Half an hour later, the crowd gathered outside The Dream Kitchen suddenly parted, murmuring as a figure strode down the street.
He had blue hair, a bright red nose, and a dagger clutched tightly in his hand. His face was twisted into a fierce scowl as he yelled,
"Outta my way! Who's the idiot dumb enough to mess with a restaurant under my protection? You've got a death wish or what?!"
At the sight of the newcomer, Shiro sighed, lifting a hand to his forehead with a helpless smile.
Of all people, it had to be Buggy.
"This guy… What's he playing at now? Since when did he become muscle for sleazy restaurant owners?" Shiro thought, equal parts amused and exasperated.
The fat restaurant owner, face still swollen from Zeff's punch, lit up with desperate hope. He scrambled forward, bowing so low his belly nearly touched the ground.
"Big Boss Buggy! Thank heavens you're here! That brute over there hit me! He said he doesn't give a damn about your name!"
Buggy crossed his arms, puffing out his chest like a showman ready to take the stage.
"Oh yeah? Who's got the guts to disrespect the great Buggy?"
He followed the man's trembling finger and spotted Zeff, tall and built like a ship's mast, his presence radiating raw strength.
The moment their eyes met, Buggy flinched, nearly dropping his dagger.
Still, remembering the crowd watching—and his fragile pride—he gritted his teeth, swaggered forward, and barked,
"So it's you, huh? You've got some nerve picking a fight with me! Here's what's gonna happen—you apologize to this fine businessman and get lost. Otherwise, don't blame me when things get messy!"
He waved the dagger for emphasis, though his hands were shaking slightly.
Zeff snorted.
"Just you? Don't make me laugh." His tone dripped with contempt.
"You're not even a real member of Roger's crew—just some wannabe using the name. Even if you were one of them, I'd still get my pay today."
Buggy's eyes widened.
"Wha—?! You dare talk back to me?! Do you have any idea who I used to sail with? The Pirate King, Gol D. Roger! Silvers Rayleigh! Scopper Gab—"
He didn't get to finish.
Zeff had heard enough. With a growl, he lunged forward, swinging a heavy fist straight for Buggy's face.
Buggy's thoughts raced. "Crap! He's not bluffing—he's actually gonna hit me!"
He threw up his hands, squeezed his eyes shut, and braced for the impact.
But the blow never came.
Buggy cautiously peeked through his fingers—and froze.
A golden-haired young man stood in front of him, catching Zeff's punch effortlessly in one hand.
That young man was Shiro.
"Who are you?" Zeff demanded through gritted teeth, pain shooting up his arm. "Why protect this fraud?"
Shiro smiled softly.
"He's no fraud. He really was part of the Roger Pirates."
Then he turned his head and grinned teasingly at Buggy.
"Isn't that right, little Buggy?"
Buggy's eyes instantly filled with tears.
"Shiro broooooo!" he wailed, diving into Shiro's arms like a child finding his parent after being lost at sea.
Zeff blinked, his instincts kicking in. His hand moved to the knife at his waist as he studied the golden-haired man before him.
Though Shiro wasn't doing anything threatening, a suffocating aura radiated from him—something primal and heavy, like standing before a storm that could tear the sky apart.
Sunlight caught in his hair, casting a sharp shadow across his face, and when Zeff met those clear blue eyes, a chill ran down his spine. His heart pounded violently.
Sweat rolled down the back of his neck. He realized, without knowing why—this man was dangerous.
"Chef Zeff," Shiro said gently, releasing Zeff's fist. His tone softened again, his earlier intensity vanishing as if it had never been.
"My name is Jabal Shiro—formerly of the Roger Pirates."
He stepped aside and gestured toward the sniffling red-nosed clown behind him.
"And this one… is my little brother."
Zeff's jaw dropped.
"You're… you're that Shiro?" he stammered. "The 'Tyrant' who stormed the execution platform in the square alone—and rescued Captain Roger right under the Navy's nose?"
Shiro chuckled. "That's me."
His gaze flicked toward the trembling restaurant owner. His smile faded.
"I saw everything, Zeff. The way he treated you… it was disgusting." His voice turned cold.
"I'll make sure you get every single coin you're owed."
"Y-yes, Shiro bro!" Buggy piped up, instantly regaining his swagger. He whipped his dagger up and stalked toward the fat owner, pressing the blade against the man's jiggling neck.
"You heard the man!" Buggy hissed. "Pay the chef what he's owed—or tomorrow I'll be serving pork stew made from you!"
"B-but… you said…" the boss stammered, eyes darting in panic.
Buggy shoved the blade closer until it pricked skin.
"No buts! When my brother Shiro gives an order, you don't argue—you obey!"
"I'll pay! I'll pay!" the man shrieked, falling to his knees. "The money's in the safe, please don't kill me!"
He scrambled inside, shaking so badly the floorboards creaked under his weight. Moments later, he returned, clutching a heavy bag of beli with trembling hands.
Zeff snatched it from him, untied the rope, and counted it quickly.
Once satisfied, he stuffed it into his apron pocket and gave a curt nod.
Shiro stepped up beside him, leaning close with a low voice.
"Still not satisfied, Chef Zeff? I can have Buggy trash his shop—or feed him to the Sea Kings if that'd make you feel better."
Zeff looked at him, stunned, unsure whether to laugh or be terrified.
T/N: If you would like to read up to 20 chapters ahead for all my works, check out my P@treon: patreon.com/GhidorahWriter
Thanks for reading! Be sure to collect and vote for more chapters! A Bonus Chapter will be released once we hit 25 Powerstones!