To the royal family, the nobility, and the common citizens of Dressrosa, the Straw Hats were legendary benefactors. Sengoku understood this better than anyone. He knew that if the Marines attempted to capture the crew now, the entire country would likely turn against them in a desperate struggle. Such a move would destroy the Navy's reputation. Since Sengoku was already preparing to step down as Fleet Admiral, he decided to look the other way. He reasoned that he simply "didn't see" the pirates, and even if he had, attacking would have put his soldiers' lives at unnecessary risk.
Under the watchful eyes of the Marines, Dressrosa and the Straw Hat crew—now recognized as a powerhouse on par with the Five Emperors—began a massive, lively banquet. King Riku arrived with his family, including his daughters and granddaughter, to offer his formal thanks. The streets filled with music and dancing as the people of Dressrosa, finally free from eight years of terror, smiled for the first time in nearly a decade.
Kyros and his daughter, Rebecca, approached Luffy with deep humility. For Kyros, the Straw Hats had saved everything—his country, his home, and his family. He vowed that his life was at their service. However, the Straw Hat crew had no intention of asking for anything in return. They had initially engaged Doflamingo to help their ally Law, and they treated the royal family as friends rather than debtors. Kyros was deeply moved by their selfless nature and promised that if they ever needed his strength in the future, he would be there without hesitation. Thanks to Law's surgical abilities, Kyros had even been restored to his full physical form.
Carl watched the celebration with a sense of admiration for Kyros, a man who had never given up even in the most desperate circumstances. He also couldn't help but notice Rebecca, who had grown into a brave and handsome young woman. Sanji, predictably, was already lovestruck, twirling around Violet and Rebecca with red eyes, only to be met with polite, awkward smiles.
"What exactly are you looking at?" Robin's voice drifted over, sounding dangerously calm.
"Oh, I was just watching Violet and Rebecca," Carl admitted honestly.
"And? What do you think of them?" she asked.
"Neither is my type," Carl replied quickly. Robin's expression softened instantly, and she smiled as she poured more wine for him. Carl sighed, realizing he was being kept on a very short leash.
While Sanji failed to make an impression, Rebecca found herself having a natural, easy conversation with Luffy. Luffy's simple and adventurous spirit drew her in, and the two were soon laughing together like old friends. Watching this, King Riku, Kyros, and Violet shared a silent look. They knew that in the dangerous New World, small nations often struggled to survive without the protection of the Marines or the World Government. Many countries had secretly turned to the Four Emperors for safety.
King Riku felt that Luffy was a reliable choice for a protector. Unlike most pirates, the Straw Hats acted more like explorers and were fiercely loyal to their friends. While the King didn't want to use Rebecca as a political tool, he decided that if she truly liked Luffy, he would not stand in her way. For now, however, it was just a thought for the future.
As the banquet grew louder, several others joined in without an invitation. Zoro and Sanji looked on with speechless expressions as Chinjao, Sai, Baboo, Ideo, and Blue Gilly sat down to eat.
"Hey, old man," Zoro said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Don't you have a grudge against Garp? Are you here to pick a fight with Luffy?"
Chinjao rubbed his pointed head and chuckled. "Don't be nervous. Garp may have crushed my head once, but Straw Hat Luffy is the one who fixed it. He is my benefactor now. Why wouldn't I come to share a drink with him?"
Carl laughed and leaned forward. "Chinjao, I've heard rumors about an island covered in ice where you hide a mountain of gold and jewels. They say only your pointed head can crack the ice to reach it. So, where exactly is this Treasure Island?"
Nami's eyes instantly turned into Berry symbols. "A mountain of gold and jewels? Where is it?!"
Chinjao's face turned pale. "Those treasures belong to the Happo Navy! Even if you are benefactors, you cannot have them! Besides, only I can open the ice!"
Zoro grinned, putting a hand on Chinjao's shoulder. "Don't be so stingy. Why not just tell us the location? As for the ice, I'm sure Carl could handle that."
"No! Never! The treasure stays where it is!" Chinjao barked back.
"You're a pretty ungrateful old man," Zoro teased. The two began a loud argument that only added to the festive atmosphere of the banquet.
Sanji turned his attention to Ideo and Blue Gilly. "And what about you two? Why are you here?"
Ideo and Blue Gilly spoke in perfect unison. "We've decided to form a crew and join the Straw Hat Grand Fleet!"
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