Cherreads

Chapter 61 - Chapter 60: The Cutest Terror on the Sea

[A/N:life is busy I have to make one chapter a day around 2500-4000 words in a chapter.

I have a small deal you can always cool dudes can take

Every 50 power stone I will make one chapter Max out up to 10 chapters per week.]

**Chapter 60: The Cutest Terror on the Sea**

The world was in stitches. From the bustling ports of the East Blue to the smoky taverns straddling the Red Line, every sailor, merchant, and Marine whispered, shouted, or giggled one absurd phrase: *"The Most Handsome and Cutest Man on the Sea."* The Straw Hat Pirates—now infamously dubbed the "Cute Crew"—had ignited a frenzy that no bounty poster had ever sparked before. Newspapers vanished from stands faster than Sanji's desserts at a banquet, and the legend of Sunny and his crew grew, not through tales of conquest, but through the sheer, bewildering power of his "dangerously adorable" charm. Lucy's bounty, tied so closely to her role as his captain, only fanned the flames of hilarity.

**Going Merry — The Fanmail Avalanche**

The morning sun bathed the Going Merry's deck in a golden glow, transforming the ship into a floating stage for chaos. The air was thick with the scent of salt, the sizzle of Sanji's breakfast (grilled mackerel, fluffy omelets, and cinnamon-dusted pastries), and the unmistakable tang of impending disaster. The waves lapped gently against the hull, and seagulls wheeled overhead, their cries almost mocking the crew's predicament.

Sunny emerged from below deck, yawning and ruffling his black hair, which caught the light in a way that seemed unfairly perfect. His usual green tea steamed in a conjured mug, its citrusy aroma cutting through the salty breeze. But as he stepped onto the deck, his foot nudged something soft. He froze, eyes widening at the sight before him: a mountain of letters, stacked higher than the mast, tied with ribbons, sealed with wax hearts, and adorned with doodles of flowers, stars, and—disturbingly—cartoonish versions of his face.

"What in the Grand Line is *this*?" he muttered, his voice a cocktail of dread and disbelief. He poked the pile cautiously, as if it might bite.

Usopp leaped onto a barrel, striking a dramatic pose with his slingshot raised like a conductor's baton. "Captain's orders! Behold the fanmail avalanche, delivered by the News Coo network! Sunny, my friend, you've got admirers from *all four seas*! East Blue, West Blue, North Blue, South Blue—your face is breaking hearts worldwide!"

"Admirers!?" Sunny's voice cracked as he snatched a letter from the top. The envelope was pink, scented with rose perfume, and addressed to "Sunny-sama, Heartthrob of the Seas." He unfolded it with trembling fingers, reading aloud in a horrified whisper: *"Dear Sunny-sama, your eyes are twin stars in the night sky, your smile a beacon of hope. Please step on me."*

He slammed it shut, his face flaming redder than a Marine admiral's coat. "OH NOPE. NOPE. I'M DONE." He tossed the letter back onto the pile, backing away like it was a sea king.

Lucy, mid-stretch on the railing, burst into laughter so loud it echoed across the water. She rolled onto the deck, clutching her straw hat to keep it from flying off. "Pfft—! Even *pirates* are simping for you now! Oh, Sunny, you're a heartbreaker without even trying!" Her laughter was infectious, but her eyes gleamed with a possessive spark as she hopped up and slung an arm around his shoulders. "But don't worry, they'll have to get through *me* first." Her rubbery hug was warm, her cheek pressed against his, and the contact sent a flutter through Sunny's chest—romance wrapped in her signature chaos.

Nami, lounging in a deck chair with a ledger of berry counts, smirked slyly. "You could auction your photos and make a fortune, Sunny. Limited-edition 'Cute King' posters—signed, of course. I'd handle the sales, sixty-forty split. You in?" Her orange hair glinted in the sun, and she leaned forward, her eyes locking onto his with a playful, flirty intensity that made his blush deepen.

"Over my dead body," Sunny growled, though his voice wavered under her gaze. He crossed his arms, attempting to look menacing, but it came off more like a sulky puppy.

Aqua sauntered over, her blue hair shimmering like the sea itself, her trident resting casually on her shoulder. She leaned in close, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "Oh, come on, darling. You're like a romance novel hero—brooding, powerful, and *oh-so-cute*. How could anyone resist?" Her teasing tone was laced with affection, her hand lingering on his arm, sending sparks through his skin. The goddess's flirtation was relentless, and Sunny's heart raced despite his protests.

