Chapter 125: Chapter 125: Bellemere’s Private Lesson
This isn't good… Not good at all…
Luffy's mind was flooded with Uta's voice, her soft and teasing tone that lingered with a syrupy sweetness, rendering his thoughts hazy and instinctive. The sheer sound of it felt almost like she was pleading, activating a powerful urge to protect her—a primal instinct he hadn't expected. It clashed with his self-control, leading to a mental struggle.
A playful laugh from above broke his reverie. Looking up, he saw Uta, seated on his shoulders, giving him a mischievous, triumphant smile. She had wrapped her legs around his neck, making sure to stay above the water to keep her powers intact.
"Even without singing, how…" Luffy muttered, confusion clouding his thoughts as sleepiness overtook him, his eyelids growing heavy.
In the dream world, Uta leaned closer, cupping his chin, her voice close to his ear. "Uta's voice~ it's nice, isn't it?"
Musical notes floated around, forming an ethereal cage, ensnaring Luffy in a melody only he could hear. Holding him in place, she whispered in his ear, her breath tickling.
"Luffy, you don't quite understand music yet, do you? True music isn't just a song—it's the resonance, the harmony from my voice reaching your heart."
Uta's fingers pressed gently over his heart, a mischievous gleam in her eye. "So… how should I punish my naughty little brother who wanted to tease his big sister?"
Caught in Uta's spell and realizing her little trick, Luffy tried to muster his resolve. If only I could abandon all restraint… but my own morals are the only things holding me back! Determined to win her forgiveness, he pleaded, "Uta, I'm sorry! I promise, just this once, forgive me!"
"Liar!" Uta tugged at his cheeks, laughing. "How many times have you made that promise?"
In the real world, Uta straddled his shoulders, her legs wrapped around his neck like a ribbon. Her position left Luffy feeling oddly self-conscious as his enhanced senses kicked in, honing in on every detail.
"Captain's fallen asleep again!" Nami noticed, laughing as she pinched his arm playfully.
Watching from the ship's edge, Bellemere chuckled, noting Uta's triumphant stance and Nami's laughter. She shook her head, amused and thoughtful. "It's probably time for some serious life lessons… especially for Nojiko, now that she's growing up."
"Dinner's ready!" Bellemere called, motioning the kids to come ashore.
"Come play in the water with us, Bellemere!" Nami splashed water her way.
Bellemere laughed, scooping up a handful of water to return the favor, filling the beach with joyful laughter.
---
A few months later, the familiar news-delivery bird arrived, leaving the daily paper with its big, block-letter "N" printed on its cap. It landed in Luffy's hand, letting him sift through the latest world events, though his main focus was on East Blue.
So… has Arlong come yet? Maybe tomorrow? Or the next day…
But Bellemere soon interrupted his thoughts with a serious look. "Alright, girls, line up on the couch. We're about to have a talk."
She grabbed Luffy by the back of his collar, ushering him out of the room. "Sorry, this lesson's just for the girls." She shut the door with a decisive thud.
"Now, let's get one thing clear," Bellemere started, lighting her cigarette. "A girl's body is her own. You've got to be careful who you let near."
"Does that mean we can't play around?" Nami asked, frowning. "Luffy's seen a lot already…"
Bellemere sighed. "It's not about bare skin in general. But there are… areas you should keep private." She tapped the blackboard for emphasis.
Nojiko raised her hand, "But Bellemere, you always say bold things to Uncle Genzo!"
"That's different—I'm a delinquent adult," Bellemere answered with a wry smile.
"Well, I want to be a delinquent too!" Nami laughed.
"Exactly! Will Luffy look all embarrassed if we tease him? That could be fun…" Nojiko added, imagining the flustered reactions.
"Absolutely not! You two are not allowed to follow in my footsteps," Bellemere said, massaging her temples, exasperated.
"Aww…" the girls groaned in unison.
"Listen, you should only speak boldly to someone you truly care about," Bellemere lectured, tapping the board for emphasis.
"So… you care about Uncle Genzo?" Nami asked, eyes wide.
"Because you're always joking about paying him back with 'favors,'" Nojiko added, making Bellemere sputter as the girls' inno
cent questioning slowly unraveled her carefully composed demeanor.
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