Luffy's voice still echoed over the bay.
And aside from Ace, the first person those ripples touched was Boa Hancock.
Her body abruptly stiffened, and her proud, indifferent expression melted completely the instant she heard that voice.
"Luffy!!"
In an instant, her voice changed from that of an icy empress to that of a girl experiencing her first love.
Her cheeks flushed, her hands clasped over her heart, and stars sparkled in her eyes.
"Luffy is here! My Luffy!!"
She even rose straight from the steps, utterly ignoring the astonished looks from the naval officers and soldiers around her.
"No matter how many times I see Luffy, a single glance always sets my heart racing."
Gecko Moria glanced at her, his mouth twitching.
"That lovesick woman."
Doflamingo tilted his head.
His gaze behind his sunglasses flicked toward the bay entrance, and his lips spread into an intrigued grin.
"Oh? Straw Hat has arrived."
"This battle just keeps getting more interesting."
Soon, Luffy and his companions plunged into the opening in the sea below, created by Jozu's earlier attack.
Seawater churned, and the ship rocked violently before settling firmly on the surface.
With a dull thump, the hull struck the water, sending spray splashing over everyone on deck.
Luffy leaped down from the bow, stumbling as his feet landed on the ice.
"Ace!"
"Ace!"
He wore his trademark straw hat, his face smeared with dust and sweat from the long journey.
But his eyes shone with startling brightness.
The moment he landed, he began looking around.
"Where are you?"
His gaze swept swiftly across the battlefield, past the two warring sides, the smoke filling the air, and the thunderous cannon fire.
Then he saw him.
The figure bound in Seastone chains on the Execution Platform.
"Ace!!"
Luffy's voice rose another octave,