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A few days later, Nami returned to the Dream Chaser from a port visit, slumped onto the deck, and sighed dejectedly. "Ugh, still no one is willing to come with us to the Grand Line. Why are these people so timid!"
Over the past week, they had stopped at several islands. While they found a few brave souls and even some pirate hunters willing to join a crew, the moment the words "Grand Line" were mentioned, they shook their heads like rattles. To most people in the East Blue, the Grand Line wasn't a place of adventure—it was a death sentence.
"There's nothing we can do, Nami," Satori said carefree, sitting on the ship's rail with his hands behind his head. "You said yourself it's a dangerous place. It's normal for them to be scared."
Nami snapped. "Hey! Can you not be so indifferent? If we can't find more people, we literally can't go!"
Satori tilted his head. "Can we really not do it with just the two of us? I can protect you."
Nami sighed and began to list the realities of seafaring. "It's not about protection, Satori. If a storm hits and I'm at the rudder, who furls the sails? If the ship springs a leak while we're navigating a reef, who patches the hull? And if we're doing all that while we're both starving, who cooks?"
Satori broke into a cold sweat. The thought of physical labor on an empty stomach was his version of a nightmare. He nodded heavily, his eyes filled with newfound determination. "I understand! We definitely need a companion!"
A few more days passed without luck. One afternoon, while Satori was scanning the horizon, he spotted a massive, bizarre structure in the distance shaped like a giant fish.
"Hey! Nami, look! A giant fish ship!"
Nami walked out of the cabin, shielding her eyes from the sun. Her eyes widened. "Is that... the Baratie?"
"A sea restaurant?" Satori's ears perked up.
"It's legendary," Nami explained. "Top chefs from all over gather there. Nobles and wealthy merchants travel across the sea just to taste their food."
"Delicious food?!" Satori's eyes instantly sparkled. "Nami! I'm hungry! I want to eat!"
Nami had already anticipated this. She was already at the helm, adjusting the Dream Chaser's course. "It's all arranged, my Captain," she said with a playful smile.
The Baratie was bustling. Lavish ships were docked at the entrance, and nobles in silken robes walked gracefully toward the "fish-head" entrance. Suddenly, a small figure blurred past the crowd like a whirlwind.
"Yoo-hoo! Delicious food, here I come!"
Satori rushed inside, leaving a gust of wind that made the noblewomen shriek and clutch their skirts. The aristocrats frowned, muttering about "reckless brats" and "lack of elegance." Nami walked past them a moment later, staring straight ahead and whispering to herself: Don't look at me, I don't know him, he has nothing to do with me...
Inside, the restaurant was a masterpiece of brass and wood. Satori skidded to a halt. "Sugoi! So many people!"
Patty, a hulking, bearded chef, appeared before them. "Welcome! Sir, please follow me!" He paused, looking down at Satori. "Where are your parents, kid?"
Satori pointed at Nami. Patty shrugged and led them to a table, handing over a menu before rushing off to attend to the other guests.
"What do you want to eat, Satori?" Nami asked, opening the menu.
Satori leaned his small head over. "Can I eat... everything?"
Nami's hand trembled. "No! Our funds are low after buying the ship. We can't spend it all in one sitting!"
"Alright, alright," Satori scratched his face. "You order. I'm fine with anything."
Just then, a tall, slender man with golden hair and distinct curly eyebrows approached a nearby table. He was carrying a bottle of red wine, his movements fluid and professional. However, as he turned, his gaze landed on Nami. His eyes immediately turned into giant red hearts.
He slammed the wine bottle onto the confused guests' table. "Pour it yourselves."
Then, he slid across the floor, kneeling on one knee before Nami. A red rose magically appeared in his hand as he struck a dramatic pose.
"Ah! Beautiful lady! I must thank the sea for granting me the chance to meet you today! My name is Sanji, and I am at your service!"