One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

"Wait!!!"

No longer able to maintain his pretense of unconsciousness after overhearing the siblings' exchange, Bill abruptly rolled over and sprang to his feet. He approached Reiju with an obsequious demeanor, his tone simultaneously pleading and fawning:

"I want it! I want it! If Captain Sanji doesn't want it, please give it to me instead! I'm begging you, Sister Reiju!"

His outburst triggered a chorus of similar pleas from the surrounding Marines: "Please, please give it to me!!"

Sanji glared at his subordinates in disbelief. "Hey, you bastards!!"

Despite the disruptive influence of these enthusiastic interruptions, Sanji's training program ultimately proceeded—albeit with numerous unexpected detours—and eventually yielded positive results. At minimum, he succeeded in capturing Reiju's genuine interest in both the Six Styles and Haki, securing her willing participation in his instructional sessions.

Beyond combat training, Reiju unexpectedly developed an interest in culinary arts. She began rising early each morning to assist in meal preparation for Sanji's division. After completing kitchen duties, she would join the crew for combat training exercises, occasionally regaling her growing fanbase with captivating stories about Germa.

Gradually, life aboard the vessel settled into a comfortable routine.

Throughout the following months, Luffy continued his diplomatic mission across the North Blue. During this nearly six-month period, the World Government dispatched formal greetings to all member states of the region.

Perhaps due to the legendary Admiral's presence, pirates throughout the North Blue demonstrated markedly improved behavior during this interval. Many notorious crews chose to retreat into obscurity, minimizing their activities out of prudent caution.

Naturally, exceptions existed—fearless or foolhardy individuals who persisted in defying maritime law. On one notable occasion, Luffy was visiting a kingdom that happened to suffer a pirate incursion during his stay.

Such an opportunity for public relations was too perfect for Luffy to ignore. With decisive action, he effortlessly eliminated the threat. The dramatic spectacle of lightning columns descending from the heavens not only terrified the local royal family but compelled them to abandon their dignified facades and prostrate themselves before him in gratitude.

This display dominated the front pages of major newspapers for an entire week, once again cementing Luffy's position as the focus of global attention.

With his authority as an Admiral and his overwhelming strength, Luffy effectively functioned as a regional emperor within the North Blue, patrolling his designated territory at will.

Unfortunately, this exhilarating experience would soon conclude with his visit to the final nation on his itinerary. Now en route back to the Grand Line, it wouldn't be long before he could return to his beloved Wano Country after an extended absence.

Thwack!

The crisp impact resonated through the recreation room as the white cue ball rolled forward with precision, disappearing into the designated pocket exactly as intended.

Luffy cursed under his breath, his expression darkening as he stepped aside to apply chalk to his cue tip while intently studying the table configuration.

As a novice billiards player, he naturally lacked the expertise for sophisticated games like snooker. He was engaged in the most straightforward variant—eight-ball—with solid-colored balls as his targets, while his opponent Nami played for the striped balls.

Unlike Luffy, who remained a beginner, Nami had navigated the sea since childhood and possessed extensive familiarity with common gambling diversions and recreational pursuits. Despite deliberately restraining her abilities, she had eliminated all but her number 12 ball from the table.

After pocketing the 12, she would need only to sink the black 8-ball to secure another victory. Observing Luffy, who had managed to pocket only two balls—largely due to fortunate positioning rather than skill—Nami couldn't suppress a sense of mild exasperation.

After retrieving the cue ball from the pocket, she positioned it thoughtfully and executed a casual shot. Without bothering to track the ball's trajectory, she collected her drink from the nearby table and retreated to the comfortable sofa to rest.

"This is becoming tedious," she sighed. "Had I anticipated your lack of skill, I would have chosen to join Vivi for a proper gaming session instead."

Irritated by her transparent condescension, Luffy bristled visibly.

"Don't pretend you're some billiards expert," he retorted sharply. "If I hadn't been exercising my observation Haki, you would have lost countless games by now."

Following this declaration, he leaned forward across the table, studying the arrangement of balls with exaggerated concentration. He made several elaborate feints with his cue stick, though no one observed him actually attempting a shot.

Witnessing this display, Nami could only sigh once more, shaking her head and choosing to remain silent. Experience had taught her the futility of reasoning with a stubborn man, particularly one whose convictions seemed as impenetrable as diamonds.

Seated beside Nami, Reiju supported her cheek with one hand, watching Luffy's awkward positioning with undisguised amusement. After several months in his company, she had discovered numerous endearing qualities beyond his handsome appearance and formidable abilities.

For instance, his current stubborn determination and earnest concentration struck her as particularly charming. The more time she spent with him, the more these small, human moments revealed the complex personality beneath the legendary Admiral's intimidating reputation.