After the intense events in Alabasta and the defeat of Crocodile, the Going Merry sailed the open sea, its crew finally having a moment to catch their breath. Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and their newest crewmates, Chopper and Robin, sat on the deck, their bodies and minds still recovering from the recent chaos.
Chopper, the little reindeer doctor, was busily tending to minor wounds while Robin observed the crew with her usual composed demeanor. Luffy was, as usual, all smiles and full of energy, despite everything they'd just been through.
"I can't believe we beat Crocodile!" Luffy said with his signature grin, rubbing his stomach. "And I'm hungry!"
Nami rolled her eyes. "You're always hungry."
Just as Sanji headed to the kitchen to prepare something for the crew, a sudden shift in the air made everyone pause. An unmistakable energy filled the atmosphere, a slight ripple, followed by a flash of light.
In an instant, Xpovac appeared aboard the Going Merry, standing at the bow of the ship, Mew perched atop his head, playfully floating down to hover beside him. Xpovac's familiar presence was both commanding and calming at the same time.
The crew froze, unsure whether to be shocked or excited. Luffy was the first to react.
"BIG BRO!" Luffy yelled with a massive grin, rushing forward to embrace Xpovac like he hadn't just seen him a short while ago.
Xpovac laughed, catching Luffy in a hug. "Good to see you, Luffy. I see you've added a few more to your crew."
Chopper looked up at Xpovac with wide eyes. "W-Who is this? Is he a pirate, too?"
"This is my big brother, Xpovac!" Luffy announced proudly, puffing out his chest. "He's super strong!"
Robin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the sudden arrival. She had sensed something unusual about Luffy's family, but meeting one of them in person was something else entirely.
Usopp, always one to speak first when faced with anything remotely impressive, pointed at Xpovac dramatically. "You… you fought Mihawk to a standstill! You're famous now! Your fight with him is in the news all over the world!"
Sanji, puffing on his cigarette, stepped forward with his usual cool demeanor. "So, Xpovac. Can't say I'm surprised, what with Luffy being your little brother."
Zoro's gaze locked onto Xpovac's weapon, though. He couldn't take his eyes off the massive blade strapped to Xpovac's back—Dragonslayer. Its presence alone was awe-inspiring, the sheer size and aura it exuded giving off an almost mystical vibe.
"Zoro," Xpovac said, noticing the swordsman's intense focus, "come here for a moment."
Zoro stepped forward, his eyes never leaving the blade. Xpovac pulled Dragonslayer from his back and held it out in front of him, the massive sword gleaming in the sunlight.
"I want you to take it," Xpovac said, offering the sword to Zoro.
Zoro's eyes widened. "This… this sword?" He hesitated for a moment. "I know this blade. It's a monster."
Xpovac nodded. "Dragonslayer isn't just any sword. It's a weapon that requires monstrous strength to wield, but I believe you're ready for it, Zoro. I fought Mihawk with this blade, and one day, you'll face him again, but with Dragonslayer in your hands." "Besides, I got a better one, lelelelelele"
Zoro's breath caught in his throat. To wield such a legendary weapon, one that his captain's brother used against Mihawk—was an honor but also a challenge. He reached out, grasping the hilt of Dragonslayer. The moment his hand touched it, he felt the immense weight, not just physically but spiritually.
"This will be your weapon," Xpovac said, smiling. "It's yours now, Zoro."
Zoro tightened his grip, feeling the power of the blade resonate with him. "Thank you, Xpovac. I'll use it well."
Sanji, leaning against the mast, took a drag from his cigarette before blowing out a cloud of smoke. "So, Xpovac, you've seen my progress, right? How's my Renewal Taekwondo coming along?"
Xpovac smirked, turning his attention to the cook. "I've been watching, Sanji. You've made good strides, but there's still ways to go if you want to master it. That said…" Xpovac's grin widened. "You've got the potential to surpass even what I expected. Your leg strength will make you one of the deadliest fighters in the Grand Line."
Sanji smirked, clearly pleased with the praise. "Glad to hear it. I'll keep pushing."
While the crew marveled at Zoro's new sword and Sanji's progress, Luffy had already moved on to his next fascination—Robin.
"Hey, Robin!" Luffy called, grinning at her. "This is my big brother, Xpovac. He's awesome!"
Robin, always composed, gave a small smile, her interest piqued. "So, this is the brother of the man who will become Pirate King. I've heard quite a lot about you, Xpovac."
"And you," Xpovac said, his eyes meeting Robin's, "are Nico Robin. I know a lot about you, too." He gave her a reassuring smile. "You made the right choice by joining Luffy's crew."
Robin's smile didn't falter, but there was a brief flicker of something in her eyes—surprise, perhaps, that he knew her so well. "It seems you know more about me than I thought."
Luffy, meanwhile, was still running around the deck in excitement. "Robin's part of the crew now! And so is Chopper!"
Xpovac turned to Chopper, who was still hiding slightly behind Usopp, looking nervous. He crouched down to meet the little reindeer's eyes.
"And you must be the doctor," Xpovac said kindly. "Chopper, right?"
Chopper, taken aback by Xpovac's gentle tone, blushed slightly. "Y-Yeah, that's me."
"You've got a lot of strength in you," Xpovac said, his voice full of warmth. "Luffy's lucky to have someone like you on the crew."
Chopper blushed even more, his hooves tapping the deck shyly. "I'm not that special…"
Usopp, always one to interject, puffed out his chest. "Well, it's not just Chopper. We've all been holding our own! I've been—"
"Uh-huh," Xpovac interrupted with a smile, standing up and ruffling Usopp's hair. "Sure, Usopp."
The crew shared a laugh as Usopp began his usual string of exaggerated stories, but the mood was lighthearted and full of camaraderie.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Xpovac looked out at the sea, feeling the gentle sway of the ship beneath his feet. He had accomplished what he needed to for now. Luffy was in good hands, and his crew was growing stronger every day.
But before he left, there was one last thing he needed to do.
"Mew," Xpovac called. The little Pokémon floated down from its perch and landed on his shoulder.
"I'll be watching you all from afar," Xpovac said, turning to Luffy and the crew. "If you ever need me, I'll be there. But for now, it's your adventure. I'll step in when the time's right."
Luffy beamed up at his brother. "Thanks, big bro! We'll keep getting stronger!"
With a final nod to the crew, Xpovac turned to Mew. "Teleport us back to PokeIsland."
In a flash of light, Xpovac disappeared from the Going Merry, leaving behind only the warm feeling of his presence and the knowledge that he would always be watching over them.
The crew stood in silence for a moment, taking in everything that had just happened. Zoro hefted Dragonslayer, feeling the weight of the responsibility that had been passed to him.