The desert winds howled gently outside the grand walls of Alubarna, but inside, the city was finally at peace. The cries of revolution had faded into silence, and for once, the capital of Arabasta felt like a kingdom again.
High above, sitting cross-legged on the crumbling edge of an old outer wall, Blizz stared into the distance — the vast golden sea of sand, endless and shimmering. The morning sun painted his silver hair with a warm glow, and sweat ran slowly down his brow as he tightened the final seal.
He held up a thin strip of paper, lines of kanji-like markings etched carefully across its surface. It pulsed faintly with chakra as he whispered:
"…Yes. I did it."
Blizz smiled — a rare, satisfied kind of smile — and slapped the paper against a thick strip of cloth. He bound the weighted seal to his leg, followed by another on his forearm. Then another on his opposite leg. And finally, he stood.
His legs wobbled. The ground cracked slightly beneath his feet.
"These weight-increasing seals… should help me greatly with my training," he muttered.
He took a few steps, gritting his teeth. Heavy, but manageable. His movement slowed, controlled. Every step deliberate.
It had been two days since Luffy's fight with Crocodile. Two days since the storm of sand and fury finally settled. Two days since peace — fragile but real — returned to this kingdom.
"Luffy should be waking up tomorrow," Blizz said to himself.
From his vantage point on the wall, he glanced toward the southern edge of the city.
There, just beyond the palace gate, Zoro was already deep into his own training. Shirtless, doing his own crazy training.
"Tch… That guy never rests," Blizz chuckled.
Farther into the heart of the city, the marketplace buzzed again, though much smaller than usual. People were still rebuilding, picking up from the damage, but the spirit of Alubarna lived on.
In the narrow lanes of the restored bazaar, Sanji walked ahead of Usopp, holding a basket of fresh produce.
"Oi, Usopp! I said cucumbers, not cactus stems!"
"They looked the same from the side!"
Sanji sighed dramatically, slipping a cigarette between his lips.
"I'm a warrior of the sea, not a grocery expert," Usopp muttered under his breath.
Sanji ignored him and looked around. "Still… it's weirdly calm, huh?"
"Yeah," Usopp said, rubbing the back of his head. "After everything we went through… the city's still standing. Kinda feels like a dream."
Meanwhile, in the royal castle, the air was quiet and cool.
Nami sat on the edge of Luffy's bed, her arms crossed but eyes soft. Chopper was next to her, adjusting Luffy's bandages, and Vivi stood nearby with a basin of fresh water.
"He's healing quickly," Chopper said, smiling.
Vivi nodded, brushing a damp cloth across Luffy's forehead. "He fought for us… for everyone in Arabasta. He deserves rest."
Back on the wall, Blizz continued walking, the weight pulling at every fiber in his body. He moved slower now, more precise — his breath steady. But every movement was progress.
He stopped briefly, stretching, and looked out again toward the vast desert.
From atop the wall, Blizz dropped down gracefully despite the added weight dragging on every muscle. The seals worked well — too well, maybe — but that was the point. He needed the challenge.
He moved into the outskirts of the city, finding an abandoned courtyard behind a collapsed watchtower. With a deep breath, he entered a horse stance and began a sequence of practiced movements. Strikes. Kicks. Jumps. All with the drag of weighted gravity slowing him, testing his chakra control and stamina.
Wham!
A kick cracked the air. Dust rose from the stone floor.
"Still not fast enough," he muttered.
He closed his eyes, centering his breath, visualizing the fight he didn't have with Crocodile. Watching the battle unfold from the shadows had frustrated him — not out of jealousy, but because he saw Luffy charging in blind. And still… the kid won. Somehow, he pulled through.
"Next time," Blizz said, punching the air, "I won't just stand by."
The morning sun filtered in through silk curtains, painting the room in a soft gold. Chopper snoozed curled up in a chair. Nami was flipping through the latest treasure ledger. Vivi sat beside the bed, placing a cool cloth on Luffy's forehead. Everyone was quiet…
Until—
"Maaaan, did I ever sleep well?!" Luffy's voice burst through the room like cannon fire.
He shot up, eyes wide. "Ah—my hat! Where's my hat?! And I'm starving! Where's my hat?! And breakfast?!"
Sanji leaned in through the doorway, cigarette dangling. "You're noisy as hell from the moment you wake up."
Usopp groaned and pointed to the nightstand. "Your hat's right there."
