One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

As Hancock gazed at Koala's now unblemished back, her eyes widened in amazement. She instinctively raised a hand to her mouth, covering her surprise. Luffy stood up, a warm smile spreading across his face as he pulled Koala into a light embrace, ruffling her hair gently.

"I thought we'd have to wait until we found someone with the Heal-Heal Fruit to give you a complete recovery," he said, happiness shining in his eyes. "But it turns out, we already have the most talented 'beautician' right here." He turned to Hancock with a playful grin. "Hancock, why don't you go next? Let Kalifa help you, too."

Without hesitation, Hancock nodded. She gracefully slipped off her shirt in front of everyone, her confidence unwavering. Koala couldn't help but admire Hancock's straightforwardness, feeling a sense of awe at her courage and self-assurance. She quickly stepped aside, making space as Hancock settled in front of Kalifa, lifting her long, smooth black hair over one shoulder to reveal her back.

Kalifa, faced with Hancock's flawless figure, took a steadying breath, a mixture of nerves and admiration flooding her as she reached out. Her hand trembled as she extended it toward Hancock, hesitant yet determined.

"Thank you, Kalifa," Hancock murmured suddenly, her voice soft and sincere.

Kalifa's hand paused mid-air, a surprised look flashing across her face. This was the first time Hancock had ever addressed her by name. In all their time together, she had only heard Hancock refer to her as "Golden Hair" or "Girl with Glasses." To receive genuine gratitude—and from Hancock, of all people—made something warm blossom within her chest. She felt a rare sense of acceptance and pride, like a bridge had finally been built between them.

Pursing her lips to contain her emotions, Kalifa managed a small, delighted smile. "You're welcome."

They didn't say anything further, falling into a comfortable silence as Kalifa focused on her task. Hancock remained still, her gaze drifting off as if lost in thought, her composed exterior betraying no trace of what might be on her mind.

Just then, Koala returned from the bathroom, now fully dressed, her expression shy as she approached Luffy. She looked down, fidgeting with her hands before finally speaking, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you, Luffy…" she began, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Luffy interrupted before she could continue. "Hey, no need for all that. You're my partner, remember? This is what I should do for you," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "If you want to thank anyone, thank Hancock. Without her, I wouldn't have even known about your scars. And Kalifa too," he added with a smile. "You two need to get along from now on, no more quarreling."

Koala chuckled softly, feeling warmth bloom in her chest as she listened to Luffy's words. There was a sense of security in his concern, like a big brother looking out for his little sister, and it made her feel safe and valued in a way she hadn't felt in years.

As Hancock's treatment finished, she turned, running her hand over her back and nodding approvingly at the smooth skin where scars once marked her. The three girls immediately gathered around, their earlier tension dissolved as they began chatting animatedly, opening up and sharing stories as if they were old friends. Watching them bond, Luffy felt a wave of satisfaction but also a twinge of amusement.

"Hey, if you're going to gossip like that, at least do it back in your rooms!" he protested, giving them a mock glare. "I was woken up way too early by all this. I'd like to get some more sleep."

Hancock turned, pouting at him, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Oh, you're complaining? I didn't rest at all last night thanks to you, and on top of that, I had to put up with Ain's punishment. I haven't had a moment's rest yet!" she retorted, her voice filled with teasing indignation.

Luffy, scratching his head, shrugged. "Come on, Hancock. It's still early. It's barely time for breakfast…"

But Hancock wouldn't let him off the hook so easily. She grabbed him by the shoulders, marching him toward the bathroom without giving him a chance to argue. "No excuses! Get up, get cleaned up, and let's go have breakfast together," she ordered, her tone leaving no room for debate.

While Luffy begrudgingly freshened up, Hancock rallied the other girls, instructing Koala and Kalifa to go call the others. "Especially Ain," she added with a smirk. "She won't be getting any extra sleep either!"

As they prepared for breakfast, news birds began their rounds across the seas, distributing the latest newspapers to towns and ships across the Grand Line. Luffy's astonishing feat of taking down Jack the Drought had reached the presses, sparking a global stir. Every corner of the world was buzzing with whispers about the Marine captain who had slain one of Kaido's top commanders.

Meanwhile, on the deck of the Moby Dick, the massive ship of the Whitebeard Pirates, the legendary Edward Newgate—better known as Whitebeard—was already indulging in a morning drink. His deep laughter rumbled through the ship as he held up the morning's newspaper, eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Gurararara! That brat Kaido must be fuming!" Whitebeard bellowed, thumping his massive fist on the deck with glee. "One of his prized men, taken down just like that! Gurararara!"

Beside him, Marco, captain of the first division and often affectionately called "Pineapple Head" by his crewmates due to his spiky blonde hair, cracked a smirk. Taking the paper from his captain, he nodded in agreement.

"Can't blame him for being mad. Jack was one of Kaido's top three. Losing him to a Marine rookie? That'll sting," Marco mused, raising an eyebrow. "Do you think Kaido will retaliate, Dad? Could this lead to a war with the Marines?"

Whitebeard grinned, finishing off his drink in one swig before wiping the corner of his mouth. The thought of Kaido, furious over his loss, brought a glimmer of satisfaction to Whitebeard's eyes.

==============================================

Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.

==============================================