24: Chapter 24 Sanji boards the ship"Entering second gear"
Luffy braced himself with one hand on the ground and began pumping air into his body using his leg as a pump.Gradually, steam began to rise from Luffy's body.Uta called out worriedly, "Luffy!"
Everyone looked on in confusion, and Uta explained, "Luffy did this before during his training.While the results were significant, boosting his power level, it took him a long time to recover." From then on, Uta strictly forbade Luffy from using such physically harmful methods to increase his strength.After hearing Uta's explanation, everyone became worried about Luffy and tried to stop his reckless actions, but Zoro stopped them, expressing the same sentiment: "This is Luffy's battle.He's definitely prepared, so you mustn't disturb him."
Hearing this, everyone could only suppress their worries and look back at the battlefield, praying in their hearts that Luffy would win.Uta was also prepared to provide immediate assistance should anything happen to Luffy."Kuruki Kuruki Fall.JET.Ice Machine Gun!"
A series of swift fists, imbued with boundless chill, attacked Hawkeye from all directions.Hawkeye, his eyes calm, unleashed another powerful sword strike to meet the attack.The collision of fist and sword energy created another powerful shockwave.This time, Luffy wasn't so lucky.Although he managed to dodge the sword energy at the last moment, knowing he was outmatched, his fists were covered in wounds, and blood dripped from them.After catching his breath, Luffy resumed his relentless assault.
"Storm Kick.Ice Blade Frenzy"
"Ten Kings Spear - Freezing Gale"
"Dead wood, dead wood, falling.JET.Wind and ice machine gun"
For a moment, the battlefield was filled with raging winds and frost, but these were no match for Hawkeye, who possessed top-tier Observation Haki.Instead, Luffy himself was covered in wounds.Realizing that he didn't have much time left, Luffy gritted his teeth, bit his thumb, and blew air into it.
"Entering third gear, withered tree falls.JET.Frost Giant Cannon"
Luffy took a deep breath, then used all his strength to throw the giant ice fist forward.The ice fist, carrying Luffy's will, streaked across the sky like a shooting star, hurtling towards Mihawk.
"Kid, you're pretty good.Your fighting spirit and style are already quite strong among the younger generation, but that's not enough.If you really want to ascend to the throne of the Pirate King, you still need to constantly hone your skills and become stronger.Now, please try to take my next attack!"
After speaking, Hawkeye unleashed an even more powerful sword aura at Luffy, colliding with Luffy's frost-covered giant fist.As the frost on his fist shattered, Luffy was sent flying backward.With all the buffs dissipating, Luffy fell unconscious due to the side effects, lying pale-faced on the wooden plank.Hawkeye glanced at Luffy with satisfaction, then boarded the coffin ship and left."Host's side quest complete, reward issued."
Usopp and Sanji hurriedly carried Luffy to the restaurant for some basic treatment.Uta, trembling, also activated her healing spell, while Sanji rushed to the kitchen to prepare a nutritious medicinal meal.As the song ended, Luffy's numerous wounds gradually healed, and he woke up.However, due to the aftereffects, Luffy couldn't move and could only obediently accept Uta's feeding."Luffy, if you dare to fight like this again, disregarding your own body, I'll never talk to you again!" Uta grabbed Luffy's ear and said fiercely.Luffy's condition had really worried Uta, fearing that he might leave her.
"Alright, alright, don't worry, I'm fine.I'll never do it again.Besides, Senior Hawkeye didn't even use his full strength."
Luffy grinned and assured Uta that he was actually quite scared.Facing such a strong opponent, he had gotten carried away and recklessly stacked buffs, even using Gear Third under those circumstances.Even with his rubber body, he felt he couldn't handle it.He realized he needed to learn Haki as soon as possible, otherwise, when facing the three admirals at Marineford, he might not only fail to save Ace, but he himself would likely perish there.
A few days later, thanks to Uta's meticulous care and Sanji's carefully prepared meals, Luffy quickly recovered his energy.As for Gin, after saying goodbye on the Grand Line, he left with the surviving crew.Nami also chose to leave one night, taking the Den Den Mushi Luffy had given her and boarding the Going Merry.Although she felt reluctant, Nami decided to resolve Arlong's matter completely before joining Luffy.In the following days, Luffy seemed to become Sanji's shadow.Wherever he went, Luffy would appear by his side, incessantly trying to persuade him to join his pirate crew.Although Sanji was somewhat wavering, he still stubbornly refused.
Zeff saw everything and knew Sanji's deep-seated yearning for his dream.To encourage Sanji to take that step, Zeff found him one night.They sat by the sea, and Zeff gazed into the distance, slowly saying, "Sanji, your dream is to find the legendary sea and become the world's top chef.It's a difficult road, but only by leaving here can you truly pursue your dream."
Sanji lowered his head, his lips were tightly closed, and his eyes revealed complex emotions.He sat there quietly, as if he was thinking about something, but his heart was like a vast and turbulent ocean.
He understood Zeff's good intentions and knew that Zeff's words stemmed from concern and expectations for him.He was well aware of Zeff's hopes for him.However, after witnessing the intense battle between Zoro, Luffy, and Mihawk, he was deeply moved.
In the battle, Zoro and Luffy displayed fearless courage and unwavering fighting spirit.Facing the powerful Mihawk, they fought relentlessly for their dreams.Undeterred and determined, Sanji was deeply moved by their unwavering belief and resolve.He realized that he too must pursue his dream and find that Sea of Miracles.A powerful impulse surged within him, as if a flame were burning within him.He knew he could no longer remain silent.Tomorrow, Luffy and the others would be leaving to find Nami.If he didn't seize this opportunity, he might regret it for the rest of his life.
Sanji took a deep breath, raised his head, and his eyes shone with determination.He gazed into the distance, as if he could see his future path.He made a silent vow to fight for his dream and live up to Zeff's expectations.Having made his decision, Sanji immediately went to find Luffy.
"Luffy, take me with you!Let me be your ship's cook.Let me accompany you on your adventure to find All Bullet!"
(The author has made some changes here, and hopes readers will not object.)
The next day, Sanji arrived at Luffy's side with only a few simple belongings.Just as Sanji was about to board the ship, Zeff casually reminded him, "Don't catch a cold, Sanji."
At this moment, Sanji could no longer hold back.He turned around and kowtowed deeply to Zeff, tears streaming down his face, saying, "Boss Zeff, thank you so much for taking care of me all this time.I will never forget your great kindness."
Tears welled in Zeff's eyes as he looked down at Sanji, recalling his own clumsy attempts at cooking.Time flies; that little guy has grown up so much.After Sanji knelt to thank Zeff, he followed Luffy and resolutely boarded the small boat they had prepared.With the blessings of all the chefs in Baratie, Sanji embarked on his journey to pursue his dreams.