Chapter 459 - 298

Chapter 299: The Calm Before the Storm!!The coastline of Dressrosa gradually sharpened through the morning mist.Vibrantly colored houses were stacked like building blocks, giant windmills turned slowly, and blooming flowers and lush greenery were everywhere.Along the shore, towering rocks were carved into the likenesses of giant warriors, silently guarding this land.But upon closer inspection, incongruous details became apparent.An abnormal number of ships were moored at the port, many flying the flags of New World pirate crews, while others were suspiciously low-key, clearly vessels of the Underworld.The crowd onshore was several times denser than a normal port, a mix of all sorts of characters:pirates with swords at their waists, merchants in opulent clothing, bounty hunters with sharp eyes, and even a few squads of private soldiers in uniform, hurrying about."So many people,"Luffy leaned on the ship's bow, his straw hatswaying slightly in the sea breeze.He wore a red sleeveless shirt and black shorts, but the oppressive aura belonging to an "Emperor of the Sea" was still present, even when deliberately restrained.Robin walked to his side. Today she wore an elegant beige dress, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and her raven-black hair was loosely braided and draped over her chest.Even in such simple attire, it couldn't hide her intellectual, elegant demeanor."According to the intelligence I've gathered, at least seventeen pirate crews with bounties over a hundred million have landed on Dressrosa in the past three days,"she said softly, her fingers lightly resting on Luffy's arm,"And there's the news spread by the Donquixote Family:""The Tremor-Tremor Fruit will be displayed before the final victor of the Gladiator Tournament."Nami emerged from the cabin, her orange hair shining brightly in the sunlight.She wore a canary yellow halter top and white shorts, revealing a pair of long, straight legs, with a green belt tied around her waist.Hearing Robin's words, she frowned: "It's an obvious trap, yet so many people are still jumping in.""Because the temptation is too great."Law's voice came from behind.He was still in his signature spotted hat and fur-collared coat, his gaze cold,"Whitebeard's power is enough to drive any ambitious person mad."Luffy straightened up, grinning: "Then let's just go punch Doflamingo and take the fruit!""NO!!"Law, Nami, and Robin spoke almost simultaneously.Nami put her hands on her hips: "You idiot! If we charge in now, we won't just face Doflamingo, but also every crazy person on the island who wants the fruit!"Law tapped the deck with kikoku:"Captain, we're infiltrating right now.""Your 'Emperor of the Sea' status is a double-edged sword. It can intimidate small fry, but it will also attract real powerful enemies."Luffy puffed out his cheeks, reluctant: "But sneaking around is so troublesome...""It's not called sneaking around,"Robin smiled, reaching out to straighten Luffy's collar,"It's called strategy. And..."she leaned closer, lowering her voice, "do you want to put Nami and me in unnecessary danger?"Those words hit Luffy's soft spot.He immediately straightened his back:"Of course not! Then... then what do we do?"Law unfolded a map of Dressrosa:"Disguise ourselves, split up! The Gladiator Tournament starts in three days and lasts for three days.""We need to gather intelligence during this time, figure out all the factions, and act on the final day.""Uta, Yamato, Franky, and Brook are responsible for guarding the ship!""...I object!"Uta was the first to step forward, her amethyst eyes glaring at Law, "I want to go play with Luffy!!"Yamato, carrying her Spiked Club, nodded: "Exactly! I'm going too!!"Law said expressionlessly: "The sunny needs protection!!"Uta pursed her lips, finally saying quietly: "Then... alright!"Yamato gave a hearty smile: "Fine! But Luffy, if you need help, you must call me!"Law continued assigning tasks."I, Chopper, and Usopp will take Monet to the Kings Plateau. Donquixote Doflamingo must pay for what happened at Punk Hazard."Chopper transformed into his human form, looking serious:"I'll prepare all emergency medicines!"Usopp, meanwhile, was already trembling:"G-go to the Kings Plateau? Face Doflamingodirectly? Law, I think I might be a bit seasick, maybe I should stay and guard the ship...""Usopp,"Nami smiled, but her eyes flashed dangerously,"What did you just say?"Usopp stood at attention: "I said I will absolutely complete the mission!""Sanji, Zoro, you two,"Law looked at them,"are responsible for the colosseum area! Monitor all participants, especially the famous strong ones. If necessary... create chaos."Zoro nodded, three swords already at his waist: "Just wanted to stretch my muscles."Sanji lit a cigarette, uncharacteristically serious:"Understood! But I have to declare, if Miss Namiand Miss Robin are in danger, I'll rush over immediately."Finally, Law looked at Luffy:"Straw Hat-ya, you, Nami-ya, and Robin-ya will move freely in the city.""If any other Emperors of the Sea get involved, that's when we'll rely on you!"