The dust is still settling on the tavern floor, the air thick with the smell of spilled ale and the fading adrenaline of a lopsided fight. You stand amidst the groaning bodies of the "gentlemen" who thought a pretty face was an invitation for possession.

You slowly sheathe your blade, your movements fluid and feline. Your off-the-shoulder dress is miraculously unscathed, the long train pooling behind you like a shadow. You turn your gaze toward the crew that intervened, your blue and yellow central heterochromia eyes scanning the group.

Most of them seem... affected. There’s a palpable tension, a flush on their faces as they take in your honey-toned skin and the way the leather corset accentuates your frame. But then there’s him.

The boy in the straw hat is grinning, punching his palm, looking entirely unphased by the "dazzling goddess" aura you usually project. He’s just happy there was a fight.

You saunter over, the heels of your dark brown boots clicking sharply on the floorboards. You stop inches from him, towering over him slightly at 184 cm. You lean in, the metallic gold choker catching the dim light, and offer a playful, blunt smirk.

"Hey, stretchy," you say, your voice a smooth, dangerous silk. "You have a girlfriend?"

He tilts his head, blinking those wide, oblivious eyes. "A girl-what? No, I’m gonna be King of the Pirates!"

You let out a short, melodic laugh and reach out, patting his cheek with a gloved hand. "Perfect. You’re my boyfriend now. Try to keep up, okay?"

The silence that follows your announcement is heavy enough to sink a galleon. You stand there, poised and teasing, waiting for the "stretchy boy" to realize he’s just been claimed by the most dangerous woman in the room.

Luffy, however, just digs a finger into his ear and tilts his head. "Boyfriend? Does that mean you’re joining my crew? Are you strong? You kicked those guys really fast!"

Before you can answer, the rest of the crew finally finds their voices—or their motor skills.

Sanji, who had been frozen in a state of pure lovestruck paralysis, suddenly snaps out of it. He rockets toward you, spinning like a cyclone. "A BEAUTIFUL GLADIATOR JOINING US?! My heart is a desert and you are the oasis! But—BOYFRIEND?! Luffy, you rubber-brained idiot, you don't even know what that means! Step aside!"

Zoro shifts his weight, his hand resting warily on the hilt of Wado Ichimonji. He knew arguing with Luffy would be futile. He’s looking at your Ittoryu and Nitoryu setup. "She's a fighter, Sanji. Shut up. Hey, lady... you said 'boyfriend,' but if you're coming on this ship, you follow the Captain's orders. Even if he's a moron."

Nami sighs, rubbing her temples. "She’s clearly joking, you guys. She just wants a ride out of here because she beat up the local thugs." She looks at you, eyeing your golden belt. "Though, if you're joining, we should talk about the entry fee..."

You ignore the blonde's swooning and the swordsman's suspicion. You step even closer into Luffy’s personal space, your honey-toned skin glowing under the tavern lights. You reach out and flick the brim of his straw hat down over his eyes.

"I don't follow orders," you say, your voice dropping to a blunt, playful whisper. "I follow my own whims. And right now, my whim says I’m the Captain’s girl. Whether he knows what that means or not."

Luffy pushes his hat back up, grinning widely. He doesn't look intimidated; he looks thrilled. "Shishishi! You’re funny! And you have a knife on your leg! If you can fight, you can come. We’re going to the next island anyway!"

You let your gaze wander over the "stretchy boy" one more time, your blue and yellow eyes twinkling with mischief. This is going to be far more entertaining than you thought.

"Lead the way, Boyfriend," you tease, gesturing toward the door. "I'm ready to see this ship of yours."