Several weeks had passed since Lucas met Ace and Sabo.
Every day, without exception, the three of them entered the Gray Terminal together. They searched through mountains of discarded trash, scavenging anything that could still be used—or sold. Sometimes they found tools. Sometimes cloth. Sometimes food that hadn't completely rotted yet.
And sometimes—
They robbed other gangs.
Not recklessly, and not without planning. Ace preferred frontal clashes, Sabo preferred careful preparation, and Lucas… adapted to both.
At the beginning, Lucas couldn't keep up.
Ace's punches were fierce and wild, fueled by raw instinct. Sabo's movements were sharp and precise, every strike calculated. During their early duels, Lucas was overwhelmed almost immediately, forced into defense again and again.
But Garp's "training" had left its mark.
After weeks of fighting wild beasts in the forest and surviving alone, Lucas's body adapted quickly. His strength increased. His reflexes sharpened. His movements became cleaner, more efficient.
Before long, their fights changed.
Blows were exchanged evenly. Counters met counters. Wins and losses balanced out.
By the end of the month, the three of them were nearly tied every time they sparred.
"This is getting boring," Ace complained one day, wiping sweat from his face. "Why aren't you losing anymore?"
Lucas grinned. "You just got weaker."
"Say that again!"
Sabo sighed, rubbing his temples. "You two are idiots."
During these weeks, Lucas never forgot his original goal.
Finding his way home.
Every few days, he explored a new path through the forest. But Dawn Island's wilderness was cruel. Huge animals lurked everywhere—beasts far stronger than normal wildlife. Every attempt ended the same way: ambushes, injuries, forced retreats.
So Lucas advanced slowly.
Carefully.
Step by step.
Finally—after nearly three months—
He found it.
A narrow, overgrown path hidden behind thick vines. The trees thinned as he followed it, the air growing lighter. When he emerged, he froze.
In the distance—
Windmill Village.
"I found it…" Lucas whispered.
His chest tightened.
Luffy…
"I haven't seen him in so long," Lucas thought, heart racing. "How's he doing? Did he cry a lot?"
Then another thought struck him.
I can't just go back empty‑handed.
"If I don't bring something back," Lucas muttered, "it'll be impossible to calm him down after disappearing for so long."
With renewed determination, he turned back toward the forest.
"Sabo!"
Lucas shouted beneath a large tree near their hideout.
A moment later, a blond head popped out from the branches above.
"What's wrong?" Sabo asked, yawning as he dropped down.
"I found the way back," Lucas said, unable to hide his excitement.
Sabo's eyes widened. Then he smiled. "Really? That's great."
"I'm going back tomorrow," Lucas continued. "I'll be gone for a while… but I'll come back. We still have fifty matches a day to finish."
Sabo laughed. "I'll hold you to that."
"Let's go to Goa Town today," Sabo added. "Ace should be back soon. We've got crocodile skins to sell."
Lucas nodded. "Sounds good."
"First we hunt," Ace's voice called from behind them. "Lunch won't catch itself."
"I'll get a bigger one than you," Sabo said confidently.
"That's impossible," Lucas shot back. "Mine will hit hardest."
Ace grinned. "Try me."
By afternoon, the three successfully slipped into Goa Town.
They stuck to the alleys, avoiding guards and moving quickly. When they reached a secluded corner, Lucas stopped.
"Ace, Sabo," he whispered. "I need to do something first. You sell the skins—I'll meet you later."
Ace narrowed his eyes. "You're hiding something."
"Hurry back," Sabo said instead. "City gates close soon."
Lucas nodded and vanished into the crowd.
What should I bring back for Luffy…?
Lucas walked through the market, imagining Luffy's face. Was he taller now? Did he still cry easily? Did he listen to Makino?
Without realizing it, Lucas stopped in front of a candy shop.
Colorful sweets filled the shelves.
He'd love these…
Lucas checked the prices.
"…Yeah, no."
He sighed, then smirked.
"Well," he muttered. "Guess there's only one option."
"Stop! You—stop right there!"
"Ace," Sabo said a while later. "Did you hear that?"
Ace glanced back. "Someone's being chased."
"Never mind," Ace said, lifting the bag. "We sold a lot today."
Then—
"ACE! SABO! RUN!"
Lucas burst out of an alley behind them, sprinting at full speed.
"What did you do?!" Ace shouted as guards and civilians chased behind him.
"Don't ask!" Lucas yelled. "MOVE!"
They ran.
Barely escaping the city gates before they slammed shut.
Once safe, Ace punched Lucas on the head.
"Ow!" Lucas yelped. "That hurts!"
"What did you steal?" Ace demanded.
Lucas opened his bag proudly.
Candy spilled out.
"…You're an idiot," Ace said flatly.
Lucas dodged his yelling and shoved candy into Ace and Sabo's mouths.
"I'm not keeping it for myself."
Sabo blinked. "Then who?"
"…My brother."
Silence.
"You have a brother?!" Ace and Sabo shouted.
"What's so strange about that?!" Lucas snapped.
Ace looked away.
"I'm going back tomorrow," Lucas said softly. "You can come with me if you want."
Ace turned his back. "No."
Sabo hesitated, then sighed. "Let's eat first."
The next morning—
"Take care," Lucas said, waving.
"Come back," Sabo replied.
Ace said nothing.
The tavern door burst open.
"LUFFY, I'M BACK!"
A small body slammed into him like a cannonball.
"Nii‑san!" Luffy cried.
Lucas hugged him tightly, smiling.
"I went on an adventure."
"Tell me!" Luffy shouted.
Makino stared. "Lucas… what took you so long?"
Lucas scratched his head. "Grandpa tied me to balloons."
Makino sighed.
As the sun set, Lucas watched Luffy play on the beach.
When he's a little older…I'll introduce him to Ace and Sabo.
Lucas smiled.