[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 341- 345

Chapter 341: Nami: "Everyone Says I'm Still Growing!" [Picture]

Although the group didn’t fully understand Luffy’s intentions, they had no choice but to nod and follow his orders. Questions could wait.

Nami, however, couldn’t help but recall Luffy’s display of power at the G2 branch. The image of him using his magnetic abilities to manipulate an entire island resurfaced in her mind. A knowing smirk crossed her face as she made a guess about his next move.

Before she could voice her thoughts, Luffy interrupted, “Alright, stop guessing and get to work.”

He turned to address the officers. “Ain, Tina, Kujaku, Koala—lead your teams and patrol the Flower Capital. Mansherry, you’re with me. I’ll need you to oversee medical care. Kalifa, contact the World Government and tell them if they want a seastone factory, they’ll have to build it themselves—and pay for it. Also, inform them that the seastone produced here isn’t free. They’ll need to negotiate the price with me.”

The officers exchanged glances, nodded, and dispersed to carry out their tasks.

As the others left the room, the atmosphere quieted. Only Nami remained, inspecting a beautifully crafted golden plate of Wano Country’s design. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned the artifact over in her hands, admiring its craftsmanship.

“Nami,” Luffy said, breaking the silence. “Where are Hancock and the others? I haven’t seen them around.”

Without looking up, Nami replied, “They’re probably still on Stormbreaker. I heard they’re planning to dock it in the river outside the city. They’ll be here soon.”

Her focus returned to the golden plate, and a mischievous grin spread across her face. “Hey, Luffy, I heard Wano Country is called the ‘Golden Country.’ Are there really a lot of gold mines here? Think we could, you know, take some?”

Luffy rolled his eyes. “Seriously? That’s your first question?” With a flick of his hand, he used his magnetic powers to pull the plate from her grasp. He examined the artifact thoughtfully before answering, “We can mine gold, but none of it is going into your personal stash. I’ve got plans for it.”

Nami pouted, crossing her arms in mock defiance. “Stingy,” she muttered under her breath.

Luffy ignored her sulking and stood up. “Come on. Let’s take a walk through the castle.”

The two strolled through the opulent halls of the Shogun’s Castle. As the residence of Wano’s ruling family for generations, the castle exuded extravagance. Every corner was adorned with intricate decorations, priceless antiques, and luxurious furnishings.

“This place is something else,” Luffy mused as he gazed around. “We’ll make this the new base for the G66 branch. It’ll need some renovations, though. I’m not a fan of sitting on my knees to do paperwork.”

Nami, ever the opportunist, let her eyes wander over the treasures lining the walls. Silently, she estimated their value, already imagining how much gold and Bailey they could fetch. Her mind buzzed with possibilities.

As they reached a window overlooking the Flower Capital, Luffy paused to admire the bustling streets below. The city seemed vibrant, alive with the sounds of daily life. He sighed, a rare note of melancholy creeping into his voice.

“In one month, I’ll be 14 years old,” he said softly. “Fourteen years old, running an entire base, and conquering a country. Most people would call that remarkable. But it’s still not enough—not for what we’re trying to achieve.”

Nami tore her gaze away from the treasures and studied Luffy’s expression. With a warm smile, she approached him and linked her arm through his. “What are you talking about?” she teased. “You sound like some old man reminiscing about his glory days. You’ve got plenty of time, Luffy. You’re just getting started.”

Her tone turned playful as she added, “And don’t forget—once I get my hands on pure gold, we’ll have all the time in the world. Even if you’re the biggest idiot on the Grand Line, you’ll reach your goals eventually.”

Luffy chuckled, her humor breaking through his pensive mood. “Is that supposed to be comforting? Because it doesn’t sound like it.”

Reaching out, he ruffled Nami’s hair, thoroughly messing up her neatly styled orange locks. She yelped in protest, swatting at his hand.

As they bantered, Luffy suddenly noticed a change in perspective. Glancing down, he realized just how much taller he was than Nami. At around 150 cm, she barely reached his chest.

“Nami,” he said, his tone mock-serious.

“Hmm?” she replied, still fixing her hair.

“You... should probably start drinking more milk or something,” he said with a sly grin. “Otherwise, when we’re older, I might feel guilty about being a lolicon.”

Nami froze, her eyes narrowing as his words sank in. “What did you just say?” she hissed.

Luffy’s grin widened as he gestured to their height difference. “I mean, look at you. You’re tiny. If we’re ever... you know, together, people might think—”

Before he could finish, Nami’s foot connected with his shin. Hard.

“Bakayaro!” she shouted, jabbing a finger at his chest. “How many times do I have to tell you? I’m still growing!”

Crossing her arms, she huffed and added, “When I’m 18, I’ll surprise you—and everyone else! My height, my figure, everything! You’ll eat your words!”

