Voyaging is monotonous.
But with the girls along, there's more laughter.
Aboard the Going Merry.
Nami held a spray bottle, carefully tending a few orange trees.
Makino was busy brewing.
Carmen prepared lunch for everyone, with Nojiko helping out.
Kaya flipped through medical texts, studying earnestly.
Although there was the healing power of a restorative fruit, Kaya had always dreamed of mastering medicine.
Reno lounged in a rocking chair, sunglasses on, utterly at ease.
Every day after discussing navigation techniques with the girls, he would sunbathe on deck.
Even doing nothing, just listening to their busy voices put him in a great mood.
Especially when they were pretty.
Worth mentioning: from the day he received that reward, every time Reno taught the girls navigation, he used the Hand of the Tides.
The unprepared four—Nami and the others—were hit with sudden enlightenment and grew bashful again and again.
When the six of them sparred, it was like a flood overflowing the banks.
Carmen, Nami, and Nojiko especially could even whip up small waves.
Each time, the girls had to spend a long while mopping up the water.
What could they do? Their captain was just that formidable.
"Take a break, everyone—food's almost ready," Carmen's voice drifted from the galley.
Nami put down the spray bottle; Kaya dog-eared a page of her medical book...
They all set their tasks aside and gathered around the table.
The table was laden with dishes, fragrance wafting out.
It was the most formal feast Carmen had prepared since boarding.
Reason simple: they were about to reach the last stop in the East Blue—Loguetown.
After stocking up in Loguetown, they would leave the East Blue for the Grand Line.
"Wow, such a spread today." Kaya held her knife and fork, swallowing instinctively.
"The East Blue chef's reputation is well-earned." The aroma made Nami's delicate nose twitch.
With a pro like Carmen aboard, no two meals were ever the same.
Nojiko and Makino conceded defeat.
Naturally, Carmen became head chef of Reno's crew.
Once everyone was seated, Carmen, in her chef's whites, pointed to the first dish:
"Rainbow salmon sashimi."
"Ducadin crab-roe patties."
"Kabora mantis-shrimp tempura."
"Pacific saury à la Longli Qiyana."
"..."
Carmen introduced each dish like precious collectibles.
Everyone stared at the spread and gave her repeated thumbs-ups.
Even Reno gave high praise.
Professional really is different.
Every dish looked, smelled, and tasted superb—just a glance stirred the appetite, never mind the aroma.
Under the double assault of sight and smell, it was irresistible.
Seeing them practically drooling, Carmen sped up the introductions.
"The last dish is my special coconut jelly—it's great for the skin."
"Alright." Carmen clapped her hands. "Introductions over—dig in."
At her words, the long-waiting group could no longer hold back; knives and forks were raised.
"Mmm… delicious. I'm having the best saury."
"These crab-roe patties taste just like the Baratie's."
"The aroma's making me dizzy~"
"..."
As the girls tucked in, they voiced their approval.
"Truly not bad—I did find an exceptional chef."
Reno felt his taste buds immersed in an unprecedented pleasure.
Receiving everyone's high praise—Reno's included—Carmen smiled knowingly.
She sat down and joined them in enjoying the feast.
"In Loguetown this time, stock up a bit more."
As the feast drew to a close, Reno said so.
Though the Going Merry was mostly women, they practiced navigation every day.
Everyone burned a lot of energy, so daily necessities ran out fast.
With Carmen added, the usual supply lists wouldn't sustain a long voyage.
"I'm buying a few dresses." At the mention of shopping, Nami perked up at once.
"I plan to buy a few medical books too," Kaya chimed in.
Nami nodded; the girls' chatter burst open.
Reno could only shake his head.
Do all girls in every world have a special love for shopping?!
He'd only said to stock up on necessities.
They went completely off topic.
Forget it—let them shop.
Keeping the girls happy mattered most.
Besides replenishing essentials in Loguetown, Reno had a very important goal.
Recruit the East Blue's final beauty—the glasses-wearing Marine, Tashigi.
A silly, adorable girl who loved collecting famous blades.
Barring surprises, she should be at the Loguetown Marine branch now.
Reno had heard a saying in his previous life: girls with glasses always have contrast.
He wondered if that applied in the pirate world.
Once Tashigi boarded, he'd have to test it himself.
...
The East Blue arc was about to end.
There were three girls he hadn't written into this arc.
One was Apis from the Millennium Dragon, and one was the Honey Queen from Clockwork Island (very pretty).
Lastly, Kuina.
The first two appeared only briefly in the films; impressions might be faint with little immersion, so they weren't written separately.
As for why Carmen was included, the protagonist happened to visit the Baratie to spar with Hawkeye, plus Carmen's story with Sanji.
So she was arranged into the plot.
As for Kuina, since you're reading, all three will be patched in later—don't worry.