While Tom and Koshiro had been engaged in their reality-defying duel, the evening meal had been quietly prepared in the dojo's kitchen. Once Gustave separated the combatants, everyone gathered for a simple but satisfying dinner.
Though the dojo's home-cooked fare couldn't match the culinary artistry of the Bamboo Staff Bistro, it was hearty and wholesome—exactly what one would expect from a traditional household.
The centerpiece was a beef and daikon stew, simmered slowly in soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. The tender chunks of beef soaked up the deep umami flavor, while thick slices of daikon turned soft and sweet, absorbing the broth like sponges. The aroma alone filled the dojo with a sense of calm.
Alongside it, Gustave had prepared grilled rice balls—some with a crispy shoyu glaze, others stuffed with minced herbs and chopped pickled vegetables for contrast. A simple miso soup with tofu and wild greens added warmth and comfort to the table.
For the side dishes, he included blanched spinach with sesame dressing, braised burdock root, and a small plate of fermented pickles he'd quietly experimented with using leftover ingredients.
Despite the humble setting, every dish was made with care and balance. The flavors weren't bold or flashy—but they were thoughtful, layered, and nourishing in a way only Gustave could achieve.
As the meal was served, the dojo settled into a quiet peace. The clash of swords had given way to the soft clink of chopsticks and the occasional contented sigh.
After dinner, Koshiro graciously offered to show his guests around Shimotsuki Village, pointing out local landmarks and sharing stories of the community's history. The villagers they encountered greeted their dojo master with obvious warmth and respect, testament to his standing in the community.
Following a restful night as the dojo's honored guests, morning brought new plans. Koshiro needed to remain behind for his teaching duties, so he assigned Kuina and Zoro to serve as guides for their visitors' final exploration of the area.
The group's first destination was the very forest that had confounded them the previous day. Under Kuina's confident leadership, they emerged at the coastline in a mere twenty minutes—a journey that had consumed their entire previous afternoon under Zoro's guidance.
Everyone turned to stare at their green-haired friend, their expressions ranging from amusement to bewilderment.
"What?" Zoro demanded, noticing their scrutiny. "Why is everyone looking at me like that?"
"Shishishishi!" Luffy burst into delighted laughter. "I never imagined anyone could be more directionally challenged than me! Ace always calls me stupid, but finally I've found someone who makes me look like a genius!"
For perhaps the first time in his life, Luffy felt intellectually superior to another person, and he was savoring every moment of it.
Zoro wanted desperately to defend himself, but the evidence was overwhelming. His legendary inability to navigate had been thoroughly exposed, leaving him wishing he could disappear entirely.
As the group watched in fascination, Zoro's face underwent a remarkable transformation—shifting from pale white to bright red, then to deep blue, then black, and finally back to white in a mesmerizing cycle of embarrassment.
Tom observed this display with professional interest, having thought himself the only individual capable of such dramatic facial color changes. Perhaps he'd found a kindred spirit in the art of expressive mortification.
"Well," Gustave announced diplomatically, "since we're already here beside the Luffy, why don't we go aboard? I think it's time our new friends experienced what the Bamboo Staff Bistro is truly famous for."
With their ship anchored safely offshore, Gustave grabbed Ace and Luffy while Po scooped up Kuina and Zoro. Tom maintained his usual perch atop Po's head as the panda employed Geppo to carry them all through the air to their ship's deck.
"Po!" Zoro exclaimed the moment his feet touched the deck. "Did you just make us fly? How is that possible?"
"That technique is called Geppo," Po explained with a gentle smile. "It's one of the Six Powers traditionally used by Marine officers."
"Incredible!" Zoro's eyes shone with admiration and envy.
"Welcome aboard the Luffy," Gustave announced proudly. "We'll be preparing lunch here today—a proper demonstration of Bamboo Staff Bistro cuisine for our distinguished guests."
"Really?" Zoro could barely contain his excitement. "Thank you so much, Gustave-san!"
After hearing countless travelers' tales about the restaurant's legendary food, the prospect of tasting Gustave's cooking firsthand felt like a dream come true.
"Po, Tom, and I will handle the cooking," Gustave directed. "Ace, Luffy—please show Zoro and Kuina around the ship while we prepare the meal."
"Come on, you two!" Luffy immediately stepped into his tour guide role. "Let me show you every corner of the Luffy!"
"I'm curious," Kuina said as they began exploring. "Why is this ship named after you, Luffy? Did you design it or purchase it yourself?"
Luffy's chest puffed with pride as he launched into an elaborate tale of his heroic contest with Tom for the ship's naming rights. According to his increasingly dramatic account, their battle had been an epic confrontation that raged for three days and nights, with the fate of the ship's identity hanging in the balance.
Both Zoro and Kuina listened with wide-eyed amazement, thoroughly impressed by Luffy's apparent combat prowess.
