Chapter 38: Yosaku and JohnnyUnder the threat of Zoro and Luffy, Usopp repainted the pirate flag.This time, a skull wearing a straw hat appeared in everyone's view.Nami walked over to take a look: "Hmm! It's drawn well!""It's hard to imagine it's the same design," was Zoro's thought after looking at the design Usoppdrew compared to the one Luffy had drawn.Hearing everyone's praise, Usopp began to brag: "I've been creating art on people's walls since I was a kid, so I have a lot of artistic talent.""Great, draw one on the sail too!" Luffy asked Usoppto draw one on the ship's sail as well.Upon receiving the order, the trio of Usopp, Nami, and Zoro went to the white sail and began their painting.Before long, they finished painting. Looking at the pirate mark on the sail and the pirate flag, they shouted excitedly: "Alright! It's done! The pirate ship going merry is complete!"Painting this design was quite physically exhausting, so the three lay on the deck to rest.Just then, Zoro heard the sound of a cannonball and looked up.He discovered that Luffy was firing cannons at a rocky mountain."Huh? Luffy! What are you doing? You scared me to death!""It's rare to have a cannon on the ship, so I'm practicing my aim. But it doesn't seem very accurate."Luffy looked at the trajectory that had missed the mark, doubting whether he was cut out for shooting.Usopp, standing to the side, walked over with a swagger: "Fool! Watch me!"Luffy pointed to the rocky mountain over there.Seeing this, Usopp indicated he understood, then began to adjust the trajectory."Based on the previous situation... this should be about right!"As the cannonball was fired, this single shot blew up that rocky mountain."Amazing! A direct hit!" Luffy praised from the side.Even Usopp himself looked at what had happened in shock.He really hadn't expected to hit it on the first try, but he still began to brag."See that! I told you, my aim is super accurate! If you admire me, call me Captain!""It's decided, you'll be the sniper!"Hearing Luffy's voice, Usopp immediately shut his mouth and nodded, indicating his agreement.Then everyone went inside the cabin to discuss future matters; of course, Alex was still on the deck working on his Sharingan.After all, with his left eye being a Byakugan, he could only develop his right eye.However, having two Sharingan in one right eye was quite a difficult task, but it had its benefits; if he truly awakened the Mangekyo, he would evolve directly into the Eternal Mangekyo.In the kitchen, Zoro sat by a water bucket, and Usopp spoke to Luffy."Forget it, I'll let you have it for now. If you're too useless, you'll have to hand over the Captain's throne to me immediately."Luffy foolishly agreed."I've thought about it, before we enter the Grand Line, we need another crew member."Hearing Luffy say this, Nami looked around the kitchen and responded confidently."Yeah, it's rare to have such a nice kitchen. If there were a salary, I could do it..."Zoro also nodded, indicating: "A long journey can't be without this person!"Luffy looked at Zoro with a smile: "You feel the same, don't you? A pirate ship really can't be without... a musician!"Hearing Luffy's words, Zoro, Usopp, and Nami all shouted at Luffy."Are you an idiot!" "I thought you might occasionally use your brain!" "What do you think sailing is?"Luffy responded bluntly: "Aren't pirates all about singing and dancing?"At this moment, a soaking wet person stepped onto the going merry. He saw only a pretty boy sitting cross-legged on the deck.Without a word, he held a sword to Alex's neck."You pirates! Get out here! Otherwise, I'll kill this pretty boy!"Hearing this shout, everyone was stunned. A pretty boy? Then they remembered Alex was still on the deck, and everyone rushed out."Hey! Who are you? Let go of my partner!"Hearing Luffy's words, he actually kept his word and moved the sword away from Alex's neck."Who... I am... is not important!" Then he swung his sword at Luffy.But before he could swing it down, he was interrupted by a voice."Huh? You... aren't you Johnny..."Hearing the familiar voice, the person named Johnnysaw Zoro."Zo... Big Brother Zoro?"Hearing the excitement in the tone, Zoro didn't know how to react. To ease the awkwardness, Zoroquickly asked where his partner was."What's wrong? Isn't Yosaku with you?"Hearing this, Johnny didn't know what to say and could only stutter: "This..."Nami and Usopp, standing to the side, started discussing."What's going on?" "Oh, so they're acquaintances."Johnny painfully told them the truth: "Well... Yosakuis sick!"After saying this, Johnny carried his partner up and placed him on the deck."He was full of life just a few days ago. But I don't know what happened, suddenly he turned pale and kept fainting... Later, his teeth even fell out, and his old wounds flared up, bleeding non-stop. I really don't know what I can do. So I had to let him rest on the rocky mountain... But I didn't expect this ship to fire its cannons..."Hearing this, Luffy and Usopp realized that this person's injuries were caused by them.They quickly went to Johnny to apologize. "I'm, I'm sorry... let the past be the past!"Hearing their apologies, Johnny, who had been crying non-stop, shouted: "If an apology could solve problems, then what would the Marine be for!"After roaring at Luffy and Usopp, Johnny once again fell into a state of sadness."The names of Yosaku and Johnny make many pirates tremble with fear. Why would a pair of Bounty Hunters partners who have been together for so many years..." Johnny couldn't bear to continue.He looked up at Zoro: "Big Brother... he's going to die, isn't he..."Zoro looked at the scene before him: Johnny holding Yosaku, and Yosaku's body covered in blood."Oh, isn't this scurvy?""What a fool!"Two voices sounded simultaneously; Alex had finished his transformation.He had one eye that was white with white protrusions around it, and the other eye was red, with the pupil consisting of two Tomoe.That's right, he had awakened two Tomoe the first time he activated the Sharingan; this was the reward for doing so.He was now just one step away from three Tomoe.When he woke up, he saw a man wearing glasses holding a bloody person and crying bitterly.And saying something about dying; didn't this clearly look like scurvy? How could he be dying?As for the word "fool," it was Nami who shouted it.Hearing their voices, Zoro asked them: "Alex, Nami, what are you talking about?"But Johnny wouldn't allow anyone to mock their friendship. Just as he was about to get angry, he suddenly thought that the pretty boy said Yosakuhad scurvy. Could he treat it?As Nami looked at Alex, she also saw that unique eye and subconsciously wanted to fall asleep.But Alex quickly turned off the Sharingan. After all, although Nami and the others didn't have Chakra, the Sharingan was specialized in hypnosis, and the Tomoe in particular could increase the hypnotic effect.Seeing Alex close his eyes, Nami didn't say anything more and instead directed Luffy and Usopp."Luffy! Usopp! Aren't there a lot of limes in the kitchen? Go squeeze some lime juice and bring it here."Hearing that no one had to die, the two immediately ran to the kitchen: "Yes... yes, sir!"Yosaku, lying on the ground, vaguely heard the word "limes."Before long, Luffy and Usopp brought a bucket of freshly squeezed lime juice and fed it to Yosaku.At the same time, Nami explained: "Just as Alexsaid, this is scurvy. If it's still in time, he will recover within a few days."Hearing Nami's words, Johnny excitedly stood up and asked her: "Really, Big Sister!"Nami helplessly explained to him: "Don't call me Big Sister! In the past, this was an incurable disease that sailors couldn't avoid. However, the reason was just a lack of fruit and vegetable nutrition. Ships in the past didn't have the capability to store fresh, intact vegetables. So, sailors who couldn't eat fresh vegetables for a long time would get scurvy."Luffy praised Nami for being amazing, just like a doctor.And Usopp praised her for being a capable woman."Can you guys have some basic sailing common sense? If you keep going like this, you'll lose your lives sooner or later!"On the other side, Yosaku, having drunk the lime juice, jumped up from the deck: "Nutrients absorbed! I'm resurrected!" Johnny, standing by, also shouted loudly that it was great.Seeing this scene, Nami also remarked: "Can anyone recover that quickly?"The recovered Yosaku and Johnny stood together and introduced themselves: "Forgot to introduce ourselves, I'm Johnny." "I'm Yosaku! We used to be Bounty Hunters partners with Big Brother Zoro." "So, please take care of us!" ×2Yosaku thanked everyone: "I really don't know how to thank you. I thought I was done for!"Johnny, however, looked at Zoro: "But what's more surprising is that Pirate Hunter Zoro has actually become a pirate."Just as they finished speaking, Yosaku spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed.Johnny shouted for his partner.Alex walked over, took out a blood-replenishing pill, and fed it to him.Johnny, standing by, couldn't help but ask: "What did you just feed my partner?""Don't worry, this is a blood-replenishing pill, a medicine that makes the hematopoietic organs produce blood. So, if he rests here for a while, with your physique, he'll be fine in a few minutes."After saying this, Alex walked back under the mast and started looking at a scroll.The others, seeing Yosaku's condition, began to discuss whether they should find a cook to balance the nutrition of their food.Nami said indifferently to Johnny that this was a lesson.Likewise, Zoro knew a little about these things, but not much. "During long voyages, these kinds of things happen often."Usopp, standing by, secretly glanced at Alex's scroll while saying: "If that kid hadn't run into our ship, he probably would have died.""Usopp, if you want to see it, I'll let you see it. You don't have to do that."Alex couldn't stand Usopp's gaze, so he quickly moved aside to let him take a look.Usopp, hearing this, moved over to look. After just a little bit, he felt dizzy and his head was spinning.After all, Chakra knowledge isn't something you can just learn whenever you want.Not to mention that this knowledge had a faint illusion on it; although it was just the simplest form of hypnosis, it could still make the brain feel swollen.Luffy was giggling on the side; after all, he had tried to peek before, but ended up with a dizzy head and fell asleep on the side.
