Chapter 74 - 74: Setting Luffy Straight

In order to preserve more of Luffy's life before Ivankov uses his Akuma no Mi I used the knowledge I took from Kabuto before I killed him. I asked Ivankov who among his "Candies" holds F-type blood before I start working on him. I used my Rinne Sharingan to locate and drain the poisoned blood which is the majority of it so I asked for more than 2 of the Okama (Queers) for blood. Thanks to Ivankov though they replenished their blood through his power. Luffy was spared to the use of 10 years of his life but since Ivankov should have some antidotes, the power used for recovery at most took a year or less from his lifespan. I convinced Ivankov to help Luffy after I told him who Luffy is.

Ivankov: You know I usually don't help people out of the goodness of my heart, we are all prisoners here still.

Sage: I know that, but you wouldn't let your comrade's son die would you? I get the feeling that you are here because of a plan not because you can't escape, more like biding your time.

Ivankov: Very astute of you. Seeing that you can one-shot Magellan, you are certainly no normal person.

Sage: You have no idea. Will you help us rescue Ace?

Ivankov: All the time we spent treating Mugiwara-boy (Strawhat boy) we only have a few hours until Ace-boy is shipped off to Marineford. You guys don't have to worry much because Ace-boy is part of the White Beard Pirates and I highly doubt White Beard will let Ace-boy be killed.

Sage: Good thing it is not only us trying to save Ace then. We will have time even at Marineford, it will only be a little more difficult. Again, thank you for helping my friend.

Ivankov: Think nothing of it. My eyes nearly popped out when you told me he was Dragon's son though. So does that make Ace-boy Dragon's son as well?

Sage: No. Believe it or not, Ace is Gol D. Rodger's son.

Ivankov: NANI!!! (What)

Sage: Luffy, are you listening?

Luffy: (Eating the food that was brought to him earlier) Hmm, nani? (What)

Sage: This will be the last time I spare someone at your whim, understood?

Luffy stopped stuffing his face for a few seconds then continued. Then finally asked a question.

Luffy: Why is it so hard to save someone you can easily save right in fornt of you?

Sage: It wasn't that he was easy or hard to save, it is you has to get his priorities straight. You made us drag that asshole when we could have gone faster on our own. We were restricted where we could go because of him. The way you act makes it seem that you don't care if Ace is executed.

Luffy: (In a loud voice) That's not true!

Sage: (In a stern voice). Then why bother with the clown? I understood why you saved Bon because he was able to move with us with his power and he helped you before he was put away here but that f.u.c.k.i.n.g clown will not be grateful, helpful or useful to you, you gain nothing but a future headache with him.

Luffy: I just wanted to save him, what's wrong with that?

Luffy: I…

Sage: Luffy, I say this as a friend and crew member but you sparing an enemy will come back to bite you hard. What would you do if one of the enemies you let live killed a nakama (a friend)? Killed your grandpa? Killed your brother? Will you let them off with an a.s.s beating and then what, you let them go?

Luffy was silent, proving my point that he was too soft on his enemies despite what they might do.

Sage: Luffy, while I was chatting with everyone and reading your log where you guys have been, you seem to let people go too easily. Was Nefertari Vivi not your nakama when you helped her and her country from former Shichibukai, Crocodile?

Luffy: Yes, she is.

Sage: What's to stop Crocodile from doing the same thing somewhere else? Will you be there to stop him like before? Why did you only beat him up and let him go? You do realize he is most likely here in Impel Down right?

Luffy looked downcast as he didn't meet my gaze.

Sage: The only time so far that you chose to spare people that I agreed with, even though she could've killed you and we were sent there without knowing where we were, was the women from Amazon Lily. You may have defeated Marigold and Sandersonia but if you had faced Hanc.o.c.k all she had to do was kick you on the head to turn you to stone and crush you.

Luffy: Then, what shoud I…

Luffy: I will leave it to you then but what about that poison guy, why didn't you kill him then.

Good question, if I answer truthfully it will only make him mad. I needed Ace to be transferred by Magellan so we can go to Marineford but after that what's to say my hand could slip and he dies.

Sage: Good that you undertsand, because all the people you spare from the Marines WILL DEFINITLY come back to shit on your party. As for your question, he poisoned you and depending on the poison you could have died sooner so I must have missed a vital spot trying to get you to a safe place.

The conversation became mellow after that and we continued to gather our strength through food. By the time Luffy recuperated Ace was already being brought up to be escorted to Marineford. We arrived on level 6 where Ace was being kept but were too late. While in level 6 we spoke to Jinbe, a former Shichibukai.

Jinbe: I can't believe it, he really did come. You are Strawhat Luffy, Correct?!!

Luffy: Yeah.

Jinbe: They left but moments ago!! Go after them!! Ace-san was taken away through the lift!!

Luffy: Old man, who are…

Jinbe: If you hurry, you can still make it!!

Luffy: I see!!! Well, thanks!! Though I don't know who you are!! (Pointed to the lift) That must be it!! Let us go!!!

The cabling for the lift could be seen so they must still be taking Ace up. Ivankov tried the operational controls but they were locked. We couldn't climb up from the cabling of the lift because of the traps under it. We tried going back the way we came but it was blocked off. Level 6 started to be flooded with gas. Luffy still tried to get past it but quickly fell on the ground snoring. I still laughed.

Ivankov: Apparently the gas is sleeping gas. Could you be a little less reckless boy!!!

Inazuma used he Akuma no Mi to cut the color the floor as if it were paper or cloth and used the cut up pieces to block where the gas was coming from.

Ivankov: Out of respect for your feelings, I will assist you in escaping from this prison in whatever way possible. But Ace-boy is already on his way to Marine Headquarters. You should give up… no, leave the rest to Whitebeard.

Luffy: If that's where he's going then that's where I'll go!!

Ivankov: Do not be ridiculous!! The greatest battle this world has ever seen is about to take place there!! Do you have any idea how powerful Whitebeard is?! What of the Admirals and Vice-Admirals standing ready to fight him?! Or the Shichibukai?!! Do you know of their strength?!! How many lives do you think you have?!!

Luffy: If I gave up… I'd regret it forever!!! I'm going!!