One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

Luffy refilled his glass with cola and raised it once more. This time, he gently took Mansherry's hand in his own and addressed the gathered women with a solemn expression.

"Because of her size and other circumstances, I wasn't able to properly include Sherry in many of our activities in the past," he began earnestly. "But thanks to Dr. Vegapunk's assistance, Sherry can now live among us normally."

He glanced warmly at the former dwarf princess beside him. "However, she's only just transformed from her dwarf form to her adult form, and there's much she still needs to adjust to. I'd like to request a few days' leave for her, and if any of you are free, I'd appreciate your help in guiding her through this transition."

This small request was hardly a burden for any of the women. Besides, Mansherry was the most beloved healer in their group—everyone was more than willing to look after her.

"No problem! Leave this little task to me," Koala volunteered enthusiastically from across the table. As a member of the Intelligence Department with a relatively flexible schedule, she had the time to spare. "Tomorrow I'll take Sister Mansherry on a tour of Flower City. Let her experience life as a full-sized adult!"

Mansherry beamed with delight. She picked up her glass of milk and raised it just as Luffy had done, expressing her gratitude with a bright smile.

"Thank you! I look forward to it," she replied warmly.

The quick arrangement seemed settled, and the other women were preparing to raise their glasses in support of the plan, when Robin, seated beside Koala, spoke up in her characteristically calm voice.

"Isn't it a bit premature to make plans for tomorrow?" she observed with a knowing smile. "It's questionable whether Sherry will even be able to get out of bed in the morning." She turned to Luffy, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Isn't that right, Luffy-kun?"

Luffy, who had been contentedly watching the women's friendly interactions, nearly choked on his drink at Robin's insinuation.

The other women, even the usually oblivious Yamato, quickly grasped the implication behind Robin's words. They all turned to look at Mansherry with teasing expressions.

The little princess, despite her innocent nature, understood perfectly what Robin was suggesting. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she quickly lowered her gaze, unable to meet anyone's eyes.

The atmosphere shifted into an awkward, charged silence. Luffy cleared his throat several times, trying to dispel the sudden tension. He shot Robin a reproachful glance—she always did enjoy stirring things up—and quickly raised his glass again.

"To our family," he declared emphatically, redirecting everyone's attention. "May we continue to grow stronger together!"

This successfully broke the uncomfortable moment, and conversation gradually resumed around the table. Soon the dining room was filled once more with animated chatter, good-natured arguments, and frequent laughter.

The drinking contest between Gion, Hancock, and Hina intensified as the night progressed. They challenged each other with increasingly bold toasts, their competitive spirits showing no signs of diminishing.

"Your tolerance is impressive for an Amazon," Gion remarked to Hancock after several rounds, her voice still steady despite the alcohol.

"The warriors of Amazon Lily are trained in all aspects of combat," Hancock replied haughtily, though a slight flush had appeared on her cheeks. "Including the battle of drinking!"

Hina scoffed, her own composure beginning to waver slightly. "Hina thinks you both talk too much. Actions speak louder than words!" She promptly downed another glass to emphasize her point.

From his seat at the head of the table, Luffy watched the lively scene with quiet contentment. He observed their competitions, their friendly bickering, their genuine care for one another, and their shared laughter.

Sometimes, in moments like these, Luffy wondered why he still felt the need to struggle for more in life. Surrounded by these extraordinary women who had become his family, his life was already rich with joy and meaning.

But such thoughts were fleeting. They would surface briefly before he dismissed them. As comfortable as this life was, he knew there was still work to be done.

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