If Luffy needed a significant boost in energy, he could absorb it without needing to eat physically. For instance, when he spotted a piece of roasted meat that looked appealing, he didn't even have to lift a hand. With a mere thought, the roast transformed into pure energy, flowing directly through his mouth and nose, preserving both the taste and sensation of chewing.
He nodded approvingly. "This roast was prepared by the chef—a technique I taught her myself. It's just right."
The chef, clearly honored by his praise, hurried over and bowed. "Lord Luffy! You're the greatest man alive. No one in this world can compare to you—it's an honor beyond words."
She carefully selected a few choice pieces of meat and placed them on the grill for him. Luffy gave a slight nod, satisfied. He didn't need to give explicit instructions; over time, people had come to understand his preferences instinctively. It was the natural result of his influence. Everyone around him knew what he enjoyed, and they prioritized pleasing him above all else.
Soon, everyone took their seats around Luffy, gathering close. He addressed them all. "Everyone, soon I'll embark on a new journey. I'm going to conquer the world and strive to fulfill the dreams of everyone in it."
He took a sip of tea, and they all raised their glasses in response.
"Now," Luffy continued, "tell me, what are your dreams? Whatever they may be, I'll help you make them a reality."
With these simple, straightforward words, he made them all smile. The crowd began to murmur and chat, their laughter and excitement filling the air. Seeing some lingering hesitation among them, he reassured them.
"Don't be shy, everyone. You are all my loved ones, and I have nothing to hide from you. Go ahead—whatever it is you wish for, I'll make it happen."
His encouragement eased their nerves. One of them, a woman named Aimee, spoke up.
"Lord Luffy, if I may say something a bit…self-important," she said, using a term he had taught her. "Among everyone here, I was the first to…" She blushed, gathering her courage. "…I was the first to be with you, my lord."
Her statement sent a wave of jealousy through the crowd, even causing Empress Hancock to momentarily lose her composure. Luffy could sense a fleeting surge of despair within her. After all, she saw herself as the closest to him. In her heart, she was Juliet, and he was her Romeo. She couldn't bear the thought of someone else being closer to him.
Unable to resist, Hancock glanced over at Luffy, hoping that perhaps Aimee was exaggerating. But Luffy remained calm, confirming Aimee's words.
Aimee continued, "I didn't mean anything by it, really. I just wanted to say that Lord Luffy is a good man. He's pure at heart. Look at all of you—there are plenty here who look even more beautiful than I do. Yet, Lord Luffy has never abandoned me. That alone speaks volumes about his character."
The others nodded in agreement. Aimee's words rang true. Many of them looked around, seeing how remarkable everyone's beauty was, and realized that Luffy treated them all equally. It was proof of his open heart and generous nature.
Aimee then raised her glass. "To Lord Luffy!"
She downed a few drinks, and then added, "In truth… my dream has already come true. But if I had to choose one more wish, Lord Luffy," she said, looking down shyly, "it would be… to be granted a title, an official honor."
Her words were straightforward, simple, and filled with sincerity.
Luffy nodded, acknowledging her request. The other women gasped; Aimee was thrilled, as she hadn't expected him to agree so readily. She thought he might turn her down, but Luffy kept his word.
He lifted Aimee up onto the low branches of a nearby tree, where they had a bit of privacy. "Tonight, with so many people around," Luffy explained, "a spot up here might be a little more… comfortable. It's easier up here."
Aimee's heart fluttered at his thoughtfulness. She never expected Luffy to be so considerate. Though still a novice, she did her best to follow his lead.
The other women watched with admiration, marveling at Luffy's patience and kindness. No matter one's abilities or background, he treated each person with respect, patiently guiding and teaching them.
In the tree, Aimee got into position, and Luffy adapted accordingly. At first, Aimee was nervous. On one hand, her experience was the least among them, making her hesitant. On the other, she felt a bit shy being watched by so many people.
But as time went on, after about ten minutes, she gradually adjusted to her surroundings, starting to forget about the crowd. To her, it almost felt like it was just the two of them in a quiet room, reminiscent of that time she had tended to Luffy's wounds in private.
After twenty minutes, it was over, and the crowd burst into applause, expressing their admiration. Aimee smiled shyly, feeling her dream had been fulfilled with no more regrets holding her back. Luffy wiped a tear from his eye, proud of her.
"Alright," he said, addressing everyone, "what are your dreams? Come on, don't hold back—I'll make them come true."
These words ignited a burst of excitement, everyone cheering with renewed fervor. They believed in him, trusted his promise. Immediately, people began making their wishes. For many, their dream was to train up close with Luffy, like Amy. They wanted to showcase their skills in front of everyone, hoping to receive Luffy's personal guidance.
Luffy chuckled to himself, realizing just how much these women had a competitive spirit, each wanting to display their skills. "Well, alright," he said with a shrug. He couldn't turn them down, so one by one, they took turns, each having a chance in the spotlight.
But then, a tall, beautiful swordswoman stepped forward with a different request. Her dream was to duel Luffy in a test of swordsmanship.
Luffy laughed, clearly delighted. "Finally, a good, challenging dream! Practicing swordsmanship is a skill every swordsman should strive to master. Alright, let's spar. I'll match my skill level with yours to make it a fair challenge."
Of course, he couldn't go all-out; he'd have to hold back enough to keep the match interesting for her. It would be like a game of guidance, ensuring she could grow without feeling overwhelmed.
The swordswoman, determined, asked, "Lord Luffy! I have one condition. Please agree to it."
Luffy waved his hand. "Go ahead. Say it—one condition, ten conditions, I'll agree to them all."
She replied, "Lord Luffy, I'll use my sword, but you… you use what I know best."
Her request took him by surprise. He didn't quite understand at first, but then he recalled one evening when he'd shown her a unique style of swordplay in their early days together. With a hearty laugh, he said, "Ah, I get it. Clever of you! Alright, that'll work."
She warned, "I'll be extra cautious; I'd never hurt you intentionally. It's my dream to face you in this way."
Just as she was about to draw her sword, Hancock, the Empress, stepped forward protectively, her face cold and serious. "This is absurd!" she exclaimed. "You would risk harming Luffy, our leader, our heart?"
Others nodded, agreeing that Luffy was their lifeline, and any threat to him felt unthinkable.
But Luffy gently moved Hancock aside, addressing the group. "Everyone, Hancock, you forget my abilities. No one can harm me, and even if she did, I'd heal instantly."
Reassured by his confidence, the crowd calmed down, stepping back to give the two space. The swordswoman's blade gleamed, reflecting the endless confidence in her stance. She raised her sword, pointing it not only at Luffy but at the symbol of their shared love and loyalty.
In that moment, every onlooker knew this was more than a duel; it was a testament to their devotion and to Luffy's strength.
~-------------------------
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