Chapter 562 - 402

Chapter 403: Adventure in Zou (XV)A huge bonfire blazed, lighting up the entirety of Kurau City as if it were day.The warriors of the Mink Tribe, young and old, male and female, had cast aside all their wariness and sorrow. They gathered around the bonfire, hand in hand, dancing the most ancient and joyful of dances.Melodious singing, hearty laughter, and rugged war cries intertwined to form the most beautiful symphony of survival.At the very center of this storm of revelry, the boy surrounded, worshipped, and revered by all was currently oblivious to everything else, his heart set only on devouring his'sacred' meat."Mmph, mmph... So good!!!"Luffy's cheeks were puffed out like two hamsters stealing food.As he gobbled down the food, he mumbled his most heartfelt praises, his eyes squinting into slits of pure happiness.The area around him was like the world's strongest defensive circle, as well as a beautiful sight to behold."Luffy! Honestly! Eat slower, no one's going to steal it from you!!!"Yamato, the Oni Princess of the Oni Race who once only wanted to be Kozuki Oden, had now completely transformed into Luffy's number one fangirl and exclusive wine-pourer.She sat heroically cross-legged beside Luffy, holding a sake bowl larger than her own face, her eyes shining with an admiration more scorching than the bonfire."Here! Luffy!"She held the sake bowl to Luffy's lips, an excited flush on her face."This is the best sake of the Mink Tribe! To celebrate that punch of yours! Bottoms up!!!"In the midst of his busy eating, Luffy took a moment to gulp down a huge mouthful with a "glug-glug-glug" before burying his head back into his battle with a massive piece of leg meat.Looking at him like that, Yamato didn't feel the least bit dissatisfied; instead, she thought he looked insanely cool!!! o(≧v≦)o"You're too strong! Luffy!!!"She waved her fists excitedly, spittle flying everywhere."That punch of yours has completely surpassed Oden!""That is true heroism, true freedom! Please, let me follow you and witness the moment you become the Pirate King!!!"Just as Yamato was passionately delivering her declaration of loyalty...a voice as beautiful as a lark's, tinged with a hint of pride, rang out from Luffy's other side."Alright, alright, Yamato, don't just focus on pouring Luffy sake. A victory banquet isn't just about drinking."Uta had squeezed her way to Luffy's side at some point. Today, she wore a fashionable white off-the-shoulder top and a pink miniskirt, her long hair tied in a playful side ponytail. Under the firelight, she looked like a glowing little sprite.She affectionately took Luffy's other arm, leaning her whole body against him. Then, using a fork, she picked up a sizzling, juicy piece of sausage and held it to Luffy's mouth with a sweet smile."Luffy, open up, ah—""Mmph!"Luffy instinctively opened his mouth, swallowed the sausage in one go, and chewed with satisfaction.Uta looked at him, her Violet eyes filled with unconcealed love and admiration, her voice cloyingly sweet."Luffy, you were really cool just now! That punch was like the overture of our New Era! It was amazing!!!"As she spoke, she forked a piece of fruit and continued feeding him."Oh! To celebrate this wonderful night, I'm going to sing a song for everyone!"Uta stood up and jumped onto a temporary stage, winking at the assembled Mink Tribe."This song is for my most admired Captain, and for the brave warriors of the Mink Tribe! — 'I Am the Strongest'!"A powerful melody instantly exploded. Uta's penetrating voice soared through the clouds, pushing the banquet's atmosphere to its absolute peak!The Minks danced wildly to the rhythm, and Yamato excitedly waved her Spiked Club to cheer her on. All of Zou had turned into a massive open-air concert.However, amidst this noisy carnival, there was a corner as quiet as another world.Nico Robin sat quietly behind Luffy. She was like the most considerate and gentle wife; her eyes held neither the clamor of the banquet nor the thunderous singing, only the man gobbling food before her.Seeing a bit of oil on the corner of Luffy's mouth, she smiled and naturally took out a clean handkerchief to gently wipe it away.Seeing the pile of bones in front of Luffy grow into a small mountain, she silently moved them aside and replaced them with a fresh plate of sliced, steaming roast meat.Her gaze never left Luffy for a moment. In those deep, bottomless eyes flowed a doting affection and love enough to melt steel.It wasn't fanatical worship or adolescent infatuation, but a deep tenderness—a mixture of maternal radiance, the bond of a soulmate, and the love of a partner.She looked as if she were watching her most precious treasure. Watching this man, who could stand against the entire world for her yet eat like a child in front of her, she kept a happy and satisfied smile on her lips.Yamato's passion was like fire, Uta's love was like a song, and Robin's tenderness was like water.These three different yet equally heart-stirring sights caused many onlookers to have tears and nosebleeds flying in tandem...The atmosphere of the banquet continued to heat up with Uta's singing. Meanwhile, under a giant tree not far away, the two kings of Zou were having a conversation that would decide the nation's future.Inuarashi and Nekomamushi stood side by side. They looked at the sea of joy in the distance, at the boy surrounded by their tribespeople and beautiful women, and relieved smiles appeared on their faces."Garchu~, I never thought the problem we disputed for twenty years would be solved in such a way."Master Nekomamushi took a large gulp of sake, his tone full of emotion."Indeed,"Duke Inuarashi nodded, his gaze profound."We were so caught up in whether to wait or attack that we forgot that when a power capable of changing the world appears, all plans become meaningless.""That boy,"A flash of fanaticism appeared in Nekomamushi's eyes."He is Joy Boy! No, he is an existence that surpasses legend! He is the true Sun!""Only by following him can we see the dawn that Lord Oden longed for!""I agree."Duke Inuarashi said decisively."Zou can no longer remain stagnant in isolation. This country needs new leaders, and we have a mission that must be completed."They looked at each other and made their decision simultaneously.A moment later, they found Wanda and Pekoms, who were distributing medicine to the wounded."Duke? Master?"Wanda was a bit surprised to see both kings approaching together.Inuarashi and Nekomamushi's expressions had never been so serious. They solemnly handed the tokens symbolizing the power of the dual kings into the hands of Wanda and Pekoms."From today onward,"Duke Inuarashi said in a low voice,"the daytime of Zou is entrusted to you, Wanda.""Garchu~, and the nighttime,"Nekomamushi continued,"Pekoms, we're counting on you from now on.""Wh-what?!"Wanda and Pekoms were shocked. "How can this be! We...""This is an order!!!"Inuarashi interrupted them."We are going to follow Lord straw hat to fulfill our mission as the Red Scabbards and open the borders of Wano Country!""And you must stay behind to guard this country and wait for us to return with the true dawn!"Seeing the unquestionable gaze of the two kings, Wanda and Pekoms shed tears as they solemnly accepted this heavy responsibility.The transfer of power in Zou was quietly completed amidst the noisy banquet.Having finished their entrustment, the two kings returned to the bonfire.By this time, Luffy had finally defeated that massive piece of leg meat and let out a satisfied burp."Ah— I'm full!!!"He looked at the joyful scene before him, at Robinwiping his sweat, at Uta cheering for him, and at Yamato trying to pull him into more drinking, and he let out a brilliant smile.This was his favorite kind of moment.With friends, with food, and with a banquet.To protect this everyday life, he wouldn't hesitate to blast away a single drought—or even ten more if they came!!!