A month had passed since X had set sail to the sea alone. During that time, Luffy and Ace had not missed a single day of training. Each day they pushed themselves harder, dedicating hours and hours to improving their skills. Their strength had doubled, and their combat experience had grown by leaps and bounds. But not only had their bodies changed: their mindset had also matured. X's influence had left a deep mark on both of them, strengthening their discipline and determination.
"Ace," mentioned Luffy, lying on the top of the mountain, on the branch of a tree from where he could see the entire port.
On the other side of the trunk, his older brother also rested, leaning back with his arms behind his head. He seemed asleep, but in reality, he was just relaxed, humming calmly the melody of Binks' Sake, while a serene smile appeared on his face.
"Tell me, Luffy… today you're calmer than usual. You're not trying to show X how much you've changed, are you?"
"Not at all," replied Luffy, stretching a little. "Although I do want him to see how much you and I have grown."
"That's true… this month has felt like much more time has passed…"
Both smiled lightly. They knew the day had come, and that they were finally ready to have their rematch against the white-haired one.
"Luffy."
"Yes."
Without needing to say more, they both nodded. With an agile jump, they descended from the branch and landed on the ground. Then, their gaze turned toward the sea: a large white ship was approaching the village port, with a huge sail in the center and two medium ones on the sides, waving strongly in the wind.
With a swift movement, both jumped off the cliff with big smiles. Luffy stretched his rubber arms, grabbing the tree branches and propelling himself between them like a monkey. On the other hand, Ace descended lightly, landing on the ground almost like a feather, and then began to run swiftly among the trees, dodging each one with agility.
"Brother… X, that big ship. Could it be his? He said he would come in a month… Yes! I'm sure of it!" thought Ace, determined, as he watched the pirate ship approach closer and closer to a few meters from the shore.
"X, tell me you've improved during this time… you even got an amazing ship. He didn't exactly tell us why he left, but he surely did great things," thought Luffy with a big smile, wishing with all his heart to see him in person again.
Minutes later, the white pirate ship stopped, and three people disembarked. On the right, a tall man with blue hair and a huge red nose, with an X marked on his forehead, dressed like a clown. On the other end, to the left, a medium-sized brown dog with a purple scarf walked with elegance and seriousness, wearing a black hat. And in the center, a young boy who appeared about ten years old, dressed in an elegant white suit with an X below the neck, attached to his tie. His white hair, combed back, gave off a great intimidating aura, yet at the same time calm.
"We've arrived," commented the one in the center, adjusting his glasses with two fingers and giving a slight smile.
"I thought I would have lived in a more chaotic place, but it seems quite calm," replied the clown with a grunt.
"The atmosphere of this island is so peaceful and pleasant… Wow, on the other hand, I wasn't so lucky…" added the dog, walking on all four paws and wagging his tail from side to side.
The villagers of the town watched them with amazement and some fear, thinking they were pirates because of their large ship. They believed they were going to be looted and have all their belongings taken, so they acted quickly, running in the opposite direction of the supposed pirates.
"Seems like they're afraid of you… captain," exclaimed the clown excitedly, looking at the white-haired one, who didn't seem entirely happy as he saw the villagers leaving with concern on their faces.
On the other side, two children fell from the sky: Ace and Luffy. Both were surprised; their faces reflected a mixture of joy and bewilderment. They had seen a special person and two strangers.
"I'm back, brothers," declared X with a calm smile, approaching them and placing his hands on both of their shoulders, then embracing them.
"X… we've missed you so much!" exclaimed Luffy happily, returning the hug with enthusiasm.
"Brother, it's good to see you again!" added Ace, just as happy as his younger brother.
The protagonist had changed too much; his presence was different, as if he had acquired something special hidden within him. His two new members looked at him with admiration; both had a deep respect for their captain. Each had gone through difficult moments, and he had helped and guided them, correcting them when they strayed from the right path.
"X, how have you grown so much!? Now you're taller than me by half a head!" exclaimed Luffy, surprised, moving slightly away from the white-haired one, as did Ace.
"It was just a little growth spurt, that's all. After all, one must eat properly to develop the body optimally," replied X calmly.
"It can't be! Now I'm the smaller one!" commented Ace, a little sad but still with joy on his face.
Luffy crossed his arms and looked at the other two behind his brother, noticing that they also emitted a strong aura.
"Who are they?"
"Of course, let me introduce them. This one here is Buggy, I met him on my journey."
Buggy nodded and said, "Hello, kids, I hope you're as strong as the captain," showing a big smile. Meanwhile, X pointed to the light brown dog who looked like a detective.
"This is Ahu."
"Nice to meet you, guys. I'm Ahu, pleased to meet the captain's brothers," said the dog seriously, with a touch of elegance.
The protagonist's two brothers were left open-mouthed, unable to believe what they had just heard. In their minds, only one thought passed: "They called X captain… What the hell happened during this month!?"
The first to come out of his trance was Ace, who grabbed his brother by the shoulders, moving him side to side and exclaiming:
"Tell me! What did you really do out there?!" asked Ace, upset and curious. He knew that that poorly made clown and the detective dog were no ordinary beings.
"I want to hear it too!" added Luffy, his eyes shining with excitement.
X sighed wearily, as if he had already anticipated this situation. He took a few steps back, involuntarily removing Ace's hands from his shoulders, and with an elegant gesture, extended his arm, inviting them to come close again beside him.
"We are… an organization that opposes the World Government. Our goal is to improve this world, to change it completely. That's why I created this small group, which will grow over time, the (Crimson Dawn)," X explained calmly and with determination.
For a moment, what X had said made everything around him seem to stop, as if time itself had changed and gradually transformed the scenery.