Chapter 356: Something More Precious Than Treasure! We Are Husband and Wife.
As the mountain-like bonfire in the center of the square gradually weakened,
the dancing flames slowly turned into dark red embers.
This grand and crazy post-war victory feast also gradually came to an end with the blowing of the night wind.
King Riku took off his heavy royal cloak and wore only simple casual clothes.
Leading Kyros and Rebecca, holding a wooden cup filled with mellow wine, he walked steadily through the noisy crowd.
They walked toward the members of the Straw Hat Pirates to once again offer their most solemn thanks to these young pirates who saved Dressrosa.
Luffy sat cross-legged in front of a mountain-like pile of food remains, his mouth still stuffed with large pieces of roasted meat on the bone.
Facing King Riku's respectful thanks, he waved his hand nonchalantly and shouted indistinctly:
"Munch munch! No need to thank me, old man, as long as your meat is delicious!"
Beside him, Zoro held a huge empty wine barrel without any pretense, let out a loud burp with his mouth wide open, and replied casually:
"Phew... don't worry about us."
As for Sanji, his eyes had already turned into huge red hearts.
In his eyes, the two men, King Riku and Kyros, did not exist at all.
He was like a pink whirlwind, focusing only on surrounding the beautiful Rebecca, fawning over her and serving tea and water.
"Beautiful Rebecca, how about another special dessert~"
Sanji was wiggling his body, and before he could finish speaking, he was unceremoniously kicked away by a speechless Zoro.
Chopper stood on a wooden barrel, covering his hot cheeks with both hands, his body wiggling happily like a wave, shouting:
"Even if you praise me like that, I won't be happy, you bastard~"
But on his small furry face, the bright smile after being praised couldn't be hidden at all.
Usopp stood with his hands on his hips proudly, his long nose and chin almost pointing to the sky.
With a matter-of-fact look, he gladly accepted the continuous praise from the people around him.
King Riku looked at this group of energetic pirates with a smile, his gaze scanning the crowd.
But he didn't see the figures of the Iron Man and the Skeleton Man.
Since he couldn't find them, the old king didn't force it, thinking he would just have to find another chance to thank them later.
"Grandfather, Mr. Victor and Miss Nami are over there."
Rebecca spoke softly, pointing her slender finger toward the far end of the square.
King Riku nodded and led the two through the noisy square toward the quiet corner at the very edge.
At this moment in the corner, the cool night breeze blew through the leaves, and the atmosphere was warm.
Robin was leaning naturally in Victor's broad embrace.
She had a lazy posture, and by the bright moonlight in the sky and the faint firelight from afar, she focused on the notebook in her hand that had just recorded many hidden histories.
Nami, for her part, had swapped positions with Victor.
This beautiful Navigator was now lying comfortably on Victor's sturdy thighs.
She closed her big, agile eyes, her long Eyelashes trembling slightly, quietly enjoying this tranquility.
Hearing the approaching crisp footsteps, the three showed amazing tacit understanding.
They stood up from the grass in unison, elegantly tidying their slightly messy clothes.
Then, the three looked at the approaching royal trio with polite and calm smiles.
King Riku, Kyros, and Rebecca walked up to them with solemn expressions.
Without redundant pleasantries, the three bowed deeply in unison, expressing the most sincere gratitude on behalf of the entire country.
"Your Excellencies, Dressrosa owes its present to your righteous intervention," King Riku said in a deep voice.
Hearing this, Nami, who had just appeared somewhat dignified, instantly let out a "hehe" laugh.
A flash of cunning light passed through her beautiful big eyes, and she immediately returned to her true nature as a little money-grubber.
"Oh, King Uncle, we're all friends, no need to be so polite."
Nami took a step forward, her smile like a flower.
"However, verbal thanks are so boring. Why not... give us something practical?"
As she spoke, she very skillfully extended her fair right hand and gently rubbed her thumb and index finger together.
Standing aside, Victor looked at Nami's cute, money-loving appearance and smiled helplessly.
He stepped forward, reached out his broad palm, and gently pressed down on Nami's small hand that was still rubbing.
"Alright, Nami."
Victor's voice was gentle and tolerant as he softly advised.
"Dressrosa has gone through this catastrophe and is now in a state where everything needs to be rebuilt.
"Funds are needed everywhere to rebuild their homes. They need this money more than we do."
Hearing Victor's words, Nami gave a dissatisfied snort.
She pulled her hand back from Victor's palm, extended her slender index finger, unceremoniously poked Victor's forehead, then folded her arms across her chest, raised her chin slightly, and said coquettishly:
"You idiot, do you think I'm some unreasonable, money-only, arrogant woman in your heart?"
Nami turned her head, looked deeply at Victor, and a stunning smile curled at the corner of her mouth:
"Besides, what do those worldly gold and silver treasures matter?
"I've already found something more precious than treasure!"
Hearing this subtle confession, a warm current immediately surged in Victor's heart.
Seeing Nami's tsundere and charming appearance, he quickly smiled and nodded repeatedly in apology, his attitude appearing very humble and full of doting:
"Yes, yes, yes, my Miss Navigator is the most reasonable person in the world. I said the wrong thing."
Robin closed the notebook in her hand, her eyes full of gentle smiles.
