Chapter 129 - Drum Kingdom 05.

[Chapter Size: 2300 Words.]

Third Person POV

Drum Island, First Half of Grandline.

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One day had passed since the arrival of the Straw Hats in the Drum Kingdom. Luffy stayed in the castle to ensure that Kureha received the necessary care for her recovery before they set out. Over time, the elderly woman began to show signs that her injuries were improving, thanks to the powers of the Moa Moa no Mi. Satisfied with the situation, Luffy decided to return to the city to share his plans with the people and the rulers of this kingdom.

Luffy leaped from the castle along with the rest of the group, using Geppo to reach the city. As he soared over the area, he encountered those who could provide a better report of the situation, and Luffy descended in their direction.

"Bepo! How are things?" Luffy approached Bepo, who was with Nico Robin and Hugo, talking to Dalton.

"Captain, you finally made it!" Bepo expressed his surprise as Luffy landed near them.

"Well, I had some matters to attend to and waited for Kureha to get better," Luffy explained, and the rest of the crew landed behind him.

"Is she better?" Dalton asked with a hint of concern.

"Yes, she's coming here, and I enhanced her recovery. She's in the prime of her life, as she always says," Luffy grinned, and the man nodded satisfied.

"Anyway, did we manage to implement all the initial plans we needed in this kingdom?" Luffy turned to Bepo.

"Yes, Captain, I left all the treaties and plans formulated. I contacted the den den mushi of Cocoyasi Island and Goa Kingdom; I just need to pass information to Whisky Peak and Syrup Village," Bepo reported, and Luffy nodded.

"That's good. Anyway, let's gather everyone and all the inhabitants. I'll share my final information and bid farewell. It seems like you'll be taking responsibility as the king of this place," Luffy addressed Dalton directly.

"I don't have a choice, do I?" He sighed.

"You would have taken this place anyway. You were chosen by the people themselves, but I hope you can improve the conditions of this country."

"Yes, but that also involves creating an army..." he said.

"That comes in the future. First, take care of the economic stability and development of the place. We'll talk about that later, and now you're protected by my flag. I doubt there's anyone in paradise who can go against us, apart from the government and the navy, but Drum Kingdom is an independent kingdom," Luffy informed, and they headed back to the city square.

In the center of the city, Luffy gathered the residents, who were now more willing to listen after the confusion of the previous day. He climbed onto an improvised platform, his straw hat swaying in the cold breeze.

"People of Drum," Luffy began, looking at the gathered crowd. "Now that you are part of our territory, we have some plans to help rebuild this kingdom."

He went on to explain his vision for the kingdom's development and its allies, including the mass recruitment of new doctors with commercial agreements to obtain resources that the frozen kingdom could not cultivate. Luffy proposed an initiative where current doctors would teach new talents, establishing a continuous learning cycle to reach the former glory.

"Let's build a strong medical country capable of taking care of everyone in this kingdom and even other kingdoms at sea. This will not only improve your health but also attract people from elsewhere to benefit from our medical services," declared Luffy, excited.

As he spoke, some animals and crew members like Karoo, Laboon, Megalo, and Chouchou distributed leaflets explaining the plan in more detail and encouraging inhabitants to join this cause.

"Furthermore," Luffy continued, "we'll initiate infrastructure projects, build schools, train new doctors, and establish a large hospital. I want Drum to become a powerful and prosperous island, a place where everyone can live well."

As Luffy shared his ideas, many residents began to get excited about the possibilities. The presence and actions of the Straw Hats were starting to inspire hope and confidence in the community again, despite their initially complicated entry into the country. Luffy had good intentions.

Thus, he concluded the speech with an expectation left in the air for the entire population. As the day passed, the Straw Hat crew began to integrate into the life of the Drum Kingdom. Activities in the city now reflected Luffy's proposed new projects, some of which were already underway, and the atmosphere began to change positively. Additionally, the crew members took the opportunity to interact with the local inhabitants.