Nojiko, who had been quietly observing from the galley door, stepped forward with a soft smile. Her blue hair was tied back, and her eyes held a gentle warmth as she said, "They're not wrong, you know. You *do* have that charm. It's... disarming." Her voice was sincere, almost shy, and the way she looked at him—like he was both a hero and her home—made his breath catch.

Sunny buried his face in his hands, groaning. "Why is everyone ganging up on me? I'm supposed to be a terrifying pirate!"

{ego}: "Technically, the mortals already worship your cuteness. Embrace it, Idol-kun. Start signing autographs—charge a berry per wink."

[system]: "Ara~ I agree. I'm opening your official fan club. Tier 1 gets a daily wink, Tier 2 gets exclusive morning voice recordings~♡. Imagine the chaos, darling!"

Sunny groaned louder. "Why are you *both* like this? Can't you support me in my misery?"

Lucy tightened her hug, her face nuzzling his shoulder. "Nope! You're stuck with us, cute king." Her voice was playful, but the possessiveness in her grip was unmistakable. Nami's eyes twinkled with mischief as she leaned closer, Aqua winked dramatically, and Nojiko's soft chuckle added to the romantic whirlwind surrounding him. Sunny was drowning in affection, and part of him—okay, a big part—loved it.

**Sanji's Tragic Monologue**

At the edge of the deck, Sanji knelt dramatically, his cigarette dangling precariously as tears streamed down his face like twin rivers. He clutched Sunny's bounty poster, crumpled from his grip, and raised his eyes to the heavens as if cursing the gods.

"WHY! WHY DOES *HE* GET ALL THE GIRLS!?" he wailed, his voice cracking with theatrical despair. "I trained for years to be the prince of ladies—perfecting my charm, my cooking, my spinning kicks! I'm a poet of passion, a knight of romance! And yet that sunshine-haired menace sneezes and earns worship from across the seas! It's unjust! It's cruel!"

Lucy, still giggling, patted his back with a stretchy arm. "It's okay, curly. You're still... uh, useful? The best cook ever! Girls love food, right?" Her attempt at comfort only made Sanji sob harder, though her hand lingered on his shoulder, a small gesture of camaraderie that softened his dramatics.

"USEFUL?!" Sanji's eyes turned into swirling hearts of agony. "That's the pity word! The death knell for a man's ego! I'm not a tool—I'm a lover, a fighter, a beacon of chivalry!"

Nojiko leaned out from the galley, her apron dusted with flour from helping Sanji prep lunch. She smirked, her eyes twinkling with teasing warmth. "Maybe if you stopped fainting every time a woman talks to you… or nosebleeding over statues."

Sanji twitched, his despair faltering. "N-Nojiko-swan... you wound me, but your beauty heals all!" He straightened up, his cigarette relit with renewed vigor. "For you, I'll cook a feast to rival the heavens!"

Aqua popped her head out beside Nojiko, her grin wicked. "You? A gentleman? I've seen slimes with more self-control, darling~. Remember that time you swooned over a mermaid statue and fell into the harbor?" She batted her eyelashes at Sanji, then turned to Sunny with a flirty wink. "Unlike *some* people, who don't need statues to make hearts race."

Sanji's eyes turned into hearts again. "AQUA-CHAAAN! My goddess! Marry me?" He spun toward her, only to trip over a stray letter and faceplant into the fanmail pile.

Sunny sighed, watching the chaos. "He's broken again. Someone reboot the chef."

Nojiko giggled, stepping onto the deck and offering Sanji a hand up. "Come on, Sanji. Lunch won't cook itself. And... you're not so bad, you know? Useful *and* charming." she helped him up, He stared at her, momentarily speechless, before twirling back to the galley with a renewed spring in his step.

Sunny caught Nojiko's eye, and she smiled softly at him—a quiet, romantic promise that made his heart skip. "You're handling this fame well," she said, stepping closer. "Even if it's... overwhelming."

He rubbed the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. "Barely. But having you all around makes it bearable." The air between them hummed with unspoken affection, a moment of calm amidst the storm.

