Chapter 7: A Dangerous Proposal
The air around the docks felt thick with tension. The tall man in the dark coat stood there, his gaze fixed firmly on Lucky. The crew behind him moved with silent precision, scanning the surroundings as if they were prepared for anything. Luffy, full of energy as always, bounced on his heels, but Lucky remained focused on the man before them, trying to read the situation.
"So, you've been looking for me?" Lucky asked, his voice calm but carrying an edge. "And why's that?"
The man's smile was unsettling, his eyes cold like steel. "You're not the first to catch our attention, Lucky Luafalemana. People like you... those with real power, or the potential for it... don't just fade into obscurity. We've been keeping an eye on you for a while now."
Luffy blinked, completely confused. "What's going on, Lucky? Who is this guy?"
Lucky held up a hand to silence his younger brother, never taking his eyes off the man. He was trying to figure out what kind of game they were playing, and it wasn't sitting well with him.
The man stepped closer, his voice low and measured. "We work for a certain... organization. Let's just say we're more interested in the bigger picture. The world is shifting, and we're looking for individuals who can help bring that shift about. You're strong, Lucky. We need people like you."
Luffy stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "You want Lucky to join your crew?"
The man shook his head. "Not just that. We need more than pirates or mercenaries. We need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand that the world isn't just about fighting, treasure, or glory. You two have potential. And that potential... could take you far."
Lucky took a deep breath. This was becoming clearer by the second, and it wasn't a message he wanted to hear. Something about this "organization" felt off. The way they spoke, the way they operated—it was all too calculated.
"And what's the catch?" Lucky asked, folding his arms.
The man smiled again, but this time there was a hint of something darker in his expression. "The world is changing, and soon it will need people who can handle that change. You want to become strong? You want to be someone who can shape the world? We can give you the tools. The resources. The opportunity. But you have to make a choice."
Luffy crossed his arms stubbornly, unaware of the weight of what was being offered. "What kind of choice?"
The man's gaze turned serious. "Join us, or let the world pass you by. There's a new order rising, and those who stand with it will be the ones to carve their names into history."
Lucky felt his pulse quicken. This was no simple offer. This was more than just some pirate group trying to recruit them. Whoever this man worked for, they had a far-reaching influence, and they weren't asking for just any crew member—they were asking for someone with real power and influence. Someone like him.
But Lucky wasn't sure he was ready to take that path.
"I'm not sure what you're offering, but I'm not interested in just being a pawn in someone's game," Lucky said, his voice steady. "I don't need anyone's help to find my own way."
The man's expression darkened. "You misunderstand. This isn't a game, Lucky. This is about survival. The world is changing, and the strong will survive. The rest will be crushed underfoot. It's only a matter of time before the world tears itself apart."
Lucky's mind was racing. He had been exposed to enough chaos to know that the world was far from simple, but the last thing he wanted was to get caught up in something bigger than he could handle. The Red-Haired Pirates, the Marines, and now this "organization"—it felt like the world was closing in on him from all sides.
Luffy, oblivious to the seriousness of the conversation, stepped forward. "You want us to join you, huh? Sorry, but I'm gonna be the King of the Pirates! No one's gonna stop me from that!"
The man's eyes flicked to Luffy, a small chuckle escaping him. "You're the younger brother, aren't you? You're both too naive to see the bigger picture. But you will. Soon enough, you'll understand that we're not just talking about treasure, or fighting. This is about the fate of the entire world."
Lucky stepped in front of Luffy, placing a hand on his shoulder to steady him. "Enough. We're not interested."
The man's eyes hardened, and his voice dropped to a low growl. "That's your choice, then. But remember this, Lucky Luafalemana... The world won't wait for you. Opportunities like this don't come often."
With that, the man turned and signaled to his crew, who began to board the sleek ship behind them. Before he disappeared into the shadows, he called over his shoulder.
"You'll regret this choice. But when the time comes... don't say we didn't warn you."
As the ship set sail, the tension in the air seemed to lift, but the unease remained. Luffy, oblivious to the weight of what had just transpired, looked up at Lucky.
"That was weird," he said with a frown. "Who were those guys?"
Lucky didn't answer right away. He was still processing everything that had happened. The man had made a strong case—one that was hard to ignore. But Lucky wasn't ready to make any decisions based on fear or promises of power. He knew what he wanted, and it wasn't some mysterious organization's influence.
"Don't worry about it, Luffy," Lucky said finally. "We've got our own path to follow."
Luffy grinned. "Right! The King of the Pirates! Let's go!"
Lucky smiled softly at his brother's enthusiasm, but a lingering feeling of unease remained deep within him. There was a storm brewing on the horizon, and the choices they made now would determine whether they were ready for it.