Chapter 39: Sea RestaurantSeeing Usopp leave, Alex also voiced his thoughts."Although we don't need to worry about food during our long voyage, proper nutritional balance can better improve everyone's health, so we really do need a highly skilled sea cook."Nami nodded in agreement from the side: "Come to think of it, this is an indispensable person!"Hearing everyone's suggestion, Luffy happily shared his own thoughts."It's decided! We're going to find a sea cook! The most important thing is being able to eat delicious food on the ship.""Big Brother, Big Brother!" Johnny raised his hand to signal everyone."What is it, Johnny?" Zoro asked indifferently, inquiring about what was going on."If you want to find a sea cook, I know a good place. But I can't guarantee whether they'd be willing to join this ship. That place is the Sea Restaurant!"Upon hearing this, everyone's expression revealed surprise. Except for Alex, Luffy, and Usopp, who didn't know about it, Nami and Zoro had heard of this restaurant's reputation."Yes, we can get there in two or three days. But be careful, because it's very close to the Grand Line. So, quite a few villains lurk around there. I heard the Hawkeye that Big Brother has been looking for has also appeared nearby. If you don't mind, I can lead the way.""Please do!" Nami, Luffy, and Usopp were overjoyed.However, Zoro was trembling on the spot. Alexvaguely saw beads of sweat appearing on his head, unsure if it was from the heat or from fear.Not long after, Johnny pointed out the route, and they began sailing towards the Sea Restaurant.The going merry sailed on the vast sea, with Johnnyand Yosaku's small boat tied to the back."Hey, hey, Alex, what are your eyes? Why can they turn red, and what is that white thing?"Usopp expressed curiosity about Alex's eyes. Likewise, the others were also interested in his eyes."Heh heh, want to know? Then I'll tell you!"As soon as Alex finished speaking, Luffy, Usopp, Johnny, and Yosaku sat down in a row. As for the route, Johnny had told Nami, so there was no problem with her steering for a while."Luffy already knows about my left eye, so I'll just explain it briefly. This is called the Byakugan. It can grant a 360-degree field of vision and also has X-ray vision…"Bang! Nami seemed to recall something unpleasant, and after hearing Alex's words, she immediately went behind him and kicked him.But Alex dodged it using the Body Replacement Technique, and at the same time, the log used for the substitution landed precisely on Usopp's head."Alright, I'll turn it off now." After saying that, Alexclosed his left eye."Next is the right eye. This is called the Sharingan. It's a type of ability that enhances dynamic vision and also possesses the power of mental hypnosis. Likewise, because of the enhancement in dynamic vision, some Taijutsu techniques can be mastered quickly."Hearing this, Zoro's ears twitched. At the same time, he sighed internally that such an eye was amazing; not only could it see through others' movements, but it could also learn techniques that the opponent had trained for years or even decades. However, he didn't need it; he only needed swordsmanship.Then Alex continued to explain the effects of the Sharingan."The Sharingan is divided into stages. The first stage is the Tomoe. Awakening the Sharingan grants one Tomoe in the eye, and each evolution adds another Tomoe until reaching three. With each Tomoe gained, my dynamic vision is greatly enhanced. Once I reach three, even if my speed can't keep up, I can still see the opponent's movements clearly. As for the next stage, I won't mention it—that is the true highest level of the Sharingan.""So cool!" "Yeah, yeah…" Usopp and Luffy screamed repeatedly after watching, both wondering what the highest level of the Sharingan would look like. Did it shoot lasers?!Afterward, the two started playing a game on the deck, simulating their eyes shooting lasers. Johnnytook over Nami's job and continued heading toward the Sea Restaurant.Of course, whenever Luffy and Usopp were done playing, they would pester Alex to perform Ninjutsu. Alex would stand on the edge of the ship and perform, casting Water Release one moment and Earth Release the next.In the following few days, Zoro would sleep on the ship from time to time, while Luffy played with Usopp and pestered Alex. Usopp, upon seeing a few good things, went to study them. It turned out he had seen the manufacturing process for Explosive Tags and Flash Bangs; these two could also add a bit of combat power for him.Two days later."We've arrived at the Sea Restaurant. Big Brother Zoro! Big Brother Luffy! Big Brother Alex! Big Brother Usopp! Big Brother Nami!"Everyone looked up at the building in front of them, their eyes showing excitement, except for Nami, who complained from the side: "How did I become a Big Brother?"The Sea Restaurant in front of them was a fish-shaped two-masted sailing ship, and the restaurant itself was three stories high."How does everyone feel about it!" Johnny and Yosaku asked everyone what they thought of this restaurant.Looking at the ship in front of him, Luffy exclaimed, "What a huge fish!" Usopp marveled that it was so spectacular. Nami and Zoro, being more experienced, just nodded secretly without any exaggerated reactions.Just as everyone was marveling, a Marine warship sailed over. Luffy looked at the warship in wonder, while Usopp was afraid that they might attack directly.Johnny and Yosaku, however, hid behind the railing, afraid of being seen by the Marines. After all, their identities were Bounty Hunterss, and if they appeared on a pirate ship, they might really be treated as pirates and wanted.The warship came to a stop, and a man wearing iron gauntlets walked over, dressed in a suit. There was a scar on his left cheek, which looked like it was left behind after a battle with pirates."Hmm, a pirate ship I haven't seen before... I am Marine Headquarters Captain, Fullbody the Iron Fist. Which one of you is the Captain?"Luffy stepped forward: "I am Luffy. The Jolly Roger was just finished the day before yesterday."But Johnny and Yosaku laughed from behind."Just... just finished the day before yesterday!""Wahahaha! Well said, partner! Partner!"Alex looked at the two laughing heartily, wondering what they were laughing about. Also, Usopp went to the side and started introducing himself.Hearing someone mocking, that Fullbody looked over."Ah, I've seen you two. You often frequent government offices; you must be the Bounty Hunterss Yosaku and Johnny who specialize in catching third-rate pirates. You've finally been caught by pirates, haven't you!"Hearing the mockery from the opposite side, Yosakuand Johnny couldn't help but strike a pose to increase their presence. Johnny looked at Yosaku: "Yosaku, it seems that guy wants to pick a fight with us!"Yosaku held a cigarette in one hand and responded with a look of disdain."'Specializing in catching third-rate pirates' really doesn't sound good; it's not worth a dime! Looks like it's necessary to make this reckless guy shut up, Johnny!"After speaking, the two drew their swords together and slashed towards the opponent. Seeing the two charging over, Fullbody looked troubled. Of course, it wasn't that he feared them, but rather that he found it troublesome.Sure enough, in just two moves, he knocked Yosakuand Johnny back onto the pirate ship. Looking at the two lying on the deck, still stubborn about having only lost by a little bit.Luffy started to ruthlessly roast them: "You guys are really weak!""No... that guy is really strong." "Even we lost by just a little bit." The two still stubbornly said these things, and even Zoro felt embarrassed for them."Fullbody, don't bully the weak, let's go!" A gentle voice came out, and at the same time, a pair of beautiful arms pulled on Fullbody.Seeing his female companion so anxious, Fullbodydidn't stay any longer. "Ah! Alright, let's go now."After responding to his companion, Fullbody looked at Alex and the others."Pirates, consider yourselves lucky. It's my regular day off now. I'm just here to enjoy some gourmet food. Next time I run into you while on duty, you'll be dead."At this moment, Nami saw the things scattered beside Johnny, picked them up, and asked him what they were."Ah, that! That's the list of wanted criminals, Big Sister Nami."But when Nami looked at one of the wanted posters, her body trembled, as if she were afraid of something.At this time, Johnny was still explaining: "It's really a good business; as long as you kill them, you can get the corresponding bounty." Suddenly, Johnnysensed Nami's body trembling and hurriedly asked what was wrong.Usopp's voice came over, interrupting their conversation."Hey! This is bad! That guy is aiming a cannon at us!"Everyone looked over in unison, and sure enough, a cannon was aiming at them. Fullbody told his subordinates to sink them, and then he walked into the restaurant with his companion."They fired!" Usopp felt like he was going to die. But Luffy jumped in front, and just as Usopp asked what he was doing, Luffy began to inhale, blowing up his body like a balloon. "Watch this, Gum-Gum... Balloon!"The cannonball was fired and hit the inflated Luffysquarely. Then, Luffy forcefully bounced the cannonball away. "Returning the cannonball to you."Perhaps it was too close, or perhaps for other reasons, Luffy's action caused the cannonball to land precisely on a corner of the third floor of the Sea Restaurant. This scene shocked Zoro, as they still needed to find a sea cook there later, and now they had gone and hit the restaurant directly.What were they supposed to do now? So he hurriedly questioned Luffy: "Where did you send the cannonball back to? Idiot!"This scene not only left Luffy's side in a state of shock, but even the Marine felt fearful. After all, he hadn't left yet, and if the opponent had really reflected it back, he would have truly been buried at sea.After calming down, he brought his companion inside the restaurant and, guided by a waiter, went to the pre-booked table. This was a central location, considered the most premium spot.Others saw this and were envious, and some even recognized his identity: "Look, that's CaptainFullbody sitting over there." "No way, that Captainfrom Marine Headquarters?"The two clinked glasses, and the companion praised him: "So amazing, everyone is looking at you..." Fullbody also praised her: "No... they are captivated."As a sip of red wine went down, Fullbody began to evaluate it. "Delicious... this faint fragrance... it's the scent of the northern lands of Migio. Within the faint acidity, there is a rich spiciness. This wine must be Iduusbuga Stein. Waiter, am I right?"This statement caused everyone present to turn their heads and look at him in shock.
