Chapter 217: Fiery Reunion and Jealousy!Sabaody Archipelago, Area 60, Dock.The Kuja Pirates' iconic snake-shaped ship slowly docked, appearing mysterious and majestic under the refraction of the coated bubble.As the ship stabilized and the gangplank lowered, Empress Boa Hancock personally escorted Luffy to the ship's edge.The mingled scents of the dock wafted over, and the distant clamor hinted at the island's usual liveliness and undercurrents.However, a deep, unyielding worry clouded Hancock's exquisite face."Luffy,"She extended her slender, fair hand and meticulously straightened Luffy's collar, which actually had no wrinkles, her movements as gentle as if handling a fragile treasure.Her sapphire eyes gazed deeply at him, her voice lowered, carrying a rare seriousness,"This concubine has heard that the Marine has been very active in the first half of the Grand Linerecently. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's iron-fisted purge has already made Paradise a place of extreme fear... Their determination to enter the New Worldseems undeniable.""You must be careful after landing here.""Relax, relax!"Luffy grinned, flashing his signature bright smile, completely unconcerned.He even reached out and ruffled Hancock's soft, smooth black hair, like comforting a worried cat, a mischievous glint in his eyes,"They can't catch me! Have you forgotten? The Marine Headquarters' wanted poster uses that photo from when I 'Awakened'!"Even if I stood in front of them now, they wouldn't recognize me!"Boa Marigold, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh at this, joining the conversation with a hearty voice:"Exactly! Big Sister doesn't need to worry too much. The Marine's intelligence department is sometimes ridiculously pedantic.""Using a photo that doesn't look like him at all as the basis for a top wanted poster is practically helping the Straw Hat cover his tracks."Despite this, Hancock's worry hadn't completely dissipated.She gently held Luffy's hand. The Empress, usually so arrogant and disdainful, now had only tender concern in her eyes, and her tone became soft and rambling:"Even so... Luffy, please be careful with everything.""The island's weather changes a lot, remember to add clothes to stay warm.""You must eat on time, no eating only meat and no vegetables... Also, every day... no, at least every two days, remember to call this concubine via den den mushi so I can see you and know you're safe...""Big Sister!"Boa Sandersonia looked at her sister, who was completely unlike her usual self and rambling on, and she rubbed her forehead, both amused and helpless,"You used to be the 'Pirate Empress' who disdained all men in the world!""Now this... really, love truly makes people 'fussy.'"Hancock's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't refute her sister's teasing; her gaze remained fixed on Luffy."I know, Hancock."Luffy's smile was warm, and he gently squeezed her hand in return,"I'll take good care of myself. You also need to wait for my news properly in Amazon Lily."With that, he released her hand, turned, and walked towards the dock's gangway, while raising his arm to wave to the other side of the ship's railing:"Uta! Get ready to disembark, we're going ashore!"At the ship's railing, Uta lightly turned her head.Hearing his voice, she smiled brightly, leaping down from above like a nimble bird and landing gracefully beside Luffy.Hancock stood at the bow, the sea breeze ruffling her black hair and the hem of her vibrant cheongsam, watching Luffy and Uta's figures merge into the bizarre and colorful crowd of Sabaody Archipelago.Soon after, women's frantic screams echoed from the island.Her two sisters immediately felt an overwhelming surge of anger emanating from their sister, Hancock!..."Wow—this place is so beautiful! Let's explore!!"Uta pressed herself against Luffy, tightly clutching his arm, and looked up at the shops lining both sides of the street.Her eyes sparkled like crushed diamonds, and her voice was filled with joyful exclamations."That won't do, we're already too late, no time to shop."Luffy's voice held a hint of helplessness, and the moment his words fell, those black eyes, always full of smiles, suddenly flashed with a crimson hue.Invisible Observation Haki spread silently like ripples,The island's mountain ranges, streets, crowds, and even the hidden presences, all unfolded clearly in his mind like a scroll painting.No one noticed anything unusual... except Rayleigh, who was slowly wiping a glass in the bar.He slightly raised his gaze, a meaningful curve