Luffy tried to listen when Sanji and Nami devised a plan to save Sabo. He really did try! But…maybe his body wasn't meant for sitting still and listening to someone for long periods of time. Though, thankfully Sanji had summarised their plan so that even Luffy could understand.

First thing after they land, they would go search for the mansion that Sabo is residing in. Then, they would somehow fake his death and bring him back home!

The thought of having Sabo 'dead' sent shivers down Luffy's spine, but they couldn't think of any other plans to save Sabo without getting themselves killed.

"Remember, Luffy. When we're there, the same rule applies. No talking! Just follow Nami-san and I, got it?" Sanji reminded for the millionth time.

"I got it, I got it!" Luffy pouted. As forgetful as he was, with his friends reminding them so many times, he couldn't possibly forget that rule!

"Right, now that's out of the way…" Sanji glanced over to Nami. "Nami-swan! Shall we go shopping for some souvenirs to bring back?"

"Hey you guys! Don't forget why we're going there!" Luffy huffed.

"Luffy's right, Sanji. Though, it would be nice to see the shopping malls of nobles…" Nami's eyes suddenly sparkled.

"Nami!" Are they taking this rescue mission seriously?

"Uhm, excuse me…"

Luffy covered his mouth as soon as he heard the staff on board.

"We are almost reaching the Holy Land. As we are not very familiar with the place, is it alright if we dropped you off at the main district?"

"Ah, yes. That is fine," Sanji coughed, getting into his deep low voice.

The air steward bowed and quickly returned to wherever he came from. Poor guy was trembling a hell lot!

"Let me remind you again, Luffy. When we get there, no-"

"I know, I know! No talking, just follow!" Luffy rolled his eyes.

"I wonder if you really get it…" Nami sighed.


They landed in an area with lots of buildings around. The place looked so grand and exquisite! And people were strutting about in fancy, complicated clothing…don't they feel uncomfortable wearing them?

Luffy kept turning his head to view the buildings that looked like they didn't have a speck of dust on them. He wondered who did such a good job in cleaning them.

Luffy followed closely behind his friends as they asked around for information of Sabo's whereabouts. It was hard to get anything out of it, since no one seemed to know who Sabo was. Plus…there was this scent of roasted meat in the air…

He wondered where the scent was coming from…the meat smelled delicious…! Luffy rubbed away the drool that started to form. Concentrate, Luffy! You have to focus on finding Sabo!

Focus! Just where…?

This place was so damned big! It could be anywhere! But Luffy wasn't going to give up! Come on, Luffy! You've always been taking pride in your instinct and guts! Focus…! You will surely be able to find it…!

Concentrate! Just where…! Just where is that piece of meat…!

Luffy followed his nose into a building and found himself right outside of a nice looking restaurant. Hm…the smell of meat seems to be coming from here…

"Excuse me, sir. Table for one?"

Luffy almost jumped out of his skin when the waiter appeared from behind the counter.

Ah, shit! He was separated from his friends…! Curse you, grumbling stomach!

…That aside. Luffy nodded at the waiter as he smiled and brought him into the restaurant. Luffy was led to a private room, which had a huge round table and a single chair. Luffy sat on the chair, feeling a little awkward sitting alone.

Luffy didn't even have to order and the food came in, much to Luffy's delight. He took bite after bite, and soon he was calling for seconds. The waiter looked surprised, but nevertheless, happy that his customer was ordering so much.

Wait, Luffy! What are you doing! This is no time to be eating! How was he going to find Nami and Sanji like this! He won't be saving Sabo any time soon if this keeps up!

Gobbling up the last mouthfuls of food, he stood up and made his way to the exit. The waiter was waiting there, all grinning at him.

"Sir, would you like to pay by cash or card?"

Luffy froze. Ah. He forgot. He didn't have any money with him.

"I don't have money," Luffy stated blankly.

The waiter's face scrunched up for a second, before grinning again.

"Ah, I see! You're from an extremely rich family, aren't you? That's good, that's good!" The waiter nodded. "Would you let me see your family crest?"

"Family crest?"

"Yes, yes! The proof of your existence as a noble!"

Must be talking about that pocket watch thing Sanji had. Unfortunately, Luffy had nothing of the sort on his body.

"Don't have it."

"Wha-" The waiter's face became black again. "That's ridiculous! All nobles carry around their family crests! You…are you even a noble?"

Oops.

Panicking, Luffy punched the waiter in the gut, knocking him out in the process.

"Kya!" Some screams were heard from behind. Shit! He was seen!

No! Luffy refused to be caught here! He fled away as fast as he could, leaving behind the angry and confused customers and staff. He was pretty sure he was being chased by security guards at some point.

He stopped to rest for a while under the cooling shade of a building, far away from the one he dine-and-dashed. Gosh, that was a close call! His friends would surely kill him for getting separated and also for causing such a ruckus.

Now…how does he return to his friends…? If only he decided to bring his phone along…!

Luffy tensed up as he heard footsteps coming nearer to him. He held his breath, hoping that they would not notice him.

"What…what are you doing there?"

A kind voice.

Luffy turned to look at the person behind it.

He was dressed in a coat, with gloves and boots. The man had blond hair, and on his face was a pair of shades. In his hand…was a walking stick. This man…is he blind…?

"Well? I know you're there. I can tell even without my eyesight," the man said.

"Uh…" Luffy shifted his eyes nervously. Was this man friend or foe?

"No need to be so anxious. I won't hurt you."

"I…" Luffy hesitated. This man seemed nice, but…his friends kept warning about how dangerous it would be if he was revealed to be not a noble.

"Ah! There you are!"

Luffy's eyes widened as the security guards from before had caught up to him.

"You thief! Come back here!"

Luffy had to get out of there! He was about to flee again when the blond man gripped his hand.

"I see what's going on," he whispered. "For now, follow me."

And with that, the blind man and Luffy broke into a run, with the former leading. Luffy was a little shocked as to how a blind man could be running like that. Isn't he scared of knocking into things he can't even see? What surprised him even more was that the blond man didn't knock into a single thing while running. It was as if he knew the whole place like the back of his hand!

He led Luffy through some gates and from then on, no more security guards could be seen chasing them. The man was panting a little, but still! Luffy was impressed.

"Sorry for the late introductions," the man chuckled as he turned to face Luffy, even though he couldn't actually see him. "I'm Kohza. You are…?"

"I'm Luffy! You were awesome back there!" Luffy grinned brightly at him.

"Ah, thank you. Right, Luffy…won't you tell me what happened in detail?"