Chapter 75
Hancock has been wandering around this godforsaken beach for the past hour trying to find Luffy. He knew that Luffy’s Grand Fleet was big but he didn’t realize just how big until he saw the sheer amount of ships docked on the horizon. It was like a floating city. A cacophony of laughter, clanging swords and the smell of grilling meat filled the air.
As he made his way through the throngs of people he stumbled across Zoro, Robin, and Nami sitting in the sand near a campfire, chuckling over something. Hancock approached them, his heart racing as he tried to play it cool. “Excuse me, have you seen Luffy?” He asked, trying not to let his desperation show.
The three stopped their conversation and looked up at him before looking at each other, Zoro granted, Nami shrugged, and Robin shook her head, “she’s probably with Usopp, last I saw them Usopp and her they were coming back from town after buying fireworks.” Zoro spoke casually, not bothering to look up from his plate of skewered meat.
Hancock’s eyes widened, “What? Usopp?” he questioned, trying to keep his voice calm despite the sudden rush of emotions. He couldn’t believe the woman he was in love with was spending time with that liar. “Where is he?”
Zoro stopped mid-chew, his eyes filling up to him, his eyes flashing with annoyance at Hancock’s tone. “He’s her snipper, and her friend.” He said before shoving another skewer in his mouth. “And he’s her weird, boy-toy, boyfriend-not-boyfriend thing. So, you’ll find her with him.”
Nami giggled into her hand, while Robin gave him a knowing smile. They watched as Hancock’s face fell, his heart sinking at the thought of Luffy with someone else, especially that Usopp.
“Zoro, I don’t know why you say Usopp is Luffy’s weird, boy-toy, boyfriend-not-boyfriend thing. They’ve totally been together since we were in the East blue.” Nami corrected, her giggle turning into a laugh.
Hancock's heart sank further as he digested the information. The thought of Luffy with anyone else, let alone Usopp, was like a dagger to his heart. He had to see for himself. He had to confirm if it was true or just a twisted jest. Without another word, he turned and began to weave his way through the crowded beach, the sounds of merriment becoming a dull roar in his ears. The closer he got to the heart of the party, the more tense he became.
Finally, he stumbled across a giant camp fire, surrounded by rowdy pirates of all shapes and sizes, their faces alight with joy and their voices raised in drunken cheer. And there, right standing in front of the campfire was Luffy and Usopp, standing so close to each other their sides were practically molded together, Usopp’s arm slung around Luffy’s shoulders, and Luffy’s hand was resting in Usopp’s back pocket.
Hancock felt like he had been punched in the gut. This was more than just friendship. This was something deeper, something intimate. His eyes narrowed as he took in the scene, his mind racing with a storm of emotions. Jealousy, anger, and pain all fought for dominance. Without thinking, he marched over to them, Salome slithering quietly at his side.
Luffy's laughter rang out over the fire as Usopp leaned down to whisper something in her ear. Her cheeks flushed a bright red, and she slapped his chest playfully, causing his massive Afro to bob up and down. The sight of them together made Hancock's blood boil. He didn't understand why Luffy would choose someone like Usopp over him.
He stormed over, the sand kicking up behind him, and the partygoers parted like the sea before Moses. "Luffy!" he called out, his voice cutting through the noise like a knife. Luffy's head snapped over to him, her smile fading into a look of confusion. “Hancock? What are you doing here? Only the Strawhat Grand Fleet is supposed to be here.” Luffy said, frowning. “No one else, unless I invited you, and I don’t remember inviting you, Hancock.” Luffy added.
Hancock's eyes narrowed as he took a step closer to the couple, his hand clenching into a fist at his side. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice low and tight with anger.
Luffy frowned deeped, “no, Hancock, if you want anything for me, you’re going to answer my question first. What are you doing here, Hancock?” She said, her voice as sharp as a blade, not bothering to move away from Usopp.
Hancock's heart was racing, but he managed to keep his cool. “I heard there was a party, and I wanted to crash it.” He said with a smug smile, trying to play it off like it was no big deal.
“Well, I'm sorry, but you’re going to have to leave.” Luffy said bluntly. “The only pirates that should be here are the straw hat Grand Fleet, the kid Pirates, the heart Pirates, and a handful of other people I know. You’re not on that list, so I'm sorry, but you gotta go.”
Hancock's smile fell, his eyes flashing with anger. “You can’t be serious,” he said through gritted teeth. “You’re turning me away from your party?”
“Yes.” Luffy’s voice was firm and unwavering, leaving no room for negotiation.
Hancock’s jaw clenched as he took in her serious expression. He couldn’t believe she would do this to him, after all they had been through together. His hand shot out and grabbed Luffy’s arm, pulling her away from Usopp. “Come with me, Luffy. We need to talk,” he said, his eyes boring into hers with intensity.
“No.”
The word was like a slap to Hancock’s face, and his grip loosened. Luffy looked at him with a mix of annoyance and irritation as she ripped her arm free with a bit more force than was necessary, flinging her spot back beside Usopp. “I’m busy, Hancock. If you don’t have anything important to say, I’d appreciate it if you left us alone.”
Hancock felt the heat rising to his cheeks, his eyes flicking between Luffy and Usopp, who was watching the exchange with a smug smirk on his face. “You’re choosing him over me?” he spat out, unable to hide his bitterness.
“Yes.”
The word hung in the air like a lead balloon, heavy and unmistakable. Luffy’s eyes met Hancock’s, her expression unwavering. The crowd around them had gone quiet, sensing the tension crackling in the air.
"But why?" Hancock's voice was strained, his heart aching at her bluntness. "Is it because of what happened between us?”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Luffy's voice was filled with genuine confusion, as she tilted her head to the side. “And yes, I’m picking Usopp over you, he’s my boyfriend, he’s been my boyfriend for the past 2-years. So, If you’ve got a problem, spit it out, or leave us to enjoy our party.”
The words hit Hancock like a tidal wave. He had missed so much, so much that he didn't even know where to begin. His hand fell to his side, and he took a step back, his eyes wide with shock. He had never seen Luffy act so... possessive over anyone before. It was as if she had grown up before his very eyes, into a woman who knew exactly what she wanted, when she wanted it.
Usopp, the sneaky devil, took this moment to wrap an arm around Luffy's waist, pulling her closer to him. And Luffy’s hand sledded back into Usopp’s back pocket, her posture all but possessive, all pointed towards Usopp.