The news traveled faster than any ship or seagull:The Crow King was leaving.
From Marineford to Wano, from the quiet islands of East Blue to the wildest edges of the Grand Line, whispers carried the story. The Straw Hats had seen it first: at dawn, beneath the tangled roots of Sabaody, Itachi Uchiha stood with his crows swirling one last time in the golden morning light.
Luffy was the first to wake. He rubbed his eyes, blinking in confusion at the sight of Itachi packing a battered scroll and adjusting his cloak."Going already?" he yawned.
Itachi nodded, his gaze calm and clear. "Your journey's just beginning. Mine… has a different path."
Nami, ever quick, hugged him tight. "You'll bankrupt every dango shop if you come back."
Zoro grunted, folding his arms but not hiding his respect. "Try not to get lost, Crow King. You're the only swordsman I never want to fight again."
Sanji grinned, flicking his lighter. "If you ever want a real meal, just follow the smell."
Usopp wiped his eyes, "I'll tell everyone the Crow King was my mentor! Wait till Kaya hears—"
Robin simply placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Thank you, Itachi. For reminding us even the darkest past can lead to light."
Chopper offered him a jar of mushroom medicine, "For your next journey!" Brook played a soft, bittersweet tune. Franky wiped oil from his face, "You're the SUPEREST guest this ship's ever had!"
Even Jinbe bowed, "The sea remembers those who move it. You'll never be forgotten."
The crows flew in a great spiral, black against the brightening sky. For the first time, seagulls flew with them, as if carrying a secret message to every corner of the world.
As Itachi stepped onto the shore, the world seemed to hold its breath.
From behind a tree, Ace waved and shouted, "See you on the next adventure, brother!" Marco raised a winged hand. Even Whitebeard's flag seemed to flutter a salute in the distant wind.
The marines watched from afar, wary but awed. Akainu grumbled, "If I never see another crow, it'll be too soon." But even he stood straight, a silent acknowledgment of a rival passed.
Blackbeard, somewhere in the shadows, still twitched at the sound of feathers.
Itachi paused at the edge of the woods, crows gathering close, and turned back to the Straw Hats—his eyes, for the first time, unburdened.
"Thank you," he said. "For reminding me that legends aren't meant to be alone."
He left behind a single black feather, drifting onto the deck of the Thousand Sunny. Luffy grabbed it, grinning wide. "A souvenir! I'll keep it safe till you come back."
The legend of the Crow King would ripple through history:Some called him a devil, some a hero, some a ghost who haunted the seas and made even the Yonko cry.But those who knew the truth remembered him best by a single word:
Friend.
As Itachi vanished into the morning mist, every crow in the world took flight.And somewhere—on a rooftop, under a tree, maybe in another world entirely—a tired voice could be heard, quietly hopeful:
"This world… is stranger than Tsukuyomi."
And that, at last, was enough.