Luffy smirked, unfazed by her outburst. “I don’t doubt your... figure,” he said, glancing pointedly at her chest. “But your height? That’s another story.”

He leaned back, folding his arms. “Even if you hit 1.7 meters, you’d still be little for someone who’s 3 meters tall with... you know.” He gestured vaguely, leaving the implication hanging.

Chapter 342: High Mountains and Steep Ridges, Ghost Island Planning [Picture]

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!”

Chapter 343: Hiyori Surrenders, the Princess's Maid [Picture]

Luffy nodded at Yamato’s compliment, though a wry smile played on his lips. He appreciated her admiration but felt compelled to address her perspective.

“Yamato, I’m glad you think so,” he began, “but honestly, being ‘more powerful than Kozuki Oden’ isn’t much of an achievement.”

Yamato’s expression shifted, a mix of confusion and unease crossing her face as Luffy continued. “What exactly about Oden draws you to him so much? Why do you admire him to the point of wanting to become him?”

Ignoring the tension in the room, Luffy began listing his questions. “Do you admire his adventurous spirit? If that’s the case, wouldn’t Roger, Whitebeard, or even your father, Kaido, be just as worthy of admiration? They’ve all had decades of adventures on the seas.”

Luffy paused, letting his words sink in. “Or maybe it’s his strength? But even in that regard, Oden wasn’t the strongest. He’d have a hard time beating Kaido in a fair fight, let alone matching Roger or Whitebeard.”

The room fell silent as everyone’s eyes turned toward Yamato. While they had heard her talk about Oden countless times, they had never quite understood why she idolized him so much. Even Hancock, who acknowledged Oden’s role in helping Roger reach Laugh Tale, found Yamato’s obsession over-the-top. To idolize someone so deeply that she claimed to become them seemed... strange.

Yamato lowered her head, her fists clenched tightly. Despite the tarnished image of the Kozuki family, Oden remained her beacon of inspiration. Her companions’ skepticism stung, but she wasn’t about to back down.

“No!” Yamato exclaimed, her voice firm and passionate. “Maybe Oden wasn’t the greatest adventurer or the strongest fighter, but that’s not what makes him special.”

She raised her head, her eyes burning with emotion. “It’s his will—his personal charm! I’ll never forget the day he was executed. He stood in a boiling pot of oil, holding up his retainers on a wooden board. He sacrificed himself to save them and gave Wano Country a chance to fight back against Kaido in the future.”

Her voice grew louder as she spoke, her words brimming with conviction. “At that moment, I saw what it meant to be a true leader. Oden stood tall, even in the face of death. I vowed that day to become Kozuki Oden and defeat Kaido, no matter what!”

The room was still for a moment. Yamato’s fervor was palpable, her passion undeniable. The others exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. Even Luffy seemed lost in thought for a moment, his fingers lightly tapping the tatami mat.

Finally, Luffy broke the silence. “Yamato,” he said, his tone even, “how do you feel about someone admiring your father like that?”

Before Yamato could respond, the door slid open with a quiet sound. All eyes turned toward the entrance, where Hiyori knelt, holding a tray. She had traded her elaborate attire for a simple light pink kimono adorned with delicate purple floral embroidery. Her smooth, light green hair hung loosely, unkempt but still striking.

Luffy frowned at the sight of her. “Didn’t I tell you to leave?” he asked sharply. “Why are you still here? And what’s with this attire?”

Hiyori lowered her gaze, glancing quickly around the room before focusing on Luffy. When her eyes landed on Hancock, they widened slightly in awe. How can someone be so beautiful? the thought flashed through her mind before she quickly composed herself.

Bowing respectfully, she replied, “Vice Admiral, you did allow me to leave, and your subordinates treated me fairly. But you also said I could remain if I wished. I requested permission from the Marine guards to serve as a maid in the Shogun’s Castle.”

Without waiting for a response, she carefully entered the room, balancing the tray as she closed the door behind her. With a grace born of years in the brothel, Hiyori moved through the room, serving tea with practiced precision. Yet, unlike her usual alluring demeanor, her actions were simple and elegant, befitting a proper maid.

After placing tea in front of everyone, Hiyori retreated to a corner of the room and knelt quietly, her posture perfect as she awaited further instructions. Her composed demeanor left the group momentarily stunned.

Luffy narrowed his eyes, watching her closely. He couldn’t quite decipher her motives, but he wasn’t particularly worried. If she’s up to something, we’ll know soon enough.

Without hesitation, he picked up the teacup she had served him and took a sip, unbothered by the possibility of poison. The taste was smooth, and he gave a slight nod of approval.

Meanwhile, Hancock, Nami, and Violet were less trusting. Their eyes followed Hiyori’s every move, their expressions filled with suspicion. The moment Hiyori retreated to the corner, the three women exchanged glances, silently confirming their shared relief.