**Zoro vs. Lucy: The Mock War**

Lucy was still beaming at her bounty poster, now taped proudly to the mast, when Zoro sauntered by, polishing his swords with a rhythmic scrape. His green hair glinted in the sunlight, and his smirk was pure provocation as he glanced her way.

"Oi, Captain of the Cute Crew," he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Nice title. Really strikes fear into the hearts of enemies. What's next, a bounty for your hat?"

Lucy puffed her cheeks out like an indignant pufferfish, crossing her arms. "You jealous, mosshead? You got a *zero* bounty so far—I got thirty million! That's real pirate cred, unlike your naps!" She stuck out her tongue, her eyes sparkling with challenge.

Zoro snorted, sheathing one sword with a click. "Yeah, but mine's coming from actual strength. Yours is from babysitting that walking plushie over there." He jerked his thumb at Sunny, who was sorting through fanmail with a grimace, muttering about burning the lot.

Sunny: "HEY! I'm not a plushie—I'm a menace! A terror! I punched a sea king last week!" He flexed dramatically, but Lucy just giggled, her eyes turning into hearts.

"You're *my* menace," she said, winking at him. The romantic undertone was impossible to miss, and Sunny's blush deepened as he ducked his head.

Lucy turned back to Zoro, her grin sharpening. "You wanna go, sword-boy? I'll show you what a 'cute captain' can do!"

Zoro: "Always up for a scrap, rubber girl. Let's see if you can back up that bounty."

{ego}: "Ladies and gentlemen, the daily chaos begins. Grab your popcorn—extra butter for the drama."

[system]: "Fufu~ nothing like morning violence to start the day~♡. I'll keep score: one point for style, two for sass."

The two lunged in a blur of motion—Lucy swinging a frying pan she'd "borrowed" from the galley (Sanji's distant yell of "That's my best pan!" echoed across the deck), Zoro countering with the blunt side of his katana. Sparks flew as metal met cast iron, the deck shaking with their playful clash. Lucy's rubbery arms stretched to deliver a flurry of swings, while Zoro dodged with infuriating ease, grinning all the while.

Usopp screamed from his perch, waving his arms like a windmill. "NOT AGAIN! NOT ON THE SHIP! You'll sink us before the Marines do! Sunny, do something!"

Sunny sighed, watching the chaos with a mix of amusement and exasperation. With a casual wave of his hand, he unleashed his blue Haki, separating them across the deck like invisible hands pushing them apart. Lucy skidded to a stop near the railing, puffing up like an angry cat, while Zoro stumbled into a barrel, his swords clanging.

Lucy pointed accusingly. "You're lucky my Sunny stopped me! Next time, I'll Gum-Gum Fry you into next week!"

Zoro snorted, dusting himself off. "Your Sunny? He's everyone's Sunny now, poster boy. The world's got dibs."

That earned him a swift rubber-punch to the face—Lucy's arm stretching like rubber to deliver a fluffy but firm smack. Zoro rubbed his cheek, grinning despite himself. "Not bad, Captain. Not bad."

Sunny stepped between them, pulling Lucy into a side hug to calm her down. His arm wrapped around her waist, warm and steady. "Easy, Captain. He's just jealous he doesn't have fanmail." His voice was teasing, but his touch was gentle, and Lucy melted into it, her earlier fire softening into affection.

"Yeah... my hero," she murmured, tilting her head up to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. Her lips were soft, and the gesture sent a warmed through Sunny's chest. "Thanks for saving the ship—and me."

Sunny's heart fluttered, his hand brushing her straw hat aside to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Anytime. Can't have my favorite captain getting moss in her hair." The moment was tender, the comedy giving way to romance under the morning sun. Nami, watching from her chair, smirked knowingly, while Aqua pouted playfully, and Nojiko's soft smile spoke volumes.

**Bell-mère's Village — Reaction Part II**

Back in the sun-drenched fields of Cocoyasi Village, Bell-mère's porch was a chaotic shrine to her adopted kids' infamy. Her table was buried under newspapers, clippings, and half-finished letters, her cigarette smoldering as she scanned the latest headlines with a mix of pride and amusement.

"100 million bounty, 30 million bounty, all for my kids," she muttered, smiling warmly as she clipped another article. "Guess I'll need a new scrapbook for wanted posters. This one's bursting already."

