[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 461- 465

Chapter 461: Family Bonds

Luffy refilled his glass with cola and raised it once more. This time, he gently took Mansherry's hand in his own and addressed the gathered women with a solemn expression.

"Because of her size and other circumstances, I wasn't able to properly include Sherry in many of our activities in the past," he began earnestly. "But thanks to Dr. Vegapunk's assistance, Sherry can now live among us normally."

He glanced warmly at the former dwarf princess beside him. "However, she's only just transformed from her dwarf form to her adult form, and there's much she still needs to adjust to. I'd like to request a few days' leave for her, and if any of you are free, I'd appreciate your help in guiding her through this transition."

This small request was hardly a burden for any of the women. Besides, Mansherry was the most beloved healer in their group—everyone was more than willing to look after her.

"No problem! Leave this little task to me," Koala volunteered enthusiastically from across the table. As a member of the Intelligence Department with a relatively flexible schedule, she had the time to spare. "Tomorrow I'll take Sister Mansherry on a tour of Flower City. Let her experience life as a full-sized adult!"

Mansherry beamed with delight. She picked up her glass of milk and raised it just as Luffy had done, expressing her gratitude with a bright smile.

"Thank you! I look forward to it," she replied warmly.

The quick arrangement seemed settled, and the other women were preparing to raise their glasses in support of the plan, when Robin, seated beside Koala, spoke up in her characteristically calm voice.

"Isn't it a bit premature to make plans for tomorrow?" she observed with a knowing smile. "It's questionable whether Sherry will even be able to get out of bed in the morning." She turned to Luffy, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Isn't that right, Luffy-kun?"

Luffy, who had been contentedly watching the women's friendly interactions, nearly choked on his drink at Robin's insinuation.

The other women, even the usually oblivious Yamato, quickly grasped the implication behind Robin's words. They all turned to look at Mansherry with teasing expressions.

The little princess, despite her innocent nature, understood perfectly what Robin was suggesting. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she quickly lowered her gaze, unable to meet anyone's eyes.

The atmosphere shifted into an awkward, charged silence. Luffy cleared his throat several times, trying to dispel the sudden tension. He shot Robin a reproachful glance—she always did enjoy stirring things up—and quickly raised his glass again.

"To our family," he declared emphatically, redirecting everyone's attention. "May we continue to grow stronger together!"

This successfully broke the uncomfortable moment, and conversation gradually resumed around the table. Soon the dining room was filled once more with animated chatter, good-natured arguments, and frequent laughter.

The drinking contest between Gion, Hancock, and Hina intensified as the night progressed. They challenged each other with increasingly bold toasts, their competitive spirits showing no signs of diminishing.

"Your tolerance is impressive for an Amazon," Gion remarked to Hancock after several rounds, her voice still steady despite the alcohol.

"The warriors of Amazon Lily are trained in all aspects of combat," Hancock replied haughtily, though a slight flush had appeared on her cheeks. "Including the battle of drinking!"

Hina scoffed, her own composure beginning to waver slightly. "Hina thinks you both talk too much. Actions speak louder than words!" She promptly downed another glass to emphasize her point.

From his seat at the head of the table, Luffy watched the lively scene with quiet contentment. He observed their competitions, their friendly bickering, their genuine care for one another, and their shared laughter.

Sometimes, in moments like these, Luffy wondered why he still felt the need to struggle for more in life. Surrounded by these extraordinary women who had become his family, his life was already rich with joy and meaning.

But such thoughts were fleeting. They would surface briefly before he dismissed them. As comfortable as this life was, he knew there was still work to be done.

Chapter 462: Robin's Playful Revenge

Whether as a Marine or as a partner to these women, Luffy knew he still had much to accomplish. If he wanted to live peacefully with this large family forever, both the pirates and the World Government remained obstacles he couldn't ignore.

Luffy would never relax his vigilance until these threats were completely neutralized. This determination wasn't just for the women he cared about or for himself—it was even more for the children they might have in the future. He refused to let his children grow up in such a chaotic and corrupt world.

"Luffy, hurry up and admit you're a genius, just like Dr. Vegapunk always says at the research institute!"

Violet's cheerful call pulled him from his somber thoughts. Looking at her excited expression, he smiled—half helpless, half relieved.

"Before thinking about those weighty matters," he replied with a light-hearted tone, "I should focus on how to escape the little troublemaker in front of me. I really don't want to repeat that embarrassing speech again."

Watching the smile return to Luffy's lips, Robin felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had noticed his momentary worry and melancholy, and had been contemplating how to comfort him. Seeing him adjust his mood so quickly reassured her that he was alright.

