Chapter 25
Hancock was following Luffy around the beach of the Island both The Strawhat Pirates and The Kuja Pirates somehow managed to both be on at the same time, as Luffy and Usoop looked for seashells. The sun kissed the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sand and the waves gently kissing the shore.
Hancock was admiring Luffy's carefree attitude and the way the sunlight danced in her eyes, making them sparkle like the ocean. When suddenly Luffy’s entire demeanor shifted, going from carefree as she looked for seashells too pure unadulterated excitement. “LOOK, USOPP! IT’S TRAFFY’S SUBMARINE!” Luffy yelled, jumping up and down and shaking Usopp slightly.
“Law? What’s Law doing here? I didn’t think we’d end up running into the heart pirate so soon again after Wano.” Usopp muttered, squinting at the emerging submarine.
The sight of the Polar Tang brought a mix of emotions to the surface. Luffy couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement, knowing that Law was on board. Hancock’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the submarine. Despite his affection for Luffy, he knew that the heart pirates could be dangerous if they chose to be. He stepped closer to her, not wanting to leave her side in case trouble arose.
But Luffy was off in a flash, the submarine hasn’t even stopped moving before she was already running off, and jumping onto the deck of the submarine as it rose above the water. "TRAFFY!” She yelled, preaching herself on the railing of the Poler Tang, waiting for the doors of the submarine to open. “TRAFFY! TRAFFY! TRAFFY!”
Chopper looked on with a mix of shock and amusement. “Well, she’s certainly eager to see him again.” He commented to the others.
As the Polar Tang's hatch opened, Law emerged, his yellow eyes widening at the sight of Luffy. "What are you doing here?" He asked, his voice a blend of surprise and annoyance. Penguin, Shachi, and Bepo followed behind, their expressions ranging from curiosity to confusion at the sudden reunion with their former allies.
Luffy didn’t care he was annoying, and shot herself toward him and wrapped her arms around his neck, squeezing him in a tight hug, giggling the entire time. Law, taken aback by the sudden affection, stumbled slightly but managed to maintain his balance. “Don’t be so mean, Traffy. Can’t I be happy to see you?”
The rest of the Heart Pirates looked on, equally surprised by Luffy’s exuberant greeting. Penguin, with her sharp eyes and sly smirk, watched the exchange with a glint of curiosity. She knew Law’s history with Luffy, but she had never seen him react quite like this. Shachi and Bepo, on the other hand, couldn’t help but chuckle at their captain’s flustered state.
As Luffy hugged Law, her heart raced with joy. She had missed his stoic yet clever presence during their time apart. The warmth of his body and the smell of the sea that clung to him brought back memories of their adventures in Wano. She felt safe, and she didn’t want to let go.
Law, on the other hand, was caught off guard. He had always been the one to keep his emotions in check, but Luffy’s sudden embrace made his heart skip a beat. He couldn’t help but return the hug, wrapping his arms around her waist. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for the usually composed captain of the Heart Pirates.
And Hancock did not like it.
Hancock did not like it one bit, but she remained silent, his jaw clenched as he observed the affectionate exchange between Luffy and Law. His blue eyes narrowed, watching as Luffy giggled and clung to Law like a koala to a tree. Despite his feelings, he knew that Luffy had a history with the Heart Pirates, and he had to respect that bond. But it didn’t mean he had to like it.