"That's a complete lie," Ace interrupted flatly, unable to tolerate his brother's shameless exaggeration any longer. "Luffy won the naming rights through a single game of rock-paper-scissors. Nothing more."
He paused for maximum effect before delivering the killing blow: "Oh, and Tom is actually the captain of this ship. Luffy here holds the prestigious position of apprentice sailor and deck cleaner."
Zoro immediately burst into laughter, relishing this reversal of fortune. Just minutes earlier, Luffy had been mocking his directional incompetence—now the tables were completely turned.
"It's not that funny!" Luffy protested, his face flushing with indignation. "I'll challenge you right now, Ace! Let's settle this once and for all!"
"Sure thing, little brother," Ace replied calmly, effortlessly dodging Luffy's wild swings and pinning him with minimal effort.
Their comedic scuffle was interrupted by Gustave's call from the galley.
"Lunch is ready! Everyone to the dining area!"
The four young people immediately abandoned their tour, racing toward the promise of exceptional cuisine.
The meal Gustave and his assistants had prepared was nothing short of spectacular, featuring seven distinct dishes that showcased both technical skill and creative flair:
First Course: Sichuan-Style Spicy and Sour Grilled Fish
This centerpiece dish featured a massive fish that Tom had caught in the most unusual manner—while admiring the sunset from the stern, his lazily swishing tail had attracted an overly amorous fish that bit down hard enough to nearly drag the cat overboard. Only Po's quick reflexes had saved Tom from an unwanted swim while simultaneously securing their dinner. Tom had personally overseen the preparation of this dish, ensuring the fish that had dared to bite him received a properly fiery comeuppance. The fish was expertly grilled over fruitwood charcoal (never oil-fried like inferior imitations), then smothered in a complex sauce balancing mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns with sharp vinegar and aromatic chili oil.
Second Course: Honey-Glazed Prawns in Wine Sauce
Another gift from Tom's maritime adventures, these succulent prawns had been caught when the cat spotted a school resting near their anchored ship. With characteristic feline efficiency, Tom had dove into the sea and netted the entire group in one swift motion. Gustave had transformed them into golden, caramelized delicacies with a subtle wine reduction that enhanced their natural sweetness.
Third Course: Traditional Napa Cabbage and Tofu Hotpot
Po's contribution to the meal, this deceptively simple dish demonstrated that complexity wasn't always necessary for perfection. The silky tofu and tender cabbage had been slowly braised in a rich broth infused with ginger, soy sauce, and secret seasonings, creating comfort food that warmed both body and soul.
Fourth Course: Wine-Marinated Beef in Aspic
Gustave had prepared this elegant cold dish in advance, allowing premium beef to cure in French wine and herbs before setting it in a crystal-clear gelatin. Sliced thin and served with tangy mustard and pickled vegetables, it provided a refreshing contrast to the meal's warmer elements.
Fifth Course: Whole Steamed Crab with Ginger Scallion Oil
These pristine crabs had been purchased fresh at their last port and kept alive in the ship's special tanks. Po had steamed them to perfection, then finished them with an aromatic oil infused with fresh ginger and scallions—a preparation that honored the ingredient's natural flavor while adding subtle enhancement.
Sixth Course: Red-Cooked Eggplant in Garlic Sauce
This Shanghai-style dish featured tender eggplant braised until it practically melted, bathed in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce rich with garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sugar. Its deep mahogany color was as visually striking as its flavor was memorable.
Seventh Course: Silky Seaweed and Egg Drop Soup
The meal's gentle conclusion, this seemingly humble soup delivered extraordinary depth of flavor. The seaweed provided oceanic umami while whisked eggs created ribbons of protein in the savory broth—simple ingredients elevated through perfect technique.
"Gustave-san!" Zoro managed between enthusiastic bites, his mouth still full of food. "This is absolutely incredible! So much better than anything we get at the dojo!"
"I can't take all the credit," Gustave replied modestly. "Tom prepared the grilled fish, and Po made the cabbage-tofu hotpot and steamed crabs. They're both excellent cooks in their own right."
"I've never seen dishes like these before," Kuina observed, sampling each preparation carefully. "Are these your own creations?"
"Many of them are unique to the Bamboo Staff Bistro," Gustave confirmed proudly. "I've spent years developing recipes that combine techniques from different culinary traditions around the world."
"Then I need to eat even more!" Zoro declared, immediately accelerating his consumption rate.
Not to be outdone, Luffy joined the impromptu eating contest, and soon both boys were shoveling food into their mouths with competitive intensity, much to everyone else's amusement.
As their guests savored the extraordinary meal, Gustave felt a deep satisfaction watching their obvious enjoyment. This was why he cooked—not just to nourish bodies, but to create moments of pure joy that brought people together across all boundaries.