The Baratie's kitchen was a frenzy of noise and motion, but not the usual kind. Most of the chefs had stopped what they were doing, their eyes glued to the doorway where the chaos had erupted. Krieg's towering figure and his thunderous voice had just sent shivers down everyone's spine. He had demanded food for his crew with a tone that left no room for refusal, and his massive battle lance still crackled faintly in the air, a reminder of his threat.
But not everyone was distracted. Sanji, the restaurant's ever-dedicated cook, was focused entirely on his work. At the moment, he was dealing with Carmen, the notorious pink-haired chef from the East Blue. Her wild, spiky hair and confident stance made her impossible to ignore, but Sanji had politely, but firmly, turned her down again.
"Miss Carmen, I've told you a dozen times. I'm busy. I don't have time for a cooking duel right now," Sanji said, his tone calm but resolute.
Carmen was not one to back down. She placed her hands on her hips, puffed out her chest, and shot him a fiery glare. "No excuses, Sanji! You're going to face me now. I won't wait a second longer!"
Ten years ago, Carmen had first seen Sanji in action. She had been utterly impressed with his skills, and from that day, she made it her mission to one day beat him in a fair duel. Over the decade, she had traveled across the East Blue, honing her craft, participating in contests, and defeating every rival she came across, all to lure Sanji out of hiding.
Finally, she had tracked him here, to the Baratie. Her heart raced at the thought of a proper showdown. She had waited ten years for this moment. She could not let it slip.
"Sanji, hurry! Table three ordered a full set of dishes!" Paddy's voice called from the dining area. He peeked through the curtain and frowned at the ongoing standoff. The three diners at table three were important customers, and the meals had to be perfect.
Sanji sighed but nodded. "Carmen, I promise. After service, we'll have our duel properly. You want an honest fight, not me distracted while cooking."
Carmen paused, her fire dimming just slightly. She wanted a true contest, and Sanji was right. The timing had to be perfect. Slowly, she nodded and stepped aside. "Fine. I'll wait. But when the time comes, I'll defeat you fairly!"
Satisfied, Sanji turned back to his work, his focus returning entirely to the sizzling pans and simmering pots. Carmen, now acting as his assistant, began helping him prep the dishes.
Meanwhile, at table three, the atmosphere was more relaxed. Nami, Kaya, Nojiko, and Makino were whispering and laughing quietly among themselves, sharing little secrets and teasing one another. Leo, bored as ever, leaned back in his chair, his eyes casually scanning the restaurant, noting the layout, the staff, and any interesting guests.
The night had fallen over the Baratie, and the restaurant had begun to fill with regular patrons. The earlier skirmish with Krieg hadn't caused a single guest to leave. The smells of freshly cooked meals—grilled fish, sizzling meat, and exotic spices—filled the air, keeping everyone captivated. Leo's crew was eager to indulge.
"Here it comes! Our food!" Nami's eyes sparkled as the server approached with plates piled high. She leaned forward, unable to contain herself.
Leo followed her gaze—not at the food, but at the chef carrying it. His eyes widened slightly. "Carmen?!"
It was unexpected. Carmen, the famous rival of Sanji, had appeared here in the middle of their visit. Leo didn't know the full story of her obsession with Sanji, and at this moment, it didn't matter. The moment he saw her, he knew she was significant.
"Enjoy your meal, everyone. I hope it's worth the wait," Carmen said with a confident smile as she placed the dishes on the table. Then, with the same poise she always carried, she turned and headed back into the kitchen, leaving a trail of excitement in her wake.
The aroma of the dishes made Nami practically drool. "Wow… it smells amazing. I'm going in first," she said, grabbing her utensils and digging in.
Kaya, Nojiko, and Makino followed her lead, their eyes shining as they tasted each dish. The flavors were rich, perfectly balanced, and utterly satisfying. They all ate with growing delight, their earlier chatter fading into appreciative hums.
Meanwhile, Leo's gaze lingered on Carmen. He was experienced with the countless women he had met on his travels, but something about Carmen made him pause. She was not just a pretty face; her skill and confidence radiated from every movement. Leo's interest was piqued, though he didn't show it outwardly.
Halfway through the meal, Kaya leaned over and whispered teasingly, "Leo, don't tell me you've taken a liking to that chef already."
Leo smirked faintly. "I'm just observing. It's always good to know who's skilled in their craft."
Nami, having overheard, shot him a pointed look. "Observing, huh? That's what you call it?"
Leo just shrugged, letting the teasing pass. His attention returned to the meal and the surrounding atmosphere, keeping an eye on Carmen and the kitchen's rhythm.
After a few moments, a hush fell over the table as the crew's conversation paused. Nami noticed a small commotion near another table. A guest was nervously clutching a newspaper, and it seemed like they had recognized someone.
Leo tilted his head, curiosity piqued. The guest approached cautiously and addressed Nami in a trembling voice. "Are you… the navigator of the Leo Pirates? The one with the Rumble-Rumble abilities?"
Nami blinked, slightly taken aback. "That's me."
The guest's eyes widened, and the tension in the room shifted slightly. Other patrons began whispering among themselves, recognizing the famous pirates who had caused such chaos in the East Blue.
Leo stood slowly, a small frown crossing his face. He didn't want unnecessary attention, but he kept his composure. "Relax," he said calmly. "We're just here to eat. No trouble."
He stepped toward the guest, taking the newspaper from their hands for a moment. His presence was imposing yet composed, and the guest couldn't help but nod rapidly. Leo returned the paper and walked back to his table, motioning for the crew to continue eating.
The atmosphere slowly returned to normal. Guests resumed their meals, murmuring occasionally about the pirates' reputation. Meanwhile, Carmen continued her work in the kitchen, moving with elegance and precision. Every dish she touched seemed to come alive with flavor and artistry.
Nami, noticing the chef again, whispered to the others, "She's amazing. Look at how she handles everything—like a true master."
Carmen glanced up briefly, catching Nami's admiration with a small, polite nod. She didn't linger; her focus was entirely on the dishes and the bustling kitchen.
Leo, watching silently, realized something important. This visit to the Baratie wasn't just about food or relaxation. It was a chance to observe, plan, and prepare. Every interaction, every skill on display, added to their understanding of the world around them.
The night deepened, and the Baratie's energy continued to pulse with life. The mix of powerful pirates, skilled chefs, and curious guests created a unique atmosphere, one that promised both delight and danger in equal measure.
As Leo and his crew savored their meals, each bite strengthened their resolve. They would enjoy this moment, but they would also remain ready. Adventure was never far behind, and the world of the seas demanded vigilance—even in the quietest moments at a restaurant.
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T/N :
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