Chapter 23:Reunite

As Itachi, Luffy, Hancock, and Jinbe sat together, at the madian island with heart pirates, the door swung open, and in walked Hancock's sisters along with Elder Nyon. The old woman carried a newspaper under her arm, her expression serious.

"Ah, Elder Nyon," Hancock greeted her, though her tone was slightly annoyed, as she usually was with the elderly woman. "What news do you bring?"

Nyon didn't waste time. She held out the newspaper. "There's been a lot of movement around the world after the war... You all might want to take a look."

Itachi's eyes sharpened, catching sight of the paper. "May I read it, please?" he asked politely.

Nyon gave him a nod and handed over the newspaper. Itachi took it, carefully unfolding the pages. Luffy, sitting beside him, leaned forward with curiosity written all over his face.

"Read it aloud!" Luffy urged, eager to know what was going on in the world.

Itachi nodded, scanning the headlines before starting.

[content from newspaper]

Ace, Son of Gold Roger, Escapes Marineford!

In a stunning turn of events at Marineford, Ace, the infamous son of the Pirate King Gold Roger, was successfully rescued by Demon-Eyes Itachi and Straw Hat Luffy. The daring rescue has left the Marine forces in disarray, with significant damage inflicted on Marineford itself, largely due to the overwhelming power of Itachi's attacks.

Reports indicate that Boa Hancock, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, has been seen aiding Luffy and Itachi in their escape. Speculation is now rife that Hancock has a special connection to the two, particularly with Luffy and Itachi, given her actions during the battle.

With Ace now free, the Marine forces are intensifying their efforts to track down not only Ace but also Straw Hat Luffy and Demon-Eyes Itachi, who are now regarded as two of the most wanted pirates. Stay tuned for more updates on the hunt for these dangerous pirates!

As Itachi sighed, Hancock snapped, "Why are they connecting me with this virgin?"

Itachi, without much thought, responded, "I don't like it either."

This only made Hancock angrier. "What did you say!?" she yelled.

"You heard me," Itachi replied calmly.

Their bickering continued, causing Luffy to laugh, "Shishishi!" Jinbe chuckled along with him, and even Hancock's sisters and Elder Nyon smiled at the scene. Nyon remarked, "She's finally opening up."

Hancock, however, blushed, her eyes lingering on Luffy as she thought to herself, He's such a cutie... my honey... But then, a voice came from behind them.

"Am I disturbing you all?"

Everyone turned around, shocked to see none other than Rayleigh standing there, soaking wet. They all gasped in unison, "Dark King Rayleigh?!"

Rayleigh glanced at the Heart Pirates and said, "Ah, it's you guys. We met at Sabaody Archipelago."

They were still stunned, whispering, "The first mate of Roger... the King of the Pirates!"

Luffy, wide-eyed, exclaimed, "Huh?! The old man Rayleigh!"

Itachi, recognizing the legendary figure, bowed. "Hello, Rayleigh-sama."

Rayleigh waved casually, "I'm glad to see you both so soon."

Luffy added, "We were about to head to Sabaody using a Vivre Card. Did you see anyone?"

Rayleigh cleaned his glasses, replying, "No, I don't think they've made it there yet. I gave my Vivre Card to Shakky to go wherever I wanted."

Jinbe was still in disbelief, "Dark King Rayleigh... I can't believe it!"

Rayleigh turned to Jinbe and said with a smile, "You must be the former Warlord."

Luffy grinned, "This is Jinbe! He saved us!"

Itachi nodded in agreement.

Lady Nyon stepped forward and greeted Rayleigh, "You must be Rayleigh."

Rayleigh smiled back, "Ah, Gloriosa. It's been a while."

Hancock's sisters beamed, "Rayleigh!" they called happily.

Rayleigh acknowledged them with a grin. "Ah, look at you all. You're here too."

Itachi quietly observed the conversation before asking, "Was he the one who helped you as well?"

Hancock's sisters smiled and nodded. "Yes!" they answered enthusiastically.

Hancock, however, clicked her tongue in annoyance, "Acting all smart again."

Itachi sighed, but suddenly winced in pain, dropping to his knees. Hancock immediately rushed to him, concerned, while Luffy asked, "What's happening, Itachi?!"

Rayleigh watched calmly as Itachi replied, "Nothing, my eyes are still healing, that's all."

Hancock, returning to her usual self, muttered irritably, "Making me worry for nothing..."

Itachi heard her and smiled despite the pain.

Rayleigh, observing them, also smiled and said, "This child is doing well."

Rayleigh handed a letter to Lady Nyon. She smiled and thanked him, "Thank you for bringing me the letter from Shakky."

Nyon's face then grew serious as she said, "We should provide shelter for these two from the Navy. Even though you know them from before, it's easy enough for someone to guess they're here based on what's in the newspaper. The Navy might already suspect it."

Itachi narrowed his eyes. "How can you be so sure?" he asked.

Rayleigh smiled, "First of all, the one who sent you away told me he sent you in this direction."

Itachi's eyes widened. "Kuma told you?"

Rayleigh nodded. "I also gathered some interesting information about the War of the Best. It's in regard to the prison break at Impel Down by both of you and others. When I realized you both managed to infiltrate such a high-security prison, it became clear to me that you must have stowed away on a Navy ship with Hancock. But..." He paused, glancing at Hancock, who was now blushing while staring at Luffy eating. "Since Hancock hates both the government and men, I don't think she would have boarded a government ship, especially not to help a man."

He paused for a moment, chuckling. "Women's intuition is unbelievable."

Itachi sweatdropped. She's crazy... he thought, but he smiled anyway.

Rayleigh, still amused, continued, "I don't blame her."

Hancock's sisters and Nyon smiled at his words, and Hancock herself also couldn't help but blush.

Rayleigh then turned to Itachi and asked, "You seem close with Hancock."

Itachi sighed and replied, "Let's just say I didn't have any other options."

Hancock, hearing this, snapped, "What did you say, you virgin!? I'll throw you into the sea!"

Rayleigh chuckled, "You two are very close... I can sense it. Like siblings."

Hancock froze for a moment, then glanced at Itachi and smiled softly. Itachi, noticing her, returned the smile. "I agree."

Rayleigh then got serious. "Now, let's get to business."

Rayleigh called out to Luffy, who was munching on his food. Luffy turned toward him and said, "You said you're gonna head for Sabaody, didn't you?"

Luffy nodded, "I need to see my friends."

Rayleigh asked, "Is that what you really want? Do you remember what happened on that island?"

Luffy had a brief flashback of the events that had transpired at Sabaody—the separation, the overwhelming power they faced. Rayleigh continued, "Do you think you can face such tremendous power as you are now?"

Itachi wanted to respond but remained silent. He knew Rayleigh was right. The harsh truth weighed heavily on him, as it did on Luffy.

"But... I..." Luffy began, but Rayleigh interrupted him. "Do you want to reunite with your friends only to endure the same fate again?" He took a pause and said ,"I have a suggestion for you. Of course, it's up to you whether you take it or not. First, we will go to Marineford to pay our respects to Whitebeard. After that, both of you will undergo two years of training to learn Haki. "

Everyone's eyes widened at this, including Itachi's. He muttered, "It's risky... but not a bad idea."

Hancock, however, was even more shocked, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Rayleigh, what did you just say?"

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you listening?"

"No, that's not it!" Hancock exclaimed, her voice filled with concern. "I can't understand your intent. You know what's going on in Luffy's mind now! Do you really think—"

Itachi raised his hand in the middle of her sentence, silently signaling her to stop. He shook his head, and Hancock's anger flared. "So, you're agreeing with this?" she snapped.

Itachi remained silent, but his expression showed that he was thinking deeply. Hancock, unable to contain her frustration, yelled, "Look at you! You're bandaged up, one eye is shut, and now you want to take another risk!"