During this time, Kureha and Chopper appeared, and Luffy enthusiastically introduced Chopper to the rest of the group. Initially shy, Chopper had a chance to socialize when Bepo and Usopp decided to accompany him on an exploration of the city. The trio explored the bustling areas where many people were working to rebuild buildings and improve the city's conditions after Teach's attack.

Usopp, always fascinated by stories and novelties, asked Chopper about his life before joining the Straw Hats. The reindeer shared his journey and how he found purpose after becoming a doctor. Usopp, in turn, told stories of his adventures, including encounters with mysterious creatures and heroic feats, leaving Chopper fascinated, as he believed everything Usopp said.

Bepo, the polar bear mink, curious and friendly, quickly bonded with Chopper. The two shared unique experiences as crew members, and Bepo showed his enthusiasm in having a new friend.

Chopper's shyness further improved when he met the other animals, who quickly made friends after each sharing a bit of their story and experiences.

Meanwhile, other crew members like Shirahoshi and Vivi interacted with the local inhabitants, spreading positive vibes and assisting in reconstruction activities.

Luffy, on the other hand, was busy coordinating his crew's efforts and overseeing new recruits joining the proposed projects. He remained the focal point, inspiring the community to believe in a better future.

Brogy and Dorry returned to their normal size and began clearing the heavier debris. Drum was undergoing a transformation, not just physically, but also in spirit. The Straw Hats had left an indelible mark on the kingdom, bringing hope, progress, and a new vision to its inhabitants after all their misfortunes.

At the end of the day, the final farewell arrived for the Straw Hats in the Drum Kingdom. The crew gathered on the coast, where the ship, the Black Pearl, was anchored and ready to set sail. A large number of people came to bid them farewell, including Dalton and Kureha.

The kingdom's inhabitants lined up to express their gratitude to the crew. Luffy, in his typical laid-back nature, thanked everyone for the time they spent together. Shirahoshi hugged some local children, while Usopp received one last round of applause for his thrilling stories.

Dalton, the former captain of the kingdom's guard, approached Luffy with a smile. "You've brought hope back to Drum, Monkey D. Luffy. You'll have allies here now."

Luffy responded with a friendly nod, promising to keep all the plans in mind. The other crew members also received words of thanks and encouragement.

With a mix of nostalgia and emotions, the crew boarded the Black Pearl. As the ship sailed away from the coast, the Straw Hats waved to the inhabitants of the Drum Kingdom, leaving behind a transformed place full of hope.

As the island diminished on the horizon, the Straw Hat crew observed in silence, ready to venture into Alabasta. The sun set, painting the sky with warm hues and providing a farewell atmosphere to Drum Island.

Luffy, still staring at the drifting island, was lost in thought. The tranquility of the moment was shattered when Robin appeared by his side.

"Luffy, you look peculiarly at Drum Kingdom. Is there something about this kingdom that we don't know?" Robin inquired, demonstrating her ability to grasp subtle details.

"It's hard to say. Drum, which means drum, makes me think this kingdom is special. Especially that black beard, mentioned by the inhabitants, I feel there's something that doesn't fit here..." Luffy mentioned, looking thoughtfully at the horizon, and Robin observed him with interest.

"Is that black beard special?" Robin asked, expressing her curiosity.

"More than it seems. He shouldn't be underestimated and holds many secrets that even I don't know. His fruit, as the inhabitants mentioned, is the fruit of darkness and is the opposite side of Nika."

"Nika? The sun god?" Robin inquired, showing surprise.

"Nika is the god of the sun, joy, and freedom. What few know about the god is that he existed."

"What do you mean, Luffy..." Robin was intrigued, eager for more information.

"Nika is, in fact, a Devil Fruit." Luffy revealed, sharing a piece of the mystery surrounding Drum Kingdom, which seemed to have some connection to the drums of freedom if Luffy was correct. Robin pondered over this new information, indicating that Drum Kingdom held deep and intriguing secrets.

