ʀᴜʙɪᴇꜱ - ᴏɴᴇ ᴘɪᴇᴄᴇ

『5』

⤿ Ami sighed in his sister's arms before he pulled away, hearing footsteps.

Looking to the side, he saw Luffy and the mayor coming up to them. Luffy's eyes met Ami's for a brief moment before glancing away.

"I can't stand this anymore," the mayor said, looking down in shame.

Ami felt Luffy's gaze on him again, though the captain looked away quickly when Ami returned the glance.

"Some random scum has no right to suddenly destroy our 40 years!" the mayor continued, his frustration evident.

"I am this town's mayor! I will protect this town!" the mayor shouted before he marched away toward Buggy.

Nami quickly grabbed him, "Stop! Stop, Mayor!" Nami said.

"There are fights a man cannot run from! Isn't that right, young boys?" the mayor said as he struggled against Nami's hold, looking at Luffy.

"That's right, old man!" Luffy said with a bright smile.

Ami nodded in agreement, with a determined look as he admired the mayor's courage.

Nami looked surprised between the three of them before speaking up, "Don't urge him on, what can he possibly do by going to see them!? It's reckless!"

"I'm fully aware it's reckless!" the mayor shouted.

"I'm coming for you, Buggy the Clown!" the mayor cried out before he ran.

Nami then turned to Luffy, frustration on her face. "This is no time to be laughing!" she said.

Luffy glanced at Ami again with a swift glance before he looked at Nami, "It's okay, I like that old guy," Luffy smiled at Nami.

Luffy's voice was firm and resolute as he declared, "I absolutely won't let him die."

Zoro grunted in acknowledgement as he walked up, each step deliberate despite his injured torso. He gazed in the direction the mayor had fled and said simply, "In that case..."

Ami's eyes widened in concern as he stepped forward quickly. "You're going to go too?! With that wound?"

Zoro's gaze was steely as he stared ahead. "The injury to my name is much worse than the injury to my gut!" he stated vehemently, tying his bandana firmly around his forehead.

Luffy nodded, his straw hat shadowing his eyes. "Our destination is the Grand Line," he said, voice ringing with determination.

He looked up, eyes blazing. "So we're going to steal that map back now!"

Ami bit his lip, looking troubled. He knew he already had the map tucked away safely, but seeing the destruction and despair throughout the town made him stay silent. 

More than anything, he wanted Luffy to help these people, to free the town from Buggy's tyranny.

Nami glanced at Ami in confusion, sensing something unsaid. Ami shook his head slightly and Nami sighed, giving him a pointed look - she knew he was hiding something.

Then Luffy turned to Nami, a wide grin on his face as he threw his arms up excitedly. "Join our crew!" he shouted enthusiastically.

Ami looked taken aback for a second before he pouted uncertainly.

Luffy's grin softened as his eyes twinkled, gazing at Ami with warmth. "Both of you," he emphasized sincerely.

Nami then took a step forward, "How about we team up for our common goal?" she suggested.

Luffy responded with a wide smile, his eyes lighting up at the prospect. "Sure!" he agreed enthusiastically.

He turned to Ami, excitement shining on his face. "It'll be more fun with everyone working together, don't you think?"