Then, she turned her head and said gently to the still somewhat stunned King Riku:
"Your Majesty King Riku, please don't mind.
"Actually, during the battle, we inevitably destroyed many streets and buildings in Dressrosa, causing you a lot of trouble.
"If you really want to thank us, just replenish some of the food and fresh water supplies we need for our next voyage.
"Other than that, we don't need anything."
Robin paused, seemingly remembering something, and added with a smile: "Ah! Right."
"And that prize for the final winner of the Coliseum, which is that road poneglyph."
"That is crucial to our pirate crew."
Hearing Robin's reasonable words, the original worry in King Riku's heart vanished instantly, and he breathed a long sigh of relief.
He couldn't help but laugh out loud.
As an experienced elder, he naturally guessed the special relationship between them at a glance.
He bowed again and expressed his gratitude sincerely.
While standing behind King Riku, Rebecca's gaze swept back and forth across the faces of Victor, Nami, and Robin.
Seeing their intimate actions, this girl who had been fighting in the Coliseum showed a kind of curiosity and innocence belonging to a young girl in her eyes.
In contrast, as a father, Kyros was not in such a relaxed mood.
This burly, tough gladiator looked at Victor, who was surrounded by two peerless beauties.
In his eyes, this man was simply an extremely dangerous element exuding the aura of a dangerous playboy!
The smile on Kyros's face instantly became very stiff.
He even took a nervous step to the side, for fear that Rebecca would be deceived by such a dangerous man.
Nami keenly noticed Rebecca's curious gaze.
Facing the gaze of this princess, she didn't show the slightest shyness or bashfulness. Instead, she took a step forward and revealed a cunning smile.
She generously reached out and grabbed Victor's arm:
"What are you looking at, little princess?"
"We are husband and wife."
Hearing this bold declaration, pure Rebecca's brain instantly crashed.
Her face turned as red as a ripe apple in the blink of an eye, flushing all the way to her ears.
She waved her hands in a panic and kept bowing her head in apology, at a loss:
"S-sorry! I didn't mean to keep staring at you!
"I've disturbed you, I'm really sorry!"
Looking at Rebecca's embarrassed and cute expression,
Nami, who had long since shed her youthful greenness and displayed the charming allure of a mature woman, couldn't help but cover her mouth and let out a crisp giggle.
Robin on the other side was also amused and couldn't help but gently cover her mouth and smile.
She looked at the nervous Rebecca and added in a half-joking tone:
"Princess, whatever you do, don't fall in love with a playboy like him."
Facing the double-teaming and teasing of his two wives, Victor, standing in the middle, rubbed his nose and could only cover it up with a slightly awkward cough.
Looking at this group of vibrant and distinct pirates, the smiling King Riku was full of emotion.
He knew these young people needed their own private time.
So he took Kyros and Rebecca, whose face was so red it was about to drip water, and politely bid them farewell.
A moment later, King Riku walked with steady steps to the temporary high platform in the center of the square.
As the old king pressed his hands down in the air, the originally noisy and boiling feast sounds on the square gradually quieted down.
All the citizens and warriors stopped their wine cups and turned their respectful gazes to their reborn king.
King Riku looked around at the hopeful faces below and, with a resonant voice, loudly announced the official end of this revelry feast that had lasted until late at night.
Then, he did not indulge too much in the sadness of the past.
Instead, he gave a passionate outlook on the future construction of Dressrosa and expressed absolute confidence in reshaping the country's prosperity.
"My people! The long night has passed!"
King Riku suddenly raised his right fist, his voice echoing in the night sky.
"The brand-new dawn of Dressrosa is waiting for us!
"It needs all of us to unite and rebuild it with our own hardworking hands!"
Along with King Riku's final powerful speech, the emotions of the citizens were completely ignited.
They raised their arms and let out a warm cheer that resounded through the sky.
Then, the bonfire gradually went out.
The crowd paired up in twos and threes and gradually dissipated into the gentle night of Dressrosa.Chapter 357: Tenderness in the Still of the Night! The Poorly Soundproofed Cabin
The late-night breeze carried the scent of roses and the saltiness of the sea.
After the banquet ended, they distanced themselves from the hustle and bustle of the crowd.
Victor, Nami, and Robin walked hand-in-hand along the coastline, draped in the quiet starlight of the vast sky.
It wasn't until the dead of night that they returned to Kyros's small cabin under the moonlight.
Pushing open the wooden door, the sight on the first floor was enough to make one chuckle.
Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Franky, and the other companions were sprawled haphazardly across the wooden floor.
Luffy's limbs were spread out like the character for 'big,' and a snot bubble grew and shrank with his breathing.
Zoro was clutching a wine bottle, mumbling incoherent words in his sleep.
Sanji was curled up in a corner, a perverted smirk plastered on his face.
Snoring and the sound of grinding teeth intertwined; the pirates were currently sleeping completely unguarded.
To avoid waking his exhausted companions, Victor gave a faint smile.
He naturally reached out, one hand encircling Nami's slender waist, while the other gently took Robin's soft, delicate hand.
With a thought, an invisible Gravity began to flow quietly.
The feet of the three hovered slightly off the ground, breaking free from the earth's constraints.
They smoothly reached the private little attic on the second floor, and then, with a soft 'click,' the door was gently locked.