Robin widened her eyes at this impactful revelation.

"I don't know if there were other users of this fruit, but so far, only one person has released its full power, known as JoyBoy, the greatest enemy of the world government in the lost century..."

"JoyBoy..." Robin murmured, absorbing the magnitude of what Luffy was sharing.

"That's why I'm preparing and gathering allies. There will be a great war, Robin. JoyBoy is back, or should I say JoyGirl. A new era will begin, and the whole world will collapse. The world government will feel threatened, the war is coming, and I want us to survive the battlefield."

"A world war?" Robin questioned, her eyes revealing a mix of concern and fascination.

"Yes, and you'll play your part in it. One day, you'll reveal the entire lost century to the world, freeing people from their ignorance. You are proof that the world will enter this new era, just like Shirahoshi's birth during that time or even Nika's coming. Trust me, she will unleash her power... Even though she's still in the Marines, I doubt that will last forever..." Luffy muttered the last part, leaving the uncertainty about Lucy's fate in the Marines hanging in the air. Luffy knew his sister would have a crucial role in what was to come, and he wouldn't hesitate to ask for efforts to help that girl he loved more than anyone.

"I understand..." Robin replied, feeling some hesitation in the face of an imminent war involving her dream.

"Robin, this war is coming, with or without you. But do you want the world to remain in ignorance, or will you help them break free from the shackles imposed by the world government?" Luffy spoke seriously, locking his eyes onto Robin's deep blues.

"I..." Robin began to say, but Luffy took her hands.

Regardless of what happens in the future, remember, Robin, we're here to support you. You're part of this crew, and I want you to fulfill your dreams." Luffy spoke, his face a bit too close to Robin's.

"Thank you..." She replied, averting her eyes from her captain. He was too close and was staring intensely, making even the usually expressionless Robin blush.

"Hey, you two lovebirds, how long are you gonna stay back here alone? Zoro brought the barrels you asked for, Luffy, and they're already starting the feast. Are you gonna miss it for a little romance behind the ship?" Nojiko appeared, crossing her arms at the closeness of Luffy and Robin.

"Hahaha. Let's go, Robin, we have a feast to attend." Luffy smiled and headed towards the deck.

Luffy quickly joined the feast that was starting with Robin and Nojiko. The banquet aboard the Black Pearl was in full swing, with the Straw Hat crew enjoying a lively and relaxed celebration. Luffy, seated at the center, devoured large portions of meat while laughing and playing with the other members.

"Zoro, you really know how to pick a good sake barrel!" Luffy exclaimed, raising his mug in an improvised toast.

"Of course, Captain. Without quality sake, a feast is not a feast." Zoro replied, smiling as he savored his drink.

Meanwhile, Usopp was in the midst of telling one of his famous stories, involving exaggerated feats and imaginary monsters. The animals and some crew members laughed and applauded, enjoying the entertainment provided by the "King of Snipers."

Chopper and Lami approached the deck after Lami shared the greenhouse and medical area of the ship. Chopper quickly filled his plate with a variety of delicacies. "What an incredible feast! I'm so happy to be part of this crew." Chopper exclaimed.

"Yes, we have the best food and the best friends!" Bepo agreed, nodding enthusiastically.

Reiju, the cook, was busy in the kitchen, preparing even more delicious dishes for the crew. He emerged from there, carrying a steaming platter. "Eat this, it's my specialty! A secret recipe I learned from the best chef in the North Blue!"

"A great feast, isn't it, Brogy?"

"These little ones sure know how to throw a party, Dorry!"

As the Straw Hats sailed towards Alabasta, the next destination in their journey, the atmosphere aboard the Black Pearl was a mix of joy and celebration.

The sun began to set on the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, providing a spectacular backdrop for the celebration aboard the Straw Hat ship. As they savored the food and raised their glasses to the next adventure.

As the night began and progressed, the starry sky witnessed the festive banquet of the Straw Hats, marking another chapter in their incredible journey across the seas.

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