No one expected that before the great pirates, or the Marine, or the Revolutionary Army, the first to arrive would be the Baratie, a floating restaurant operating in the East Blue.
More precisely, it was one of Baratie's branches, the [Nun Encore], equipped with underwater capabilities and a 'human propulsion system'.
The head chef of this dessert-focused branch was Sanji's former colleague, Patty, the Popeye-looking guy always smiling at customers.
Though his combat ability wasn't necessarily high, his cooking skills were recognized by Zeff, allowing him to open the branch.
Of course, he wasn't the main event this time either.
"Head Chef! We should be almost there!"
Patty rubbed his hands together nervously, grinning at the blonde old man watching the undersea scenery through the transparent window.
"Patty, on this ship, you're the head chef."
The blonde old man turned, his wooden prosthetic leg thumping as he walked below deck, where several apprentice chefs were taking turns operating a mechanical device, powering the pedals beneath the Nun Encore.
This had been their mode of travel the entire way: taking shifts 'pedaling' using pure human power.
There was no other choice.
On one hand, Baratie couldn't cross the Calm Belt. The Nun Encore, traveling underwater, could manage even without wind, and its modified shape prevented Sea Kings from mistaking it for a fishing boat.
On the other hand, the main Baratie couldn't just close down… its reputation was too important.
So Zeff was bringing half his kitchen staff and the branch's new recruits to Amazon Lily.
Thankfully, Zeff had always trained his chefs in kicking techniques, giving them exceptionally strong leg muscles. Otherwise, ordinary people couldn't have handled it.
"Oh my, oh my… Don't say that! In front of you, I wouldn't dare call myself head chef. You have to take charge of the main wedding feast!"
Patty knew his limits.
Against other East Blue chefs, he was confident.
But compared to the man who taught him everything, he was far behind.
Especially since the wedding host was Naruto, the glutton who'd almost eaten them out of house and home last time.
Even though the invitation stated they were only responsible for the 'important guests', and the Kuja royal chefs would handle the rest, Patty was still nervous.
The memory of the near-disaster last time was still fresh. He didn't have the confidence to take the lead.
"Hmph, enough of that. Use your time to check the special ingredients and equipment we brought. Don't let us down at the critical moment."
"Yes, yes…"
Though he scolded his apprentice, Zeff was secretly pleased. Everyone appreciated a little flattery.
After the Popeye-looking man retreated, rubbing his hands, Zeff clenched his fist.
'Hmph!'
'Naruto, don't think you'll embarrass me like last time!'
After their previous encounter at the Baratie, Zeff had reflected and realized his restaurant had many shortcomings.
Not enough staff! Kitchen too small! Chefs lacked stamina!
Other floating restaurant owners would think he was bragging.
But Zeff knew his crew was only equipped for ordinary diners.
Having trained in the Grand Line, he knew that sea was home to many 'monsters'… with superhuman physiques and appetites.
Not only plenty to eat, but delicious too!
That was the basic requirement for a qualified chef!
What kind of chef let diners go hungry?
This time, he'd reclaim his honor!
The old man thought of the saying, 'Thirty years East Blue, thirty years West Blue, don't bully an old man in poverty', as he mentally planned the menu.
He didn't need to worry about ingredients.
He'd heard of Amazon Lily. Though he'd never been, he knew it was a powerful nation.
And national strength meant food was plentiful.
If you couldn't buy it, you could take it. They used to be pirates, after all!
The only concern was cooking speed.
This time, he'd satisfy every guest!
Head Chef Zeff was confident.
Besides, it was just a wedding. How much could they possibly eat? Red-Leg Zeff wasn't too old to move yet!
"Head Chef! Something big is approaching! We need to evade!"
As Zeff was lost in thought, Patty's terrified shout came from below.
He looked in the direction and saw a massive figure suddenly appear in the deep sea.
Fish! A giant fish!
With his eyesight, Zeff could only tell it was a fish, not a Sea Beast or Sea King. Its exact species was hard to determine in the deep water.
"Damn! We made it this far without trouble, and something happens just as we're about to arrive!"
Zeff cursed angrily, then strode to the control room, taking over steering from Patty.
"Prepare to surface! Everyone secure yourselves!"
Zeff knew deep-sea fish rarely came to the surface.
Not only because sunlight bothered them, but because they couldn't regulate internal pressure like Sea Kings or Sea Beasts.
Surfacing quickly would kill them.
But fate wasn't on his side.
The dark shape seemed unfazed by pressure changes, staying close behind.
"It must be the Nun Encore's appearance attracting it,"
Patty muttered.
They'd decorated the ship to look like an anglerfish, its headlight illuminating the path.
"Don't be foolish. Without this look, we couldn't have crossed the Calm Belt."
"Enough. Go help below. Increase our surfacing speed."
"Yes, Head Chef!"
Patty rushed down.
The Popeye-like man's muscular arms weren't for show. Alone, he could match several apprentice chefs.
But even with the surfacing speed doubled, they couldn't shake the pursuing shadow.
The massive shadow merely passed by the ship, its wake nearly spinning them around.
If Zeff hadn't ordered everyone secured, that alone would have injured many.
"Damn! We can't shake it!"
"Are we going to die here?!"
"I don't want that!"
The veteran chefs held their composure, but the new recruits were panicking.
Zeff didn't scold them… not out of kindness, but because he was too busy.
Just as the shadow circled and prepared to charge the Nun Encore, a familiar, heavenly voice rang out.
"Laboon! You almost caused a huge problem!"
Along with the voice appeared Naruto, wrapped in a bubble.
Spotting Naruto in the ship's light, Zeff sighed in relief, nearly collapsing, leaning on the console to stay upright.
"You brat, took you long enough…"
Zeff took out his pipe, lit it, and grumbled.