Chapter 40: Pirate Restaurant"You are gravely mistaken, sir." A handsome young man with golden hair walked over, carrying a tray with a dish.His left eye was covered, his right eyebrow curled into a circle, and he had a cigarette dangling from his mouth."By the way, I am the Sous-Chef. All the waiters ran off yesterday.""Here is your soup. Please enjoy it while it's hot." After saying this, he set down the plate and left.At this moment, Fullbody's expression turned ugly, and sweat trickled down his temple.Other guests at nearby tables were struggling to hold back their laughter."Hey, don't laugh!" "But his confident demeanor..."His female companion didn't seem to care and continued to ask him, "Are you very familiar with this place?"Upon hearing his companion's question, Fullbodyfroze for a moment, and only after hearing about the wine did he stammer a response."Yeah... my tongue seems a bit dull today."Meanwhile, Fullbody was wondering what was going on, as he had clearly reserved this type of wine.On the third floor of the restaurant, where the cannonball fired by Luffy had exploded, many chefs ran over after hearing the noise.Upon entering, they discovered that a hole had been blown into the owner's room.They hurriedly asked if the owner was injured! But they were met with the owner's roar."As if I'm fine! Alright, get back to the shop and get to work!"Everyone was still concerned about the owner's health, but they were rebuffed by a single sentence."Do you want to make me angry? Besides, a chef's responsibility is to feed the customers! Do you want my shop to go out of business? Idiots!"Hearing the owner's words, a few people dressed as chefs brought up a young man from behind them—this was Luffy."Owner, we've brought the person!" "This is the guy who did it!"Luffy apologized, but when he looked up and saw the other person's appearance, he immediately became nervous again.Because this older man, with his golden braided beard and wearing a long chef's hat, had a severed right leg."Ahhh! I blew off a leg!"The other staff put Luffy down and returned to the kitchen below to work.After talking with the owner, Luffy learned that his name was Zeff, and that the severed leg had not been blown off by him."What! You only had one leg to begin with... Still, you're injured elsewhere on your body!"Owner Zeff asked if he had any money, and if not, he should just stay here and work.Luffy readily agreed; after all, this was caused by him, so he had to do his best.Seeing that he agreed, Zeff said, "One year of free manual labor! If you do that, I'll forgive you!"Hearing that he had to stay here for a year, even the thick-skulled Luffy was shocked. At this moment, on the pirate ship outside the restaurant.Alex and the others lay on the deck discussing Luffy's current situation."Luffy is really slow... He'll probably be forced to do a month of manual labor!" Zoro lay on the deck, starting to think about what kind of punishment Luffy would face later."Why didn't he just say he was implicated by the Marine? He's such a fool!" Nami couldn't stand it and started complaining.Usopp suggested going inside to take a look and having a meal while they were at it."That's fine. We can also taste the skills of the chefs there, since we need to find one for the ship."Alex agreed with Usopp's suggestion, and so everyone walked into the restaurant.At this moment, Fullbody in the restaurant shouted for a waiter.The blonde young man from before walked over."Didn't I tell you? I'm not a waiter. Honestly, this young lady is beautiful! How about it? Come have a drink with me across the way? I have some high-quality wine."Hearing the other person's words, the lady was a bit bewildered.But Fullbody interrupted his flirting and pointed to the soup in the plate, saying."Hey! Is it your custom to let customers drink this kind of soup?"Hearing this, the Sous-Chef looked into the soup, and sure enough, there was a bug floating on top.Fullbody was doing this to ruin the other person's reputation, and the reason was that the other person had made a fool of him.Seeing everyone's eyes drawn over, Fullbodypointed to the bug in the soup and asked him what kind of bug it was.The man bowed elegantly and then said, "I'm sorry, sir, I don't know. I'm not very familiar with insects."This sentence made the lady nearby laugh, and at the same time, other diners started laughing too.These laughs seemed to be mocking Fullbody.Unable to take it, he smashed the whole table with a powerful punch, then Fullbody clenched his fist and looked at the Sous-Chef."It seems you still don't know who I am..."But the Sous-Chef squatted down, looked at the soup spilled on the floor, and said with some sadness, "As long as you remove the bug, the soup can still be drunk, right?"Hearing his words, Fullbody was furious, "What! I am a paying customer! A mere chef is too arrogant!"The lady nearby saw that Fullbody was about to hit someone and hurriedly spoke up to stop him, "Stop! Fullbody! Forgive him!"However, the Sous-Chef asked indifferently, "Can money... be eaten?"The chefs behind him saw this and immediately came over to stop it."Hey! Go stop Sanji!" "Sous-Chef, stop it." It turned out this blonde Sous-Chef was named Sanji.The next second, Fullbody could no longer hold back and swung his fist, but Sanji's leg was faster, and he defeated the other person in just one blow.The lady saw Fullbody knocked down, covered her mouth, and shouted his name in surprise.Looking now, Sanji was tightly gripping Fullbody's neck, and his face was covered in blood."Going against a chef at sea is equivalent to suicide, and you better remember this... You cannot waste food..."But Fullbody was about to lose consciousness, so how could he hear any of this.At this moment, in the owner's room, Luffy started to bargain with him, as a year was too long."Give me a discount! I'll work for one week!"Owner Zeff was almost laughed to anger after hearing this, "Are you kidding me... You blew up my shop with a cannonball and caused me, the Head Chef, to suffer serious injuries... One week of work is not enough compensation... Therefore, as compensation, you must work here for a full year."Zeff said this while hitting Luffy with his long chef's hat.Luffy felt that he couldn't do that when he heard he had to work here for a year."No, I endured for ten years just to become a pirate! I absolutely cannot stop for a year. Fine, that's decided, I'll work here for one week as compensation!"Hearing Luffy decide the compensation time on his own, Zeff could no longer tolerate it.He then stood up and kicked Luffy flying with his prosthetic leg."It's not up to you, idiot, to make the decision! Look at my Head Chef prosthetic leg kick. Whether I forgive you is up to me!"But Luffy, who had been kicked away, couldn't help but exclaim when he saw Zeff being so lively.Hearing Luffy's words, Zeff told him to shut up.At the same time, he asked again, "Kid, since you treasure your time so much, I have a faster solution."After speaking, Zeff turned around, took out a saw, and said sinisterly, "That is to... leave one foot behind!" Hearing this, Luffy obviously refused, "I'm obviously not doing that... You're really an idiot, old man!"Hearing himself being complained about like this, Zeff couldn't hold back either. He jumped high, "Don't think that just because you don't want to, I'll let you off! Kid! Take this, Head Chef's Thousand-Catty Drop!"After speaking, Zeff fell from high in the air, and that prosthetic leg kicked hard toward Luffy.Perhaps the force was too great, or perhaps the cannonball explosion had reduced the structural integrity of the room.This caused Zeff and Luffy to fall directly into the floor below.At this time, Patty, who had come out of the restroom, had just finished tidying his appearance and was walking toward the dining hall, but what he saw was the scene of Sanji gripping Fullbody's neck.Seeing this, he couldn't help but shout, "Sanji, is it you again? What are you doing to the customer? And it happens to be a Marine Lieutenant!"Sanji heard the voice and turned to look, "Oh, so it's you, you bastard chef. And don't call me by my name, you have no manners."Just as the two were arguing loudly, Sanji heard that Fullbody wanted to tear down the shop.Hearing this, Sanji couldn't take it. He wouldn't allow anyone to tear down the shop, so he prepared to kill the other person right there.The chefs nearby heard this and hurriedly tried to stop him.Just as everything was in chaos, the Head Chef and Luffy fell down from the ceiling.Luffy and Zeff blamed each other for breaking the ceiling.Seeing Zeff come out, Patty hurriedly reported the situation, saying that Sanji was beating up a customer and asked him to handle it.After listening, Zeff kicked Sanji and said, "Do you want my restaurant to go out of business, you brat?"Then he kicked Fullbody flying with another kick, "And you, get out of here too!"Seeing this scene, Fullbody couldn't understand it at all. What did these chefs think of customers? How could they be as bad as pirates?Just as everyone was arguing, a soldier with blood on his forehead opened the door and reported to Fullbody in a panic."Lieutenant, Lieutenant Fullbody... No... It's bad! So... sorry! That person escaped from... the brig!""The subordinate of the pirate Don Krieg has escaped! That's... that's the one we seven searched for, following the trail of Don Krieg's crew. We finally managed to catch him."Fullbody also loudly questioned the other person, how could a criminal who had been starved for three days escape.At the same time, the shop became panicked after hearing the name of Don Krieg.Because Don Krieg was the strongest pirate crew in the entire East Blue.Bang, a gunshot interrupted the noisy restaurant.The Marine soldier was shot and fell to the ground, unable to get up.Then a man covered in blood and wearing a sports headband walked over."Give me something to eat... Anything is fine... This is a restaurant, right?" He asked weakly if there was any food here.Patty rubbed his hands and walked over, "Welcome, idiot!"Hearing the other person's words, he didn't say much, just responded weakly, "I'll say this one last time... I am a customer, and I'm here to get food!"Fullbody, who was nearby, sighed that the chef was going to die.Instead, Patty was still there asking with a full smile, "I'm very sorry, idiot. Did you bring money?"Hearing this, the man held a gun to Patty's head, "I didn't bring money, can I use bullets instead?"Patty wasn't afraid, he was just confirming whether the other person really didn't have any money.
