One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

The Stormbreaker soared steadily above the seas, its destination clear. With a confident grin, Luffy surveyed the scene on deck. Yamato, sitting cross-legged with a skewer in each hand, alternated between sniffling and stuffing her face with grilled meat.

Luffy chuckled to himself, relieved. If she's still got the energy to cry and eat like that, the blow wasn't too harsh.

Seizing the moment, he raised his voice to call out. "Yamato, don't forget our deal! Starting tomorrow you will have some lessons from Olivia and Kujaku. Got it?"

Yamato froze mid-bite, the skewer trembling in her hand. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she wailed dramatically, "I... I can't go on! I'd rather die than become a woman! Waaaaah!"

The absurd sight of her sobbing and eating at the same time left the women speechless. After exchanging a collective sigh, they joined her in devouring the barbecue, their laughter mingling with the crackle of the grill.

After hastily downing a few skewers himself, Luffy took over the grill to give Nami and the others a break. This noble gesture didn't last long, as the women immediately began feeding him, skewers held out like offerings. It was a heartwarming—and slightly ridiculous—scene of love.

As Luffy worked and ate, Koala stood nearby, her tone professional.

"I've made arrangements with Sister Robin. They'll join us in Wano Country shortly. After that, I plan to establish a base on Onigashima—it's a strategic location with its submerged harbor, perfect for trade and transport."

The women nodded in agreement, having learned much about Wano Country from Yamato during their journey. Even Gion paused at the mention of Robin's name, finding it familiar but not dwelling on it.

Yamato, who had finally accepted her "tragic fate," wiped her tears and asked hoarsely, "Luffy, how do you plan to govern Wano? Without a shogun, who will rule?"

Luffy shrugged, his response simple. "Why does Wano need a ruler? Can't the people govern themselves?"

Yamato blinked, her mind going blank. The concept was entirely foreign to her.

Luffy chuckled at her confusion. "If it's absolutely necessary, I'll take the role myself. But I won't close Wano off like the rulers before me. Instead, I'll open it to foreign trade, let its incredible swords and crafts circulate globally, and welcome tourists and merchants. We'll strengthen both international and domestic connections."

Yamato put down her skewer, her eyes widening as Luffy's words sank in. Slowly, those eyes lit up with a golden glow of admiration.

"You... you want to establish Wano Country like that? Even Oden couldn't achieve that!"

Luffy sighed, clearly irritated. "Please don't compare me to Oden."

But Yamato leaned forward eagerly, her voice filled with excitement. "Luffy, that's incredible! I've dreamed of Opening Wano in Oden's name ever since I was a child, but I've spent nearly 20 years preparing and still haven't done it. If you succeed, you'll be even greater than Oden!"

Luffy perked up at her words, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Oh? If I succeed, who will you admire more—me or Oden?"

Yamato froze, her brain seemingly short-circuiting. "Uh... I... um..."

Ever since she witnessed Oden's execution as a child, Yamato had idolized him. With his logbook as her guide, that admiration only deepened. But now, Luffy—someone younger and more vibrant—was poised to achieve what Oden never could. Add to that the fact that he was her first real friend, and Yamato found herself at an impossible crossroads.

Unable to answer, she clutched her head in frustration.

Luffy smirked, seizing the opportunity to prod her further. "It's okay if you can't decide right away. Let's break it down, step by step."

Handing her a fresh skewer, he continued grilling. "First question: between me and Oden, who's more handsome? Just based on looks. Be honest."

Yamato chewed thoughtfully, her gaze flicking between Luffy and some distant image of Oden in her mind. Without hesitation, she pointed to Luffy.

"You."

Luffy grinned, his confidence swelling. "Good answer. Honest and direct. That's one point for me!"

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