Chapter 375 - 214

Chapter 214: Dawn, Covenant, and the Time to Set Sail!Golden beams of light, filtered through the thin, cicada-wing-like gauze curtains on the window, were cut into soft patches of light, creeping onto the wide, comfortable bed in the center of the room.The warmth of the light patches first awakened the red and white hair sleeping on the outside.Uta's long eyelashes fluttered, and her amethyst-like clear eyes slowly opened, revealing a side profile close at hand in the hazy dawn.Luffy was fast asleep.The morning light outlined his sharply defined jawline, and his thick eyelashes cast a faint shadow beneath his eyes.His breathing was even and long, carrying the unique warmth of a young man, gently brushing Uta's bangs.Uta didn't move, just watched quietly.She let her Violet pupils reflect his figure, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved upward into a very subtle, yet incredibly soft, arc.Her distinctive, intertwined red and white long hair, like the finest silk, was somewhat disheveled, spread out between them.A few strands even playfully rested on Luffy's nose, gently rising and falling with his breathing.In the air, a faint, subtle fragrance belonging to Utasubtly wafted.It was like fresh soap mixed with the sweetness of strawberries, or perhaps the unique, pure, and lively scent characteristic of her singing, lingering around Luffy's nose.Luffy unconsciously smacked his lips in his sleep, as if dreaming of something delicious.His embracing arms tightened slightly, his strong arm muscles relaxed around the warm, soft body in his embrace.His chin unconsciously rubbed Uta's head, letting out a satisfied, almost purring snort, and he fell into an even deeper sleep.Time seemed to become thick and slow here, unwilling to disturb this tranquility... "Meat!! So hungry!"The long dining table was almost submerged under various roasted meats, seafood, and tropical fruits.He grabbed a huge roasted leg of meat and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing heartily."Eh—?!!""What? Rayleigh, Sanji, Yamato, and Law, they all left?!"Luffy swallowed his food abruptly, his eyes wide with disbelief."Even Sanji left?! Why? Aren't there lots of beautiful Kuja sisters here?"In Luffy's mind, this should have been paradise for Sanji.He couldn't imagine Sanji'sDue to the strict laws of Amazon Lily, Sanji, though permitted to stay, had his movements restricted everywhere, maintaining a strict distance from the women on the island.Most of the beauty he couldNot to mention seeing Luffy, Uta, and Hancocknaturally intimate day and night; that invisibleHowever, what ultimately compelled Sanji to leave resolutely before the night had fully ended was a more fervent, unyielding obsession."That damn Mosshead..."The night before leaving the island, Sanji stood alone on a seaside reef, his cigarette flickering in the darkness, the sea breeze ruffling his golden hair but unable to extinguish the fire in his eyes."I absolutely cannot arrive later than that idiotic, directionally challenged swordsman... This is no longer about food or romance, this is a matter of principle!"He had replayed it countless times in his mind:Zoro, holding his sword, would sneer at him,Just this imagination alone was enough to make the competitive blood in his veins boil.No matter how magnificent the scenery of Amazon Lily, it couldn't hold back his steps towards this"Luffy,"Uta gently touched his hand, interrupting his daze."Everyone must be eager to regroup with their own feelings. Shall we depart soon too?"Luffy snapped out of his confusion, a broad, unclouded smile instantly blossoming on his face again. He stuffed the last big bite of meat into his mouth and nodded vigorously:"Yeah! You're right! Anyway, we'll see them soon! Let's go, to Sabaody!"...On the other side of the long dining table, Boa Hancock rested her chin on her hand, her posture as languid as a magnificent phoenix perched on a throne.Her lustrous black hair cascaded like a waterfall from her shoulders, a few strands casually falling beside her smooth, jade-like cheeks, further enhancing her skin, which rivaled frost and snow.Her eyes were like autumn waters rippling, the outer corners slightly upturned, exuding myriad charms and innate allure with every glance.Her full, luscious cherry lips, crimson and tempting, as if steeped in the finest wine, invited one to taste them involuntarily.A custom-tailored deep purple cheongsam with high slits perfectly accentuated her breathtaking, devilish figure.Lowering the gaze, one would find her impossibly slender waist, adding a touch of breathtaking, fragile beauty.Through the high slit of the cheongsam, as she languidly crossed her legs, a pair of long, straight, flawless jade legs