Genzo, the village sheriff, rubbed his temple from his rocking chair beside her. "Do you ever worry they might cause an international incident? Sunny's face alone is starting wars in taverns—people arguing over whether he's cuter than that pop idol from Alabasta."

"Oh, please," Bell-mère waved him off, flipping her hair with a laugh. "If they do, the world deserves it. Anyone who calls Sunny cute after he punches a sea monster needs therapy. And Lucy? That girl's got my spirit. Thirty million for captaining him? That's my influence—protective and fierce."

Nojiko's latest letter sat open beside her, filled with sketches of the crew's antics—Lucy swinging from the mast, Aqua conjuring sparkles, Sunny blushing under a pile of letters. At the end, one line made Bell-mère's eyes soften: *'We're getting stronger together, but don't worry, Mom. We're still smiling.'*

She chuckled, folding the letter carefully. "They always are. That's what makes them unstoppable."

Genzo sighed but smiled. "You're right. Just... promise you'll bail them out if they end up in Impel Down for 'excessive cuteness.'"

She punched his arm lightly, her eyes twinkling. "Deal. Now help me frame these posters. They're going on the wall—right next to Nami's old drawings."

**Syrup Village — Kaya's Letter Scene**

In the serene gardens of Kaya's mansion in Syrup Village, the air was sweet with blooming roses and the hum of bees. Kaya sat at her ornate desk, sunlight filtering through lace curtains, her quill trembling as she wrote. Her blonde hair fell in soft waves, and her cheeks flushed with every word.

*'Dear Usopp, I saw the paper today. You're part of something big now… the 'Cute Crew,' they call it. I'm so proud of you— so proud. But please—don't let that Sunny boy get you into too much trouble. And if you do—write to me first. Tell me everything. Are you eating enough? Staying safe?'*

She paused, her blush deepening as she imagined Usopp's exaggerated tales, his goofy grin, his courage. "I hope he's okay... and happy," she whispered, her heart full of quiet affection.

Merry, the loyal butler, peeked in with a tray of tea. "Miss Kaya, another letter to Captain Longnose? The brave warrior of the seas?"

"Don't call him that!" Kaya exclaimed, her face turning crimson, but her smile betrayed her. "He's... Usopp. My friend and my love she said quietly to her self. My... hero."

Merry chuckled warmly. "He'll be happy, you know. Letters like yours keep dreamers going."

Kaya sealed the envelope with a wax stamp shaped like a flower, her heart light. Romance, even from afar, bloomed like her garden, delicate but enduring.

**Marine HQ — Meeting of Despair**

In the grand war room of Marine Headquarters, the atmosphere was a chaotic blend of frustration and absurdity. Officers huddled around a massive table strewn with wanted posters, crumpled reports, and coffee mugs stained with desperation. The air smelled of ink, coffee, and existential dread.

One officer whispered urgently, clutching a poster. "We tried printing 'dangerous pirate,' but every time we used Sunny's picture, the printing snails drew sparkles around his eyes. *Sparkles*! It's like they're in love with him!"

Another slammed his fist on the table, knocking over a stack of papers. "THE SNAILS THINK HE'S CUTE TOO! This is sabotage! We're supposed to instill fear, not... fangirling!"

Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood at the head, his temple throbbing like a war drum as he pinched the bridge of his nose. His glasses were fogged with rage. "This is a disgrace to the Navy's dignity! How are we supposed to fear someone nicknamed *Sunshine-sama*? Bounties are for terror, not... teen idols!"

A junior officer, trembling, held up a stack of envelopes. "Sir… there's a report from female officers requesting Sunny keychains. And... plushies. And signed posters. Some are from *our own ranks*."

The room fell silent. Then Sengoku screamed into the heavens, his voice shaking the walls. "GAARP!! THIS IS YOUR FAULT SOMEHOW!!"

From the corner, Vice Admiral Garp snorted with laughter, doughnut crumbs flying like shrapnel. "BAHAHAHAHA! Maybe we should promote the boy to model marine. Recruitment posters with that face? We'd have lines out the door!" He stuffed another doughnut in his mouth, grinning like a kid.

The chaos escalated: officers argued over "cute countermeasures" like anti-charm training, one suggested issuing sunglasses to block Sunny's "dazzling smile," and another fainted from secondhand embarrassment. Comedy reigned supreme, even in the halls of justice.

