Evergreen Island Aftermath
Ace rose, bloodied but steady, exhaustion rare since childhood spars with Sabo—proof of growth. Sabo stood casually; facing each other felt strange yet nostalgic. They shared wry smiles.
Ace & Kiri won; Kiri had secured the chest timely. Koala rushed over.
"Sabo-kun… memories back? Quitting the Revolutionaries?" "Nah. Just circumstances changed."
Sabo brushed charred clothes, refreshed—no headache, all memories reclaimed, reborn. His bright smile stunned Koala.
"Yeah… brothers, huh." "Until now, why'd I forget? Pathetic." "If it ended well, fine. Besides…"
Ace readjusted his hat, glancing away with a wry grin.
"Someone else needs apologizing more than me."
A figure sprinted desperately. Ace unsurprised; Sabo turned, startled as Luffy leaped, hugging fiercely, sobbing.
"SABOOO!!!" "Whoa, Luffy…!"
Tears and snot flowing, Luffy clung unashamedly. Sabo beamed, gazing fondly.
"Yer th' besht!? Yeh big brotha!! Yeh alive an' here!!" "Thanks, Luffy. Glad we met safe."
Sabo hugged back gently, lovingly—unfamiliar to Koala.
"Sorry I wasn't there. No excuse, but amnesia… forgot you guys. Forgive me." "Ugh, it's okay…! Yer alive…!" "Thanks. Won't forget again—your face seals it."
Sabo's remembered gentle smile drew more tears from Luffy. Koala, lips tight, sensed deep bonds without details.
Ace watched silently. Kiri approached, noting Luffy, piecing it.
"Uh, what's the situation?" "Finally remembered. Pain in the ass." "Yeah, island's irreparable." "Sorry." "But resolved, right?"
Ace nodded. Luffy oblivious to Kiri; Sabo teary beneath calm.
"Sabo's our brother. Thought he died young." "Amnesia, but alive." "Yeah… Never expected this day."
Ace squinted warmly: "Good. Luffy's crybaby again, but agree—this time. Grand Line's unpredictable; dead return." "Yeah…"
Kiri nodded complexly, then: "He didn't actually die." "To us, he did."
Ace chuckled good-naturedly, mood high. Brothers chatted joyfully; post-battle peace.
Relaxed moment lingered until announcer Hattari's voice. Semifinals done; finals hype rebuilt crowds.
"All players set! Luffy & Vivi or Ace & Kiri? Last match—finals!" "Next already." "Our turn ain't over." "Just one more."
Ace and Kiri prepared, calling out.
"Hey Luffy, stop crying. Tournament's not done." "Ah, Kiri! Look, my brother!" "Revolutionary Sabo. Luffy's in your debt." "Pleasure. Vice-captain Kiri. Nice meet."
Sabo greeted cheerily amid wasteland. Introduced Koala, who removed mask, sighing.
"My partner Koala." "Ugh… Knew it'd end like this. Explain later." "Yeah." "Hey, earlier—" "Hey. Real scare." "Sorry, joke. Never thought we'd win."
Koala huffed; Kiri waved apology. Match over—no grudges.
Luffy beamed messily; Kiri wiped his face with sleeve.
"Luffy, face disaster." "Yeah—Sabo alive, great!" "Haha, still crybaby." "Your fault for showing." "Hey, you two trouble—I cleaned up." "You followed plenty." "No way." "You freeloaders—I helped how much—"
Ace and Sabo bantered familiarly. Koala marveled at joyful Sabo—childhood memories vital.
Tournament stalled; Hattari approached awkwardly. Kiri waved casually.
"Everyone, sorry—match…" "Yeah, coming." "Please. Losers to separate ship—Mr. S pair." "Sabo, ride with us. Watch?" "…Listening?"
Luffy beamed sibling-like; Sabo smiled.
"Nah, loser ship. Ace won. Comrades coming; face revealed—regroup fast." "Aww…" "I'll watch. Don't lose, Luffy." "Yeah!" "Idiot, me lose to Luffy?"
Group moved over scorched crater to sea. Ships intact. Parting, Luffy waved big.
"Sabo! Later~!" "Yeah. Give it all."
Ships split: losers to Blue Square town; winners to Summer Island for finals.
Aboard, Ace got first aid—Haki wounds needed it; Sabo likely too. Painful fatigue, but upbeat for brotherly clash.
Luffy explained Sabo to confused Vivi. Kiri asked Ace:
"Injuries?" "Not nothing, but fine." "Hey, next match—" "Hm?" "Selfish request?"
Kiri smiled familiarly. Ace sensed, feigned ignorance.
"We're the selfish ones. Fine—what?" "Brother showdown—thought you'd enjoy." "Not really. Won't lose to Luffy even like this." "Yeah."
As big brother. Kiri nodded.
"Do what you want. My business done. Your win either way—I'll watch." "Thanks."
Called Luffy: "Hey Luffy." "Yeah?" "Straw Hats champ already. But waste to half-ass—opportunity." "Yeah." "You and me, one-on-one."
Casual. Luffy mildly surprised; Vivi and Karoo shocked.
"Why? No need—" "Bracket idea. Ace vs. Mr. S clash predictable. Finals these teams." "Predictable? Anything could—" "Knew. Only outcome."
Unfazed. Vivi silenced, eyed serious Luffy.
"Team battle's point—if prefer, no force." "Fine. Me vs. Kiri." "Yeah." "Luffy-san… okay?"
Luffy nodded.
"First time fighting." "Yeah. No quarrels even." "I fold first anyway. No win chance." "Shishishi. Sorry." "Think before acting then?" "I do." "Sounded impossible to me."
Serious yet light. Vivi puzzled, glanced worried Karoo—unpredictable.
Hattari hyped; ship to stage. Ace watched unsmiling.
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