Chapter 125 – Drum Kingdom 01.

Chapter 125 – Drum Kingdom 01.

[Chapter Size: 3000 Words.]

Third Person POV

Drum Island, First Half of Grandline.

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As Black Pearl sailed with grandeur, the calm waters near the Drum Kingdom revealed a spectacular sight. Mountain peaks rose like majestic towers throughout the island, punctuating the horizon with their grandeur. These mountains, covered in blankets of shining snow, created a stunning landscape that bestowed upon the kingdom an aura of serenity and white beauty.

The natural towers reached towards the sky like pillars sculpted by nature, offering an imposing view as the crew approached. Each summit seemed to tell a unique story, as if the mountains were silent guardians of the Drum Kingdom.

Among the majestic peaks, architectural structures could be spotted, harmonizing with the lush landscape. Tall and imposing towers blended with natural forms, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere.

The snow covering the peaks and extending across the land added a magical touch to the scenery, transforming the Drum Kingdom into a sight worthy of admiration. As the crew contemplated the imminent arrival on the island, a sense of adventure hung in the air over this kingdom covered by constant falling snow.

"What a big place!" exclaimed Shirahoshi, her eyes shining with enthusiasm as she observed the majestic peaks of the Drum Kingdom's island. Dressed in warm clothing provided by Luffy, she was ready to explore the mountainous realm.

"But still, it's so cold here..." Usopp shivered, expressing his discomfort with the low temperatures.

"We can endure this, right, Broggy?" Dorry, the giant, displayed his courage in the face of the challenging weather.

"Yes, after all, we are brave warriors of Elbaf; no weather condition can stop us!" agreed Broggy, sharing his companion's confidence.

"I find it pleasant..." commented Alvida, while Reiju, with a neutral expression similar to the first, said, "I don't have much to complain about."

"I must admit it's really nice here," said Lami, enjoying where she was at that moment.

"I'm doing this out of necessity, heard?" Vivi responded in a peculiar manner in her excuse.

Suddenly, four female voices were heard, drawing everyone's attention to an iconic scene. Luffy, shirtless and looking completely at ease in the cold, was being clung to by Alvida, Reiju, Lami, and Vivi. Each of them found a strategic position, embracing the captain in distinct ways like koalas clinging to their tree. The faces of Vivi and Lami turned red as they enjoyed the sensation provided by his warm skin in the cold weather.

"The captain seems to be enjoying this... fufufufu." Robin commented beside with a small laugh, looking at this comical scene.

"And you wouldn't be jealous, Robin..." Nojiko teased with a smile beside her. It wasn't a secret that some noticed how Robin looked at her captain.

Robin's feelings for Luffy had gradually grown in these last few days, like a flower blooming in a garden of emotions. She acknowledged the attraction that the captain exerted on her, a mixture of respect, admiration, and yes, a touch of something deeper. As she watched Luffy lead his crew fearlessly, face challenges with contagious confidence, and show unwavering compassion for his own, even though he was rough many times, he still took care of his people as he called them, Robin felt a special connection too.

Luffy's presence brought a comforting warmth to Robin's heart, a feeling she had only experienced in her life when she found refuge with the professor in Ohara after being constantly chased by the island's children in her childhood. He represented more than just a leader; he was a source of hope, renewal, and surprisingly, something akin to an emotional haven bringing answers to her life after 18 years in search of a small spot in the midst of all her darkness that saw her dream, but today Robin saw a beacon after meeting Luffy; he ended up becoming her sun. In the rare moments she caught herself glancing at him, she found herself lost in thoughts about how that man, uniquely and inadvertently, had changed the course of her life, something that only happened in the last few days.

However, Robin was a master at hiding her deep feelings. Although the crew noticed her growing affection for Luffy, the archaeologist maintained a calm and relaxed posture, as if her feelings were hidden in the shadows of her own heart.

"I don't know what you're talking about..." That's what she said, deflecting from the topic, but Nojiko just laughed.

"Hmmm?! It's so warm with Luffy-Sama!" Shirahoshi quickly joined the group of women, grabbing Luffy's neck at that moment.

"My husband is truly seductive..."

"Damn womanizer."

"Luffy-Baka."

"That doesn't mean I'm interested in you, captain."

"Luffy-Sama is so warm!"

"Hey, it's you all clinging to me like monkeys, how can you call me that when I'm not doing anything!" Luffy was stunned by these women's contradictory comments, except for the mermaid princess, as she was genuinely innocent.

"Anyway, we'll be arriving at the kingdom soon... are the animals okay?" Hugo asked, looking to one side of the deck.

Four animals were huddled together, shivering around a blanket.

"Why is Laboon shivering? Whales should have a layer against the cold of the depths..." Nojiko commented.