Itachi calmly replied, "It's up to my captain."

Luffy looked at him with determination in his eyes. "If I do what you're suggesting, will I be able to protect my friends?"

Rayleigh smiled. "It's worth trying."

Luffy's expression hardened, his resolve clear. "Okay! I've made up my mind. I'm going back to Marineford."

Timeskip...

Itachi, Jinbe, Luffy, and Rayleigh made their way to the Navy ship, quickly defeating the crew aboard. Itachi activated his Sharingan, easily gathering the necessary information from the minds of the captured Marines. He tied them up with ropes and grabbed the Den Den Mushi to make the call.

"This is Navy Ship #204," Itachi spoke into the receiver. "Requesting permission to enter."

The voice on the other side replied, "Okay, may I have your code number?"

"5693," Itachi answered.

There was a brief pause before the voice confirmed, "Code confirmed."

Jinbe, impressed by the ease with which Itachi manipulated the situation, commented, "Your powers are quite handy. How are you feeling?"

Itachi touched his left eye briefly and replied, "Still a little pain in my left eye, but other than that, I'm good." He glanced at Luffy, who looked ready for battle. "How about you?"

Luffy grinned, a determined fire in his eyes. "I feel fine now. Better than ever!"

As the ship sailed toward Marineford, tension built in the air. When they finally arrived, the Marines stationed at the base were in shock.

"It's Straw Hat Luffy! And... Demon Eyes Itachi Uchiha?!" one of them shouted in disbelief. "Did they steal a Navy ship?"

Panic spread among the Marines as they scrambled to respond. "Fire at them!" someone ordered.

Cannons roared, but Jinbe leapt into action, using his Ocean Current Shoulder Throw to send waves crashing against the cannonballs, deflecting the barrage. The Marines were stunned by the display of power.

"Rayleigh... the Dark King is with them!" another Marine gasped.

The ship continued sailing toward Marineford, but the bombardment intensified. Eventually, the ship was too damaged and began to sink. Just as it was about to be destroyed, Luffy stretched his arm out, grabbing Jinbe and Rayleigh, while Itachi sprinted across the water, jumping and landing beside them.

Rayleigh, calm as always, nodded toward Luffy. "Go ahead. Let loose on them."

Luffy's face grew serious, determination etched into every feature. "Got it!" he shouted before sprinting toward the battlefield.

As Luffy dashed toward the execution platform, Jinbe, Rayleigh, and Itachi engaged the Marines who tried to stand in their way. Each of them moved with precision, cutting through the resistance with ease.

Meanwhile, Luffy reached the crack where Whitebeard had fallen. He pulled out flowers and gently laid them down, paying his respects. As he placed his hat over his chest in a solemn tribute, the scene was captured by reporters who had been watching in awe.

"Straw Hat Luffy... paying his respects to Whitebeard!" the reporters murmured as they snapped photos.

After a few moments, Luffy stood, eyes full of resolve. He took one last look at the fallen legend before sprinting back to his comrades.

Rayleigh, Jinbe, and Itachi were waiting for him near the shore, having cleared out the area of Marines. Jinbe, seeing Luffy approach, summoned a large shark to prepare their escape. As they were about to leave, the reporters couldn't contain their excitement.

"This is going to be huge news!" one of them exclaimed.

With their mission complete, Luffy, Rayleigh, Itachi, and Jinbe made their way back to the sea, the weight of their actions sure to ripple across the world.

As they boarded the Kuja ship, Jinbe gave his farewell to Luffy and Itachi. He bowed respectfully, saying, "It's been an honor fighting alongside you two. But now, I must go my own way."

Luffy smiled, though there was a hint of sadness. "Thank you for everything, Jinbe! We'll meet again!"

Itachi nodded. "Take care, Jinbe."

With that, Jinbe dove into the sea, swimming off into the horizon, leaving Luffy, Itachi, Rayleigh, and Hancock on the ship. As they sailed, Hancock glanced at Luffy, her cheeks flushing red as her heart pounded. "My heart flutters and twinges every time I see that smile…" she murmured, completely lovestruck.

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you all right?" he asked, amused by her infatuation.

Itachi sighed, rubbing his temple. "She's at it again... I've gotten used to it by now."

Hancock shot him an angry look but said nothing, trying to remain composed. Rayleigh chuckled before returning to the task at hand. "We'd like to go to the training spot now."

Hancock cleared her throat, collecting herself. "Yes, of course. Set sail for Ruskaina," she commanded, her tone more serious.

When they reached the island, Rayleigh gestured toward the rugged, wild terrain. "This island is perfect. It has 48 seasons a year, changing every week. It's as harsh as it gets."

Itachi's eyes widened slightly. "Forty-eight seasons?"

Luffy grinned. "Oh, I see!"

Hancock blushed and approached Luffy, her voice soft and full of affection. "Luffy... I'll bring food for you every day from Maiden Island."

Luffy's face lit up. "Really? Could you bring that special Gorgon… something? That dish was amazing!"

Itachi facepalmed, muttering, "She'll never change…"

Hancock, flustered and hiding her face, responded, "Of course! I'll bring anything you want in any amount!"

Itachi, rubbing his forehead, murmured to himself, "She's spoiling him again…"

Hancock, still caught up in her fantasy, continued, "And that's the tenth time today you've said my name! It means we're engaged, right?!"

Itachi sighed loudly. "No, it doesn't."

Rayleigh, shaking his head with a grin, said, "Hancock, you shouldn't spoil him like that. It's not good for his training."

Itachi nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

Rayleigh added, "While Luffy trains, women aren't allowed on the island."

Itachi agreed again, nodding his head.

Hancock, furious at their statements, grabbed Rayleigh by the nose and Itachi by the ear. "WHAT?! What gives you the right to make that decision?!" she demanded, fuming. "I'll turn you both to stone if I don't like your answers!"

Rayleigh, calmly trying to placate her, said, "It's all for Luffy's benefit. He and itachi needs the challenge of this island to grow stronger. They can't handle this, he won't survive as a pirate."

Itachi added, "The island has everything we need—food, water, shelter. Luffy will learn to fend for himself here. It's all for his benefit."

Hancock, still pinching Itachi's ear, was caught off guard by their reasoning. "For… Luffy's benefit?" she muttered, her rage softening. She released Rayleigh but continued holding onto Itachi's ear.

Blushing, she said, "If it's for Luffy, then I'll wait. But…" She looked at Itachi and finally let go of his ear. "You better take care of him, or I'll feed you to the beasts on this island. Got it?"

Itachi sighed but nodded, knowing there was no arguing with her. "Understood."

Hancock's expression softened even more. "Good. But you take care of yourself too," she said gently, surprising Itachi with her sudden change of tone.

Itachi looked at her and smiled. "I will."

Turning to Rayleigh, Itachi spoke up. "Let her stay with him for the rest of today. She won't be able to join him once training begins."

Rayleigh sighed but nodded in agreement. "Fine, just for today."

Hancock lit up with joy, clearly thrilled by the decision. "Thank you!" she exclaimed.

She looked at Itachi with a smile, but then suddenly snapped and turned away, saying, "Don't act cool, you virgin."

Itachi sighed and said, "Rayleigh, you were right. We should send—"

Before he could finish, Hancock interrupted, her tone softening, "Thank you, Itachi, for having me here."

Itachi sighed again, while Luffy and Rayleigh chuckled in the background.

As the ship docked and the group prepared to disembark, the Kuja warriors cheered for Luffy and Itachi. "Good luck, Luffy! Good luck, Itachi!"

Luffy waved enthusiastically, and even Itachi gave a small wave. Hancock, however, turned to the crew. "Stay here, all of you. I'm going with them!"

