Laboon narrowed his massive eyes at Luffy.
Then the giant whale launched himself out of the water.
The impact was titanic.
His head slammed straight into Luffy like a living island crashing down—but Luffy didn't dodge. He didn't flinch. He planted his feet, lightning crackling faintly around his body, and took it head-on.
The sea exploded upward.
Laboon dropped back into the water, turning immediately for another charge—
Only for Luffy to slide forward, his fist coated in glossy black Armament Haki, and punch the whale square in the forehead.
The shockwave rippled across the ocean.
"LUFFY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Nami and Nojiko shouted together.
Luffy didn't answer.
He laughed.
The two clashed again—head against fist, sea shaking with each exchange. Laboon swam back once more, preparing to charge—
"Stop," Luffy said calmly.
Laboon froze mid-motion.
"It's a draw," Luffy said, dusting off his knuckles. "I'm stronger than I look. And you already know that."
The whale stared.
"You used to spar with your old friends, didn't you?" Luffy continued. "That's why you're still alive."
Silence.
"Tell you what," Luffy said, smiling. "After me and my crew conquer the Grand Line… I'll come back. Then we fight together."
Laboon's eyes filled with tears.
The whale tilted his head back and howled with joy, the sound echoing across Twin Capes.
Crocus watched quietly, smiling.
Lightning flashed—and Luffy vanished.
He reappeared standing on Laboon's head, holding buckets of paint and an oversized brush.
"Hold still," Luffy said.
Moments later, Laboon's scarred forehead bore a fresh symbol:
Luffy's Jolly Roger, bold and defiant.
"Now don't hit your head," Luffy said seriously. "Or it'll peel."
Laboon nodded enthusiastically.
"That was… kind," Crocus said.
"Oh, right," Luffy said, hopping down. "Monkey D. Luffy."
They shook hands.
"Crocus. Lighthouse keeper," the old man replied. "So… Shanks and Rayleigh taught you?"
"Rayleigh taught me," Luffy corrected. "Shanks was drunk."
Crocus laughed.
"Ten years ago, Red-Hair came back through here," Crocus said. "Didn't see Laboon."
"He was smashing the Red Line then," Luffy said knowingly.
Luffy turned toward Nami. "Crocus—can you explain the Log Pose to her?"
"Gladly."
Luffy headed below deck to change.
When he returned, he looked every inch a captain—black shirt, chain glinting, coat heavy on his shoulders, straw hat casting a shadow over calm eyes.
Commotion erupted near the deck.
"What's going on?" Luffy asked flatly.
"Those two asked for a ride," Nojiko said. "To a place called Whiskey Peak."
"Do they make whiskey there?" Luffy asked instantly.
"…No."
His smile vanished.
"Then no."
"PLEASE!" Mr. 9 shouted. "Our ship was destroyed!"
"And?" Luffy replied coldly. "You tried to kill Laboon."
He checked the Log Pose.
"Whiskey Peak," Crocus confirmed.
Luffy sighed. "What's in it for me?"
"Gold!" Mr. 9 said quickly.
Nami's eyes lit up.
Luffy smiled—because he already knew they were lying.
"Fine," he said. "Zoro—watch them."
Orders followed swiftly.
Sails raised. Anchor lifted. Rudder repaired.
Luffy stood at the rail one last time.
"I'll be back, Laboon."
The whale howled.
"To Whiskey Peak," Luffy said, sitting on his throne, drink in hand.
The Grand Line awaited.