The attic wasn't large, yet it exuded a sense of quiet warmth.
A wooden window was left half-open, and the clear, water-like moonlight poured in through the frames, spreading a layer of silver-white gauze over the wide bed.
Having drunk quite a bit of Fruit wine at the banquet, Nami's cheeks were now flushed.
Her eyes, usually clever and agile, were now glazed with a misty shimmer, revealing a hint of intoxication.
As soon as they entered the room, she pounced directly into Victor's arms like a lazy, clingy kitten.
Nami stood on her tiptoes, her arms tightly encircling Victor's neck.
Her warm breath, scented with wine, puffed gently against Victor's ear.
"What I said at the banquet today... I wasn't joking..."
"In my heart, you all are more precious than all the treasures on this sea."
Having said that, she proactively tilted her delicate chin, closed her eyes, and offered a passionate, deep kiss.
Outside the window, the quiet night wind whispered through the treetops, accompanied by the low chirping of unknown autumn insects.
On the white wall inside, the long silhouettes of the two overlapping in the moonlight were reflected.
With the soft rustle of fabric, pieces of clothing slid one by one onto the edge of the bed.
The soft moonlight acted like a brush, outlining Nami's graceful and proud curves, as well as Victor's broad, explosive back.
Robin, standing to the side, did not speak to interrupt.
With a gentle smile on her lips, she leaned down and picked up their clothes from the floor one by one, folding them neatly on a nearby wooden chair.
Then, she also began to unfasten her own bodice.
Her perfect figure, perfectly encased in tight clothing, was revealed in the hazy light.
Robin quietly walked over to the rocking chair by the window and sat down.
With her long legs crossed, she continued to flip through her notebook by the moonlight pouring into the room.
The old wooden bed in the attic, which had seen many years, began to emit a faint 'creak.'
The clean, flat bedsheets were gripped tightly by a slender hand, the knuckles turning slightly white, creating deep folds.
Pretty orange hair and Victor's short black hair were messily intertwined on the soft pillow.
Unbeknownst to them, the air had already become thick with a cloyingly sweet, ambiguous atmosphere.
The temperature continued to climb.
A fair, slender hand suddenly covered Nami's flushed, slightly parted lips.
Robin had put down her notebook at some unknown point.
With an elegant posture, she leaned silently against the edge of the bed.
Robin leaned forward slightly, her waterfall-like black hair cascading down naturally.
Her moist, deep eyes quietly watched the two, whose gazes had already become blurred.
A mischievous smile played on Robin's lips as she tilted her head slightly and whispered in her characteristically soft, seductive voice:
"Dear Mr. Victor..."
"The soundproofing of this little cabin isn't very good, you know. Everyone downstairs is still sleeping."
This teasing whisper caused Nami's body to stiffen instantly.
She closed her eyes tightly in embarrassment and bit her lower lip hard, not daring to make the slightest sound.
With nowhere else to put them, her hands could only grip Victor's broad back tightly.
Hearing the whisper in his ear, Victor's movements paused slightly.
He turned his head and looked at Robin's beautiful face, which was full of smiles.
He chuckled, extended a long arm, and pulled Robin, who was sitting by the bed, directly into this burning, tender world.
At Victor's action, Robin let out a soft gasp.
Victor's hands supported her slender, soft waist, gently guiding her to lie on the soft bed.
Before long, suppressed soft moans began to echo in this seemingly isolated little attic.
The sounds were intermittent, dense and lingering like silkworms eating mulberry leaves.
In this silent night, amidst the intense thrill of potentially waking their sleeping companions downstairs.
The intertwined breathing and soft moans made one's ears burn and mind race.
The old wooden bed began to rock stealthily once more, its creaking sounds composing a secret nocturne with the chirping insects outside.
After an unknown amount of time.
Victor lowered his head and placed a deep, tender kiss on Robin's black hair, which was slightly damp with sweat.
He whispered a soft 'Goodnight' into her ear.
Then, Victor withdrew with gentle movements, not disturbing her breathing, which had just calmed down.
He turned around and embraced Nami, who had been squeezed into the inner side of the bed.
As a competent partner, he naturally had to 'hold the bowl level' and would never neglect either party.
Victor extended a finger, lightly caressing Nami's cheek, which still bore an alluring flush, feeling the smoothness and warmth of her skin.
Nami leaned obediently into his embrace, looking up to meet his gaze.
The sky was gradually brightening.
After some time, the rocking wooden bed finally returned to a long-lasting peace.
In the attic, the lingering atmosphere gradually dissipated, leaving only the sound of the three's intertwined breathing.
Victor leaned quietly against the wooden headboard.
He reached out and pulled over a large, soft Wool blanket from the side, carefully covering the three lying beside him to ward off the chill of the night breeze.
In this beautiful country that had survived cruel warfare and was now reborn.
In this space far removed from the clamor of the world.
Amidst each other's body heat and heartbeats, they fell into a sweet and secure slumber.Chapter 358: The Aftertaste of Dawn! The Approaching Marine and the Blocked Port
The morning sunlight, like shards of gold foil, pierced through the half-open, old wooden window of the attic, quietly spilling onto the messy bed.
In the air, there still lingered a faint aftertaste of the intense intimacy from last night.