She eagerly followed them onto the island, beaming with happiness, determined to spend as much time as she could with Luffy before their training began.

As they ventured deeper into the island, Rayleigh pointed ahead. "This is the only safe area on the island for you to rest."

Luffy tilted his head, looking at the clearing in front of them. "Hmm, it's kinda funny-looking."

Itachi observed the area and nodded slightly. "It looks like a giant radish."

Hancock, walking beside them, added, "Yeah, right…" But then, with a sudden snap, she directed her annoyance at Itachi. "Why am I walking with you, of all people?"

Itachi sighed softly, ignoring her irritation as they began to set up camp near the trees. Rayleigh excused himself to forage for food in the forest, leaving Luffy, Itachi, and Hancock alone. When Rayleigh returned with some wild fruits and meat, they all ate quietly.

After finishing his meal, Luffy stretched and yawned. "I'm feeling sleepy. I'm gonna crash for the night."

Hancock's eyes softened, a blush rising to her cheeks. "Rest well… my dear Luffy." She gazed at him dreamily as he laid down, her face flushed with affection.

Rayleigh, who had been watching silently, sat in front of Itachi. Itachi could tell that Rayleigh had something on his mind. With a glance at Rayleigh's expression, Itachi could already guess what was coming. Hancock, pretending not to care, scooted closer and eventually laid her head on Itachi's lap, her eyes closed as if to sleep, though Itachi knew she was still listening intently.

Rayleigh leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharp with curiosity. "I've been wondering about something. If you don't mind me asking, Itachi."

Itachi gave a slight nod. "I assume you're curious about my eyes, right?"

Rayleigh nodded, confirming Itachi's suspicion. Hancock, though her eyes were closed, seemed to tense up slightly, eager to hear the conversation.

"I figured as much," Itachi began, his voice calm. "My eyes… they're not from a Devil Fruit, if that's what you were thinking."

Rayleigh leaned back, stroking his chin. "I had a feeling. You can use fire, wind, illusions, and then there's that… creature you summon."

"Sasano'o," Itachi clarified.

"Right, Susano'o. It's astounding. But it also means you're something very different from the people of this world. I suspected as much when I saw how much power you wield. Did you know the people you fought used Haki?"

Itachi nodded. "Yes, I'm aware of Haki."

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow. "And you were born with this power?"

Itachi nodded again. "Yes. It's part of my clan's bloodline."

Rayleigh's eyes widened with interest. "A clan? What's your clan called?"

"The Uchiha Clan."

Rayleigh frowned, thinking hard. "Uchiha… I've never heard that name before, not in all my years. If your clan had such abilities, surely the world would know about it."

Itachi remained silent for a moment, weighing his words carefully. He looked down at Hancock, who was clearly still pretending to sleep. With a sigh, he said, "What I'm about to tell you should never leave this camp."

Rayleigh smirked, intrigued by Itachi's secrecy. "Don't worry, we won't tell a soul."

Itachi glanced down at Hancock, who twitched ever so slightly, still trying to act like she wasn't listening. He sighed again but decided to proceed. "I'm not from this world."

Rayleigh's eyes widened in surprise, and Hancock, despite her efforts, couldn't help but flinch.

"Another world?" Rayleigh asked, astonished.

Itachi nodded. "That's right."

Rayleigh looked thoughtful. "That explains your strange powers… But how did you get here?"

Itachi's expression darkened, and a sad smile crossed his face. "I died. In my world. And when I opened my eyes again, I was in Water 7."

Rayleigh and Hancock both seemed taken aback. Luffy stirred in his sleep but didn't wake.

Itachi continued, "After looking for information in this world, I came across Luffy. He didn't ask who I was or where I came from. He just invited me into his crew without a second thought."

Rayleigh smiled warmly. "That sounds just like him."

Hancock, still lying on Itachi's lap, blushed deeply, her heart pounding as she thought to herself, My Luffy is so kind, helping everyone… He's so perfect… Let's get married!

Rayleigh chuckled. "Straw Hat is something else."

"He is," Itachi agreed with a nod.

Rayleigh grew more serious. "If I may ask… how did you die?"

Itachi's sad smile returned. "I died in the presence of my brother."

Rayleigh's eyes narrowed. "Your brother killed you?"

Itachi nodded. "Yes. And I deserved it. I made decisions that hurt him deeply, and all I wanted was his forgiveness."

Rayleigh leaned forward. "There's a story behind that, isn't there? You wouldn't say you deserve to die unless there's more to it. But you seem like a kind-hearted boy."

Itachi responded, "I'm not kind-hearted... I'm someone who should be in hell. I don't even deserve to be here."

Rayleigh observed him thoughtfully, wondering what had happened. Hancock, too, shared the same thoughts.

Itachi looked away, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Yes, there is... a long and painful story."

Itachi sat quietly for a moment, letting the weight of his past settle in the air before speaking again. The flames of the campfire flickered in the night as Rayleigh's eyes stayed focused on him, waiting patiently. Hancock, still resting on Itachi's lap, was also attentive, despite trying to hide her interest. She could sense the sorrow in Itachi's words, and her curiosity grew.

"I'll start from the beginning," Itachi said softly, his voice low. "I was born into the Uchiha Clan, one of the most powerful and respected clans in my world. But that power, that reputation, came with a burden. From a young age, I was considered a prodigy, capable of things far beyond my years. My clan… they saw me as a tool for their ambitions."

Rayleigh nodded slightly, taking in the weight of Itachi's words. "That must've been a lot to carry as a child."

"It was," Itachi confirmed. "But I didn't see it that way then. I wanted to protect my family, my village, and my little brother, Sasuke. He was everything to me. But soon, I realized that the Uchiha Clan had other plans. They sought to overthrow the village's government, and I found myself caught between loyalty to my clan and loyalty to the village."

Rayleigh frowned thoughtfully. "A civil war…"

Itachi nodded. "Yes. The village leaders, including a man named Danzo, saw this as a threat. They wanted the Uchiha wiped out to prevent the coup. They gave me a choice: betray my clan and protect the village… or watch as the entire Uchiha Clan was slaughtered in a brutal war."

Hancock, despite herself, couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. She shifted slightly, though still pretending to sleep.

Rayleigh shook his head, his tone serious. "That's no choice at all."

"It wasn't," Itachi agreed, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I chose the village… and in doing so, I wiped out my entire clan—my mother, my father, my best friend, the person I used to love, women, children, and the elderly... everyone. I spared only my brother, Sasuke."

His gaze grew distant as he continued, "I wanted him to live, to grow strong. I hoped that one day he would come to understand my reasons. But at the same time, I wanted him to hate me, to become powerful enough to seek revenge. I wanted him to be the one to end my life."

Rayleigh's eyes narrowed. "You wanted him to kill you."

"Yes," Itachi said, his voice steady but filled with sorrow. "I made myself the villain in his eyes. I wanted him to be the one to end my life, so that his hatred would give him purpose. I sacrificed everything for him… and for the village."

Rayleigh shook his head, a mixture of respect and disbelief on his face. "That's a heavy burden to carry. You sacrificed your entire life, your family, your honor… for someone else's future. I can't even begin to imagine how you lived with that."

"It wasn't easy," Itachi admitted. "But I convinced myself it was for the greater good. For the village. For Sasuke."

Rayleigh's gaze softened, though there was still a hint of criticism in his voice. "And yet, the people you sacrificed everything for… did they ever truly understand what you did for them? Or did they just see you as the traitor who slaughtered his own kin?"

Itachi closed his eyes for a moment. "They only saw the villain. And I made sure of that."

