Seeing everyone doting on that snake, Momonosuke's eyes instantly burned red with jealousy, his vision blurring.
How could it be that snake? He clutched his head, his body trembling uncontrollably, muttering madly:
"Impossible... This is absolutely impossible! How can that lowly snake be my brother? I am the most noble, no one can replace me!"
His frantic and disheveled appearance was like a madman deprived of his most cherished treasure.
The Straw Hat members' smiles vanished instantly upon hearing Momonosuke's words, replaced by expressions of annoyance.
Sanji frowned, nearly crushing the cigarette in his hand, and cursed under his breath: "What is this brat babbling about?"
Sanji couldn't stand Momonosuke. Although Nami and Robin were somewhat interested in Momonosuke's Devil Fruit, Momonosuke always whined and acted foolish, monopolizing their time.
Zoro crossed his arms, his eyes cold, an almost imperceptible killing intent emanating from him. He said coldly: "You'd better clean up your mouth, or I don't mind letting you know the consequences of speaking carelessly."
Nami stood with her hands on her hips, her face full of anger: "Momonosuke, if you keep talking nonsense like this, I won't talk to you anymore!"
Chopper also stomped his feet in anger: "That's too much, Momonosuke, how can you talk about Orochimaru like that!"
Luffy's face instantly darkened upon hearing Momonosuke's shouting, his brows deeply furrowed.
He strode forward, his thick palm suddenly pinching Momonosuke's face, distorting it, and said fiercely:
"Hey! Momonosuke, listen to me, what's noble or not noble, it means nothing to me!
Orochimaru is my brother, and only I can manage him. Who are you to dislike him? If you dare to say another word about him, I'll punch you!"
Kin'emon and the other looked at each other, seeing Momonosuke in such a state.
Kin'emon stood to the side, his face filled with conflict and reluctance. He looked at the frantic Momonosuke, and finally spoke.
After all, this was the child he had meticulously cared for for a long time, but Momonosuke's current behavior was truly unacceptable.
He stepped forward, bowed slightly, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness and admonishment:
"Lord Momonosuke, please calm down. Your wild words are truly disrespectful to Lord Orochimaru.
In the past, Lord Yasui taught us humility and benevolence, to respect our liege. Now you are also Lord Orochimaru's subordinate.
Although Lord Orochimaru's identity can only be confirmed in Wano Country, no matter the outcome, Lord Orochimaru is still your brother.
Lord Momonosuke must learn to accept reality! You look terrible like this!
Lord Oden would surely be deeply disappointed if he saw you in your current state."
Duke Inuarashi stood to the side, watching as everyone's attention focused on Momonosuke. He silently walked over to Orochimaru, gently taking the umbrella from his hand, just as he had countless times before, standing steadily behind him, shielding him from the scorching sun.
Inuarashi bowed slightly, his expression respectful and tinged with concern: "Lord Orochimaru, would you like to see Raizo?
We have already informed him of the change in heir. He was overjoyed upon hearing the news and is eagerly looking forward to meeting you."
Orochimaru nodded slightly. He was filled with a desire to explore the place where Raizo was imprisoned.
Luffy and the others, hearing they were going to meet the real Ninja Raizo, were so excited they nearly jumped three feet high, constantly shouting:
"A real Ninja! We finally get to see one! Please don't be a weird Ninja like Orochimaru!"
These words, without any restraint, reached Orochimaru's ears.
Orochimaru stared at Luffy for a long time. "Am I a strange Ninja?"
Everyone nodded simultaneously... Whose Ninjutsu is all snakes? Although you have the Snake-Snake Fruit, this is so shameless.
In this commotion, Momonosuke was once again completely ignored by everyone. He remained frozen in place, his face full of unwillingness and anger, but no one paid any attention to his emotions anymore.
Nekomamushi walked with steady steps, leading the group majestically towards the Whale Tree.
Chopper's little face was flushed with excitement. With a jump, he sprawled on Nekomamushi's broad head, clutching its fur tightly, his eyes full of anticipation.
Luffy casually plopped down on Nekomamushi's tail, and with a swift move, he scooped up Orochimaru, pulling him onto his lap to lie down.
This awkward posture instantly made Orochimaru bristle, struggling with all his limbs: "What are you doing! I want to walk by myself! Don't pull me!"
Nekomamushi gently persuaded: "My tail is very stable, it's comfortable and safe to sit on, so don't fuss."
But Orochimaru still wouldn't buy it, refusing adamantly.
Luffy didn't care about any of that, excitedly shouting: "I'm going to sit here, Orochimaru, you too!"
No sooner had he spoken than he reached out and, without explanation, pressed down on Orochimaru's waist, preventing him from moving. Orochimaru could only lie there listlessly on the furry tail, his limbs dangling weakly, his face etched with helplessness.
Seeing this, Inuarashi smiled and tilted the umbrella over Luffy's head, muttering to himself: "Lord Orochimaru has so much more vitality... It must be because these guys are too boisterous."
Watching Orochimaru's exasperated expression, Inuarashi couldn't help but chuckle.
Nekomamushi happily narrowed his eyes, walking with light steps, humming an off-key meow song: "Meow~ Meow meow~" (*ΦωΦ)ﾉ
From time to time, he introduced to everyone: "We're about to climb the Whale Tree. Everyone just needs to remember how to follow the vines, and you'll reach the top."
Luffy's body couldn't stop swaying with excitement. He would occasionally reach out to stroke Orochimaru, muttering: "So exciting... Is Raizo really here?"
"Mm.", Nekomamushi affirmed.
This affirmation made Luffy completely unable to contain his excitement. He let out a loud "Ya-hoo!" ✧*｡٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و✧*
But in his over-excitement, he wasn't careful and slapped Orochimaru hard on the butt.
With a crisp "Pah!", Orochimaru instantly bristled all over. His head snapped around, his eyes wide and round, emitting a death ray full of resentment, staring fixedly at Luffy. (ꐦಠಠ)
Luffy only then realized he had caused trouble. He gave an awkward chuckle, then guiltily looked up, pretending nothing had happened as he whistled, trying to bluff his way through. (๑¯ε¯ิ๑)
However, very quickly, the overly excited Luffy completely forgot about making Orochimaru angry just now.
His eyes gleamed as he and Usopp and Chopper laughed foolishly together, shouting at the top of their lungs: "Nin... Nin... I'm so excited for a Ninja!"
Usopp also made wild gestures, muttering strange Ninja move names:
"Behold my Wind Release: Rasen shuriken!" In reality, he had no idea what real Ninja moves looked like.
However, Orochimaru's mouth couldn't stop twitching when he heard Usopp's move.
Did he think he was Naruto? Why didn't he perform a Raikiri Chidori?
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