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The four of them, Coby, Luffy, Jinbe and Rayleigh, headed to Marineford. It wasn't just any visit; they were about to make a statement to the world. As their ship approached the island, they could see the rebuilding efforts underway. The Marine Headquarters was in shambles, but the workers were hard at work restoring it.
A Marine ship was already circling the island, its cannons aimed towards the harbor, but it didn't stop at the bay. Without hesitation, it fired on the island, catching the Marines off-guard. They scrambled to retaliate, only to realize the ship carried none other than Coby, Luffy, Jinbe and Rayleigh.
The ship continued its path, making a full circle around Marineford as the Marines opened fire. Cannonballs flew through the air, but with Rayleigh, Jinbe and Coby on board, they deflected the shots with ease.
The ship docked, and the four disembarked, walking onto the battlefield-like remnants of Marineford. The Marines had their weapons drawn, but no one dared make the first move. The presence of Rayleigh alone was enough to give them pause, let alone the legendary pirate-in-training, Monkey D. Luffy.
With a nod to Rayleigh and Jinbe, Coby and Luffy sprinted ahead, heading straight for the Ox Bell. The Marines moved to stop him, but Rayleigh's commanding presence held them at bay. With his Conqueror's Haki rippling through the air, weaker Marines fell unconscious, and even the stronger ones hesitated.
Luffy reached the bell with ease and, without missing a beat, rang it sixteen times. The sound echoed across the island, reverberating through the remains of Marineford. News reporters and onlookers who had gathered watched in awe as two of them dropped a pair bouquets of flowers into the largest crack in the ground. It was a tribute to those lost in the war, a symbolic act that sent a clear message.
The photographers snapped pictures as fast as they could, knowing this would make headlines worldwide. Luffy placed his straw hat over his chest, closing his eyes in a moment of silence while Coby stood next to him, looked at the sky.
As the bell's final ring faded into the air, Two of them turned and jogged back to Rayleigh. Without a word, the four of them boarded the ship and set sail, leaving the island behind.
As they sailed away, the world was left to wonder what Monkey D. Luffy's next move would be, and what the ringing of the Ox Bell truly meant for the future of the pirate era.
On both Luffy's and Coby's arms, the message 3D2Y were marked, with the "3D" crossed out, signaling the change in plans. Originally, the reunion was set for three days at Sabaody Archipelago, but after Rayleigh and Coby persuaded Luffy to delay and train, they agreed that two years would give everyone enough time to grow stronger.
Now, the trio—Luffy, Coby, and Rayleigh—arrived at Ruscaina, an island deep within the Calm Belt, not far from Amazon Lily. Monsters of all kinds roamed this place, creatures much larger and deadlier than anything Luffy had faced before. Hancock, her hand tightly gripping Coby's arm, walked beside them, her usual confident air softening slightly in his presence. Nyon, Sandersonia, and Marigold followed from behind.
The group paused at the island's entrance, the humid air heavy with the sounds of distant roars and shifting trees. Rayleigh turned to Luffy and Coby. "This is where you'll be for the next two years, Luffy," he said. "The beasts here will be your teachers, and the environment will harden you in ways no regular training could."
Luffy looked eager. "These monsters don't know what's coming," he said, clenching his fists in excitement.
Rayleigh chuckled, nodding. "Before you go in swinging, let's get serious. There are three types of Haki that you must master if you want to survive the New World." He looked at both of them, his gaze sharp. "Observation Haki, Armament Haki, and Conqueror's Haki."
Luffy blinked, processing Rayleigh's words. "Right. Coby told me about them before. I used Conqueror's Haki twice—once at Marineford." Luffy rubbed his head, clearly still trying to piece everything together.
"Yeah," Coby chimed in, standing next to him, "You knocked out a bunch of guys back there."
Rayleigh nodded, clearly approving of their awareness of Haki. "You both have the potential for Conqueror's Haki, which is impressive. But it's not just about using it—it's about control. Without that, it'll be useless in the New World."
Luffy gave a toothy grin, cracking his knuckles. "Alright! I'm ready. Bring it on!"
Rayleigh's smirk deepened. "Hold your horses, Luffy. We're starting from the basics first."
He turned to both of them, crossing his arms. "The three forms of Haki are what will keep you alive—Observation Haki, to sense your surroundings; Armament Haki, to harden your body and attacks; and of course, Conqueror's Haki, to dominate your will over others."
Coby nodded, already familiar with the concepts. But hearing it from Rayleigh himself solidified the importance. Luffy, as expected, didn't need much convincing. His excitement was more than enough.
"Alright, Luffy. I'll be handling your training personally." Rayleigh turned toward Coby, his sharp gaze evaluating the young pirate. "As for you, Coby, it seems you've already got a plan."
Coby nodded, his face calm as he looked at Luffy. "This is where we separate for two years, Luffy. After that, we'll meet at Sabaody again." Coby stepped forward and pulled Luffy into a tight hug, surprising the rubber boy. "Stay safe, and don't get reckless, alright?"
Luffy grinned as he hugged back, his usual carefree attitude shining through. "I'll be strong when we meet again, Coby! Stronger than before!"
"I know you will," Coby replied with a smile before stepping back. He turned to Hancock, who had been silently watching.
As they reached the shore, the Kuja warriors waited by the ship, exchanging nods with Coby, who had earned their respect after his time on Amazon Lily. The women stood silent and watchful, their eyes moving between Coby and their empress. He gave them a casual nod, but his attention remained fixed on Hancock.
She lingered by the edge of the gangplank, as if reluctant to board. Coby chuckled, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You know, the faster you get back, the sooner I'll have an excuse to come visit," he said with a grin.
Hancock's lips twitched into a smile, though her eyes held a cocktail emotions. She stepped closer, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "Don't keep me waiting too long. You know how much I miss you."
Coby grinned, meeting her gaze with a quick nod. "Yeah, I know," he replied, squeezing her hand. "I'll be back before you know it."
Hancock's smile widened, and she brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She gave his hand one last squeeze before pulling away, her gaze lingering on him as she walked up the gangplank. She stopped once more at the top, looking back at him.
"Don't get into too much trouble without me," she called with a reluctant smile.
Coby laughed, waving lazily. "No promises." He watched as the ship set sail. Hancock stood at the edge, her figure silhouetted against the open sea, watching him until the ship became a distant shape against the horizon.
Once she was gone, he paused for a moment on the shore. With a quick, effortless step, he leaped into the air, pushing off the ground as he disappeared into the sky.
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