Hancock, still listening quietly, found herself understanding Itachi in a way she hadn't before. His cold, stoic demeanor was not just a product of his strength but of the immense pain and guilt he carried. She could sense his loneliness, the sacrifices he made in silence, and it stirred something in her heart.

Rayleigh leaned back slightly, letting the silence linger. "So, after all of that… you let your brother kill you?"

Itachi nodded. "Yes. When we met for our final battle, I was already sick, dying from a disease. But I wanted Sasuke to be the one to end it. I wanted to give him the satisfaction of revenge."

Rayleigh sighed, shaking his head again. "You gave him everything… even your life."

"That's what it means to be a brother," Itachi said quietly.

Hancock, despite her best efforts, felt her eyes welling up. She understood sacrifice; she understood doing things for love, for someone else. But what Itachi had done, the sheer magnitude of it, was beyond anything she could have imagined. She suddenly felt a deeper connection to him, realizing that beneath his stoic exterior was a man who had suffered greatly, and yet continued to move forward for the sake of others.

Rayleigh, after a moment of reflection, spoke again. "And then you found yourself here, in this world."

"Yes," Itachi said. "I thought it was over, but fate had other plans. I woke up in Water 7 and eventually met Luffy. And now… I'm part of this crew."

Rayleigh chuckled softly. "It seems you've been given a second chance."

Itachi looked up at the stars. "Maybe. But I don't think redemption is that easy."

Rayleigh smiled. "Redemption isn't easy, but you're on the right path. You're protecting those who matter to you now, and that's what counts. Whether you're from this world or another, that's what makes you a man worth respecting."

Itachi nodded, feeling a sense of quiet understanding between them.

Hancock, still pretending to sleep, felt a wave of emotion wash over her. She had always admired strength, but now she saw that strength could take many forms. Itachi's strength wasn't just in his abilities but in his resolve, in his willingness to sacrifice for those he loved. She silently vowed to herself that she would help him in any way she could, even if he didn't ask for it.

Rayleigh glanced at Itachi's left eye, curiosity in his gaze. "What about your left eye?" he asked.

Itachi remained calm. "It will heal on its own. Don't worry about it."

Rayleigh nodded, but his attention shifted to Hancock, who had one eye barely open, sneaking a glance at Itachi's face. With a smirk, Rayleigh asked, "What do you think of Hancock?"

Itachi looked at him, surprised by the sudden question. He glanced down at Hancock, who quickly shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep. "She's… the most irritating, annoying person I've ever met."

Hearing this, Hancock clenched her fists in anger, her head still resting on his lap. Though furious, she said nothing, but her hands gripped his pants tightly. Sensing her frustration, Itachi smiled softly. For the first time, he gently patted her head.

"But," he continued, his voice softening, "she's also a strong woman. She's been through a lot… and despite everything, she's still standing tall. That's no easy feat. In that sense, I respect her."

Hancock's heart skipped a beat as tears welled up in her eyes. Her grip on his pants tightened, and quietly, she began to cry, touched by his words. Itachi's smile deepened. "She cares for me, in her own way."

Rayleigh, watching this unfold, chuckled. "You two are like siblings."

Itachi smiled, nodding. "I think so, too."

Hancock, her emotions overflowing, couldn't help but smile. She buried her face into Itachi's stomach, her tears soaking into his clothes.

Rayleigh then smirked, his tone teasing. "So, how is she?"

Itachi, confused, looked up. "Who?"

"You know very well who I'm talking about," Rayleigh replied, raising an eyebrow. "Nico Robin."

The sudden mention of Robin caught Itachi off guard, but Rayleigh's smirk only widened, clearly enjoying Itachi's reaction.

Itachi glanced at Rayleigh, his expression unreadable, but there was a brief pause before he answered. Rayleigh's question had caught him off guard—something not easy to do.

"Nico Robin is… someone I respect deeply," Itachi began, his voice measured, but there was the faintest flicker of something else in his tone.

Hancock, still resting against him, felt the shift in his energy, and she opened one eye just enough to peek at him. She was quick to notice that tiny pause, and a sly smirk began to tug at her lips. This was interesting.

Rayleigh leaned in slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? Respect, huh?" His tone was teasing, as if trying to coax more out of Itachi.

Itachi gave him a cool glance but didn't deny anything. "She's intelligent, strong, and has endured much hardship. Those are qualities I admire in any person."

Hancock's smirk widened as she sensed an opportunity. She stayed perfectly still, pretending to be asleep, but her mind was racing. So this was Itachi's weakness? Nico Robin? Her internal monologue was almost gleeful: After this, he'll be perfect for teasing! Even someone as calm as him has a soft spot.

Rayleigh, catching onto the shift in the atmosphere, grinned broadly. "Ah, I see now. You admire her, huh? Maybe a little more than admiration, if I'm reading this right."

Itachi's expression remained calm, but there was a slight shift in his demeanor—a faint flicker of discomfort. He had always been good at hiding his feelings, especially when it came to emotions as personal as this. But Rayleigh was sharp, and Itachi could sense Hancock's presence, even if she pretended to be asleep.

He exhaled softly. "Robin is… unique. She values knowledge, truth, and she carries herself with a sense of purpose. It's rare to meet someone like her."

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, leaning back with a knowing grin. "Sounds to me like you've got a bit of a crush."

Hancock's smirk deepened, her heart pounding with excitement at this revelation. A crush? On Robin? This was far too valuable to let go. She stayed perfectly still, but inside, she was already planning how she could use this information to her advantage. I'm going to make sure Itachi never hears the end of this.

Itachi gave Rayleigh a sideways look, but even the stoic Uchiha couldn't entirely hide the faint blush that crept across his face. He wasn't used to discussing emotions like this, especially when it came to someone like Nico Robin, who had intrigued him from the start. She was quiet, intelligent, and carried her own burdens with a grace that he admired.

"I wouldn't call it a 'crush,'" Itachi replied, his tone cool but quieter than usual. "But yes, I have… an interest in her."

Hancock's smirk grew even wider, though she kept her face hidden. So it's not just admiration—he really does have feelings for her! This was going to be far too much fun.

Rayleigh chuckled, clearly enjoying the rare sight of Itachi being put on the spot. "An interest, huh? Well, I think you two would make quite the pair. Both of you are mysterious types who prefer to keep to yourselves, but you understand each other on a deeper level."

Itachi didn't respond immediately, but there was a brief flicker in his eyes, as if Rayleigh's words had struck a chord with him. He knew he had a connection with Robin that went beyond mere admiration. She was someone who, like him, had endured pain and suffering but emerged stronger, more resolute. That strength resonated with him.

But before he could reply, Hancock, still "asleep," couldn't resist teasing him, even subtly. She shifted slightly, her grip on his pants tightening again as if in mock jealousy. "Hmm… Nico Robin…" she murmured softly, pretending to speak in her sleep, though Itachi and Rayleigh both knew she was awake.

Itachi sighed softly, realizing that Hancock had heard everything. He glanced down at her, and despite her teasing, he smiled faintly. Hancock, feeling his gaze on her, tightened her grip further and added a soft, theatrical snore, clearly enjoying herself.

Rayleigh laughed outright. "Looks like Hancock's going to use this against you, Itachi. Be prepared for some teasing."

Itachi shook his head, his smile still lingering. "I figured as much." He looked down at Hancock and gave her a gentle pat on the head again, this time with more affection. "But it's fine. She's strong in her own way."

Hancock's heart fluttered at the unexpected show of kindness, but she quickly covered it up by clenching her fist and muttering under her breath, "You're still the most irritating person I've ever met."

Rayleigh chuckled at the dynamic between them. "Well, it looks like we've got an interesting family forming here."

Itachi's gaze softened, looking out into the distance. "Family, huh? Maybe you're right."

