The boy lay on the ground, chest heaving, face smeared with dirt, utterly defeated. He still wasn’t strong enough, not even with the Gumu Gumu fruit....
He still couldn’t beat Ace.
“That’s enough for today Luffy,” his big brother stood tall over him before leaning down to help him up, a triumphant smile plastered over his freckles. “It’s almost dinner time. Makino will be worried if we’re late”
Luffy grinned, letting himself be pulled to his feet and the treasured hat plopped down on his messy hair.
The older D only managed to take a few steps before finding his brother clinging to his back like a little monkey. “Ace, carry me!”
“You’re getting to big for this Luffy.” Ace didn’t push him away though.
They walked home in silence for a few minutes before Luffy spoke again.
“Ace?”
“Hmm?”
“Why can’t I beat you?”
“Cause I’m stronger dummy.”
“I’m not a dummy! And I’m gonna be stronger then you someday!”
“No you’re not.”
“Am too!”
“I’m you’re big brother Luffy, I’m always gonna be stronger then you, that’s the way it is.”
A pause, then a usually quiet voice.
“The devil’s fruit will make me stronger then you someday.”
Ace stopped for a moment, shifting the weight on his back.
“Guess I’ll just have to find a way to become stronger then even that.”
“But how come?”
“Cause I’m you’re big brother and I have to be strong enough to protect you, that’s why.”
“Oh....Ace?”
“Yeah Luffy?”
The boy dug his heels into his brother’s side. “Hurry up and get us home, I’m hungry!”