Robin rested her chin on her hands, gazing at Luffy across the table with unwavering eyes. He is truly the man I've chosen to spend my life with, she thought to herself. No matter how you look at it, he's exceptional.

"Don't praise me like that, you'll make me blush," Luffy suddenly responded.

"Ah?" Robin straightened up in surprise, but when she realized Luffy was speaking to Violet and not to her, she relaxed with a small sigh of relief. For a moment, she'd feared he had somehow heard her thoughts.

No, that couldn't be possible. Could it?

Yet between his conversations with Violet and Mansherry, Luffy discreetly glanced in Robin's direction, giving her a meaningful but warmhearted smile that suggested otherwise.

Robin felt an uncharacteristic flush of embarrassment. She had always been someone with a cool exterior but a warm heart, preferring to keep her concern and affection private rather than express them openly. The idea that Luffy might have "heard" her private thoughts of worry and admiration unsettled her.

Even Robin, typically so composed and mature, couldn't help feeling both shy and irritated in that moment. So you enjoy eavesdropping on my thoughts, do you? she projected mentally. Fine, I'll let you off tonight, but tomorrow I'll show you what it feels like to need to hold onto the wall just to make it to the bathroom.

Sensing the wave of playful malice emanating from Robin, Luffy felt a shiver run down his spine and a phantom pain in his kidneys. He glanced cautiously in her direction and noticed she was already engaged in a hushed conversation with Koala, presumably discussing tomorrow's tactics.

Luffy felt both amused and alarmed. "No way," he muttered. "Are you forming alliances now? Are you planning to gang up on me?"

He eyed Koala warily. "With her new Mythical Zoan fruit abilities, Koala is quite formidable. Be careful, Robin!"

But the matter didn't end there. After conferring with Koala, Robin approached Yamato, Kujaku, and Kalifa. Soon, all five women were engaged in a quiet, encrypted conversation that made Luffy feel like he was being targeted by a pack of predators.

He wanted to cry but found no tears, fighting the urge to shout: "Have mercy, sisters!"

Noticing Luffy's gradually paling complexion, Mansherry tilted her head in confusion and asked with concern: "Luffy, you look so pale. Are you feeling unwell? Would you like me to heal you?"

"No, no! I'm perfectly healthy! Nothing's wrong with me at all!" Luffy insisted with forced cheerfulness, as if responding to an unspoken challenge.

Robin chuckled to herself. Just wait and see, she thought. If I don't teach you a lesson, you'll never learn to respect privacy. You'll be on your knees begging for mercy before I'm done.

Somewhere far away, aboard the Stormbreaker, Nami sneezed suddenly. "Why do I feel like someone's talking about me?"

The other women at the dinner table remained oblivious to the silent confrontation between Robin and Luffy. Yamato and the others couldn't understand why Robin had suddenly become so animated tonight, actively inviting them to join her in conversation.

Due to Robin's intervention, the friendly argument between Yamato and Alpha was temporarily suspended. Alpha happily ate the seafood risotto prepared by her sister, trying to share her latest idea with everyone around the table, though her words came out garbled around her food.

"I just came up with something brilliant," she mumbled through a mouthful of rice.

Seeing her sister trying to speak before swallowing, Kalifa frowned and lightly knocked Alpha on the head. "Swallow first! You're spraying food everywhere!"

Alpha covered the spot where she'd been hit, not daring to protest. She chewed quickly a few times before swallowing hard.

Kalifa refilled her sister's glass of juice, her tone softening. "Don't eat so fast. Chew your food properly before swallowing."

Though Kalifa sounded like a nagging mother, Alpha brightened at the attention, nodding vigorously in agreement. In this harsh world where orphans were common among sailors and Marines alike, having family who genuinely cared for you was a precious thing.

Yamato, who had grown up without a mother and with a father like Kaido, understood this sentiment all too well. Watching the sisters interact, she felt a deep appreciation for the family they had all built together here in G-66.

Chapter 463: Alpha's Innovative Proposal

Watching the tender interaction between Kalifa and Alpha, Yamato couldn't help but sigh enviously.

"That's so nice~ Having a sister... I want that too~"

Kujaku, who was dabbing her mouth with a napkin, rolled her eyes when she heard this.

"My elder sister isn't here, but I do have a younger sister," she remarked dryly. "Just say whether you want me or not. If not, I'll leave."

"Wait, don't go!" Yamato quickly reached out to stop her, wrapping her arms around Kujaku and affectionately rubbing her cheek against the other woman's. "I like you the most, Kujaku~"

Watching Yamato transfer all the food residue from her face to her own, Kujaku grimaced with disgust and attempted to push her away.