The Rayleigh stood up and said, "I'm going to get some sleep, and you should sleep as well. Don't stay up too late." Itachi nodded, and Rayleigh went to lie down.

Hancock stood up, her arms crossed, grinning mischievously at Itachi. "You know, you're really bad at hiding things," she teased. "Especially when it comes to Nico Robin."

Itachi sighed, fully expecting this. "I knew you were awake the whole time."

Hancock's grin faltered slightly as she leaned in closer, her expression softening. "So… do you think she likes you back? Or are you just going to sit there, pretending you don't care?"

Itachi remained calm, though he shot her a sidelong glance. "It's not that simple."

Hancock chuckled, but there was a hint of something deeper in her tone this time. "Oh, but it's strange to see you like this. The demon eyes Itachi, a man who carries the weight of so much pain, showing some vulnerability." She paused, her gaze softening even more. "You know, I heard everything... about your past, about your brother."

Itachi's face hardened for a moment, the usual composure returning as he deflected the weight of her words. "That past… it's not something I want anyone to dwell on."

Hancock, however, didn't back down. She crossed her arms again, but this time, her voice was steady, reflecting an understanding she hadn't shared before. "I can't pretend to understand everything you've been through, Itachi, but I know pain. I've had sisters, but no brothers. The things I did for my sisters… the things I regret… sometimes they keep me awake at night."

Itachi's gaze softened slightly, but he remained silent, letting her words sink in.

"I've seen the worst in people, the worst in this world," Hancock continued, her voice quieter now. "But what you did for your brother... it's complicated. Rayleigh told me once that sometimes, carrying the heaviest burden means you care more than anyone else ever could." She met his eyes. "You did what you thought was right, no matter the cost to yourself. That's something only someone who loves deeply would understand."

For a brief moment, Itachi's stoic expression cracked, and a flicker of emotion passed through his eyes. "You think I was right?" he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

Hancock nodded slowly. "I don't know if it was right or wrong, but I do know it was out of love. And in a way… I feel like we're alike. You're someone who would protect the ones you care about, no matter what. That's why I see you as my brother."

Itachi looked at her, genuinely surprised. "Brother?" he echoed, his voice laced with confusion. He hadn't expected that from her—someone who had always been so strong, proud, and seemingly impenetrable.

Hancock blushed slightly but didn't look away. "I've never had a brother. I only had my sisters, who I would protect with my life. But you… I can't explain it, but after everything, after fighting side by side… I've started to see you as family. We're different, but I think we understand each other in ways most people wouldn't."

Itachi's gaze softened further, and for the first time, he felt a warmth in her words that he hadn't expected. He had spent years distancing himself from emotional bonds, believing he wasn't deserving of them after what he had done to Sasuke. Yet here was Hancock, someone who knew about his darkness, offering him acceptance.

"You heard everything," Itachi said quietly, his voice tinged with guilt. "About my brother, about what I did. I don't deserve to be called anyone's brother, least of all by you."

Hancock's expression became firm as she took a step closer to him. "I heard you, but that doesn't change what I feel." Her voice softened again, and she glanced away for a moment before meeting his eyes once more. "I don't care about the sins of your past, Itachi. We all have regrets. We all carry our own burdens. But right here, right now, you've protected me and watched over me—just like a brother would. And I… I guess I see us as family now."

Itachi stared at her for a moment, the weight of her words hitting him harder than any battle he had ever fought. For so long, he had been defined by his past, by the choices he made and the consequences they brought. But here, in this moment, Hancock was offering him something different—a chance to be more than his mistakes.

"You're not your past, Itachi," Hancock said firmly, her voice unwavering. "You might have made decisions you regret, but that doesn't change the fact that I see you as my brother. And I'll keep teasing you about Robin, just like a sister would."

Itachi let out a small, almost imperceptible smile, something rare for him. "You really are impossible."

Hancock smirked, crossing her arms again, her confidence returning. "That's what sisters are for."

For the first time in a long time, Itachi felt a sense of peace. The weight of his past still lingered, but in Hancock's words, he found something he hadn't expected—an acceptance that wasn't based on his actions, but on who he had become. It wasn't forgiveness he sought, but perhaps this was something even more valuable.

"I suppose if you want to be my sister," Itachi said softly, "I can accept that."

Hancock blushed but quickly regained her usual confidence, flashing a grin. "Good. Because I wasn't going to give you much of a choice."

Itachi chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Just don't tease me too much."

Hancock grinned wider, clearly enjoying her victory. "No promises. But for now, get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be tough, and you'll need all the strength you can get."

Itachi nodded, watching as Hancock settled down to sleep herself. As the camp grew quiet and the night deepened, he allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. For all the pain and loss he had endured, perhaps there was still room for something new. Something hopeful.

And as he closed his eyes, he found himself looking forward to whatever the next day would bring—not just for the challenges, but for the unexpected bond he had begun to form. A family, of sorts.

The next morning, Itachi woke up and saw everyone still asleep. He sighed softly, but as he stirred, Rayleigh stood up and looked at him with a smile. "So, you're awake," Rayleigh said.

Itachi nodded, glancing at Luffy, who was still sleeping, and gently woke him up, along with Hancock. Rayleigh then spoke, "It's time for you to leave now, Hancock."

Hancock didn't want to go but nodded reluctantly. She turned to Luffy and said, "Take care of yourself, Luffy." Luffy grinned widely and nodded. "I will!" he replied.

Hancock then looked at Itachi, her voice softening, "Take care, brother."

Luffy's eyes widened in surprise, while Rayleigh smiled knowingly. As Hancock made her way to the shore, Luffy turned to Itachi. "She's your sister?" he asked, still processing the revelation.

Itachi nodded. "Yes, just like Ace, she's my sister."

Luffy nodded in understanding, smiling as he watched Hancock leave.

As the Kuja Pirates sailed off into the distance, the atmosphere on Rusukaina became eerily quiet. Luffy stood next to Itachi, both of them staring up at Rayleigh, who was preparing to begin their training. Rayleigh surveyed the island with a calm yet serious demeanor.

"This place," Rayleigh began, gesturing to the vast wilderness around them, "was once home to people. But the chaotic climate changes and the dangerous wildlife eventually wiped them out." As if on cue, a massive wild elephant came charging toward them, its footsteps shaking the ground beneath them.

Luffy tensed, but Rayleigh didn't flinch. "Now," Rayleigh said calmly, stepping forward, "let me show you the basics of Haki." In a swift, effortless motion, Rayleigh unleashed a wave of Conqueror's Haki, stopping the elephant in its tracks. The beast collapsed, unconscious, as the power radiated from Rayleigh. Luffy's eyes widened with awe, while Itachi observed with quiet understanding.

"This is the power of Haki," Rayleigh continued, turning to face both Luffy and Itachi. "There are three types: Observation, Armament, and Conqueror's Haki. Luffy, you've seen these techniques before on your journey. You just didn't realize what they were."

Luffy nodded, thinking back to his past adventures. "I've seen this before… like with the old man on Amazon Lily, and even when we fought the Admirals at Marineford."

Rayleigh smiled. "Exactly. But now, I'm going to teach you how to use them properly. It's going to take time—two years to master the basics."

Itachi, standing silently next to Luffy, finally spoke. "And what of me?" His voice was calm, but there was a hint of curiosity. "I've trained with chakra for most of my life. How does this… Haki compare?"

Rayleigh looked at Itachi thoughtfully. "You've already developed a form of observation and control through your chakra, especially with the Sharingan and your other techniques. In a way, you've been using something akin to Haki without realizing it. But Haki taps into a different source—your willpower."

Itachi nodded in understanding. "So, it's a matter of merging my abilities with this new power."

"Exactly," Rayleigh affirmed. "You'll be learning alongside Luffy. The key difference is that you've honed your precision through years of practice. Luffy will have to learn control, but you… you'll need to learn how to tap into this new energy without relying on chakra alone."

