[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 456- 460

Chapter 456: Dragon, Do You Want a Grandson?!

"Oh no—please reconsider! This is for the advancement of science!" Vegapunk called out desperately, but Luffy had already escorted the girls out of the warehouse and was swiftly making his escape from the laboratory.

The elderly scientist slumped in disappointment.

"How can that boy have absolutely no sense of responsibility toward scientific progress? It's truly infuriating," he muttered to himself.

He paced the room, gesturing animatedly to no one in particular. "Whether it's humans and robots or humans and Tontatta—these would be unique miracles of life! I simply must find a way to convince him."

Vegapunk continued his anxious pacing, his brilliant mind racing through potential solutions. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, eyes widening as inspiration struck.

"Wait a moment! If I can't convince the son... perhaps I can persuade the father?" A sly grin spread across his weathered face. "At Dragon's age, he must be eager for grandchildren. I'll appeal to his paternal instincts!"

Without hesitation, Vegapunk snatched up his Den Den Mushi and placed a call to Dragon. As a crucial ally of the Revolutionary Army, the leader answered almost immediately.

"Vegapunk," Dragon's deep voice resonated through the snail, "what business do you have with me?"

The scientist could barely contain his excitement. "Dragon, my old friend! Let me ask you something—have you ever considered wanting a grandson? If you simply say the word, I'll help you convince that stubborn son of yours!"

On the other end of the line, Dragon stared at the Den Den Mushi with profound suspicion, three imaginary question marks practically visible above his head.

"...Is today some kind of holiday I'm unaware of?" he finally responded, deeply confused by the unexpected inquiry.

---

While Vegapunk attempted to recruit Dragon in his matchmaking schemes, Luffy and his companions had already departed from the research facility.

After bidding farewell to Sentomaru, who seemed puzzled by the addition of a new person to their group, everyone began their journey back to Wano Country.

Having swiftly traversed the White Sea, Luffy reduced their pace as they approached familiar territory.

"To celebrate Gion's arrival and Mansherry's new abilities," Luffy announced, "Kujaku, Viola, Alpha—please contact Ain and the others. Invite all our nakama who aren't currently on missions to gather at home for a celebration."

"Understood! We'll call them right away!" the three women agreed cheerfully, quickly retrieving their Den Den Mushi to contact their comrades.

Similar to Olivia who remained on Egghead Island, some of their friends had pressing duties and couldn't attend the gathering. However, no one felt particularly disappointed. They had celebrated together many times before, and would surely do so again. The more companions present, the merrier the occasion would be.

By the time their group returned to Wano Country, word of the celebration had spread among their allies.

Since they were planning a proper party, food and drinks were obviously essential. While most ingredients could be sourced from their base, the women insisted on shopping for fresh supplies themselves to make the occasion special.

Luffy, however, had different thoughts on the matter. Shopping with women—especially women from the pirate world—was something he considered pure torture. Given their physical fitness and seemingly boundless energy, just imagining accompanying them on a shopping expedition made him shudder.

He decisively shook his head and firmly refused, ignoring their pleas, persuasive arguments, and even playful threats. Instead, he bid a temporary farewell to Mansherry and the others, heading directly back to the Marine while they handled the shopping.

Like Olive Company's headquarters, the newly constructed fifth floor of the G-66 branch featured a specialized landing platform. The platform extended from the building, allowing flying individuals to land and enter through a door leading directly to the fifth floor.

Upon entering, visitors first encountered an entrance hall where Luffy and Mansherry removed their footwear. Just beyond this area lay the semi-open living room—the heart of the fifth floor and the space where everyone spent most of their time together.

As the side door to the living room opened, Yamato, Hancock, and Koala—who had either returned quickly or had already been at home—immediately turned their attention toward the entrance.

When Luffy stepped into the room, his bare feet sinking into the plush carpet, the three women's expressions remained relatively neutral. However, when Mansherry—still slightly disoriented by her new perspective—followed behind him, all three instantly erupted in surprised exclamations and rushed forward.

Leading the charge were Yamato, their combat instructor, and Koala, the deputy director of intelligence. They each seized one of Mansherry's hands, examining her with a mixture of shock and delight.

"Mansherry, you've grown so much! Before, you were only this small," Yamato exclaimed, gesturing with her fingers to indicate the Tontatta's former tiny stature.

