It was a warm evening aboard the Thousand Sunny. The fiery sunset served as a pleasant backdrop to the calm ambience on the deck. It was a rare moment of peace and quiet, as even Luffy was flat on his back staring up to the orange and red hues of the sky. Everyone was together and relaxed as they headed towards their next island.
Nami sipped her cocktail and was the first to break the silence. “Did part of you ever wonder if he was alive? Sabo, I mean.”
Luffy hummed but didn’t look away from the sky. “Nope.”
“How come you never told us about him?” Zoro asked, blunt as ever.
Nami rolled her eyes. “I don’t know, Zoro. Maybe because it was too traumatic.”
Luffy laughed. He sat up and shrugged. “Nah. You just never asked.”
Zoro nodded. “Fair enough,” he said and took another swig of his sake.
Sanji frowned and put his glass of wine aside; it was only his first of the night but it would need refilled shortly. “Wait a second — how could we ask you if we didn’t know?”
“Eh. You met Ace. Could’ve asked then,” Luffy said as if it was obvious.
Robin chuckled and leaned forward, resting her chin on her fist. “What else don’t we know about our captain?”
Nine pairs of eyes turned to Luffy. Luffy stroked his chin, looking deep in thought. Then his eyes lit up and he grinned. “Wanna know the story behind this scar?” he said and pointed to the scar under his eye.
“Yes! Tell us!” Chopper said.
Usopp rubbed his hands together. “This is gonna be good.”
“500 beri says it was a self-inflicted accident,” Sanji said. Nami’s ears perked up at the sound of potential money.
Luffy just laughed. “Well, it all started…”