Hey everyone,
Before we jump into the chapter, I just wanted to give a quick update. I've been dealing with some personal issues recently, and on top of that, I had limited or no access to the internet for a while. That's the main reason for the delay in updates, and I'm really sorry for the wait.
I know how frustrating it can be to wait on something you're following, and I appreciate your patience. I'm doing my best to get back on track and continue sharing the story with you all. Thanks so much to those who stuck around and supported me through this, it genuinely means a lot.
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A feast in the royal palace soon prepeared, laughter and the clinking of plates filling the air. After the intense battle, the Straw Hats were more than ready to indulge, tearing into the mountain of food set before them. Plates piled high with fish, seafood, and local delicacies lined the table, and even the usually reserved Neptune was caught up in the lively atmosphere, giving Coby an appreciative nod from across the room.
At one end, Luffy was shoveling food into his mouth as if it would disappear, his face stretched in his usual grin between bites. "This place really knows how to throw a feast!" he mumbled, barely pausing to swallow before grabbing more.
Nami nudged him, holding up a glass. "Slow down, you'll choke. And we've still got the bill to discuss," she added, already eyeing him with her usual "payment collector" glare.
Luffy chuckled, dodging her hand as he snatched another serving. "You keep track of that stuff, Nami—I just eat!"
Sanji, already deep into a debate with Zoro about who'd taken down more Fishman pirates, scoffed as Zoro lifted his sake. "Please, I was fighting three of Hody's top men at once while you were busy hacking through small fry!"
Zoro rolled his eye and took a long sip. "Yeah, yeah, dart-brow. Let's see who made the bigger pile of bodies, shall we?"
Sanji kicked the table, making the plates rattle. "Bring it on, moss-head!"
Franky, meanwhile, was downing an oversized tankard of cola, his voice booming across the room as he cheered on music.
Brook strummed his guitar, his bony fingers working over the strings with a dramatic flair. "Yohohoho!"
His upbeat melody filled the hall, bringing everyone's spirits higher as the crew sang along, a mix of wild voices blending into the music.
Coby leaned back, one arm slung comfortably around Robin as she sipped her drink with a faint smile, his other arm pulling Nami close. She rolled her eyes but didn't pull away, settling beside him with a smirk. Chopper, meanwhile, was on the table, his tiny hooves tapping along to Brook's lively tune, his laughter blending with the music.
Usopp, energized from the fight and the feast, was in his element, waving his arms and pulling every nearby listener into his exaggerated stories of "the Great Captain Usopp's" accomplishments.
The royal family sat nearby, fascinated by the Straw Hat crew's unique "style" of celebrating. King Neptune chuckled, nursing a massive goblet, while his sons exchanged amused glances, clearly unused to the lively chaos. Shirahoshi watched in awe, her gaze flitting from one Straw Hat to another.
"Oi, King Neptune!" Franky called out, tipping his tankard in a salute. "Thanks for the feast! This cola is super!"
After the party, the crew prepared to leave Fishman Island. Luffy and Coby walked through the bustling streets, gathering the last of their supplies and saying quick goodbyes to a few locals who had been hanging around.
Meanwhile, two of Big Mom's representatives, made their way toward the island's minister, who was visibly sweating as they approached. One was a tall lion-like man with a massive mane, sunglasses, and a smug expression—Pekoms. Beside him stood Tamago, a lanky man in an oversized top hat, smirking as he adjusted his monocle. Their presence screamed "Big Mom's crew," and the locals gave them a wide berth.
"Oi, Minister," Pekoms said, barely hiding his impatience, "where are the sweets Big Mom's been promised?"
The minister wrung his hands nervously. "Uh… There's been a slight problem. You see, the factory—there was an issue, and the sweets couldn't be prepared in time…"
Pekoms' expression darkened, and Tamago clicked his tongue. "Not prepared? Do you understand what that means for Big Mom?"
