After draining his coffee cup, Kizaru stood up and stretched, his usually relaxed face showing a rare glimpse of concern.
"After such a serious revelation, I can't afford to slack off anymore. I need to make some arrangements with the subordinates stationed at Punk Hazard before we proceed."
Luffy nodded in understanding, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with a touch of seriousness. "Makes sense. Vegapunk is too important a figure. If he's uninvolved, that's ideal, but if he's complicit... things could get complicated."
Kizaru winced, scratching his head as though trying to ward off a headache. "I trust Vegapunk, but you're right. This is one of those situations where you can never be too careful. And just my luck—I finally got Sengoku-san to double my vacation time this year, and now it might all go up in smoke."
With a dramatic sigh, Kizaru left the room, mumbling about how life always seemed to pile on problems.
Luffy escorted Kizaru out and then headed to the deck. As soon as the elevator doors opened, he was greeted by the lively sight of the crew preparing for an impromptu barbecue. Tables, chairs, and grills were being set up on the grassy deck, and various ingredients were being laid out.
The sight immediately lifted Luffy's spirits. He dashed forward, calling out with enthusiasm, "Whoa! A barbecue! Why didn't anyone tell me? Need any help?"
Nami, crouched over a barbecue grill she was tinkering with, looked up and grinned mischievously. "Perfect timing! Charge the grill for me, will you?"
Luffy raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You're really treating me like a portable battery now, huh? Can't you handle it yourself? Didn't I give you the Cloud-Cloud Fruit?"
Nami rolled her eyes, waving dismissively. "I can control lightning now, sure, but I'm not as precise as you yet. Once I master it, you'll be out of a job, so enjoy it while you can."
"Yes, yes, the great Miss Nami is amazing," Luffy teased, stepping forward to zap the grill with a jolt of electricity.
As the grill hummed to life, Luffy couldn't resist poking around the setup, tasting ingredients, and generally being more of a nuisance than a helper.
"Oi, Luffy!" Ain called out, hands on her hips. "Stop messing around and sit down already, or I'll sic Yamato on you."
Luffy pouted, crossing his arms. "Electromagnetic grilling? Where's the soul in that? Charcoal is where it's at!"
Nami glared at him, her patience wearing thin. "If you don't like it, don't eat it!"
"Tsk, tsk. Ever since you got that fruit, your temper's gotten worse," Luffy said with mock disapproval. He raised a hand dramatically, as if preparing to deliver a playful punishment.
Nami immediately backed away, covering her rear with both hands. "Okay, okay! I get it! Sit down, and I'll bring you something once it's ready!"
Luffy chuckled, flicked her forehead lightly, and turned to bother someone else.
Ain sighed and motioned for Yamato, who was carrying a tray of ingredients. "Yamato, can you babysit that troublemaker? Just make sure he stays out of everyone's way."
Yamato's eyes lit up. "Got it!" she replied cheerfully, bounding over to Luffy.
Before Luffy could react, Yamato grabbed him by the arm and dragged him toward a small table off to the side.
"Hey, I can walk, you know! Be gentle!" Luffy protested.
Yamato stopped abruptly, her expression turning serious. Raising a finger, she declared, "Gentleness is for girls. Men need to be tough and rough!"
Luffy blinked at her, biting back a laugh. "Oh really? Prove it, then. If you can't, I'm calling you a fraud."
The challenge hit a nerve. Yamato bristled, her determination flaring. "You think I can't? Fine! I'll show you. I just learned how to play poker. Let's settle this now!"
With a dramatic flourish, Yamato pulled out a pristine deck of cards and began shuffling with surprising finesse.
Watching from a distance, Ain sighed and shook her head. "Poor Yamato. She doesn't even realize she's already fallen into Luffy's trap."
Ignoring Ain's remark, Yamato set up the game with gusto. Luffy leaned back in his chair, grinning smugly as Yamato dealt the cards with intense focus.
Meanwhile, the rest of the crew continued their preparations, filling the air with the savory aroma of sizzling meat and roasted vegetables. Despite the chaos, a warm, festive energy enveloped the deck.
==============================================
Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
Check out new fanfic - Bleach: The Invincible Slacker from Rukongai With more Early Access in my P@treon
==============================================