The bustling streets of Goa Kingdom were alive with merchants shouting, carts rattling, and the aroma of fried food wafting through the air. Luffy had, as usual, zero regard for subtlety. Ace had reluctantly agreed to follow him on a "food adventure," and Sabo had tagged along—though nervously, his eyes darting toward every well-dressed passerby.
You padded quietly behind the three boys, brushing crumbs from your sweater, and silently cursing the chaos that always seemed to follow them.
"Next time, I'm picking the restaurant," you muttered, peeking around the corner as Luffy's hands grabbed the last basket of fried dumplings on the counter.
"You said that last time!" Ace groaned, grabbing Luffy by the arm.
Sabo, meanwhile, was pale and panicking. "We shouldn't be here… anywhere near here…"
"Relax," you muttered under your breath, "I've got eyes everywhere."
From the edge of the plaza, a tall, imposing figure emerged, flanked by guards and radiating authority—and annoyance. The man's gaze immediately locked onto Sabo, who stiffened like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Outlook III…" you muttered, recognizing him from the show. "Ah, the Daddy Complex in full swing."
Sabo froze completely. Ace elbowed him. "What's she talkin about?"
"I—" Sabo began, but the man was already striding forward. "SABO!"
Sabo bolted immediately, with Ace and Luffy hot on his heels. You cursed softly. Another chase. Typical.
[System Alert: Dangerous target detected — maintain stealth.]
You narrowed your eyes and came up with a plan. If they got caught, Sabo's life would be ruined. And frankly, you weren't in the mood for polite introductions with Nobles.
As Outlook III neared the running children, you stepped onto the street, arms raised in mock innocence.
"Stop right there!" you called loudly, voice carrying.
The man turned, brow furrowing. "And who—?"
"Figarland!" you shouted, grinning like you'd just won a gacha. "I'm Uta Figarland!"
Outlook III froze. His eyes widened in recognition, almost reverent. "Figarland…?"
"Yes! The Figarlands! World Nobles! Don't you dare touch me!" You flung your arms wide, turning the world's most dramatic performance of indignation and nobility.
The man's entire demeanor shifted. "Ah… My apologies, Miss Figarland! Guards, stand down!"
Ace, Luffy, and Sabo didn't even glance back—they seized the opportunity to dart down an alley. You smirked behind the man, watching their retreat.
[Quest Update: Successfully distract a high-ranking target]
[Rewards: +200 XP, +3 STAT PTS, +75 GP]
Satisfied, you slipped off quietly, weaving through the side streets and following the boys from a safe distance.
Once the three regrouped in a quiet alley behind the market, Luffy was bouncing, cheeks flushed with adrenaline. "That was AWESOME! Did you see my ninja rolls?!"
Ace scowled. "That was insane, Luffy. Calm down. And Sabo—what the hell? You didn't tell us your were a noble!"
Sabo's eyes were wide, guilt written all over his face. "I didn't want to! I… I didn't want you guys to worry—or get dragged into this!"
Luffy pouted. "I'm always worrying about stuff! You think I don't get dragged into things?"
Ace crossed his arms, scowling. "Tch. You've got a lot of nerve, hiding this from us."
Sabo swallowed, his fingers tightening on the hem of his sleeve. "I… I wanted to be with you guys. That's why I ran."
You stepped out of the shadows, brushing some dust off your overalls. "And here I thought you were the sneaky one. Honestly, Sabo, a little honesty would've saved everyone a headache."
Luffy turned to you, grinning. "She's right!"
Sabo groaned, hiding his face. Ace rolled his eyes but didn't push further. For now, the moment passed without another explosion.
[System Note: Emotional bonds strengthened — trust partially restored between Sabo, Ace, and Luffy.]
[REP +100 with Sabo, +50 with Ace, +50 with Luffy]
You smirked, stepping aside. "Anyway… I'm done being dramatic for today. Let's just go before someone else shows up."
Luffy cheered. "Yeah!"
Ace muttered under his breath, "Moron…" but he followed anyway, Sabo reluctantly matching his stride.
You hung back just long enough to make sure no further nobles appeared before quietly trailing after them. Another day survived, another crisis averted — all thanks to a little quick thinking, a big name, and the world's most ridiculous performance of a World Noble.
[Quest Complete: Dash-and-Dine Escape]
Rewards: +180 XP, +4 STAT PTS, +100 GP
Bonus: +50 REP with Uta (self-awareness)
You smiled to yourself, silently congratulating your "performance." Sometimes, being a little dramatic pays off.