Luffy, brimming with pride, wanted Hancock to speed up and catch up to him as they moved toward the meeting room. But just then, a sweet voice reached his ears.
"Ah, little Luffy, you don't look too well. It's been so long since we last met, have you missed your sister?"
Luffy turned, surprised to hear the familiar voice, and was greeted by Momousagi Gion, who had followed Sengoku. The way she addressed him as "little Luffy" made him raise an eyebrow. He looked back at her and, in a slightly awkward tone, replied, "Gion... Sister?"
He frowned slightly, covered his chest with the only hand he could still move, and began to over-exaggerate his injury. "Hiss~ I really got hurt this time. The Four Emperors are terrifying, especially that bastard who was hell-bent on beating me alone. If it weren't for my strong physique and Hancock's timely rescue, I think I would've died that day."
Gion glanced curiously at Hancock, who was pushing Luffy's wheelchair. However, all she received in return was a cold snort and a roll of the eyes. Gion's curiosity piqued, but before she could inquire further, Kujaku pushed through the crowd and approached them with a mischievous grin.
"Long time no see, Grandma Gion. How have you been lately?" Kujaku teased, her tone playful and full of mischief.
The sound of Gion's sword, Konpira, scraping against the sheath echoed ominously as her grip tightened. Luffy, sensing trouble, looked up to see Gion's face twitching and veins bulging on her forehead.
Before anyone could react, Gion stormed forward, grabbed Kujaku by the neck, and began to scold her in a low voice. "Little Kujaku, how many times have I told you not to call me 'grandma'? What, now that you've found a man and gotten stronger, you think your sister can't handle you?"
Despite Gion's grip, Kujaku remained unfazed, pretending to be serious. "What are you talking about? You and my grandma are sisters, so I should call you grandma too, right?"
Gion's fist tightened as she pulled Kujaku closer. "Don't think you can get away with that! I'm still your sister, and you will respect me, little one."
Kujaku laughed playfully, enjoying the banter. Meanwhile, Gion, visibly irritated but amused, turned to Luffy with a smile. "Little Luffy, I need to have a private conversation with your girlfriend. You don't mind, do you?"
Luffy chuckled and nodded. "Please, Sister Gion."
Satisfied, Gion casually picked up Kujaku in one smooth motion, holding her like a child, and began walking forward. Kujaku instinctively clung to her neck, but as soon as she noticed the eyes of other Marines watching, she grew embarrassed and quickly apologized, squirming.
"I'm sorry, I was wrong, Sister Gion! Please put me down, this is so embarrassing!" Kujaku protested, her cheeks flushed.
Gion grinned, her hands firmly holding Kujaku's body. "If you make a mistake, you have to face the consequences." Gion's grip tightened as she playfully lifted Kujaku higher, making her squirm in even more embarrassment. "Bad girls need punishment."
"No, please! It's too embarrassing! Put me down!" Kujaku whined, trying to wriggle free, but Gion's unrelenting hold only made it worse.
Luffy, shaking his head with a smirk, signaled Hancock to speed up and catch up. He had more important matters to focus on, like meeting Sengoku and the other high-ranking Marines.
As the group made their way toward the meeting room, Luffy greeted several of Commadore and Rear Admiral brought by Sengoku. He even took the time to say hello to some of the lesser-known Captain. For Luffy, who had unknowingly become the catalyst for the war with Kaido, this kind of attention was almost routine by now.
The Marines smiled warmly at him, expressing their concern for his well-being, given his injuries. Luffy, always one to make light of things, waved off their concerns and joked with them as they moved along.
Despite the light-hearted atmosphere, everyone couldn't help but glance at Luffy's injuries, and some of the marines offered sympathetic words. Under the admiring gazes of the Marines, Luffy and the generals entered the conference room, continuing their banter. Sengoku was already seated at the head of the table, his face serious as usual.
Garp, ever the Marine hero, took the seat beside him. The two rows in front of them were occupied by Aokiji and Kizaru, who sat as expected according to their ranks. The positions were informal, but everyone instinctively knew where to sit based on their military status.
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