Work Text:
Luffy sits on the cannon of the Marine ship, his thoughts racing wildly and his face devoid of any expression. It just doesn’t make sense for the Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and it probably never will. Why do the people he considers his friends always have to sacrifice themselves for his dream of being King of the Pirates? First Shanks had rescued young Luffy from drowning and was rewarded by losing his left arm to a Sea King. Then the entire Straw Hat Pirates crew stood between Luffy and Kuma only to be transported to who-knows-where by the warlord. Most recently, Bon Clay had selflessly stayed behind under the guise of Magellan to allow Luffy a chance to escape Impel Down and chase after Ace. Why must such heavy sacrifices always follow in Luffy’s wake?
“Straw Boy! Find Ace! Save him and don’t look back! I know you can do it,” were the last words Bon Clay had shouted over the baby transponder snail.
Those words cut Luffy to his very core.
Those words meant Bon Clay wasn't planning on coming back nor would he ask for Luffy to come to rescue him.
Why must these sacrifices continue to be made in his place?
Once he reunites with Ace and then the Straw Hat crew, Luffy has plans to address this phenomenon with those he holds dearest.
As Impel Down slips further and further behind their stolen ship, Luffy’s thoughts turn more and more negative. Bon Clay is strong, as proven by the former Baroque Works member’s plans to save Luffy from the Marines and then from Impel Down. No one can deny that fact. However, no matter how strong Bon Clay is, no one could survive the rage and punishment that Magellan would surely dole out. Poison has that effect on people… Yet, there is one phrase uttered by Bon Clay that gives Luffy hope for his unlikely ally and friend.
“Swans never die and never say goodbye.”
As long as that phrase is true, then Luffy has hope he will see Bon Clay again.
