Chapter 31
Kid didn’t know what he was expecting when his girlfriend stormed out of… well, her captain's quarters on the thousand sunny because… well, his ship was destroyed by Red haired shanks and two giants.
But Luffy had been gone for like four days, and he’s been in and out of unconsciousness for the past, God knows how long.
But now she was back, looking down at him as he lay in her bad. And she had The biggest, broadest, brightest smile on her face he had ever seen. Her dark brown almost black eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey, me and my crew has a surprise for you and your crew.” She whispered, leaning down and giving him a gentle peck on the forehead. “Only of course if you’re feeling good enough to get up. If not we can wait.”
Kid's heart skipped a beat as he tried to sit up, ignoring the pain that shot through his body. He didn’t care if he was dying, Luffy was back, and she had a surprise for him. “I’m okay, I’ll be okay.” He managed to croak out. Luffy's smile grew even wider, if that was possible.
Luffy chuckled at him as he tried to stand. “Okay, okay. We’re docked at an Wano, I had Nami steer us back for this… surprise. But you’re going have to put pants on at least, there’s about 62 ships full of pirates outside waiting for you. And before you go crazy, it’s just mine grand fleet, they’re all here to help us. Not attack us.” She playfully poked his chest, trying to lighten the mood.
Kid looked at her in disbelief, his mind racing. “62 ships? Luffy, what the hell did you do?”
“Just hurry up and put on some pants nudist, I don’t think Sanji can distract your crew for much longer with just food.” Luffy chuckled, tossing a pair of black trousers at him. “And close your eyes when we leave the captains quarters, it is a surprise for a reason.”
With a grin, Kid slid into the pants, feeling a bit better knowing his crew was safe and fed. He had so many questions, but he knew Luffy had a habit of revealing things in her own dramatic way. They walked out of the cabin, her hand in his, kid’s eyes closed like Luffy told him to, and the sound of the crew's laughter grew louder as they approached the main deck. The scent of freshly baked bread and grilled fish wafted through the air, making his stomach growl despite the recent turmoil.
“Cavendish, Bartolomeo, Sai, Ideo, Leo, Hajrudin, Orlumbus! Will you go get Kid’s crew from me? And tell them to close their eyes for the surprise.” Luffy called out to the representatives of her Grand Fleet. They all nodded eagerly and dashed towards the mess hall and kitchen of the thousand Sunny.
The deck was bustling with activity, and the air was filled with the sound of hammering. The aroma of freshly cut wood mingled with the sea breeze and… paint? Kid’s curiosity grew, but he trusted Luffy. He had seen her pull off the impossible before.
“Okay, right here, stand right here and don’t move! And don’t open your eyes yet!” Luffy exclaimed as they stopped.
Faintly kid could hear his crew crumbling about having to leave their food and why they have to close their eyes. They all sounded so confused, but also excited. He could feel his own anticipation bubbling up inside him. The sound of the hammering grew quieter, and then stopped entirely as the sound of his crew’s footsteps and chatter grew closer until they were all standing beside him.
“Franky! Is everything done, we ready to go?” Luffy’s voice echoed through the air and across the water to the shipyard Franky was at. The sound of his hammer pounding against metal was replaced by a cheerful, “Aye aye, Captain! You can show your little boy toy and his crew, I was just making sure everything was perfect!”
The excitement in the air was palpable. The crew of the Kid Pirates were all huddled together, eyes squeezed shut tightly, some with hands over their eyes just in case. The sound of their captain’s hearty laugh made them all smile in anticipation. Finally, Luffy’s hand left Kid’s, and she stepped aside.
“Alright, everyone! On the count of three, open your eyes!” Luffy shouted out.
Kid’s heart was racing. What could possibly be waiting outside? He took a deep breath and counted with the crew. One... two... three! He opened his eyes, and his jaw dropped. There, floating majestically in the water, was an enormous ship, a masterpiece crafted from the legendary Adam Wood. The ship was a replica of the Victoria Punk, but with a new name etched into its side: The Phoenix of Punk. It was a symbol of rebirth and defiance, a declaration that no matter how hard they were knocked down, they would always rise again.
The ship was a sight to behold. Its gleaming hull reflected the setting sun, casting a fiery glow across the water. The same skeletal design was present, but this time, the flaming skull of the figurehead looked more fierce and alive than ever. The masts stood tall and proud, the sails billowing in the wind, and the crew of the Strawhat Grand Fleet had lined up alongside it, all dressed in their best attire. Each of the fleet’s ships had their flags raised high, showing their solidarity and respect for the Kid Pirates.
“Ta-da!” Luffy exclaimed, her hands spread wide as she took in the stunned expressions of the Kid Pirates. “What do you all think? Franky and I put our heads together and made sure she’s a beauty, just like your old ship! Jinbe and a few merfolk even went to were the Victoria punk sink and recovered anything and everything they could.”
Kid was speechless. His crew looked at each other, then at the ship, then back at Luffy in disbelief.
Then Dive what’s the first to break the silence, bursting into tears and throwing her tiny frame at Luffy in a tight hug. “Thank you, Luffy!” she sobs, her voice muffled by Luffy’s shirt. The rest of the crew, equally overwhelmed, soon follows suit, each one expressing their gratitude in their own way. Wire gawks at the ship. While Heat, with a rare smile, slaps Kid on the back. “Looks like we got ourselves a second chance, Cap’n!”
Kid’s eyes are still wide with astonishment. He tries to find words to thank Luffy but his voice cracks. Instead, he nods, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. Luffy ruffles his hair, a gesture she’s done since they were kids, and says, “You don’t have to thank me, Kid. We’re family. And family sticks together, especially when the seas get rough, right?”