Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Stealing Gold, hehe.
Luffy suddenly looked like a child, a silly grin on his face. Excited, he gathered everyone in front of him and loudly announced, "I'm so hungry! Let's have a feast—to celebrate Skypiea's safety!"
"Oh yeah~!" Cheers erupted from the crowd, everyone swept up by Luffy's energy.
Everyone returned to the temple. The once chaotic Skypiea had slowly returned to peace. People were clearing rubble and debris, giving the land a chance to breathe and heal.
Time passed unnoticed, and night quietly fell.
Next to a temporary kitchen setup, Sanji was busy cooking alongside several culinary-skilled priests and Shandians. Their silhouettes flickered through the smoke. The clatter of pots, sizzling pans, and occasional laughter wove together into a lively, heartwarming tune.
Nearby, the bonfires were relit. Their flames danced into the sky, casting warmth and joy over the celebration.
Around the growing fires, new bonfires were being set up. Everyone was getting ready for an unforgettable night.
A crowd gathered, singing and dancing.
Priests, angels, and Shandians now stood side by side, beating drums and laughing as they moved to the rhythm. Any tensions between them seemed to have disappeared.
Around the fire, they raised their drinks—priests and warriors toasting each other with smiles.
"Look at them," Shin'ya said, looking at the crowd. He turned to Gan Fall beside him. "They're really getting along now."
Gan Fall nodded, smiling. "Yes. This is the peace I always hoped for. A place where everyone can live together without prejudice."
Even the old chieftain, whom Wyper had brought to freeload, smiled warmly at the sight.
Then Wyper came up to Usopp, handing him a large backpack. "These are all the Sky-shells you asked for. Different types. Try them out when you get the chance. Now come—let's drink!"
With that, he dragged Usopp into the crowd, joining the festivities.
Meanwhile, after a satisfying meal, Luffy wandered over to Nami—Shin'ya in tow. The three of them slipped off to a quiet corner, clearly up to something.
Luffy looked around like a guilty thief, scanning the area nervously. Once he was sure no one was watching, he whispered to them, "Nami, Shin'ya… after the feast, while everyone's passed out, let's sneak over to the Golden Bell and pack up all the gold. What do you say?"
Nami's eyes gleamed. She was clearly tempted. Still, she hesitated. "But… won't they find out? I mean—it's their gold."
Luffy grinned and pounded his chest. "Don't worry! We'll wait until they're all drunk and fast asleep. Then we sneak in, grab the gold, and head straight to the Blue Sea. Conis already arranged for the Balloon Octopus to meet us. As soon as we arrive, it'll take us down. Easy!"
Nami beamed, all hesitation gone. She slapped Luffy on the back and said, "You're smarter than you look! Let's do it!"
The gold would be useful—especially to buy materials for the Thousand Sunny. Shin'ya thought.
Even though the Going Merry was still intact, thanks to Shin'ya's intervention, it was too small now. Once Franky built the Sunny, Shin'ya could help graft parts of the Merry into it using his Wood Release. It wouldn't be a problem.
"Later," Nami decided after a moment. "Let's get the rest of the crew when it's time."
Suddenly, a mouth appeared on the ground.
"You're talking about something so fun, and you didn't invite me?" said the mouth.
"Robin~! Haha! That power of yours is so cool!" Luffy laughed, rushing over to the eye and mouth sprouting from the ground.
"Keep your voice down!" Nami scolded, grinding her teeth. "We're talking about stealing!"
The plan discussion continued with Robin joining in. Once everything was settled, they returned to feasting and drinking like nothing had happened.
Eventually, the sun rose. By 9 AM, the celebration ended. Shandians and Skypieans alike were sprawled out across the ground, deep in post-feast slumber.
In the stillness, Luffy, Shin'ya, Robin, and Nami crept to their feet like ghosts. One by one, they tiptoed to their crewmates to wake them.
Nami reached Zoro first. She crouched beside him, gently shook his shoulder, and whispered, "Zoro~ Wake up~ Come on~"
Luffy rushed to Sanji and repeated the motion—shaking him with enthusiasm.
Robin gently picked up Chopper, careful not to disturb him too suddenly. She held him like something precious.
Meanwhile, Shin'ya squatted beside Usopp, grinning wickedly. He leaned close and whispered in a low, haunting voice, "Hehehe~ Usopp~~ Die~~ I'm going to kill you~~"
The demonic tone sent a shiver through Usopp's spine. He jolted awake in pure terror, about to scream—only for Shin'ya to swiftly slap a piece of wood over his mouth, silencing him.
Nami, still struggling with Zoro, grew frustrated. Despite all her shaking, Zoro wouldn't budge.
"What the hell is with this guy?" she muttered, exasperated. Finally, she lost it and began punching his face like a drum.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Despite the impacts, Zoro didn't stir—until he suddenly sat up like a zombie. His eyes rolled back, glaring at Nami.
"You crazy woman! What are you doing?" he groaned.
Nami jumped back, startled, then quickly put a finger to her lips. "Shhh! Keep it down. We're going to grab the gold and get out of here."
Luffy was shaking Sanji so violently that Sanji became a blur. Poor guy eventually turned green and threw up on the spot.
Once everyone was awake and gathered, Luffy outlined the plan again. Everyone nodded in agreement and began quietly moving toward the Golden Bell.
Their eyes widened as they arrived.
Massive golden pillars—over six meters tall and two meters wide—stood before them. The crew fell into stunned silence.
"These are huge! Can the Merry even carry them?" Usopp asked nervously.
"Doesn't matter," Shin'ya replied. "Let's get them onto the ship first. We can cut them down once they're aboard."
Without hesitation, he lifted a pillar and carried it toward the ship. Luffy and Zoro immediately followed, hoisting another together.
Working as a team, they hauled two of the enormous gold pillars to the Merry's location. After setting them down, everyone caught their breath.
Then Shin'ya turned to Robin with a grin. "Robin, it's all yours. Use your powers to move these into the storage area."
Before she could respond, a cold glint flashed in Shin'ya's hand—his chakra blade.
In smooth, practiced motions, he sliced through the golden pillars like butter. In mere seconds, the massive structures were transformed into neat, stackable bricks.
"Cien Fleur!" Robin called out.
In an instant, countless arms burst from the shore, sprouting like mushrooms. The limbs moved with uncanny precision, ferrying gold bricks into the Merry's cargo hold.
Within moments, all the bricks were safely inside. The Going Merry creaked under the new weight, lowering noticeably into the water.
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Don't be shy, unleash those Powerstones! (⊙_◎)