Accompanied by the crisp chirping of birds outside the window, it seemed exceptionally peaceful and serene.
Victor was the first to wake from his slumber.
He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping gently across this small space.
He then lowered his head slightly; their sleeping faces were tranquil and charming, their even breathing brushing softly against his chest.
Victor's eyes became incredibly tender.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He leaned down slightly and planted a gentle kiss on each of them, using the softest way possible to wake them from their sweet dreams.
Accompanied by two lazy hums, Nami and Robin slowly opened their watery eyes.
The three of them got up from the bed and began to tidy up.
Because the physical exertion last night had been a bit too much.
Nami stretched languidly, exposing her stunning, graceful curves to the fullest.
She rubbed the corners of her slightly red eyes and suggested in a soft voice that she wanted to find a place to take a comfortable bath first.
Upon hearing this, Robin also felt she wasn't feeling very fresh and indeed needed a good wash.
But she walked to the window and glanced at the crude wooden cabin below, as well as the forest nearby that was still undergoing post-disaster cleanup.
After thinking for a moment, she turned back and smiled as she suggested to Nami:
"Let's just bear with it for now and wait until we get back on the Thousand Sunny to wash."
"After all, it would be troublesome to boil water for a bath in this simple wooden cabin, and if we were spotted by those guys downstairs, it would only lead to unnecessary awkwardness."
Hearing Robin's thoughtful consideration, Nami nodded and agreed.
However, just as they were dressed and preparing to go downstairs, the scenes from last night involuntarily flashed through Nami's mind.
Her fair cheeks instantly flushed with an alluring crimson, like a sunset cloud.
You have to know, during the latter part of last night, in order not to wake the sleeping companions in the hall downstairs.
She had tried very hard to bite her lower lip, desperately suppressing her own voice.
But in the end, she couldn't help it and let out a few intermittent sounds...
The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed and annoyed she felt, fearing that she would be teased by her companions once they went downstairs.
Nami stopped, couldn't help but turn back, raised her pink fist to lightly punch Victor, and glared at him coquettishly.
It's all the fault of this energetic guy!
He knew the soundproofing was bad, yet he still kept finding new ways to torture her!
Victor laughed in spite of himself, took the opportunity to hold her hand, and placed a light kiss on it.
The three of them finally composed themselves and slowly walked down the old wooden stairs.
As soon as they arrived in the hall on the first floor, the rich aroma of food that made one's mouth water hit them.
Looking around, except for Usopp, who was still snoring loudly in the corner, all the other companions had already woken up early.
Everyone was sitting around a large, makeshift wooden table, devouring their food like a whirlwind.
Luffy, who was holding a huge piece of meat on the bone and eating until his mouth was greasy, heard the movement from the stairs.
He looked up, saw the three people coming downstairs, immediately grinned widely, and greeted them indistinctly:
"Mmph! Good morning!"
Nami stood at the foot of the stairs, her gaze quickly scanning the faces of every companion.
Seeing that everyone was focused on eating and their expressions were natural, without showing any strange look of having "heard something odd,"
She finally let out a silent sigh of relief in her heart, putting down her last worry.
She raised her usual bright and radiant smile and waved naturally:
"Hi! Good morning, everyone!"
Then, she led Victor and Robin down the stairs, took seats at the table, and joined the lively breakfast time.
Just as everyone was enthusiastically and happily enjoying their delicious breakfast, Luffy's chewing suddenly stopped.
He swallowed the food in his mouth, stretched his neck to look around, and asked with a puzzled face:
"Hmm? That's strange. Why does it feel like someone is missing? Where did Tra-guy go?"
Hearing the Captain's question, Sanji walked over from the makeshift stove with a freshly cooked clear soup.
He lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and casually began to mock his nemesis sitting opposite:
"Who knows? Maybe just like this hopeless Marimo, he got lost even while walking on a flat road."
Zoro, who was gulping down alcohol, froze at these words.
The corner of his eye twitched, he turned his head sharply, and glared fiercely at Sanji:
"Do you want to die, you Curly-brow bastard! Who gets lost walking on flat ground!"
"Isn't it you!"
Sanji retorted without showing any weakness, and it looked like they were about to get into a fight as usual.
Watching this familiar daily bickering, Victor waved his hand with a smile, interrupted their argument, and explained to Luffy:
"As for Trafalgar, he went out just as the sky was beginning to brighten."
"He said he wanted to go to a certain place in Dressrosa to pay his respects to Corazon."
"Considering the time, he should be back soon."
Luffy nodded in realization, stopped asking, and immediately buried his head back into his food, starting his storm-like eating mode.
Just in this relaxed and cozy daily atmosphere.
The already somewhat dilapidated wooden door of the cabin was suddenly pushed open with a loud "bang" from the outside.
Kyros rushed in, his chest heaving violently.
This legendary gladiator, who was always composed, was now shouting a warning with a panicked expression:
"Everyone! It's bad!"
"The Marine, the Marine are here!"
"Our outpost at the coastline just sent urgent intelligence; a large number of Marine warships are about to dock!"
Hearing this news, which was like a thunderclap, the Straw Hat crew, who had been relaxed and lazy in the room, instantly put down their tableware.
Luffy still had his mouth stuffed with food, his cheeks bulging high, and he exclaimed indistinctly:
"Mmph?! The Marine?!"
