Because of the collapse of Arlong Park, everyone nearby was choking on dust and rubble.
A small rock happened to fall on Zoro's head. The swordsman frowned, clearly annoyed.
"Is that your swordsmanship? Anyone can swing a sword like a maniac. What kind of name is 'Chrysanthemum Slash' anyway?"
Sandy crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Others may not have taste, but I didn't expect you to be so tasteless too. Didn't you see? I slashed perfectly along the center line."
Zoro opened his mouth to argue, but before he could respond, a small boy ran up, his eyes sparkling.
"Big Brother, you were so cool just now! I want to become someone like you when I grow up! Can you take me out to sea?"
Sandy looked the kid up and down. Seriously? A seven or eight-year-old asking to go out to sea?
But then his eyes drifted toward Luffy, who was laughing with Usopp and the others, wearing that familiar straw hat—and a mischievous grin crept across Sandy's face.
"Cough... cough..." Sandy squatted down, gently patting the boy's head. "Wait for me a second, kid."
He turned around, opened the pheromone system, and exchanged a fake mustache. After sticking it on, he released a wave of Conqueror's Haki, causing everyone nearby to turn and stare.
Sandy crouched again and asked softly, "What's your name, kid?"
Luffy ran over, scratching his head. "Huh? Who are you? Where's Sandy?"
Sandy kicked him aside. "Ignore that idiot. Now then—what's your name?"
The boy blinked, confused, then replied, "My name is Cloxy."
Sandy nodded thoughtfully, his expression shifting into one that looked suspiciously like Shanks when he gave his hat to Luffy.
"Cloxy, you're still too young," Sandy said with a gentle smile. "We can't take you to sea."
Then, with a dramatic flourish, he exchanged a white Adidas hat from the system and placed it on Cloxy's head.
"Cloxy," Sandy continued, "I heard your parents were persecuted by Arlong a few years ago. That's why you have to be strong.
This hat is my most precious treasure. It's... ugh, quality guaranteed. It's been through countless battles and desperate situations with me. Even Luffy asked for it once, but I couldn't part with it.
Now, I'm entrusting it to you."
He leaned closer, speaking like a mentor from an epic tale.
"This hat isn't just for looks. When you're lonely, it'll keep you company. When you're lost, it'll guide your way. When you're in pain, it'll comfort you.
Cloxy, when you grow up to become an excellent—uh—Adventurer King (definitely not a womanizer)... I'll come back for it. We have a promise, okay?"
Luffy, standing off to the side with black lines across his face, muttered, "I know this scene too well... this guy's just messing around!"
But even so, part of him couldn't help but feel moved. "Wuwuwu... Sandy, you're amazing!"
Surprisingly, the villagers began tearing up too.
"Wuwuwu, it's too touching!"
"It's so romantic!"
"Uwahhh, Sandy's a true man!"
"What a speech! It's so moving!"
Sandy blinked. What the hell? They're all taking this seriously?
Their emotional reactions were so over-the-top that even he almost believed himself.
Cloxy, tears streaming down his face, looked up at Sandy. "Sandy, we've made a promise! I'll take care of this hat like it's my life! I'll keep it safe until I return it to you!"
Sandy smiled, nodded, and turned away dramatically, leaving only the cool silhouette of his back behind. Perfect. Nailed it.
But then—
"Sandy!" Cloxy shouted at the top of his lungs. "I've decided! In the future, I'll become the Adventure King!"
Sandy almost tripped on a rock. Oh no. I went too far with that speech.
If he told the kid it was a joke now, he might scar him for life!
He sighed. Fine... gotta commit to the act.
Sandy turned back with a warm smile. "Oh? The Adventure King, huh? So you're going to surpass us?"
Cloxy nodded fiercely. "Yes! I'll find companions even better than yours and surpass you all! I'll definitely become the Adventure King!"
Sanji, Zoro, Nami, and the others exchanged weird looks.
"Adventure King? Pirate King?"
"Interesting..." Sanji muttered.
Luffy's expression darkened, veins popping on his forehead. Imitation is shameful! Piracy is plagiarism! I must protest!
Meanwhile, Sandy groaned internally. This kid's serious! With that weak body, he'll drown before he even sets sail...
He really wanted to give Cloxy a special skill, but the system's rules were absolute—no powers or Devil Fruits could be given to anyone but the host.
So, he forced a smile. "I believe in you, kid."
Just then, a snide voice echoed from nearby.
"Jijijiji... are you all pirates? Those treasures are hereby confiscated!"
The one speaking was none other than Captain Nezumi, the corrupt Marine officer who oversaw this sea area. He had originally come to negotiate with Arlong, but now, seeing the treasure, his greed flared up.
Nami stepped forward immediately. "Those treasures belong to the villagers! You have no right to take them!"
Sandy leaned over to Luffy and whispered, "Hey, Luffy—if you want to become famous, now's your chance. Go introduce yourself, beat that rat senseless, and you'll be known all over the East Blue."
Luffy's eyes lit up. "Really?!"
He marched in front of Nami and shouted, "I'm Monkey D. Luffy! The man who will become the Pirate King! Who are you?"
Nezumi sneered. "Jijiji... Pirate King? Don't make me laugh. You're ignorant of your place in the world. Was Arlong defeated by you?"
"That's right!" Luffy said proudly.
Usopp opened his mouth to brag, but Sandy grabbed his collar. "Don't interrupt, you idiot. Let the captain have his moment."
Sanji asked, "If we beat this guy up too, do we also get famous?"
Sandy grinned. "Yep. Just follow my lead—I'll make sure everyone here gets a bounty."
Nami facepalmed. "Do you idiots even understand how bad that is?!"
Sandy wrapped an arm around her waist, smirking. "Come on, Nami. What kind of pirates would we be if we didn't have bounties? Where's the pride in that?"
By then, Nezumi's men had already drawn their guns, surrounding Luffy and the crew.
Sandy, Sanji, and Usopp stepped up behind Luffy, forming a line.
Sandy's eyes narrowed—and then his Conqueror's Haki exploded outward, knocking out the gun-wielding Marines instantly.
"Alright!" Sandy shouted. "Everyone, beat him up!"
"I'll make you squeak, you damn rat!"
"Trying to steal my treasure? Not a chance!"
"Oi, rat bastard! Remember my name—Sanji! I'm the one kicking your ass!"
Nezumi screamed as the Straw Hats pummeled him mercilessly. "I give up! I don't want the treasure anymore! Please, spare me!"
Sandy yelled, "Then scram! And remember—tell everyone it was us, the Straw Hat Pirates, who beat you up!"
Captain Nezumi, bruised and trembling, staggered away, shouting back, "You'll regret this! Straw Hat Pirates, you're finished! Just you wait!"
Sandy picked up one of Arlong's discarded shoes, aimed at him, and grinned.
"Go, Pikachu!"
Thwack!
Perfect headshot.