Her hands moved restlessly over Mansherry's form, as if needing to confirm that this transformation was real. The Tontatta princess's cheeks flushed pink under this enthusiastic attention.

After the initial amazement subsided, Koala's expression shifted subtly, her excitement diminishing. The reason was straightforward—when Mansherry had grown, she had apparently used Luffy as her height reference. Consequently, her stature now matched his impressive height of 2.03 meters.

Meanwhile, Koala stood at a mere 160 centimeters, making her the shortest among their family except for Mansherry's original form and Nami. The revolutionary fighter looked up—way up—at the transformed Tontatta princess with a mixture of awe and dismay at the unexpected height difference.

Chapter 457: The Height-Changing Escapade

Mansherry's transformation was nothing short of miraculous. After consuming the Devil Fruit, she had blossomed from a tiny girl into a statuesque beauty, her delicate features now framed by a taller, more mature figure.

Nami, too, seemed to be experiencing a growth spurt, her height increasing at an almost unnatural rate, as if she had been given some magical elixir.

Koala sighed, looking down at her own unchanged body. At eighteen years old, she was beginning to suspect that even a second growth spurt wouldn't add much to her stature.

"I'm doomed to be the family's shortest member," Koala lamented, suddenly throwing herself forward to wrap her arms around Mansherry's slender waist. Tears streamed down her face as she wailed, "Waaah! Even you've grown taller, Sherry! I'm going to be the smallest one from now on!"

Mansherry's eyes widened with panic at Koala's unexpected outburst. She gently patted the smaller woman's back, her touch soft and comforting.

"Hey, um, Koala..." she said hesitantly, "if you want to be taller... maybe I could try something with my new powers?"

Koala froze mid-sob. "Huh?" She lifted her tear-streaked face, eyes suddenly bright with hope as she gazed up at Mansherry. "Your new ability can affect other people too? That's amazing! Show me how tall you can make me!"

Mansherry smiled warmly at her "little sister's" excitement. With a gentle nod, she placed her palm against Koala's body and focused her powers.

In an instant, Koala's height began to expand like a balloon being inflated. From her original 160 centimeters, she stretched upward until she towered at an impressive 190 centimeters. Her black-stockinged legs, which already made up most of her height, became even longer and more slender after the transformation.

Koala gasped, looking down at her new body in amazement. "Is this... is this how Sister Hancock sees the world?" She straightened her back, a new confidence flowing through her. "No wonder her attitude is the way it is! It feels like everything in the world is beneath me, all living beings bowing at my feet. I am the queen of this world!!!"

Hancock, who had been observing the scene with mild amusement, raised an eyebrow. "How ignorant," she commented dryly. "You've only grown a little taller, and already you think you've become royalty?"

Koala scratched her head in embarrassment, sticking out her tongue playfully. "Hehe, I'm just excited! But this perspective really is something else. It feels like I can look down on everyone now."

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as a new idea struck her. "Wait a minute... Hancock, you and Yamato-nee are both tall. Could it be that you both awakened your Conqueror's Haki because of your height?" She grinned triumphantly. "If that's the case, I'll stay this tall until I awaken my own Conqueror's Haki!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Hancock scoffed, immediately seeing through Koala's ploy. "If Conqueror's Haki were related to height, then Vice Admiral Gion and all the giants would possess it." She fixed Koala with her signature imperious stare. "Don't think you can use such a flimsy excuse to stay like this. Change back to normal."

Koala hung her head, her expression dejected as she pouted dramatically, filling the room with an aura of playful grievance.

Meanwhile, Yamato had been watching the transformation with growing curiosity. Unlike Koala, however, she was interested in experiencing the opposite effect. The oni-woman approached Mansherry eagerly.

"Can you make me smaller?" Yamato asked, her eyes sparkling with childlike enthusiasm. "I want to know what it feels like!"

Mansherry nodded happily, never one to refuse such a harmless request. With another gentle touch, the towering Yamato began to shrink rapidly. Her impressive 263-centimeter frame diminished until she stood at less than one meter tall—smaller than even Mansherry had been before her own transformation.

As her perspective shifted, everything in Yamato's vision seemed to magnify. The living room now appeared vast and imposing, furniture looming like mountains. Delighted by this new viewpoint, she began darting around the room with unbridled excitement, like a husky puppy let off its leash for the first time.

