Walking back to town

As the group trotted back into town, the girls noticed that the rest of their crew and all the men in town were chatting up a storm and laughing with one another, appearing to have a jolly time in each other’s company. All the towns men and boys were talking to Luffy and the other guys like they were massive celebrities, asking them for their autographs and begging them to show them some of their signature move. It was almost like a party, one Nami and Robin weren’t invited to.

Luffy noticed the two women walk back into town and waved at them.

”Oi, Nami! Robin! Where have ya guys been? We were wondering where you were!”

The two looked nervously at the scene as the leader of the island stepped past them to greet the male Straw Hats. He started shaking hands with them, complimenting and congratulating them on their victory against Big Mom and Kaido along with the rest of their accomplishments. Some of the crew looked flustered, others looking prideful. Nami and Robin, however, were just confused.

They didn’t know why Luffy and the others were being so buddy-buddy with the men who had almost assaulted the two women. Did they hear at all what happened outside?

“My name is Mason, the leader of this island. I must thank you for humbling our quant little community with your presence, Straw Hat Luffy and friends!” said the leader as he shook Luffy’s hand. The pirate captain just scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.

”Ah, it’s nothing! We just wanted to grab some supplies before we get back on the sea.”

The man smiled. “Of course. But after your long journey, we can’t just let pay for some supplies and be on your way. Please, stay the night! Then in the morning we can give you supplies for free and send you on your way.”

Luffy looked interested. “So… free food?”

Mason smiled. “That’s right. You can all have supper at my mansion tonight, free of charge!”

”You've got a deal!” shouted Luffy, excited to get even more food.

The male Straw Hats looked ecstatic, while the girls still looked unsure of their current predicament, nervous around the men as they acted friendly around Luffy and the others. Were they putting on a rouse that the guys were too blinded by food to see?

Mason smiled again. ”Please, let me escort you and your friends to my home. There you can relax and get ready for dinner.”

The crew started following the older robed man as he led them all up a hill coming from the other side of the village. Robin and Nami followed suit, their guards beings let down a bit as the leader of the village seemed friendly enough. Robin made it a mental note to ask him where all the women are, though.

The two women looked back and saw that the men were still glaring at them with their hate-filled eyes. They turned around and ignored them as they followed their captain up the hill, shivering in fear.