...One hour later, the Straw Hats landed in groups.Law, Chopper, and Usopp, taking Caesar who was restrained with Sea Stone, landed from the secluded north shore in a small boat.Zoro and Sanji blended into the crowd heading to the colosseum.As Sanji passed a street, he was pulled into a tavern by several mature and charming dancing girls."Hey there, handsome, come have a drink~"The dancers wore gorgeous Flamenco dresses, revealing their tanned shoulders and backs, their fingers lightly tracing Sanji's arm.Sanji instantly petrified, his eyes turning into spirals:"Be-beauties... I just...""Don't be shy, we girls of Dressrosa love gentlemen like you~"Zoro, watching Sanji being dragged away, clicked his tongue: "Idiot."Then, he walked alone towards the colosseum registration office... Meanwhile, Luffy, Nami, and Robin landed at the main port.Even with simple disguises, the trio's appearance still caused quite a stir.Not because they were recognized, but because of their looks.Luffy had shot up to 190 cm over the past two years, his body lines smooth and powerful from constant training.Even with his face covered, that confident stride and upright posture of a powerful person was enough to attract attention.Not to mention his snow-white teeth and sunnyaura when he occasionally grinned.And Nami and Robin... Nami's face was vaguely visible under her veil, but her large amber eyes and graceful figure couldn't be hidden.Her walk had the lightness and steadiness unique to a Navigator, her orange hair flowing like honey in the sunlight.Robin was even more eye-catching.Even with the veil covering most of her face, her intellectual, elegant demeanor made her stand out in the crowd.Her beige dress swayed gently with her steps, outlining the beautiful curves of a mature woman."S-so beautiful women...""Who's that guy? So lucky...""Look at that aura, must be nobility..."Whispers rose around them.The streets of Dressrosa were full of moving toys:dancing dolls, sweeping robots, even toy soldiers on patrol.People seemed accustomed to this.Robin said softly: "According to the data, this is a feature of Dressrosa. But I feel... something's off."Nami nodded, her sharp senses picking up on some details.The toys' eyes were too vivid, some even held human emotions.But her attention was soon drawn to something else.Several girls in fiery Flamenco dresses walked out of a roadside tavern, their eyes lighting up when they saw Luffy."Hey there, handsome~"A red-haired dancer boldly winked,"Alone? Want to have a drink?"Her gaze swept over Luffy's firm chest and arms, not hiding her interest.Luffy was about to say something when he suddenly felt a pinch at his side.Nami's fingers were "gently" pinching there."S-sorry!"Luffy quickly spoke up, "I'm with my partners!"The dancers then noticed the two women beside him, immediately showing understanding, but the red-haired dancer still coquettishly handed him a red carnation:"What a shame~ Take this flower, handsome guy~"Luffy dumbly accepted it, and the dancers left, giggling.After they were gone, Nami let go, but her face clearly showed displeasure:"Honestly, attracting bees and butterflies wherever you go..."Robin chuckled: "That's not surprising. Luffy is now one of the New World's youngest and most promising Emperors of the Sea, handsome, cheerful, powerful... practically the perfect lover template."As she spoke, she naturally linked arms with Luffyon his other side, her eyes curving into crescents under the veil: "But unfortunately, he's already taken..." The three continued strolling through the streets, gradually adapting to their disguised identities.Luffy was curious about everything, stopping at a toy stall one moment, then drawn to food the next.Nami was in charge of keeping him in check, not worried about money, but worried he'd expose their identities.They entered an open-air cafe and chose a corner seat.From here, they could see the distant Kings Plateau. Doflamingo's palace stood like a crown at the city's highest point."So we just wait now?"Luffy sipped his juice, somewhat impatient."Not exactly."Robin ordered a coffee, stirring it elegantly,"We're gathering intelligence. For example..."Her gaze swept over the other patrons in the cafe.At least four tables were clearly pirates, one looked like bounty hunters, and another table of opulently dressed people were whispering, likely Underworld merchants.Nami lowered her voice:"I heard them talking about the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. Some say it's a World Government trap, some say Doflamingo is crazy, and others..."She paused,"are talking about you, Luffy.""Me?""Mhm. 