Koala's interest was piqued further by Yamato's transformation. She turned to Mansherry with renewed enthusiasm.

"Make me even taller!" she pleaded. "I want to know what it's like to be as tall as an admiral!"

Hancock watched the three of them with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. She shook her head, unable to suppress a small smile despite herself.

"Are you all children?" she asked rhetorically. "You're grown women acting like toddlers with a new toy." She turned, seeking out the one person who might restore some sanity to the situation. "You should talk some sense into them, Luffy."

As she spoke, Hancock looked around the room, but Luffy was nowhere to be seen. Her brow furrowed slightly in confusion.

Just then, the door to the innermost room swung open. Luffy emerged, his black hair still damp from a recent shower, dressed casually in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts.. In his hand was a cold bottle of cola, which he took a long swig from as he entered.

"Ahh!" he sighed contentedly. "Nothing beats a cold drink after a hot bath."

As he stepped into the living room, he paused, blinking at the strange scene before him. A tiny Yamato, a gigantic Koala, Mansherry with her hands glowing softly, and Hancock watching it all with barely concealed amusement.

"Huh?" Luffy's eyes darted between Yamato and Koala. "What are you doing? Shouldn't your heights be the other way around?"

The four women stared at him in stunned silence, all thinking the same thing: "When did he finish bathing?!" It had only been a few minutes since he'd disappeared into the bathroom, yet here he was, already showered and refreshed.

Ignoring their surprised expressions, Yamato refocused on her tiny new form. She bounded over to Luffy with surprising agility despite her diminutive size.

"Look, Luffy!" she exclaimed, twirling in a circle. "I've turned into a dwarf! Isn't it amazing?"

Not to be outdone, Koala, now towering at over three meters tall after Mansherry's second enhancement, strode over with ground-shaking steps. She stood over Luffy, hands on her hips, looking down at the Vice Admiral with exaggerated superiority.

"Hehe," she grinned mischievously. "Luffy, I'm now as tall as an admiral! I wonder which of your Marine colleagues will dare laugh at me now?"

Chapter 458: The Allure of Tails

"Are you two... still children?" Luffy sighed, covering his face with his palm.

Watching Yamato and Koala clearly enjoying their size-changing adventure, he couldn't help but remind them: "Don’t play around to much. Maintaining your current size will also consume Sherry's energy."

The two women paused at his words and turned to look at Mansherry with concern.

"Wait," Koala questioned, "I thought the ability was transferred to the item? Why does Sherry still need to expend energy?"

Hearing the disappointment in their voices, Mansherry waved her hands frantically, insisting she was fine. "It's okay! There are only three of us now, including me. I can hold this transformation for a few hours without issue."

Despite her assurances, the two women considered her wellbeing and asked her to release her ability. After returning to her normal 160cm height, Koala flopped onto the sofa with a dejected expression.

She lifted her feet, wrapped in knee-length black stockings, and gently nudged Luffy with her toes. "I still don't understand," she said in a glum tone. "Didn't I give the ring the ability? Why does it still consume her energy?"

"Well," Luffy began, capturing her restless feet in his hands and absently stroking them, "this matter is a bit complicated to explain. We need to start with how Devil Fruits actually work..."

Before he could launch into his explanation, the sound of the living room's main door opening interrupted them. Hina, Robin, and Kalifa entered together, returning from whatever errand had kept them away.

At the sight of the newcomers, Yamato bounded over to greet them. Koala quickly withdrew her feet from Luffy's grasp, called out Robin's name, and hurried over to join them.

Luffy felt a pang of emptiness as Koala's feet disappeared from his hands. Shaking his head with a resigned smile, he waved to Mansherry, who was sitting some distance away in conversation with Hancock.

Seeing his gesture, Mansherry quickly excused herself from Hancock and walked toward him. Luffy stretched out his arms, ready to embrace her and examine the new fluffy tail that had grown as part of her transformation.

Before she could reach him, however, Kalifa intercepted her halfway across the room.

"My, my!" Kalifa exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "Sherry is so adorable all grown up, and look at this beautiful tail!"

Without hesitation, Kalifa wrapped her arms around Mansherry and began stroking the soft, furry tail. "So fluffy," she sighed with delight. "It feels absolutely wonderful!"

Several distinct stress marks appeared on Luffy's forehead as he watched someone else touching what he considered his to explore.

