"There are much more handsome designs! Miss Goldenweek, color the captain's armor!"
Mr. 3 shouted enthusiastically. Miss Goldenweek immediately took out her palette and skillfully painted the white armor a vibrant red, transforming it into something remarkably cool and beautiful.
"Wow! That looks amazing! I want one too!" Chopper and Usopp exclaimed in unison, their eyes sparkling with envy as they begged Mr. 3 for armor of their own.
Mr. 3, eager for an opportunity to please his new companions, happily employed his artistic talents to equip the two with equally impressive armor. Miss Goldenweek added her own artistic touches, making them look even better.
Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp were completely won over by the display.
"Shishishi! Mr. 3, you're officially the armorer of the Straw Hat Pirates from now on!" Luffy declared, inviting Mr. 3 aboard their ship without consulting anyone else.
Robin glanced toward Mr. 3 and quietly asked Carl, "Is that really okay?"
Carl shrugged nonchalantly. "If Luffy likes it, we should let him do as he pleases. Besides, Miss Goldenweek mentioned that Mr. 3 makes delicious Darjeeling tea."
Carl had started calling Mr. 3 "Little 3," a nickname that quickly caught on with everyone.
When Robin heard about the good tea, she seemed to lose interest in any further objections.
Zoro and Bon Clay didn't particularly care either way, but Sanji harbored deep resentment toward Mr. 3, still remembering how he was captured back in Little Garden.
Nami frowned with concern. "Are we sure about this? I'm not worried about Miss Goldenweek and Robin, but Mr. 3 is quite devious. Is it really wise to let someone like him join our crew?"
Sanji immediately backed her up. "Nami-swan is absolutely right!"
Mr. 3 flinched at their words but quickly recovered. "I can create a key just by looking at a keyhole," he said slyly. "I can open any lock, including those on treasure chests."
"Perfect! Such talent definitely belongs with the Straw Hats!" Nami's eyes instantly transformed into beri symbols, completely contradicting her previous concerns and leaving Sanji abandoned in his support.
And just like that, the Straw Hat Pirates gained three new members.
With the addition of new nakama, a celebration was in order, and Sanji reluctantly took charge of the cooking.
As the party began, Bon Clay showed off his impressive dancing skills, particularly excelling at the moonwalk. Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper eagerly joined the dance circle, and Mr. 3 seized the opportunity to blend in, quickly becoming one with the crew.
Carl found himself seated between Miss Goldenweek and Robin, feeling somewhat awkward at the arrangement.
Miss Goldenweek was used to sitting beside Carl during meals. Her presence usually deterred Luffy from stealing food from her plate.
As for Robin, having just joined the crew, Carl was probably the only one who gave her a sense of security.
"How are you feeling, Robin?" Carl asked in a gentle voice.
"Relaxed, actually," Robin answered honestly.
This response was rare for Robin. She had been perpetually cautious before, never allowing herself to relax, knowing that letting her guard down could lead to betrayal.
But now, there was no need for such vigilance.
Carl and Luffy were far stronger than her—being on guard served no purpose.
So she chose to relax and trust Carl, experiencing a rare moment of peace and joy.
Carl instinctively patted Robin's head and said softly, "Is this pirate crew becoming your home? See for yourself and feel it in your heart. But remember, if you ever face something frightening, don't hesitate to hide behind me. You'll be safe with me around."
Robin trembled slightly but lowered her head silently. Only a soft "Hmm" escaped her lips.
Miss Goldenweek munched on her cookies, observing Carl for a long moment before looking away. She shifted a bit closer to him.
This teacher truly gave people a sense of security.
While the Straw Hats celebrated, Tashigi stood in the wheelhouse of a Marine warship.
Smoker and Hina were present as well.
On the bridge, a Den Den Mushi was speaking.
"Regarding the quelling of the Alabasta rebellion, the Marines will officially announce that Captain Smoker defeated Sir Crocodile, and that Ensign Tashigi led Marines to assist civilians during the civil unrest, making significant contributions."
"How can we do this?!"
Smoker objected furiously. "It was Straw Hat Luffy who defeated Crocodile! I had nothing to do with it! I would be ashamed to take such undeserved credit!"
The Den Den Mushi responded angrily, "It would be shameful for the Marines if we allowed a pirate to steal the glory!"
"But Fleet Admiral Sengoku, this isn't right..."
"Smoker, I understand your frustration, but this is for the good of the Marines. Moreover, you'll receive a promotion because of this, which will benefit you when you attain a higher position. I know you've always wanted to capture powerful pirates. I can transfer you to the Grand Line!"
Smoker remained silent, though his face showed clear reluctance.
He wanted to protest further but was held back by Hina. It was impossible to change decisions made by Marine Headquarters!
The Den Den Mushi spoke again. "I heard that Tashigi accidentally encountered the Straw Hat Pirates' ship and seems to have gained their trust?"
Tashigi's heart tightened, but she stood tall and replied, "Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
"Excellent! Tashigi, the Marines wish to send you as an undercover agent aboard the Straw Hat ship. Would you accept this mission?"
"Huh? Undercover?!"
Tashigi was confused, and even Smoker and Hina were caught off guard.
Smoker immediately objected, "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Tashigi is still young! How can you send her undercover on a pirate ship?!"
Hina added her own objection. "Fleet Admiral, Tashigi is too inexperienced, and her combat abilities aren't strong enough. Working undercover would be extremely dangerous!"
The Den Den Mushi continued, "Tashigi, what do you think? As an exemplary Marine, don't you believe you can complete this mission? The Straw Hats represent a potential significant threat, and we must monitor them closely."
"Your role would be simple—just report the movements of the Straw Hats at critical moments."
Tashigi was conflicted.
Going undercover meant essentially becoming a pirate, even if temporarily.
She hastily asked, "Fleet Admiral, I was inspired to become a Marine. If I go undercover, wouldn't that make me a pirate in the eyes of the world?"
The Den Den Mushi replied, "That's correct. We'll issue a bounty for you under the pretense that you've turned pirate."
"From now on, you'll only be a Marine in our records, while appearing as a pirate to everyone else."
"This mission is critically important. As an exemplary Marine, Tashigi, do you believe you can complete it?"
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, stop manipulating Tashigi with your words! She's still practically a child!" Smoker slammed his fist against a nearby chair in anger.
"I can do it!"
Tashigi suddenly declared, "I can handle this undercover assignment! The Straw Hats have only recently entered the Grand Line, yet they've already defeated a Shichibukai. In time, they could become our greatest threat. For Marine justice, I will take on this undercover mission!"
Author's Note: Is including Sengoku here too much?
------------------------
For Advance chapters visit : patreon.com/Mythic_Muse