Seeing that the woman looked pretty, they thought Luffy had found a new love. But it seems that this is not the case, and Luffy even seems to be somewhat hostile to her.

Chapter 344: Luffy: "Kozuki Oden? He's Just a Moron."

Yamato’s curiosity was evident as she glanced at Hiyori. Luffy noticed her expression and took another sip of tea before placing the cup down.

“She’s Kozuki Oden’s daughter,” Luffy said nonchalantly, “and the granddaughter of that idiot on the roof. I was planning to let her go, but for some reason, she chose to stay. Maybe she thinks the most dangerous place is the safest.”

Despite the teasing tone in his words, Hiyori bowed respectfully. “My name is Hiyori. Greetings, ladies.”

Her introduction drew mixed reactions. Hancock narrowed her eyes, her usual regal demeanor stiffening slightly. Nami stared at the teacup in her hand, hesitant to drink from it. Violet, however, felt a pang of familiarity as she looked at Hiyori.

She’s like me, Violet thought. A princess of a fallen kingdom. Yet their paths had diverged. Violet had endured pirates, fought back, and reclaimed her homeland with Luffy’s help. Hiyori, on the other hand, was a victim of her family’s mistakes, reduced to serving as a maid under Luffy’s rule.

Yamato, upon hearing Hiyori’s identity, could no longer sit still. She scrambled across the room, her expression a mix of joy and surprise. “You’re Kozuki Hiyori? I thought you were killed by Kaido! It’s amazing to see you alive.”

Her excitement was palpable, and she reached out as if to embrace Hiyori. But Hiyori stepped back gracefully, her movements calm and deliberate.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” Hiyori said softly, lowering her gaze. “There’s no Kozuki family anymore—I am just an ordinary Wano citizen named Hiyori.”

Yamato’s cheerful demeanor faltered, and her shoulders slumped. The weight of Hiyori’s words brought her enthusiasm crashing down.

Luffy observed the exchange with a smirk, pleased with Hiyori’s pragmatism. At least she knows her place, he thought. Yamato, on the other hand, irritated him with her continued idolization of Oden.

With a flick of his hand, Luffy used his abilities to pull Yamato toward him. Before she could react, she found herself suspended in the air and then cradled in Luffy’s arms.

“Huh? What’s happening?” Yamato asked, blinking in confusion.

Luffy didn’t bother explaining. Instead, he delivered a firm slap to her rear, eliciting a small yelp. “Don’t move,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Used to following Luffy’s commands aboard the Stormbreaker, Yamato obediently lay still in his arms. She didn’t find the situation strange; in fact, the closeness brought her a sense of comfort. Having grown up without a mother and with a neglectful father like Kaido, moments of physical warmth were unfamiliar yet soothing to her.

Yamato’s attire—a cropped vest that exposed her toned midriff—made the situation somewhat awkward. Her tall frame made her look out of place in Luffy’s lap, but it didn’t stop his hand from resting on her smooth, muscular waist.

Yamato giggled softly, her eyes narrowing in amusement. “That tickles.”

Ignoring her, Luffy turned his attention back to Hiyori. “Tell me, Hiyori,” he began, “what exactly did your father accomplish? Did he fulfill his duties as the shogun’s successor? Did he protect Wano from Orochi and Kaido? Or did he use strategy and courage to solve the country’s crisis?”

Hiyori opened her mouth but hesitated, unable to provide a definitive answer. Luffy’s gaze shifted to Nami, his next question directed at her.

“Nami, if you were in Oden’s position—knowing Roger and Whitebeard—would you refuse their help and try to fight Kaido alone?”

Nami’s response was immediate. “No!” she said firmly, her face etched with disgust. “That would be stupid.”

Her words carried the weight of her own experiences. Nami had lived under the tyranny of Arlong, working tirelessly to save her village. If she had known someone as powerful as Roger or Whitebeard, she would have begged for their help without hesitation. The idea of refusing such allies was incomprehensible.

Luffy chuckled. “See? Even a 14-year-old girl understands this. But Kozuki Oden? He couldn’t figure it out. All he had to do was say the word, and Roger or Whitebeard would’ve come running to help. Heck, even one of them would’ve been enough to send Kaido packing.”

He leaned forward, his voice dripping with derision. “But what did Oden do? He refused Roger’s offer, marched off to confront Orochi alone, and then spent years dancing naked in the streets. For what?”

Chapter 345: Yamato: "Woo woo woo~ Diaries Are All Lies!"

"But Oden wanted to save the hostages taken by Orochi," Yamato retorted indignantly, her voice rising with passion. "He had no choice but to dance naked to meet Orochi's demands! It was the only way to save them!"

Luffy sighed heavily, his patience clearly wearing thin. He smacked Yamato lightly on the forehead, then pulled her head down to rest against his chest again.

