Evening.
At this moment, the sun in the western sky was about to set, dyeing the clouds a brilliant red, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
On the deck of the New Chris ship, tables and chairs had already been set up, laden with wine and food.
Everyone had gathered, sitting in their chairs, waiting for the banquet to begin.
Chris, seated at the center, quickly stood up and raised his glass.
"Alright, crew, enough talk. Tonight, eat your fill, drink to your heart's content—no one leaves sober!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the surroundings erupted with enthusiastic applause and deafening cheers.
"The Captain's the best, we love you, hahaha!!!"
"Long live Captain Chris!!"
"I'm so excited, I could cry—let's drink!!"
"Come on, enough chatter—let's just drink!!"
"Who wants a drinking contest? In my village, everyone knows my reputation—I'm the 'Thousand-Cup Immortal' who never gets drunk!"
"Brothers, this guy's too cocky—let's take him down!!"
The scene was incredibly lively, filled with cheers and laughter that echoed across the entire ship.
Paton looked at Bepo and said with a grin, "Come on, let's drink! Tonight, we don't stop until we're wasted!"
Bepo shook his big head repeatedly, refusing. "No, no, I can't drink! Spare me, please!"
"Captain, after all this time together, this is our first time drinking. How about a drinking contest? Wahahaha!" Burgess slammed the table, laughing loudly as he issued the challenge.
Doc Q, eating his food, smiled his usual unpleasant smile and coughed. "The Captain's drunk face must be hilarious—hehehe—"
Law, as cool as ever, retorted bluntly, "You're overthinking it. There's no way that'll happen."
"After all, the Captain ate the Reject-Reject Fruit. He can just reject the alcohol—drinking is no different from drinking water to him."
Mihawk nodded, his tone low. "So, when it comes to drinking, no one stands a chance against the Captain."
Gin stood up, holding a glass, and faced Chris respectfully. "Captain, let's have one."
Lafitte waved his hand and smiled. "If we're drinking, let's all do it together. What's the point of just two people drinking?"
Kuro raised his glass, looking at everyone with a rare smile. "Alright, let's all relax and drink!"
Chris raised his glass without another word, tilting his head back and downing it in one go.
Following his lead, everyone drank freely, chatting and laughing, the atmosphere lively and unrestrained.
Click.
Chris lit a cigarette, leaned back in his chair, and silently smoked while gazing at the night sky.
Bonney looked at Bakara, her eyes sparkling, her beautiful face adorned with a sweet, charming smile. "Everyone's so happy, including Chris."
"Of course!"
Bakara took a sip of wine, her eyes curving into crescents as she smiled gently. "The crew's strength keeps growing, everything's moving in a good direction."
"No wonder Chris is happy—there's no reason not to be."
Meanwhile, Nami and Carina were engaged in a drinking contest, laughing loudly.
"How about it? Can you still drink? You can't win against me, wahahaha!"
Carina smirked and scoffed. "A woman must rely on her wits to survive, but her drinking skills can't be weak either. Bring it on!"
"You two are amazing. I'm the only one who can't drink well, wuwuwu..."
Perona sat in her chair, watching them with a pout, her little face full of frustration.
Kaya looked at her, blinking her bright eyes, her smile pure and elegant. "It's okay, it's not a big deal."
"At least you have me to keep you company, right?"
Sweetheart Queen giggled and said to Belo Betty, "I'm so happy. It's been a long time since I've been this happy. Let's have a drink too."
Betty glanced at her sideways and sneered. "You wanna challenge me to a drink? Don't joke around—let's go!"
Maddy, eating her food, looked at Carmen and smiled. "The food you make is absolutely delicious."
"Likewise, the drinks you mix are incredible."
Carmen leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs and taking small sips of wine as she returned the compliment.
Makino watched the two of them and blinked her gentle eyes. "No need for mutual flattery."
"In my eyes, you're both amazing—one makes delicious food, the other mixes fantastic drinks. You're both incredible."
Just then, Burgess roared with laughter, shouting, "Drink up, everyone! Don't just sit there like idiots—WAHAHAHA!"
"Let's go, bottoms up—no one stops until we're wasted!!"
With that, the banquet continued in full swing. Everyone drank heartily, chatted excitedly, and showed no signs of stopping.
Two Days Later.
In a hidden room in Dressrosa, a woman stood by the window.
She wore the flamboyant attire of a Flamenco dancer, her figure slender and graceful, exuding an irresistible charm.
"Once I make this call, there's no turning back…"
Violet gazed at the blue sky and white clouds outside, her flawless face filled with worry.
Through various means, she had finally obtained Chris's contact information.
But now, she hesitated, unsure whether she should make the call.
Her earlier words to King Riku and Rebecca were nothing more than a way to reassure them.
Such an important matter couldn't possibly be left to mere subordinates—she had to make the call herself.
But if Chris were to reveal this to Doflamingo, she would be utterly doomed.
"No… Based on what I've learned, Chris has many women around him, and he treats them all very well."
"He must be a man who cherishes beautiful women—he'll definitely like me."
"As long as he agrees to my request and saves Dressrosa, I'm willing to become his woman."
Violet's eyes filled with determination as she thought to herself:
"Things like love are just illusions—unreliable."
"Men love to lie—they only want to possess a woman's body."
"He'll definitely take a liking to me. He'll help me."
"My own happiness doesn't matter anymore. Even if he mistreats me every day, I'll accept it."
"The most important thing is to make my father happy and to let the people live normal lives again."
"It's decided—I'll call him. No matter what, I must beg for his help."
"Even if it costs me everything, I won't regret it!!"
Without further hesitation, she took out the Den Den Mushi and dialed the number…
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T/N:
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