One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

On the Thriller Bark, the Den Den Mushi in Kuma's hand transmitted a commanding voice: "Is it Bartholomew Kuma? You're calling now. What's the situation with Moria?"

"Moria declined my assistance and chose to face the Straw Hat Pirates alone. He was defeated by Straw Hat Luffy," Kuma responded calmly to the inquiry. "Robin is well-guarded by their key members. I found no opportunity."

"We managed to send Moria back to headquarters, and the Straw Hat Pirates have already departed."

After his report, the Den Den Mushi went quiet, followed by the sound of objects being tossed around and muffled swearing. After a pause, the authoritative voice came back: "That's it, we don't have time to deal with those guys right now. You should report back to headquarters immediately, the war is about to start." Then, the line went dead.

Bartholomew Kuma, undisturbed, stowed the Den Den Mushi and turned to face Bai Ye and the others.

Sanji, who had been momentarily alarmed by Kuma's stern demeanor, regained his composure and remarked, "This guy doesn't seem like our enemy."

"An undercover agent of the Revolutionary Army?" Zoro suggested his theory outright.

Sabo, standing nearby, chimed in at that moment. His expression seemed slightly strained as he confirmed, "That's correct. Mr. Bartholomew Kuma has long been a key member of our revolutionary army. There are several reasons I chose to reveal my identity to you now."

"But before we go any further, can you tell me what's happening with Mr. Luffy?"

It turned out that shortly after Sabo had introduced himself, Luffy had charged towards him, yelling. Then, clinging to him like an octopus, Luffy began to sob.

It stayed that way until now.

Sabo stood still for a long time, mindful of maintaining his image in front of everyone. In response to Sabo's puzzled look, Zoro and Sanji could only shake their heads. They had never quite managed to follow Luffy's unpredictable thoughts.

Stepping forward, Bai Ye chimed in, "Luffy can be pretty unpredictable, but I've never seen him this overwhelmed with excitement. So, there must be some connection between you two." He paused and smiled, "But let's sort this out first."

With a slight smile, Bai Ye raised his right hand, and a golden light flashed— "Golden Light Curse—Wake up!!!" Snap!

In an instant, Luffy calmed down under Bai Ye's influence. Still tearful, Luffy sobbed, "Bai Ye, he is Sa..bo, he is... he's my brother who I thought was long dead!!!"

Zoro, Sanji, and Sabo himself all gasped in unison, "Brother!!!??"

"How many brothers does this guy have?" Zoro asked, his face a picture of shock.

Sanji, recalling Ace, whom they had met before, was equally astonished, "His brother was with one of the Four Emperors, and now another turns out to be part of the Revolutionary Army?"

Amidst the reactions, Sabo was the most taken aback, "Wait, wait a minute... I just met Mr. Luffy today, how could I be his brother?"

Though Sabo tried to make sense of the situation, his mind was more scrambled than ever.

"Absolutely true!!!" Luffy exclaimed, his voice filled with conviction. "With that outfit, your hair, and the name Sabo, you have to be my brother."

Bai Ye intervened, trying to bring some calm, "Okay, Luffy, take a moment to calm down."

As things got a bit chaotic, Bai Ye took charge to soothe Luffy and then asked, "Can you explain why you think he's your brother?"

Luffy then shared the story of his childhood. He told them how his grandfather, Garp, had taken him away and left him in the care of Dadan, a mountain bandit. It was there that he met Ace and Sabo, and the three of them became sworn brothers. Luffy detailed their time together and how both he and Ace had come to believe that Sabo had died at sea.

As Luffy spoke of the Goa Kingdom, Sabo's face took on a complex, indescribable expression. The reason for his turmoil? He had been rescued right there in the Goa Kingdom by Dragon!

Meanwhile, Kuma also provided information to Luffy and the others about Sabo's amnesia.

With these exchanges, everyone present began to piece together the events that had transpired.

Sanji made a quick summation of the story: "So Sabo didn't die back then but was saved by the Revolutionary Army. Due to his amnesia and his disdain for the Goa Kingdom, he joined the Revolutionary Army and never went back to search for his family and friends. That's why he missed the chance to reunite with Luffy and Ace."

"So, Luffy actually has a brother who is the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army?!!!"

Brook, overhearing the conversation, was struck by the remarkable coincidence. It reminded him of his own long-standing promise to Laboon: "Yohoho! This reunion couldn't have been more fated. I'm so moved I could almost cry!"

Among those present, Sabo felt the most turmoil. Even though everything indicated that he might really be Luffy's brother before his memory loss, he admitted, "But... despite this, I still can't remember any of the events Luffy mentioned."

Luffy, ever enthusiastic, clapped Sabo on the shoulder and pointed at Bai Ye confidently, "Hahaha, Sabo! Don't worry, Bai Ye will definitely find a way, right, Bai Ye?"

For him, Bai Ye could always solve his problems.

Bai Ye nodded with a smile, "Thank you for your trust."

He then added, "As for recalling memories, I do have a method." Turning to Sanji, Bai Ye requested, "Sanji, could you make some pasta first?"

Sanji initially puzzled, soon caught on, "If it's that dish, it indeed works wonders."

"But before that, let's head back to the Sunshine Merry," Bai Ye suggested, looking around. "A reunion of brothers like this shouldn't happen in such a somber place."

For Lola and the others in the Rolling Pirates, the Straw Hat Pirates were heroes. When Luffy invited them to feast, they agreed naturally.

Sabo, though unclear on how Bai Ye intended to help him regain his memories, was primarily there on a mission. Learning that Ace was also his brother only added to his unease.

Heeding Bai Ye's advice, Sabo, along with Bartholomew Kuma, boarded the Merry.

As for the fearsome Moria's three-masted ship, after Bai Ye had plundered all the treasures, it was left adrift in the Florian Triangle, destined to become another ghost ship.