"Well, the atmosphere is just right."
Sandy spoke with dramatic emotion, "Do you know? That Marine… he was the pride of his entire village."
"He was an upright man—always helping old ladies cross the road, massaging old grandpas' shoulders and backs, filled with a sense of justice."
"But this world… this world has too many wicked pirates. For peace, for a better life, to protect the people from being harmed by pirates…"
"One day, he finally embarked on the path of justice. He hadn't even held a girl's hand before he resolutely joined the Marines."
"Ah, he trained hard every single day. Ah, he was a role model for others. Ah, he was a man full of benevolence and righteousness…"
"But—but he was shot dead right in front of me by that man wearing a bandana! I…"
Before Sandy could finish, the entire restaurant burst into tears.
At that exact moment, the [pheromone system] chimed:
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing a flamboyant operation—so flamboyant it reached the heavens! Reward: Sword technique—Nine Swords of Dugu!]
Sandy froze in shock for a second, while the restaurant echoed with wailing voices.
"Waaah! That Marine was such a great man!"
"How could such a good person die here? Heaven truly envies talent! Waaah…"
"Don't just cry! We should do something for him!"
"Right! Beat that bastard up!"
In an instant, Sandy's nonsense speech had successfully turned all the customers against Gin. The crowd swarmed forward, pummeling him without mercy.
Meanwhile, Fullbody sat on the floor in confusion. "Was that Marine really… that great? Wait, that doesn't sound right…"
Next to Sandy, Zoro stepped up and patted his shoulder, his expression full of admiration. "What a pity. Since you knew so much about him, were you from the same hometown?"
Usopp, tears streaming down his face, sobbed, "That Marine was truly admirable! I'll help him get revenge too!"
Nami frowned thoughtfully. "Pirates… they always take what people cherish most. They really are the scum of the sea."
But Sandy—still thrilled over his new sword technique—wasn't paying attention. Hearing Zoro's question, he blurted out, "What? No, I made all that up! You guys actually believed it?"
"...You WHAT?"
"You made it up?!"
Zoro's face turned red with fury. "Sandy, I'm gonna cut you down!"
Usopp, who was still tearfully walking toward Gin, froze mid-step, turned stiffly around, and stared blankly at Sandy.
Nami lowered her head, her whole face covered in black lines.
Sandy, oblivious to the danger, just waved his hand dismissively. "Why are you all so naive? I just didn't like that Gin guy, so—"
BANG! BANG! BANG!
"Don't hit my face!"
"Nami, are you seriously using your high heels?!"
"Usopp! You're joining in too?!"
"Ahhh! I was wrong!!"
After a round of furious beating from Nami, Zoro, and Usopp, everyone's anger finally subsided.
Sandy sat up, fixing his messy hair and glaring at Zoro with dead-fish eyes. "You hit the hardest, didn't you? You bastard. Believe it or not, I'll sell your swords next time—and I won't even share the money!"
Nami's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I want ninety percent."
Zoro's veins popped. "You've got guts, bastard! Don't think I can't beat you! Sooner or later, I'll cut you down!"
"Tch," Sandy scoffed. "What's so great about that?"
Then he turned pitifully toward Nami. "Nami, I think I'm seriously injured after that brutal assault. Could you… lend me some money for a doctor?"
Nami sighed in exasperation, pulled out 250 Belly, and tossed it at him. "Fine! Take it! Just go away already!"
Zoro and Usopp exchanged shocked glances. Did Nami just give someone money?
As soon as Sandy got the cash, he instantly brightened up. Within seconds, he straightened his clothes, slicked back his hair, and swaggered across the room—heading straight for Captain Fullbody's date.
The woman had long brown hair, a red dress, tall heels, and a graceful figure.
Sandy took her hand gently, looked deep into her eyes, and recited, "Oh, Sea! Thank you for this fateful encounter. Oh, Love! Laugh at me for being unable to endure this pain. Beautiful lady, how about we share a drink together?"
"Eh?" the woman blinked, flustered. "O-okay…"
Zoro turned to Nami, confused. "The stuff he's saying… doesn't that sound familiar?"
Usopp nodded. "Yeah! I feel like I've heard those exact words before."
Nami's face darkened. "That's exactly what that perverted cook, Sanji, said earlier!"
Usopp gasped. "Wait! Then that means… Sandy's a genius! Sugoi!"
Zoro snorted. "Genius? More like a pervert."
Usopp nudged Zoro and pointed. "No, look! He's already got his arm around her! They look like a couple! Damn, I'm jealous of that guy Sandy!"
Nami's expression twitched. "What's wrong with that idiot? I literally just gave him money, and now he's using it to treat another woman to dinner?!"
Zoro frowned. "Two hundred and fifty Belly isn't even enough for a meal here, is it?"
Usopp sighed admiringly. "That's what makes him amazing! He's even better than that chef!"
Nami's tone turned dangerous. "Oh? Usopp, do you want to learn from Sandy too? I can lend you some money, you know."
Usopp shivered. "N-no, I don't have Sandy's… uh, talent!"
Zoro sat back in his seat, muttering, "What's so great about him anyway… doing stupid things like that."
Usopp smirked. "You're just jealous, huh?"
Zoro's head snapped toward him. "What did you say?!"
Usopp gulped. "N-nothing! I just meant—uh—"
Nami leaned forward with a sweet smile that screamed danger. "Usopp, what were you thinking? Go on, say it."
Usopp coughed and immediately changed the subject. "Anyway! Where's that Gin guy? He was here a moment ago, right? Where'd he go?"
"Who cares," Zoro said lazily. "I heard Luffy's stuck working here for a while. Should we head back to the ship or wait for him?"
Nami crossed her arms. "Let's go back. Staying here is expensive—and it's not like Luffy's paying our bills."