'Will Straw Hat Luffy come?', 'If an Emperor of the Sea interferes, it'll be trouble,' and such."Nami said, her hand gently holding Luffy's under the table,"You're a big shot now, dummy."Then, a conversation at the next table caught their attention."...I heard 'Captain' Eustass Kid has also come!!""That great pirate with a 432 million bounty?!""The temptation of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit is too great. And not just him, 'Cavendish', 'Bartolomeo'... many famous guys have signed up for the Gladiator Tournament."The pirates at the next table suddenly turned, their gazes lingering on Luffy for a moment before shifting to Nami and Robin, showing looks of admiration.One of them, a bald, burly man, stood up and walked over with a drink:"You folks look unfamiliar, first time in Dressrosa?"He addressed all three, but his eyes were fixed on Nami and Robin.Before Luffy could react, Nami spoke first, her voice cold."Can we help you?""Just wanted to make friends."The bald man grinned, revealing a missing tooth,"I'm 'Bone-Crusher' Hans, bounty 98 million. Two ladies so beautiful, how about..."His hand reached towards Nami's shoulder.In the next instant, Hans's hand stopped mid-air.His whole body froze in place, cold sweat instantly soaking his back.He slowly turned his eyes to look at the hatted man who hadn't spoken.Luffy was looking at him, his face expressionless, but those eyes were like the sea before a storm, calm yet containing a force that could crush everything.Hans's legs gave way, and he fell back into his seat, his glass shattering on the floor.His companions looked at him, alarmed and uncertain:"Boss?""...Let's go."Hans said hoarsely, not even daring to look at Luffyagain.After that group hurriedly left, Nami let go of the clima-tact she'd been gripping tightly and sighed:"Almost exposed."Luffy had already returned to his usual smile, as if nothing had happened."So, where to next?"Nami and Robin looked at each other and smiled simultaneously."Let's go browse a clothing store."Nami said, "Since we're disguising ourselves, let's do it thoroughly.""I agree."Robin stood up, "And I want to pick out some clothes for Luffy. He looks good in red, but it's too conspicuous.""Huh? Buy clothes?"Luffy was pulled up by the two girls,"But I like this one...""Be good.""Okay..."...In the clothing store, Nami and Robin started a "dress-up game."Luffy was manipulated like a doll, trying on outfit after outfit:a dark blue sailor's coat, a dark green explorer's outfit, even a refined white suit."This one's nice."Robin adjusted Luffy's collar, her fingers accidentally brushing his collarbone.She stood very close; Luffy could smell the faint scent of coffee and old books on her.In the mirror, Luffy wore a white shirt and black trousers with a dark gray vest over it, looking less wild and more noble."Like a prince."Nami hugged Luffy from behind, resting her chin on his shoulder, looking at him through the mirror,"But the original Luffy is still the handsomest."Luffy looked at himself in the mirror, then at the two girls beside him, and suddenly said:"You two are the pretty ones."He turned, one arm around Nami's waist, the other taking Robin's hand:"Nami is like the sun, Robin is like the moon, both super pretty!"His straightforward praise made both of them blush. The shop assistant covered her mouth, giggling, touched by the sweet scene.In the end, they bought a few casual outfits. Luffychanged back into his red shirt but added a dark coat over it for disguise.When they left the clothing store, dusk was approaching... And elsewhere in the city, Zorolooked at the long line at the registration office and yawned;Sanji finally escaped the tavern, with a few lipstick marks on his face;Law, with Chopper and Usopp, had already neared the outskirts of the Kings Plateau.A storm was gathering over Dressrosa.