Perhaps because the establishment was too small, or perhaps because there were too few tables.
In any case, Hancock and Stussy ended up openly sitting at the same table to eat.
The CP0's members and the Amazon Lily's warriors were all arranged outside the door. Clearly, the two women still had some things to discuss.
Aside from her identities as a CP0's agent and a clone created by Dr. Vegapunk, Stussy also held the title of [Queen of the Pleasure District].
This wasn't a very secret matter, so even though Hancock didn't offer any explanation, the Amazon Lily's warriors didn't ask too many questions.
Perhaps the Snake Princess simply wanted to discuss some cooperation with the other party? Like hiring a group of female warriors to protect the other's territory or something similar.
The Amazon Lily's warriors weren't strangers to such work.
Ever since a certain man arrived on Amazon Lily many years ago, the Amazon Lily's warriors' survival cycle revolving around 'plunder - resupply' had already begun to change.
That man's words were very straightforward.
Perhaps Amazon Lily could rely on its special sea snake control technology and the advantage of the Calm Belt to maintain this plundering lifestyle for a long time.
But the Marines had already developed steam-powered warships, and it was likely other forces had similar technology.
The notion that 'the Calm Belt equals a safe zone' was bound to become obsolete sooner or later.
To develop stably, one either had to accept some changes appropriately or possess absolute military superiority.
Over a dozen years, Amazon Lily had managed to do both.
The current Empress, Boa Hancock, wasn't as solitary and proud as in her original fate line.
Due to business, they had also become acquainted with some other forces.
This was also Hancock's capital to defy the World Government and her confidence that she wouldn't have to worry about Amazon Lily's future development even if her Warlord title was revoked.
To get by on the seas... no, it should be said that no matter where you are, the best strategy is to make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible.
Hancock's eating movements were very dignified and grand. Although she couldn't casually switch between dozens of different noble etiquettes like Stussy, her mere presence was enough to make others overlook any unsuitable aspects.
Precisely and elegantly cutting a piece of steak, she gently put it in her mouth to chew, savoring the juices of the medium-rare steak along with the red wine. Stussy lightly wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin.
Unlike Hancock, her physical stamina was inferior, and correspondingly, her appetite was naturally smaller.
Therefore, she could more elegantly place her cutlery aside and then leisurely look at the woman across from her... this love rival?
"Boa Hancock, your actions here with Linlin this time were too big. Do you think the Marines will turn a blind eye like before?"
Perhaps just to find a topic, Stussy suddenly said this.
Upon hearing this, Hancock merely raised her eyes slightly, not answering immediately.
In fact, Amazon Lily's small actions had never really stopped.
Quietly hijacking merchant ships transporting slaves for the Celestial Dragons, plundering ships from countries completely aligned with the World Government... such things had almost become another main business for Amazon Lily besides being mercenaries.
Thanks to this, they had also established some branch bases outside Amazon Lily, nurturing quite a few usable talents from among those rescued slaves.
In a sense, it was somewhat similar to the Revolutionary Army's actions.
In the past, the World Government had turned a blind eye to Hancock's such behavior because she was very measured in her actions.
They neither involved fundamental interests, and she handled the aftermath very cleanly, leaving no loose ends.
But this time, for Hancock's personal will, Amazon Lily had undoubtedly committed an 'out-of-line' act that deviated from their principles.
"No need for you to worry."
Putting down her fork, Hancock's every word and action was filled with a certain majesty.
-Though, perhaps because of last night's experience, she chose not to drink the wine provided with the meal.
"Will your subordinates think the same-"
"Of course! This Empress is so beautiful, everything this Empress does will be forgiven."
Watching Hancock take it for granted as she uttered such narcissistic words, a cross-shaped vein quietly popped on Stussy's temple, and the corner of her mouth twitched imperceptibly.
'As expected, I was too gentle last night.'
While her mind was already calculating how to scheme against this vixen of an Empress next time, Stussy's expression remained unchanged, still maintaining proper etiquette.