"Don't get so close right now! Wipe your mouth first!"

Their sisterly squabble brought another round of laughter from everyone at the table. After Kujaku angrily wiped both Yamato's face and her own, Alpha cleared her throat to recapture everyone's attention.

"Stop arguing and listen to me," she said with an air of mystery. "I have an amazing plan."

Everyone, including Yamato who had just been competing with her moments earlier, grew curious and quieted down to hear her idea. Even Luffy, alarmed by her unusually serious expression, fell silent and listened attentively.

Seeing that she had successfully captured everyone's attention, Alpha nodded with satisfaction. She ceremoniously straightened her clothes and cleared her throat once more, speaking up just as the others were about to lose patience.

"Think about it," she began, her eyes bright with excitement. "Since Sherry can freely use the powers of the Size-Size Fruit through the ring that transfers Devil Fruit powers, why can't we create more rings and necklaces for other fruits? We could each have multiple Devil Fruit abilities without the usual consequences. Wouldn't that be incredible?"

A collective gasp rippled through the dining room. Alpha's proposal was so bold and innovative that everyone was momentarily stunned into silence.

The idea wasn't entirely without merit. Mansherry herself was living proof—she possessed her original Heal-Heal Fruit abilities, yet through the ring, she could also access the Size-Size Fruit powers. She had effectively become the first dual Devil Fruit user before even Blackbeard achieved such a feat.

But as groundbreaking as the concept was, it also raised numerous concerns.

Kujaku, who had witnessed the entire process of creating the Size-Size ring, was the first to voice objections.

"What about the physical toll?" she asked. "Don't forget that using the ring also drains the user's stamina."

As she spoke, she realized that not everyone might understand the underlying principles. She proceeded to explain Vegapunk's theory regarding fruit consciousness and how Devil Fruits draw on their users' physical energy.

This revelation caused an immediate uproar around the table. With the exception of Alpha and Gion, everyone present was a Devil Fruit user. The notion that some unknown consciousness might reside within their bodies made them all distinctly uncomfortable.

But as Luffy had pointed out previously, many of them had possessed their abilities for over a decade without experiencing any adverse effects. And throughout the centuries of documented Devil Fruit usage, Vegapunk's theory, though unsettling, had never been disproven.

After the initial discomfort, everyone quickly came to terms with this perspective. Hancock, ever confident, even found a way to turn the information into a point of pride.

"So the reason I received the Love-Love Fruit is because we were compatible," she declared, tossing her long black hair over her shoulder. "Doesn't that mean even the fruit itself recognized me as the most beautiful woman in the world? Only I could fully unleash its powers!"

Hancock grew increasingly self-assured as she spoke, wholly embracing this interpretation and dismissing any possibility of contradiction.

The other women exchanged exasperated glances.

"Please stop being so narcissistic right now," Koala muttered under her breath.

"Ahem, let's return to the topic at hand," Kujaku interjected, clearing her throat loudly. "As I was saying, the ring drains the user's energy. This might be negligible during normal activities, but it becomes critically important in battle."

She folded her arms across her chest. "Why would I sacrifice my stamina using a secondary ability I'm not proficient with, instead of relying on my Whip-Whip Fruit powers that I've mastered over years? If we're talking about supportive abilities like Sherry's Size-Size powers, that's one thing. But a combat-oriented fruit? It would take far too much experience to use effectively.”

Her logical argument earned nods of agreement from around the table.

Kalifa added her own perspective. "There's also the question of whether a fruit's powers, when transferred to an object, can be fully developed by the user."

She gestured to herself. "Consider my Smooth-Smooth Fruit. If you merely consume it without developing its potential, it only makes your skin slippery enough to deflect bullets and blades. But through years of training and experimentation, I can now even 'wash away' a person's physical strength, stamina, and fighting spirit."

She adjusted her glasses with a finger. "From this perspective, a developed fruit versus an undeveloped one might as well be two entirely different abilities. The gap in effectiveness is simply too vast."

Chapter 464: Alpha's Far-Fetched Proposal

"That's right, that's right," the group chorused, each beginning to share their own perspectives on Devil Fruits.

Robin spoke up next, raising a crucial point that no one had considered yet—whether Devil Fruits consumed by objects could achieve awakening.

By this point, everyone present was well-versed in Devil Fruit knowledge. They all understood the concept of awakening—the ultimate evolution of a Devil Fruit's power. However, none of them, not even Luffy, had yet developed their abilities to that advanced level.

