One Piece: The Deadly

Three years had passed since Kikidori had left the Thousand Sunny. The once-naïve boy had grown, his body leaner, his skills sharpened, and his resolve stronger. But the memory of his departure still haunted him. He had spent years training relentlessly, pushing himself to his limits so that, one day, he might be worthy of returning to the Straw Hats.

Now, at 16, Kikidori stood on the shores of Shady Archipelago, clutching a letter. He had sent it to the Thousand Sunny a week ago, unsure if Luffy would even read it, let alone agree to meet.

He stared at the horizon, nerves eating at him. The Shady Archipelago was a place of shifting shadows and towering trees that stretched toward the sky. It was eerily quiet, with an air of anticipation hanging over the land.

Finally, the familiar silhouette of the Sunny came into view. Kikidori's heart raced as the ship docked, and one by one, the Straw Hats disembarked.

Luffy was the first to step onto the dock, his straw hat perched on his head. Kikidori immediately noticed the stitched seam running through it—a scar left from their last encounter.

The rest of the crew followed: Zoro with his usual stoic expression, Sanji lighting a cigarette, Nami and Robin walking side by side, Chopper sitting on Jinbei's shoulder, Usopp with a suspicious glare, Franky adjusting his shades, Brook humming a tune, and Raiko, now taller and more confident, trailing at the back. Ere'ana, standing near the middle, looked at Kikidori with wide eyes, a mixture of shock and joy on her face.

Kikidori swallowed hard as Luffy stopped a few feet away from him, crossing his arms.

"You've grown," Luffy said, his tone neutral.

"I have," Kikidori replied, his voice steady. "I've spent the last three years training. I'm stronger now. I want to be a Straw Hat again… if you'll let me."

The crew exchanged glances.

"Didn't think we'd see you again," Zoro muttered, though his voice lacked its usual edge.

Sanji raised an eyebrow. "Three years, huh? You've got guts coming back after what you did."

Kikidori's gaze dropped to the ground. "I know. I was reckless, and I hurt all of you… especially you, Captain." He looked back at Luffy, his eyes earnest. "But I'm different now. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness."

Luffy tilted his head, staring at Kikidori in silence. Then, to everyone's surprise, he grinned.

"You don't need to earn it," Luffy said simply.

Kikidori blinked, stunned. "What?"

Luffy took off his straw hat, revealing the neatly stitched seam. "I've already forgiven you. Three years ago, I was mad, yeah, but I knew you didn't mean it. You were just scared and confused. We're pirates—we mess up sometimes. What matters is that you came back."

Kikidori's legs nearly gave out from the relief that washed over him.

"But," Luffy added, his grin turning mischievous, "if you're really stronger now, then you'll have to prove it."

Kikidori's eyes lit up. "Anything."

"Good," Luffy said, stepping back. "Then fight me."

The crew groaned in unison, except for Zoro and Raiko, who both smirked.

"You're still the same, Captain," Nami muttered, crossing her arms.

"Fine," Kikidori said, determination filling his voice. He unseated his sword, Ophiophagus hannah, the blade glinting in the sunlight.

Luffy grinned wider, taking a fighting stance. "Let's see what you've learned."

The battle that followed was fierce. Kikidori's movements were sharper, his strikes faster and more calculated. He held his own against Luffy for longer than anyone had expected, even managing to graze Luffy's side with his blade.

But Luffy was still Luffy. With a single Gum-Gum Bazooka, he sent Kikidori sprawling to the ground.

Kikidori lay there, panting, a grin spreading across his face. "I guess… I've still got a long way to go."

Luffy laughed, extending a hand to help him up. "You're strong, Kikidori. Strong enough to be a Straw Hat again."

The crew cheered, even Raiko giving a begrudging nod of approval. Ere'ana ran forward, throwing her arms around Kikidori in a tight hug.

"Don't ever leave again, Kiki-san," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I won't," Kikidori promised, hugging her back.

As the crew welcomed him back aboard, Kikidori felt a warmth he hadn't known in years. He was home.

End of Chapter 32