were revealed, appearing and disappearing.Her peerless beauty, an extremely fiery physique, mature and enchanting charm, and the unique temperament refined through high status and life's vicissitudes... All these elements perfectly fused in her, fermenting into an almost fatal allure.That charm, belonging to a top-tier woman, was enough to make any man with insufficient willpower feel his blood surge and his mind falter at first sight of her.Yet, at this moment, the Empress, who could make all beings bow, had her gaze and her thoughts entirely fixed on that rubber boy."Sister Uta is truly beautiful! Even I feel a little ashamed of myself."Hancock's red lips parted slightly, her voice carrying its usual languor and charm, her eyes shimmering as if tiny lights flickered within them.Hearing this, Uta's lips curved into a gentle and composed smile, her gaze softly meeting Hancock's."Oh, come now, Hancock, you are recognized as the 'World's Most Beautiful Woman'."Her tone was soft, yet every word was clear."I've heard that countless renowned figures and powerhouses from across the four seas are deeply enamored with you, devoted with all their hearts.""How could I possibly compare to you?"Hancock's delicate brows arched slightly, showing no displeasure, but instead a calm and profound smile bloomed on her face."I can't compare to Sister Uta,"She subtly shifted her tone, a hint of playful teasing entering her voice."You and Luffy have been childhood sweethearts since you were young, with a deep bond... I suppose you must cherish him like a younger brother, right?"The two exchanged pleasantries, their conversation seemingly harmonious.But Luffy, standing nearby, inexplicably felt a chill down his spine... The invisible tension in the air seemed to quietly spread with each gentle compliment they exchanged."Oh no, oh no..."Tiny beads of sweat seeped from Luffy's forehead, and he secretly groaned in his heart.This seemingly amicable scene clearly made him more flustered than facing a strong enemy.Just then, Uta suddenly reached out and naturally, intimately, linked her arm through Luffy's.She lifted her face, her smile bright and candid, her gaze directed straight at Hancock:"The relationship between Luffy and me is not as simple as'siblings', you know.""Hehe..."Hancock chuckled, not at all surprised. She had already anticipated such a situation.She elegantly brushed a strand of hair from her forehead behind her ear, her posture naturally alluring.Then, her phoenix eyes gently turned, her gaze softly falling back on Luffy, her eyes like rippling spring water."But, Luffy personally promised to become my husband."Her voice was low and soft, yet every word was clearly heard."Isn't that right, my dear... husband?"As her words fell, Uta's gaze also suddenly turned to Luffy, her beautiful eyes holding a smile, yet also a meaningful scrutiny.Luffy's eye twitched slightly, and more sweat beaded on his forehead.What was bound to come, finally came... the situation that made his scalp tingle the most."Ahem, that..."He suddenly cleared his throat, his gaze drifting to the distance."Shouldn't we be leaving? Uncle Rayleigh and the others are waiting at the rendezvous point!"Hurriedly throwing out this unprepared excuse, and before the two could react, a flash of lightning suddenly erupted around him.With aWatching his almost fleeing back, Hancock and Uta both froze for a moment, then simultaneously covered their mouths and chuckled softly.The subtle tension that had been present earlier also quietly dissipated somewhat with their laughter."Let's go, Sister Uta."Hancock stood up, her cheongsam trailing, and extended her hand to Uta."Mhm." Uta smiled sweetly, rising to take Hancock's outstretched arm.The two exchanged glances, then, like a pair of close sisters, walked arm in arm towards the door.They both knew in their hearts that everything just now was mostly an intention to tease that naive fellow who was always clueless in matters of love yet constantly attracted admirers.Of course, a little rivalry and probing weren't false, but they understood even more that if they truly let the situation get out of control and caused each other unhappiness,It would ultimately only be Luffy who was troubled, caught in the middle and unable to please either side.How could truly intelligent and considerate women do such foolish things that would make their beloved distressed and worried?Soon, the uniquely designed ship of Amazon Lilyset sail, carrying several people, cutting through the azure waves, steadily heading towards the agreed rendezvous point with their companions.The sea breeze brushed their faces, bringing with it the boundless blue and the unknown, shared journey ahead.(Three Months of Training Arc - Completed)