Chapter 9

Just as Ace and Sabo left, before Zyhark had the chance to explain the situation to Aqua, the restaurant's door was kicked open.

"Zyhark! Is the egg fried rice ready today? I've already caught the scent!"

Luffy walked in, his visits for a free meal at Zyhark's becoming a daily routine.

"Huh? Where did this little brat come from? He's quite cute."

Aqua, having moved on from the shadow of getting beaten up, returned to her usual dazed state and approached to ruffle Luffy's hair.

"Idiot! I'm going to be the Pirate King, not some little brat!"

Luffy stepped back, clenching his fists and loudly declaring his dream.

"Pfft, a little brat like you dreaming of becoming the Pirate King?"

Aqua covered her mouth with one hand, letting out a snide laugh. As a goddess known for mocking even the lowest monsters, she was no stranger to such mean-spirited fun.

"Damn it, how dare you belittle my dream!"

Luffy, infuriated, charged at Aqua with his fists ready, only for her to calmly place a hand on his head.

His tiny fists flailed in the air, never reaching the taller Aqua.

"Hahaha! Zyhark, look, this kid is so funny!" Aqua couldn't help but laugh out loud.

If only she knew the future strength of his Gomu Gomu no Mi abilities, Zyhark mused, would she still find it amusing...

Wait a minute?

A thought suddenly struck him.

Luffy hadn't yet consumed the Gomu Gomu no Mi, meaning... could Zyhark also have a chance at obtaining this divine fruit?

The thought was quickly dismissed by Zyhark. Given its current status under World Government protection or possibly already in the Red-Haired Pirates' possession, aiming for it seemed far-fetched for his "newbie" status.

"Stop fighting!"

Feeling defeated, Luffy backed off and shouted at Zyhark, who was deep in thought, "Hey! Zyhark, where did this annoying person come from?"

Before Zyhark could answer, Aqua, basking in her victory, arrogantly proclaimed, "Remember, it was I, Aqua, the highly revered Goddess of Water from the heavens, who defeated you!"

So, bullying a child is something to be proud of?

Zyhark sighed heavily.

Luffy blinked, recalling Aqua's description, and burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! You're one to talk, Shanks and his crew could beat ten of you!"

"Even my grandpa never claimed to be a god, and you call yourself the Goddess of Water? Pffft!"

Luffy's uncontrollable laughter irked Aqua.

"As a widely admired goddess, to be mocked by a mere child?"

"Zyhark, tell him, am I not the Goddess of Water?" Aqua looked at Zyhark, fuming.

"Uh, do you really want me to prove it?" Zyhark asked, knowing well that explaining wouldn't make Luffy believe any more than he already didn't.

"Yep!" Aqua nodded vigorously.

"Alright, Luffy, she indeed represents the power of water as a goddess," Zyhark conceded to Luffy, spreading his hands in resignation.

As expected, Luffy's laughter only grew, rolling on the floor in amusement.

"This brat!!"

Aqua's face darkened with rage as she contemplated showing her true power.

"My faithful followers, heed the command of the Goddess of Water, Aqua..."

As Aqua raised her hands above her head and began a serious chant, an icy blue magical circle formed beneath her feet.

A mysterious upward draft arose, fluttering her short aqua skirt and hair, as the dry air became humid, with water droplets suspending mid-air and swirling around her.

At that moment, with her eyes closed, she indeed seemed to embody the aura of the Goddess of Water.

"Damn!" Zyhark couldn't help but swear in awe.

He never expected Aqua, who wouldn't even retaliate against bandits, to go to such lengths over a petty dispute with a child like Luffy.

Seeing a flood-summoning spell about to be completed, Zyhark rushed to stop her, pinning her down to prevent disaster.

"Idiot! What do you think you're doing in my restaurant?!"

"To let that brat truly witness the power of the Goddess of Water...?"

Initially struggling, Aqua froze upon seeing Luffy's eyes sparkle with admiration.

"Wow, so cool! Please do it again, please!"

Luffy, having quickly recovered, eagerly urged Aqua on.

"Of course, since you asked so politely, I, the goddess, shall oblige."

As Aqua began to chant again, Zyhark, having had enough, abruptly silenced her with a chop to the head.

"Did you take my warning as a breeze? Flood my restaurant, and we'll both be sleeping in the barn tonight!"

"Sorry, very sorry," Aqua apologized, ceasing her magical display.

Luffy's excitement faded, replaced by frustration.

"Damn you, Zyhark! Don't interfere, let her do it again!"

Meanwhile, Aqua also looked to Zyhark with hopeful eyes.

In just a few minutes, the once antagonistic pair harmoniously aligned their interests.

Indeed, they were equally matched in intellect...

"Large-scale water magic is out of the question, Aqua. Don't you know the Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon technique (a party trick?) Just show Luffy a little of your talent."

Zyhark, unable to bear their staring any longer, chose to compromise.

"Hmph! That's my special talent, do you know what 'special' means? It's not something I perform just for anyone!" Aqua retorted, though her sparkling eyes betrayed her excitement.

Despite her words, she pulled out two folding fans from somewhere, elegantly twirling and clicking them open with a flick of her wrists.

Streams of clear water shot from the fans, creating a miniature fountain effect in the air.

As the water droplets fell, a faint rainbow appeared, creating a beautiful scene.

"Wow, so cool!"

Luffy was mesmerized, pestering Aqua for more performances.

Aqua, pleased to outshine the boy who dared to ridicule her, put on an even more enthusiastic show.

At the counter, Zyhark watched the swiftly bonding duo, feeling oddly out of place.

Perhaps, in trying to be serious, he was the one who seemed out of step with the scene.

(End of Chapter)