"Who knows..." Zoro grumbled and went to the edge of the ship where Kuina was looking at the beach.

"Hey guys, I'm seeing something strange, don't you see any movement on the beach?" Kuina spoke, pointing to the island rapidly approaching.

"It seems like the inhabitants have seen us and want to welcome us..." Zoro said, gripping his sword.Rread latest chapters at novelhall.com

"Hey... It seems like we're not welcome." Hachi spoke.

"Dalton, do what I asked; gather all the people from the kingdom and take me to a place where I can speak to everyone," Luffy instructed him, and the man accepted. Dalton rose with a resigned expression, aware that he didn't have much choice in the situation. Luffy, along with his crew, accompanied Dalton, and as Luffy shrank his ship, the crew headed to the town with the group of men from the beach and doctors.

The inhabitants of Drum, accustomed to living under different kings and dealing with pirates, felt a mix of fear and distrust with the presence of the Straw Hats. Tension was visible in the air as people watched Luffy and his comrades move through the city as if on a stroll.

The Straw Hats followed Dalton to the main square, where news of the pirates' arrival began to spread rapidly. The looks intensified, and the expressions of the population ranged from dissatisfaction to fear, but Dalton also conveyed the message for everyone to gather in the square where the future of the country would be decided.

It took 30 minutes to gather 5,000 people, 99% of the population of this small and isolated country. The main square of the Drum Kingdom was bustling with the presence of the inhabitants gathering to hear Luffy's words. Looking at everyone in the square, with the initially tense atmosphere being enveloped by the captain of the Straw Hats' speech.

"I am Monkey D. Luffy, captain of the Straw Hats. As many of you know, this kingdom is now under our possession. As the Drum Kingdom is now our territory, we killed Wapol and brought back the doctors he stole. But I didn't come here to sow fear or take something from you. In fact, I'm here to offer an opportunity. I don't intend to meddle in who will be the king of this country, and I won't make political decisions for the country, but I want the development of the Drum Kingdom with medicine. There are roles here that will be destined for the future governance of the country," Luffy announced.

The inhabitants murmured among themselves, clearly concerned about what the future held.

"I don't intend to be a tyrant. On the contrary, I want to help bring prosperity back to Drum. For that, I need everyone's cooperation. I need volunteers willing to work to rebuild this kingdom, and I promise it won't be in vain. We will pay justly for your efforts, resulting in a more prosperous country with many allied kingdoms already linked to me," Luffy continued.

Luffy paused for a moment, allowing his words to be absorbed by the crowd.

"But the choice is yours. If you decide to resist, we'll have to take measures to ensure stability. However, I hope we can work together for a better future. Let's restore the Drum Kingdom to its former glory, with the effort of all of us!"

The crowd remained silent for a moment, processing Luffy's words. The captain of the Straw Hats hoped that his intentions were understood, and collaboration would be the choice the population made.

Luffy also maintained a serious but determined posture. He knew that the key to successful collaboration was gaining the trust of the inhabitants of Drum. The challenge was set, and now it depended on how events would unfold in the city.

"If we work together, we can make this place a true powerhouse. Let's build a better future for everyone, and I will take care of and protect this country so that nothing like before happens again," Luffy concluded.

By mentioning Wapol's defeat and the recovery of the doctors, Luffy captured the attention and gradually the respect of those present. He showed them that his intention was not to impose tyrannical leadership but to provide development and prosperity, so Luffy began to speak of his ideas primarily focused on the field of medicine, which was the path he would like this country to take.

The speech continued, highlighting the potential of the Drum Kingdom as a medical school and the need to work together to build a better future. The mention of roles destined for the future government demonstrated the commitment of the Straw Hats to the autonomy of the kingdom, even mentioning potential allies in this sea and even in the East Blue.

By concluding his speech with the promise to protect and care for the country, Luffy broke the remaining resistance. The residents, realizing that the actions were not as bad, even for pirates, since their country had reached such a low point with a tyrannical king who wiped out all the doctors and a pirate named Blackbeard who just plundered the country, didn't they need a light to improve their lives? Luffy and the Straw Hats began to be a new hope as this unexpected leadership.

The initially apprehensive residents began to see Luffy with respect. His actions spoke louder than words, and the former Drum Kingdom was about to start a new chapter.

At this moment, an elderly woman, whose presence initially went unnoticed among the busy residents, had a keen and observant look among the crowd. Her piercing eyes, even though elderly, held an intensity that indicated unparalleled wisdom, and she listened to all of it with crossed arms.

While the population focused on Luffy's words, this mysterious woman, whose name was Kureha, began to advance towards the square, exploring the changes that were beginning to unfold. Her calm yet curious presence suggested that she was about to get involved significantly in this new chapter of the Drum Kingdom's history as well.

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