Sailing was monotonous, but with the girls' company, it was filled with laughter and chatter.
On the Going Merry: Nami carefully tended to her tangerine trees with a watering can. Makino busied herself brewing wine. Carmen prepared lunch, with Nojiko assisting. Kaya pored over medical books, studying diligently. Despite the Healing Fruit's powers, pursuing medicine was Kaya's dream.
Reno lounged in a rocking chair, sunglasses on, utterly relaxed. After daily "navigation lessons" with the girls, he'd sunbathe here. Even doing nothing, hearing the girls' bustling sounds brought him joy—especially since they were beautiful.
Notably, since earning his reward, Reno used Wave's Grasp during every "navigation lesson." The unprepared Nami, Kaya, Nojiko, and Makino were overwhelmed, blushing furiously. When all six played together, it was like a flood sweeping the ship. Carmen, Nami, and Nojiko could even conjure small waves. Each time, the girls spent ages cleaning up water stains. No choice—who made their Captain so impressive?
…
"Take a break, everyone—lunch is ready!" Carmen's voice called from the kitchen.
Nami set down her watering can, Kaya marked her page, and the others dropped their tasks, gathering around the table.
The table overflowed with dishes, their aromas tantalizing. This was Carmen's most formal feast since joining—a special occasion. They were nearing Roguetown, the East Blue's final stop. After stocking up, they'd head to the Grand Line.
"Wow, today's spread is amazing!" Kaya said, clutching her knife and fork, swallowing hard.
"The East Blue's top chef lives up to her name," Nami said, her nose twitching at the scents.
With Carmen, a professional chef, meals never repeated. Nojiko and Makino admitted defeat, bowing to her skill. Carmen naturally became the Reno Pirates' head chef.
Once seated, Carmen, in her chef's uniform, pointed to the dishes: "This is Rainbow Salmon Sashimi." "This is Dukadin Crab Cake." "This is Kabola Mantis Shrimp Tempura." "This is Longrichiana Saury." "…And so on."
Carmen introduced each dish with pride. The crew stared, giving her thumbs-up. Even Reno nodded in approval. A professional was different—each dish was a feast for the eyes and nose, sparking ravenous hunger.
Seeing their drooling faces, Carmen sped up her introductions.
"…And the final dish is my special Coconut Jelly, great for your skin." She clapped her hands. "That's it—dig in!"
The eager crew grabbed their utensils.
"Mmm, this is the best saury I've ever had!" "The crab cake tastes just like Baratie's!" "It's intoxicating!"
The girls ate heartily, praising the food.
"Not bad at all. I've found quite the chef," Reno said, his taste buds reveling in the experience.
Carmen smiled warmly at the crew's praise, joining them to enjoy the feast.
…
"Stock up heavily in Roguetown," Reno said as the meal wound down.
Though the Going Merry was mostly women, daily "navigation lessons" drained stamina, burning through supplies quickly. Carmen's addition meant past shopping lists wouldn't suffice for long voyages.
"I want to buy some dresses!" Nami said, perking up at the mention of shopping.
"I'm getting medical books," Kaya chimed in.
Nami's enthusiasm opened the floodgates, and the girls chattered away.
Reno shook his head. Are girls in every world obsessed with shopping?! He just wanted essentials, but they'd gone off-topic.
Fine—let them buy what they want. Their happiness mattered most.
Besides supplies, Reno had a key goal in Roguetown: recruiting the East Blue's final beauty—Navy glasses girl, Tashigi. A clumsy, sword-collecting cutie, likely at the Roguetown Marine base.
Reno recalled a saying from his past life: Glasses girls always have a wild side. He wondered if it applied in the One Piece world. Once Tashigi joined, he'd find out himself.
…
Author's Note: The East Blue arc is wrapping up. Three girls remain unwritten: Apis (Thousand-Year Dragon), Honey Queen (Clockwork Island), and Kuina. Apis and Honey Queen, from minor arcs and films, lack impact, so they won't get standalone chapters. As for Kuina, since some want her, I'll patch in all three later—don't worry. Why Carmen? The Baratie setting, Hawkeye fight, and her Sanji story fit perfectly. Lastly, please send data support—thanks, everyone!