The spaceship streaked across the sky and landed on Sabaody, casting a long shadow over the ground.
Swish! Swish, swish, swish!
A series of heroic figures descended from the sky, forming a protective circle around the tearful Lebby.
"Hey! Hey! Are you kidding me?!"
Admiral Kizaru, the Marine Headquarters' top combatant, stared wide-eyed. His usually calm, composed demeanor had vanished, replaced by shock, horror, and disbelief.
"Yoyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyie…"
Zhan Taowan, captain of the Marine Science Corps, wearing a bright Gouyuhong sash, was equally stunned. His eyes widened, and he could hardly speak.
"It's over. The Marines and that bear-like guy over there… Lebby is a member of Fairy Tail! I won't let you continue your chaos!"
Erza Haki lowered her drink and pointed her gleaming sword at Admiral Kizaru.
"Wang Defa!!!"
Kizaru couldn't hide his disbelief. Never had he imagined that members of Fairy Tail could be associated with the Straw Hat Crew. He, a veteran of the strongest group in the seas, had become entangled with a new generation of pirates—the Straw Hats.
Amid Kizaru's horrified gaze, Sugisawa Yuuto finally appeared. Ignoring the Admiral entirely, he descended the stairs step by step and reached Lebby, who was sobbing softly.
"President… I…"
"It's alright," Yuuto said, placing his large hand gently on Lebby's head. "Rabby, don't cry. Leave it to me. With me here, everything will be fine."
Mirajane, Wendy, and Juvia all voiced their reassurance in turn.
Yuuto turned calmly, his eyes fixed on Admiral Kizaru.
"If I tell you this is a misunderstanding… will you believe me?"
Kizaru tensed every muscle in his body.
Yuuto continued walking, unhurried.
"It wasn't the old man who wiped out the Straw Hats—it was the bear over there!"
Kizaru pointed toward the Shichibukai Tyrant Bear, trying to deflect blame, but Yuuto remained unwavering.
"Since President Yuuto insists on this, I'll accompany you to the end. Come!"
Kizaru's right foot glowed like the sun.
"I lost to you in the light-speed kick last time, but this time is different!"
"Master!" Zhan Taowan's eyes widened in shock.
Never had Kizaru, the most slippery old man, dared to challenge the world's strongest opponent openly.
Kizaru's figure blurred as he attacked, his blazing right leg descending with unimaginable force.
Yuuto didn't dodge. His body radiated dark red flames, spiraling around his right leg.
Boom!
A flash and explosion erupted as the two forces collided, sending shockwaves across Mangrove No. 12. The stalemate lasted only a moment.
Then, with a whoosh, the atmosphere erupted in a sonic boom.
A golden figure flew backward at supersonic speed—just like a year ago.
"Alas? Alas! Father!" Zhan Taowan screamed, spinning around and fleeing with the remaining pacifists.
"Don't run!"
The Straw Hat boy stretched out his left hand, immobilizing the Tyrant Bear.
"Hurry! Return my partner to me!"
His right arm pulled back, ready to strike the frozen bear with lethal force.
But suddenly… time froze.
"Stupid Straw Hat, what do you think you're doing to my father?!"
A girl with long pink hair descended from the sky. With a delicate hand, she slapped the Straw Hat boy, shrinking him instantly into a child of only a few years old.
"Huh? Luffy… Luffy's a child!"
"By the way, is this bear the father of one of your guildmates?"
"Yeah, that's why I said don't worry. Bonney's dad is an ally too!" Mirajane nodded.
"But what about the rest of the Straw Hat Crew?"
"They're fine. Dad just sent them flying," Bonney said seriously.
Little Luffy and Lebby's eyes lit up.
"Sorry, Miss Bi, that was necessary!" the Tyrant Bear explained gently. "I had to send your partners away from the Admiral's range. Now that Chairman Yuuto is here, it wasn't needed."
"Right!" Lebby nodded, accepting the explanation.
"And my friends? Where is everyone now?" Little Luffy asked anxiously.
"They're scattered across the sea," Tyrant Bear admitted.
Little Luffy frowned, but Yamato patted her chest reassuringly.
"No worries, Ace's little brother. With Fairy Tail here, we'll find your friends in minutes!"
"Really?" Little Luffy brightened immediately.
"You're Lebby's captain, so we'll prioritize your request," Erza added.
"Straw Hat!"
Yuuto approached the child Luffy. His previous kick that had sent Kizaru flying was still fresh in memory. Even fearless Luffy couldn't help but swallow nervously.
"Now… do you think you have the strength to challenge the New World?" Yuuto asked.
"…."
"This is the first and last time an Admiral has no power to resist. If you can't protect Lebby, I won't allow her to continue traveling with you!"
A tense silence followed. How long it lasted, no one knew.
"I'll definitely get stronger!" Little Luffy clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes.
"Words aren't proof. Show me!" Yuuto grinned. "I'll give you two years. Two years from now, if the Straw Hat Crew has enough strength, I won't stop you!"
…Ten thousand possibilities awaited the future.
...
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