Another day in Marineford. It was lunchtime, and Luffy sat with Kuina in the mess hall, devouring his food with his usual enthusiasm. Over the past few months, he had forged a routine of intense training, pushing himself further every day.
Marines across the base were in awe of him, whispering about his strength and endurance.
Despite being Garp's grandson, he had earned his respect through his own grit, his name spreading beyond the walls of Marineford.
But this afternoon was different.
Luffy had just taken a bite when his sharp ears caught a conversation a few tables away. The voices were hushed, filled with dread, but he caught every word.
"Did you hear? Zephyr-sensei… his arm was taken. They say an entire division was wiped out, only Ain and Binz survived…"
Luffy's hand stilled, the food forgotten. His expression darkened, his usually lively eyes becoming stormy as he processed what he'd heard. The words echoed in his mind, and a simmering rage began to build inside him.
For the brief month that Zephyr had been his instructor, Luffy had gained a deep respect for the man's strength and conviction.
To hear that someone had taken his arm, slaughtered his men—he could hardly contain himself.
Kuina, who had been watching him, noticed the change in his expression.
"Luffy?" She asked, concerned, her hand hovering near her own plate.
Luffy stood abruptly, his gaze fixed, and without a word, he stormed out of the mess hall,
Kuina immediately on his heels. She didn't ask questions; his intensity told her that something terrible had happened.
He pushed through the crowds of Marines who glanced at him curiously, his steps heavy with purpose, until he reached the infirmary.
The door was closed, but he threw it open without hesitation. The sight before him made his heart sink and his rage flare anew.
Zephyr lay on the bed, his skin pale and his frame weakened, his face drawn and pained. But it was the empty sleeve where his arm had been that made Luffy's blood boil. Even in his weakened state, Zephyr's spirit shone through, but the toll of the attack was clear.
Ain stood beside Zephyr's bed, her shoulders slumped, her eyes red and swollen from crying. When she looked up and saw Luffy, her face crumpled, and fresh tears began to well up.
Luffy's jaw clenched as he stepped forward, his voice low but fierce. "Ain… who did this?"
Ain looked away, trying to steady herself. She opened her mouth to speak but faltered, the grief overwhelming her. Luffy's expression softened slightly, and he put a hand on her shoulder.
"Ain, tell me," He insisted, his voice gentler but no less determined.
With a shaky breath, Ain nodded, gathering herself. "It… it was a pirate. He… he tore through our division like we were nothing. Zephyr-sensei tried to protect us, but… he was too strong. I… I thought we were all going to die."
Her voice broke, and she hugged Luffy, sobbing against his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Luffy. We couldn't… we couldn't protect him."
Luffy's hands curled into fists, his teeth gritted as he tried to rein in his fury. But the more he heard, the more the desire for vengeance grew within him.
Ain pulled back, her tear-streaked face looking into his, and whispered, "He called himself… Edward Weevil."
The name seared into Luffy's mind, and he nodded firmly, determination etched into his features. He gave Ain's shoulder a comforting squeeze before he turned and left the infirmary.
Kuina, who had been listening from the doorway, followed him as he made his way toward the docks. She watched him in silence, noting the fire in his eyes, the kind of intensity that only one purpose could bring. She knew better than to ask questions, but her loyalty to him kept her close, prepared to support him in whatever way he needed.
At the docks, Luffy spotted a Marine sailor preparing a ship for departure. Without a word, he marched up to the man, his presence alone commanding attention.
The sailor looked up, startled, and Luffy grabbed him by the collar.
"Take me out of here," He demanded, his voice steely.
The sailor blinked, confusion crossing his face. "Sir? W-where do you want to go?"
"To find Edward Weevil," Luffy replied coldly, his tone brooking no argument.
The sailor hesitated, glancing nervously at Kuina. "I… I can't just—"
Luffy tightened his grip, his gaze unwavering. "Either you take me, or I'll take the ship myself. Your choice."
The sailor gulped, nodding frantically. "A-All right! I'll prepare the ship!"
As the sailor scrambled to ready the vessel, Kuina stepped closer to Luffy. "Are you sure about this? Leaving Marineford, defying orders… it could have consequences."
Luffy looked at her, his expression fierce but resolute. "Kuina, Zephyr-sensei was our teacher, even if only for a short time. This is personal."
She held his gaze, nodding in silent agreement. "Then I'm with you. Let's make him pay."
News of Luffy's departure spread quickly through Marineford, and it wasn't long before Sengoku received the report. He sat in his office, listening as a subordinate recounted the details, his brows drawing closer together with each word.
"Luffy… left Marineford?" Sengoku repeated incredulously, his fists clenching on his desk.
The subordinate nodded nervously. "Yes, Fleet Admiral. He commandeered a vessel, and we believe he's headed in pursuit of… of Edward Weevil."
Sengoku's expression darkened. He had known Luffy's fierce determination but hadn't anticipated this degree of recklessness. It reminded him far too much of Garp.
"Order an investigation immediately," He instructed, his voice steely. "I want to know every detail of why he left."
Beside him, Tsuru watched with a thoughtful expression. "Sengoku… perhaps this isn't mere disobedience. There must be a reason."
Sengoku nodded slowly, his gaze hardening. "It's likely related to Zephyr. But if Luffy thinks he can take on a pirate like that… he's gravely mistaken."
He glanced at the assembled officers. "Send a reconnaissance team after him. I want to know where he's going. We can't allow him to throw his life away."
Onboard the warship, Luffy stood at the prow, his eyes trained on the horizon. The name Edward Weevil echoed in his mind, fueling his determination.
The thought of Zephyr lying weak and broken in the infirmary made his blood boil.
Kuina approached him, her hand resting on her sword. "We'll find him, Luffy. And when we do, we'll make him pay."
Luffy glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "Thanks, Kuina. I don't think I could do this alone."
She gave him a confident smirk. "Good thing you're not alone, then."
As the ship sailed through the waters, Luffy's thoughts returned to Ain's tearful recounting.
Every word replayed in his mind, each one adding fuel to the fire of his anger. He would not rest until he had avenged Zephyr's loss, until Edward Weevil had paid for the lives he had taken.
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