Back Kitchen
Most of the chefs' attention was drawn to the clash between Creek and Nami. After all, Creek's earlier actions had seriously threatened their lives.
But Sanji wasn't among them. He was too busy dealing with the relentless Carmen.
"Miss Carmen, I've told you a dozen times—I'm busy. I don't have time to compete with you right now."
As a notorious flirt, Sanji usually jumped at the chance to charm a beauty and never refused their requests. But it was work hours, and plenty of customers were waiting for his dishes. His professionalism was top-notch, okay?!
Standing before him was Carmen, a renowned beauty chef from the East Blue. Her vibrant, explosive pink hair flared outward in a bold style, exuding a striking visual impact. A yellow ribbon tied at her forehead added a touch of sharpness to her look. Her tall, curvaceous figure—easily a D-cup—was impossible to ignore.
Carmen's first impression was fiery, unrestrained, and unconventional.
"No way. You're competing with me right now," Carmen insisted, hands on hips, unyielding.
Ten years ago, she'd witnessed Sanji cooking and was utterly captivated by his skill. From that moment, she swore to surpass him in culinary arts. After their brief encounter, she lost track of him.
For a decade, Carmen searched for Sanji, honing her craft with obsessive dedication. Blessed with natural talent, she quickly rose to fame as Chef Carmen. At every stop, she entered local cooking competitions, dominating her opponents with ease. Not to show off, but to draw Sanji out, hoping to challenge him and defeat him.
Yet, fate was unkind. Ten years passed, her skills sharpened, her fame grew—but no sign of Sanji.
Just when despair set in, she overheard a patron praising Baratie's cuisine as the best they'd ever tasted. Clinging to a final shred of hope, Carmen came to Baratie—and found him.
Thus, the scene before them unfolded. Ten years. She'd searched for a whole decade. How many decades does one get in life? Not defeating Sanji would be her greatest regret.
(Haha… the original story really does this—Carmen chased Sanji for ten years just to compete in cooking, only to lose in the end.)
Now, she couldn't wait a minute, let alone a second.
"Sanji, hurry up! Table three ordered a ton," Paddy said, poking his head through the curtain.
Seeing Carmen still pestering Sanji, he frowned, annoyed. "Miss Carmen, I get how you feel, but it's work hours. Can you not disrupt our business?" "I promise, once Sanji's done, he'll compete with you."
Paddy's tone was earnest. Table three was a big client, ordering pricey dishes. They couldn't afford to slack off.
"Miss Carmen, Paddy's right. After the restaurant closes, I'll give you a serious match, okay?" Sanji reasoned. "Besides, if you force me now and win, it wouldn't be fair, would it?"
Carmen gradually calmed down, nodding in agreement, no longer pressing him. Sanji had a point. She wanted to beat him fair and square, not take advantage of his divided attention. She'd been too hasty.
"Fine. You cook. I'll help serve," Carmen offered, stepping in as an assistant. Sanji didn't stop her.
…
Dining Area, Table Three
Kaya, Nami, and the others chatted about girly secrets. Reno, uninterested, idly scanned the surroundings.
As night fell, the sea restaurant grew lively, packed with patrons. The earlier commotion caused by their group hadn't fazed the diners at all. Everyone raved about the food, heightening Reno's anticipation.
Makino and Nojiko's cooking was decent but amateur. They could match an average chef, but Baratie's professionals were on another level.
With Hawkeye not yet arriving, Reno planned to savor the gourmet dishes, satisfy his taste buds, and then have a good fight. Perfect.
"They're here! Our food's here!" Nami, famished and clutching her knife and fork, lit up.
Reno looked over, his eyes gleaming too—but for a different reason. Nami was fixated on the dishes being carried. Reno was staring at the server.
"Carmen?!" he said, surprised.
This sultry chef didn't get much screen time in the original story, but she was undeniably a plot-relevant beauty. Her life was dedicated to pursuing culinary excellence. And now, here she was.
Reno didn't care why Carmen was at Baratie. The moment he saw her, her fate was sealed.
"Guests, sorry for the wait. Enjoy your meal," Carmen said, setting the dishes down with a smile before heading back to the kitchen.
Nami's nose twitched, her eyes turning to stars. "It smells so good! Alright, everyone, I'm digging in!"
Kaya, Nojiko, and Makino eagerly followed suit.
Halfway through the meal, Kaya leaned toward Reno, whispering, "Big brother Reno, you're not falling for that pretty chef, are you?"
Her voice wasn't quiet enough to escape the other girls' ears.
"What?!"
Nami, already half-full, snapped her head up, glaring at Reno. "You just met her and already want to trick her onto the ship?!"
Nojiko and Makino ducked their heads, pretending not to hear. Only Nami would dare say that.
Reno gave a wry smile. He hadn't said a word, had he?
But… Nami wasn't wrong. It was a misunderstanding, though!
There were countless beautiful women in the pirate world—dozens on this journey alone. Even here at Baratie, there were at least a dozen stunners, some rivaling Nami's looks. But Reno barely glanced at them. He only cared about plot-relevant beauties. And Carmen happened to be one.
Guess he'd have to "pluck this flower" too.
…