Chapter 41: The Wonderful Use of Transformation TechniqueDetermined that the other party had no money and was a freeloader, Patty stopped feigning kindness, clenched his hands, and then delivered a heavy blow, smashing the man into the table.The immense force caused the table to shatter.The chefs and customers nearby watched him with excitement, but Zeff was the one speaking."Damn it, Patty, how dare you break the store's tables and chairs!"Luffy marveled at how strong this guy was.Patty cracked his knuckles and said coldly: "People who can't pay aren't customers."The customers and chefs nearby shouted: "Well done! Chef! Don't let the pirate go! Patty!"The man's stomach rumbled.Patty asked with feigned concern, but actual contempt: "Oh… your stomach is growling, pirate!""That was a fart… idiot. Alright, hurry up and bring some food." The pirate was still being stubborn.Unable to stand it anymore, Patty roared: "If you aren't a customer, then get lost!"Sanji, nearby, walked silently toward the kitchen.Patty beat the pirate while explaining the rules: "This is a restaurant that serves customers! Pirates with no money don't even get to eat the leftovers!"Fullbody slipped away quietly; this was too terrifying for him.Instead, Patty lifted the corner of his apron and started tap dancing amidst the customers' cheers."Come on, everyone, please continue your meal!" But the pirate under his feet was being trampled frantically.Finally, he was thrown to the back to fend for himself.The pirate could only lie on the deck, enduring the hunger in his stomach.At this moment, a plate of fried rice and a glass of water were placed in front of him."Eat!" It was Sanji; he had gone to the back kitchen just to fry a plate of rice.The pirate swallowed hard, immediately picked it up, and devoured it."Shameful… This is the most delicious meal I've ever had in my life. Shameful! Shameful! I thought I was going to die…"The man wept while eating, and Sanji stood by, smoking, smiling and saying: "Tastes good, right?"At this time, Luffy stood above, watching everything below, and smiled: "Found one… a good chef."Then Luffy shouted: "That's great, let him have a full meal! I thought you were going to die here—hahahaha!"After addressing the pirate, Luffy looked at Sanji: "Hey, Chef! Become our crewmate! Become the cook on my pirate ship!"Sanji looked at him with a 'what are you talking about' expression.Luffy jumped down and explained it to him. After listening to Luffy's explanation, Sanji lit another cigarette."Oh… so you're a pirate! By the way, why did you blast our shop with cannons?"Facing the question, Luffy nonchalantly said it was an accident.Afterwards, the three talked. Sanji told Luffy not to get his hopes up; Chef Zeff used to be a pirate, and the chefs here themselves came because of his reputation.So they all have a bit of a pirate temper, and they are not easy to get along with."This place is indeed lively as hell." This was Luffy's impression after what he just saw.Sanji admitted it: "It's like this every day. Recently, it's even attracted many customers who want to watch the chefs and pirates brawl. Because of this, the part-time waiters have all run away in fear."At this moment, Luffy realized why that old man wanted him to work here."Ha! So that's why he told me to work here for a year! Whatever, be our crewmate!" Luffy issued the invitation again.Unfortunately, Sanji completely rejected the invitation: "I refuse. I have a reason to work in this restaurant."Luffy got stubborn and rejected Sanji's rejection.Hearing Luffy's words, Sanji didn't understand what he meant.Hearing Luffy explain that he rejected his rejection because he is a good person, so he should join them as a pirate.What kind of theory is that? Sanji couldn't help but be speechless.The two naturally started arguing. Sanji said if he didn't listen, he would chop Straw Hat into pieces.And when Luffy heard someone insult his Straw Hat, he immediately became as angry as Buggy and wanted to challenge Sanji to a duel.At this time, Buggy, who was searching for his limbs on the Mysterious Animal Island, was talking to the broom-head man when he suddenly sneezed, but he didn't pay it any mind.Seeing the two arguing, the pirate spoke up to stop them."Please forgive me for interrupting you…"Hearing the other party speak, Luffy got off Sanji."My name is Gin, and I am from the Don Krieg Pirate Armada…" Gin didn't state his rank, only that he was a member of the fleet."You're a pirate too, right? So what is your goal?" This question was clearly addressed to Luffy.Luffy stated his goal: "My goal is 'ONE PIECE'. I'm going to enter the Grand Line."Hearing 'Grand Line', Gin seemed to recall something terrible, and his body began to tremble.Then he carefully asked Luffy: "I see you're looking for a chef. Are you short on crew?"Luffy nodded and pointed at Sanji: "Now, adding him, there are six people."Sanji complained from the side: "Why are you adding me!"Gin had some affinity for Luffy, so he prepared to give him a warning: "I don't think you're a bad guy, so here is some advice… Do whatever you want, but you must give up on the Grand Line. You're still young, no need to throw your life away. Besides, the Grand Line is just one part of the world's many oceans. If you want to be a pirate, there are plenty of places in the vast ocean."Hearing this, Luffy seemed to understand something, so he asked Gin if he had been to the Grand Line.Hearing this, Gin clutched his head, looking extremely pained, but he kept muttering: "No, I don't know… I don't know anything. That's exactly why it's so terrifying!"Seeing the other party like this, Sanji was somewhat suspicious of why this self-proclaimed crew member of Don Krieg was so cowardly.Luffy, however, became interested in Don Krieg, since he hadn't heard of him.Sanji introduced him to Luffy: "Don Krieg is the strongest and most vicious pirate in these waters. He is a Captain who leads fifty pirate ships; he is the leader of a pirate armada. You could say he's a monster."Luffy screamed after hearing this; after all, the leader of a massive armada of fifty ships must be very strong.Gin said goodbye to the two and boarded the small boat Sanji had gifted him."Goodbye! And this is just a piece of advice for you!"This was said to Luffy, but Luffy was determined to go to the Grand Line."Haha, do as you please! I'm an outsider; I have no right to restrict your freedom. By the way, Sanji… thank you so much. You are my savior; that meal was delicious to the extreme. Can I eat again?"Seeing the smile on the other's face, Sanji happily said: "You're welcome anytime."At this time, Zeff walked over: "Hey! You chore boy, so this is where you are!"Seeing the old man had arrived, Luffy realized things were looking bad.At the same time, Zeff looked at the empty bowls and water glass nearby and realized something.Sanji urged him to leave, and Gin, realizing he had caused Sanji to get scolded, felt a bit embarrassed.Sanji kicked the plates and water glass, shattering them, and then kicked the pieces into the sea to destroy the evidence."The reason for being scolded… and the evidence are both gone. Also, don't get caught again, Gin!"Gin knelt in the small boat and kowtowed to thank Sanji.Seeing that the matter was handled, Zeff spoke up: "Sanji, chore boy, get back to work."At this time, Luffy went to the back kitchen to begin his work as a chore boy.Of course, because he didn't know how to work, he first sat in the kitchen, then was told to wash dishes, but he broke a bowl for every one he washed, and later he even started stealing food.Of course, how Luffy's chore boy life went won't be detailed further. Alex and his group decided to come here to eat and walked into the restaurant.After sitting down, Alex saw the blond youth acting as a waiter nearby.And he was chatting openly with female customers at other tables.At the same time, he was implying that he could give them free meals. Because of this, Alex came up with a good plan.After telling everyone the plan, Usopp had an expression of shock.Zoro, however, smiled with a wicked sense of humor and did not stop him.Similarly, Nami gave suggestions, saying she could give him some pointers.Although he didn't know why Zoro and Usoppseemed to have swapped personalities, Alexrefused Nami's request and went to the pirate ship alone.He used the Transformation Technique and turned into the appearance of Esdeath from Akame ga Kill.That long blue hair, beautiful features, and curvaceous figure, coupled with the temperament of an Ice Queen.When Alex walked into the restaurant again, he immediately attracted a lot of attention, and of course, this included Sanji."Ah~ Cold Queen, it is fate, it is fate that we meet here! If I could be with you, even if it meant being frozen by your cold gaze, I would be willing. Even if it meant kneeling at your feet, that would be my supreme honor!""Hooked." This was Alex's thought, but he didn't say anything; he walked straight to Zoro. It seemed Zoroand the others had already ordered food.Zoro looked at the woman in front of him, knowing it was Alex. Although he knew the other's intentions, he didn't know why he didn't want to stop him; mainly, seeing that lecherous chef get frustrated would be great.Usopp watched Alex from up close, while secretly marveling: as expected of a Ninja, truly amazing.Nami was even happier. Through her earlier observations, she realized that the blond guy seemed to be the sous-chef here; perhaps they could really save some money.Perhaps Alex's performance was too eye-catching, or perhaps Nami was intentionally hiding from him, which resulted in Sanji not seeing Nami.After the food was served, Alex remained seated with an aristocratic air, ready to start tasting.But Luffy had been kicked out to act as a server. As for why he came out instead of doing chores in the back kitchen.One look at the broken bowls and plates and leftover food on the floor would tell you why.The food the chefs worked themselves to death to make was eaten by him before long.Helpless, everyone had to kick him into the main hall to mop the floor.The moment Luffy appeared, he saw everyone tasting food, and Alex had turned into another appearance.Although it wasn't clear why Alex had become this appearance, the large scroll on his back could still be seen.
