The smoke of battle slowly dispersed. The crimson illusion that had surrounded them began to crack and fade away, revealing the real world once more.
Buggy's elegant, deranged expression vanished in an instant. He blinked rapidly, excitement sparkling in his eyes.
"Ritter, big bro! How was that? Wasn't I absolutely dazzling out there?!" Buggy planted his fists on his hips, grinning ear to ear like a peacock showing off its feathers.
Everything about him screamed one sentence: Come on, come on, don't hold back start praising me already~
Ritter stared at him for a few seconds. The corner of his mouth twitched. His hand half-raised as if to pat Buggy's head but then, reconsidering, he froze midair. "Not bad, Buggy," he said finally, his voice calm but approving.
The effect was instantaneous. Buggy's eyes lit up like fireworks. He grabbed Ritter's sleeve with both hands, practically bouncing with joy. "Hehehe! You said it! You finally said it! Come on, boys! It's time to party! Mohji! Cabaji! Richie! Quit playing dead and get up! We're having a feast tonight!"
The two men, who had been lying motionless on the deck, immediately sprang to their feet with suspicious energy, as if their previous "injuries" had never existed.
Cabaji slid dramatically across the deck on his knees like a repentant samurai. "Boss Ritter, sir! Forgive me! I didn't realize it was you! My voice my tone it was too loud! I was wrong!"
He clung to Ritter's leg, bawling his eyes out. Snot, tears, and repentance blended into one spectacular mess. Just when it seemed he might take it a step too far, Ritter's gentle but unmistakably dangerous voice interrupted, "If even a drop of that touches me, I'll dismantle you piece by piece."
Buggy's face darkened. He strutted forward, lifted his hand, and without hesitation smacked Cabaji so hard he spun midair before crashing down like a comet. "Idiot! If my big bro really cared about that, you'd be long gone!"
Mohji rubbed the foam from his mouth, muttering under his breath, "Captain, next time maybe… warn us first? My heart's still trying to catch up."
Buggy waved him off heroically. "Enough whining! Today's a big day! We're celebrating properly!"
Richie the lion yawned loudly, dragging himself up and taking a lazy bite from a massive slab of roasted meat. Around them, the crew scrambled to set up barrels, grills, and tables, their excitement contagious.
By nightfall, the deck blazed with bonfires. The scent of grilled meat mingled with the salt breeze and sweet burn of rum. The flames painted everyone's faces in shades of gold and crimson.
Buggy raised his cup high, his voice booming, "Tonight! I, Captain Buggy the Great, will share my legendary tale!"
His crew cheered and crowded around. Even Ritter leaned against the railing, quietly amused, watching the clown captain bask in his moment.
"After I parted ways with Shanks hah! That red-haired fool I became a bounty hunter for a while," Buggy began, proudly puffing out his chest. "Those wannabe pirates were no match for me! Just a flick of my finger, and bam! Down they went!"
Mohji muttered just loud enough for Cabaji to hear, "Didn't he tell me he was a righteous hero once? The 'Clown Emperor of Justice'? Said following him meant three meals a day… we've been starving half the time."
Buggy's head snapped around. "Shut it!"
He glanced at Ritter to make sure he hadn't heard. Luckily, the older man only smiled faintly, pretending not to notice.
Buggy straightened his coat, cleared his throat, and continued grandly, "Then I bought this ship! Found you loyal misfits! And since then, we've ruled the seas well, parts of it anyway!"
Cabaji raised his cup with a smirk. "Captain, was that a compliment or an insult?"
Buggy threw his head back and laughed. "Of course it's a compliment! You're my crew my glorious, hopeless crew! Hahaha!" He paused for a moment, his eyes softening. "But what really makes me happy… is seeing you again, big bro Ritter."
Ritter arched a brow. "Not recruiting me into your circus of fools, I hope."
Buggy scratched his cheek, chuckling sheepishly. "Didn't recognize you at first, that's all! You shouldn't hide that handsome face behind a mask!"
The crew burst into laughter, and even Ritter's lips curled slightly. The laughter that followed carried something warm and long-forgotten like old comrades reunited after years adrift.
Three rounds of drinks later, Buggy's energy hit its peak. He leapt onto a table, raising his cup high to the stars.
"Listen up, you glorious idiots! We're setting sail for the New World! The whole sea will know the name of the Buggy Pirates!"
"Our lives will roar with pride!" he bellowed.
"YEAH!!!" the crew howled in unison, voices echoing into the dark sea.
Ritter leaned back, watching quietly. The bonfire reflected in his golden eyes.
Buggy turned toward him, his tone softening. "Ritter… why're you alone all the time? Need a hand?"
Ritter smiled faintly and shook his head. "No need. Wherever you see the Blood Dragon flag, you can reach me." He tossed a tiny Den Den Mushi his way. "Here. Take this."
Buggy caught it, pretending to pout. "Tch, like I'd ever need it." Then, unable to hold back his grin, he added, "But I'll keep it anyway just in case!"
Ritter lifted his cup and clinked it lightly against Buggy's. "Then I'll look forward to seeing what kind of chaos you stir up next."
The feast raged deep into the night. When the fires burned low, the crew lay sprawled across the deck, drunk and snoring. Buggy leaned back against the mast, gazing at the endless sea of stars.
"Y'know, Ritter," he murmured, voice softer now, "I really am grateful to you."
In the dim light, the painted clown makeup couldn't hide the faint maturity in his face. He was still loud, vain, and ridiculous but behind all that, he had grown into a true captain.
He had the ambition to chase his dream and the strength to protect his family.
"When I was younger…" Buggy began.
Ritter chuckled. "You can stop there. Don't get all sentimental on me. Pirates don't need flowery speeches."
He reached out and ruffled Buggy's hair. "You made it, didn't you?"
Buggy nodded hard, eyes shining. "Yeah! I'll keep going until I'm one of the Four Emperors! And after that "
His imagination spun wildly.
Mini Scene: Buggy's Daydream
Buggy lounged in a grand chair, rocking lazily. "Shanks, my dear little Shanks… come massage my feet."
Shanks sobbed beside him. "Y-Yes, Lord Buggy…"
Buggy burst into his signature cackle. "Yahahahaha!"
Ritter flicked his forehead. "Wake up, idiot. I'll be watching your progress from afar."
Buggy grinned, rubbing the sore spot. "Hehe, fair enough. So where are you headed next?"
"Windmill Village," Ritter said, standing. "To check on my nephew's boys Luffy and Ace. Want to come?"
Buggy thought for a moment, then stretched with a lazy grin. "Tempting! But nah. I'll go once I've made a name for myself!"
"Suit yourself," Ritter replied, his smile faint but approving.
Buggy waved as he strutted toward his cabin, humming proudly, "Alright! Time for this great captain to get his beauty sleep. Tomorrow, we set sail to glory!"
Ritter watched his retreating back, shaking his head with a quiet smile.
By dawn, sunlight painted the deck gold. Buggy stood proudly at the bow, wind whipping his cape.
"Raise the anchor! Full speed ahead! Destination the New World!"
The crew roared their reply, voices bursting with life and pride.
"AYE, CAPTAIN!"
And so, beneath the morning sun, the Buggy Pirates' ship cut through the waves toward the unknown horizon, toward the legend they would carve into the sea itself.
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