A cozy treehouse led high in the branches of an a forest. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the wooden floor.

  Pas D. Ann sat on the edge of a window, her feet dangling as she gazed out at the forest, deep in thought.

  Luffy climbed up the dder, entering the treehouse with his usual carefree energy.

  He noticed Ann's expression carefully and khat she was not in a good mood. He coughed and asked slowly. "Hey, Ann. You look troubled. What's on your mind?"

  Ann sighed, still staring outside as she replied. "It's nothing, Luffy. Just… thinking."

  Luffy sat down across from her, looking serious as he asked. "You talk to me. Did something happen?"

  He wao talk with her slowly and wao probe what she really thought.

  Ann took a deep breath and said. "I saw you… with Makino."

  Luffy paused, his expression turning thoughtful. He was aware that she had caught them so he did not deny it. "Yeah, I was with her. We were just talking, but… I see how it might look."

  Ann turo face him, her voice trembling. "Talking? It didn't look like just talking, Luffy. You were iogether."

  Luffy frowned a bit, meeting her gaze, feeling a little unfortable. "Look, Anionships be plicated. But if you want to be my girl, you o uand something important."

  Ann stared at him, feeling a mix of fusion and hurt. "What do you mean?"

  Luffy leaned forward, his expression serious. He said. "Loyalty and obedience are important. If yoing to stand by me, I o know you'll be there, no matter what."

  Ann trembled, her voice shaky as she asked. "Are you saying I have to just accept you being with irls?"

  Luffy shook his head and said. "No, it's not that simple. It's about itment. If we're in a retionship, I want you to be dedicated to me."

  Ann uood his meaning and spoke with a bittersweet smile. "But what if I want to be special to you? I thought we had something more."

  Luffy sighed, running a hand through his hair and he said. "You do have something special, Ann. But being my girl means uanding the dynamics of our lives. I 't just focus on one person when I have a goal to reach."

  Ann's voice softened a bit and she asked curiously. "So, what does that mean for us?"

  Luffy looked straight into her eyes and smiled. "It means you o be strong, dependable, and ready to stand by me. When I say 'obedient,' I mean it in the sense of being a team. We'll face challeogether."

  Ann was slightly hesitant, not feeling good about it. "I don't know if I be obedient ihing. I want to be me, too."

  Luffy nodded his head and smiled. "I get that. But there are times when you'll o trust my judgment. If you do that, I'll always have your back."

  Ann got nervous and asked. "And if I don't?"

  Luffy calmly replied. "Then we'll have to figure things out together. But I hope you uand that I take this seriously."

  Ann got nervous as she fought back her tears, asking. "So, I have to choose between being myself and being with you?"

  Luffy smiled gently and patted her head while shaking his head. "It's not about choosing one over the other. It's about finding a bance. You be yourself while still being part of my life. But if you want to be my girl, you have to be ready to be loyal."

  Ann took a deep breath and asked. "So what does that look like for us?"

  Luffy thought for a moment and replied. "It means sharing our dreams and supp each other. If you want to be my girl, you'll have to trust me to lead us on our journey."

  Ann had a bittersweet smile as she said. "And what about your dreams? I've heard you talk about wanting to build a crew of amazing girls… a harem."

  Luffy smirked slightly and nodded his head. "Yeah, I've thought about that. A crew of beautiful, strong girls who take on the world with me."

  Ann was surprised by the straightforward reply and asked. "You really want that? A harem?"

  Luffy got serious again and expined. "It's not just about having a harem for fun. It's about creating bonds and building something special with different people who all mean something to me. Each person would have their role, and if you're loyal to me, you could be the queen of that harem."

  Ann could not help but blush, asking shyly. "A queen? Me?"

  Luffy nodded seriously. "Yes! But to be that queen, you have to show me you be dedicated and trustworthy. I 't have anyone who doubts my leadership or my heart."

  Ann's voice was trembling as she asked. "So, I'd have to share you with irls?"

  Luffy looked her in the eyes and said. "In a way, yes. But it's not just about sharing. It's about being part of something bigger. You'd be my right hand, and I'd want you to be proud of that."

  Ann had a feeling of mixed emotions. "I don't know, Luffy. It souing, but also really hard."

  Luffy looked seriously as he patted her shoulder. "It is hard. But if you rise to that challe will be worth it. Loyalty is key, and if you're with me, I o know I t on you, just as I'll t on everyone else."

  Ann nodded slowly. "I want to be strong enough for you. I want to matter."

  Luffy smiled brightly. "You already do matter, Ann. Just promise me that you'll stay true to who you are while being by my side. That's what makes a retionship strong."

  Ann's voice grew firm and she replied. "I try. I just hope I'm enough for you."

  Luffy grinned, "You are enough! Just keep being you. And when you're ready, we'll build something amazing together."

  Ann could not help but smile as tears of happiness rolled down her cheek.

  "Alright, Luffy. I'll try to be the girl you need."

  Luffy stood up and stretched his arms. "And don't fet! We'll have fun along the way! Now, let's get back to building this treehouse. We need a strong base for our adventures!"

  They step away from the window, moving to gather supplies for their project.

  A a mixture of weight and hope, knowing that her feelings might not be lost forever, just waiting for the right moment.

  --- ? ? ? ---

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