One Piece: Getting Stronger by Writing a Diary

[Almost forgot, Viola and Rebecca are both locals of Dressrosa.]

[If I establish a romantic relationship with both of them and they later find out there are others in my heart…]

[Would they want to take revenge on me?]

[Hmm… I should tread carefully before engaging with these two.]

[If I can't be certain that they can accept being with me while I have other women, then it might be best to hold back.]

[Speaking of which, the relationship between Viola and Doflamingo is also a bit ambiguous.]

[Sigh, that could be a bit awkward for me.]

[What a pity; Viola's dancing is quite exciting. I originally wanted to invite her onto my ship as a dancer.]

Vivi: "A dancer, huh? Does that mean Arton thinks my dancing isn't as good as others'? Ugh, I should have trained even harder back then!"

Rebecca: "As long as I can help this country, I'm willing to do anything! I would never harm you!"

Monet: "Arton has mentioned this woman, Viola, multiple times, and he's considering inviting her to be a dancer?! This woman must have one of the diary copies! I need to find her now… If she locates Arton first, it could spell trouble!"

Viola: "So Arton actually considers inviting me to be a dancer! That's wonderful! But… how could he think there's something unclear between me and Doflamingo? No matter what the future holds, I'm innocent now. Arton, rest assured, as long as I can save this country, I'll do anything for you. No matter how many women you have by your side, I'll gladly serve you!"

At this moment, Viola's gaze turned deep, and she finally made up her mind to set sail.

She knew that Arton's repeated mention of her name would make Monet and Sugar suspicious that she possessed a diary copy.

Soon, this would lead to them thoroughly watching and investigating her.

Now that Arton had revealed that Doflamingo might end up imprisoned in Impel Down, Monet and Sugar would go to lengths they'd never considered before to prevent this from happening.

For example, they might try to completely restrain her—someone who possibly holds a diary copy and whom Arton plans to invite as a dancer.

"That Toy-Toy Fruit ability of Sugar's is extremely dangerous."

"If she turns me into a toy..."

"Perhaps even my existence would vanish from Arton's mind."

"I can't wait any longer; I have to leave here as soon as possible!"

Viola stood up and looked out the window, her face briefly showing a hint of worry before her resolve took over.

"I'm sorry, Father. Although this might put you in danger, I've reached a point where I have no choice but to leave this country."

"If I go and find Arton, there's a chance I could reach him, a chance I could secure his help."

"Then, perhaps Monet and Sugar might fear I'll gain Arton's aid and persuade Doflamingo to spare you."

"This is… my last option."

Murmuring to herself, Viola quickly picked up a pen and started writing a letter to leave for Monet and Sugar.

For her father's safety, she needed to threaten them to a certain extent—using Arton's name as leverage, of course.

"Forgive me, Arton; I'll use your name to deter Monet and Sugar for now."

"Don't worry. When the time comes, everything of mine will be yours, to use as you wish."

"I'll make sure I can dance for you in every way you want!"

Picturing herself in her mind's eye, shedding all clothing and dancing atop Arton in a form of the dance she knew so well yet in a way she'd never performed, Viola's expression revealed a mix of determination and shyness.

"Arton truly is a man with ideas."

"Would I really have the strength to dance while doing something like that?"

"No, no matter what, I must manage to do it!"

"But Rebecca... I wonder if I can find her before I leave."

Muttering resolutely, Viola continued to write her message for Sugar and Monet.

*

"Damn it, what did this guy do to deserve the favor of such beautiful women?"

"She's even willing to protect him in battle."

"Why don't I ever get that kind of treatment?"

Sanji stared at Nami for a long while, and finally, after snapping out of it, he dropped to his knees, pounding his fists against the deck.

Tears streamed down his face.

"If you could change your habit of throwing yourself at every woman you see, I bet plenty of beautiful women would like you."

Arton shook his head and continued.

"And, by the way, did you not hear me earlier?"

"I said I'm hungry and wanted to try your cooking."

After those words, Sanji silently stood up, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag, finishing the whole thing in one go.

"Since you're hungry, as a chef, I'll make you something to eat, but after you're full, we need to have a good talk about you and my sister."

Sanji said.

"You mean Reiju, huh? Haha, don't worry. I only know her by name."

"In reality, I haven't met her in person."

Arton waved his hand, smiling.

"You jerk! You played that kind of trick on me?!"

"Well, it wasn't entirely a trick. I am genuinely interested in your sister."

"What? You really plan to go after Reiju?"

"Absolutely."

"You idiot, if you know Reiju, don't you know who her father is?"

"Of course, just a mad scientist, right? Don't worry, brother-in-law, he's no match for me."

"Who's your brother-in-law! I have nothing to do with that family."

"Then why did you attack me for saying I was interested in Reiju? You seem to care about her quite a bit, don't you?"

"Uh..."

Sanji looked like he'd been choked into silence.

After a long pause, he finally spoke:

"Anyway, just keep your hands off Reiju."

"I'll go make the food now."

