One Piece: The Deadly

The tension between Kikidori and Raiko had been building for weeks, their constant bickering grating on the nerves of the crew. Even the usually patient Zoro, Sanji, Nami, and Usopp had grown tired of the constant squabbles. Finally, as another argument erupted on the deck, Nami snapped.

"Enough! If you two hate each other so much, then fight it out and settle this once and for all!" Nami shouted, slamming her fist on the table.

The crew fell silent, stunned by her outburst, but Kikidori and Raiko exchanged a determined look.

"Fine by me," Kikidori said, unseating his sword.

"Bring it on," Raiko replied, gripping his own blade.

The crew cleared the deck, giving the two teens space. Luffy sat on the railing, watching with wide eyes, while the others stood at a distance.

The fight began, and Kikidori's skill was evident from the start. His strikes were precise, his movements fluid. Raiko struggled to keep up, blocking and dodging with effort. But as the fight dragged on, Kikidori's anger and frustration clouded his judgment. He left openings, and Raiko took advantage, landing a decisive blow that knocked Kikidori's sword from his hand.

Kikidori fell to his knees, panting heavily, staring at the ground in disbelief. "I… lost…"

Raiko stepped back, his expression unreadable. For once, there was no gloating, no snide comment. Just silence.

Kikidori stood up, his hands trembling. He turned to the crew, his voice shaky. "I'm not worthy of being a Straw Hat… I'm not strong enough."

"Kikidori, wait!" Luffy called, stepping forward, but Kikidori ignored him. He walked to the edge of the ship, ready to leave.

"Oi, you can't just leave!" Zoro shouted, but Kikidori kept going.

When Luffy grabbed his arm to stop him, Kikidori pushed his hand away. "Let me go, Luffy."

Luffy's face hardened. "No. You're part of this crew."

Kikidori unseated his sword, his grip tight. "I said… let me go!"

The clash that followed shocked everyone. Kikidori swung his sword, and the blade nicked Luffy's arm. Luffy froze for a moment, looking at the cut, but still refused to let go.

Then, Kikidori swung again. This time, the sound of tearing fabric filled the air. Everyone's eyes widened as they saw the iconic straw hat fall to the deck, a jagged tear in its brim.

The deck went deathly silent. Luffy bent down, picking up the damaged straw hat with trembling hands. His face was unreadable as he looked at it, then at Kikidori.

"You…" Luffy's voice was low, shaking with emotion. He looked up, his eyes blazing. "That hat means everything to me."

Before Kikidori could respond, Luffy's fist shot out. "Gum-Gum… Pistol!"

The punch sent Kikidori flying back, but Luffy wasn't done. He kept punching, his fury and frustration pouring into every strike.

"Luffy, stop!" Nami shouted, running forward, but Zoro and Jinbei stepped in, grabbing Luffy and holding him back.

"Enough, Luffy!" Jinbei said firmly.

Luffy stopped struggling, his breath ragged. He clutched the damaged straw hat, his face a mix of rage and sadness.

Kikidori staggered to his feet, his body bruised and battered, but his eyes were filled with anger. "You'll never become King of the Pirates, Luffy."

The words hung in the air like a curse.

Kikidori turned and walked to the edge of the ship. Without looking back, he jumped into a small boat tied to the Sunny and began rowing away, leaving the crew in stunned silence.

"Captain…" Chopper whispered, his voice trembling.

Luffy didn't say a word. He stood there, clutching the torn straw hat, watching as Kikidori disappeared into the horizon.

End of Chapter 31

Lil bro is not Usopp