Luffy grinned, his excitement building. "So we'll be training together! This is gonna be awesome, Itachi!"

Itachi gave a rare smile, though it was subtle. "Let's see how far we can push ourselves."

After a night of rest, the first light of dawn broke over the island. Luffy, Itachi, and Rayleigh stood at the edge of a clearing, surrounded by wild and dangerous creatures. Luffy placed his straw hat and the Vivre Card Rayleigh had given him on a rock, knowing this would be the start of something transformative.

"This is where it begins," Rayleigh said, his voice calm but filled with purpose. "Two years of grueling training. By the end of it, you'll both have mastery over Haki. But it won't be easy."

Luffy's grin widened, and he cracked his knuckles. "I'm ready for anything!"

Itachi, ever calm, simply nodded. "Let's begin."

Timeskip - 2 Years Later:

The area was covered in snow, and two creatures—a crocodile and a gorilla—were fighting over food. Marguerite, observing the scene, hurried to find Luffy and Itachi. As the creatures noticed her, they prepared to attack, but just then, Luffy and Itachi emerged from the shadows.

"Get away from her! She's our friend," Luffy shouted. The creatures met Luffy's gaze and froze in fear. Then, they noticed Itachi coming from behind, his eyes glowing ominously as he stared at them. Terrified, both creatures fainted on the spot.

Marguerite, relieved, turned to them and said, "Luffy, Itachi, the ship is ready to sail at any moment."

Luffy grinned, "Okay, thanks!" Itachi gave a nod of acknowledgment.

Hancock, standing nearby, added, "Rayleigh left six months ago. He's probably waiting to see you both at Sabaody."

Luffy smiled, "He finished teaching me the basics in the first 18 months, but for Itachi, it only took 8 months."

Itachi looked at Luffy as Marguerite and Alpheandra gazed at him. Itachi was shirtless, revealing a diagonal scar across his chest and well-defined abs. Alpheandra blushed at the sight.

Itachi turned to Hancock and said, "We have to say goodbye to you and the island."

Luffy nodded, "Yeah, it's time."

As they boarded the ship, Luffy waved, "Bye, everyone!"

Hancock, her face flushed, called out, "Luffy, we'll get married when we see each other again!"

Luffy, looking back, responded bluntly, "We're not getting married, but thank you for everything."

Hancock smiled, despite his rejection. "I can't help loving you, even if you're so bitter."

Itachi, amused by the exchange, smiled and waved as well. "Take care of yourself, brother," Hancock and her sisters called out to him.

Itachi gave her a small smile and waved goodbye to everyone as the ship sailed away.

At the Bar with Rayleigh and Shakky:

Rayleigh sat at the bar beside Shakky, who took a slow drag from her cigarette. "Two years... Time really flies, doesn't it?" she mused with a smile.

Rayleigh nodded, swirling his drink. "It sure does."

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind him. "So, you're the first one here? That's unexpected."

Rayleigh turned to see none other than Zoro, smirking as he leaned against the doorframe. "I guess they lost their direction again," Zoro added with a chuckle.

Rayleigh smiled in amusement. "Seems like it."

At Another Bar with Nami:

At a different bar, Nami sat at the counter, sipping her wine. She wore a revealing green and white bikini halter top, paired with tight low-rider jeans. Her orange hair cascaded down her shoulders as she quietly observed the chatter around her.

Behind her, a group of rowdy patrons gossiped loudly, one of them holding up a wanted poster. "Have you heard? The Straw Hat Pirates are gathering their crew again!"

Nami's sharp eyes narrowed at the mention of her crew, her grip tightening around her glass.

Just then, the door swung open, and the fake Straw Hat crew strolled in with arrogant swagger. They spotted Nami and, without hesitation, one of them leered at her. "Hey, beautiful lady, why don't you come sit with us?" he sneered.

Nami, without even glancing at him, replied coldly, "I'm not interested."

The bar fell silent, all eyes on the scene unfolding. The fake Straw Hat crew was visibly shocked. "Did she just refuse the great Straw Hat Luffy?!" one of them spat in disbelief.

Anger flashed across the leader's face. "I said, sit with us!" he barked, but before anything more could happen, a giant plant monster suddenly attacked the fake crew, sending them flying across the bar.

Nami blinked in confusion, her eyes scanning for the source of the attack. A voice from beside her caught her attention. "So, miss, do you want to have a drink with me instead?"

She turned, and her surprise melted into joy. There, standing beside her, was Usopp, sporting a little goatee, a wide-brimmed white sunhat, rolled-up yellow pants, red suspenders, and boots. Nami's face lit up, and without hesitation, she threw her arms around him.

"Usopp! Long time no see!" she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.

Usopp laughed and returned the hug. "Nami, it's been way too long."

Nami gestured toward the plant monster that had just wrecked the fake Straw Hats. "Was that you?"

With a proud grin, Usopp nodded. "Yep! That's my new weapon. I wasn't just staring at the sea doing nothing for two years, you know."

Nami smirked, grabbing his arm. "Come on, we have so much to catch up on."

As they made their way out of the bar, a dark cloud loomed above, crackling with energy. The bar-goers' eyes widened in fear as thunder suddenly struck, sending bolts crashing down and burning the entire bar to ash.

Usopp glanced back at the smoldering ruins and muttered, "So you were up in the sky, huh?" shaking his head in disbelief.

At the Sabaody Dome:

Inside the packed Sabaody Dome, the lights dimmed, and the crowd roared with excitement. On stage, Brook, now known worldwide as the "Soul King," stood with his signature afro and sunglasses. As the music started, his skeletal fingers strummed his guitar, and he belted out his hit song, "Bone to be Wild."

The crowd erupted, swaying to the beat, enthralled by his performance.

Sanji's Situation:

Meanwhile, down by the shore, Sanji stood with his back to the dome, peeking through binoculars. His eyes sparkled as he scanned the island, locked onto one specific goal: finding beautiful women.

Tears filled his eyes, and he cried out, "These are the real ladies I've longed for every single day!" His heart-shaped eyes gleamed as he spotted groups of women on the streets. "I need to meet them! Nami-chaaaaan! Robin-chaaaaan!" Sanji shouted, sprinting toward the women with hearts in his eyes.

But suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind him. "Sanji-kun!"

Sanji froze, the enthusiasm draining from his face. His expression turned sour as he turned around to see queers, smirking at him.

"Hey!" Sanji shouted, visibly disgusted. "Just leave me alone already!" He turned and ran away as fast as he could, tears of frustration streaming down his face. "Wait for me, Nami-chan! Robin-chan!"

Robin's Situation:

Elsewhere, a woman with a tight blue half-top and a long salmon sarong skirt walked calmly through the crowded streets of Sabaody. Her sharp eyes darted around, noticing someone following her. With quick reflexes, she slipped into the crowd and vanished into the shadows, hiding in a narrow alleyway.

The woman was none other than Nico Robin. She leaned against the alley wall, glancing around cautiously to ensure her pursuer was gone. Her gaze fell on a nearby poster promoting Brook's concert—"Soul King's World Tour."

Underneath the concert poster, another sign caught her attention: "Straw Hat Pirates Recruiting!"

Robin's brows furrowed with confusion and a hint of frustration. "What's going on? What's this 'Soul King'? And why are they using our crew's name?"

She clenched her fists, feeling her annoyance rising. "How much longer do I have to wait for him?" she murmured under her breath. A flicker of vulnerability crossed her usually calm expression. "I've changed my appearance for him… Will he even notice me? Will he compliment me?"

