Chapter 10: The Next Journey Begins
The sun hung high over Dawn Village, casting long shadows over the training grounds where Lucky, Luffy, and their brothers had spent years honing their strength. The village, once a hidden refuge for the people of Terminal 7, had transformed into a thriving community, standing as a testament to their hard work and vision.
Now at 16 years old, Lucky and Luffy stood at the edge of the village, looking toward the open sea. It was time.
Ace had left a year ago, setting sail to forge his own path, and Sabo... well, they knew he was alive. He had left with Dragon not because of lost memories, but because he chose to leave, knowing that his destiny lay with the Revolutionary Army.
But today wasn't about the past—it was about the future.
Preparing for Departure
The village gathered as Lucky and Luffy made their final rounds, saying goodbye to the people they had grown up with. The village elders, warriors, and even the young children who had looked up to them stood in silence, knowing that this was an important moment.
"You're really going, huh?" one of the elders said, crossing his arms.
Lucky nodded, his golden eyes reflecting the light. "Yeah. We've built something strong here, but it's time for us to make our own mark on the world."
Luffy grinned, his straw hat tilted back. "I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"
A mix of laughter and cheers filled the air. The people of Dawn Village had no doubt that their young leaders would go on to do incredible things.
Before leaving, Lucky knelt down before his son, Light, who was still just a baby, cradled in the arms of one of the caretakers.
Lucky gently brushed his son's soft hair, his expression unusually serious. "Light… one day, you'll understand why I'm leaving. But know this—I'm doing it for you. For our family. And when I return, I'll be strong enough to protect everything we've built."
The baby cooed, reaching out his tiny hands, as if grasping for his father's warmth.
Lucky smirked, pressing his forehead against his son's for a brief moment before standing up. "Take care of him," he told the caretakers.
"We will," one of them assured him.
With one final glance at the village that had become their home, Luffy and Lucky turned toward their future.
The Sea Beckons
At Foosha Village, their ship was ready—a sleek vessel provided by their allies in Dawn Village, stocked with supplies and prepared for the journey ahead.
Makino stood by, smiling warmly as she handed Luffy a fresh meal for the voyage. "Make sure you eat well, okay?"
"Lucky, keep an eye on Luffy," Mayor Woop Slap sighed, rubbing his temples. "He's gonna be a menace out there."
Lucky chuckled. "Yeah, I know."
Just as they were about to board, a familiar presence approached.
Elder Raigo, the wise man who had guided them in their early years of Haki training, stood watching with a knowing smile. "You both have come far... but your journey is just beginning. Make the most of it."
Luffy and Lucky both nodded in respect.
With the wind at their backs and the open ocean before them, the two brothers set sail.
The new era of the Monkey D family had begun.