Chapter 42: Sanji's Mental Breakdown"Wait, why are you all eating here?""Hey, chore boy.""Heard you have to work for a year!""What would happen if you changed the flag on the ship?"Nami, Usopp, and Zoro each began to tease Luffy.On the other hand, Alex said, "Captain, if you have to stay here for a long time, I can wait for you! Also, I have some food here, do you want to eat?"Hearing Alex's words, the anger Luffy previously felt about everyone leaving him behind to enjoy the food vanished.But he also asked Alex in confusion, "Hey Alex, why did you change like this? And you bastards! How dare you eat delicious food behind my back! That's too much!"Hearing Luffy's words, Zoro immediately said, "Not really, this is our freedom. As for Alex, why don't you just ask him?"When Zoro spoke, he was facing Usopp, so he didn't see Luffy sneakily put a booger into the cup.Usopp saw it, and while laughing, he held it back: "Ah ah... ah, yeah..."Zoro picked up the cup to drink water: "By the way, the food here is really good. Although I feel a bit bad for you..."At this moment, to keep Zoro from noticing anything strange, Usopp lowered his head and covered his mouth, not letting himself laugh out loud.Just as he was about to drink, Zoro shoved the water from the cup into Luffy's mouth."Eat this kind of crap!"Apparently, he had discovered the booger in the cup and immediately forced the water into Luffy's mouth.After drinking the water, Luffy clutched his stomach, rolling on the ground while questioning Zoro."You... what are you doing?"Hearing Luffy, Zoro stood up and said, "That's what I should be asking you!"Meanwhile, Usopp, seeing that the matter was over, clutched his stomach and burst into laughter."Hahahaha... my stomach hurts from laughing."Alex was also smiling faintly on the side. If not for the fear that his transformed identity wouldn't match the situation, his laughter would have been louder than Usopp's.At this moment, Sanji heard Luffy's voice and finally noticed them. It turned out to be the table of customers he had given a free meal to, but he wondered how he knew that "pretty lady."And he hadn't expected to see another beautiful lady. Ah, one sweet, one cold—was this combination a gift from the heavens?He walked over."Ah~ Ocean, thank you for letting me meet her today. Ah~ Love, please mock me as I suffer in agony! If I could be with them, I would be willing to become a pirate or even a demon. But, how tragic! There is a huge obstacle between us!"As he said this, a voice came from behind Sanji: "The obstacle you're talking about is me, right, Sanji?"Seeing it was Zeff, Sanji glared at him: "Ugh, you old geezer!"Facing Sanji's address, Zeff ignored it: "It's a good opportunity, go be a pirate. This restaurant doesn't need you anymore."Hearing Zeff's words, Sanji was stunned.Meanwhile, on a small island, the returning Gin stood in front of someone."I see... That cook saved your life. That's why you were able to come back, right... Gin.""Yes... yes. But... I didn't expect our main ship to end up like this... Captain Don Krieg."Seeing Don Krieg's expression change, Gin quickly offered to take him there, to the floating restaurant Baratie.Back at the restaurant, Sanji immediately retorted after hearing Zeff's words."Hey, you old geezer. I am the sous-chef here. To say this restaurant doesn't need me, what on earth does that mean?"Zeff looked at Sanji and responded calmly: "You often get into arguments with customers, and you get all giddy whenever you see a girl. Didn't you just waive the meal fee for that little girl just now? And you can't even make good food. I'm saying you're basically a burden to this restaurant! You also know that the other chefs have long been annoyed with you. Whether you become a pirate or do whatever, just get out of this restaurant!"Alex noticed the boss's voice getting louder and louder, eventually becoming a roar, but there was no anger in his tone; instead, it sounded like he was driving him away.Hearing the other side say this, Sanji didn't intend to endure it anymore, stepped forward, grabbed him by the collar, and said."What? Because I stayed silent, you've gone too far? You old geezer! I can let other things slide, but you absolutely cannot insult the food I make. No matter what you say, I'm going to be a chef here! No complaints allowed!"Zeff just twisted his body forcefully, sending Sanjiflying, and he crashed heavily onto a nearby table."Why are you grabbing the head chef by the chest? You bastard!"Watching Sanji being thrown over, Alex, Zoro, Usopp, and Nami each grabbed two plates, which prevented the plates from being broken.It also prevented the food in the plates from being wasted.Sanji sat on the ground, cursing internally, while Zeffgave a disdainful snort."Damn it, even if you chase me away! I will continue to be a chef in this restaurant! Until you die!"Hearing Sanji's words, Zeff just said calmly: "I won't die, I can live another hundred years." Then he left and turned back to the kitchen.The people in the back kitchen heard bits and pieces and thought Sanji was trying to seize the position of head chef.Luffy, on the other hand, patted Sanji on the shoulder and said: "Ah—that's great, he agreed. Now you can be a pirate..."Before Luffy could finish, Sanji roared: "Be a pirate your head!"After saying this, Sanji tidied up the table and arranged the plates, then, looking like a lecherous demon, came to Alex and Nami to curry favor."I was too rude just now. As an apology, I have specially prepared assorted cheese and fruit sundaes for you two. The after-dinner drink is Grand Marnier liqueur. Please enjoy, Your Highness, Your Majesty."Nami looked at the desserts and drinks in front of her and said happily: "Wow, thank you! How thoughtful."Alex said in a relatively cool, detached voice: "I appreciate your service, Knight!"Sanji first replied to Nami that it was his duty, then thanked Alex for the compliment, addressing her as Your Majesty.Meanwhile, Usopp shouted at him: "Do you have no sincerity for us? Careful, or I'll report you for sexism, you perverted cook! And why do you want to... oh, never mind."Similarly, Zoro didn't show any reaction, instead sipping his tea on the side.Usopp just wanted to expose Alex's identity, but was intimidated by a glare from him."Didn't I already serve you coarse tea! You should be satisfied and thank me properly! Idiots!"Hearing Sanji's words, Usopp started arguing with him: "Oh! Looking for a beating? We won't go easy on you! Take him down, Zoro!"Zoro, who was drinking tea, told Usopp to go himself.Luffy was busy tasting the sundae Alex had shared with him.Seeing that Zoro wouldn't help him, Usopp went to his seat and pointed at the plate."For male customers, you don't even clear the plates?"Facing Usopp's question, Sanji saw there were leftovers on the plate: "There are still mushrooms left? Eat them!"After hearing this, Usopp butted heads with him again, but this time they were so close that even his nose was pushed sideways."I left them there on purpose! When I was a kid, I was poisoned by mushrooms, so I hate eating mushrooms."Sanji realized that the other party was questioning his culinary skills."These mushrooms aren't poisonous, so eat them all, long-nosed guy!"Seeing the two arguing, Nami quickly told them to stop and not argue over her.Sanji immediately stopped arguing. He came over to Nami's side, and Nami stroked his cheek and said softly."By the way, handsome cook... The food here is a bit expensive for me. Although today's meal was free, we still have to bother you for a while..."Then Nami hugged Sanji.At this moment, Sanji's eyes turned into hearts as he shouted: "It's okay! For these few days, it's all free for you and Her Majesty!"At the same time, he looked at Usopp with an expression of disgust and said: "You guys have to pay up obediently!"Seeing the other party being so double-standard, Usopp couldn't help but say something.But Sanji ignored him and walked away lightly.Then he went to the door to continue welcoming other young ladies.At this moment, two beautiful ladies walked in."Hi, Sanji, long time no see.""Yes, welcome, Roxa!"After they left, Zoro looked at Nami: "You're a witch, right... and you, Alex, you're a demon!"Luffy drank the coarse tea and watched Sanji, thinking about how to recruit him onto his ship.Nami looked at Zoro and told him to be careful.Alex said it was nothing, and called Usopp over to ask him: "Usopp, do you want to see his expression tomorrow when he sees what I really look like!"Usopp was originally still fuming, but after hearing this, he covered his mouth with his hand and started laughing.At this moment, a large foot landed on Luffy's head: "By the way, what are you doing sitting here, you chore boy? When guests enter the shop, you need to provide towels!"After saying this, he dragged Luffy to the door, and Luffy knew to say, "Yes, sir."Just like that, two days passed, and Alex's identity was exposed.Of course, this was known to the other party after the first day passed, because Alex accidentally went to the men's restroom, where Sanji saw a sight that would be hard to heal from for a lifetime.After coming out of the restroom, Sanji kept repeating words like "big caterpillar," "pretty boy," "okama," etc., in confusion.Later, under the blow of Zeff's wooden leg, he finally recovered, and the first thing he did upon recovering was to look for Alex.Alex revealed his true face in front of him by dispelling the Transformation Technique.Although Alex looked quite good and it was hard to tell his gender at first glance, that was only at first glance. If he were wearing normal clothes, one could still tell that he was a handsome boy.But this was enough to cause a shock to Sanji.And during these two days, he never looked for Alexagain.Usopp saw it and was happy in his heart. At the same time, he told Alex that next time he could perform a multiple transformation: dispel it to become even prettier, and then dispel it again to become incredibly ugly; at that time, there would surely be an unexpected reaction.Alex nodded after hearing this, indicating that Usopp was right, and recorded this down, thinking it might really distract an opponent.One must know that between experts, even a tiny distraction is a fatal existence.