Before the minister could stammer out a response, Luffy, who was passing by with Coby, perked up. "Oh! Is this the factory where those delicious sweets are made?" His voice was loud enough to catch the attention of the minister and Big Mom's men. "I wish there was more of them!"
The minister's face turned ghostly white, realizing what Luffy's words would mean for Fishman Island. Pekoms and Tamago whipped around to see the grinning Straw Hat captain and his first mate.
"What's that supposed to mean, Straw Hat?" Pekoms growled, stepping closer. "You wouldn't happen to know where the sweets went, would you?"
Luffy scratched his head, oblivious to the tension. "I think we ate most of them at the party. They were awesome!"
Pekoms' face twisted in fury, and Tamago adjusted his monocle, his gaze icy. "So, you've eaten the sweets that were supposed to be Big Mom's tribute?"
Coby casually stepped up beside Luffy, folding his arms. "Hey, the island throws a feast, we dig in. Not like we knew it was reserved for anyone else."
The minister gulped, caught between the furious pirates of Big Mom and the oblivious Straw Hats. He tried to step in, hands raised. "Please, I'll make sure the sweets are prepared as soon as possible, I swear! We just need more time."
Pekoms snarled, his fists clenched. "You ate Mama's tribute? You're done for."
Before Luffy could laugh it off, Pekoms was already moving, springing forward with his clawed hand aimed straight at Luffy's head. Coby moved, his hand coming up to meet Pekoms' arm, deflecting the strike with ease. Pekoms growled, locking eyes with Coby, but Coby just smirked back, completely unfazed.
Coby appeared between them, catching Pekoms' claw in midair. "Oi, Lion," he drawled, "this guy here loves lion soup, so I suggest you take a step back."
Pekoms' eyes narrowed, pulling his hand back with a snarl. Tamago placed a calming hand on his shoulder, though his own gaze stayed cold. "Our captain's sweets have been eaten, and the minister's promise is looking weak. How does Big Mom get compensated, Straw Hats?"
Luffy blinked, then shrugged. "I dunno, I think we're done here, right, Coby?"
Coby gave a casual nod, completely unfazed. "Right. Look, if you want sweets, tell your 'mama' to bake a batch herself."
Pekoms growled, baring his fangs. "You're talking big for a guy who just stole from the Big Mom Pirates."
Coby chuckled, eyes locked on Pekoms and Tamago. "Actually, about that…" He pointed over to the Big Mom flag waving above the factory. Without another word, Coby raised his hand, focusing a burst of fire in his palm. With a flick, he sent a concentrated Hiken straight toward the flag, the blaze ripping through it in seconds, reducing Big Mom's symbol to cinders.
Pekoms and Tamago froze, eyes wide with shock, their Den Den Mushi receiver still in hand, mid-report about the "missing" sweets. The receiver crackled, Big Mom's deep voice booming through as she picked up on the other side. "What's going on there?" she demanded, her tone promising fury. "Pekoms? Tamago? You'd better have my sweets ready!"
The silence dragged for a moment, then Coby grinned, looking right at the Den Den Mushi with a mock salute. "Sorry to disappoint, but from now on, Fishman Island is under the protection of Straw Hat Luffy. So, if Big Mom wants anything, she can come ask herself."
Pekoms' face contorted with fury, his clawed hand clenching tightly. "You idiots have no idea who you're messing with," he hissed, his eyes gleaming with menace. "You're declaring war on Big Mom!"
"Tamago," Big Mom's voice growled through the snail, "what the hell's going on down there?! My sweets better be waiting, or I'll be down there myself!"
Luffy, who had been watching the entire display with a growing grin, stepped forward, crossing his arms with a casual shrug. "We're done here anyway. Tell Big Mom Fishman Island's under my protection now. If she's got a problem, she can find me in the New World."
Tamago's monocle almost fell off as he stared at them, dumbfounded. "Do you understand what you're saying, Straw Hat? Declaring war on Big Mom isn't a matter to be taken lightly!"
Luffy just gave a lazy wave, unfazed by the threat. "Then bring it on. If she wants her sweets, she can come get 'em."
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