Chapter 22: Your Opponents Are Us
Kyle understood Gon's frustration. Nobody liked being looked down on.
He tapped the menu. "It's the way of the world. The strong look down on the weak, and the weak look down on the weaker. They see us as kids, so they're dismissive."
"Don't let it bother you. When our names are famous across this entire ocean, those looks will turn into respect... or fear. Strength is the fastest way to earn it."
Killua, on the other hand, rested his chin on his hand, a dangerous smirk on his face. "You know," he whispered, "I think it'd be really satisfying to just knock a few of these guys out." His gaze drifted over the diners who had been staring, making them instinctively shudder and look away, as if a snake had just marked them.
A waiter came over. Kyle, unable to decide, just pointed at the twenty most delicious-looking pictures on the menu.
The waiter looked at the order, then at the three kids. "Young sirs, that is... a very large amount of food..."
"Don't worry, we can eat," Kyle cut him off, patting the full coin bag at his waist. "We've got the money. Just bring it."
The waiter, seeing he was serious, just nodded and hurried to the kitchen.
"So this is the sea restaurant, Kyle? Looks cool. Hope the food's good," Killua said, stretching.
"It won't disappoint," Kyle said confidently, his eyes glancing toward the kitchen.
The food came out with shocking speed. Dish after dish was delivered by a blond-haired chef in a black suit, a cigarette dangling from his lips and a strange, curly eyebrow. He moved with an efficient, almost graceful motion.
It was Sanji.
Killua's perception was razor-sharp. He immediately caught the flicker of recognition and interest in Kyle's eyes.
"Kyle," he whispered, "do you know that curly-browed chef?"
Kyle took a bite of roasted meat, savoring it, before answering. "Not personally. But he's not going to be just a chef. He's going to be strong. A powerful rival for us in the future."
"A rival?" Killua licked his lips, excited.
"Mhm. Maybe we should test them? If we beat them, it'd be a great way to make a name for ourselves in the East Blue."
Kyle knew from the story that Luffy's 30 million bounty came after he defeated Buggy, Kuro, Krieg, and Arlong. For them to be at the Baratie now, it meant they were close to the end of that run.
"I'm in," Killua said with a wicked grin.
"Is that... a good idea?" Gon asked, hesitant.
"Why not? If we're going to be a pirate crew, we need a reputation. Being a bunch of 'nobodies' is just lame," Kyle grinned back.
"Kyle's right. I call the straw-hat guy," Killua said, already rolling up his sleeves.
Hearing that, Gon's hesitation vanished. "No way! He's mine!"
"Are you two trying to mutiny?" Kyle interrupted. "I'm the captain. The first bounty on our list is mine, end of story."
"I don't think so," Killua argued. "If the crew gets a bounty, the captain's reputation grows. My suggestion? The captain sits this one out. It's between me and Gon."
"He's right!" Gon nodded enthusiastically, shooting Killua a "nice one" look.
"No! The first one is mine!"
"Mine!"
"Mine!"
The three of them started glaring, their voices rising, drawing the attention of the other diners, who were baffled to see three kids arguing so intensely.
Their argument also drew the attention of Sanji. Just then, the rest of the Straw Hats walked in. Luffy, seeing the three of them fighting, grinned and wandered over to watch the show.
"I've got an idea!" Kyle said, pointing at Luffy. "Let's let him decide who his opponent is!"
Nami, Usopp, and Zoro stared in disbelief. Were these kids letting their captain choose his opponent?
Luffy just looked confused.
Killua and Gon thought about it and agreed. It was the only fair way.
"I'll go first," Gon said, stepping up to Luffy with a smile. "You can see we're in a bit of an argument. I can feel you've gotten stronger. How about a rematch?"
Luffy's eyes lit up. "Sure!"
He was immediately shoved aside by Killua.
"What's the point of a fight? To learn, right?" Killua argued, all logic. "You've already fought him. I'm the new variable. Fighting me is the smartest move."
Luffy nodded. "That makes sense, too!"
He was shoved aside again, this time by Kyle.
"Hold on. I'm their captain," Kyle said. "Are you really, as a captain, going to fight a crew member? Or are you going to fight the other captain?"
That hit home. All three of them had made good points, but Kyle's was the best. I'm going to be King of the Pirates! Luffy thought. My opponent should be the captain!
Killua saw the look on Luffy's face and knew it was over. Kyle's argument was a checkmate.
But just as Gon and Killua were slumping in defeat, Zoro and Sanji stepped forward.
"Your opponents," Zoro said, his hand on his sword, "are us."