Nailed it! Mark thought, though sweating coldly. He had successfully grabbed their attention, especially Zoro and Usopp's.
He let out a slow breath, trying to maintain his mysterious expression. He slowly raised his hand, as if feeling something in the air.
"The sea is full of mystery and destiny. I only see a glimpse of what the tides reveal..." He shifted his gaze to Usopp."Especially for you, the 'brave' one. The scent of adventure and... danger, strongly surrounds you. But, the goddess of fortune is always with you, turning danger into opportunity."
Usopp shivered, a mix of fear and interest. "Goddess of fortune? You mean... I..."
"Wait," Zoro interrupted, stepping closer. His muscular build made Mark feel very small.
"Stop speaking in riddles.Do you know something about Hawkeye Mihawk? Or is this just nonsense?" The swords at his waist seemed to say, 'answer honestly'.
Mark felt his throat go dry. However, he knew Zoro was just threatening. "I don't know either.... But fate will guide you on the path—"
"Grrrrr...."
Before he could finish his sentence,a loud sound erupted from his stomach. 'Oh crap, why now?!'
The loud, embarrassing growl shattered the tension Mark had so carefully built. It was so loud it almost echoed over the sound of the waves.
"..."
Everyone fell silent for a moment.
Luffy burst into laughter, slapping his thighs. "HAHAHA! So you're just hungry!"
Zoro sighed, relaxing his guarded stance and slouching his shoulders slightly. His sharp expression turned into one of slight disgust and annoyance at his wasted time. "What an idiot."
Nami made a disgusted face. "Ah, so this is just a hungry person's scheme to get a free meal. Let's go, we don't have time for this." She was already turning away.
Usopp,who had just been scared half to death, now looked slightly disappointed and relieved. "Hah! I was almost fooled by your words! Turns out you're just starving!"
The corner of Mark's mouth twitched. He wasn't embarrassed about being caught lying, but his plans failing one by one was disheartening.
All his plans and acting had been ruined by the sound of his own stomach.In desperation, he dropped the mysterious act.
"Alright, alright! I admit it!" he said, standing up listlessly. His frustration over his failed plans was greater than his shame.
"My money's gone... probably pickpocketed on the previous ship. I haven't eaten for a day. I just need money for food."
Luffy, his laughter subsiding, looked at Mark with an innocent expression. His own stomach often spoke loudly too.
"Hah! One day? That must be terrible!" Without a second thought,he jumped forward and grabbed Mark's arm. "Then, let's eat together! This restaurant is supposed to be good, right? I'm hungry too! We'll find the money later!"
"Luffy, wait—!" Nami tried to protest in a panic, already imagining the soaring bill. "We don't have money to feed a stranger!"
But Luffy wasn't listening. He dragged the unsteady Mark towards the Baratie's door. "Quick, quick! I can smell the meat! It must be delicious!"
Zoro just grumbled, "Idiots," but followed behind, not actually objecting. Matters of the stomach were serious business.
Nami closed her eyes, feeling defeated. "Good grief... this is going to be expensive..."
Usopp walked beside Mark, suddenly starting to boast. "Hey, don't worry! I, the brave Usopp, once didn't eat for... ehm... thirty days! I understand how you feel! But next time, don't scare us with stories about the god of death, okay!" he said, trying to be nice but still traumatized.
And just like that, Mark was dragged into the Baratie by the impulsive captain. His complicated plan had ended in the most unexpected way:a sincere (and embarrassing) dinner invitation from a rubber boy.
...
At the dining table,chaos ensued immediately. As soon as they sat down, Luffy was already yelling orders for almost the entire meat menu, making
Nami almost faint as she calculated the estimated cost in her head.
Zoro was already guzzling wine heartily, while Usopp was boasting about how great he was.
Mark himself sat somewhat stiffly,swept up in this unreal situation. He was eating with the Straw Hat Crew. At the Baratie. Something he could only dream of was now reality.
Plates of delicious food soon filled the table thanks to the efficiency of Sanji and the other chefs. Luffy immediately grabbed food like a whirlwind,his hands moving so fast they became a blur.
"Eat! Eat! Don't be shy!" Luffy said with his mouth full, unaware that he was consuming most of the food.
Mark, who was indeed starving, didn't need to be told twice. He began to devour his meal eagerly. It tasted... incredible. Far better than the instant ramen he usually cooked.
While eating, he kept his eyes on Usopp. This was his chance.
"So," Mark said, trying to sound casual as he spooned some soup. "Are you a carpenter? Or... a toolmaker?" He was deliberately steering the topic towards handcrafting skills.
Usopp, busy chewing, turned to him. "Hm? Ah, no! I am a master sniper and... uh... a skilled toolmaker!"
He puffed out his chest, returning to bragging mode. "I can make all sorts of advanced tools! From slingshots to... to..." His eyes darted around, searching for inspiration. "...to flying ships!"
Nami snorted. "Don't listen to him. He just likes to boast."
"But his ability to make things must be useful, right?" Mark interjected quickly, before Usopp lost steam. "For example, making costumes?"
Usopp looked interested. "Costumes? Of course! I once made super strong armor from used cans and—"
"Usopp, make something for me later," Luffy cut in suddenly, munching on a chicken leg. "My dinghy got damaged earlier after fighting the marines."
Usopp immediately looked nervous. "O-oh! Yeah! Sure! That's a priority!" He forgot about the costume conversation with Mark for a moment.
Mark was a little disappointed but didn't give up. Maybe he needed a more direct approach.
The food continued to be devoured, especially by Luffy. Sanji came by several times to deliver additional orders,and each time his eyes sparkled while serving Nami, while throwing scornful looks at the messy Luffy.
When the atmosphere became more relaxed and everyone was full, Mark took a deep breath. "Thank you for the meal," he said sincerely. "I... really needed that."
Luffy just laughed. "Hahaha! Yeah! The food here is great!"
Mark decided to get straight to the point. He turned to Usopp. "Usopp, can you help me make a costume?"
"A costume?" Usopp, now feeling full and more confident, suddenly became excited. "Sure! Just say the word! There's nothing the great Usopp can't make!"
"Look," Mark said, staring seriously at Usopp. "I need a very specific costume. A bright yellow training suit, a simple white cape, red gloves, and red boots."
Usopp frowned, listening carefully. "Hmm... yellow, white, red... A striking combination. That's easy."
"And also." Mark continued, his voice trembling slightly with embarrassment, "can you cut my hair until I'm bald?."
Everyone at the table fell silent again, looking at him with strange expressions.