Luffy grabbed it like it was the last treasure on Earth, hugging it to his chest. "Ah, that's good."
"It's good to see you fine, Luffy," Vivi said warmly.
"Fine? I ain't always fine!" Luffy replied, stretching his arms with a huge grin.
At that moment, the door opened and Zoro stepped in, arms folded.
"You're awake, huh."
"Ah! Zoro!" Luffy waved enthusiastically, as if they hadn't seen each other in a decade.
And right behind Zoro, another figure stepped into the light—Blizz. He gave a nod and smirked. "Hey, Luffy. Long time no see."
Luffy's eyes lit up. "Blizz! You're here too?! Man, it has been a while!"
Usopp chimed in with a grin, "Yeah, I guess it's been a long time… Also, you've been sleeping for three whole days."
"THREE DAYS?!" Luffy shouted, nearly jumping out of bed. "I missed fifteen meals?!"
Nami facepalmed. "Why are you so fast at calculating stupid things like that?"
Usopp laughed. "Five meals a day. Makes sense for him."
Vivi giggled. "Don't worry, Luffy. The food is on its way."
Right on cue, the door flew open as palace servants wheeled in a mountain of food. Platters of meat, bread, rice, dumplings, and fruit stacked like a tower.
Luffy's eyes sparkled. "FOOOOD!!"
Before the cart even stopped rolling, he had pounced on it, inhaling everything like a black hole. The staff screamed and backed off as plates vanished in seconds. Blizz chuckled from the side, arms crossed.
"Some things never change."
⸻
Later That Day – Alubarna's Grand Banquet Hall
The entire palace was buzzing with celebration. The war was over, Crocodile defeated, and Alabasta saved.
King Cobra sat at the head of the long, elegant table. Music played, and chefs rolled in more food by the minute. Luffy was still eating. Zoro drank calmly while Sanji flirted shamelessly with the waitresses. Usopp bragged to the guards about single-handedly defeating a Baroque Works giant (no one believed him). Nami had already stashed a few gold trinkets from the centerpiece.
The royal dining hall was ablaze with light, cheer, and the rapid-fire clatter of utensils being absolutely obliterated by one ravenous rubber man.
Luffy, mouth crammed: "MMNNFF!"
Sanji, shouting from across the table:
"Hey now! If you eat that quickly, you'll—"
PONK! Luffy's arms suddenly stretched across the entire table, snatching meat off four plates at once.
Zoro: "DRRRRK!!"
Usopp: "WE'VE GOT MORE SERVINGS HERE!!"
Luffy, slurping down a whole fish: "MNNF!"
Chopper, panic rising: "HEY, LUFFY! YOU TOOK THAT FROM MY PLATE!!"
Zoro, mouth full, eyes wide: "AGHH! Eat as fast as you can before the food disappears!"
Vivi, ever the princess: "Don't worry, there's still plenty left!"
BWAHH!
A shrimp tail whips through the air and hits Karoo in the beak.
Karoo spins dramatically, wings flailing.
ビュッ!
Usopp, narrowing his eyes: "Just you wait, Luffy… have a taste of my TABASCO STAR!!"
Luffy, completely unfazed, bites into the tabasco-coated meat.
Luffy: "DELICIOUS!!"
Sanji, arriving with a golden tray: "Konafa. A traditional sweet—it's made by putting the noodles in an oven and—"
Suddenly, Luffy's arm whipped across the table, stretching right past Blizz's face to snatch a chicken leg from his plate.
Luffy: "OHHH, THIS ONE LOOKS TASTY!"
Blizz, calmly staring: "…Did you just…"
WHUMP! With a smooth motion, Blizz raised his hand — and with a sigh stream of water popped up from his mouth and slapped Luffy in the face.
Luffy, blinking with soaked cheeks: "WAHH!! What was that for!?"
Blizz, deadpan: "Get your own. I've been guarding that leg since we walked in."
Usopp, cackling from across the table: "That's what you get for stealing from the water ninja!"
Nami, sipping juice, smirked: "Good luck ever keeping food around Luffy."
Zoro, with a rare chuckle: "Should've used a bigger wave."
Blizz just leaned back, hands behind his head, watching the chaos unfold around him. For once, he wasn't on edge. No traps, no sandstorms, no fake keys. Just food, friends, and laughter.
Blizz (thoughtfully): "…Yeah. This? This is nice."
