For once, the entire Bamboo Staff crew was up before dawn, bustling about in preparation for what promised to be their largest gathering yet.
"Luffy, make sure those dishes are spotless - we're expecting a lot of guests today," Gustave called out from the kitchen, where he was organizing an impressive array of pre-prepared foods. "Ace, don't forget the beef I've been braising for three days! It should be perfect by now."
"Tom! Jerry!" he barked as the eternal rivals tumbled past in another of their epic battles. "If you two don't stop fighting this instant, you're both banned from the picnic! I mean it!"
The threat of missing out on outdoor festivities was enough to make both cat and mouse freeze mid-chase, looking appropriately chastened.
Despite not needing to cook everything fresh on-site, organizing a feast for this many people required military-level logistics. Gustave had been planning the menu for days, preparing various dishes that would travel well and taste even better outdoors.
Just as he was mentally checking off his preparation list, familiar voices echoed from the stairwell.
"Sister Misae, you really didn't need to bring anything!" Gustave protested as he spotted Misae and Kazama's mother descending the stairs, both laden with bags and containers. "I invited you as guests, not as caterers!"
"Oh, don't be silly," Misae replied warmly, adjusting her grip on several wrapped packages. "We couldn't possibly show up to a picnic empty-handed! I stayed up late making rice balls and some local specialties. Nothing fancy, just homemade comfort food."
She opened one of her bags to reveal neat rows of perfectly shaped onigiri, each wrapped with precision that would have impressed a professional chef. The rice balls were accompanied by an assortment of colorful side dishes and pickled vegetables.
"I brought similar contributions," Kazama's mother added modestly, displaying her own collection of carefully prepared foods. "Just some traditional dishes I thought might complement whatever you're planning."
"Well, since it's food, I suppose I have no choice but to accept," Gustave said with mock resignation, though his smile betrayed his genuine appreciation. He carefully transferred their offerings to a large bamboo basket. "But next time, there's really no need for such formality. We're all family here."
Once the food was safely stored, Gustave's attention was drawn to the smallest member of the visiting party. Himawari sat contentedly in her father's arms, her large eyes taking in all the activity around her.
"Himawari, do you remember Big Brother Gustave?" he asked gently, extending his hands toward the baby.
"Ah!" she responded immediately, reaching out to grasp his fingers with surprising strength.
"What a little heartbreaker," Hiroshi complained as he transferred his daughter to Gustave's arms. "The moment she sees a handsome face, she completely forgets about her poor father. I wonder where she gets these genes from?"
Both Misae and Shin-chan turned to stare at him with identical knowing expressions.
"What? What are you two looking at me for?" Hiroshi asked innocently, though his nervous laughter suggested he'd realized his mistake.
The transformation in Himawari was immediate and remarkable. In her father's arms, she'd been restless and fussy, but the moment Gustave held her, she became as peaceful as any normal baby - eyes closed, pacifier working contentedly, the picture of serenity.
"Big Brother Gustave! Anya's here for the picnic!"
The cheerful announcement drew everyone's attention as Anya bounded down the stairs, her pink hair bouncing with each energetic step. She skidded to a halt upon seeing the crowded first floor.
"Wow! There are so many people here!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement and just a hint of nervousness.
"Perfect timing, Anya," Gustave said, carefully balancing Himawari while extending his free hand to the newcomer. "Come here and let me introduce you to some new friends."
He guided her toward where Shin-chan was standing, still looking slightly disappointed that another child had arrived instead of a "mature and beautiful big sister."
"Anya, this is Shin-chan," Gustave said formally. "Shin-chan, meet Anya. I think you two will get along wonderfully."
"Hi," Shin-chan offered somewhat unenthusiastically, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Another little kid? Where are all the gorgeous older sisters? Anya heard his thoughts clearly and couldn't help but giggle at his single-minded focus.
Before Gustave could facilitate further introductions, the sound of footsteps on the stairs announced another arrival.
"Good morning, everyone!" Tezuka called out as he led the Yamabuki tennis team onto the deck. "I hope we're not too early."
"You're right on time," Gustave replied with a smile. "I have to say, it's strange seeing you all in casual clothes instead of your team uniforms. Very relaxed look!"
The tennis players were indeed dressed down for the occasion - comfortable shorts, casual t-shirts, and sneakers instead of their usual pristine athletic wear. The informal attire made them seem younger and more approachable.
Before anyone could respond to Gustave's observation, Himawari suddenly kicked her legs and launched herself from his arms with surprising force and accuracy. Even Tezuka, with his exceptional reflexes and dynamic vision, barely registered the small projectile before finding himself with an armful of giggling baby.
"Well, hello there, Himawari," he said gently, adjusting his hold and tapping her nose affectionately. "I should have expected this."
The other Yamabuki members chuckled knowingly. During their extended training camp on the Bamboo Staff, they'd all learned about Himawari's particular talent for identifying and gravitating toward handsome men. Her approval was considered the ultimate compliment.
"That child certainly has her priorities straight," Gustave muttered, though he was secretly pleased that Himawari had found a new target for her affections.
Just as he thought he might have a moment to organize the next phase of preparations, small arms wrapped around his legs. Looking down, he found Anya clinging to him with an expression that was equal parts hopeful and sad.
"What's wrong, Anya?" he asked, crouching down to her eye level and gently stroking her hair.
"Big Brother Gustave," she said in a small voice, "Shin-chan's papa and mama are here, and so are everyone else's families. Could... could Anya invite her papa and mama to come too?"
The request hit Gustave like a lightning bolt. In all his preparation and excitement about bringing different groups together, he'd completely overlooked how isolated Anya might feel being the only child without her family present. While Misae and the other parents had been kind and welcoming, it wasn't the same as having her own loved ones there.
"Of course you can," he said immediately, his voice warm with understanding. "That's a wonderful idea. Should we go get them right now?"
"Really?" Anya's entire face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Big Brother Gustave!"
"Come on then," he said, taking her hand. "Let's go invite your parents to join our party."
As they headed toward the stairs leading to the third floor and the Gate of All Worlds, they encountered Conan and Ai coming down, both carrying backpacks loaded with supplies. What caught Gustave's attention wasn't Ai's sensibly packed bag, but the folding shovel strapped to Conan's back.
"Conan, Ai! Everyone's gathering on the first floor - you should head down and join them," Gustave called out cheerfully.
"On our way!" Conan replied, but after taking a few steps, his detective instincts kicked in. He turned back with a puzzled expression. "Wait, if everyone's downstairs, why are you and Anya going up?"
"Are you having another attack of detective syndrome?" Gustave asked with amusement, reaching out to flick the boy's forehead.
"Ow! That hurt!" Conan protested, rubbing the spot and looking genuinely wounded.
"I'm taking Anya to invite her parents to join the picnic," Gustave explained patiently.
"Wait, we can bring family members?" Conan's eyes went wide with sudden realization. "I've been coming here for months and nobody ever mentioned that!"
"When did I ever say you couldn't?" Gustave asked reasonably.
"This is amazing!" Conan's mind immediately jumped to thoughts of showing Ran the wonders of the Bamboo Staff and the incredible views of other dimensions. "I could actually—"
"What's got you so excited, Conan?" Gustave asked with a knowing look. "Got someone special you'd like to bring along?"
"No! Not... not yet," Conan stammered, his enthusiasm deflating as reality set in. Bringing Ran would require explanations he wasn't prepared to give, especially about his true identity. "It's complicated."
"Well, the offer's always open," Gustave said as he continued up the stairs with Anya. "Just let me know when you're ready to make introductions."
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