The forest was filled with the rich, distinctive scent of plants and trees, mingled with a hint of salt and coolness carried in by the sea breeze.
But now, the battle had shattered the deep, tranquil silence. Ants on the ground broke formation and fled in panic, while startled birds scattered from the treetops.
Luffy froze for a moment. Recognizing the two who had suddenly appeared, he widened his eyes, his expression instantly turning to surprise.
"—Eh! Luo, Kid, what are you doing here?!"
"Ah, I heard a huge war was about to break out here, so of course I came to join in the fun."
Looking at the ravine before him, scorched by the Railgun and stretching all the way to the edge of the forest, its surface still glowing with searing heat, Kid gave a sardonic look. He turned his head slightly, glancing at Luffy over the shoulder of his red, spiky coat.
"As for why, obviously it's for the fame. You know, fame?"
"Well, I guess I'm here for pretty much the same reason."
Luo's lips curled faintly. Wearing a dark blue, spiky coat, he drifted down from the sky with his long sword in hand and looked at Luffy.
"Long time no see, Straw Hat."
"Hahaha, so that's how it is."
Luffy rested one hand on his hip and scratched the back of his head with the other. He laughed, looking up, and said,
"I thought you'd come all this way just to help us."
"Give me a break!!"
"Don't get so full of yourself, you idiot!!"
Hearing that, Luo and Kid rolled their eyes at the same time, glaring at him as they shouted.
Luffy blinked, baffled. He had no idea why those two had suddenly gotten so worked up. Then he waved a hand.