Crunch~
Nami's teeth clenched in frustration. "Baka! Do you think everyone is a freak like you? Let alone 3 meters—I'll be happy if I can reach 1.8 meters in the future!"
Luffy glanced at her current height and shook his head with a smirk. "Impossible. With your current growth rate, you'll barely hit 1.7 meters."
He grinned wider, leaning slightly closer. "And if you don't start eating better, you'll end up stuck where you are—no chance of catching up."
That was the last straw. Nami's annoyance turned into determination, and she vowed silently to drink milk every single day. Not just that—she'd enlist Sanji to design a diet specifically tailored to boost her growth.
In a few years, I'll blind him with my beauty and strength. He'll regret ever teasing me! she fumed internally.
Before Nami could hurl a sharp retort at Luffy, the sound of footsteps interrupted her thoughts, accompanied by a teasing voice.
"It's impossible for a girl to not develop at this age," Olivia remarked with a sly grin, stepping into view. "If she hasn't by now, well... maybe she's destined to stay a flat loli forever. After all, talent is something you're born with."
Olivia's tone was playful, but the words hit Nami like a cannonball. To add insult to injury, Olivia puffed out her chest—already far larger than Nami's—and crossed her arms triumphantly.
Nami's eyes reddened with envy, especially as other women began to appear. Hancock, Violet, and even Yamato—despite her earlier somber mood—all entered the scene, their appearances commanding attention. Each one of them carried an undeniable presence, their beauty and confidence radiating like mountains towering over a small hill.
Nami could feel her face flush, her jealousy simmering. Why does everyone else have to look like a goddess while I— She quickly shook the thought away and scowled.
Hancock glanced around the room, her discerning gaze taking in the extravagant decor of the Shogun's Castle. With a faintly dismissive tone, she commented, "Not bad, but it doesn't compare to my palace."
Luffy chuckled at her comment. "Nice to see all of you together. What about Stormbreaker? Everything okay with the ship?"
Violet stepped forward, brushing past Nami to link her arm with Luffy's. She shot a subtle, challenging glance at Hancock before replying sweetly, "Stormbreaker is fine. Long-Nose is guarding it."
Luffy blinked. "Usopp? Seriously? You left him alone to guard the ship? He's probably scared out of his mind."
Hancock rolled her eyes, clearly unbothered. "He'll be fine. I made it very clear what would happen if he failed to keep watch."
Luffy stifled a laugh, silently mourning for Usopp's predicament. "Well, let's hope that works."
As his gaze swept over the group, Luffy noticed Yamato standing silently, her expression subdued and her energy far less vibrant than usual. Her downcast demeanor tugged at his thoughts. She's still dwelling on what happened, he realized.
Sighing, Luffy motioned for everyone to find a spot to sit. They entered a nearby room, the tatami mats soft beneath their feet. Luffy leaned casually against a shelf, while the women either sat cross-legged or sprawled comfortably—no formalities among this group.
Breaking the silence, Luffy addressed the room. "Let's talk about Wano Country," he began. "First off, there's no denying the skill of the craftsmen here. This is the only country in the world capable of processing seastone. And their swordsmiths? Unmatched. Even the old man I caught—Sukiyaki—owns three blades that are likely Grade Blades."
He paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I've already sent Cook to search Sukiyaki's old hiding hole for any hidden treasures."
The mention of Wano's famed craftsmanship drew gasps from the group, their curiosity piqued. Luffy smirked, enjoying their reactions.
"Now, as for my plans," he continued. "I've already mentioned moving Onigashima down from its current position to the harbor entrance. Once it's there, we'll renovate it and turn it into a tourist destination. The island will serve as a hub for trade and communication with the outside world."
The room buzzed with excitement and surprise. Violet's eyes sparkled with intrigue, while Olivia and Hancock exchanged impressed glances. Even Yamato's eyes lit up with newfound hope.
"By promoting trade and tourism," Luffy explained, "we can boost Wano's economy while giving its people a chance to interact with the outside world. I'll also set up shops to sell items like seastone bullets, chains, and even swords. It'll be a win-win for everyone."
Yamato's face brightened as she leaned forward eagerly. "Really? If you do all that, you'll have accomplished what Kozuki Oden, could never achieve. You'll open Wano's borders and make it a thriving part of the world!"
Her voice was filled with admiration, and her eyes sparkled with awe. "You're incredible, Luffy! Even greater than Oden!"
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