"Can't let the ladies with you go hungry, after all."

He turned to the women and added, "To apologize for bothering you earlier, I'll cover your meal."

"Of course, your bill won't be covered," he said, glaring at Arton.

But as soon as he finished speaking, the other chefs and waitstaff quickly gathered around.

"No, no, young sir, your bill will absolutely be covered."

"Yes, not only that, you'll get the best service our restaurant has to offer!"

"You can eat the finest dishes and drink the best wine on the house!"

"Sanji, don't just stand there—get to the kitchen."

"And mind your tone; this man is a distinguished guest."

"Hurry up, we'll all pitch in so our esteemed guest doesn't wait too long."

Sanji looked at his colleagues, a bit dumbfounded, and asked, puzzled:

"Are you all out of your minds?"

"You're usually so stingy, but today you're going all out?"

"You're even giving away our best wine?"

"Do you have any idea how expensive those bottles are?"

"He's not even a lady!"

The chefs and waitstaff stared at the indignant Sanji with exasperated expressions.

So, it's fine to give the expensive drinks to ladies, but not to him, Sanji?

"And didn't you guys just try to stop me from going into the kitchen?"

"Aren't you afraid I might make food for the Krieg Pirates too?"

Sanji asked, bewildered.

"The Krieg Pirates? Who cares about them?"

"Take a good look, Sanji—do you know who this is?"

A waiter pointed at Arton with great respect.

"Isn't he just a guy with ridiculously good luck? What's so special about him?" Sanji muttered, his face filled with envy.

"He's Arton! Don't you remember the papers?"

"He's the man who defeated the Shiki!"

The server spoke in a sharp tone.

"Arton?!"

Sanji was stunned, then looked at Arton in surprise.

"It's really you?"

"Well, defeating the Shiki should make me worthy of your sister, right?"

"You... how dare you say something like that."

Sanji felt his blood boil and rolled up his sleeves, ready to take a swing at Arton.

But before Nami could step in, the servers and chefs around them quickly restrained Sanji from all angles, pulling him forcefully toward the kitchen.

As they did, they continuously offered apologetic smiles to Arton, while Sanji's disgruntled voice echoed:

"Damn it, let me go!"

"You jerks, I have legs; I can walk on my own!"

"Finally, after all that fuss."

"We can finally get some food."

"Come on, Nami, everyone, let's find a spot to sit."

Arton patted Nami's shoulder and started looking for a seat.

No sooner had he spoken than some diners eagerly gave up their seats, offering them to Arton.

"Arton-san, why don't you join us here?"

Jango also extended an invitation to Arton.

"No thanks."

"If I sit with you, I doubt I'd get a quiet meal," Arton replied, glancing over at Luffy with a smile.

Following his gaze, Jango looked at Luffy and, recalling Luffy's chaotic eating habits, fell silent.

With Luffy at the table, peace was out of the question—and with his enormous appetite, others would be hard-pressed not to go hungry.

"Still, my crew and yours probably have a lot to chat about."

"In that case, let's all sit together."

After glancing at Uta and Kaya beside him, Arton took the lead and headed toward the Straw Hat crew's table.

Seeing this, Jango was thrilled and quickly followed, eagerly tagging along.

And naturally, Luffy was more than excited to have him join.

After all, he'd get another free meal.

Zoro's brow furrowed slightly as his gaze lingered on the ornate naginata Nami had been holding. Finally, unable to hold back, he walked over to her.

"That weapon—did Arton make it for you with that projection ability of his?"

Hearing his voice, Nami looked back and, upon seeing Zoro, a proud smile appeared on her face.

"The Engulfing Lightning was indeed a gift from Arton," she said, "but it wasn't made with projection magic."

"But I suppose it doesn't matter to you whether it was created through projection magic, does it?" Nami added with a smile.

Zoro nodded, agreeing with her. For him, how Nami obtained her weapon wasn't important. What mattered was the tangible quality of Engulfing Lightning—especially since he would be challenging Nami with it later.

"So, it's called Engulfing Lightning? Doesn't sound like one of the renowned swords."

"This blade—is it really as the papers say, one that surpasses even the Supreme Grade Swords?"

"Of course!" Nami said, puffing up her chest proudly. "It's the weapon of the Thunder God."

As she spoke with pride, she glanced toward Carina. She enjoyed showing off her weapon to Carina even more than to Zoro, especially since Carina bore the powers of Yae Miko, the Shogun's retainer.

Carina noticed Nami's expression and her face showed a hint of displeasure.

"A Thunder God's weapon, huh?" Zoro smirked. "Well then, if I manage to beat you, could I get a closer look at that so-called Thunder God's weapon?"

"Please don't make such requests, swordsman Zoro," Nami frowned.

"What, are you refusing to let others examine your weapon?" Zoro began, "I suppose I can understand—"

But before he could finish, Nami cut him off.

"No, it's just that you'll never defeat me," she replied with absolute conviction. "And naturally, you won't have the chance to examine my weapon."

Zoro was left speechless.