Robin's eyes darkened as she thought about Itachi. Her emotions conflicted within her—her longing to see him mixed with a touch of anger. "How can he be so close to Boa Hancock?" she muttered, her voice tinged with jealousy.

In a surge of frustration, she crumpled the concert poster in her hand. "I have to talk to him…" Robin whispered, determined. She pushed herself away from the alley wall, her mind set on finding Itachi and confronting him.

near the docks, a large figure stood proudly, his blue hair styled like a pompadour and his body a mix of metal and human parts. It was none other than Franky, the Straw Hat Pirates' shipwright. He stared at the Thousand Sunny, which was anchored safely, untouched by time or the elements.

"It's still here," Franky muttered to himself, relief washing over him as he ran a hand over the ship's wooden railing. "Unharmed... just the way I left it." A big grin spread across his face. "Our dream ship, still ready to sail the Grand Line!"

Elsewhere, a small figure trotted along one of the streets, happily munching on a grand-bun, its tiny hooves tapping lightly on the ground. It was none other than Chopper, the reindeer and the crew's doctor, now in his smaller Brain Point form.

"This bun is so good!" Chopper said to himself between bites, his round face lit up with joy. "I've missed this kind of food!" He smiled, savoring the taste. "I wonder how everyone's doing. It's been two years... I hope I can see them soon!"

He continued walking, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as he imagined reuniting with his beloved crew after so much time apart. "I can't wait to see everyone again... I wonder how much they've changed!"

As Luffy and Itachi made their way towards Shakky's bar, casually walking through the busy streets of Sabaody. As they strolled, Itachi's sharp eyes caught sight of a group of people nearby, one of whom was a fat man wearing a Straw Hat. Around him stood others who resembled fake versions of the Straw Hat crew. Itachi's expression remained calm as he observed.

"How are people not recognizing us... and they believe them?" Itachi muttered.

Luffy, noticing the same scene, saw the fat man pointing a gun at a girl and a boy. His usual carefree demeanor shifted. "What's going on?" he asked.

Itachi sighed and calmly explained, "It looks like they're using our name and trying to ruin our reputation."

Luffy frowned. "What should we do?"

Without a word, Itachi stepped forward, swift as a shadow. Before the fat man could pull the trigger, Itachi had already moved the couple aside to safety. The fake pirates stared in wide-eyed shock. In a blink, the fake Straw Hats were knocked out, scattered unconscious on the ground.

Luffy chuckled quietly. "Hancock said not to cause trouble."

Itachi, unfazed, responded, "No one saw me. My pictures are only with the Susano'o, so there's nothing to worry about." He paused, watching as Luffy pulled out a fake mustache.

"Here, wear this. We shouldn't cause any trouble," Luffy said, grinning.

Itachi glanced at the mustache with a sweatdrop, questioning if he really needed to. But as they continued, something caught their attention—two imposters who resembled a fat Zoro and a version of Sanji with an exaggerated jawline.

Luffy waved enthusiastically. "Ah! Zoro! Sanji!"

Itachi sighed, "Luffy, they're fakes."

Luffy blinked in confusion. "Really?"

Itachi nodded. As they approached, the fakes looked at Luffy and Itachi with suspicion. One of the fakes sneered, "Hey, old man! You must have a lot of treasure on you! Hand it over, or I'll take it to our captain."

Itachi whispered to Luffy, "I think we should join their little show for now, just to see what's going on."

Luffy smirked and agreed, "Okay, let's go."

The fake pirates, startled by their compliance, led Luffy and Itachi to their hideout, where a crowd cheered around the fake Straw Hat captain. Itachi glanced at the scene, unimpressed. "What is this stupidity?"

But before they could react further, a group of Marines surrounded the area. One shouted, "We've found the pirates!" The tension rose quickly.

"Hey, Caribou, use the Marine boy as a shield!" one of the fakes yelled.

Itachi's gaze sharpened as he noticed a young Marine stabbed by a spear, bleeding on the ground. The pirate Caribou stepped in and shot the wounded Marine, causing chaos to erupt. The pirates and Marines clashed violently.

Suddenly, the Pacifistas appeared, launching an attack on the pirates. Itachi and Luffy stood back, watching the scene unfold. Luffy frowned. "Why are the Pacifistas here?"

Itachi sighed again, motioning for Luffy. "Let's go."

As they tried to slip away, two Pacifistas targeted them. Luffy and Itachi dodged easily, moving faster than the machines could react.

"You're too slow," Luffy taunted.

Itachi, calm as always, drew his sword, slicing one Pacifista clean in half with a single stroke. At the same time, Luffy punched through the other Pacifista's chest, dismantling it with a single blow.

As the dust settled, the crowd stood in stunned silence, realizing they were facing the real Straw Hat crew.

"The real Straw Hat and Demon-Eyes Itachi...!" the crowd muttered in fear, trembling at the sight of them.

Luffy smirked, unaffected, and they both ran toward the Thousand Sunny. Along the way, they spotted familiar faces: Zoro and Sanji. The two swordsmen saw them and lit up in recognition.

"Luffy! Itachi!" Zoro shouted, his grin widening. Sanji, too, smirked.

Luffy grinned widely, shouting back, "Zoro! Sanji!"

Zoro, eager for battle, said, "Looks like Luffy's number nine and Itachi's the tenth."

Sanji, in his usual competitive tone, added, "Hurry up! We've got to get back to the ship!"

Before they could reach the Thousand Sunny, Itachi suddenly stopped in his tracks. Luffy, noticing the halt, smirked knowingly. Itachi turned, a rare glint of determination in his eyes, and said calmly, "I should have done this earlier."

Without another word, Itachi unleashed a powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki, spreading across the entire area. Instantly, the fake pirates, Marines, and anyone still conscious around them collapsed, overwhelmed by the force of his will. The silence that followed was almost eerie as bodies hit the ground, left unconscious.

A voice broke the quiet. "Itachi, I knew you could use Haki—stronger than that, even."

Itachi and Luffy turned to see none other than Silvers Rayleigh standing there, his usual composed demeanor unshaken. Itachi immediately bowed in respect, his tone calm yet reverent. "Rayleigh-sama."

Luffy's face lit up with excitement, his grin wide. "Rayleigh! You're here!"

Rayleigh gave a soft chuckle, glancing around at the unconscious crowd. "I came to check on things, but you two seem to be doing just fine." His gaze shifted from the collapsed bodies to Itachi and then to Luffy.

Luffy, with his trademark exuberance, exclaimed, "Rayleigh, I'm going to do it! I'll become the King of the Pirates!" His eyes sparkled with the determination he'd honed over the past two years.

Itachi looked at Luffy, memories of their training under Rayleigh flashing through his mind—the challenges, the teachings, the moments of growth. He bowed again, deeply this time. "Thank you, Rayleigh-sama. For everything."

Rayleigh's usual stoic expression softened as he looked at the two young men before him—one destined for greatness, the other possessing an inner strength that even he admired. His eyes misted slightly, unable to hold back the emotions rising within him.

He chuckled, his voice carrying a warm, paternal tone. "Look at you two… You've both come so far."

For a moment, Rayleigh's composure faltered as he wiped his eyes. "I'm proud of you, Luffy. And you too, Itachi." His words were filled with quiet pride.

Without warning, Rayleigh turned and began to run, perhaps to hide his tears, or maybe because he knew their journey was about to continue without him.

Luffy and Itachi stood there for a moment, watching him leave, both feeling the weight of Rayleigh's guidance on their shoulders. They exchanged a brief glance, and Luffy's grin grew even wider.

"Let's go, Itachi!" Luffy shouted, full of renewed energy.

Itachi nodded, his usual calm demeanor masking the deep respect he held for both Luffy's resolve and Rayleigh's wisdom.