Chapter 43: Leader Don KriegIt was a pity that Sanji's mental self-healing ability was too strong; he recovered in just two days.Perhaps to commemorate the dead past, or perhaps because he had awakened some other kind of emotion, Sanji did not ask Alex for money for the food, both yesterday's and today's.Just as he had said before, it was all free, and the after-dinner desserts and drinks were not revoked either.This scared Alex, who thought his actions had somehow changed the sexual orientation of a perfectly normal person.Only later did he find out that it was Sanjicommemorating his lost youth.However, no one noticed that something that shouldn't have happened, happened anyway.That was, Leader Don Krieg's pirate ship appeared outside the Baratie.Compared to that towering vessel, the entire restaurant looked like a strong man facing an elementary school student.The sound of a shattering wine glass drew everyone's attention to the window.When the customers eating inside looked out the window, they discovered the pirate flag representing Don Krieg fluttering outside."It's Leader Don Krieg's pirate ship!""The hourglasses on both sides of the skull are there to intimidate enemies… There's no mistake, that is Leader Don Krieg's pirate ship!""Why would they come here?"Two chefs in the kitchen were asking Patty, as he had boasted after driving away Gin that he would expel the Don Krieg pirates if they came for revenge.Now that they had really come, they naturally had to ask if he would drive them away."Look! Patty! They really came! You're going to drive them away, right?"Patty clutched his head and trembled all over; he hadn't expected this to actually happen, as no one would personally lead a fleet here just for a mere underling."Is… is there some mistake? He is the leader of a pirate fleet with five thousand soldiers… How could he come all this way just to take revenge for one subordinate?"But his companion reminded him that if he didn't believe it, he could go to the window and look, because it was real.At this moment, on the going merry outside the restaurant, Alex and the others also saw the large ship.Usopp called for everyone to hurry and get away, while the two severely injured patients, Johnny and Yosaku, raised their plaster-cast arms and shouted."Big brothers! Hurry and leave, we don't want to die yet!"Zoro, however, looked at the ship with a grave expression."What is it, Zoro? You can tell, right? The wounds on this ship are sword cuts, which means they were chased here by a master swordsman."Zoro did not speak, just stared at the ship in front of him with a heavy expression, wondering if that man had caused this.Alex patted Zoro on the shoulder before walking into the restaurant; he wanted to see what kind of strength the man known as a great pirate, Don Krieg, truly possessed.Luffy, seeing everyone discussing Don Krieg, thought it was Gin coming to repay the favor.Sanji, with a grave expression, indicated that Luffywas wrong: "I don't think so… but it's too strange. That ship is in tatters. To destroy a ship to this extent… human power alone absolutely couldn't do it… It must have been caused by some natural disaster.""No, it can be done. Alex could dismantle this ship!"Luffy had no objections to the earlier part, but when Sanji said human power couldn't do it, Luffyinterrupted him, stating that Alex could do it.Sanji didn't argue, but stared intently at everything before him; compared to that, the trouble right in front of him was more pressing.Similarly, Head Chef Zeff was also looking at everything before him with a grave expression.Just then, a tall figure pushed open the door and walked in.Seeing the person who had entered, everyone in the hall, whether guests or chefs, stood frozen in place.Because the person who pushed the door open was the man known as the Admiral of the Pirate Fleet, Leader Don Krieg.His formerly tall body was now slumped over a pirate.This pirate was Gin, who had been beaten by Patty.Don Krieg used his low, hoarse voice to ask: "Excuse me… could you… give me some… water and food…"After saying this, he seemed to have used up all his strength, gasping for breath on the spot."Huff… huff… huff… huff…"After panting for a long time, he spoke again: "I have money, I will give you as much as you want…"The chefs looked at this guy who had no dignity or spirit left—was this really Don Krieg?On the other hand, Luffy and Sanji were concerned about this guy called Don Krieg."He looks like he's starving.""What exactly is going on…"Don Krieg hadn't stood for long before he collapsed to the ground with a thud, and at the same time, a rumbling sound came from his stomach.Gin also looked at everyone present, "Please, give him some water and food! I beg you! Save our Captain! If this goes on, he will die!"Seeing Don Krieg kneeling on the ground, Pattylaughed loudly: "Hahaha, hahaha! Great! This is hilarious! Is this the glorious image of the notorious Leader Don Krieg?"Facing Patty's mockery, Gin didn't pay much attention, instead continuing to say in a pleading tone: "We brought money this time! We are customers!"But Patty acted as if he hadn't heard, shouting towards the back: "Go contact the Marine! He is so weak right now, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the World Government. No need to give him anything to eat, hurry up and capture him!"At the same time, some customers also shouted: "That's right! Who knows what he'll do once he recovers!""He has committed countless evils in his daily life; he should just be left to starve to death!""He deserves to die, who told him to do evil!"The chefs were also full of worry: "If we let Don Krieg recover his strength, he will definitely attack our restaurant.""We can't even give him a drop of water."Alex walked in at this moment; what he saw was a tall man lying on the ground, with one person beside him begging for food.And those people dressed in fancy clothes were clamoring not to give the other party food or drink.Although everyone saw Alex, they didn't pay much attention to him; after all, lowering one's presence was a basic element of being a Ninja.Arriving at his seat, Alex saw the following scene.That Don Krieg was kneeling in front of everyone, saying with repentance in his voice: "I won't do anything! I promise you, if you give me something to eat, I will definitely go back quietly… Please… save me…"This voice was as sincere as it could be, as genuine as it could be.Gin, seeing his own Captain kneeling before everyone for a bite to eat, also called out for him not to do this."Leader Don Krieg! Don't do this! Don't debase yourself begging others! You shouldn't do this! Don't be so shameful!"But that Don Krieg was unmoved: "I beg you! Even leftovers will do, just give me something to eat… Anything will do…"Hearing the Captain's words, Gin closed his eyes and knelt silently on the side, unable to believe that the person in front of him was his Captain.Just when the chefs and customers thought this was a trick to gain sympathy, that chef designated by Luffy, Sanji, had already come out of the kitchen, and at the same time, he was holding a portion of fried rice and a bottle of wine."Hey, Patty, get lost!"After saying this, he kicked Patty away; looking at the distance he was kicked, it wasn't close."Interesting." Alex could see it; this guy had a sharp tongue but a soft heart, and he and that guy named Patty were like a bickering pair.Because Sanji also knew that if he gave food to someone like Don Krieg, the other party would definitely attack once full, so he kicked him away in advance to avoid being attacked by that guy called Don Krieg."Gin, take this and give it to that guy to eat."Gin saw the food and drink handed to him, and seeing it was Sanji, couldn't help but shout the other person's name, while also knowing that he was troubling the other person again.Don Krieg on the side, upon seeing the fried rice and wine, didn't even ask for a spoon and started eating in large mouthfuls.Seeing Don Krieg eating, the chefs in the back shouted to stop him."Hey, Sanji, hurry and take that food back! You brat, don't you know who he is?"As he spoke, the chef introduced this person called Don Krieg, while Don Krieg didn't pay much attention to them while eating."The Overlord of the East Blue, the backstabbing Don Krieg—that's him. He first escaped from prison… then went to become a sailor! He killed his superior on a Marine ship, then seized the ship and ran… From then on, he became a pirate! Sometimes he would hang the Marine flag to enter a harbor, then attack villages and civilian ships… Sometimes he would hang the white flag of surrender, then launch a sneak attack on the enemy! To win, he can use any means necessary! That's why he could become the great pirate he is today! This man is not just famous in name only… so he absolutely will not go back quietly after finishing his meal! Refusing to save such a villain… is saving the whole world!"The chef's voice got louder as he spoke, and by the end, he was already shouting.At this moment, Don Krieg finished eating and suddenly attacked Sanji, but Alex, who was watching him from the side, noticed the muscle twitch in his leg the moment it happened. Alex left his seat and kicked his fist.He broke the move he was using to sneak attack Sanji."Hmph, I didn't expect there to be an expert here who could see through my sneak attack, but kid, you'd better stay out of this; this matter has nothing to do with you!""If I stay out of it, you'll sneak attack me. Am I that stupid?"Don Krieg, seeing his attack interrupted by a pretty boy and his subsequent methods seen through by the other party, couldn't help but want to rely on brute force.Luffy, seeing Alex appear, asked why he was there."Me? I just came to see the strength of this so-called Overlord Don Krieg. I didn't expect to see a pretty good drama as well."At this moment, Gin, who was on the side, made a sound: "You… you went back on your word! Leader Don Krieg! You promised not to attack this shop, that's why I brought you here! Besides, that person is the savior of both of us!"Gin saw it with his own eyes; if that pretty boy hadn't suddenly appeared, his benefactor, Mr. Sanji, would have been kicked away by the Captain.This was clearly different from what had been agreed upon.Instead, Don Krieg didn't say much, but withdrew his hand and grabbed Gin's shoulder, squeezing it.Gin also let out a miserable scream; it was clear that he was really going to crush his bones.Don Krieg, confirming that his recovery was good, simply said a few words: "Haha, it was delicious, I feel like I've come back to life. It would have been better if that pretty boy wasn't there."Then he looked at the restaurant and muttered to himself: "Not a bad restaurant! So this ship belongs to me!"The chefs behind him saw this scene and said to Sanji: "See? This is Don Krieg. He wants to take this ship right after finishing his meal, and he even tried to hit you. If it weren't for that young man, you would definitely have been knocked away."