Immediately after, this pirate Captain's first reaction upon hearing that a strong enemy was approaching was not to run away.
Instead, his hands instantly turned into afterimages that were hard to catch with the naked eye, and he actually began to sweep away all the remaining food on the table at a terrifying speed that chilled one's bones!
The roasted meat, bread, and soup on the plates were all stuffed into his mouth with lightning speed.
Robin maintained her usual calmness. She turned to look at the anxious Kyros and asked softly:
"Mr. Kyros, what about our supplies for sailing..."
Kyros nodded heavily and gave the most firm reply: "Please rest assured, everyone!"
"Just in case, King Riku has already ordered us to transport a large amount of supplies to your ship overnight."
"All kinds of food, fresh water, and repair materials needed for sailing are available; it is absolutely sufficient."
"You can weigh anchor and set sail at any time!"
"All done! I'm full!"
Accompanied by a "gulp," he struggled to swallow the last piece of huge meat on the bone.
Luffy patted his now round belly with great satisfaction and excitedly raised his arms in a cheer.
Everyone quickly gathered together to briefly discuss the current situation.
Dressrosa had gone through ten whole years of darkness and suffering, and had only just ushered in this hard-won peace and the dawn of reconstruction.
If their group of pirates continued to stay here and had a head-on, intense clash with those legendary Marine generals leading the massive fleet.
It would inevitably bring new disasters and immeasurable destruction to this war-torn country.
In order not to cause trouble for the friends they had just made.
Everyone unanimously decided to give up unnecessary fighting and immediately evacuate the island as a whole.
Without delay, Zoro grabbed Usopp, who was still snoring in the corner, and slung him over his shoulder as neatly as carrying a sack.
Everyone quickly gathered their equipment and weapons and rushed out through the wooden door.
Under the personal guidance of Kyros, who was familiar with the terrain.
The Straw Hat crew ran at full speed along a little-known hidden path towards the direction where the "Thousand Sunny" was docked.
Along the way, everyone had a solemn expression, and their pace was fast.
They had thought this evacuation would encounter heavy interception and tight control by the Marine.
However, to everyone's surprise, they unexpectedly found that the road to the east coast was exceptionally smooth.
Let alone defensive lines and traps, they didn't even see the shadow of a single Marine soldier along the way.
"What's going on? Is the Marine's defense so lax? Could there be some conspiracy?"
A trace of doubt rose in Nami's heart, and she looked around vigilantly.
However, when Luffy took the lead and was the first to arrive at the open port on the east coast, he suddenly stopped his running.
The rest of the Straw Hat crew following behind also slammed on the brakes, staring at the scene in front of them in astonishment.
They saw that the long coastline, which should have been wide and flat.
Was now completely blocked by a dense, endless crowd of people!
Standing at the very front of this sea of people were not Marines in white uniforms.
It was actually the heroes of the colosseum, including Bartolomeo, Cavendish, the giant Hajrudin, and Sai of the Happo Navy!
More than five thousand fully armed, fanatical warriors had gathered into a massive and awe-inspiring, terrifying force.
They held various weapons and were arranged in a neat and uniform formation.
Facing the slightly salty morning sea breeze, these more than five thousand pairs of eyes were staring intently at the Straw Hat crew coming from the forest with an incredibly solemn and expectant gaze...Chapter 359: The Pirate King's Freedom! The Shining Admiral and the Farewell into the Sky
"Wh-what is going on? Are these enemies?"
Usopp's legs trembled in fear as he gripped his slingshot tightly.
Just as everyone was on guard, a path suddenly opened in the center of the crowd.
Bartolomeo, sporting that conspicuous green mohawk, rushed forward with tears streaming down his face.
Wiping away tears of excitement, he loudly explained to Luffy and Victor.
Their gathering at the harbor was definitely not to block the Straw Hat's path; rather, they had spontaneously formed a massive alliance, coming specifically to follow them.
Led by Bartolomeo, the seven representatives—'White Horse' Cavendish, Sai of the Happo Navy, the Giant Race warrior Hajrudin, Leo, Destructive Cannon Ideo, and Admiral Orlumbus—who had forged deep bonds during the life-and-death battles in the coliseum, stepped out from the crowd in unison.
With a synchronized sound, these seven warriors, famous throughout the New World, knelt on one knee before Luffy, their expressions incredibly solemn.
Several underlings carefully brought out a massive sake cup adorned with ornate patterns, filled to the brim with clear, fine sake.
Bartolomeo held the cup with both hands, tilted his head back, and with all his might, shouted solemnly:
"Luffy-senpai! Victor-senpai!"
"Please drink this 'Father-Son Sake' with us!"
"We seven, along with our five thousand six hundred brothers, wish to officially join under the Straw Hat Pirates."
"We will become your sharpest spear and your sturdiest shield, fighting for you in the New World!"
The deafening oath echoed over the coastline.
Faced with this massive force that would make any pirate in the New World green with envy—a terrifying combat power capable of toppling a nation in an instant—Luffy didn't even think about it, shouting out decisively and bluntly:
"I don't want to! It feels like such a hassle, and there are too many people, it's just too crowded!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire scene fell into a deathly silence.
Immediately after, the seven representatives and the thousands of underlings behind them dropped their jaws in shock.
