The party continued, and the atmosphere was lively. Orochimaru leaned on the edge of the pool, his eyes fixed intently on Usopp on the stage, swaying gently to the rhythm of the music, clearly enjoying Usopp's song.
"This song, 'King of Snipers,' is quite good," he murmured to himself, a satisfied smile on his face.
Nami and Robin sat with Orochimaru at a small table by the shore, and the three of them enjoyed Chopper's happy time together. Chopper, holding Gonbe with his left hand and Qimoni with his right, excitedly weaved through the crowd, a brilliant smile on his face. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the lively party.
Seeing Chopper so happy, Nami and Robin couldn't help but be infected by his joy. They smiled, their eyes shining with a gentle light, and clinked their glasses of Sanji's special cocktail.
Unbeknownst to them, the banquet had evolved from a small gathering of acquaintances into a city-wide carnival. Robin skillfully used her Flower-Flower Fruit to place Sanji's special skewers on the grill to cook, delivering them to every table like magic.
Meanwhile, a group of adorable children gathered in front of Sanji, their eyes fixed on the cherries before him, sparkling with anticipation.
Sanji's hands danced as if performing a magic trick, and in the blink of an eye, the ingredients before him transformed into a giant grilled meat cake. The children gasped in amazement, their eyes wide and mouths agape, as if they could swallow the entire cake.
In another corner, Zoro sat with the two Franky Family foremen, each holding a barrel of sake as large as themselves.
"Gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp~" Countless empty barrels were stacked in front of them, indicating they had drunk a lot. The three exchanged glances and burst into laughter, their voices echoing through the entire banquet hall.
Luffy stood on the center table, holding grilled meat and laughing loudly, "mina! Let's get fired up!"
On the other side of the world,
The Gorosei received a report from their subordinates.
"Gorosei! Gorosei! This is bad! The fleet that went to the New World a few days ago was defeated! The Four Emperors Red-Haired Shanks and Whitebeard Edward Newgate have finally made direct contact!"
On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard held his sake flask, looking at Shanks' ship. "Let him come over. I hope that brat brought some good sake."
As Shanks boarded the ship, young crew members fell to the ground one by one. Those who could stand on the ship without changing their expression were all elites.
Shanks, dragging a giant sake flask, stood before Whitebeard.
"Excuse me... I have something to discuss with you."
Whitebeard and Shanks sat facing each other.
"I didn't expect the intern brat from Roger's ship back then to have made a name for himself... Roger, Garp, Sengoku, the familiar faces on the sea from that time are getting fewer and fewer.
By the way, that interesting red-nosed brat who was with you and said he would dye my beard red, is he dead?"
Shanks looked at his reflection in the sake cup, wondering what he was thinking.
"Buggy, huh... I miss him. The day Captain was executed, he and I parted ways in Loguetown and haven't seen each other since. Rumor has it he's still a pirate."
Whitebeard drank from his giant sake gourd. "But I heard from Hawkeye that you stopped using your left hand to wield a sword after returning from the East Blue. I'm really curious what happened to you in the East Blue."
Shanks covered his left arm, thinking of someone, his expression a bit subtle... He felt like he had missed a famous scene.
His face twitched slightly. "It's nothing... just exercising my right hand occasionally."
Suddenly, he pointed to the scar on his left eye. "Call Ace back! That man Blackbeard has been hiding. Although Ace is strong, now is not the time for those two to clash! Tell him not to touch Blackbeard Teach! I just want to ask you this one thing."
Whitebeard looked at Shanks and laughed.
"The snot-nosed brat has become eloquent. That guy committed a crime that must never be done on a pirate ship: harming a comrade.
He broke the iron rule. Once they are on my ship, no matter how foolish, they are my children. Where will the soul of a murdered child go?
Ace told me that after he catches Blackbeard, he will find someone to confirm something. Although I don't know what he's talking about, I trust my son.
But! The debt of loyalty! This is a red line that cannot be crossed! Isn't that idiot Teach my responsibility?! This matter is impossible! Understand?! Idiot!
To tell me what to do! You're 100 years too early!"
Whitebeard threw his sake flask at Red Hair.
His figure flashed, swift as a ghost, appearing before the opponent in the blink of an eye. At the same time, the sword in his hand was swung out with lightning speed, carrying a sharp whoosh and bone-chilling coldness. Shanks met the attack. Instantly, the two swords clashed in the air, emitting a crisp sound and scattering sparks.
It was another sunny day in Water 7. At the bustling dock, the Franky Family anxiously stared at the newspaper in their hands. Tilestone, the Captain of the subordinates, urged impatiently, "Hey! Quickly see what it says! This is news that concerns our fate!"
The subordinate, being urged, his hands trembling slightly, tried to read the text on the newspaper. A moment later, he exclaimed in surprise, "That... our matter didn't even make it into the newspaper!"
In an instant, the entire Franky Family erupted in cheers. "That's great! We don't have to flee!" Everyone shouted excitedly, their faces beaming with joy, some even secretly wiping away tears.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Luffy was devouring Sanji's special donuts. When he heard the news, Sanji couldn't help but frown, feeling puzzled.
"Luffy... did your grandfather even impose a news blackout on ordinary people who were involved?"
As soon as Sanji finished speaking, the air seemed to solidify, and everyone froze as if time had stopped, unmoving.
After a while, everyone waved their hands in unison, indicating denial.
Luffy, with food crumbs still on the corner of his mouth, waved his hand and said, "No... such a thorough thing..."
The other members also chimed in, "I don't think he would do that."
Robin quietly gazed out the window, deep in thought. She recalled her earlier conversation with Aokiji at the banquet and understood that all of this was likely Aokiji's doing.
Zoro looked at the newspaper with some excitement.
"Comparatively, our story was written too excessively.
What about declaring war on the World Government,
What about tricking the CP9 officer into pressing the Buster Call,
They even blamed us for bombing Enies Lobby,
And Orochimaru taking on ten people and snatching two of their warships, although that part is true, it's not that exaggerated, is it? This way, our bounty seems like it will go up again!"
Hearing Zoro's words, Chopper excitedly shouted, "Will I get a bounty too!"
"It's not impossible, you know. But I really am amazing," Sanji also fantasized about his cool bounty.
Nami, with a shark-like face, roared at Sanji, her head throbbing. "What are you so happy about? Are you all idiots!!!"
However, looking at this group of excited idiots, she still sighed.
"Forget it... Before that, let's go shopping leisurely.
Robin~ Chopper~ Orochimaru~ Let's go!"
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"