“Yes, Yamato, he wanted to save the civilians. I get that,” Luffy said, his tone laced with frustration. “But he didn’t have to dance around like an idiot without any other plan! If he knew he couldn’t fight them head-on, why didn’t he reach out to his good brother Whitebeard for help?”

Yamato blinked, caught off guard. Luffy pressed on, his words sharper now. “Instead, Oden wasted years humiliating himself, all while Orochi and Kaido solidified their grip on Wano. By the time he realized his mistake and decided to fight Kaido, it was already too late. He lost his life, his country, and only managed to save a few retainers before dying. And for what? A fool’s hope?”

Luffy turned, fixing his gaze on Hiyori, who knelt nearby. Her face was pale, her lips trembling slightly. “And you,” he said, his tone icy, “do you seriously think that nonsense about a prophecy 20 years into the future was worth more than actually acting? If Oden had sent his retainers overseas to Whitebeard or Roger, they would’ve come to Wano and crushed Kaido in days.”

He leaned forward, his words biting. “But no, instead of asking for help, Oden decided to stew himself in an iron pot and leave Wano to suffer for twenty years. Do you know how many people starved, how many died because of Kaido’s tyranny during that time? More than those hostages Orochi took, I guarantee you.”

Luffy’s voice grew louder, his frustration spilling over. “This isn’t leadership—it’s stupidity. And this is the man you idolize, Yamato? You admire his... ‘unique skill’ of boiling himself alive?”

Each word struck like a hammer, leaving the room heavy with silence. Hiyori lowered her gaze, her hands trembling. Yamato, for all her earlier defiance, had no counterargument. Even Nami, Hancock, and Violet, who had remained quiet until now, found themselves stunned.

Nami broke the silence with a sharp exhale. “Wow... I thought Oden was just a flawed character, but hearing this... was he even thinking? This is next-level stupidity.”

Hancock nodded, her regal demeanor tinged with distaste. “To have such powerful allies and never call on them—it’s baffling. He squandered his position and left his people to suffer.”

Violet, who had once endured the fall of her own kingdom, couldn’t hide her disgust. “He had every opportunity to act, but instead, he handed Kaido the keys to Wano on a silver platter. How many lives were lost because of his incompetence?”

Meanwhile, Luffy’s attention returned to Yamato. Her defiant posture had crumbled, replaced by an expression of raw vulnerability. With one hand, Luffy gently stroked her head, though his words remained firm.

“Silly girl,” he said softly, “you’re better off finding a new idol. Honestly, even if you don’t want to worship someone like Roger or Whitebeard, at least choose someone who isn’t objectively terrible.”

His tone shifted, tinged with sarcasm. “Think about it. Oden abandoned his wet nurse as a baby, hung out in red-light districts at six years old, picked fights in casinos at eight, and by fifteen, he was abducting people’s daughters and wives. This is the guy you admire?”

Yamato’s eyes widened as each fact hit her like a slap. Luffy continued, his voice rising. “You want someone to look up to? Try me. In the past decade, I’ve done more for this world than Oden did in his entire life.”

Yamato’s lips quivered as tears welled up in her eyes. The weight of Luffy’s words—and the painful truths about her idol—crushed her spirit. Suddenly, she let out a loud, wailing cry.

“Woooo~ Woo woo woo~!” Yamato sobbed, burying her face in Luffy’s chest. “I’ll never have an idol again! Diaries and stories are all lies! Luffy, I’m so sad!”

Luffy’s eye twitched, the corners of his mouth twitching wildly at her over-the-top reaction. Why does she have to be so dramatic? he thought, though he wisely refrained from saying it aloud.

Instead, he coated his chest in Armament Haki to brace against her horns and gently patted her back. “There, there,” he muttered awkwardly, trying to soothe her.

Nami, Hancock, and Violet exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Hancock sighed, crossing her arms. “Poor girl. Her perfect little idol just shattered.”

Violet nodded thoughtfully. “This is why idol worship can be dangerous. Better to admire real people cautiously.”

Nami tilted her head, smirking. “Still, do you think Yamato would be any different if Oden wasn’t her idol? Would she still be this carefree, silly, and kind of... dumb?”

Hancock and Violet paused before nodding in unison. “Yeah... definitely.”

Had Yamato heard their remarks, she would have jumped up to challenge them. But her sorrow kept her rooted in Luffy’s arms, crying uncontrollably as he awkwardly patted her back.

In the corner of the room, Hiyori watched the scene unfold with a pang of envy. The camaraderie, the teasing banter, and the genuine care between Luffy and his companions were worlds away from her reality. They’re so close, so happy, she thought, her chest tightening.

Her gaze fell to her hands, clasped tightly in her lap. I’ll never have this, she realized bitterly. With her status and past, she doubted she would ever experience such warmth or friendship. Swallowing her emotions, Hiyori rose silently and resumed her duties, tidying the room with the quiet efficiency of a maid.