Inside the banquet hall of Golden City, the Den Den Mushi in Reid's hand buzzed with a "pfft pfft pfft," and the screen flickered into the gentle, smiling face of Lucie.
"Hello, cutie~ Can you hear me?" Lucie's voice came through. "How was your trip to Mary Geoise?"
Reid leaned lazily against the golden sofa. "Everything went smoothly. I just kidnapped a few Celestial Dragons as souvenirs. The Five Elders nearly cried from anger. I also grabbed some food only Celestial Dragons can eat. They may be small, but their food is surprisingly delicious."
The Den Den Mushi instantly transformed into Ace's wide-eyed face. "Uncle! Did you get into trouble again?!"
Sabo's voice followed immediately. "Uncle, did you take pictures this time? I need to update my scrapbook! Uncle Mo just asked me yesterday if I had any embarrassing shots of you."
Reid: Perfect. You little feathered menace, you're doomed.
Moore: Ah! Who's complimenting me on my looks!
Anne's voice was calm but carried a hint of excitement. "Uncle, I brought you a gift."
Reid laughed heartily. "Don't worry, it's not my Anne." The rumors about the little winter coat were indeed correct.
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi's face shifted to Guina's, her tone helpless. "Mr. Reid, Zoro asked me to tell you he can't attend the banquet. He said, 'I cannot face you before becoming the world's greatest swordsman.'"
Reid raised an eyebrow. "This kid is stubborn… alright."
Reid: Heh, I'll have Hawkeye 'encourage' him later.
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi morphed into Roger's exaggerated laughing face. "Hahaha! Kid, the Dragon Head flags of the Crimson Dawn Pirates are everywhere in the Sea King's territory. Just as I expected from my brother!"
Reid rolled his eyes. "Stop it! Where's Sister Lucie? I'm going to report her!"
The Den Den Mushi switched back to Lucie's gentle face. "Reid~"
Reid sat up straight. "Sister! That rascal Roger is definitely sneaking drinks again. He even cut my allowance!"
Lucie chuckled softly. "Is that so? He swore to me yesterday that he'd drink less for his health. Then tonight, he can enjoy a double portion of the 'Love-Filled Bitter Gourd Feast.'"
From the background came Roger's shouting. "Roger! I'm innocent! Besides, if I get sick, I can just ask Reid to heal me."
"Ahhh! I was wrong, I was wrong!"
"Roger, please don't cause my brother trouble for no reason~"
The Den Den Mushi shifted again, showing the overlapping faces of Hiyori and Hisu. "Uncle Reid! We've learned a new technique! Big Sister Anne said we can teach you!"
Reid smiled and nodded. "Alright. When you arrive at Golden City, Uncle will take you to attack a Marine base for some live practice. Where are your fathers?"
"Our fathers said they need to return to Wano first. Wano is still closed off, and I, Hisu Kozuki, as Wano's princess, am attending this event, hehe."
"And me, Hiyori Kozuki~"
"Welcome~" Reid replied with a grin.
Nearby, Tesoro rubbed his forehead. "Captain, please don't lead these kids astray…"
The Den Den Mushi finally returned to Lucie's face. "We'll arrive tomorrow. Remember to prepare Lati's hundred-day banquet~"
If only everything could remain calm. Of course, calm was impossible.
The sea surrounding Golden City was as smooth as glass. Yet beneath this tranquility, a pirate ship flew a ridiculous red-nosed skull flag, slowly heading toward a nearby supply island.
Buggy's ship cut through the waters. His red nose gleamed with excitement. "Hey, hey, hey! Crew! Let's restock at that island ahead! Then straight to Golden City. Reid's throwing his first grand banquet. I have to be the first to attend!"
Mochi held Ritchy, worry etched on her face. "Captain Buggy, are we really going? I heard the Fog Lord Reid's niece is hosting a hundred-day feast. All the major players in the New World will be there…"
Kabaji spun his unicycle in a circle. "Exactly, Captain. What if we run into a Marine Admiral?"
Buggy stomped the deck and laughed maniacally. "Hahaha! What's there to fear? Let them come! I am Buggy, the 'Clown King,' a great pirate on par with 'Red-Haired' Shanks!"
Meanwhile, on the other side,
Lucie's ship slowly docked at the bustling supply island. She gently straightened Ace and Sabo's collars, then lightly patted Anne's shoulder. "Remember not to wander too far. Be back before sunset."
"Understood, Mom!" Ace grinned, flashing a smile as bright as Roger's.
Sabo adjusted his glasses and nodded seriously. "Godmother, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on them."
Anne nodded silently, her small hand already resting on her greatsword. Her gaze drifted toward the town she smelled grilled meat.
Hiyori and Hisu bowed politely. "We'll be careful~"
Lucie smiled and handed each child a bag of allowance. "Go ahead, and remember to bring back some local specialties."
Three seconds later,
The five little ones were out of Lucie's sight and immediately became excited.
"Charge! To the barbecue stall!" Ace led the way.
"Wait! Let's buy the latest newspaper first!" Sabo followed closely.
Anne dashed to the barbecue stand, eyes sparkling at the sizzling skewers. "Boss, I'll take everything."
Hiyori and Hisu ran hand in hand toward the accessory shop. "I heard the shell hairpins here are famous!"
Meanwhile, across the city,
Buggy, Mochi, and Kabaji strutted down the street. "Crew! Buy the best liquor! I'm giving it to Big Brother Reid as a congratulatory gift!"
Mochi clutched a pile of ingredients, weakly saying, "Captain, we might not have enough budget…"
"Shut up!" Buggy stomped on a fruit stand. "I, the great Buggy, am destined to be Pirate King! How could I possibly "
Before he could finish, laughter erupted from the street corner.
"Look! It's Red Nose!" Ace pointed at Buggy, laughing uncontrollably and slapping his thigh. "What a ridiculous nose! Like a circus clown!"
Sabo quickly bowed. "My apologies. I feel it's very rude to call someone that. I apologize."
Though Hiyori and Hisu remained silent, their suppressed giggles only made Buggy angrier.
Veins bulging on his forehead, Buggy shouted, "You… you little brats… do you know who I am?! I won't accept your apology! You insolent rascals! I'll hang you up and whip you, you little punks!"
Mochi and Kabaji were already hiding behind a stall. "It's over… Captain's about to lose it…"
"Who cares who you are!" Ace grinned. "Want to fight? My hands are itching!"
Buggy's face twisted into a savage grin. "Hahaha! You ignorant little brats!! I'll make you cry, hehe."