Just as the shockwaves from Rayleigh and Enel's clash had yet to fully subside, a heart-wrenching cry pierced the din of battle.
"Brook!!!"
The voice came from Luffy.
He had already broken free of his restraints, yet he could still only watch... watch his last remaining crewmate
resolutely shove him aside at the final moment and meet Bartholomew Kuma's palm with his own body.
"Pop!"
That soft sound rang louder in Luffy's ears than Enel's thunder.
Brook vanished from the spot, sent flying to some unknown, distant place.
But to Luffy, his pirate crew had fallen apart.
All strength drained from Luffy's body. His knees buckled, and he dropped heavily onto the grass, his hands braced limply against the ground.
His tears burst their banks, mingling with the dust and blood on his face as they poured down.
He did not roar. He only sobbed, his powerless fists striking the ground again and again with muffled thuds.
It was not anger, but utter confusion and helplessness after his convictions had crumbled...
As their captain, he... he could not save anyone. Not a single one.
Watching Luffy fall apart,
Kuma looked down at the young captain who had lost every last crewmate in so little time. Not a ripple of emotion showed in his eyes as he slowly spoke, his voice steady.
"Straw Hat Boy, every disadvantage in this world stems from the inadequacy of those involved."
Those words slammed into Luffy's heart, stopping his fists mid-blow.
Seeing this, Kuma continued, "So remember this moment well."
As he spoke, he slowly raised his paw-padded palm and aimed it at the dazed Luffy.
"You and I are both fortunate..."
"When I was at my most helpless, I met that man..."
"And in your free-spirited adventures, you met me."
The instant his words