Bright Future

It was a new day on Bounty Island. The fight against Emilio was over but there was still a lot that needed to be done. First thing first, the people needed to be put under control.

"What's going to happen to us?"

"Are we going to explode or disappear like the others?"

"I'm scared! Just what kind of weapon did the World Government use?!"

People across the island were trembling in fear. Many of them were on the verge of having a panic attack. It had been over 12 hours since the last attacks, and since then everyone has been on high alert. Most people haven't slept because of fear of not waking up again.

"Ah, screw this! If they're gonna kill us all, just get it over with! Stop making us suffer with your mind games!"

"Calm down, Scotia."

Someone called out to the man who was shouting.

"Jessie!"

Jessie appeared with Hancock and Luffy by his side.

"Wait...Isn't that Boa Hancock?!"

"The government sent a Warlord to end us!"

"Calm down already!"

Jessie shouted and haki spread out and rocked those in the crowd.

(Huh? His haki got stronger)

Hancock thought while glancing at Jessie.

"Listen up! The government isn't attacking the island anymore! The Supreme Five with the help of the Kuja Pirates and Strawhat Luffy defeated the enemy and were able to deceive the World Government!"

Jessie's voice was so loud it travelled across the island.

"Wait, Strawhat Luffy?!"

"It is him!"

"He's alive?!"

"Wait, you people aren't focusing on the important stuff! Pirates helped us?! Why?!"

At that question, people started to ask themselves the same thing.

"There are too many things we need to discuss! Everyone meet us at the Mayor's Manor! Those who have the strength, help those who can't move to the hospital first!"

Jessie started breathing heavily and was covered in sweat.

"His injuries are starting to affect him."

Hancock mumbled.

"Anyway, we'll see you there!"

Jessie left with Hancock and Luffy.

"Keep it together."

Luffy held on to Jessie who was struggling to keep up. He lifted him off the ground and they made their way to the mansion.

"Sorry. Even though you're beaten up yourself."

"No problem."

They made it at the mayor's manor where they were greeted by Kelly and Connor.

"Hm? You woke up too?"

Hancock called out to Astrid who was sitting on a stool. His face was wrapped up completely, only his eyes could be seen.

"He woke up and immediately wanted to help."

Connor explained.

"I-I'm your partner after all."

Astrid spoke with a hoarse and strained voice. Jessie nodded and sat on the ground beside him.

"So, Connor and Kelly. You two said you know how to deceive the World Government?"

Kelly nodded.

"Emilio told us how before he died. He said he mostly sends status reports to the World Government monthly. He told us where to find copies of previous ones that we can use as reference. However, he must go to Mariejois once a year to do an annual report in person. He already went this year, so we only have less than a year before the government will become suspicious."

"Will a monthly report be good enough?"

Hancock asked.

"According to Emilio, the government trust his abilities to that degree. The fact what happened here wasn't reported yet is a blessing."

"Maybe he had no intention of reporting anything."

Jessie mumbled.

"Felix...Emilio was a monster who committed atrocities because of his twisted ideals. He even killed Tate and the orphans. Don't forget that, Jessie."

Kelly spoke with a stern voice.

"I know."

Jessie looked at the ground as he answered.

"Ow!"

He was hit on the back of the head. He looked at Luffy in confusion.

"You're gonna become this island's Boss, right?"

Luffy grabbed his cheeks and started pulling them.

"Then smile."

Luffy showed him a bright smile.

"A leader must always be smiling in these like these. It's your job to put them at ease."

He released Jessie's cheeks which had become red.

"Even if they don't believe in themselves, you must stand tall with a huge grin. That way they will believe in you and have the strength to fight on."

Jessie looked at him with wide eyes. He looked at the ground again before looking up with a smile. Luffy nodded.

"Yeah, just like that."

(Ah, Luffy~! You're the epitome of manliness~!)

Hancock screamed in her mind beside him.

Soon, the people began to gather. They all stood in silence as they watched Jessie sit with the others standing behind him. After nearly 10 minutes the yard was packed. Jessie stood up and faced the crowd.

"I know you all are confused, hurt, sad, and terrified. I gathered you all here to declare that you don't need to be afraid!"

His voice was loud and clear.

"The enemy has been defeated! We are no longer in danger!"

"Aren't we in this problem because of Tate and the others?!"

Somebody shouted from the crowd.

"This isn't the time to be pointing fingers!"

His voice roared like a thunderclap causing people to cover the ears.

"Do you not see what this island has been reduced to?! Do you not see what has become of our home?! Yet, you still dare to throw the blame around?!"

Jessie's eyes became bloodshot.

"Tate Tobin?! Let him rest or you'll rest with him!"

His words caused eyes to peel open.

"After everything I've experienced the last few days, after the hell I've gone through, I don't have the patience for fools who can't recognise what's important!"

He slammed his fist over his heart.

"What's important right now is that we recover from the hell that we've experienced! I'm fed up with the fighting! I'm fed up with seeing my people at each other's throats!"

He gritted his teeth.

"I just want to return to the days when I could smile with my friends."

His voice was overflowing with pain.

"We've lost too much to be trying to start any more conflicts. It's time to come together and rebuild. We need to mourn together, laugh together, and grow together. The time for conflict ended with the enemy."

The crowd were silent. They all listened to Jessie with all their attention. He took a deep breath before speaking again.

"The enemy was someone who used the form of Felix Crouch!"

The crowd broke into an uproar.

"Their aim was to destroy the island by having us do it ourselves. They pinned us against each other and watched as our world burned. However, we were able to defeat them and bring peace to the island with the strength of the Supreme Five and these two."

He pointed at Luffy and Hancock.

"A warlord helped save the island?"

"Strawhat Luffy too? Why?"

Mutters came from the crowd.

"I know you're all sceptical, but this isn't the first time they've helped us."

Jessie wore a huge grin.

"These two are actually Hanson and Lucia."

"?!"

Shock spread across the crowd. Jessie's smile grew wider.

"That's right. The same Hanson and Lucia who helped defeat the pirates days ago. They protected your family and friends. They drank and celebrated with all of you. They're indeed pirates, but they're also friends who risked their lives to save us!"

People started looking at each other in confusion. They could see the mixed feelings in their eyes.

"Don't worry! They're the same people you've drunk and partied with! Nothing changes! More importantly, they're the reason we're alive now!"

Jessie looked at them and started clapping.

"Strawhat Luffy, Boa Hancock, thank you for saving us."

Astrid, Connor, and Kelly started clapping as well. A few claps came from the crowd. More claps could be heard as the seconds passed. Soon, thundering applauses rained down on Luffy and Hancock.

"I hope they don't think I'm a hero."

Luffy mumbled beside Hancock with a frown on his face.

(Ah~! Luffy is so humble! He doesn't want to be praised!)

Hancock thought.

"Because not sharing my meat."

"Eh?"

Hancock looked at him in confusion.

"Jessie, you said the enemy was defeated but what about the World Government?! Will they come to attack us again?!"

Someone shouted from the crowd.

"The World Government never officially attacked us! Everything was done by someone connected to them, but they still haven't recognized us as an enemy! So rest assured, we are safe!"

The people started smiling and looking more relaxed.

(Still, it's amazing how they seem to listen and believe everything he says. I guess it's the result of his character.)

Hancock showed a small smile. Jessie spread his arms.

"My friends, we are safe! Please be at ease! The Supreme Five is here to protect you from all danger!"

He showed a bright smile overflowing with confidence.

"Let's all work together for a bright future!"