For the first time in thirty years, Belle-Mère completely let herself go, embracing that sacred baptism.
Arashi, naturally, was no different.
It was destined to be a wild night.
The next day.
Arashi woke up first. Looking at Belle-Mère sleeping soundly beside him and recalling the madness of the previous night, he shook his head with a smile before getting out of bed.
By the time Arashi finished washing up and returned to the bedroom, Belle-Mère was already awake, blinking her beautiful eyes as she quietly watched him.
Arashi didn't feel awkward at all. After all, they had already been completely honest with each other. If he acted shy or hesitant now, wouldn't that just hurt her feelings?
So, since what was done was done, he chose to go with the flow.
"I thought you'd sleep a bit longer."
Arashi smiled as he walked to the bedside and said softly, "Since you're awake, get up and come with me to stroll around Loguetown. I want to see if there are any suitable storefronts."
"A… storefront?"
Belle-Mère blinked in surprise. "Aren't you supposed to start your next journey? Looking for a shop… ah!"
Before she could finish speaking, Arashi suddenly pulled the blanket away. Completely unprepared, Belle-Mère instantly revealed herself and let out a reflexive scream.
But remembering that she now belonged to Arashi, she quickly pouted and said coquettishly, "You… you're so bad!"
Not one to act shy, Belle-Mère swiftly got dressed and went to wash up.
After the two of them finished breakfast together, they began strolling through Loguetown.
"Arashi, this place feels strange today!"
Walking along the street and noticing the lack of pedestrians, Belle-Mère asked curiously, "Is today some kind of special day? Why is no one out?"
"The newly appointed Marine captain is currently carrying out a large-scale rectification of the Marines in Loguetown. By the way, Major Nezumi and the pirates he colluded with have all been executed by Stork as a warning."
"Because of Stork's iron-handed crackdown, the entire Loguetown is now on edge. Everyone is afraid, especially since many officers who colluded with pirates have been arrested and imprisoned…"
"So the townspeople think something major is about to happen, and they're staying indoors as much as possible."
As Arashi explained, he walked toward a storefront across the street that had a "For Rent" sign posted on it.
"That Stork really is impressive."
Following Arashi to the entrance, a hint of hope flashed in Belle-Mère's eyes. As a former Marine, this was naturally the best news she could hear.
"Haha, well, he's one of that old man Garp's subordinates."
Arashi smiled, then turned and left the storefront.
Seeing this, Belle-Mère quickly followed and asked curiously, "Arashi, are you familiar with Garp?"
"Oh, we've met once. That old man tried to recruit me into the Marines, but I refused."
Arashi smiled and continued, "Let's go, we'll check out the food street."
"You're really looking for a shop?"
Belle-Mère felt a secret surge of joy. She didn't know what Arashi planned to do with a storefront, but as long as he was looking for one, it meant he wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.
"I'm planning to open a restaurant in Loguetown."
Arriving at the food street with Belle-Mère, Arashi narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly, "My goal is to sell one thousand servings of Ultimate Yangzhou Fried Rice."
"???"
"Ultimate… Yangzhou Fried Rice?"
Belle-Mère was completely stunned. So when he talked about leaving, he only meant leaving Cocoyasi Village to come to Loguetown and open a restaurant?
Finally—
Arashi found a small restaurant on the food street that was up for lease.
The place wasn't big, with only four or five tables, a kitchen connected to the dining area, and a single stove. The decor was simple.
However, all the kitchen equipment Arashi needed was available.
Just as Arashi was signing the lease with the landlord, the system's voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
[System Notification]
[Congratulations to the host for renting a restaurant and officially becoming a restaurant owner!]
[System Notification]
[This establishment will only serve "Ultimate Yangzhou Fried Rice." Each serving is priced at 18,888 Beli…]
"Damn!"
Hearing the sudden notification in his mind, Arashi's eyes widened in shock.
18,888 Beli for one plate of fried rice?
Was the system out of its mind?
And he had to sell one thousand servings?!
H-How was that even possible?!
The most important part—
The reward was one thousand Travel Points!!!
Fine!
Then this shop… he wasn't opening it!
With that thought, Arashi decisively turned around, ready to leave.
However, just as he turned, another notification rang out in his mind.
[System Notification]
[Upon completing this task, the host will not only receive 1,000 Travel Points, but also a mysterious grand gift package! Guaranteed to be worth it!]
"A mysterious gift package?"
"Now that's interesting."
A smile instantly spread across Arashi's face. He smoothly took the key from the landlord and said to Belle-Mère beside him, "Belle-Mère, help clean up. We open tomorrow!"
"Yay!!"
Hearing that Arashi was really going to stay in Loguetown and open a shop, Belle-Mère was so excited that she threw up a victory sign.
At first, she had thought Arashi would leave immediately—which was why she had lost control under the influence of alcohol the previous night. Now, not only did she not regret it, but Arashi was actually staying in Loguetown to open a shop. How could she not be happy?
Although Loguetown wasn't far from Cocoyasi Village, as long as Arashi remained in the East Blue, everything was fine!
When the villagers of Cocoyasi Village heard that Arashi was opening a restaurant in Loguetown, they all came over to help.
The next day.
With all the necessary ingredients prepared, the restaurant—renamed by Arashi as Ultimate Yangzhou Fried Rice—officially opened for business.
Perhaps it was curiosity about the sign "Ultimate Yangzhou Fried Rice," or perhaps it was simply because it was a new shop opening—no sooner had Arashi opened the doors than people gathered outside, pointing and discussing. One middle-aged man even walked straight in.
"Boss…"
The man sat down steadily, appearing rather aloof as he said, "Bring me a serving of fried rice. Let me taste it."
"Sir, before you order, I suggest you take a look at the price list on the wall."
Standing by the stove, Arashi hadn't expected a customer so soon. But considering the "beautiful" price of the fried rice, he kindly reminded him.
"Isn't it just fried rice?"
The man scoffed, then raised his head to look at the price list.
"This shop only serves Ultimate Yangzhou Fried Rice."
"Price per serving: 18,888 Beli…"
"!!!!"
The moment the man saw the price, he shot up as if struck by lightning, staring at Arashi in disbelief!
After standing there stunned for a long while, he finally came back to his senses.
"Sorry for the disturbance, I'll take my leave!"
With that, he turned and dashed out the door.
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