Lost In One Piece

The night air was heavy as Gojo, Hancock, her sisters, and Koala stumbled through the dense jungle, the sounds of the battle and chaos slowly fading behind them. The scent of smoke and blood still clung to their clothes, and their breaths came in ragged gasps, but they kept moving. Rayleigh and Fisher Tiger led the way, their experienced eyes scanning for any sign of pursuit.

Gojo's heart was a storm of emotions. He could still see Kai's lifeless body in his mind, his friend's final words haunting him. They had escaped, but the cost was too high.

"Are you okay?" Koala's voice was soft, almost hesitant. She glanced up at Gojo, her eyes still red from tears.

Gojo nodded stiffly. "I'm fine," he muttered, though his voice cracked slightly. He swallowed hard, trying to push back the grief that threatened to overwhelm him. "I just... I can't believe he's gone."

"He saved your life, Gojo," Hancock said, her voice steady but laced with pain. "Kai wouldn't want you to dwell on it. He'd want you to keep fighting."

Gojo clenched his fists, the weight of guilt and sorrow pressing down on him. "I know," he whispered. "But it doesn't make it any easier." 

The group continued in silence, the atmosphere tense and somber. Marigold and Sandersonia walked close to their sister, their expressions grim as they held onto each other for support. Despite their rescue, they all felt the heavy loss of their comrade.

As dawn began to break, they reached the shoreline where a small boat awaited them. Rayleigh glanced back at the group, his gaze lingering on Gojo.

"This is where we part ways," Rayleigh said gently. "The Kuja sisters will be escorted back to Amazon Lily. They'll be safe there."

Hancock stepped forward, her eyes meeting Gojo's. "What about you? Are you coming with us?" Her voice was steady, but there was a hint of something else in her tone—concern, maybe even hope.

Gojo shook his head slowly. "I can't. I have to go with Fisher Tiger, at least for now. I need to see the world, to understand more about what Kai fought for. And I have a message to deliver."

Hancock's eyes softened as she stepped closer, reaching out to squeeze Gojo's shoulder. "You'll always have a place with us, Satoru. Don't ever forget that."

Sandersonia chimed in, her voice gentle yet firm. "Yes, and don't forget to come see us again. You have to visit our island—it's beautiful. We'll welcome you with open arms."

Marigold smiled, her voice warm. "Exactly! You have to see it for yourself, Gojo. You saved us, and that's something we'll never forget."

Hancock's expression shifted into something more thoughtful, her lips curling into a subtle, affectionate smile. "I guess I owe my savior some gratitude too, huh? Thanks to you, Gojo, I've regained a bit of hope in humanity... in men. But you, you'll always be my favorite. My only favorite." Her hand lingered on his shoulder a moment longer before she added, "Don't let Kai's death destroy you, little brother. He would have hated seeing you like this, trust me. Call it feminine intuition."

"Thanks, Boa-nee-san. I won't forget."

"I forgot I let you call me that after we got out...

You'll never be able to forget me, Boa-neechan.🎔" says gojo playfully.

Rayleigh, watching the exchange, nodded approvingly. "You've got a strong will, kid. Fisher Tiger will be a good guide for you. He's got a vision—a world without slavery, without oppression. Maybe you can help him make that vision a reality."

Gojo's gaze drifted toward the horizon, his mind clouded with conflicting thoughts. "Yeah," he murmured, "I'll try." But after a brief pause, he looked back at Rayleigh. "Can I ask you something, Rayleigh?"