One Piece:I am King Luffy!

Nami's swimming lesson continued as Luffy quickly picked up the basics, his natural talent making it easy for him to grasp advanced techniques. Nami taught him how to handle waves, dive beneath them, and ride their force to reach the shore—a survival skill invaluable for any seafarer.

The theoretical part covered, Nami transitioned him into practical training. Gradually, the swim lesson turned into a playful water fight, with Nami and Nojiko laughing and splashing each other as they enjoyed the sand, waves, and sun.

Meanwhile, Uta floated nearby with her swim ring, her body's weakness forcing her to passively watch from the sidelines. For a fleeting moment, she felt an unusual emptiness—as if the world's liveliness had moved on without her.

Sometimes, physical weakness has a way of dimming the spirit. A frail body can make even the strongest-willed person susceptible to feelings of isolation. This was how Uta felt now, like a fragile figure with no strength to join the others in their joy.

Her mind drifted. How nice… happiness is theirs, and I have nothing… Shanks, where are you…?

Her pale arm hung down, trailing her fingers in the water as it ebbed and flowed. Why was she feeling so low? Her friends were right here, enjoying the beach and the ocean, but her heart sank into a whirlpool of sadness.

When did this start? she wondered. We bought swimsuits, went to the beach, watched Nami teach Luffy to swim…

As she thought about the day's events, she realized that maybe her sadness stemmed from watching Luffy—once her only friend—now surrounded by others, sharing joyful moments she felt cut off from.

Is this… selfishness? Uta wondered. I thought I was the type to share happiness freely… Is it because I'm growing up? Because I'm becoming less willing to share…?

She thought back to Shanks. Will my song truly bring happiness to everyone, like I've always dreamed? Why does it feel like the more I try, the further I am from the joy I want to share…?

Her mind was spinning, tangled in doubts. She needed to sing, to release this sadness through music—but not the usual tunes she sang. She needed something more raw, more in tune with the storm inside her.

Yet, the ocean sapped her strength, preventing her from expressing herself fully. Just as she was about to lose herself in melancholy, she felt a sudden, firm grip on her ankle.

"Meowh!" Uta squeaked, every nerve in her body jolted awake. Before she could react, she was pulled underwater. Powerless, she drifted further down, farther from the sunlit surface.

But instead of fear, she felt an odd comfort as Luffy's familiar arms wrapped around her, pulling her close in the shadowed waters below. Her bright red and white hair swirled around her like petals in the current. He held her tightly, his mischievous grin visible even in the dim light of the sea.

You idiot… Uta thought, an unbidden smile softening her face. I told you not to hold me so tightly.

In his hold, she felt as light as cotton, her strength entirely faded. Her eyes softened, her worries melting as she let herself drift, cocooned in his arms.

Finally, they resurfaced, both gasping for air. Luffy gave her a cheeky smile. "I think I heard the cutest sound underwater. Could you repeat it for me, Uta?"

She blinked, momentarily stunned, then her cheeks turned red with anger. "Idiot! You're so rude! Let me go right now—when we're back on shore, you're in for it!"

She bared her little fang-like teeth, glaring at him in mock menace. But Luffy, unperturbed, merely laughed.

"Aww, so scary! But you can't do anything to me in the water… So soft~" he teased, playfully pressing her waist with his fingers, his tone just as infuriatingly smug.

"You jerk!" Uta's legs flailed as he held her up, her kicks scattering sparkling droplets around them. Even though she was the one being teased, she felt her heart lift, a warmth filling the void from before. There was something oddly thrilling about being unable to resist, yet finding herself unexpectedly happy.

"Do you enjoy picking on someone who's too weak to fight back…?" Her voice softened, a hint of sweetness wrapping around her words like honey.

Luffy felt a strange, almost dangerous flutter in his chest. Her voice, soft and resonant, tugged at something deep wi

thin him, leaving him momentarily breathless.

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