This wasn't from lack of interest. On the contrary, it was precisely because awakening was so difficult to achieve that it made the resulting power so formidable. Now everyone wondered: could a fruit "consumed" by an inanimate object ever reach that pinnacle?

If not, many felt that transferring fruits to objects would be largely pointless.

Luffy couldn't help but speculate about the Size-Size Fruit specifically.

"According to the description in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, the Size-Size Fruit can alter the size of objects besides the user," he explained. "And those objects return to their original state once the user's energy is depleted."

He leaned forward, eyes bright with curiosity. "But what if the Size-Size Fruit were awakened? Would it allow permanent changes to an object's size and properties?" He grinned at the possibilities. "Imagine turning a fist-sized gold nugget into the size of a house—permanently! We could all retire and just count our money."

No one could verify whether Luffy's theory was accurate. Since records of the Size-Size Fruit began, no user had ever developed it to the awakening stage.

Nevertheless, the discussion served as a sobering reminder to everyone that carelessly transferring Devil Fruit powers to objects could be wasteful. Perhaps this was why the World Government restricted Vegapunk from conducting such transfers on a large scale, preferring instead to give fruits directly to promising CP agents or Marines who could develop and master the abilities themselves.

Alpha was visibly deflated as her proposal was systematically dismantled. Seeing her sister slumped over the table in dejection, Kalifa gently rubbed her back.

"Don't be discouraged," she offered consolingly. "It's impressive that you even thought of this approach. You just need to consider all angles next time. Keep working hard, and I'm sure you'll come up with an even better idea."

"Seriously? What's with that tone? Do you think I'm a three-year-old?" Alpha retorted, sitting upright with an indignant snort.

Ignoring Kalifa's darkening expression and clenched fist, Alpha addressed the table again with undiminished enthusiasm.

"Hey, everyone! Listen up—I've got another brilliant idea!"

You come up with 'brilliant' ideas every five minutes. What are you, the self-proclaimed Idea King of the West Blue? Luffy complained inwardly, though he maintained a patient expression.

Yamato, however, had less restraint. She picked up a piece of squid from her plate with her chopsticks and flung it across the table, landing it squarely in Alpha's open mouth.

"Be quiet, you fool," she said bluntly. "With your intelligence level, how could you possibly have a genuinely good idea?"

Alpha nearly choked on the unexpected seafood projectile. After washing it down with a desperate gulp of juice, she slammed her palm on the table and leapt to her feet.

"Idiot Yamato! You're the absolute last person here with any right to criticize my intelligence!" she shouted, eyes blazing. "Besides, my new idea is absolutely perfect—it's so brilliant that a simpleton like you couldn't come up with it in a thousand years!"

The direct attack on her intellect prompted Yamato to rise to the challenge. She crossed her arms defiantly, regarding Alpha with narrowed eyes.

"Fine then, let's hear this supposedly amazing idea of yours," she said with a dismissive snort.

"Hmph! I guarantee you'll be so impressed you'll be on your knees begging me to explain my genius," Alpha declared. After delivering this final jab to Yamato, she turned to Luffy with a proud tilt of her chin.

"Luffy, since Dr. Vegapunk is so incredibly skilled, couldn't we ask him to develop a surgical procedure? One that could extract Devil Fruit abilities directly from a user's body?"

The table fell into stunned silence the moment she finished speaking. Everyone who had been eagerly listening now stared at her with expressions ranging from disbelief to secondhand embarrassment.

Misinterpreting their reaction as awe, Alpha rubbed her nose proudly and shot Yamato a triumphant look.

"What do you think? Pretty impressive, right? Everyone's speechless because my idea is so revolutionary."

Yamato glanced uncertainly at the others, momentarily thrown by their uniform silence. "What's wrong with everyone? Why aren't you saying anything? Is Alpha's idea actually that good?"

After about ten seconds of shocked silence, the group finally recovered from Alpha's outlandish suggestion. Kalifa was the first to react, her face flushing red with mortification.

She stood up and delivered a swift chop to her sister's head. "Are you completely out of your mind? Such a thing is absolutely impossible! Even Vegapunk has limitations!"

Seeing Kalifa's reaction, Yamato finally relaxed and burst into laughter. "Hahaha! So this is your 'perfect' idea? It's more absurd than the funniest joke I've ever heard!"

Chapter 465: The Devil Fruit Extraction Wager

Alpha wilted under her sister's scolding and her friends' mockery, but her stubborn streak wouldn't allow her to back down. She rubbed the spot where Kalifa had struck her and retorted defiantly:

"What's so impossible about it? Since Vegapunk has already developed the technology to transfer Devil Fruit powers into rings, how much more difficult could extracting them from a human body be?"