"Ehh—?!!!"
Thousands of people let out cries of disbelief.
How could anyone refuse the sincere allegiance of over five thousand powerful warriors?!
This was the most important step toward the throne of the "Four Emperors"!
Seeing the confusion, shock, and even grievance in everyone's eyes, Luffy reached up and firmly pressed the Straw Hat on his head, revealing his incredibly brilliant smile.
"Listen up, everyone!"
"When I set sail to become a pirate, I didn't want to be some big shot who rules over everything, nor did I want to be a boss who barks orders!"
Luffy took a deep breath, facing the rising sun, and loudly declared the purest belief in his heart:
"In my opinion, the person who is the most free on this great sea... is the Pirate King!"
"So! You guys go and pursue your own freedom too! Hehehe!"
Hearing this declaration of freedom from Luffy—which lacked any ambition yet was filled with dominance—the Straw Hat members looked at each other and smiled with pride, accustomed to his ways.
This was the Captain they were willing to follow, a man who would always value freedom more than power.
These words shook the seven representatives kneeling on the ground to their core.
They finally realized the true charm of the young man before them.
Luffy didn't need cold contracts or rigid hierarchies to bind others.
This wind-like, unconstrained soul only made the flame of their desire to follow him burn even brighter.
Not only did they not retreat after being rejected, but they were even more determined to answer the Straw Hat's call at any time in the future.
Just as the crowd at the harbor was still immersed in the shock of Luffy's words, with a soft "whoosh," Law used his spatial ability to suddenly flash into the center of the crowd.
He was sweating profusely and shouted anxiously:
"Straw Hat Captain! Crimson Lotus Captain!"
"Stop chatting, an Admiral has arrived! Let's go!"
The moment Law finished speaking, the sky above the harbor suddenly changed.
The originally azure sky was instantly filled with a blinding yellow light, so dazzling that it was almost impossible to keep one's eyes open.
In mid-air, a tall, thin figure wearing a coat of justice was already hovering there, though no one knew when he had arrived.
Admiral Kizaru stood with his arms crossed over his chest, light gathering at his fingertips.
Accompanied by his lazy and somewhat lecherous voice, it drifted down leisurely from the sky:
"My, my, how lively. That speech just now actually moved me~"
"Then, let me give you a magnificent farewell gift. Yasakani no Magatama."
In an instant, countless lethal yellow laser beams, like a dense meteor shower, carried destructive heat and piercing power as they poured down indiscriminately onto the dense crowd below.
Faced with the Admiral's area-of-effect killer move, the pirates below were all terrified.
At this critical moment, Victor calmly stepped forward.
He slowly raised his right hand, palm facing the descending rain of light, and said calmly:
"Shinra Tensei!"
"Boom—!"
A violent wave of spatial repulsion erupted from Victor as the center, like an invisible spherical barrier, surging violently into mid-air!
The dense, rain-like laser beams, the moment they touched this absolute repulsion, were all forcibly deflected, sent spiraling back into the high sky.
Countless light beams lost their balance in mid-air and detonated prematurely.
"Boom, boom, boom!"
The deafening chain of explosions resounded through the sky.
Blinding firelight and thick smoke intertwined in the air, turning into a grand and magnificent daylight fireworks display, completely neutralizing Kizaru's attack.
Taking advantage of the precious gap while Victor blocked the Admiral's attack, Luffy pressed his Straw Hat with one hand and laughed excitedly:
"Yosh! Take this chance, everyone, run!"
Having said that, Luffy didn't give his companions any time to react or prepare.
He suddenly stretched his elastic Gum-Gum arms, like two long lassos, wrapping them wildly through the crowd.
He tightly bundled all the Straw Hat members, along with Law, together.
"Hold on tight!"
Luffy pulled his legs back sharply, turning his body into a giant slingshot charged to its limit.
Then, he kicked off with his legs.
"Whoosh—!"
Accompanied by a sharp sound of breaking through the air, Luffy, carrying the bundled group, flew like a giant cannonball fired from a chamber, whistling towards the "Thousand Sunny" docked in the coastal waters.
Terrified screams from the Straw Hat members instantly rang out in mid-air.
Nami and Usopp, their hair messy in the strong wind and faces covered in black lines, shouted:
"Damn you, Luffy! Why is it always like this every time we retreat—!"
With a dull "thud," everyone landed in a very disheveled state, sprawling across the deck of the Thousand Sunny, which was piled high with various supplies.
"Ouch, that hurts! Can't you choose a gentler way to land, you guy!" Zoro complained, rubbing his head.
Just as everyone had climbed to their feet, several massive Marine warships had surrounded them on the offshore sea.
The pitch-black muzzles of heavy artillery were all aimed at the helpless Thousand Sunny.
"Straw Hat spotted! All ships, prepare to fire!" the Marine commander shouted, issuing the order.
Faced with the black cannonballs flying across the sky, Luffy stood at the ship's rail, laughing as he turned back toward the artillery fire and shouted to the stern:
"Franky!"
"Leave it to me!"
Franky understood instantly.
He had already been standing at the control console, hands joined, striking that iconic pose at the stern, with the star patterns on his arms aligned.
"SUPER! Energy charge complete! Everyone hold on tight, Coup de Burst!"
