The Going Merry didn't exist yet.
Their little patched-up boat rocked over calm waves as they drifted toward a floating restaurant Kai had only ever seen on screen — the Baratie.
He grinned quietly to himself. "Finally. This is where we meet him."
Luffy hung off the side, staring at a giant fish that swam by. "Can we eat that?"
"No," Nami said. "We're here to buy food, not catch it."
Zoro yawned. "You're assuming we have money."
Nami gave him a look. "We will have money."
Kai smirked. "That's what you said last time, right before we ran from Marines."
She elbowed him lightly. "Shut up."
The Baratie came into view — a massive sea restaurant shaped like a fish, bustling with music, laughter, and shouting cooks.
Luffy's eyes sparkled. "It's beautiful."
Kai grinned. "And full of people who'll probably throw us out in ten minutes."
Nami sighed. "Let's try not to start a fight this time."
They docked, and the moment they stepped inside, chaos greeted them. Plates flew, chefs yelled, and waiters sprinted between tables.
One blond man stood out — cigarette in mouth, suit slightly messy, eyes calm but sharp.
Sanji.
He kicked a rude customer through a wall and straightened his tie like nothing happened.
"Another satisfied guest," he said smoothly.
Kai whispered, "Yup. Definitely him."
They sat at a corner table. Luffy ordered enough food for ten people. Nami pretended she wasn't embarrassed.
Sanji appeared a few minutes later, balancing trays with impossible grace. He stopped dead when he saw Nami.
"An angel among pirates," he said dramatically, bowing. "What brings such beauty to my humble restaurant?"
Nami smiled sweetly. "A meal. Maybe a discount."
Kai muttered, "She's good at this."
Sanji turned to him, unimpressed. "And what about you, my unworthy friend?"
Kai grinned. "Just here for the food and the chaos."
The meal was perfect. Luffy nearly cried eating it.
But of course, peace didn't last.
A cannonball suddenly tore through the wall, shaking the whole building.
Everyone turned. Out on the water floated a sleek pirate ship — the flag of Don Krieg snapping in the wind.
"Of course," Kai muttered. "It's always something."
Sanji's eyes narrowed. "That bastard again."
Luffy stood, smiling like an idiot. "Let's go say hi!"
Nami facepalmed. "No, let's not—"
Too late.
Minutes later, the Baratie was under siege. Krieg's men poured in, shouting and waving weapons.
Sanji kicked one straight through a door. Luffy fought another ten at once. Zoro was grinning like he'd waited all day for this.
Kai activated Focus Boost and moved through the chaos — dodging blades, disarming pirates, and protecting the guests who were too scared to move.
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He spun a chair leg like a staff and cracked it against a pirate's helmet. "You guys are terrible customers."
Nami shouted from across the room, "Try not to break everything!"
Kai laughed. "No promises!"
When it was finally over, the floor was covered in broken plates and unconscious pirates.
Sanji lit a cigarette, breathing out smoke. "Guess lunch is over."
Luffy grinned. "You're strong! Join my crew!"
Sanji raised an eyebrow. "No."
Kai smirked. "He's going to say yes later."
Sanji looked at him. "And who the hell are you?"
"Just a dreamer," Kai said. "And a fan of good cooking."
The cook studied him for a moment, then chuckled. "You talk weird, dreamer."
That night, after everyone helped repair the damage, Kai sat on the edge of the deck, legs hanging over the water.
Nami joined him, holding two cups of juice. She handed him one.
"You did good today," she said.
He smiled. "You sound surprised."
"I'm just… not used to having people who stick around."
He looked at her, serious for once. "Well, get used to it. I'm not going anywhere."
She stared at him for a moment before looking away. "You better not."
The snail camera blinked softly beside them.
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Kai took a sip, smiling as the moonlight hit the sea.
The stream was quiet, but he knew they felt it too — the warmth, the calm, the peace before the next storm.
And somewhere inside, he could already sense the next chapter of chaos waiting to begin.