Chapter 44: Red Leg ZeffSanji listened to what he said without retorting, because he knew what kind of person the other was, but he could not bear to watch someone starve to death before his eyes.If Alex knew about his internal monologue, he would understand that Sanji was suffering from PTSD; he likely had his own experience of nearly starving to death, which was why he felt such an indescribable sympathy for others of his kind.Furthermore, he did not argue back, as he had indeed been blocked from attacking by Alex.The guests nearby, led by several chefs, came to the restaurant's back door and left the premises.The sound of the bustling crowd caused Patty, who had been kicked away, to sit up from the ground.He then lay on the ground, rubbing his neck while asking what was happening and why it was so noisy; clearly, he had not yet regained his senses.Meanwhile, Gin, who was lying on the ground holding his arm, asked Don Krieg why he had not kept his promise, despite being in pain.Seeing Gin's state, Luffy couldn't help but ask if he was alright.However, it was Gin's scream that fully woke Pattyup. He first looked around to find that the customers were gone, and that Don Krieg was alive."My ship is in tatters, and I happen to be looking for a new one! If you're done with your business, get off my ship immediately. Right now, there are about a hundred people left on board who are still breathing. They are all severely injured and starving. They need one hundred portions of food and water; prepare them for me quickly. People have already starved to death, so make it quick!"After finishing, Don Krieg cracked his knuckles, threatening everyone to provide the food.Hearing Don Krieg's words, the chefs present were in disbelief."What! You want us to prepare food for the enemy who attacked us... to let him add another hundred helpers... I refuse!""Refuse... don't get the wrong idea. I'm not ordering from a menu. This is an order. No one is allowed to defy me!"Clearly, now that Don Krieg had eaten his fill, he began threatening the chefs, demanding they provide food for him.Upon hearing Don Krieg's words, the chefs were shocked, and Gin, who was also kneeling on the ground, began to repent."Mr. Sanji... I... I'm sorry... I didn't expect things to turn out like this..."Patty understood what Don Krieg meant: "You bastard, doing such an unforgivable thing!"However, upon hearing this, Sanji turned and walked toward the kitchen.Seeing Sanji's actions, Patty shouted, questioning him. "Hey! Where are you going, Sanji!"Sanji spat out his cigarette and replied indifferently: "To the kitchen. I still need to prepare one hundred portions of food."Once these words were spoken, not only Alex, but even Luffy and Gin felt it was abnormal; Don Krieg, however, commented from the side that this was the right thing to do.At this moment, Alex's inner thought was: what kind of situation had he experienced? What had he gone through to make him act this way?However, those chefs surrounded him, raising their firearms to forcibly stop him, telling him not to take another step forward."Sanji, you must be a mole sent by Don Krieg. We absolutely cannot let you enter the kitchen! This infuriating behavior of yours... we must stop it!"Facing the threats of his former colleagues, Sanji did not resist but instead spread his arms, as if he intentionally wanted them to shoot to stop him."It's fine. If you want to stop me... then shoot! I know... the other side is a hopeless villain... but feeding them is my job; what happens afterward has nothing to do with me. Thinking back and forth before making a decision is just too much trouble... If someone wants to eat, I give them food! That is what a chef is! That is enough!"After hearing Sanji's words, Patty rushed up, knocked Sanji away, and ordered others to hold him down.Now that he was clear-headed, he knew why he had been knocked away earlier.So this time, he would be the one to restrain Sanji, and incidentally, settle the score for that kick earlier.Patty pointed at Sanji and said: "Sanji, I know you often send food to those guys I drive away. I can't say who is right or wrong about that. But this time, it is definitely your fault! So, don't interfere with this matter anymore; I must protect this restaurant!"Subsequently, Patty went to the counter nearby to look for something, explaining as he searched."Fortunately, the enemy is only Don Krieg. We should still be able to hold out! This is a maritime restaurant where pirates come and go every day. We have long been prepared to serve any customer."After speaking, Patty took out a lobster-shaped handheld cannon and aimed it at Don Krieg."How about a post-meal... iron dessert! Food Poisoning Cannonball!"A cannonball was fired, and Don Krieg, watching the projectile flying toward him, cursed, "Damn it!"An explosion occurred as the cannonball made contact with Don Krieg.Intense smoke swept across the area near the entrance. Gin shouted from the side while watching his Captain get hit by the bomb, and Patty proudly shouldered his hand cannon.Sanji watched all of this silently; after all, he knew that giving the other party food was not the right thing to do, but now that the other party was dead, there was no need to give it.Unfortunately, Alex knew the anime trope that "no damage comes from smoke." The opponent would definitely recover. After all, he really didn't believe that the greatest hegemon of an entire region would be killed by a single iron cannon."What a headache, I broke the door... The boss is going to give me a real beating for this..."Patty looked at his handiwork, feeling quite pleased with himself.The chefs nearby released Sanji and tried to persuade him: "It's fine, this is just a small sacrifice made to protect the restaurant..."However, Sanji asked them: "How do you plan to deal with the remaining troops on Don Krieg's ship?""How about what? Drip some butter on the ship and roast it with fire, how about that?"Hearing Patty's reply, Alex thought the other party was planning to pan-fry them in butter."That sounds delicious, you stupid chef! I didn't expect you to make such a terrible dessert... What a completely awful restaurant..."As the smoke cleared, Don Krieg, who in everyone's memory should have been dead, now stood in their field of vision, commenting on the "two dishes" from earlier."All over... sparkling gold." This was Luffy's current impression of Don Krieg.Because at this moment, Don Krieg was standing there, covered in gold.Patty, seeing that Don Krieg had survived the cannon attack, picked up a harpoon nearby and called everyone to attack together."It's just a suit of steel armor... no big deal... everyone, charge!"The other chefs also picked up their respective weapons and charged toward Don Krieg."So annoying!" Seeing people daring to charge at him, Don Krieg immediately opened the various firearms and weapons hidden inside his armor.He began firing at the charging chefs.Water Style: Water Wall!Alex stepped in. To prevent his future crew member from being too heartbroken, he made a move to block Don Krieg's attack.The bullets that were fired all came to a stop within the Water Style: Water Wall and could not advance a single inch further.As for the chefs, they were also blocked by the Water Style: Water Wall.Seeing this, Luffy was shocked that the opponent could fire bullets from his body, while Sanji was shocked that Alex was actually able to intercept bullets.Gin, upon hearing the gunshots, had knelt on the ground and covered his eyes, but only opened them after he hadn't heard any screams for a long time.The scene he saw was a wall of water blocking the bullets fired by his Captain."Vermin, how dare you defy me! I am the strongest! The most powerful steel arms! The hardest golden armor! Diamond gauntlets that can destroy everything! And all the weapons equipped all over my body! Plus a great fleet of fifty ships and an army of five thousand men. Up until now, I have been invincible! I am the man worthy of the title of Captain! I said prepare food! Just do as I say obediently! No one is allowed to defy me! Not even you, pretty boy, who appeared out of nowhere!""You bastard, what are you saying..."Before Alex could engage him, someone placed a large bag of things in front of Don Krieg.The chefs recognized that this person was the head chef, Zeff."There should be one hundred portions of food here... hurry up and move it to the ship for me!"Zeff put down the food and told Don Krieg to take it and leave.Don Krieg froze for a moment upon hearing Zeff's name; clearly, he knew this person and was aware of his existence.However, the chefs did not understand why Zeffwould do this."Boss, what are you doing? What do you mean by this?""If the pirates on the ship all come over... our shop will definitely not be saved!"Zeff put down the food and looked at Alex, who was standing to the side: "Thank you for what you did, young man. If you want to come again next time, I'll give you a free meal."Then Zeff looked at the chefs and said: "That is, if they still have the will to fight! Right, you... defeated soldiers of the Grand Line!"Hearing Zeff say "defeated soldiers," the chefs realized something."No... no way?! Don Krieg is a defeated soldier!""Even the hegemon of the East Blue...""The pirate fleet with fifty ships too...""Failed to cross the Grand Line!"Gin crouched on the ground, covering his head after hearing this, while Luffy looked at the other party with surprise.At this moment, Don Krieg recalled the identity of the boss."You are... Red Leg Zeff. I didn't expect you to still be alive. Are you that Red Leg Zeff? The great pirate who was a Captain as well as a chef."Zeff did not hide it but admitted the other's statement: "I am alive, so what? That has nothing to do with you, right? As you can see, I am just a chef now!"Facing Zeff's mocking question, Don Krieg was not angry."Hahaha... that sounds really nice... In my opinion, rather than saying you are just a chef... it's more like you are someone who couldn't survive without being a chef."Zeff did not speak, clearly tacitly agreeing with what the other had said.Don Krieg looked at Zeff, then looked at the place where his leg was severed."You can't wear red shoes anymore, can you? Speaking of Red Leg Zeff, he was a master of foot combat who never used his hands in battle, with exquisite leg techniques! That powerful leg strength could even split rocks! It could leave deep footprints on steel that he kicked! And the so-called 'Red Leg' refers to the fact that after kicking an enemy, the blood they shed would dye your shoes red, hence the name. I heard you encountered the Grand Line, and although you didn't lose your life, you lost your most important leg because of it. For you, losing a leg means losing your combat power."At the end, Don Krieg sighed heavily, not knowing whether he was rejoicing that the other party had lost his combat power, or lamenting the retirement of an old senior.