"Boom—!!!"
A huge roar that shook the sea surface rang out, and the massive Sky Island shell propulsion device at the stern of the Thousand Sunny instantly activated, spewing out a visible, violent stream of air.
Under the reaction of this powerful thrust, the entire Thousand Sunny instantly broke free from the constraints of the sea.
Amidst the towering water columns from the cannonballs exploding in the water, it flew rapidly into the high sky.
Luffy ran to the railing at the stern, laughing loudly at the land and the crowd below that were getting smaller and smaller.
He waved his hands vigorously, expressing the joy in his heart to the fullest:
"Goodbye! Everyone!"
"Goodbye! Marines!"
"Goodbye! That blind old man!"
The seven representatives and thousands of underlings left on the harbor beach looked up, watching the Thousand Sunny fly directly into the clouds, jumping around in anxiety.
They waved their arms frantically, shouting at the sky:
"Wait for us! Captain Luffy!"
"We haven't finished the sake of brotherhood! We haven't officially completed the ceremony yet!"
Upon learning the news that the Straw Hat had left, King Riku, who had rushed to the edge of the highland, and the residents of Dressrosa who had walked onto the streets along the way, all stopped what they were doing.
They looked up, watching the pirate ship gradually fading into the distance in the sky, their eyes filled with gratitude, and waved goodbye with tears in their eyes.
Rebecca stood on the high stone tower, cupping her hands around her mouth, and shouted loudly toward the sky:
"Have a safe journey, Luffy—!"
"Thank you all!"
On a towering cliff on the east coast of Dressrosa, waves crashed against the steep rock walls below.
The blind Admiral Fujitora stood alone, facing the vast ocean.
He leaned on his shikomizue, quietly feeling the laughter drifting in the sea breeze.
His Observation Haki sensed the clash that had just occurred in the sky, and a trace of doubt couldn't help but arise in his heart.
Given the speed of Borsalino's Glint-Glint Fruit, which was unparalleled in the world... even if he had been blocked by that Crimson Lotus Victor just now, it was impossible for him to give up so easily.
If Kizaru wanted to, he should have been able to catch up to that wooden ship very easily.
Why did Kizaru deliberately "go easy," stopping after just putting on a show?
But then, Fujitora shook his head slightly, not dwelling on the thoughts of this unpredictable colleague.
After all, at this special moment, letting this group of heroes who saved the country leave might also be a tacit understanding.
On Fujitora's weathered face, a trace of an exceptionally gentle smile gradually appeared at the corners of his mouth.
"What an incredible, magical power..."
"To be able to make so many people willingly follow without relying on force."
Fujitora faced the slightly salty sea breeze, murmuring silently in his heart.
"What kind of person is he... what kind of smile is it that makes everyone submit to him."
He gripped the shikomizue in his hand, a feeling of regret he had never felt before surging in his heart, yet it was also filled with immense gratification.
"That smile must be as dazzling and warm as the sun."
"These eyes of mine, which I closed with my own hands so as not to see the filth of the world..."
"At this moment, I actually want to see your face... Straw Hat Luffy."Chapter 360: A Raging Soul! The Scholar's Diary and the Missed Deep-Sea Alarm
The New World, the heart of the Totto Land sea—Cake Island.
This massive castle, originally filled with sweetness and fairy-tale colors, was now shrouded in a terrifying atmosphere so oppressive it was suffocating.
The air seemed to have solidified, making even breathing incredibly difficult.
The Minister of Information for the Big Mom Pirates, Charlotte Mont-d'Or, was kneeling on both knees before the wide throne.
His usually calculating face was now devoid of color, his entire body trembling like a sieve as he reported the situation to the presence on the throne in a shaking voice:
"Ma... Mama..."
"The Vivre Card belonging to the head of the Three Sweet Commanders, Brother Katakuri..."
"It has completely self-destructed and burned away, reduced to ashes."
Upon hearing this report, "Big Mom" Charlotte Linlin, seated upon the throne, appeared dazed for a moment.
Then, her mountain-like massive body suddenly leaned forward, and a giant shadow instantly enveloped Mont-d'Or below.
Big Mom's eyes were filled with terrifying bloodshot veins, and with an overwhelming sense of pressure, she questioned furiously:
"What is the meaning of this! Mont-d'Or!"
"Are you trying to tell me that the invincible Katakuri is dead?!"
"Hmm?!"
Facing Big Mom's interrogation, cold sweat poured down Mont-d'Or's forehead like a waterfall, dripping onto the red carpet along his cheeks.
He swallowed hard, and under the pressure that felt like it was about to crush him, he nodded stiffly:
"Y... yes, Mama..."
"According to the latest intelligence, Brother Katakuri... likely died in Dressrosa."
"And the killer who murdered him should be that Straw Hat Luffy and his crew..."
The hall fell into a brief, deathly silence, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.
Immediately after, Big Mom's eyes suddenly rolled back, and a terrifying freakish scream erupted from her throat, powerful enough to blow off the castle's dome:
"MAMAMAMAMA——!!!"
A surge of high-level Haoshoku, powerful enough to shatter a mortal's soul, swept through the entire Cake Island like a literal black storm, with the throne as its center.
Under the impact of this despairing and violent power, countless Homies inside and outside the castle who had been given souls instantly withered and died, falling to the ground lifeless.
