One Piece - I Am A Different Luffy! BOOK1!

Chapter 126 - Drum Kingdom 02.

[Chapter Size: 2144 Words.]
Third Person POV

Drum Island, First Half of Grandline.

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The bustling square of the Drum Kingdom fell abruptly silent as Kureha, the mysterious elderly doctor, entered the center stage. Her steps were gentle, yet each carried unquestionable authority. The murmurs of the crowd ceased as everyone turned to face the newcomer.

Kureha, with her peculiar attire almost immune to the cold and stern expression, cast a piercing gaze across the square, her eyes fixing on Luffy. She raised her wrinkled hand and silenced the crowd before even opening her mouth.

"What is all this?" Her voice, still strong with a touch of hostility, echoed through the area. The atmosphere, previously charged with expectation, became tense with the imposing presence of the elderly woman.

Luffy, on the improvised stage, looked at Kureha with a neutral expression, but his instinct indicated that this would not be a peaceful visit. Kureha, with her commanding presence, crossed her arms while staring at Luffy. The square remained silent, only broken by the chilly wind whispering through the snow-covered buildings.

"Who are you, insolent pirate, who dares to enter our kingdom and claim rights to what does not belong to you?" Kureha questioned, her rough voice cutting through the air.

Unfazed, Luffy, maintaining his calm expression, responded with his typical confidence. "I am Monkey D. Luffy, captain of the Straw Hats. I am taking this kingdom as my right of conquest, but I am not petty enough not to take care of my territory with positive changes. I am not here to be the king of this place, Granny. I just want to ensure that this kingdom prospers, and it will have many allies."

The old woman let out an ironic laugh. "Positive changes? You, who topples kings and claims territories, speak of positivity? Don't make me laugh, boy."

"I'm not here to be the king of this place, Granny. I just want to ensure that this kingdom prospers, and it will have many allies," Luffy replied, his gaze unwavering.

Kureha, maintaining a piercing look, directed her words at Luffy. "So, you're another ambitious pirate seeking to expand your empire at the expense of others. Doesn't surprise me."

Unperturbed, Luffy smiled confidently. "I don't hide my intentions, Granny. I want to strengthen this kingdom, not to become a king, but to create a strong alliance that can withstand the challenges we will face in the future."

The elderly woman frowned. "A strong alliance? Do you think we can trust a pirate to lead something like that?"

"Trust is something that is earned, I know that. Let's prove it with actions, not with empty words," Luffy asserted, his determination evident.

Still skeptical, Kureha crossed her arms. "You will have to prove much more than that, young pirate. I'm not easily convinced. Show me what you're capable of, then."

The tension in the air heightened, and the frozen square seemed to be the stage for an imminent confrontation between a symbol of its kingdom that rarely left the mountain and a notable pirate who had just entered this sea.

"Luffy..." Reiju commented, but Luffy stopped her from speaking.

"Don't get involved, this is between me and this woman. If she wants to see if I have the strength to protect this country, so be it," Luffy said firmly.

Kureha advanced towards Luffy with surprising agility for someone of her age. Her frail body seemed forgotten as she emanated an intense presence. Armament Haki enveloped her hands, indicating that she was not just an ordinary elderly woman.