Chapter 5: The Bandits' Last Stand
The Confrontation Begins
Higuma's mocking laugh echoed throughout the bar. Luffy's glare never wavered as he squared up, his small fists clenched with fiery determination. His rubber body seemed to vibrate with a mix of nervous energy and new power. Lucky, standing next to him, took a subtle step forward, his eyes never leaving the bandit leader.
Higuma, still grinning, took a slow step toward Luffy, his gaze piercing and cruel. "What's this? A brat thinks he can stand up to me?" His voice was full of venom, each word like a challenge meant to break Luffy's spirit.
Luffy's eyes narrowed. "I don't care who you are… You don't mess with me or my friends."
The pirates watched in silence, the atmosphere thick with tension. Even Shanks and the crew had stopped their laughter, now watching closely. They knew that Luffy had an unshakable spirit, but this was a real fight. A fight that even Lucky, despite his own growing power, knew would push Luffy further than ever before.
"You talk big for a little kid," Higuma taunted, clearly amused. "Let's see if you can back it up."
Luffy cracked his knuckles, the rubber in his arms stretching with the movement. "Just you wait, Higuma. I'm gonna take you down!"
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Lucky's Quiet Observation
Lucky stood a few steps behind Luffy, his arms folded, observing the unfolding situation with careful focus. He could see how Luffy was preparing to fight—reckless, eager, but there was something else… something deeper inside him that Lucky knew would make him stronger. It was a fire that couldn't be easily extinguished.
But Lucky didn't intend to sit back and do nothing. He'd already decided—if Luffy couldn't finish this on his own, he would step in. There was no way he would let the bandits hurt anyone in their village, least of all Luffy.
His hand brushed the hilt of the blade he had kept hidden, a symbol of the quiet strength he always carried. Lucky didn't show it often, but when the time came, he would show just how capable he was. Not just in his physical strength but in his resolve.
As the bandits circled around, Lucky knew this wasn't just about protecting Luffy. It was about the village, the people who trusted the pirates, and the bond that was being forged with every action. The straw hats would defend those they cared for.
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The First Strike
Higuma moved first. He lunged at Luffy, swinging a massive fist aimed straight at his head. Luffy reacted with lightning speed, stretching his body back just in time to dodge the blow. He landed with a light bounce, his rubber arms ready for retaliation.
"Gomu Gomu no—!" Luffy shouted as he extended his leg, aiming a kick at Higuma's face.
The bandit leader grinned. "Hah! You think you can hurt me, brat?" He raised his arm and blocked the kick with ease. "I've taken down stronger fools than you."
Luffy frowned. "Don't underestimate me!" With a growl, he launched a barrage of quick punches, each one stretched with precision as his arms snapped out like whips, only to be blocked or dodged by Higuma's expert reactions.
Lucky's eyes narrowed. He's not using his abilities to their full potential, he thought, watching as Luffy got frustrated. He needs to tap into the raw power of his Devil Fruit. Stretching isn't enough—it's all about controlling the power and using it with purpose.
Lucky's thoughts were interrupted as one of Higuma's men charged at Luffy from behind. Without a second thought, Lucky moved, his hand slicing through the air like lightning. In a fluid motion, he grabbed the attacker's wrist and twisted, sending the bandit flying into the wall with a single throw.
"Lucky, stay back!" Luffy called out, his voice filled with determination. "I've got this!"
Lucky paused, watching Luffy get back into position. "Don't make me fight your battles for you, Luffy," he said with a hint of a smirk. "You'll never get stronger if you keep relying on others."
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The Turning Point
Luffy growled but nodded. "You're right. Time to show them my real power!"
He pushed himself up and took a deep breath, his body expanding and contracting as his muscles stretched and snapped. "Gomu Gomu no… PISTOL!"
His right arm shot forward like a cannonball, the punch landing square in Higuma's chest. The bandit leader grunted, staggering back, his eyes wide with surprise. He hadn't expected Luffy's punch to hit so hard, even after blocking the first few attempts.
Before Higuma could recover, Luffy pulled his arm back. "Gomu Gomu no… GATLING!"
Luffy's arms stretched out in a blur of speed, each punch landing on the bandit leader with incredible force. The bandits watching from the sides were stunned by the sheer power Luffy unleashed. Even Lucky raised an eyebrow in surprise—Luffy was finally starting to tap into his full potential.
The barrage of punches knocked Higuma off his feet. He landed on the ground with a loud crash, groaning as he struggled to get up.
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The Final Blow
The bandits, seeing their leader taken down, hesitated. Some of them took a step back, unsure of whether they should continue the fight.
Luffy stood tall, his chest heaving with the effort, but his face was lit with the thrill of victory. "I'm just getting started!"
Higuma, enraged and humiliated, roared in fury. "You little brat! I'll tear you apart!"
But before he could make his move, Lucky stepped forward, his expression calm and calculating.
"I think it's over, Higuma," Lucky said coldly, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade. "You've lost. Now, I suggest you leave… before things get worse for you."
The bandits, seeing the look in Lucky's eyes, hesitated. They could tell this wasn't a fight they could win. With one last glance at their leader, they began to retreat, muttering under their breath.
Higuma, now visibly battered and bruised, looked up at Luffy, his pride shattered. "You… you think you've won? This isn't over, kid! Mark my words!" He spat blood and stumbled off, dragging himself and the few remaining bandits with him.
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Aftermath
The tension in the bar slowly faded as the bandits retreated, the village returning to its peaceful state. The pirates erupted into cheers, clapping Luffy on the back and congratulating him. Even Shanks gave a hearty laugh, his eyes twinkling with pride.
"Well done, Luffy! You've got the spirit of a true pirate!"
Luffy beamed, his chest puffed out with pride.
Lucky, watching from a distance, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Luffy had grown stronger today—more than he had ever expected. The road ahead would be long, but today had been a step toward something greater.
"You did good, Luffy," Lucky said, walking up to him.
Luffy grinned. "I told you I'd do it!"
Lucky chuckled. "Yeah, you did. But don't get cocky. We've still got a long way to go."
Luffy laughed. "That's fine with me! Let's keep going, Lucky! Let's get stronger together!"
And so, the bond between the two brothers deepened, with a shared promise to rise up against whatever challenges the world would throw their way.