Chapter 45: Losers of the Grand LineSanji stood to the side, listening quietly to everything. It was clear he knew something, but he didn't know how to bring it up.Instead, it was Zeff who spoke up: "Even though I can no longer fight, my hands are still here, and I can still cook. If you have something to say, just spit it out!"Seeing that Zeff had said this, Don Krieg no longer hid his intentions."Red-Leg Zeff! You once entered the Grand Line and returned unscathed! During that time, you kept a detailed record of your voyage that year, so hand over your 'Logbook'!"Hearing that Zeff had also entered the Grand Line, Luffy couldn't help but excitedly ask him about it.Zeff nodded in confirmation. At the same time, he told Don Krieg: "The 'Logbook' is indeed with me, but I will absolutely not give it to you. That logbook was written by my crew and me back in the day; it is something we take great pride in. You don't seem worthy of receiving such a precious thing!"After hearing this, Don Krieg stopped holding back and shouted: "In that case, I'll just take it by force! That's right, I am indeed a loser of the Grand Line! But no matter how down-and-out I may be, I am still the strongest man, Don Krieg! That dangerous route that those cowards fear... I have full preparations to cross it, both in determination and military strength! The only thing missing now is information! That is the only thing I lack! I just don't know enough about it. I want the logbook, and this ship as well."But the chefs didn't see it that way."We won't let you get your way. If we lose this restaurant, we'll have nowhere to go!""That's right, all the chefs here are guys who were rejected and pushed out by other restaurants!""Chef Zeff is the only one willing to take us in as cooks; he is our great benefactor.""How could we possibly just hand over this restaurant so easily!"The chefs gripped their weapons and stared straight at Don Krieg.Hearing this, Don Krieg looked at the chefs."Don't make me laugh. I'm going to show you just how vast the gap in power is between us! I already proved it earlier; if not for that pretty boy standing in the way, all of you would have been defeated by me! After getting Zeff's logbook, I will reorganize my fleet! I will find the great treasure, 'ONE PIECE,' and become the top figure of this Great Pirate Era!"Hearing this, Alex's eyes lit up. Blocking the opponent's attack earlier was just for Sanji's sake, but the fact that the opponent said this meant...Before Alex could finish thinking, Luffy called out to Don Krieg."Wait! I am the one who will be the Pirate King!"Just as he thought, this was Alex's assessment of Luffy.But the other chefs were somewhat surprised by the handyman's performance."What... a handyman!"Patty even told him to back down, otherwise Don Krieg would really kill him.But Luffy declared: "I will never back down on this!"Hearing Luffy's words, Don Krieg became interested, but even more so, angry."Kid, what did you just say? I can pretend I didn't hear that.""It's okay, you don't have to pretend you didn't hear it. I'm just stating a fact."Hearing Luffy's words, Don Krieg's expression changed."This isn't a game, you know!""Of course not!"The conversation between the two left everyone present feeling incredulous. The chefs asked Luffy if he had heard what Don Krieg had just said.Meanwhile, Alex saw two rather familiar figures walk in, then casually found a chair and sat down."Listen, kid, that is a place that even Don Kriegcouldn't pass through successfully. So give up on that route!"Regarding the chefs' well-intentioned advice, Luffyfound them somewhat annoying: "So noisy, shut up.""Luffy, are we going to war?" "Do you need my help?" "I've been waiting to get into action!"That's right, the two figures Alex saw were Usoppand Zoro.The two of them must have come in through the door the customers escaped from."Zoro, Usopp, you're both here too! It's fine, just sit over there!"Seeing Luffy's companions—besides that pretty boy, just a swordsman and a long-nose—Don Kriegcouldn't help but burst into laughter."Ha... hahahahaha! Hahahaha, are they your companions? Your numbers are truly pitiful!"Luffy pointed his finger to correct him: "What are you talking about? We have two more people!"Sanji, standing to the side, retorted: "Hey, are you counting me in again?"Looking at the serious expression on the kid's face, Don Krieg felt like he was being mocked."Don't joke around, kid! Without any information, a fleet of five thousand troops... was wiped out by that devilish sea in just seven days!"Hearing Don Krieg's words, the chefs and Pattyfound it hard to believe.Although they knew of the horror of the Grand Line, a fleet of five thousand people wiped out in seven days. Was that not too terrifying? What kind of horrific events must have occurred to lead to such a result?Usopp, standing nearby, shook Zoro's shoulder: "Did you hear that? Fifty ships, defeated in one week!""Sounds interesting!" Zoro wasn't afraid of this; on the contrary, he was even more eager to see what the Grand Line was like."You're too naive! I hate jokes like that. If you insist on saying such things, just wait here for me to come back and kill you!"Then, Don Krieg warned the chefs in the restaurant while grabbing the bundle on the ground."As for you chefs, you'd better listen well. I'll give you time to consider. I'm going to take this food to my subordinates now and then return here. If you don't want to die, hurry up and abandon this restaurant and run as far as you can. My only goal is this ship and the logbook. But if you still want to throw your lives away... although it's a bit of a hassle, I will still send you to your graves at the bottom of the sea. Remember that!"Don Krieg left with the food on his back, leaving only Gin kneeling on the ground, apologizing to everyone."Mr. Sanji... I'm sorry... I didn't... I didn't expect it would turn out like this... I... I..."By then, Gin couldn't say anything more.Zeff spoke up to comfort him: "Hey... you don't need to apologize, kid. The chefs in this restaurant are just doing what they want to do; it's as simple as that."Hearing Zeff's words, the chefs realized that he was defending Sanji."Boss! I didn't expect you to speak up for Sanji too! Why on earth?" Patty was the first to ask Zeff."That's right! This whole thing was caused by that guy! That guy wants to ruin the Boss's restaurant!"Then they turned their heads to look at Sanji, who was sitting to the side."Sanji! You used this opportunity... have you already figured out how to seize the throne of Head Chef? Or has your brain been flooded with water?"Hearing the staff's questioning, Zeff shouted: "Shut up, all of you, you bastards! Have any of you ever experienced what it feels like to be on the verge of starving to death? In this vast ocean without water or food... do you know how terrifying that is?"As Zeff finished speaking, Sanji silently lit a cigarette. Judging by his trembling hands, it was likely that the previous shouting had less impact than Zeff's words."Ah... what... what does this mean, Boss?""If you have time to dwell on the past, hurry up and escape through the back door." Zeff ordered everyone to flee."Simply put, the experience of being shrouded in hunger has triggered bad memories for Sanji. In other words, after seeing others starving, he passively recalls his own past. These past experiences are often things the person is very unwilling to recall. Such events generally occur in violent incidents, accidents, wars, sexual assault, or natural disasters, and can be called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD for short."But at this moment, Alex began to explain slowly from the side.Hearing Alex's words, the group of chefs looked at the Boss, implying whether what he said was correct or not.Zeff nodded, acknowledging that what Alex said was correct.After confirming that Sanji was not trying to seize property, they each picked up their weapons."We... are going to stay and fight! I can't stand just being beaten up!""...Me too, this is the restaurant where we work.""Anyway, there is nowhere else to go!"Gin watched everyone pick up their weapons, somewhat puzzled. They had clearly seen the Captain's strength and the disparity in numbers, so why would they go to their deaths?"What... what are you doing? Haven't you already witnessed how formidable the Captain is? Hurry up and run for your lives!"Sanji, having smoked his cigarette, had recovered somewhat: "Hey, Gin... I'll tell you, Alex was right, but there is one thing he didn't get right. Giving food to a starving person is my responsibility as a chef, but that responsibility ends there. However, the next opponent is a well-fed invader. So, if I take out your companions, don't hold a grudge. If you want to take this restaurant... even if it's you, I will show no mercy. I will kill without hesitation! Do you understand?"It was also the first time Gin had seen Sanji with such an expression.Instead, Patty, who was standing to the side, came over to tease him after learning about Sanji's situation."Anyway, you were the one who saved him, so if you kill him, he can't say anything, Sanji!""Shut up, you shitty cook."Luffy pointed at Sanji and said to Zoro and the others: "Hey! That guy is pretty good, right?"Usopp didn't have the leisure to care about that: "Don't worry about that anymore, let's hurry up and escape..."Perhaps out of fear, Usopp's shoes were about to fly off.Instead, Zoro told Usopp to be quiet: "The opponent is just an injured person.""That's right, and I must duel that guy! If he really is a formidable guy, we'll always cross paths."Luffy told Usopp with a serious face that trying to escape was impossible."That's right, Usopp. You have to know that we are going to the Grand Line to seize 'ONE PIECE.' If we give up every time we meet a strong person, we might as well not have come out in the first place."Alex also agreed with Luffy's words; if one is afraid of this and that, then why come out at all?Usopp responded tremblingly: "I... I'm not afraid. The gre... great brave warrior of the sea, Usopp, is not afraid!"Watching Usopp, whose legs were shaking but still bragging, Alex didn't expose him. Instead, he sat in his seat and extracted Chakra, because he felt that the upcoming battle would be very perilous, and if he wasn't careful, he might die here.