On the deck of the Thousand Sunny, Robin sat with her arms crossed, her expression cold and unsettling. Ussop, and Franky exchanged nervous glances, sensing the storm brewing within her.

Ussop, in a small voice, asked, "Robin, is something wrong?"

With an eerie smile that only made her seem more intimidating, Robin replied, "Nothing. I'm just waiting for someone." Her words dripped with icy calm, but the tension was palpable.

Nami, noticing Robin's expression, glanced over. "Itachi must be on his way…" she muttered, her voice tinged with a hint of anxiety. The sight of Robin in such a mood sent chills down her spine, even as she tried to keep her composure.

Robin's face remained calm, but her eyes were anything but. "Hmm," she said, her voice low. "Yes, he should be."

Franky, trembling, started to tear up dramatically. "Rest in peace, Itachi! The guy doesn't know what's coming!" He began doing a strange dance as if mourning for Itachi.

Ussop, equally shaken, clutched his slingshot and whispered, "I'll pray for you, Itachi. May you find mercy."

Nami, however, turned to Robin, trying to understand. "But why are you so angry at him?"

Robin's smile vanished as her eyes narrowed, her tone sharp. "I read that he's been… close to Hancock."

Nami blinked, then sweatdropped nervously. "Yeah, I also read that somewhere… But I don't think that's true. Itachi doesn't seem like—"

Before Nami could finish, Robin interrupted, her voice growing colder. "That picture of him with Hancock. Did you see it?" she asked, her fists clenched.

Nami swallowed, sweat starting to drip down her face. "I… uh… maybe?"

Robin's voice dropped even further, dangerously calm. "When he gets here, I'm going to slice him apart and drain every drop of blood out of him."

Ussop, panicking, jumped to his feet. "Robin, don't go to the dark side!"

Franky, now fully weeping, added, "I-Itachi doesn't deserve this! He's just… misunderstood!"

Nami, still sweatdropping, tried to calm the situation. "Robin, I don't think Itachi meant anything by it. Maybe it's just a misunderstanding…"

Robin sat in silence for a moment, her expression softening just a little, but the storm wasn't gone. "He better have a good explanation when he arrives," she muttered darkly, leaving the rest of the crew in fearful anticipation of Itachi's return.

Luffy, Itachi, Zoro, and Sanji were running toward the ship when they suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"I knew it was you guys causing all of this mess!" a girl with pink hair appeared in front of them, arms crossed and glaring.

Itachi glanced at her and sighed, "Perona… what are you doing here?"

Perona, visibly annoyed, pointed at him and Zoro. "It's you two idiots! Especially you, Zoro! If it weren't for me, you'd still be lost in some random jungle!"

Zoro bristled at her words. "Why are you even here? I didn't ask for your help!"

Perona's eyes narrowed with frustration. "You have no right to talk! If it weren't for me, you wouldn't even be able to find your way to Sabaody!"

Itachi, still calm, nodded. "Two years and still terrible with directions…" His comment caused Zoro to snap, turning red with embarrassment.

"Shut up, Itachi!" Zoro growled.

Sanji, meanwhile, had spotted Perona, and his eyes turned into hearts. "A real lady! Finally!" He dashed toward her with heart-shaped eyes. "My angel—"

But before Sanji could get close, Itachi grabbed him by the collar, pulling him back. "Don't get near her, Sanji," Itachi warned.

Sanji flailed in protest. "Let me go, you bastard! I need to be near her, to smell her perfume!"

Perona raised an eyebrow and scowled, "What a creep." She then waved her hand dismissively. "Anyway, you guys better set sail already. Marine ships are on their way, and I don't want to be involved in your mess any longer!"

As they all turned toward the ship, a massive dark shadow suddenly loomed over them. Luffy, far from being intimidated, looked up with an eager grin.

"Whoa! Look at that! It's huge!" Luffy exclaimed happily.

Back on the Thousand Sunny, Robin sat quietly, but her mood was far from calm. Her thoughts raced as she stared at the sea, a hint of frustration evident in her furrowed brows. We're going to meet after all this time, and he's not even here yet. How irresponsible... She sighed, her fingers lightly drumming the side of her seat.

Suddenly, from above, the familiar sound of a joyful laugh echoed. "Yohohoho!" It was unmistakable—Brook.

As he landed on the deck with his guitar in hand, Usopp's face lit up. "Brook! You're back!"

Franky, arms crossed, grinned. "Hey! I can't believe you abandoned your stardom for us."

Brook turned to face them, his usual cheerful demeanor evident. "Yohohoho! It's been a long time, everyone." His gaze shifted towards Nami and Robin, who were sitting together. "And you two have become even more beautiful in these two years!"

He sat on a barrel nearby, smiling brightly. "Alright, Robin-chan..." But then he saw robin errie smile his face changed. He quickly shook his head, diverting his attention. "Alright, Nami-san!" Then he leaned forward mischievously. "Could I see your panties quickly?"

Nami's response was immediate. She kicked him square in the face, sending him flying back. "What do you think? I'm never letting you see them, not even after two years!"

Franky, watching the spectacle, laughed. "Hey, the big star's having spasms."

Nami sighed, her hand on her forehead. "Honestly, none of you guys have grown up at all."

Brook stood up again, adjusting his hat as if nothing had happened. "By the way, I don't see everybody here yet."

Robin's voice cut through the air with an ominous tone. "Oh? You think?"

Everyone around her froze, feeling the intensity of her mood. Nami, now a little pale, mumbled, "Chopper went to pick them up—"

Just then, a loud shout echoed from the sky. "Hey!"

Everyone turned and saw a large bird approaching, carrying Luffy, Itachi, Zoro, Sanji, and Chopper. Luffy waved excitedly from its back. "Wow! Hey, everyone!"

The crew erupted with excitement. Chopper, waving frantically, yelled, "I brought them back!" Nami, Usopp, and Brook beamed with joy as Usopp called out, "Luffy! Zoro! Sanji! Itachi!"

Nami waved enthusiastically. "Welcome back!"

Even Robin, who had been brooding moments earlier, softened a little. Her eyes were focused on Itachi, who was noticeably more muscular now, a black coat draped over his shoulders. He caught her gaze and smiled gently, sending a wave of warmth her way.

Robin, flustered, quickly turned away, but her anger began to subside. Brook, ever the performer, chimed in. "Luffy-san, I missed you so much!"

Franky grinned, looking them over. "You guys do look stronger."

Tears welled up in Usopp's eyes as he sniffled. "We're all together again…"

Sanji exclaimed, "Finally!" as he caught sight of Robin and Nami, his eyes widening. Instantly, his nose began to bleed, causing Itachi to sigh in exasperation. Chopper looked on in shock.

As they made their way to the deck, Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Franky, you're a mecha!" he shouted with glee.

Zoro, walking alongside Itachi, smirked. "You've gotten bigger, more muscular."

Itachi smiled and replied, "You too." Then he noticed Zoro's eyes and asked, "What happened to your eye?"

Zoro grinned. "I got hurt while training with Mihawk."

Itachi nodded. "The strongest swordsman…"

Zoro smirked, "Yeah." But before they could continue their conversation, they both felt a sudden chill. Turning, they saw Robin standing nearby, radiating a dark aura.

Zoro quickly slipped away, while Itachi, undeterred, smiled and said, "How are you, Robin?"

Robin's expression softened slightly, though her irritation toward Itachi lingered. She still teased, "I'll see you in the next chapter," winking playfully as she started to walk away.

Itachi sighed, calling after her, "But you're happy to see me, aren't you?"

Robin, her cheeks turning a faint pink, said nothing at first. But then, as if addressing the readers directly, she broke the fourth wall. "There are a lot of things I need to ask you, Itachi," she said, glancing over her shoulder with a sharp look. "And we'll deal with that… in the next chapter."