"Is that so? Then it seems the plan I prepared for you is superfluous."
As she spoke, she made to get up and leave directly.
"Wait."
Just as Stussy was about to push open the inn door, Hancock's voice came through.
Hearing this, Stussy's expression didn't change, but a hint of a smile appeared in her eyes.
'Good. Plan successful.'
…
The Ninja World, Konoha Village.
The one responsible for surveillance outside the Ichiraku Ramen today was the Jonin from the Sarutobi Clan, the teacher of the [Ino-Shika-Cho] trio among the Konoha 12, Sarutobi Asuma.
Of course, this man's other identity was the son of the Third Hokage and Konohamaru's uncle.
At this moment, his 'surveillance' actions weren't concealed in the slightest.
He was just sitting openly opposite Ichiraku Ramen, observing from there.
It wasn't that this Jonin lacked skill.
In fact, Asuma, as Hiruzen's son, naturally knew about the Daimyo's orders and the actual attitude of Konoha Village.
The Daimyo was one thing, while how it was executed was another.
Did they really want them to make an enemy of Naruto?
This surveillance mission was just a formality. Asuma was already planning whether to ask Kurenai out on a date after the mission ended this afternoon.
'Huh? Konohamaru? What's this kid doing here?'
Suddenly, Asuma's eyes focused as he watched his nephew boldly walk into the Ichiraku Ramen, sit down next to his target of surveillance, Naruto, and say something.
On the other side, inside the Ichiraku Ramen.
Not only Konohamaru, but Sasuke, Karin, and Jiraiya were also in the shop… even Teuchi came over to ask.
"What's wrong with Naruto?"
Karin and the others knew the answer to his question but didn't know how to describe it.
What should they say?
That because this guy's daughter chose to return to her hometown to accompany her mother, this man, who had only recently become a father, fell into complete depression?
At the table, Naruto declined Konohamaru's proposal for a spar and began eating his noodles, one bite at a time.
He had been mentally prepared for Kousei's departure, but he still didn't expect it to make him this sad.
The warmth of his daughter's hug seemed to linger, but he didn't know when the next meeting would be.
"I say, you, that's enough, right? How long are you going to stay depressed?"
Sasuke plopped down next to Naruto and started eating his own bowl of noodles in large mouthfuls, sounding displeased.
"It's not like you'll never see her again. Didn't she say it herself? You will meet again."
"If it really bothers you, just go to that world and find her. By my estimate, she should be born in about a year."
"You should be happy. At least this time, you have the chance to give her a complete childhood."
When he said this last part, Sasuke, perhaps thinking of his own situation, slowed down his speech.
Sasuke's words finally pulled Naruto out of his low spirits.
...Actually, he wasn't as despairing as he appeared. The main reason he was still staying in Konoha Village was more about not knowing how to face those two women on the other side simultaneously.
'Maybe... get married to both? Is bigamy a crime in the One Piece World?'
Thinking this, Naruto still made a new decision.
"Let's pack up later. We'll go to Uzushiogakure to arrange their subsequent liaison with Queen Sara, and then I'm going to that world."
As he spoke, Naruto glanced at the hexagonal pattern given by the Nature Will on his hand.
After completing the transaction with it, this pattern had become like some kind of 'switch', granted certain permissions.
He could feel that he could now open a door to the other world at any time.
Seeing Naruto finally make a decision, Sasuke and the others showed relieved expressions.
To be honest, this kind of Naruto was really uncommon, and it was too awkward.
Just then, Konohamaru, who was nearby, suddenly raised his hand.
"That! Naruto Aniki!"
Everyone turned their heads upon hearing this, looking at this child who was already over 160 cm tall… well, just judging by his physique, calling him a child might not be quite appropriate anymore.
With everyone's eyes focused on him, Konohamaru didn't show any stage fright. Instead, he said with great determination,
"Please take me with you this time too!"