playing on his lips, and a knowing glint flashed in his eyes."Alright, alright!"Uta pouted unhappily, her cheeks slightly puffed out like a little hamster whose fantasy had been popped, but she still obediently quickened her pace."Hahaha!"Luffy chuckled softly, looking at her sulky expression, and a touch of tenderness was added to his gaze.Today, Uta wasn't wearing her elaborate performance gown; instead, she had on a simple pink T-shirt paired with pure white hot pants, outlining her graceful figure.The sunlight fell on her fair skin, radiating a natural, youthful vitality.Walking side by side in the crowd, the tall and cheerful young man and the delicate, lively girl with bright eyes, they looked like a perfect match, drawing frequent glances from passersby.Strangely, no one dared to approach them, let alone provoke them.Nothing more than the natural composure they exuded, which was clearly not something ordinary people could cultivate.Among those who thrive in this bustling, chaotic place, who doesn't have some discerning eye?Why pick a fight with someone who clearly looks wealthy and noble? Isn't that just asking for trouble?As for those Celestial Dragons who run rampant relying on their status... they are probably cowering deep within the Holy Land Mary Geoise, not daring to step out of their gates.After all, three months ago, Luffy's feat of slaughtering the Celestial Dragons had already become a deep-seated shadow in their bones, lingering indefinitely... Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.The afternoon sun slanted through the Sabaody Archipelago's bubbles, casting dappled light and shadow on the bar's wooden floor.The old clock behind the bar ticked, already three hours past the agreed time."Damn it, why isn't that idiot Luffy here yet?"The voice was soft, yet it was like a stone thrown into a calm lake.Nami's silhouette, with her captivating curves, was outlined by the dim yellow light... her slender waist, easily spanned by a hand, and her golden-orange curly hair cascaded to her waist, gleaming like satin in the bar's faint light.She wore a green crop top and blue hot pants, her long legs crossed, every inch of her skin radiating a pearly white glow.Shakky gently wiped a glass, her gaze sweeping over Nami's delicate profile.Her fair cheeks were now slightly flushed, whether from alcohol or anger.Nami's nose bridge was straight, her eyelashes casting a small shadow beneath her eyes, and her lips were tightly pressed into a stubborn line."Third glass," Rayleigh said in a low voice to Shakky, his eyebrows slightly raised.Nami seemed not to hear, tilting her head back and downing the amber liquid in her glass, the cup clinking crisply against the bar."That rubber idiot..."She murmured, her voice a mix of anger and imperceptible worry,"He said we'd meet in Sabaody today, and now I haven't even seen a bubble!""He must have been enchanted by that woman..."Nami poured another glass of wine, the liquid swirling in the cup, reflecting the glint in her eyes,"The Empress of Amazon Lily, the world's most beautiful woman... Hmph, men!!"Her last words were almost bitten out, exceptionally clear in the quiet bar.Rayleigh subtly moved closer to Shakky, saying in a volume only they could hear:"Youth is truly wonderful."Shakky returned a meaningful smile, lighting a cigarette, smoke curling upwards:"That kid Luffy probably has no idea someone here is drinking away her sorrows for him.""Even worse,"Rayleigh added, glancing at the empty wine bottle beside Nami's hand,"She's drinking that thirty-year-old vintage I hid behind the counter."Nami suddenly turned around, her cheeks flushed, but her eyes were unusually clear... a Navigator's unique gaze, capable of maintaining a sense of direction no matter how much she drank.Her gaze swept over Rayleigh and Shakky, who immediately pretended to be busy with their own affairs.Rayleigh couldn't help but chuckle, but quickly coughed to cover it under Nami's sharp gaze.He raised his glass to Shakky, silently mouthing: "Women are truly terrifying."Shakky returned a look, a knowing curve on her lips as if saying: "Men are indeed fickle.""Nami, drinking too much will affect your journey!"A familiar voice came from the doorway.The tavern door creaked open, and the last rays of the evening glow poured into the dim space, casting a long golden band of light on the floor.Everyone involuntarily looked towards the source of light.Silhouetted against the light, a figure stood tall and agile.Luffy stood there, his shoulders broader, his face having shed its childishness, his