It only took the gathered crowd a few brief words from Maud to understand what was going on, while only the clueless Luffy still hadn't figured it out.
Or rather—
With Luffy's usual thick-headedness, even if he understood the situation, he would probably still charge in to join the fun.
There was absolutely no need for this.
"Luffy, do you even understand what's going on!!!"
Nami rushed in front of Luffy at a speed almost fast enough to rival Soru.
She reached out with both hands and fiercely pinched Luffy's cheeks.
"I-I know..."
Luffy's cheeks stretched as Nami pulled them, making his words indistinct.
"Then why are you still joining the fight!!!"
Nami's eyes widened. She almost punched Luffy right then and there.
"Of course I'm joining! This is a chance to beat Maud!"
Luffy spoke with complete seriousness.
Nami's eyes filled with terror. She immediately let go and staggered backward two steps.
He was far too optimistic.
So optimistic that she genuinely had no idea how to dissuade him.
The other members of the Straw Hat Pirates reacted much the same way as Nami after hearing Luffy's words.
Except—
"It's a rare opportunity."
Zoro's eyes sharpened, and a fearsome battle intent radiated from his entire body.
To him, this was likewise a rare chance to challenge someone.
"Zoro..."
Chopper hugged Zoro's leg. When he looked up, his face was already streaming with tears, and he frantically shook his head at Zoro.
Seeing Chopper's reaction, Zoro was instantly covered in black lines.
"You two... have you lost your minds!!!"
Usopp stared wide-eyed at the eager Luffy and Zoro.
Their two years of training had produced excellent results, but they were still nowhere near the level needed to challenge Maud!
"Sure. You two can come at me together. No matter how