Mary Geoise, Pangaea Castle.
The Five Elders, symbols of the world's supreme authority, sat in the council chamber, their gazes fixed upon the CP0 Commander kneeling on one knee before them.
Saturn asked, "What was the result of the competition in the Gourmet City? You should have successfully recruited the champion chef to our side by now, yes?"
The CP0 Commander maintained his respectful kneeling posture. Sweat beaded beneath his mask. "Regarding that matter…"
His Adam's apple bobbed unnaturally, as if searching for words.
"Why are you hesitating?" Nusjuro, holding the Shodai Kitetsu, slammed the table and rose abruptly. "Are you telling me you couldn't even handle a mere chef?"
"No… it's just…" the CP0 commander's voice grew softer. "The one who won the championship… was Chiaki Setsuna himself."
"What did you say?" The Five Elders simultaneously displayed looks of bewilderment.
"Setsuna Chiaki. He participated himself and took first place," The commander forced himself to repeat.
An eerie silence fell over the chamber of power. Even the Five Elders were at a loss for words.
Setsuna wanted the world's most outstanding chef. They had specially organized this chef competition for him. And then he won it himself?
If they didn't know he wasn't short on money, they might have suspected he deliberately set this up to defraud funds.
After a long, ten-second silence, Saturn, leaning on his cane, suddenly chuckled. "Interesting… truly interesting…"
"What's so interesting about it?" Nusjuro glared. "We spent a fortune attracting top chefs from all over, just for his amusement?"
Although the total prize money was only a little over a billion Berry, which is negligible to the World Government, they had still expended significant manpower and resources to organize the competition before Setsuna entered the New World.
"Calm down," Ju Peter said leisurely. "This at least proves he possesses an extraordinary passion for cuisine. Such a person poses no threat to the World Government."
The CP0 Commander cautiously sought instructions. "Chiaki Setsuna intends to invite the chefs who placed 2nd through 11th to join his fleet. Should we proceed with recruiting these individuals as originally planned?"
After a moment's silence, Saturn spoke impassively. "Cancel the surveillance. It's rare to have a powerful combatant willing to heed government orders. No need to risk losing major gains over minor details."
The CP0 Commander continued his respectful inquiry. "There is one more matter to report. The newly appointed Warlord, Bartholomew Kuma, appeared in the Gourmet City and has become quite close to Chiaki Setsuna due to his adopted daughter. Regarding this situation, should we take corresponding measures?"
"The two of them have become close?" Nusjuro frowned, then looked toward Saturn, "Saint Saturn, what is your view?"
A glint of shrewd intelligence flashed in Saturn's eyes. "This is a good thing."
"A good thing? How so?" Nusjuro asked, puzzled.
Saturn explained calmly. "Bartholomew Kuma was originally a stubborn revolutionary. Yet, because of his adopted daughter, the bloodline of our Celestial Dragons, he has become a sharp blade in our hands."
He paused, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "Chiaki Setsuna befriending them means we have gained an additional leash to control him. If he dares disobey, I can simply halt the treatment for Bonney. When dealing with people like them, hostages are always the most effective method."
"Brilliant!" Mars applauded softly. "Hostages are indeed the most effective leverage against these sentimental types."
The other four Elders also revealed satisfied smiles. There was indeed no tool more useful than a hostage.
…
Although Setsuna repeatedly stated they shouldn't vote for him just because of his status, that the process must be fair, just, and transparent…
Upon hearing 'transparent', the island's citizens and chefs unanimously declared that Setsuna was far too humble! He was the universally acknowledged [God of Cooking]!
Unable to sway their goodwill, Setsuna had no choice but to accept the title of God of Cooking. He then let the rewards for 2nd to 11th place shift up, with his prize money going to the chef in second place.
"You tell me," Setsuna shook his head slightly, feeling an impulse to compose a poem, "I just came here to enjoy the food. How did I end up becoming the God of Cooking?"
Bonney gave him enthusiastic applause. "Setsuna-sama is the best!"
"Haha, I have to thank you for that vote of yours," Setsuna chuckled, ruffling Bonney's hair. He then turned to Kuma. "What are your plans next?"
Kuma gently pressed a hand on Bonney's excitedly wriggling shoulder. "We plan to visit some nearby tourist islands. The flower cakes of St. Poplar in the City of the Spring Queen, the amusement parks of the Carnival City… It's a shame the music island of Elegia is already…"
"What a coincidence. Our next stop is Elegia," Setsuna gestured for his crew to store the championship trophy.
"Isn't that place already in ruins?" Kuma was somewhat surprised.
Setsuna gazed into the distance. "Recently, merchant ships have reported often hearing songs drifting from the ruins. I want to hear what kind of music is born from despair."
For the past month, Don Slime, who had been fully immersed in the culinary delights, patted his round belly, a look of pained dismay on his face. "Setsuna, you've fallen! What's so good about music? Continuing to search for delicious food is the real business. Use your title of God of Cooking to challenge the top chefs of the New World."
Setsuna calmly replied in his mind. "That island has a demon, nearly in physical form."
Don Slime's tone instantly softened. "Music is good. Music should be learned."
Kuma looked at the anticipation in Bonney's eyes, recalling his time as a slave, how everyone relied on the power granted by the Nika songs to endure the cold nights.
'Music born from ruins… perhaps it can give people strength.'
He thought to himself with a sigh. 'I hope Bonney can be encouraged by this power and become strong.'
…
The next day, Setsuna entrusted his flag to the mayor of the Gourmet City. Amid the cheers of the citizens, they set sail for Elegia.
The ruined music island wasn't too far from the Gourmet Island.
As the ship approached Elegia, the charred buildings on the island became visible from afar.
The broken ruins stood like giant tombstones. The crew felt as if they could still hear the wailing of lost souls in the wind.
Suddenly, a clear, melodious song pierced through the ruins… graceful, lingering, ethereal, and beautiful.
Even the pirates on board, who had little musical appreciation, found themselves captivated by the song.
This heavenly sound formed a stark contrast with the island's gloomy, dark environment.
Many pirates snapped awake as they neared the coast, a wave of fear washing over them.
"Could it be the song of the legendary Sirens? Luring pirates with song, then devouring them cruelly?"
"Gasp! I'm starting to understand why those merchant ships heard the song and stayed far away from here."
Naturally, Setsuna paid no heed to their concerns. He ordered the fleet to land on the shore.