**Back on the Merry — Dinner Chaos**

As evening fell, the sea glittered with starlight, the Going Merry rocking gently in a quiet cove. The crew gathered for dinner under the open sky, Sanji's feast a masterpiece of grilled fish, vibrant salads, and decadent cinnamon rolls that melted in the mouth. The table was set with mismatched plates, and lanterns cast a warm glow over the scene.

Aqua "helping" Nojiko to set the table, Aqua's version of helping is "sneakily drinking sparkling wine" (everyone knows she do this). Nami and Lucy were locked in an arm-wrestling match for the last roll, Nami's competitive smirk matching Lucy's determined pout. "Give up, Captain! That dessert's mine!" Nami taunted.

"No way! Captain's privilege!" Lucy shot back, her arm stretching slightly for leverage.

Usopp narrated dramatically from atop a barrel, waving a fork like a scepter. "And thus, the legend of the Handsome Demon Pirates spread across the four seas! The Marines tremble at the sight of Sunny's radiant face, kingdoms fall to his wink, and—"

Sunny: "Usopp, please stop. My ego's taking enough hits." But he grinned, stealing a glance at Lucy, who winked back.

Nami, winning the arm-wrestle, leaned across the table, her fingers brushing Sunny's as she passed him a roll. "You're welcome," she said, her voice low and flirty. "Gotta keep our cute king fed." The touch lingered, and Sunny's heart skipped a beat.

Aqua, not to be outdone, slid into the seat beside him, offering a spoonful of salad with a playful smile. "Try this, darling. Made with my divine touch." Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but the warmth in her gesture was undeniable.

Nojiko sat across from him, her gaze soft and steady. "You're handling this fame well," she said quietly, her foot nudging his under the table—a subtle, romantic connection. "We're all proud of you."

Sunny's face was a furnace, surrounded by the affectionate chaos of his crew. "You guys are gonna kill me with this," he mumbled, but his smile betrayed his joy.

{ego}: "I should start a podcast for this crew. 'Tales from the Cute Deck.'"

[system]: "Only if I can host it. Episode one: 'When your captain's smile causes global panic~♡'"

**News Coos — Aerial Chaos**

Above every island in East Blue, News Coos flapped frantically through the skies, clutching newspapers like their lives depended on it. Dodging clouds and wind gusts, they delivered their chaotic cargo.

"Delivery… almost… perfect…!" one coo gasped, its feathers ruffled, as it dropped copies onto bustling streets below.

The headlines screamed: *"SUNNY — 100 MILLION BELLYS! MOST HANDSOME PIRATE ON THE SEA!" "LUCY — 30 MILLION BELLYS! CAPTAIN OF THE CUTEST CREW!"*

**Island Reactions — Chaos Everywhere**

On a bustling island near the Grand Line, two merchants gaped at the papers. "A hundred million for being *cute*? Not for sinking ships?" one asked.

"His captain got thirty million for leading him!" the other replied. "Are we supposed to fear them or start an autograph line?"

In a Marine outpost, soldiers struggled to maintain composure. "Sir… they're… simping. Everywhere. Our wanted posters are being sold as fan merch!" The captain facepalmed. "This isn't justice—it's fashion!"

**Evening — Crew Reflection**

By nightfall, the Merry anchored in a quiet cove, stars twinkling above. Sunny leaned against the mast, staring at the sky. "A bounty for my face… Lucy's for me… I don't even know anymore."

Lucy nudged him, her shoulder against his. "You're not complaining, are you, Mr. Idol?" She leaned in, her lips brushing his ear. "Because I love being your captain... and more." Her voice was soft, romantic, and possessive.

Sunny cupped her face, kissing her gently. "No complaints. Just... you." The romance deepened under the stars.

Nami smirked nearby. "Don't get cocky, cute king." Her hand brushed his arm as she passed, flirty and teasing.

Aqua hugged him from behind. "Bask in the glory, darling!" Her warmth was electric.

Nojiko's soft voice added, "We'll handle the chaos… you just keep being you." Her eyes held a quiet promise.

Usopp shouted, "The Cutest Terror of the Sea!" Sanji muttered, "I hate you all." Zoro yawned, "Cute and deadly. Great."

The Merry rocked gently, laughter and love echoing across the sea.

More Chapters