The atmosphere was just right.
Lynn spoke with great passion: "You know, that marine was the pride of the whole village. An upright man, always helping old ladies cross the road, rubbing the backs of old men—full of justice and kindness. But the world's full of bad pirates. For world peace, for a better life, to protect people from pirate persecution... he finally chose the path of justice. Without even touching a girl's hand, he resolutely joined the marines. He worked hard every day, was a role model, full of benevolence and righteousness... but then—bam! He was shot dead by that turbaned guy, right in front of me! I..."
Before Lynn could continue, a sudden cry echoed through the restaurant, and the system's voice rang out:
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing a flirtatious operation—so coquettish it's beyond imagination! Reward granted: the Dugu Nine Swords!"
Lynn was stunned. Looking around at the diners, he said, "Wow, so these marines are really something!"
"Ahh, how could such a good man end his life here? God must be jealous of his talent. Wuwuwu..." came the sobbing chorus.
"Let's not just mourn—shouldn't we do something for him?"
"Yes! Beat him up!"
Lynn's speech had immediately stirred everyone's anger toward Gin's actions, and the guests rushed to thrash the Gin.
Fullbody , sitting on the floor, stared blankly at the marine. Was he really that great? No...
Zoro stepped up beside Lynn and nudged him admiringly: "Such a shame he died. Since you know so much, are you from his village?"
"Wow." Usopp wiped tears from his face. "This marine is amazing! I want to help avenge him."
Nami muttered, "Pirates are just pirates. They only steal what people treasure most. Garbage of the world..."
Lynn, still dazed by receiving the Dugu Nine Swords, ignored the others. Hearing Zoro's words, he blurted, "What are you talking about? I made all that up! Why are you taking it seriously?"
"Made it up?"
"Made it up!!"
Zoro's face flushed red as he growled, "Lynn, I'm gonna chop you up!"
Usopp, walking toward Gin crying, suddenly stopped, turned mechanically, and stared at Lynn in confusion.
Nami frowned deeply.
Lynn had no idea how seriously everyone had taken his lie—and had dared to toy with their feelings.
Waving his hands recklessly, he said, "How can you be so gullible? I just don't like Gin, that's all..."
"Bang, bang, bang!"
"Don't hit my face!"
"Nami, you actually use high heels?"
"Usopp, remember this!"
"Ah! I was wrong!!"
Nami, Zoro, and Usopp beat Lynn until their anger subsided.
Lynn sat up, fixed his hair, and stared at Zoro with wide, innocent fish eyes.
"You're amazing—weren't you the hardest hit just now? believe it or not, I'm gonna sell your sword! And I won't give you a cent!"
Nami's eyes sparkled. "I want 90% of that."
Zoro growled anxiously, "You're brave, bastard. Try it if you dare. Sooner or later, I'll chop you into pieces!"
"Tsk," Lynn rolled his eyes. "Big deal."
He turned to Nami with a pitiful look. "Nami, you just beat me up—I'm seriously injured. Can you spare some money for a doctor?"
Nami couldn't stand him and pulled out 250 Beri, handing it over quickly. "Go on, scram."
Zoro and Usopp stared at Nami in surprise. She actually gave money away?
The moment Lynn got the money, his expression changed. He perked up, straightened his clothes in under three seconds, then dashed off faster than Sanji toward the female companion Fullbody had brought.
She had long brown hair, wore a red skirt and high heels, and had a slender figure.
Lynn took her white, slender hand and said with affection, "Oh, Sea, thank you for today's encounter. Love, forgive my weakness. Beautiful lady, shall we have a drink together?"
"Eh?" the woman blinked, confused. "Sure..."
Zoro looked at Nami, puzzled. "Why do I feel like I've heard that before?"
Usopp nodded. "Me too."
Nami frowned. "That's exactly what Sanji said earlier!"
Usopp gasped, "Is Lynn a genius? A master copycat!"
Zoro sneered, "Genius? Ha. Sanji's the only one."
Usopp quickly patted Zoro on the shoulder, pointed at Lynn, and said, "No, look at how close they are—like a real couple! I'm so jealous of Lynn!"
Nami watched Lynn and the woman leaning together and asked, "What's wrong with Lynn? He took my money just now and now he's treating others to a meal?"
Zoro mused, "Two hundred and fifty Beri? That won't go far."
Usopp exclaimed, "Lynn's awesome! He's way better than that chef!"
Nami glared at Usopp. "You wanna learn from Lynn too? I can give you money, but do you want to learn from that bastard?"
Usopp shuddered, shaking his head. "No, no, I don't have Lynn's talent!"
"Tsk." Zoro slumped back. "What's so great about this? It's all just boring stuff."
Usopp whispered, "Are you jealous?"
Zoro snapped, "What did you say?"
"Nothing! I just don't believe you don't want to be."
Nami softened, "Usopp, what are you thinking? Say it out loud."
Usopp quickly changed the subject, "Where's that Gin? He was here earlier, right? Where did he go?"
"Why bother?" Zoro replied. "I heard Luffy will be a temp worker here for a while. Should we go back to the ship or find him?"
Nami said, "It's Luffy's fault for being reckless. Let's go back to the ship first. Lodging here's way too expensive!"
-End Chapter-
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