Chapter 34 : Straw Hat at Sky Island

The screen continued to play.

[They saw a pirate ship slowly approaching, with a flag bearing a skull and crossbones, topped by a straw hat.]

[There was no doubt; this was none other than the Straw Hat Pirates!]

[Luffy and his companions stood at the ship's bow, gazing eagerly at the island before them.]

[This journey was taking them to a legendary place—the Sky Island!]

[While the existence of the Sky Island seemed unbelievable, Luffy remained unwavering in his belief.]

[With determination in his heart, Luffy, accompanied by Zoro, Nami, and the others, disembarked and headed to the town to gather information from the villagers.]

[However, when Luffy shared his intention to reach the Sky Island at a tavern, he was met with ridicule because it was considered a mere legend.]

[In the eyes of the townsfolk, Luffy and his crew were just dream-chasers, fools following a myth.]

[Yet, Luffy remained resolute in his belief in the Sky Island's existence and responded with unwavering determination.]

"Pursuing one's dreams should never be mocked!"

[Finally...]

[After some inquiries, Luffy and his crew located the island's sole inhabitant who knew the way to Sky Island.]

[Guided by two gorillas, they made their way to the sea's center, the only route to Sky Island.]

[This route was none other than the Knock Up Stream—a colossal whirlpool resembling a black hole.]

[It seemed as though any passing ship would be sucked into the abyss, swallowed by its unforgiving depths.]

[The mere sight of it sent shivers down one's spine.]

[Above this treacherous path, a towering ocean current reached into the sky, its end unseen.]

[In the face of this daunting route, Luffy remained unwavering.]

[Despite the hardships and dangers it promised, he would not back down.]

[That was what adventure was all about.]

"Let's go, towards the Sky Island!"

[With Luffy's command, Nami, Usopp, and the others wasted no time and steered the ship directly into the Knock Up Stream...]

As the scene played out, those watching the live broadcast couldn't help but feel a stirring in their hearts.

Their emotions swelled not only because of the captivating scene but also due to Luffy's unwavering commitment to his dream.

His fearlessness and willingness to take risks infected everyone watching.

Dreams were something that many people in the world once had but gradually forgot as they grew older.

Whether they were marines, pirates, or countless adventurers, they had all started their journeys with the same unwavering determination that Luffy displayed in that moment.

However, somewhere along the way, they had all lost sight of their original aspirations.

They had become the people in the town who laughed at Luffy's dreams.

The viewers were moved because, in that moment, they saw a different side of Luffy—a boy with a straw hat, a simple appearance, and an unwavering spirit.

He had held onto his original intentions, and his crew, in their own way, supported him wholeheartedly.

Despite occasional disagreements, they would always stand by Luffy's side in the end.

This dedication to their dreams and trust in one another left everyone admiring and envious.

The Whitebeard Pirates!

Many captains and crew members watched in silence, seeing their own reflections in Luffy and his crew.

Among all pirate crews, the Whitebeard Pirates were the warmest and most tightly-knit.

Whitebeard treated his crew like his own children, and in turn, they considered him their father.

This bond, forged without blood ties, created a sense of family among the crewmembers.

It was something the Whitebeard Pirates took great pride in.

As they watched the Straw Hat Pirates, they felt that same sense of family.

It was as if this wasn't just a pirate crew but also a family.

Whitebeard sat on his massive chair, lost in thought for a while.

Finally, he smiled and expressed his satisfaction.

"I've traveled my entire life, faced countless struggles and tribulations. These experiences shaped the big family of the Whitebeard Pirates, and you all are my greatest source of pride."

"But it took me nearly half my life to achieve this..."

"The Straw Hat Pirates, on the other hand, have had this from the very beginning."

"They're not just partners; they're family!"

"It's a world apart from the other pirate crews formed for selfish desires, ambitions, and treasure hunting."

"I really like the Straw Hat Pirates!"

"Ace, your brother is fortunate..."

Ace, upon hearing this, scratched his head with a proud smile.

The Red-Haired Pirates!

"Luffy..."

Shanks gazed at the image of Luffy with a softening expression in his eyes.

As one of the Four Emperors and a seasoned pirate, he had traveled the seas for many years, visiting countless countries and towns, meeting countless people.

But the one who had left the deepest impression on him, the one who felt truly special, was Luffy.

It wasn't just because Luffy had eaten a Devil Fruit of his back then...

The main reason was that Shanks saw a reflection of his younger self in Luffy.

He saw the determination never to admit defeat, the unyielding pursuit of dreams, and the refusal to look back.

That was why, after making a pact with Luffy, he had given him the priceless straw hat directly.

Although he had questioned it more than once later on...

Luffy had been just a child back then. Would he truly follow through with their agreement? Would he forget his original intentions?

But now, it was clear...

He had overthought everything.

Luffy was still the same Luffy.

That straw hat was worth more than anything Shanks possessed.

His judgment had been right!

Luffy was unique...

He was the future of the new era.

Perhaps one day, he would stand alongside Shanks or even surpass him.

And maybe, they would fulfill the agreement they had made and find...The Legendary...

One Piece!

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