The desert wind blew gently behind them, almost like it was waving goodbye.
The Super Spot-Billed Duck Corps charged across the golden sand one last time, carrying the Straw Hat Pirates back toward the coast — and their beloved ship, the Going Merry.
Luffy sat with his arms crossed, lips tight and unusually quiet atop Karoo's friend. He looked back only once — the faint silhouette of Alubarna already far behind, and with it… Vivi.
Usopp, riding ahead, broke the silence.
Usopp: "Man, it feels weird… leaving without her."
Chopper: "I miss her already…"
Zoro, calm as ever: "She made her decision. She's protecting her kingdom. That's her battle now."
Sanji, lighting a cigarette: "Still hurts though…"
Blizz rode at the edge of the group, the wind teasing his long scarf. He didn't speak, just stared forward. But something in his expression said he understood the weight of the moment deeply.
Suddenly, Luffy exhaled sharply and forced a grin.
Luffy: "She's not gone. Vivi's our nakama. Forever."
The crew glanced at him, their silence shifting into soft, understanding smiles.
Nami nodded. "Right. Just because we sail different seas doesn't mean we're apart."
The ducks pushed faster now — like they understood the urgency in their riders' hearts.
The Going Merry glided smoothly across the sapphire waters, the sun casting golden trails across the waves. The dry desert heat of Alabasta was now just a memory, replaced by the crisp salt air of the open sea. The Straw Hat crew, finally reunited, were scattered across the deck — some lounging, others still riding the adrenaline of escape.
"Finally, some wind in our sails!" Usopp shouted from the bow, arms wide open. "Goodbye, desert. Hello, freedom!"
Luffy was sprawled on the lion figurehead, chomping on a piece of meat Sanji had grilled earlier. "Meaaat~ tastes better at sea!" he cheered, mouth full.
Blizz stood near the railing, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on the horizon. His cloak fluttered gently behind him. The quiet ocean was always a good place to clear his mind… but something felt off.
From the far side of the sea, multiple shadows crept into view — Marine ships. A lot of them.
"Uh-oh," said Chopper, peeking out from the crow's nest. "That's at least six Marine ships! They're surrounding us!"
"Ahhh, great," Sanji muttered, pulling out a cigarette. "Just when lunch was settling in."
Bon kurei looked at the Marines, then back to the Straw Hats. "Don't worry! As long as you've got ol' Bon-chan with you, we'll dance our way through this blockade together!"
BOOM!
A huge iron arrow exploded in the water nearby, spraying the ship.
Sanji: "INCOMING!"
From the horizon, Marine ships began to close in from every side — sails marked with the World Government insignia, iron hulls lined with cannons.
Usopp (panicking): "They've got us surrounded!"
Luffy (shouting from the figurehead):
"FIRE SOME CANNONBALLS, DAMMIT!"
Sanji (dodging a falling mast piece):
"IF WE KEEP TAKING THESE IRON SPEARS TO OUR HULL, IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL WE SINK!"
Marines (across all ships):
"FIRE! OPEN FIRE! DON'T LET THE PIRATES ESCAPE!"
Usopp (sweating bullets while aiming):
"THIS IS NO JOOOOOOOKE!!!"
Nami (gritting her teeth, maps flying):
"CAN'T WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? EIGHT SHIPS?! ARE THEY KIDDING?!"
Chopper (panicking while trying to patch a hole):
"I CAN'T SEAL OFF ANY MORE HOLES!! THE SHIP'S BLEEDING!"
Blizz (calmly analyzing):
"Whether we run or fight, if this were hand-to-hand, we'd dominate… but they won't break formation…"
Zoro (resting sword on shoulder):
"Tch. These cowards don't even wanna fight up close."
Sanji (lighting a cigarette, looking furious):
"That formation's military-grade. They're squeezing us."
[BOOM]
Suddenly, a massive explosion erupts from the southern side of the Marine line.
Luffy (wide-eyed):
"WHOAAAA! THAT WAS YOU, USOPP?!"
Usopp (staring at the smoking wreckage in shock):
"Y-YEAH! IT ALL WENT ACCORDING TO MY CALCULATIONS!"
Nami:
"You're amazing!"
Sanji:
"That was actually… impressive."
Usopp (suddenly flexing):
"I TOLD YOU! WHEN YOU MESS WITH CAPTAIN USOPP, YOU GET DESTROYED!"
