Splash!
Blood sprayed in all directions like a disturbed pool of water, the event unfolding far too quickly for Lucas—or perhaps anyone who witnessed it—to react.
The bandit who had been holding him hostage collapsed to the ground in the blink of an eye, a massive fist slamming down from above; the sickening crack of bones grinding against each other echoed from the ruined body—pool of blood seeped outward like a spider's web from the point of impact, the violent spray nearly stain Lucas's body.
In a daze, Lucas stared at Luffy, who walked toward him without haste. Stopping in front of him, Luffy raised his left hand and gently wiped the blood splattered across Lucas's cheek. "Thank goodness… you're alright."
The darkness that had clouded the boy's black eyes slowly faded, replaced by a glimmer of innocence.
Lucas reflexively closed his eyes at the touch beneath them. "Luffy?" Lucas called hesitantly, having never seen his brother so furious before. He knew Luffy could be protective—but never to this extent.
"Yes, Lucas?"
His tone was normal. Lucas noted it carefully, realizing Luffy sounded fully aware. If that was the case—had he done it on purpose? Glancing at the mangled body lying in the blood-filled crater created by Luffy's strength, a complicated expression crossed Lucas's face.
This is bad… the people of Foosha will be terrified. Then Grandpa will find out… and then—will he take us away from here? But Luffy loves Makino-san… he cares and depended on her
Lucas shifted his gaze toward the distant sound of hurried footsteps approaching in a crowd. Do I need to silence them? The thought flickered briefly before fading at the arrival of a familiar presence.
"What is happening here?"
A head of unmistakable red hair greeted Lucas's sight as he turned halfway and looked up. Shadows figure of others people stood behind him, but his focus remained solely on the owner of that crimson hair.
"Shanks!" Luffy's shout snapped Lucas out of his thoughts as his twin launched himself happily toward the man, forgetting the crimes he just committed or maybe he simply doesn't care.
Lucas, meanwhile, had no time to react before he was suddenly lifted into familiar arms. He winced as the wound on his neck get brushed with the sudden movement, his chin caught between a pair of fingers as his head was tilted upward for inspection.
"Tch. Yesterday's cut hasn't even healed yet, and now you've got another one. This one seem almost nearly took your life—if it had been any deeper…" Benn clicked his tongue softly as he examined Lucas, quickly carrying him toward Hongo for proper treatment.
Not even two days had passed since his last injury, and now he waw hurt again. Benn couldn't imagine what would happen once they returned to the Grand Line—and eventually, the New World.
The vice-captain of the Red-Haired Pirates didn't even spare a glance at the blood-soaked corpse before the two boys, his entire attention focused on Lucas, given that Luffy had seemed unharmed when he first arrived with the way the boy seems energized.
"Captain…" Yasopp glanced at their captain, who still appeared to be assessing the situation as a whole. It was clear to him that the man in the crater was beyond saving.
Shanks caught Luffy and bent down to return the hug. For a brief moment, darkness flickered in his eyes at Yasopp's call and the sight of the mangled body. "I see you're as lively as ever, anchor," Shanks said casually, as if nothing had happened.
"Mm!" Luffy nodded enthusiastically, his gaze quickly shifting to Lucas, who was being treated. A flash of anger crossed his face before vanishing as he felt Shanks move.
"I have many questions, but… let's set those aside for now." Shanks stood upright, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword.
Click.
Splash!
Blood burst from the bandit's body like a fountain. Shanks sheathed his blade smoothly just as the sound of approaching footsteps came to a halt around them.
Sharp intakes of breath echoed from all directions. The villagers who had arrived—along with Makino and Mayor Woop Slap—became witnesses to the killing Shanks had just carried out.
"A-Akagami…" the mayor stammered, trembling at witnessing the brutality of the captain who had always shown only warmth and ease during his time in Foosha.
"Shanks-san…" Makino murmured in shock, but her attention quickly shifted to the small figures—one clinging to Shanks, the other being carried by Benn while treated.
"Luffy! Lucas!"
She running past the corpse on the ground, Makino rushed to Luffy and checked him over. Once she confirmed he was unharmed, she immediately turned to Lucas to do the same.
At receiving Makino's thorough inspection, Luffy stood still obediently, watching every change in her expression. His eyes followed her movements when she turned to his twin, and landing his gaze on his younger brother, sitting quietly like a doll in Benn's arms.
Makino's brow furrowed upon seeing the bandages wrapped around Lucas's neck, her mind instantly recalling the incident that had caused the injury. "Are there any other parts of your body that are hurt?" she asked anxiously.
Lucas shook his head. "No… I'm sorry for making you worry, Makino-san…" He lowered his head, guilt evident in his voice.
Makino let out a soft sigh of relief, offering a gentle, bittersweet smile as she tried to comfort him. "It's not your fault. What matters is that you and Luffy are safe." She reached out to stroke his hair.
Benn, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Hongo has already examined Lucas thoroughly and treated his injuries. There might be a faint scar left behind, but it shouldn't be too noticeable. Until it heals, I hope you can keep a closer eye on him."
Makino nodded without hesitation, a soft smile blooming on her face. "I understand, Benn-san. Even without your reminder, I would have done so. After all, I've been the one raising and caring for them since they were babies."
"I've long considered them my little brothers… perhaps even more."
My children.
It couldn't be denied—at times, Makino felt like a mother when watching Lucas and Luffy grow up in the palms of her hands.
"Ahem!" Shanks clearing his throat to broke the warm atmosphere. From the side, he stood with Luffy, raising an eyebrow as he looked at the three of them, clearly unimpressed. Benn rolled his eyes at his captain attitude, trully, jealousy is illness.