A Little Morning Farce

Night.

A huge bonfire burned in the manor.

Sanji busied himself at the grill nearby.

Fubuki's clutches ultimately proved inescapable for Hina and Enju. The two lay in Fubuki's ample embrace as she continuously kneaded their little cheeks.

The two little girls merely hummed and enjoyed themselves, making Sanji, who was constantly turning the food on the grill nearby, green with envy. He wanted to lie in a warm big sister's arms and be fussed over too.

Ace and Tornado chatted intermittently about the battle planned for tomorrow, while Sabo kept pouring drinks for them.

As for Luffy, his eyes held nothing but meat. His bulging stomach made Darkshine and the others fear that he might explode if he ate any more.

Meanwhile, Zoro was discussing Swordsmanship with Atomic Samurai. Whenever the conversation grew animated, neither could resist making a few practice gestures on the spot.

"Zoro, why is your Adventurers' Guild sending only one A-rank adventurer team?"

Suppressing his urge to immediately spar with Zoro, Atomic Samurai began asking about something that interested him.

What he enjoyed most now was gathering information about the Empire. It contained countless strange and fascinating things that he longed for.

Zoro, who had been discussing Swordsmanship, suddenly paused. However, seeing the curiosity in Atomic Samurai's eyes, he explained the reason.

"To explain that, I have to mention the Ladder Competition! It is the greatest contest for honor in our Adventurers Guild, as well as a battlefield for the strong.

Any adventurer team that reaches the island on the ninetieth level of the ladder is among the Empire's top experts. And once they climb to the ninety-ninth level and successfully defend the island, they will receive the Adventurers Guild's highest honorary title—Hero.

They will also receive an immensely powerful divine sword, the Hero's Sword.