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...
Inside the brightly lit castle, a long, grand table stretched across the hall, surrounded by smaller tables of various sizes.
Noir sat at the head of the main table, a triumphant gleam in his eyes as he raised his glass. "From this day forward, we live only for ourselves! Cheers!"
Noir's crew, Ace's crew, and the people rescued from Mary Geoise raised their glasses in unison, their voices echoing with joy. "Cheers!"
They emptied their glasses in one hearty gulp, then turned their attention to the feast laid out before them.
In the kitchen, children and women bustled about, bringing dish after dish to the tables, assisted by a group of clumsy zombies whose antics elicited exasperated sighs from the chefs.
At the tables, the guests laughed and chatted, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.
Ace's crewmembers amused themselves by teasing the zombies, roaring with laughter as the undead servants accidentally dropped food on their heads.
The people rescued from Mary Geoise enthusiastically shared their meals, urging the busy kitchen staff to join them at the table.
Enel and Wyper, as usual, were locked in a heated competition, this time over a platter of giant sea king meat. They rolled up their sleeves, ready to settle the dispute with a brawl.
Kaku, Jabra, and Blueno watched the commotion with amusement, clapping and cheering from the sidelines.
Lucci, ever the stoic, gracefully ate his steak, casting disdainful glances at the boisterous crowd.
His peace was shattered when Wyper, in a fit of excitement, flung a plate of salad, splattering it across Lucci's face.
The former CP9 agents groaned. Here we go again...
Even Lucci, covered in food, lost his composure. He transformed into his leopard form, roaring as he leaped into the fray, exchanging blows with the two gluttons.
Meanwhile, a group of girls, including Conis and Kalifa, their eyes sparkling with excitement, gathered around Robin, whispering and giggling amongst themselves.
Amidst the cheerful chaos, Noir and Ace stood side by side, arms crossed, glasses clinking as they chatted.
Certain topics always seemed to dominate men's conversations.
Noir, a thoughtful look on his face, asked, "So, there's a Marine girl named Isuka who's been chasing after you?"
Ace waved his hand dismissively, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Chasing is the right word. She can't beat us, but she's persistent."
Ace turned to see Noir looking at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Ace, exasperated, ignored him. Noir, assuming an air of wisdom, leaned closer and whispered, "So... do you like her?"
Ace's face flushed, and he jumped onto the table. "Of course not! I'm a free-spirited pirate!"
Noir, channeling his inner strategist, offered some sage advice. "Love knows no boundaries. As a man, you have to be brave, seize the opportunity, and don't leave any regrets..."
Ace gave him a skeptical look. "So, you're saying you're brave, huh..."
Noir nodded confidently, only for Ace to point towards Robin, who was sitting nearby, a playful smirk on his face.
Silence spoke volumes. Noir scratched his head awkwardly. "Well... that's a bit different."
Ace burst into laughter, finally steering the conversation towards more serious matters. "Sabo and the others have taken care of our share of the Heavenly Tribute. It's all waiting for you."
Noir's eyes lit up. After the Heavenly Tribute heist, he'd made a detour to Mary Geoise, leaving his share of the loot in Ace's care.
Ace had proven to be reliable, storing a vast amount of gold and resources within the castle.
Noir wasn't too concerned about the exact amount. He had his crew to handle that.
Ace patted his head, pulling a Den Den Mushi from his pocket. "Sabo wanted you to have this. He said if we ever need to work together again, you can just call him directly."
Noir accepted the Den Den Mushi, a smile spreading across his face. "Got it."
As the night wore on, Thriller Bark grew quiet. Even the tireless zombies had retreated to their graveyard.
The banquet hall was littered with sleeping bodies, everyone lost in peaceful slumber, their snores filling the air.
Enel, Wyper, and Lucci lay on the floor, bruised and battered, either asleep or unconscious…
Ace, snoring softly, was using Noir's foot as a pillow, while Noir, his head resting on Robin's lap, dreamt sweet dreams.
Robin, her beautiful eyes gazing down at the sleeping Noir, gently stroked his black hair and caressed his cheek.
A smile touched her lips as she, too, drifted off to sleep.
It was a rare moment of tranquility. Noir hadn't slept so soundly in a long time.
Thriller Bark, on this night, was anything but terrifying.
On the edge of the Florian Triangle, a small boat bobbed on the waves. A young woman directed a plump man as he rowed.
It was Perona and Hogback, who, after days of wandering, had finally found a way out of the haunted waters.
Hogback rowed with all his might as Perona urged him on, her voice filled with urgency. "Faster, Hogback! We're almost out of here!"
Her face contorted with hatred, she gritted her teeth. "That Devil killed Moria-sama! We have to find a way to avenge him!"
Hogback, struggling with the oars, hesitated. "But even Moria-sama was no match for him. What chance do we have…?"
Perona snapped, "I know that! You don't have to tell me!"
As they argued, the sound of water splashing reached their ears.
Perona tensed up. Could it be the Devil's subordinates, chasing after us?
Hogback raised his hands, trembling. Perona summoned her ghosts, preparing for battle.
Through the dense fog, a black cross-shaped silhouette appeared.
The man who used a black blade as an oar, accompanied by his iconic theme music, made another dramatic entrance.
His golden eyes coldly assessed Perona and Hogback. "Who are you?"
Hogback, staring at the distinctive black blade, pointed a shaking finger. "D… Dracule Mihawk! The world's greatest swordsman!"
Moria had told them that among the Shichibukai, in terms of sheer destructive power, this man was unrivaled.
Perona whispered to Hogback, "We just escaped from the Devil, and now we run into this monster."
Mihawk, his sharp ears catching their words, tilted his head. "You know Noir?"
Perona and Hogback were stunned, then quickly realized their opportunity. A devious plan formed in Perona's mind.
She spoke urgently, "Yes, Mihawk! That Devil is on Moria-sama's ship, bragging about how he's going to defeat you!"
Mihawk stared at her impassively.
On Moria's ship, challenging him?
Such a poor liar. Does she think I'm a fool?
...
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