One Piece: The Emperor Luffy

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"Hehe… you don't even recognize me now, Makino-chan?"

The youthful, confident voice rang out from behind Garp as the young man stepped forward, a wide grin plastered across his face. His raven-black hair, slightly tousled by the sea breeze, added to the charm of his sunny demeanor.

Makino froze in her tracks, her emerald eyes widening in disbelief. Her heart skipped a beat as the handsome young man's familiar grin and warm aura stirred a flurry of emotions.

"L-Luffy?" She stammered, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

It couldn't be… Could it?

The little boy who clung to her apron just a year ago was now standing tall, his physique broad and athletic. His grin was as cheeky as ever, but there was a newfound confidence in his stance that made her stomach flutter unexpectedly.

"Makino-chan, it's been a while, hasn't it?" Luffy teased, tilting his head. "You've missed me, haven't you?"

Makino's cheeks flushed a soft pink, but before she could respond, the gathered villagers erupted into a commotion.

"What?! That's Luffy? No way!"

"Are you sure this isn't some older cousin of his?"

"But he's just a kid! How did he—"

"—grow so much in just one year?!"

"Quiet, you idiots!" Mayor Woop Slap's authoritative voice cut through the hubbub as he slammed his cane on the ground. He turned to Garp, raising an eyebrow. "Garp, what did you feed this boy? Some kind of mystical sea beast meat?!"

"Eh?!" Garp's loud, boisterous laugh echoed as he scratched his head. "Don't go accusing me, old man! This brat just worked hard!"

"Worked hard?" Makino whispered to herself, still unable to tear her gaze away from Luffy. She shook her head quickly, scolding herself internally. Get it together, Makino! He's still Luffy… Just… different.

After a hearty exchange of jokes and laughs with the villagers, Garp eventually made his way back to the warship. But before leaving, he placed a massive, calloused hand on Luffy's head, ruffling his hair roughly.

"Listen up, brat! No slacking off! I trained you to be the best, and I expect nothing less! One day, you'll make a fine Fleet Admiral, mark my words!"

Luffy sighed, waving him off. "Yeah, yeah, Grandpa. Just don't forget to bring back a ton of Sea King meat next time, alright?"

Garp bellowed another laugh as his ship set sail, leaving the villagers and Luffy standing at the shore.

As the warship disappeared into the horizon, Makino reached out hesitantly, placing a comforting hand on Luffy's shoulder. "Are you okay, Luffy? You must miss him already."

Luffy turned to her, flashing that familiar bright grin. "Nah, Makino-chan. He'll be fine! Besides, I've gotten pretty strong too!" He flexed his arm exaggeratedly, causing the villagers around them to laugh.

Makino's eyes lingered on his bicep a little longer than she intended. Her face turned pink again as she quickly looked away, hiding her reaction. "W-Well, you do look… uh, very strong now," she mumbled.

"Shishi-shi! You think so, Makino-chan?"

Oh no, She thought, her heart thudding in her chest. Why does he have to say my name like that…?

"Are you hungry, Luffy?" Makino asked as they walked back toward Partys Bar. Her voice was steady, but her palms felt clammy.

"Makino-chan's cooking? Of course, I'm hungry!" Luffy beamed, practically skipping beside her.

The moment they stepped into the bar, Makino turned and locked the door behind them.

Luffy cocked his head, raising an eyebrow. "Eh? Why are you locking the door? What if someone wants to come in?"

Makino leaned casually against the doorframe, her lips curling into a playful smile. "Oh, I think my customers can wait. It's been a year since I've had the pleasure of spoiling you, Luffy. Today, this bar is all yours."

Luffy blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the slight change in her tone. But before he could think too deeply about it, Makino tied her apron around her waist and gestured to a chair.

"Sit down. I'll whip up something special for you."

"Shishi-shi! You're the best, Makino-chan!"

As Makino bustled around the small kitchen, Luffy leaned back in his chair, casually observing her. The soft hum of her voice as she worked, the way her hair framed her face when she concentrated—everything about her felt strangely different. Or maybe it was him who had changed.

"So," Makino began, glancing over her shoulder, "What exactly did Garp put you through this past year? You look like you've been through hell and back."

Luffy groaned dramatically, slumping over the table. "Ugh, don't remind me! Grandpa's training is insane. I had to carry boulders the size of this bar while dodging cannonballs! I thought I was going to die!"

Makino giggled softly, her laughter like a soothing melody. "Well, it seems to have paid off. You've grown into quite the man."

Luffy perked up, puffing out his chest. "You really think so, Makino-chan?"

Makino turned, leaning slightly against the counter as she smiled warmly. "I know so, Luffy." Her tone softened, and for a moment, her emerald eyes met his. "You've always been special, but now… you're remarkable."

Luffy scratched the back of his head, his cheeks tinting faintly pink. "Shishi-shi! Makino-chan, you're embarrassing me!"

"Oh?" Makino's eyes lit up with a playful light as she suggested. "Then how about I will give you a massage later?"

"Really? Then thank you, Makino-chan." Luffy smiled at her.

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