Bon kurei (pumping fists):
"LET'S CHARGE THROUGH THAT HOLE!!!"
[BUBBLE… BUBBLE… SPLASH!]
Suddenly, another ship glides into view. Sleek, dark-hulled, with elegant iron bars lining the deck. A Marine ship unlike the rest. From the helm…
Hina (cool, deadly):
"Straw Hat Luffy. Mr. 2 Bon kurei. This sea belongs to justice."
Bon kurei (aboard his own ship behind the Going Merry):
"GAHHHHH!! IT'S THE BLACK CAGE!!! SHE'S HERE!!!"
Hina (pointing forward):
"You're not escaping. Cages — prepare."
Marine:
"Yes, ma'am!"
Blizz (frustrated, scanning the ships in the distance):
"Tch… They're too far for me to use any jutsu—"
He suddenly stops, blinks once.
"Oh… right. I can just walk on water. Heh. Forgot."
Without another word, Blizz turns and leaps off the Going Merry's railing—
Usopp (eyes bulging):
"W-W-WHAT?! HE JUMPED?!"
Sanji (lighting his cigarette):
"Oh, now he remembers he's not normal."
Zoro:
"Where the hell is he going?"
Luffy (grinning):
"He's gonna fight!"
Nami (half shouting):
"Fight?! Alone?!"
Blizz (running across the sea, water rippling beneath every step):
"… I'm taking the fight to their ship!"
On the closest Marine ship—soldiers spot him sprinting over the water's surface, heading directly toward them.
Marine Lookout (in disbelief):
"H-HUH!? THERE'S A GUY RUNNING ON THE OCEAN?!"
Marine Commander:
"FIRE!! SHOOT HIM DOWN BEFORE HE REACHES US!!"
Gunfire explodes from the ship—blades of metal scream across the air—but Blizz's form blurs.
Marine (panicked):
"He's dodging them!! HE'S TOO FAST!!"
Blizz (weaving through bullets on water):
"Flicker jutsu!"
His body vanishes and reappears closer each time, zigzagging across the waves with inhuman speed.
Finally, with a burst of chakra and a final leap, Blizz flies high into the air above the Marine ship—sunlight blazing behind him. He raises his arm and shouts:
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!!"
He inhales deeply, his chakra building. He releases a massive fireball, a roaring inferno that shoots forward with incredible speed. The fireball is so large, it seems to consume the horizon.
Marine Soldier (panicking):
"Our guns are not working! We can't stop it!"
As the fireball gets closer, the Marine Commander's eyes widen, realizing it's too late to do anything. The ship rocks violently as the fireball makes contact with the hull, exploding with such force that it tears through the wood like paper. Splinters of wood fly into the air, flames erupting everywhere. The entire deck shakes as the shockwave of the explosion rattles the crew.
Marine Commander (shouting, his voice full of desperation):
"Abandon ship! ABANDON SHIP!!"
The ship begins to break apart, the flames consuming the deck and parts of the hull. Soldiers scramble to jump into the water, panicked and disorganized. The once-proud Marine vessel is now a floating wreck.
Blizz lands back on the water with a single graceful step, his body untouched by the chaos behind him. He looks back at the smoldering remains of the ship, then begins running across the water again, heading back to the Going Merry.
Blizz (smirking to himself):
"That should keep them busy."
The flames flicker across the water as Blizz turns to head back to the Going Merry. His hands are still slightly glowing from the power of the jutsu, but he doesn't look back. He strides across the water effortlessly, heading back to the ship.
Luffy (pumped):
"YEAHHH! GO BLIZZ!!!"
Chopper (eyes sparkling):
"HE LOOKS SO COOL!!"
Usopp (nervously adjusting goggles):
"Y-Yeah! Totally part of the plan!"
Sanji (smirking):
"Damn, Blizz… you just burned a whole ship to a crisp."
Mr. 2 Bon kurei (gripping the railing):
"We've weakened them quite a bit… but don't get cocky now."
His eyes narrow as another volley explodes near his ship.
"Underestimate them, and they'll bite you right on your back!"
Marine Ship Commander (from afar):
"Don't let them regroup! Sink them both!!"
Bon kurei steadies his footing as a wave crashes.
Bon kurei (pointing forward):
"Once we reach their broadside, the rest of you stand back! Got it?"
Luffy (firmly):
"Go if you want… but we're staying."
Bon kurei (snapping):
"This is ridiculous! The ship can't take much more!"