features more defined.He wore his iconic straw hat, a familiar smile on his lips, but his eyes held a newfound steadiness."Luffy..."Nami's voice was as soft as a sigh, trembling with disbelief.She stared at him blankly, her eyes instantly reddening.The next second, like a bird returning to its nest, she stumbled from the bar stool and practically fell into Luffy's open embrace."I missed you so much..." She buried her face in his chest, her voice muffled and tearful.Luffy's hands steadied her waist.He chuckled, and with a strong arm, he lifted her entirely, spinning her around in the air.Nami gasped, her long hair forming a graceful arc in the air, and the bar's lights reflected tiny glints in her moist eyes.As soon as her feet touched the ground, Nami's expression changed.She stepped back half a pace, her beautiful eyes narrowed, those eyes that could read weather changes now scrutinizing every subtle shift on Luffy's face."So late, where have you been messing around?"Her voice was as sweet as honey, yet it carried a dangerous undertone.Luffy rubbed the back of his head, his smile a bit stiff:"I ran into something on the way...""Is that so?"Nami took a step closer, poking his chest with her fingertip,"Empress Boa Hancock of Amazon Lily, the world's most beautiful woman, how was she? Was it very satisfying?"The air in the bar suddenly went quiet.Rayleigh behind the bar raised his eyebrows, and Shakky's motion of wiping the glass slowed.Luffy coughed, his earlobes slightly red:"Uh... you know, I, I was forced! It was for training...""Forced?"Nami snorted, yet allowed Luffy to pull her back into his embrace."You're the best!"Luffy lowered his head, his nose gently brushing her hair, deeply inhaling her unique scent.It was the scent of sun-dried citrus, mixed with sea breeze and orange groves—a scent he had thought of countless times over the past three months.Nami's pretty face flushed, but she still stubbornly tilted her head up:"Don't think sweet talk will get you off the hook!"She stood on her tiptoes, her long eyelashes almost brushing Luffy's cheek:"You were with that woman for so long, and you still say you were forced?"As she spoke, her fair, tender arms naturally wrapped around Luffy's neck.Before he could answer, she closed her eyes, and her alluring red lips pressed against his.This was a kiss that had been building for three months.It began with a hint of resentment, gradually transforming into a deep longing.Luffy's arms tightened, pulling her completely into his embrace. Time seemed to stop at this moment, with only the old clock on the bar still ticking.After a long while, their lips parted.A glistening thread connected their slowly separating lips.Nami breathed, her face crimson, her slender body pressed tightly against Luffy's chest, feeling each other's heartbeats... his strong and steady, hers rapid and passionate.The faint scent of wine on her mingled with citrus, and her warm breath brushed Luffy's ear:"What she has..."Her voice was a whisper, yet it carried an undeniable possessiveness."I want it too!"Luffy looked at Nami in his arms, surprised.Her face was inches away, her skin glowing pink like delicate porcelain, her beautiful eyes clear and bright, but now burning with a fire he had never seen before.Her fair neck had graceful lines, her slender waist trembled slightly in his hands, and her long legs stood tightly together.She was beautiful beyond mortal comprehension, like the most captivating illusion in a mirage.A wave of warmth rose from his heart, and Luffy's gaze deepened.He nodded solemnly:"Okay!"...In the corner, the three onlookers had varied expressions.Uta rested her chin in her hands, her eyes sparkling, her cheeks faintly flushed:"A kiss... I haven't even had one yet."Her voice was very soft, carrying a maiden's unique longing and shyness.Rayleigh held his wine glass, shaking his head with a complex expression:"It's over so simply? I thought there would be a good show to watch."He smacked his lips, unsure if he was disappointed or relieved,"Where's the love triangle? Ah, these young people today..."Shakky, meanwhile, smiled and extinguished her cigarette, her gaze gently falling on the embracing couple:"Little Monkey is truly becoming more charming."On the bar, Nami's unfinished drink glowed amber in the glass,But at this moment, she had found a destination more intoxicating than any fine wine.Outside the window, giant bubbles slowly rose, like all the unfinished dreams on this vast sea, transparent, beautiful, carrying endless possibilities, drifting into the distance.