scent of the sea filled her lungs, sharp and clear. There, anchored gently, was the Going Merry.
The Straw Hats were preparing to leave.
Onboard, the crew worked quietly, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.
"We're all patched up," Usopp said, tying down one last barrel and checking the ropes with deliberate focus. He didn't look at anyone, his voice carefully even.
"The rain's passed," Sanji noted, striking a match for his cigarette. He took a slow drag. "Good omen." But his usual smirk was absent.
Nami adjusted the ship's rigging, her face turned away. "We should leave soon. The Marines might show up once they realize Crocodile's gone." Her voice was firm, but her grip on the ropes betrayed the tension in her hands.
Zoro leaned on the mast, arms crossed, eyes closed. "She's not coming, huh?" His tone was flat, but his brows knit together for just a moment.
No one answered immediately.
Luffy stood at the bow, arms resting on the railing, staring back at the city they'd helped save. His straw hat flapped lightly in the breeze, now dried by the emerging sun. He hadn't said much since the rain began. But now he turned to them.
"We can't wait forever," Nami murmured, softer this time.
Luffy looked at them and replied calmly, "If she comes… we'll hear her voice."
The words hung in the air.
They all paused.
Nami eventually nodded. "Right. But we can't answer. If anyone sees us respond, she'll be in danger. They'll brand her a traitor."
"So we show her another way," Luffy said, walking back to the others.
One by one, each crew member silently rolled up their left sleeve. The X, marked boldly in black ink, was still visible on their skin—faded from rain, but still strong. It was their silent promise. Their answer. Their friendship.
No words.
Only truth.
Atop the cliff overlooking the dock, Vivi stood, chest heaving. Her hair clung to her cheeks, damp from sweat and tears. Her fingers clenched tightly around the edge of her cloak.
She cupped her hands around her mouth, every emotion crashing through her at once.
"LUFFY! USOPP! NAMI! ZORO! SANJI!"
Her voice echoed across the open water, cutting through the silence like a blade. The gulls stopped their cries. The wind held still.
On the deck, the crew froze.
Vivi screamed louder, her voice cracking with emotion, raw and desperate.
"I'M STAYING HERE! I HAVE TO HELP MY COUNTRY!"
She looked down at her people far below, already beginning to rebuild with hopeful eyes and willing hands.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, falling as freely as the raindrops before them. Her throat ached, but she pushed forward with everything she had.
"BUT PLEASE TELL ME—EVEN IF WE CAN'T BE TOGETHER—WILL YOU STILL… CALL ME YOUR FRIEND?!"
The harbor wind stilled. Her words echoed again—bouncing off the water, the cliffs, the quiet city below. It was a cry of loyalty, of pain, of undying bond.
On the Going Merry, the Straw Hats turned slowly.
Their arms lifted, silently, each one revealing the X on their arm.
To be continued...
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