Kalifa slapped her forehead in exasperation. Her sister's reasoning was so absurd that it was genuinely testing her patience. What were they teaching agents at CP8 these days? The fact that this simpleton had risen to a mid-level position in the organization was truly baffling.

Everyone at the table seemed to share Kalifa's sentiment, finding Alpha's logic completely outlandish. Gion and her drinking companions even treated the ridiculous statement as an excuse to down three more cups of wine in quick succession.

Luffy sighed, making a concerted effort to remain patient as he attempted to explain.

"It's not as simple as you're making it out to be," he said gently. "These two processes might seem similar on the surface, but they're fundamentally different. Even for someone like Vegapunk, developing such a technique would require decades of research, if it's possible at all."

"I don't believe that!" Alpha insisted, her neck stiffening with determination. "Vegapunk is acknowledged as the world's greatest scientific genius. Just because you can't imagine it doesn't mean he can't accomplish it!"

Luffy regarded Alpha's stubbornness with amusement. "Really? How about we call him and ask right now?"

Yamato immediately perked up, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yes, do it! I want to hear Vegapunk himself tell Alpha she's an idiot!"

Mansherry and Koala tried to intervene, showing mercy where others wouldn't.

"Come on, let's drop this," Mansherry suggested. "Alpha was just joking around."

"Who said I was joking? I'm completely serious!" Alpha declared, planting her hands on her hips. With unwavering confidence, she retrieved her Den Den Mushi and tossed it to Luffy.

"Go ahead, call him right now! If Dr. Vegapunk says it's possible, you all have to apologize to me," she announced. "And you have to say three times: 'I'm sorry, I was wrong. Miss Alpha is a genius.'"

"And what if you lose?" Violet interjected, clearly intrigued by the developing wager.

"If I lose, you can make me do whatever you want!" Alpha declared boldly. "But I won't lose."

Her confidence was so absolute that even Kalifa and Luffy, who had initially intended only to tease her, were taken aback.

"Fine," Luffy conceded with a slight shake of his head. "Since you're asking for trouble, don't blame me for the consequences. But I'll make it fair—if I lose, I'll grant you any one request, no questions asked."

Convinced that Alpha was digging her own grave, Luffy accepted the Den Den Mushi and dialed Vegapunk's number.

On Egghead Island, Vegapunk had just concluded a heated argument with Dragon that had left him in a foul mood. When the Den Den Mushi rang, he answered without checking the caller's identity.

"Hello?" he answered flatly.

"Hello, Dr. Vegapunk?"

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Vegapunk's demeanor instantly transformed. His entire body seemed to perk up with renewed energy.

"Luffy-kun?! You called me! Have you finally had a change of heart about collaborating with me to advance scientific progress?"

Back at the dinner table, under the curious gazes of the women, Luffy's expression darkened as he firmly crushed the scientist's unrealistic hopes.

"Don't even think about it. I will never agree to such a thing!"

"Please reconsider!" Vegapunk pleaded. "I could create false memories for Lilith. We could prevent her from uploading her experiences to the Punk Records database."

"Well..." Luffy hesitated momentarily. If Lilith weren't given access to Vegapunk's memories, perhaps...

"No, that's not what I'm calling about," he said, catching himself. "Doctor, we can discuss that matter later. I have a different question for you right now."

On the other end of the line, Vegapunk didn't immediately respond. He had detected a flicker of uncertainty in Luffy's voice, which gave him hope. Perhaps he didn't need to pressure Luffy into having a child with his clone after all. He could simply transform Lilith into a robot that shared only his knowledge, not his memories.

That might be acceptable to Luffy while still allowing Vegapunk to explore an intriguing research question: What could a robot with pure knowledge but no personal memory accomplish? Could anyone replicate his research capabilities without his lifetime of experiences?

This could be another fascinating research direction, Vegapunk mused silently. I'll need to make some adjustments to Lilith's programming...

After this brief mental digression, he finally responded to Luffy. "Of course, feel free to ask your question."

Luffy frowned, sensing that Vegapunk seemed distracted, his mind clearly occupied with some other scheme. However, he decided not to press the issue and instead posed the question that had sparked their debate.

"Doctor, given your extensive research on Devil Fruits, I was wondering: Is there any way to extract a Devil Fruit power from someone who already possesses it? Could it be transformed back into a fruit, or directly transferred to another person?"

As he asked this, Luffy couldn't help glancing toward Alpha, whose expression remained smugly confident.