Nami (looking at a soaked map, trying to chart their route):
"We need to make it to the Eastern port! If we just cut south, we can escape through the gap!"
On Bon kurei's ship—his crew begs him.
Okama Crew:
"Captain! Please, get onboard! Let's escape while we still can!"
Bon kurei (spinning dramatically):
"Is there some treasure out there worth risking your life for at that port?!"
Luffy suddenly shouts, voice echoing across the waves:
Luffy:
"WE'RE GOING… TO PICK UP A FRIEND!!"
A heavy pause. The cannonfire stills for a moment. The sky seems to freeze.
Bon kurei (eyes wide, lips trembling):
'…They're doing this… for the sake of friendship'
He grips the edge of his ship tightly, overwhelmed. Then he grins, fierce and proud.
Bon kurei (tears flowing dramatically):
"SUCH BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP!! YOU FOOLS!! HOW DARE YOU INSPIRE ME LIKE THIS!!"
He strikes a flamboyant Okama pose, wind blowing through his scarf.
Bon kurei:
"WE'LL HOLD THE LINE! GO GET YOUR FRIEND!!"
Straw Hats (in unison, smiling):
"YEAH!!!"
Bon kurei (Mr. 2) steps forward, his expression resolute.
Bon kurei:
"They'll be expecting you. You can't escape with the marines watching. Let me be the decoy. I'll draw them away."
Without waiting for a response, Bon kurei leaps onto his own ship, transforming into Luffy with his Devil Fruit powers. He waves dramatically, catching the marines' attention.
Marine Commander:
"Straw Hat Luffy spotted! After him!"
The marine ships pursue Bon kurei, believing him to be the real Luffy. As the distance grows, the crew watches in silence, understanding the gravity of his sacrifice.
⸻
Scene: Moments Later, Aboard the Going Merry
The crew stands solemnly, the weight of Bon kurei's sacrifice heavy in their hearts.
Usopp:
"He… he did that for us."
Chopper:
"He was so brave…"
Suddenly, a familiar voice pierces the air.
Vivi (shouting from the shore):
"Everyone!"
The crew rushes to the railing, spotting Vivi waving frantically.
Luffy (grinning):
"See? She came!"
Usopp:
"Turn the ship around, quick!"
Chopper:
"But the marines are almost here!"
"I came to say goodbye!"
The crew jerked in surprise. Luffy leaned over the railing, eyes wide. "What!?"
Blizz didn't move. His breath caught, his stomach tightened. He recognized these words. Word for word. The way her voice shook. The way her hands clenched at her sides.
He had seen this before on a glowing screen, curled up in bed late at night. He remembered how he cried back then. Cried hard. Because this moment—the honesty, the weight of duty versus freedom—was too real.
And now he was in it.
Blizz's vision blurred. His throat ached. The heat behind his eyes built until he blinked, and a tear slid down his cheek.
The desert princess stood tall, though her body trembled. Her voice wavered, heavy with emotion. "I can't come with you… but I want to thank you—for everything until now."
She paused, breath hitching, her gaze locked with theirs.
"I would love to go on another adventure… but I can't…! you see…! I love my country too much. That's why I can't come."
A heavy silence fell over the ship. No one moved. Even the waves seemed to hush themselves. Vivi's tears streamed down her cheeks as she tried to smile.
"If we meet again someday… will you call me your friend one more time?"
Luffy stepped forward instinctively, mouth opening to yell back. But before he could, Nami's hand grabbed his arm—tight.
"Don't," she said, her voice soft but firm. "The marines are listening. If they hear us, she could be in danger."
Luffy froze, the weight of understanding settling over him. One by one, the crew raised their left arms into the air—fists clenched, the bold X mark inked onto each arm catching the sun.
Blizz's hand moved slowly, instinctively, lifting alongside them. The X on his arm was real now—inked by his own hand.
He stood frozen, the sea breeze brushing against his face, the weight of the moment pressing down on him like gravity.
I watched this on a screen once… and it broke me.
But living it? Standing beside them? That's something no screen could ever give me.
They said nothing. No words were needed.
On the shore, Vivi gasped as she saw them—all of them. Her shoulders shook, lips trembling. She raised her own arm high,along with karu the same mark on their arm, visible even from afar.
She laughed through her tears.
The Going Merry continues its journey, the X marks on their arms a testament to the friendships forged and the adventures yet to come.