The kitchen was bustling with activity when the door creaked open, and a shadow slipped inside. Sanji spun around, nearly dropping a pan. “Hey! Who the hell—”

Before he could finish, Zoro was already there, swords half-drawn, eyes narrowed. Nami’s gaze was icy, and Usopp was trembling behind a barrel. Chopper hid under the table, peeking out nervously.

Then Robin’s calm voice broke the tension. “Oh my… an unexpected guest. How intriguing.” Her smile was curious, but her eyes were sharp, observing every detail.

Before anyone could question further, Luffy burst through the door, laughing. “Hey! You made it!”

Everyone turned to stare at him. Sanji’s jaw dropped. “You… know this person?”

Luffy grinned. “Yep! Told you all I had a secret first mate!”

Silence.

Zoro looked ready to explode. “Secret… first mate?”

Nami groaned, rubbing her temples. “Unbelievable.”

Usopp nearly fainted. “How could you keep this from us?!”

Franky laughed, shaking his head. “Classic Luffy.”

Brook’s laugh echoed. “Yohoho! A mystery I didn’t see coming!”

Robin’s smile widened. “I had a feeling there was more to the story. You always keep things interesting, Captain.”

Sanji sighed, putting his pan down. “Fine. But next time, don’t scare us half to death.”

The crew exchanged glances, finally accepting it. If Luffy trusted this stranger, they’d have to trust his judgment—even if it made no sense at all.