Alubarna.
Inside the palace.
"Ah, has Maud already left?"
The Straw Hat Pirates had slept until the sun was high in the sky, and only now learned that Maud had already departed.
"How could this happen... I didn't even get the chance to cling to my idol's coattails...!!!"
When Bartholomew heard that Maud had left, he was struck as if by lightning.
He had spent the entire night working up the courage in bed, finally steeling himself to ask Maud to take him along during today's meal.
However,
Maud had not given him the chance.
Disappointed and heartbroken,
Bartholomew could not help bursting into tears.
His somewhat exaggerated reaction drew comfort from the Straw Hat Pirates.
They knew that Bartholomew had gone to sea for Maud, and had even given up the forces he had established in Loguetown.
Usopp had originally been feeling down because his master had left without saying goodbye to him, but seeing Bartholomew crying like this, he immediately felt ashamed of himself.
"Stop crying."
Luffy toyed with a Den Den Mushi he had no idea where he had picked up, while vigorously patting Bartholomew on the shoulder with his other hand. He said casually:
"I'll send Maud flying sooner or later anyway. When that happens, you'll be able to see Maud again."
To become the One Piece, Luffy would have to send flying both the Shichibukai and the Four Emperors.
"Luffy, don't! Maud is terrifying!"
Chopper, who had once been frightened witless by Maud's strength, clung tightly to Luffy's leg and pleaded with him through tear-filled eyes.
"Send you flying, my ass! He's my master!!!"
"How could you possibly send my idol flying!!!"
Usopp and Bartholomew forgot their disappointment. They bared their teeth and lunged at Luffy, shaking his body as hard as they could.
Luffy