Suddenly, Kalifa felt a chill run down her spine, causing goosebumps to spread across her skin. She turned her head stiffly and found herself facing Luffy's frost-covered expression.

"I haven't had the chance to properly appreciate that tail yet," he said in an ominously calm voice.

Kalifa's eyes widened in alarm. She quickly lifted Mansherry by the waist, hurried forward, and carefully deposited her into Luffy's waiting arms.

"You... you take your time," she stammered. "I'm going to start cooking dinner!"

Without daring to look back, she turned and made a hasty retreat toward the kitchen.

The other women exchanged puzzled glances at the scene. It was rare for Luffy to show anger, and when he did, it meant he truly took the matter seriously.

Watching Luffy recline on the sofa, contentedly stroking Mansherry's fluffy tail with a look of pure satisfaction on his face, Robin paused momentarily before breaking into a knowing smile.

"My, my," she observed with amusement. "It seems we all need to acquire tails of our own. Otherwise, we might find ourselves falling out of favor in this household."

Hina standing nearby and Hancock on the distant sofa both nodded thoughtfully, taking Robin's words to heart.

Koala and Yamato looked at each other in confusion. Could a tail really be purchased?

Yamato, however, quickly brightened as realization struck her. It was just a tail—she could create one herself! Moreover, her tail would be cool, soft, and silky, surely more pleasant to touch than any store-bought alternative.

With this thought, Yamato activated her Devil Fruit ability, and a long, smooth blue-and-white tail emerged from behind her. She happily bounded toward Luffy, wagging her new appendage like an excited puppy.

Koala, Hina, and Hancock watched the two women receiving Luffy's attention with undisguised envy, silently regretting not having eaten a Devil Fruit that could produce tails.

Koala reconsidered—technically, her ability could grow a tail too. But her reptilian tail, covered in scales, would certainly not feel as pleasant to touch as the soft, furry ones the others possessed.

The young woman looked at Robin eagerly and asked, "Robin-nee, where can I buy the tail you mentioned? I want one too!"

"Fufufu," Robin chuckled. "For something like that, we'll need to ask Olivia. She has the right connections in that particular market."

Koala nodded in understanding and immediately retrieved a Den Den Mushi, placing an order with Olivia. Hina and Hancock soon joined her, each placing their own requests with the world's largest dealer of exotic accessories.

On the other end of the call, Olivia was still busy in her laboratory. "What are you all so excited about?" she asked, bemused by their enthusiastic clamor.

Watching the three women chattering excitedly around the Den Den Mushi, Luffy shook his head in amusement. He was currently enjoying the pleasant sensation of rubbing the different tails in each hand.

Robin approached and sat beside him, tentatively reaching out to stroke Yamato's wolf-like tail with curious fingers.

Chapter 459: The Unusual Branch and Headquarters Rumors

"Well, it feels really good. No wonder you like it so much," Robin commented as she stroked Yamato's tail.

Before Luffy could respond, Yamato's wolf tail began swishing back and forth like a fan, clearly enjoying the attention.

"Right, right?" Yamato agreed enthusiastically. "Sometimes I even like to sleep with my tail wrapped in my arms."

Robin glanced at Yamato, who seemed completely content being treated like a pet, and suppressed a smile. She pursed her lips slightly and continued her gentle stroking. Such an opportunity was rare—she'd better appreciate it while she could.

"Hmm~" Yamato hummed contentedly under the caress of both Robin's and Luffy's hands. She stretched out comfortably on the sofa, her eyes half-closed in bliss.

The pleasure was mutual—both the one touching and the one being touched were thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Soon, the three women who had just finished their Den Den Mushi calls returned and playfully snatched Mansherry away from Luffy. They quickly established their own space and began taking turns petting the fairy princess's tail.

It wasn't until Kalifa called for help from the kitchen that Hina and Koala finally released the poor little princess. But Mansherry's reprieve was short-lived—Hancock, typically so aloof and dignified, had discovered she quite enjoyed the sensation of the soft tail. After having Mansherry reduce herself to the size of an ordinary child, Hancock kept the princess cradled in her arms, refusing to let go.

The group chatted amicably in this peaceful atmosphere. Occasionally, when an interesting topic arose, the three women working in the kitchen would pop their heads out to join the conversation.