Even the powerful thundercloud Zeus and sun Prometheus were now shivering in a corner, not daring to make a single sound.
In her berserk state, Big Mom reached out a thick palm and crushed the hard armrest of the throne to pieces.
Like a demon from the lowest depths of hell, she roared with a hideous expression, issuing the highest command:
"Straw Hat! You damn bastards! How dare you murder my most perfect son!"
"I will capture you and strip you of all your lifespan!"
"Pass down my order! Immediately issue Totto Land's highest-level wanted poster for the Straw Hat!"
"Then, send out our strongest fleet and bring them back to me! Dead or alive!!!"
"Yes! Mama!" Mont-d'Or scrambled to take the order and retreated.
A moment later, a massive fleet flying the iconic terrifying flag of the Big Mom Pirates, like a black tide sweeping across the sea, departed Totto Land with endless rage.
On the other side of the Grand Line.
The surface of the sea was dyed a brilliant golden-red by the afterglow of the setting sun, shimmering with light.
Having successfully used the "Coup de Burst" to smoothly escape the pursuit of Admiral Kizaru and the heavy Marine blockade, the "Thousand Sunny".
It was now sailing steadily across the vast, boundless ocean.
A relaxed atmosphere of having survived a disaster permeated the deck.
Luffy was lying on the soft lawn without any decorum, his hands contentedly rubbing his round, full belly as he closed his eyes to leisurely digest.
Zoro sat cross-legged to one side, meticulously wiping the three famous swords in his hands with a clean white cloth.
Usopp and Chopper were huddled together, gesturing excitedly as they discussed their thrilling experiences in Dressrosa.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the Thousand Sunny, inside Nami's private room.
After successfully escaping danger, Nami and Robin, who always loved being clean, chose to enter the bathroom to wash up immediately.
To wash away the dust and fatigue accumulated from the series of battles in Dressrosa.
The spacious bathroom was filled with steam, and a warm mist permeated the air.
Through the semi-transparent frosted glass door, the sound of splashing water that sparked the imagination could be heard from time to time, along with the unguarded laughter and playfulness of the two peerless beauties.
"Oh, Robin, stop it, the water's getting in my eyes," Nami's clear, coquettish voice came through the mist.
"Hehe, who told Miss Navigator's skin to be so good? I couldn't help but want to touch it more," Robin's melodious light laughter followed.
"Compared to that, yours is even more exaggerated..."
The laughter of the two women intertwined, making the atmosphere of the entire room incredibly relaxed.
Victor was leaning comfortably against a soft fabric sofa.
While listening to the bursts of laughter coming from the bathroom, he enjoyed the rare warmth and tranquility after the great battle.
He turned slightly and casually picked up a thick book lying on the coffee table.
The cover of the book was ancient, looking like a classic volume recording ancient literature.
Victor originally thought this was historical material Robin used for her daily research, and since he had nothing to do, he intended to flip through a page or two.
But when he opened the first page, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.
This wasn't some dry historical document; it was actually Robin's private diary.
Victor leaned back against the sofa, quietly flipping through the pages.
The first half of the diary was indeed as he thought, recording many obscure ancient characters and Robin's rigorous research on the poneglyph scattered around the world over the years.
The handwriting was neat and cool, reflecting the defensiveness and loneliness in the heart of a scholar who had been on the run alone for many years.
But after she joined the Straw Hat Pirates, especially after experiencing so many life-and-death adventures together.
The style of the diary began to gradually change, and a layer of warm color gradually stained the lines.
Flipping through the pages, Victor saw many familiar daily occurrences:
Recording Luffy's idiotic actions that made people not know whether to laugh or cry.
Zoro and Sanji's daily bickering, like children.
And Chopper's cute appearance that always made one want to give him a squeeze...
And what made Victor's heart even softer were the delicate descriptions in the diary about the bond between the three of them.
Using a sentimental touch with the unique romance of a historian, Robin recorded the gentle protection Victor provided.
She also recorded Nami's true face—how she was usually bossy and greedy for money, but her heart was incredibly soft and lovely.
At the end of one page, Victor saw a deeply emotional sentiment that Robin seemed to have written casually:
"I used to think that on this sea, there would never be a place for me to belong.
"Until I met you all... this warm cage, I am willing to be deeply trapped within it and never wish to wake up again."
Looking at these words full of deep affection, a very gentle smile couldn't help but appear on the corners of Victor's cold face.
He felt as if he could see through these ink marks that woman, who was always dignified and elegant, and the attachment in her eyes when she wrote these words under the lamp.
Victor was completely immersed in the warm world Robin had carefully woven with her words.
His attention was entirely captured by the beautiful memories in the book, and even his breathing became slow and steady.
However, at this moment.
Beside the pocket of his trench coat draped casually over the other armrest of the sofa.
That special conch he used to keep in touch with Shirahoshi suddenly began to flash with a faint and hurried red light.
Unfortunately, Victor, sitting at the other end of the sofa, had his gaze fixed on a vivid description of Nami's interesting behavior in the diary, a smile on his face.
Because he was separated by most of the sofa, and because his mind was focused on the diary in his hand and the sound of water from the bathroom.
He completely failed to notice that silent, flashing red light.