The wonderful atmosphere became even livelier when Gion, Violet, Kujaku, and Alpha returned from their shopping trip. Now all family members who were free to attend the gathering had arrived.

"Hey, where are Ain and Nami?" Luffy asked as he helped set the dining table, having lost his tail-stroking privileges when Yamato wandered off. "Besides Via, they're the only two who haven't come."

Hina emerged from the kitchen carrying a large platter of sashimi, which she carefully placed on the table before answering.

"Those two took a team out on the Stormbreaker," she explained. "There have been more pirates attacking Onigashima recently. If we don't clear the sea routes, merchants won't dare to make their deliveries."

Hancock, who was placing plates around the table for everyone, snorted dismissively.

"Except for the Four Emperors, anyone who dares to cause trouble in our waters is simply an idiot," she said with characteristic disdain. Despite her haughty tone, she couldn't hide her concern as she continued, "But those two are being reckless. Even if they didn't bring me along, they should have at least taken Yamato, or you and Kalifa with them."

Hancock lowered her voice slightly. "The headquarters is already saying that the G-66 branch chief deliberately prevents his subordinates from advancing. They claim that even such capable officers can only serve under your command."

Hina rolled her eyes in annoyance. "You make it sound so simple," she countered. "Yamato is now the chief instructor at the academy with a group of cadets to train. Kalifa and I need to remain at the base while Luffy handles official business. Before Vice Admiral Gion arrived, you were our strongest fighter besides Luffy. None of us can leave our posts as we please."

Luffy, standing nearby, suddenly stiffened. He'd always had the impression that he was relatively idle compared to the others.

"Don't worry about them," Hina continued, setting down another dish. "They have Cook, Binz, Zoro,Sanji, Usopp, and others with them this time. With that team, they have nothing to fear from ordinary pirate groups. This mission is mainly to give our newer recruits battle experience."

"Hmph, I suppose that's acceptable," Hancock conceded, though her tone remained unimpressed. "But their team composition is merely adequate."

Though her words were cold, everyone knew that in her heart, Hancock had come to regard all members of the G-66 branch as her comrades—she simply refused to express it openly.

Luffy seized the opportunity to change the subject. "By the way, Cook and the others still have relatively low ranks. If they capture some notable pirates during this mission, I should petition Fleet Admiral Sengoku to promote them."

"It's long overdue!" Kujaku exclaimed, emerging from the kitchen with more dishes. "Did you know that people at headquarters have a special nickname for us? I heard it from a friend a few days ago."

Luffy, Hina, and Hancock looked over curiously, shaking their heads.

After placing the dishes on the table, Kujaku put her hands on her hips and sighed. "They're calling us 'the freak branch' because we keep eliminating pirates with bounties in the tens or even hundreds of millions. Whenever our battle reports come in, headquarters personnel just shake their heads. Those dangerous enemies that give headquarters such trouble is routinely handled by our squads where most of them have long not been promoted even with so many contribution!"

She threw up her hands in exasperation. "This year's Marine Academy graduates, upon hearing the name of the G-66 branch, all refused assignment here!"

Luffy listened to Kujaku's report with growing disbelief. By the time she finished, he felt utterly incredulous.

"The promotion of Marine officers isn't even decided by me," he protested. "Are those people at headquarters insane? Why blame me instead of the Fleet admirals?"

Kujaku shrugged helplessly. "There are also rumors circulating that you and Fleet Admiral Sengoku don't get along, and that he's deliberately holding you back. That's another reason why no one wants to be assigned to G-66 anymore."

Luffy's expression darkened. "You've got to be kidding me!"

Chapter 460: Gion's Drinking Challenge

Luffy made a mental note to speak with Sengoku about promoting all his subordinates when Ain and her crew returned. As for the person spreading those malicious rumors... they'd better hope Luffy never discovered their identity.

Somewhere at Marine Headquarters, a certain yellow-suited admiral sneezed suddenly.

"Achoo! Hmm? Am I catching a cold?" Kizaru rubbed his nose thoughtfully. "Perhaps Vegapunk and Sentomaru are talking about me... or that damned Monkey D. Dragon!"

...

"Enough chatting, everyone! Come help with the dishes. If you want to talk, we can do it over dinner!" Kalifa's voice called authoritatively from the kitchen.

"Coming!" Hancock responded instinctively, but then quickly caught herself. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Who gave you permission to order me around?! Since Ain isn't here, I should be the one giving commands!"

Seeing Hancock storming toward the kitchen, Hina and Kujaku's competitive spirits flared up as well.

"Hey, Hancock!" Kujaku called out. "Don't think you can just take charge because you're strong. According to the first-come-first-served rule, I should outrank you anyway!"

Hina scoffed, following close behind. "Don't be ridiculous! If we're following seniority, then after Ain and Nami, I'm next in line. Just be quiet and follow your big sister's orders!"

The two women charged into the kitchen, still arguing fiercely with each other.

Moments later, the sounds of heated quarreling echoed from the kitchen. Luffy, displaying rare tactical wisdom, remained seated at the dining table. Venturing into that battlefield would only drag him into their conflict. Better to wait it out and enjoy dinner once they'd settled their differences.

After a lengthy and noisy dispute, Hina, Hancock, Kujaku, and Kalifa finally emerged from the kitchen, having been pacified by the other women. They walked out reluctantly, still exchanging pointed remarks under their breath.

"Gion, Sherry," Luffy called, waving to the two women while seated at the head of the round dining table. "You're our guests of honor tonight. Come sit beside me."

Hearing their names, Gion and Mansherry promptly took their places to Luffy's left and right. The others had no objections to this arrangement and selected their own seats around the table.

In this unique family, everyone enjoyed equal status—there was no hierarchy of importance or preference. Even Ain, whom everyone acknowledged as the eldest sister, only intervened in specific matters. Most of the time, she served as mediator and peacekeeper when conflicts arose among the women.

Once everyone was seated, Luffy personally poured drinks for Gion and Mansherry before filling his own glass with cola. He raised it high and proposed a toast.

"Everyone," he announced cheerfully, "let's give a warm welcome to Vice Admiral Gion, who has come to G-66 branch to help protect us!"

"Welcome!" Koala cheered with a bright smile.

"It's our honor to have the esteemed Admiral candidate join us," Kujaku added with a teasing lilt to her voice.

Hancock raised an elegant eyebrow. "Why not drop the 'candidate' from Vice Admiral Gion's title?" she suggested with mock innocence. "We feel so vulnerable in the New World—we truly need a genuine admiral to take command." Her sarcasm was thinly veiled at best.

Amid the women's laughter and playful jabs, Gion shot a pointed glare at Luffy for initiating the teasing. She raised her glass high and declared loudly:

"Quiet down, little sisters! I'd rather see your drinking prowess than listen to your chatter."

With that proclamation, she downed her entire glass of white wine in one fluid motion and slammed the empty glass onto the table with commanding authority.

Seeing this display, Koala, Yamato, and Alpha—who weren't drinkers themselves—immediately began cheering enthusiastically, clearly enjoying the prospect of the ensuing chaos.

"When it comes to drinking," Hancock declared, her deep blue eyes suddenly intense with determination, "I won't be outdone."

To ensure a fair challenge against Gion, she filled her own glass halfway. Then, following Gion's example, she tilted her head back and drained the liquor in a single gulp, her expression remaining perfectly composed.

Witnessing the two women's competitive display, Hina refused to be left out. Considering herself the current authority in Ain's absence, she gritted her teeth and emptied her glass of white wine in two swift gulps.

The remaining potential contenders—Kalifa, Kujaku, Robin, and Violet—chose to abstain from the competition. They either preferred red wine or simply knew their limits when it came to alcohol. Each took a modest sip from their glasses and graciously withdrew from the contest.

And so it began—Hina, Hancock, and Gion engaged in an impromptu drinking competition, each determined to claim victory by the end of the night.

Watching these three formidable women challenging each other, Luffy shook his head with resigned amusement. With a subtle gesture, he used his powers to rearrange their seating, bringing the three competitors together.

"Why don't you three sit together," he suggested pragmatically. "But remember, a competition is just a competition—don't overdo it. If you've had enough, there's no shame in conceding."

After the adjustment, the three women found themselves sitting shoulder to shoulder. They exchanged glances and snorted defiantly, seemingly deaf to Luffy's words of caution.

Luffy sighed inwardly, reflecting on how his unique team grew more challenging to manage with each passing day. Still, as long as their rivalry didn't escalate into actual conflict, he was content to let them enjoy these harmless games that, in their own way, strengthened their bonds.